CCFJ.NET: Luxury Sunset Islands Torn Apart by Neighborhood Fight Over a Sidewalk
…the sidewalk was to provide access for people with disabilities and greater safety to pedestrians …
Article Courtesy of The Miami New Times
By Jessica Weiss
Published January 1, 2016
With their prime location near South Beach and luxe cachet, the four gated Sunset Islands are home to some of Miami Beach’s most rich and famous residents, from mega-developer Scott Robins to nightclub impresario David Grutman. In a neighborhood known for its epic sunset views, where homes sell for upward of $26 million, you’d think residents would spend their days happily relaxing in the lap of luxury.
Think again. In the past few months, one seemingly minor neighborhood proposal has turned the two southernmost islands, known as Sunset III and IV, into a full-on neighbor-versus-neighbor war zone. The item of contention: a proposed sidewalk.
“This whole fight is disgusting,” says Peter Luria, a former homeowners’ association board member who is in favor of a sidewalk for better access. “There have been many instances where pedestrians have almost been run over. We’re talking about safety here.”
Sunset Drive, which spans from Sunset Harbor to the Sunset Islands, is a busy throughway — and a popular route for pedestrians traveling to and from the islands. In February 2014, the City of Miami Beach approved and funded the construction of a sidewalk along Sunset Drive as part of a large-scale neighborhood renovation project involving utility, street, water, and sanitary improvements. According to the city and experts, the sidewalk was to provide access for people with disabilities and greater safety to pedestrians and would connect to the existing sidewalks on two Sunset Island bridges. Read more: