TIMELESS UNIVERSAL DESIGN

VS BEGRUDGING ADA COMPLIANCE

Textbook example of the difference between lousy ADA compliance and welcoming Universal Design.

Main entrance to Perez Art Museum Miami all steps.

Ramp narrow and hidden to the side.

It says you should be segregated and ashamed if you can’t do stairs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act is the floor, not the ceiling.

Competent architects, planners and designers seek creative ways to mainstream all access and mobility.

Others build monuments to their lazy shortsightedness. 

This structure was designed two decades after the ADA.

Checklist, isolating compliance is NOT a winning approach for a major civic building on the waterfront of a major international city.  

DOUGLAS ROAD IS A MAJOR CORRIDOR

NARROW SIDEWALKS AND PINCH POINTS DESTROY WHEELCHAIR ACCESS FOR MANY SW 37 AVENUE SEGMENTS BETWEEN CORAL GABLES-MIAMI

After walking 7 blocks on Douglas Road today:

I can confidently say if I am given the choice between 2 days in jail or walking 12 blocks of Douglas & crossing its dangerous traffic 4 times—I’m picking time in the lock up.

Narrow sidewalks.

No shade.

Power polls and other barriers that destroy wheelchair access.

More than 1/3 of people in Miami-Dade County cannot or do not drive.

They deserve a multi mobile experience on this major artery also known as 37th Ave.

Let’s fix this.

The people of Miami and Coral Gables deserve better.

WHEN I WENT TO WORK FOR MIAMI CITY COMMISSIONER JOE SANCHEZ IN 2002, NO ONE WOULD HAVE IMAGINED THIS BEING POSSIBLE

NOW, YET ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL BOUTIQUE HOTEL HAS OPENED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LITTLE HAVANA’S ART AND CULTURE

Fabulous art and wheelchair access at El Jardin Inn Miami.

“A boutique neighborhood hotel where local art & modern hospitality meet in the heart of Little Havana”

A welcome addition to the community, a block from the heart of Calle Ocho, at 1568 SW 7th St.

https://www.eljardininn.com

ADAPTIVE REUSE OF AN OLD BUILDING

CANNOT CREATE SUBSTANDARD ACCESS 

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

This is what happens when lazy/ableist city officials allow a new business to gut an old building but NOT make the entrance accessible to people with disabilities.

The high threshold results in no wheelchair access.

This is on Giralda in Coral Gables – where the city spent millions creating a people-friendly pedestrian district.

The city also could have raised the pavers to meet the threshold, but it neglected that as well.

Nearly a year ago, I was promised this would be fixed.

Lack of access means it is not friendly to people who use wheelchairs for mobility.

PICNIC TABLES MUST BE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

 UNIVERSAL DESIGN IS THE KEY

This is an outstanding example of Universal Design.

The high design picnic tables at South Pointe Park all feature an area where a wheelchair user can roll up to in comfort.

Kudos to Miami Beach.

IT’S AN EMBARRASSMENT TO WALK AN URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD – WHEN THE SIDEWALK SHRINKS TO 2 FEED WIDE – CRUSHING ACCESS FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS

MIAMI'S NORTHEAST SECOND AVENUE IS SUPER WIDE AND DANGEROUS – WHILE PEDSTRIAN MOBILTY IS IMPOSSIBLE:                 THIS IS UPSIDE DOWN 

Miami’s Upper Buena Vista is exploding with great restaurants & shops.

But a sidewalk less than 2 feet wide means wheelchair users must go out into incredibly dangerous NE 2nd Ave.

The City of Miami and Miami-Dade County MUST fix this on east side of NE 2nd Ave. at NE 49 St.

This is a screaming violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

It defies every planning goal of having walkable, pedestrian friendly urban neighborhoods.

Many sidewalk sections -- why destroy independence for and rob dignity of people with disabilities -- exist in this redeveloping urban enclave.

PERPETUALLY FLOODED CURB RAMP IN MIAMI

ABLEISM IN DESIGN = NO INDEPENDENCE FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS

Dear public servants: design for people with disabilities is NOT an onerous task to be completed to check a “done” box & neglect.

Curb ramps only work when they don’t perpetually flood, then destroy the motor and battery of a wheelchair.

If architects neglected roofs the way cities neglect mobility for people with disabilities, only flimsy cardboard would protect people and their possessions from wind and rain.

Ableism destroys mobility for wheelchair users.

CITIES NEED TO CONSIDER THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

BEFORE ERECTING BARRIERS TO THEIR SAFE MOBILITY

 

I have criticized cities that put up giant bollards or oversized planters to block terrorists from driving into a street festival. 

Those monstrosities endanger wheelchair users who cannot see oncoming cars.

 

Coral Gables simply parked a pair of garbage trucks.

 

Problem solved.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 101: PROTECTING OUT OF CONTROL CARS FROM DOWNING LIGHT POLES

IS 100X MORE IMPORTANT THAN PROTECTING

HUMAN BEINGS FROM CRASHING CARS

Pedestrian epic fail recipe.

Put a streetlight pole in the sidewalk, not behind it.

Create a tripping hazard/uneven rolling surface for wheelchair users by putting the utility box next to the pole in the sidewalk.

Make up for the misdeed of blocking the sidewalk by adding a crappy extension that places vulnerable pedestrians inches from deadly traffic.

Neglect the shoddy sidewalk extension, so it crumbles – but never fix it.

Repeat…dozens if not hundreds of times along your city’s should be walkable, historic main street corridor.

YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL THINKS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES DESERVE MINIMUM STANDARDS ONLY?

WORK TIREDLESSLY TO VOTE THE ABLEIST OUT OF OFFICE.

The next time your mayor is happy with dangerous, but bare minimum ADA compliance… 

Ask why they don’t boast of bare minimum: 

Saving taxpayer dollars. 

Constituent services. 

Compliance with city laws. 

Then vote them out!

REPEAT AFTER ME: ADA COMPLIANCE IS THE FLOOR

TRULY ACCESSIBLE UNIVERSAL DESIGN IS THE CEILING

What’s the difference between bare minimum ADA compliance & inclusive Universal Design?

A pair of horribly steep/bumpy power line covers on Ocean Drive at the Clevelander = the miserable minimum.

A world famous street in one of the biggest tourist destinations in the U.S. with a pulsing tax base from all the development – should NEVER settle for lousy mobility.

Miami Beach – fix this.

THIS PHOTO SUMS UP THE PATHETIC STATE OF DISABILITY INCLUSION

A THIRD OF A CENTURY AFTER THE PASSAGE OF

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The alleged accessible entrance is barred/locked.

There is no call button.

The Ocean Drive vacation rentals building could be a perfect location for wheelchair users to roll to many Miami Beach Attractions.

But the entrance is locked.

This is what happens when ADA is viewed as onerous instead of inclusive.

WHY DOES THE MIAMI BEACH BANDSHELL HAVE WHEELCHAIR SEATING…

IN THE FAR BACK OF THE HOUSE – ENSURING SEATED PATRONS WILL HAVE THE WORST SIGHT LINES FOR EVERY CONCERT

I love the Miami Beach Bandshell, but I cannot understand why the wheelchair accessible seats are flat on the ground at the back of the house.

The view is of a sea of standing bodies as much as the stage.

ABLEIST DESIGNERS’ BIG LIE IS ACCESSIBILITY IS EXPENSIVE

UNIVERSAL DESIGN PROVES OUT TO BE COST EFFECTIVE EVERY TIME

Universal Design and wheelchair access are NOT expensive.

An apartment entrance that used to have a couple small steps down.

Now it has a gently graded accessible concrete path.

With a tiny investment, everyone can visit the building.

PERIL FOR PEDESTRIANS

HUGE BUS SHELTER ADD BLOCKS VISION 

RIGHT AT A SIDEWALK PINCH POINT

This may be the world’s worst giant opaque advertising sign placement in history.

It creates a blind spot right at a narrow pinch point of sidewalk.

A cyclist who couldn’t see me crashed into me here on Alton Road just south of Lincoln Road.

This advertising revenue generator, masquerading as a bus shelter, provides no vision — for northbound cyclist — of what is coming southbound.

Miami Beach must fix this even if it’s a state road.

A wheelchair user could get killed.

MIAMI BEACH SHOULD BE SOUTH FLORIDA’S MOST DISABILITY-FRIENDLY CITY

BUT EVERY 10^TH STREET HAS A POORLY DESIGN, TERRIBLY BUILT        AND HORRIBLY MAINTAINED SIDEWALK

More than half of this sidewalk in a heavily pedestrian part of Miami Beach has a severe angle that makes it treacherous for people with disabilities.

It is on 16th St. at Lennox Ave. in Miami Beach.

Wheelchair mobility is virtually impossible.

Not only is the more level part closer to street (worse for pedestrian safety) but it also is an impossible route for wheelchair users -- because outside dining, valet stands and other obstructions block the pathway.

THE CITY OF MIAMI MAY FINALLY TAKE ACTION TO ENSURE SIDEWALKS REMAIN SAFE AND OPEN DURING CONSTRUCTION

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY MUST FOLLOW SUIT, SO MAJOR COUNTY STREETS REMAIN BARRIER FREE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND ALL PEDESTRIANS

I had the privilege of speaking in favor of FR 1 – (Ordinance 19073, to keep sidewalks safe and open during construction) at the Miami City Commission meeting this week.

I applaud Commissioners for creating and sponsoring this legislation.

After serving the District 3 constituents for nearly a decade, my next career direction was marketing urban design and working as a town planner.

My specialty is pedestrian access and mobility for people with disabilities.

Cities that work are cities that remove barriers to pedestrian safety.

Safe sidewalks protect children and elderly while greatly increasing the economic outlook for mom and pop shops, restaurants and services that depend on foot traffic in our urban city.
In my work around the world to promote wheelchair access, I have sadly shown a segment of downtown Miami just west of the World Center where both sides of the street are completely shut down for years of high rise construction.

Out of the 100 cities I have worked in, the both sides blocked – between a billion dollar development and a billion dollar Bright Line Train Transit system – was the worst example of pedestrian safety and mobility for people with disabilities.

Other cities solve this by requiring scaffolding or other ways of keeping sidewalks.
I returned yesterday from work in Manhattan.

I walked past more than 100 construction sites.

100% of the time, the sidewalk was maintained.

Miami MUST match NYC’s success at maintaining pedestrian mobility.

This is crucial for people with disabilities.

People with disabilities are the most under and unemployed of any minority group.

That is NOT because of their disability, it is because of the obstructions that we allow that ruin sidewalk mobility and the access it provides to transit.

Developers may say this is an onerous cost.

I say that anyone who puts the basic human rights and dignity of disabled people to a cost benefit analysis is being shamefully inhumane.

I urge the five Miami City Commissioners to approve this unanimously, when it returns for second reading.

It can be the first step (ticketing and towing cars the perpetually block sidewalks would be another huge boost to safety for disabled veterans and others) toward Miami delivering the mobility its residents deserve.

Read FR 1: https://miamifl.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=14&ID=3893&Inline=True

MIAMI IS SO DANGEROUS FOR PEDESTRIANS

THAT PEDESTRIAN SAFETY OPERATIONS BLOCK THE SAFE CROSSWALK

Only in Miami, the city that constantly tops lists of most dangerous places to be a pedestrian. 

Police vehicle at Miami Marlins ballpark is there for pedestrian safety.

So the car is parked so that it blocks 100% of the crosswalk.

NOT the logical approach to protecting wheelchair users, elderly, children, families, visually impaired folks — while crossing a dangerous road.

Sorry you can’t see crosswalk striping. 

Photo was taken from 50 feet away.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

FUNCTIONAL, FLEXIBLE, COST-EFFECTIVE – BEAUTIFUL

Brilliant example of Universal Design on super elongated picnic table on the Underline near the Metrorail Brickell station.

Wheelchair users can roll up to the table on either side.

The Underline has emphasized inclusion and accessibility for all ages and abilities – in all of its design.

The Underline is Miami’s 10-mile linear park and urban trail.

The segment with the accessible table, in a shaded urban oasis is near the super dense and bustling Brickell Financial District, straddles SW 1^st Avenue.

https://www.theunderline.org/

GREAT CITIES NEVER CLOSE SIDEWALKS 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.