41st Street Business Improvement District One Year Anniversary: Improving the Gateway to Miami Beach

41st STREET BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY: Improving the Gateway to Miami Beach

January 2025 begins with possibilities and new beginnings. A time to reflect on the past, set goals and strategies, and implement, activate and embrace a fresh ideas, projects and programs. To get a snapshot of the 2025 plans, Amy Mehu, the Executive Director of the 41^st Street Business Improvement District shared the past and future goals for 41^st Street.

 What brought you to the 41^st Street Business Improvement District?

I think the opportunity to leverage my decade of experience in government affairs, economic development, community advocacy, and passion to foster collaboration with stakeholders and valuable partnerships, by creating platforms where we can enhance the presence of the 41^st Street corridor through networking and opportunities was appealing. As a former Interim Director of Miami Beach Economic Development Department, as well as my tenure in the City Manager’s Office, I am enthusiastic about creating resources that support business development, including a start-up ecosystem, and increasing the visibility and engagement of 41^st Street locally and beyond.

Tell us about the 41^st Street BID. A Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership that uses special assessments to fund local improvements in a defined geographic area.

• Purpose

BIDs supplement public services and create economic benefits for their members. They can provide services that go beyond what the city offers, such as special events, marketing, and security.

• Structure

BIDs are created by the city and managed by public or nonprofit boards. These Board of Directors include local business representatives, residents, and local government officials.

• Funding

Commercial property owners elect to self-impose assessments to fund projects and services beyond those provided by the city. This collective investment aims to enhance the district’s attractiveness, boost economic activity, and improve property values, benefiting businesses and the community alike.

The 41st Street Business Improvement District (BID) was established over a two-year period beginning in early 2021 and initiated by the Mayor’s Blue-Ribbon Committee – a group of passionate neighborhood business advocates. This group of dedicated property owners created a BID Steering Committee. Led by Ira Giller, current BID President, the Steering Committee  advocated for the district's formation. Their collaborative efforts culminated in a successful creation of the BID in 2023.   Currently the Board of Directors includes Ira Giller, Ricki London, Andrew Resnick, Alex Fryd, Michael Goldberg, Aaron Haimov, Judy Schottenstein, Seth Gadinsky and Orli Teitelbaum.

The mission of the 41st Street BID is to enhance the corridor's economic vitality, aesthetic appeal, and overall experience for residents and visitors. The vision is to support the transformation of 41st Street into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly area that enhances the Miami Beach gateway for the next ten years.

Tell us about how collaboration is essential to the success of the BID? The City of Miami Beach provides essential services,  and the BID enables property owners and business owners to directly influence, and fund specific enhancements uniquely tailored to the 41st Street corridor needs. This collaborative approach ensures that improvements align closely with the community's vision and priorities.

Currently, efforts are concentrated on engaging with property owners and businesses to develop long-term strategies and advocating for their short-term and long-term needs. As the BID evolves, the plan is to implement visible projects that showcase the potential and attract more visitors and encourage investments. Additional services include, but  not limited to, enhanced street cleaning, enhanced public safety enhancements, marketing and events, beautification, and business development.

What are the main challenges in the next few years? One of the key challenges is ensuring that, as new opportunities and projects emerge, the priority of the district remains aligned with the community. Property owners play an essential role in this success, as is recognizing the perspectives of residents and businesses. While all viewpoints may differ, the shared vision is clear to make 41st Street a thriving and vibrant community.

The BID focuses on supporting property owners by fostering open communication, offering insights into evolving opportunities, and advocating for solutions that balance growth with the needs of the broader community. When initiatives like redevelopment, new amenities, or improvements arise, addressing concerns early and providing clear explanations of the benefits are essential.

Five years from now, what changes are expected on 41st Street commercial area? With the anticipated completion of the City’s General Obligation Bond (G.O. Bond) project, which will revitalize the 41^st Street corridor with neighborhood landscaping and infrastructure improvements,  in spring 2028, the corridor will have improved walkability and flow, making it easier and more enjoyable to explore. in five years, 41st Street corridor redevelopment will be a gamechanger.  The corridor will be a central hub—a place where people can pick up fresh produce, shop for local goods, and feel connected to their community. There will be a mix of dining options and retailers that create energy and activity, offering something for everyone. Parking, guided by the BID’s vision, will be more practical and accessible, addressing a need that has long been discussed and reimagined workforce housing seamlessly integrated, supporting the people who contribute to the vitality of the street.

The future vision of 41^st Street is to be a locally, regionally, and potential nationally known destination where businesses thrive, neighbors gather, and visitors are drawn to its charm and convenience.

The BID meetings are open to the public, when are the meetings and how can the public observe and/or participate?

Members of the community can stay informed about the BID, and receive updates on meeting times and details by joining our mailing list at: www.tinyurl.com/Join41st.

New Businesses on 41^st Street

SAB Biotherapeutics (SAB Bio) 777 W 41st Street, Suite 401 | Spring 2024 | Office Size: 1,300 sq. ft.

SAB BIO is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. Led by Chairman and CEO Samuel J. Reich, a longtime Miami resident, SAB BIO focuses on developing groundbreaking therapies for immune and autoimmune disorders. Their lead   clinical trial isSAB-142, which targets Type 1 Diabetes, aiming to delay and potentially prevent disease progression.

“Florida offers the right mix of a strong business climate and growing biotech presence, and we are excited to grow within the Miami area and to open an office on 41st Street,” shared Reich.

The SAB BIO  opening highlights 41st Street’s growing appeal for innovative businesses and emerging industries.

Bagel Boss 740 W 41st Street | Fall 2024

Hailing from New York, Bagel Boss has quickly made a name for itself on 41st Street. Known for its freshly baked bagels, hand-crafted spreads, and classic deli sandwiches, Bagel Boss offers locals and visitors a taste of New York tradition. It’s already becoming a neighborhood staple for a quick breakfast or lunch on the go.

Royal Veterinary Center 453 Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami Beach | Just Opened

The Royal Veterinary Center brings premium pet care to Miami Beach with a focus on both routine and urgent care services. Open 7 days a week and offering extended hours, Royal Vet Center provides wellness checkups, dental care, diagnostics, and treatments for dogs, cats, and exotic pets. With convenient rear parking and a compassionate team of professionals. Pets just get more than good care, they get great treatment.

What does the future hold? The priority of the 41st Street BID is to bring the Vision Plan to life, transforming the corridor into a vibrant live-work-play (pray + learn) destination that serves the community by attracting and supporting new strategic opportunities. The BID is dedicated to aiding property owners and businesses in fostering a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly environment that balances local charm with broader appeal. Central to our vision, is attracting a mix of high-quality offerings, including upscale restaurants, unique boutiques, and essential workforce housing. The BID will continue to   ensure that enhancements from the GOB project, like expanded sidewalks, lush shade canopies; and future BID projects such as centralized valet services to improve accessibility and reduce congestion, are realized for a safer, more enjoyable, more accessible 41st street.