GREAT CITIES NEVER CLOSE STREETS DURING CONSTRUCTION

THEY VALUE THE LIVES, SAFETY AND DIGNITY OF PEDESTRIANS BY REQUIRING SCAFFOLDING TO MAINTAIN SIDEWALKS DURING YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT

High praise for the wheelchair accessible, well-lit scaffolding around the historic Alfred I. DuPont Building in downtown Miami.

Sidewalks must always be open and safe during renovation and construction work.

Every city I have lived in, unless it was a 24-72 hour concrete pour, window installation or facade cleaning -- it was required to keep the pedestrian pathway clear.

Scaffolding maintained pedestrian mobility.

The example on Flagler at the DuPont and across the street at the Olympia are bright, light and almost artistic.

It floors me when the city allows a developer to close an entire sidewalk for two to three years of construction.

It violates the ADA, PROWAG, great governance, best practices, good business and basic human decency and inclusion.

THE CITY OF MIAMI’S AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY’S MOBILITY PRIORITIES ARE UPSIDE DOWN AND DO NOT SAFEGUARD PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAS HUNDREDS OF REGULATIONS FOR CARS IN STREETS – BUT WE SHAMEFULLY HAVE VIRTUALLY NO REGULATIONS TO PROTECT PEDESTRIANS ON SIDEWALKS

This is the first delivery bot that I’ve seen that can back up.

When they don’t, it is catastrophic for a wheelchair user. 90% of the bots that I have seen stop when a disabled person approaches.

That blocks essential curb ramps and narrow sidewalks.

The City of Miami, Miami-Dade County and other cities MUST regulate these hogs of the sidewalk bots.

Only those programmed to back up out of the way of people with disabilities should be allowed.

MAINTAINING SIDEWALKS DURING CONSTRUCTION IN THE RIGHT THING TO DO

CLOSING SIDEWALKS FOR YEARS VIOLATES THE ADA AND EVERY MORAL OBLIGATION TO SAFE MOBILITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PLUS ALL PEDESTRIANS YOUNG AND OLD

Wide, safe, lit, wheelchair accessible simple scaffolding to keep sidewalks open during construction.

What is so hard about this Miami?

How do we have this perfect solution by Flagler St. — then allow both sides of the street to be closed a few blocks north?

I am at a total loss for why Miami officials do not require scaffolding to maintain sidewalks during years of development construction.

Most solutions require tens of millions of dollars.

This requires zero. 

VIRTUALLY EVERY MAJOR CITY FACILITATES LARGE SCALE CONSTRUCTION WHILE MAINTAINING SIDEWALK SAFETY DURING DEVELOPMENT

MIAMI CLOSE SIDEWALKS FOR YEARS WHILE PEDESTRIANS, ESPECIALLY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, RISK THEIR LIVES CROSSING THE STREET TO CONTINUE THERE JOURNEY

Is there something Miami’s water in that turns big developers & major construction firms into incompetent fools?

Because every city I have lived in + every city I have visited — does not close sidewalks for 3 years of work.

How is it that gigantic, 50-story buildings can be built everywhere else while maintaining sidewalks – but in Miami our development community is incapable of this simple task?

In Miami, we kill pedestrian safety for no reason.

There are 100s of American cities that require developers to maintain sidewalks during construction.

Simple scaffolding preserves safe mobility for pedestrians and independence for people with disabilities.

DR. EDUARDO PADRON, PRESIDENT OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE FOR A QUARTER CENTURY

A VISIONAIRY, PROGRESSIVE LEADER WHO IMPROVED THE LIVES OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF IMMIGRANT STUDENTS

It was such a privilege to chat with longtime acquaintance Dr. Eduardo Padron before his event in Coral Gables this spring.

I got to know the great leader when I was the senior policy advisor for Miami City Commissioner Joe Sanchez.

Dr. Padron’s progressive leadership of Miami Dade College was the epitome of the American Dream.

He is a heroic figure.

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants got access to a world class, low cost, entry level education.

Whether they fed their families and strengthened our communities as electricians -- or used it as a stepping stone to stay in college through law school -- so many got their start at MDC.

Dr. Eduardo Padron joined Mitchell Kaplan for “Pillars of Legacy: From the Miami Book Fair Forward,” the inaugural Silver Medallion Pillars Circle Reception by Mosaic Miami at Kaplan’s flagship Books & Books store.

AVILA SPAIN HAS CREATED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO ITS MEDIEVAL WALLS

WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?

High praise to Avila Spain for creating ramped access to an area with benches & great views of the famous city walls. 

The Walls are ancient, but access for people with disabilities is a priority.

https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone

AVILA SPAIN HAS CREATED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO ITS MEDIEVAL WALLS

WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?

For years, the ancient city of Avila Spain has prided itself on expanding access for people with disabilities.

Because Ávila is built on a steep hill, the best way to reach the accessible portion of the Medieval walls is arriving by car or an adapted taxi. Exiting directly to the Puerta del Puente is recommended to avoid steep inclines from the upper city center. 

https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone

AVILA SPAIN HAS CREATED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO ITS MEDIEVAL WALLS

WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?

The ancient city of Avila Spain has been a pioneer in accessible tourism.

On top of the ancient defensive walls, the accessible pathway is mostly flat with some cobblestones. 

https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone

AVILA SPAIN HAS CREATED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO ITS MEDIEVAL WALLS

WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?

The ancient city of Avila Spain has long been at the vanguard of accessible tourism.

The Avila walls visitor reception area is connected by an accessible route and has manual wheelchairs available to borrow. 

https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone

AVILA SPAIN HAS CREATED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO ITS MEDIEVAL WALLS

WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?

The ancient city of Avila Spain has been a pioneer in accessible tourism.

Once at the top of some of the best preserved city walls in Europe, disabled visitors can enjoy a flat, 100-meter stretch of the battlement walk. 

https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone

AVILA SPAIN HAS CREATED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO ITS MEDIEVAL WALLS

WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?

For years, the ancient city of Avila Spain has prided itself on expanding access for people with disabilities.

An accessible portion of its famous city walls can be reached by ramp and elevator.

https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone

PHOTO OPS AT WORLD CUP PARTIES ARE FUN

SAVING LIVES IS ESSENTIAL

I am begging Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins to take swift action to collaborate with Miami-Dade County to reduce unsafe conditions for pedestrians.

A Miami Herald story this week documented that greater Miami is one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians in the entire U.S.

I have supported and voted for Higgins since she ran for elected office in the County.

I attended her kickoff meeting when she successfully ran for mayor.

She has given me a proclamation for my artistic work to support historic preservation.

I now call on my fellow believer in public service and colleague to take decisive action.

A Chief Mobility Officer could save lives and increase safe mobility for all.

A city executive focused on stopping pedestrian deaths and severe injuries would be especially valuable for vulnerable residents who are disabled, elderly or very young.

More than 1/3 of Miamians cannot or do not drive.

That makes for a large constituency that would benefit from wide, unobstructed sidewalks, stiff fines for cars that park on them, longer better protected crosswalks and street redesign that slows down our dangerous drivers and protects mobility by foot, wheelchair or bike.

I suggested the Chief Mobility Officer position (full disclosure: yes, I would be interested in being the humble public servant who takes on this noble role) at the outset of 2026.

But I have yet to hear from our city's progressive mayor. 

Sorry that the Miami Herald chooses to keep this life safety story behind a subscription pay wall -- but you can get the gist from the free video at this link:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/traffic/article316075848.html

 

 

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

A simple progression of warning, then confiscating explosives, then issuing tickets and ultimately arrest – would give people time to change their behavior without suffering dire consequences on the first offense.

Independence Day weekend is approaching.

I dread it, because I will get only a few hours of sleep on July 2, 3, 4, 5…

Fun can be had without detonating illegal, dangerous explosives into the wee hours.

I sincerely hope our Mayor, Commissioners, City Manager and police can tame this beast and improve our quality of life.

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

Many people are elderly or have a disability.

Many take medications that create noise sensitivity.

Most of us work for a living and cannot suffer with a noise from dusk till 3 a.m. for three or more nights leading up to and including July 4, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Little to no sleep, for days on end, three holiday time per year, negatively impacts health.

To restore tranquility while acknowledging some partying, I suggest a compromise.

Even though most of these dangerous explosives are illegal, have “suspend the rules” period twice per year.

From 10 pm. to 12:30 am. on July 4 and Dec. 31 – people can set off all the fireworks and noise makers they want.

The police will not intercede.

All other times outside those two “immunity” windows, the police must go to the offending homes.

 

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

For more than a decade, I have rescued dozens of cats by getting them trapped, neutered and released so they cannot add to the stray population.

Some live inside and others in houses that I have built for them.

The cats suffer with the noise.

Some have ran away, never to return.

Any vet or pet owner can verify that hours of loud fireworks are torture for dozens of kinds of house pets.

I understand that people stay up till midnight on New Year’s Eve.

I can put up with the sound of folks talking to each other at the backyard barbecue.

I understand that Dec. 31, I will hear music playing past bedtime.

I will tolerate it, so long as it is not thundering at South Beach nightclub level.

But night after night of noise that sounds like military artillery?

No, that is not appropriate for any place.

 

 

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

The fireworks noise must stop.

It is abusive.

Endless noise -- that terrorizes pets and triggers PTSD in humans -- is not essential to celebrating a holiday. 

My house is old with thick cement block for an exterior.

It has noise-insulating impact glass in all windows.

None of that holds up to be bombardment that denies sleep.

I have purchased white noise machines and turned them up to the max.

I have tried earplugs and noise canceling headphones.

None of it comes close to canceling out the terrifying artillery noises.

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

In most of the nation, the noise and terror for pets is limited to July 4.

Because of the warm winters, people fire them off on Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Miami.

Shenandoah is one of dozens of neighborhoods where the ear-splitting bombardment has gotten out of hand.

When I first moved here nearly a quarter of a century ago, the noise was roughly limited to about 9 p.m. till 12:30 a.m. on July 4 and Dec. 31.

Now, it takes place from a dusk till 3 a.m. on Independence Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

People also fire off hundreds of these noisemakers – long past midnight -- for days leading up to each holiday.

 

 

 

 

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

I have proudly lived in Miami’s historic Shenandoah neighborhood for 24 years – pouring a good chunk of my life’s savings into restoring, repairing and maintaining a 100-year-old home just blocks south of Calle Ocho.

Most of the year, I have great neighbors in a great neighborhood close to everything.

But there are two times when life is unbearable.

Miami people love to shoot off fireworks and set off illegal explosive devices – firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80s, etc. – on holidays.

Virtually none of these explosives are legal for home use and each year they cause many deaths and serious injuries around the nation.

 

 

HONORED TO HAVE 3 MILLION BLOG READERS

I HAVE SHARED MY UNIVERSAL DESIGN EXPERTISE BY POSTING ON MY BLOG 365 DAYS PER YEAR FOR MORE THAN ONE DOZEN YEARS

Universal Design in Avila, Spain

As an award-winning storyteller, I am proud that my humble blog has had more than 3 million unique visitors over its lifetime.

Recently, it has been getting 25,000 to 50,000 readers per day.

Wheelchair Accessibility consulting in Madrid Spain

My posts would fill the equivalent of 12 full nonfiction books.

I have successfully transitioned from an expert writer on planning…to an acclaimed planner focused on Universal Design, Inclusive Mobility and Aging in Place.

Universal Design Work in Madrid Spain

I still write.

I published independent journalism.

And I work as a marketer for a select few planning, architecture and transportation engineering firms that believe in Design for All and creating a better built environment for all ages, incomes and abilities.

Universal Design Work in Segovia Spain

The urban designer part of me has delivered keynote addresses at global gatherings of planners, engineers, architects and others who work on quality of life at a community and regional level.

I have also teamed with some of the best urban design and mobility firms to work as a subconsultant on Universal Design plus wheelchair access.

Inclusive Mobility consulting in Toledo Spain

I hope to soon announce a major collaboration with one of the best downtown development authorities in the nation.

Stay tuned.

https://urbantravelandaccessibility.blogspot.com/

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE

Hotel Carlos V is the longest operating full service hotel in historic Toledo.

Some trivia?

Its guests have included actors and actresses of the stature of:  Catherine Deneuve, John Wayne, Rock Hudson, Rita Hayworth, Fernando Fernán Gómez, Emma Cohen, Arturo Fernández and Johnny Depp.

 

 

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE

Toledo has so much going for it, I very highly recommend making it an overnight 2-day visit, rather than a day trip from Madrid.

The only downside of my Hotel Carlos V stay was the famous rooftop lounge, sporting the best vistas in all of the old city’s upper town, was closed for renovations. 

I knew this at the time of booking and staff said the room rate was discounted accordingly.

Still, knowing Carlos V’s perfect location and Toledo’s low rise buildings, it would have been wonderful to have a morning coffee or evening cocktail from the Azotea.

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE

Spanish plazas can generate late night noise, but at Hotel Carlos V -- I heard zero street noises.

I was not happy that my economy room was located right in front of the pair of elevators -- but Carlos V must draw a high caliber client, because I heard none of the loud talking often associated with tipsy tourists stepping out of an elevator.

This is not a little inn or apartment that you never get service from after getting the key.

This is a truly full service hotel.

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE

Hotel Carlos V Toledo’s breakfast was never ending. All kinds of hot foods, gourmet pastries, fruits, coffee, beverages -- all for 14 euros.

I went in May, an ideal time for central Spain, and the price was well below 100 euros for the room plus taxes.

My room was small, but very well appointed, spotlessly clean and with a comfortable bed and warm shower.

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE

Hotel Carlos V Toledo’s location is in the heart of everything. 

Footsteps from the bus the circulates between the Renfe train station and the core of the ancient city.

The hotel is next to the Alcazar and very close to the main town square.

The cathedral and all historic sites in the upper town are a 15 minute, maybe 20 minute at the most walk from Carlos V.

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE

I can't imagine staying at a property other than The Hotel Carlos V in Toledo.

It is a full service property with history and renovated rooms.

The staff is top notch -- one young front desk person went on a hunt through housekeeping with me to find a pillow more to my liking.

FORT LAUDERDALE’S THRIVE ART DISTRICT

MAY BE THE NEXT WYNWOOD – ONLY LESS EXPENSIVE AND WITH MUCH BETTER UNIVERSAL DESIGN TO BOOST WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

The Thrive Art District is just more than a mile (less than half hour walk) from the center of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

It is a hive of creativity nestled in the area of Historic Sistrunk, Progresso Village, and Flagler Village. 

It boasts upwards of 100 murals, cool mom & pop shops, places to get coffee, matcha and snacks plus a hip urban vibe.

Kudos to the developers for wheelchair ramps, barrier-free plazas and accessible parking.

The adaptive re-use of rundown warehouses space for local creative businesses did a great job of introducing accessibility for people with disabilities.

HOTEL MIAU MADRID = HIGH VALUE, PERFECT LOCATION

WITH 10 STAR STAFF AND LAVISH WARM BREAKFAST

There must be 1,000 historic buildings, boasting food, drink, dessert -- very nearby Hotel Miau Madrid.

I only used rideshare once -- on a rainy day when I was visiting an historic cemetery outside the old city.

The well-trained and warm staff gave suggestions for a pair of authentic tapas bars that were within 5 minutes walking distance.

Staff also respected my request for limited housekeeping. 

Many places ignore this, but Miau's team is on top of everything.