Commission reallocates CIP money for East Drive repaving, sidewalks and ADA fixes

The North Miami Beach commission voted to reallocate previously approved capital funds to address critical safety and accessibility problems on East Drive and in an adjacent city‑owned parking lot.

Interim Public Works Director Curling McHenry told commissioners that a recent WGI street and sidewalk assessment rated East Drive among the poorest in the city and identified immediate safety and ADA violations. McHenry recommended moving leftover funds from a 168th Street mini‑roundabout project to repaving, restriping, curb/sidewalk repairs and permanent speed humps; staff said some nearby county‑owned facilities may also contribute funding for a small portion of the project. "We have a 5‑page violation memo for the city," McHenry said, explaining urgent needs for ADA crosswalks and concrete repairs.

Commissioner Smith pressed to ensure the plan would include permanent speed humps rather than temporary measures and raised the idea of a larger strategy for city parking lots, including potential metering. Commissioner Hsu asked that the parking lot portion be examined to avoid repeated short‑term fixes and to ensure ADA compliance before construction proceeds. The engineering and design work will include drainage considerations so that any repaving does not worsen flooding.

The motion to approve the reallocation and proceed with designs and construction was carried unanimously. The resolution authorizes staff to proceed with procurement and to bring details and final cost estimates back to the commission if additional funds are required.

Next steps: staff will finalize designs including permanent speed humps, complete permitting, and coordinate with county partners where county infrastructure abuts city limits. The commission asked to be updated on coordination and cost details during implementation.