Our streets
Neighborhood Associations
The importance of associations such as the Downtown Neighbors Alliance, DNA, can’t be overstated, not considering the void Downtown has in political representation, and the decreasing resources available to general newspapers to cover local news.
One purpose of the DNA is making sure our resident’s quality of life is respected. Often, government officials and private interests forget Downtown has become a thriving metropolitan center, with more than fifty thousand residents, according to DNA President James Torres.
The City Charter, regarding the use of Bayfront Park, stipulates that the general public’s utilization and enjoyment should be a priority. One resident observed that perhaps the name should be changed to Bayfront Venue, as the stated public purpose is often overlooked, and the park, the one green space available for thousands of residents of the Central Business District, is closed to them.
The DNA at Work
The last episode of the ULTRA Music Festival evidences the role the DNA played in working together with the organizers to minimize the disruptions residents must endure. There are those who argue, and not only outside Downtown, that residents should put up and shut up as it’s only three days. The reality is that for every event in Bayfront Park residents are denied access for weeks. That is, you can’t take your kids to the park, you can’t take your pets to the park. But the vast majority of residents agree, the last edition of ULTRA was the best so far. The Miami Police did a great job, ULTRA took measure to mitigate the noise, and Bayfront Park reopened in record time.
The Homeless
Another issue is the homeless population — not few shipped from other cities with one-way tickets to Miami. The DNA keeps an open dialogue with the community, the police and other agencies charged with this complex social problem. The DNA was instrumental in getting the new Chief of Police to assign beat officers to the neighborhood. Not only residents, but the many small businesses demanded the presence of uniformed officers walking the area. It’s common knowledge that beat cops are one of the most effective crime deterrents. And criminals do hide behind homeless individuals.
To that effect, last week I ran into DNA’s James Torres and the new Police Commander for Downtown, Kimberly Caruso, along with the Downtown team. They were touring various Downtown enclaves, pointing spots that are the source of problems for residents, from aggressive panhandling to public drunkenness and verbal assault, which can and has escalated to serious acts of violence — one such spot is the 7-ELEVEN at NE 2nd Street. Exactly where I found Mr. Torres and Commander Caruso. There is a good example of community policing.
“The community plays an important role in keeping our streets safe,” said James Torres. “It’s essential that you report any incident you witness. First, you might help prevent a crime, and, secondly, your call will be recorded, will become a statistic. Our Police Department needs to quantify the requests for assistance in order to secure the necessary resources.”
Commander Caruso agrees. She doesn’t say it, but one can infer she is thinking, yes, it takes two to tango.
DNA Sponsors
The DNA would like to acknowledge the following sponsors:
Gold Sponsor
Bayside Marketplace
Corporate Sponsors
Affinity Management Services. Becker & Poliakoff. Castle Group. FirstService Residential. Gerstle, Rosen & Goldenberg. KW Property Management.
Miami-Dade County
The Office of Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5.
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