The city banned vehicle traffic from the popular street during the pandemic. Now, transportation planners hope to make the change permanent as part of a new plan to prioritize pedestrians and improve transportation in the Entertainment District.
After a temporary experiment earlier this year, the city of Miami Beach is considering making Ocean Drive a permanent pedestrian promenade. A rendering by Chris Ritter shows the street as a single-level, pedestrian-only avenue lined with outdoor seating and green spaces. After seeing the importance of outdoor public spaces during the pandemic, the city hopes to "activate the area in a positive way" and promote increased foot traffic to local businesses, according to Jose Gonzales, the city's Transportation Director.
Even before the temporary closure to cars, pedestrians made up 62% of Ocean Drive's users. The new plan to eliminate car traffic and level the street to allow for more outdoor seating areas will enhance existing uses and move forward the city's 2016 Transportation Master Plan, which called for prioritizing pedestrian traffic on Ocean Drive and moving freight and transit to Collins and Washington Avenues. The plan also looks at long-term solutions for emergency vehicle access, delivery and valet services, and improved bike and transit infrastructure on adjacent streets.
FULL STORY: Rendering Show How Ocean Drive Would Look If It Was Rebuilt As A Pedestrianized Street
Miami Beach to Reopen Ocean Drive to Cars
The famous cruising strip was off-limits to cars during the pandemic. Now, the city is letting vehicles return with some pedestrian-oriented compromises.
Pedestrians Briefly Take Back Miami Beach's Ocean Drive
Miami Beach reopened Ocean Drive to vehicles earlier this year at the request of hotel owners. So many pedestrians showed up to the famous street on a weekend earlier this month, however, that cars were blocked once again.
Cars Retake Their Place on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach
Ocean Drive in South Beach is the site of an ongoing pilot project in making space for pedestrians and businesses in space previously devoted to cars. Advocates and some local politicians don't like the direction that the experiment is headed.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions