# Help Us Save Ocean Terrace

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/help-us-save-ocean-terrace/
- Published: 2015-09-19T02:38:22-04:00
- Author: EAN

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**What is Ocean Terrace?**
 Ocean Terrace is an historic oceanfront block in the
North Beach neighborhood, located between 73rd & 75th Streets. It is home to a beautiful
public beach, popular beachfront path, and charming art deco and mid-century architecture.
Ocean Terrace is reminiscent of an earlier golden age of Miami Beach’s history, 
and it should be a treasured part of our future.Ocean Terrace is special, but it’s
also struggling. The area is in dire need of sensible redevelopment that can revitalize
the neighborhood without destroying its unique beauty. North Beach has been eagerly
awaiting our promised Master Plan and responsible growth.Unfortunately, much of 
Ocean Terrace has been bought up by developers who plan to radically revise its 
zoning in order to build a massive high-rise complex. If they have their way, North
Beach will become just another overcrowded concrete canyon.But this November, you
can protect Ocean Terrace and the North Beach neighborhood.**How Can I Save Ocean
Terrace?** In 1997, the “Save Miami Beach” referendum was passed, requiring any 
new upzoning to be first placed on the ballot and approved by voters. For 18 years,
there has been no Mayor or Commission that has placed upzoning on the ballot, until
now. On November 3rd, voters in Miami Beach will be asked to approve plans to increase
the “Floor Area Ratio” (FAR) of the Ocean Terrace Overlay district. This would allow
developers to destroy our historic MiMo buildings to erect a massive high- rise 
condominium and commercial complex.But you can change that. Voting “NO” on the FAR
Increase will help preserve the historic integrity of this beautiful community—and
send a powerful message that Miami Beach demands sustainable and suitable development.

**Why should I vote no?**

 * **We’ll lose our MiMo style **– As a part of the developer’s proposed plan, prominent
   MiMo structures that have defined the style of this neighborhood for generations
   will be destroyed. In their place will be an over-sized compound that will (literally)
   overshadow North Beach without activating Ocean Terrace.

 * **Traffic and parking will be a nightmare** – This is already a congested area;
   overdevelopment will put a major strain on the existing infrastructure as local
   residents are forced to compete with potentially thousands of new residents and
   their cars on the road.

 * **Our public beach will become exclusive** – The multi-million dollar condos 
   at the heart of the proposed project would have a negative effect on one of the
   last great public areas in Miami Beach. Beyond the increased traffic and congestion,
   parking will likely be much more expensive, making the area less accessible to
   working families on a budget. The beach will be more crowded and less serene.

 * **Locals will be pushed out** – North Beach is one of the few affordable, livable
   neighborhoods left in Miami Beach, and the influx of big money would push out
   longtime locals. Prime real estate will be controlled by absentee investors who
   don’t contribute to the local economy. Property taxes will increase, translating
   into unaffordable rent hikes that will hurt middle- and working-class residents
   and their families.

 * **We’ll be in the shadows** – One of the reasons we love Ocean Terrace is the
   ample sun our beach gets both in the morning and the afternoon. If the proposed
   development moves forward, the sun would be blocked in the afternoon, with the
   building’s shadow being cast down on beach-goers.

 * **This is a slippery slope** – Upzoning on Ocean Terrace would set a dangerous
   precedent for the future of Miami Beach. Developers would feel confident that
   their money holds more influence than community concerns, and city officials 
   would feel comfortable ignoring residents’ objections. This is an opportunity
   to remind developers and politicians that Miami Beach residents are watching,
   talking, caring—and voting.

**Take Action**

 * **[Register to Vote](https://www.voterfocus.com/ws/pfinder/printvapp4.php?county=miamidade)
 * **[Vote By Mail](http://www.miamidade.gov/elections/voter-information.asp)
 * **[Where Do I Vote?](http://www.miamidade.gov/elections/voter-information.asp)**

Want to join our team to help save Ocean Terrace? Have a question or concern you
want answered? Let us know!
 Please let us know if you’re willing to contribute 
your time, resources, or talents to saving Ocean Terrace!

North Shore Historic District Neighborhood Association