Aug. 25 - Sept. 7, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 11

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Addressed to Commissioner Libbin;

I think it was about 18 months ago thatyou and I went for a walk along Bay Roadand West Avenue to check on rights-of-way designated for the Baywalk. It was-n’t that easy, was it? In fact, some peoplewere even chasing the neighbors off com-pleted sections at that time. Fortunately,things changed after the Lincoln West res-idents took note, and we were on our way.

While most people are now aware of theBaywalk concept, many are not. In addi-tion, many of the historical details of thisamenity have never been fully explained tothe public due to underlying litigation.

Thus, it is important that we remind res-idents about the rights-of-way granted topedestrians on Biscayne Bay from LincolnRd. to the South Pointe Pier by waterfrontproperty owners about 10 years ago.

These exchanges or easements were inreturn for the city’s permission to build con-dos out of scale and compatibility with theneighborhoods. Thus, for example, theFlamingo and the Waverly are much largerand different in design from nearby structures.

With the settlement of litigation with theFlamingo in Dec of 2009, came pedestrianaccess to over 1600 linear feet of frontageon the bay. This win, combined with anearlier one over the Waverly that year,clarified the vision of the Baywalk, as anoperating amenity; especially as a walk-way between Lincoln Rd and theMacArthur Causeway. Citizens now real-ize that the Baywalk is a right, not a giftgranted by soft-hearted developers. It hastaken the city 10 years to assert that rightover obdurate corporate interests.

The city has taken some action in addi-

tion to suing developers for access. LastJune, a Baywalk charette was held at theBotanical Gardens. It was a packed house.

Also, at the behest of formerCommissioner Saul Gross, the BeachCommittee was renamed the WaterfrontProtection Committee and given purviewover the Baywalk. Another Commissionerat the time, Victor Diaz, was equally sup-portive of the Baywalk, and kept theadministration’s feet to the fire by insist-ing upon regular reports at Commissionmeetings.

I hope that the present Commission con-tinues to be officially vigilant in pursuingthe completion of the Baywalk.Developers are already behind schedule inbuilding sections behind the Mondrian andsubmitting plans for construction behindthe Flamingo. Perhaps they think the citywill fall asleep at the wheel for another tenyears. I hope not, and I know that you areon our side.

In closing, I would like to request thatthe city follow through on our request for apublic service spot on channel 77, explain-ing the Baywalk concept and progress thusfar. Another charette would also be nice.Why not put that on T.V.? Regarding ourquestions about permit applications to theState and County pertaining to waterfrontimpacts, the City has invited us to file aPublic Information Request! (How’s thatfor cooperation?) Perhaps you could helpus follow up on these items.

Keep up the good work Jerry, and helpus stay on top of this project. It’s clear thatwe have our work cut out for us. Thanks.

Sincerely,Mike Burke

Letter to the EditorThe Miami Beach News welcomes letters to the editor. Letters may be edited for length and clarity,

and all letters must be signed. Include your complete address and phone number. Send emails to:

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CommissionerJerry Libbin

(left) and Mike Burke

Page 12 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Aug. 25 - Sept. 7, 2010

Aug. 25 - Sept. 7, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 13

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As our city grew, so did Welcome,with a current circulation of 20,000magazines each and every week. Withweekly distribution to 350 locations thatinclude the Miami Airport, hotels, con-dos, tourist information centers, shop-ping malls, chambers and consulatesthroughout Miami and Hollywood,Welcome & Bienvenidos are a readilyaccessible resource for the almost 11million visitors to our city each year.Still the only strictly Spanish visitormagazine in Miami, Bienvenidos reach-es the Spanish-speaking visitor, who isone third of this annual total.

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progress in our community, and has evolvedwith the times. With their new website:WelcometoMiamiandtheBeaches.com, aFacebook fan page, Twitter feeds, and a freeiPhone App, Welcome has embraced thesenew technology trends to better serve ourvisitors and their advertising clients.

Being an active part of the MiamiBeach Chamber, their Director of Sales& Marketing, DeAnne ConnollyGraham, is constantly involved inevents and programs. DeAnne is thecurrent Vice Chair of the Chamber’sPillar Trustee Board and is always readyto go the extra mile for her clients andcolleagues. Her involvement in 13 otherhospitality & tourism organizations hasearned her the reputation as a“Networking Diva”, and her ready smileand colorful presence is noticed wherev-er she goes. Her integrity and energymake DeAnne a valuable component ofWelcome, a company she has been withfor the past 20 years.

For more information on advertisingwith Welcome & Bienvenidos or on net-working opportunities, DeAnne can bereached via email: dee@welcomemag.comor by phone at 305-944-9444.

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Page 14 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Aug. 25 - Sept. 7, 2010