Code Enforcement issues addressed at meeting
Our few articles here on Code Enforcement problems seemed to have lit a fire under our community leaders and the problem has been solved in two days.
Here's the scoop on the meeting yesterday on the Code Enforcement issue.
The main players were Comm. Marc Sarnoff, his chief of staff Ron Nelson, Dave Collins from the BID, Haydee Wheeler from the NET office, City Manager Peter Hernandez, Deputy Chief of Police Frank Fernandez, Coconut Grove Commander Jorge Martin and Mariano De Mola from Code Enforcement.
Comm. Sarnoff seemed to come to the rescue with all issues, taking the side of the restaurants that were being harassed.
The main thing is the way Code Enforcement went about their jobs. They had valid issues, but the demeanor is very negative and someone told me that their whole job is filled with "negative energy" and it just flows through their actions.
The outdoor heaters were a safety issue not an aesthetic issue. Many were not set up correctly, many were too close to awnings and buildings and many were dripping fluid. Also, the propane was not stored correctly. Comm. Sarnoff came up with a simple solution: all restaurant owners will meet with a fire inspector who will show them the proper procedures on using the heaters. He has been out to a few restaurants already.
As for planters -- many were blocking foot traffic, people could not cross the street in some cases because they were in the way, so those have been addressed. Less is more, in my opinion and many restaurants don't realize that two plants have the same effect as 20, unless you want to look like a jungle.
Tables must be in line and on the restaurant property and not in the right of way so passersby can use the sidewalks. The benches at Jaguar may stay. They bring "charm and atmosphere" and are appealing to people, so as long as they don't block the right of way, which they don't.
Dave Collins and Haydee Wheeler will meet with restaurants in the future to see that all enforcement issues are followed.
The bottom line is that Comm. Marc Sarnoff stood up to authorities for his district and everything is back to normal, but in a safe way, which will benefit the restaurants and the public. Case closed.
NEXT . . . .
Here's the scoop on the meeting yesterday on the Code Enforcement issue.
The main players were Comm. Marc Sarnoff, his chief of staff Ron Nelson, Dave Collins from the BID, Haydee Wheeler from the NET office, City Manager Peter Hernandez, Deputy Chief of Police Frank Fernandez, Coconut Grove Commander Jorge Martin and Mariano De Mola from Code Enforcement.
Comm. Sarnoff seemed to come to the rescue with all issues, taking the side of the restaurants that were being harassed.
The main thing is the way Code Enforcement went about their jobs. They had valid issues, but the demeanor is very negative and someone told me that their whole job is filled with "negative energy" and it just flows through their actions.
The outdoor heaters were a safety issue not an aesthetic issue. Many were not set up correctly, many were too close to awnings and buildings and many were dripping fluid. Also, the propane was not stored correctly. Comm. Sarnoff came up with a simple solution: all restaurant owners will meet with a fire inspector who will show them the proper procedures on using the heaters. He has been out to a few restaurants already.
As for planters -- many were blocking foot traffic, people could not cross the street in some cases because they were in the way, so those have been addressed. Less is more, in my opinion and many restaurants don't realize that two plants have the same effect as 20, unless you want to look like a jungle.
Tables must be in line and on the restaurant property and not in the right of way so passersby can use the sidewalks. The benches at Jaguar may stay. They bring "charm and atmosphere" and are appealing to people, so as long as they don't block the right of way, which they don't.
Dave Collins and Haydee Wheeler will meet with restaurants in the future to see that all enforcement issues are followed.
The bottom line is that Comm. Marc Sarnoff stood up to authorities for his district and everything is back to normal, but in a safe way, which will benefit the restaurants and the public. Case closed.
NEXT . . . .
posted by Tom Falco at 11:48 AM
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11 Comments:
Grape you got done in two days which could have taken forever! Grape for mayor!
How about a net office that actually helps businesses rather than just acting as code enforcement...
www.miamigov.com/NETS/pages/aboutNET/Services.asp
Thank God but usually Sarnoff is against the restaurants. Let's see how long he keeps up with this attitude.
Nice.
I am glad to see that this issue has been resolved. I'm glad the businesses and restaurants have an avenue in which to be provided information on how get in compliance with the applicable codes, e.g. fire inspectors who will provide information on proper placement and storage of propane.
Sarnoff wants people out of the Grove by 11 pm.
Sarnoff should be out of office by 11 pm. so sick of that man.
Thanks, we heard the Commish, now lets see if the City of Miami is going to cooperate in telling me what is really bothering them about my business. Will keep you posted.
Brickell area, Bayside, Design district have heaters on the restaurant terrace for many years why is it a problem in the grove?
Coconut Grove needs more shoppers. Grove restaurants need more patrons. Commissioner Sarnoff obviously wants Grove businesses to prosper. David Collins will be working full time to help businesses. Lillian Dones works to promote businesses. Code Enforcement is important but in this recession we need the business community to survive. Hopefully commonsense will prevail.
Before you honor Sarnoff as a hero, question whether this sort of code enforcement is going on in other parts of town. When the dragnet backfires and you call of your dogs, you look like a hero. Nice!
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