Controversial Miami Beach High-Rise Wins Unanimous Approval

MIAMI BEACH, FL — The Miami Beach Design Review Board voted unanimously to approve a controversial 18-story residential high-rise at 5775 Collins Avenue on Tuesday morning. More than 100 residents signed an online petition prior to the 8:30 a.m. meeting seeking to reduce the project's proposed bite out of the ocean view.

The project, which is being undertaken by Miami Beach Associates LLC, would replace the existing 12-story Marlborough House oceanfront condominium that was built in 1962.

Meanwhile, the Midbeach Neighborhood Association, which represents condominium and hotel properties along Indian Creek Drive and Collins Avenue between 24 and 63 Streets, said that the organization supported the proposed development based on recent changes that included the addition of a 15-foot wide strip of public beach access.

The meeting was held at Miami Beach City Hall Commission Chambers.

"We thought of our residents with limited mobility, or anyone who wants to carry several items with them to the beach, a couple of blocks in our weather makes the difference. Some members also stressed the need to have access to the nearby lifeguard stand, which the MBNA fully supported," according to the Midbeach Neighborhood Association or MBNA.

"Multiplan representatives, the developer's company, came to the MBNA October and November meetings and spoke with residents, presented, and had several one-on-one meetings in between," the organization added. "To date, their project exceeds our request for public access by providing a 15 foot linear park from Collins to the Beach"

The Miami Beach planning director recommended in a memo that Tuesday's meeting be continued but officials opted for approval.

"We urge the City of Miami Beach Design Review Board to ensure the view corridors to the north and south of 5775 Collins Avenue are maintained as they provide much needed light and air to the neighborhood," according to the petition. "View corridors are for pedestrians, beach goers, cyclists, bus riders and even those in vehicles ... It's not about buildings next door or across the street. The proposed development at 5775 Collins Avenue should respect these 54-year-old view corridors along this historic Miami Beach artery. Let's stop the proliferation of 'Condo Canyon.'"

Image courtesy Midbeach Neighborhood Association