Pedestrian-friendly Biscayne Boulevard in Works

According to an article on MiamiHerald.com, Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami often serves as the city's front porch, welcoming visitors to Bayside Marketplace, the American Airlines Arena and other venues.
But with eight lanes of traffic, the wide boulevard can be imposing -- or even downright intimidating for anyone not in a car. ''Like a highway,'' says downtown business owner Jose Goyanes. Enter Miami's Downtown Development Authority. As part of a 118-page downtown master plan that is still in the draft stages, the panel is considering a proposal to give the boulevard a more inviting, pedestrian-friendly feel.What would that mean? Trees. Lots of them. The concept is to replace five acres of traffic lanes and parking lots with a public park, stretching from Northeast Fifth Street to Southeast Second Street.

Another element of the proposal: Narrow the boulevard to make it easier for pedestrians to cross the street. ''That is our window on the world,'' Executive Director Dana Nottingham said of Biscayne Boulevard. ``It's where the visitors, residents, business workers -- everyone -- comes together.''

And making it a lot greener and walkable, it turns out, wouldn't cost much. Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, whose district includes much of downtown, said he's been told by city staff and state transportation officials that the cost to city taxpayers would be ''minimal to none.''

The Florida Department of Transportation would have to contribute some funds to redoing the street, but not a staggering amount -- about $1 million or less, Sarnoff said. Under one proposed scenario, underground parking lots would be built beneath the proposed public park.

Some ideas put forth by the authority to spruce up downtown Miami are simple. They include installing better street lights and creating uniform guidelines for storefront facades, signage and awnings. Also proposed: a new riverside park with an expansive view of the Miami River.