Citing opposition from local business and resident lobbying groups, the City Manager has notified the Mayor and Commission that she has terminated the agreement for the Lummus Park Artisanal Market, effective August 6.
The market, along the serpentine pathway in Lummus Park, opened with great fanfare in September 2022. The original location was planned between 13th Street and 14th Place, similar to a previous market that operated before the pandemic.
However, due to opposition from nearby residents – who supported the market but not its location – it was relocated to between 6th and 8th Streets.
The letter from the City Manager cites concerns such as “activation overload, space for walkers and cyclists, possible effects to businesses, and impacts to the park” voiced by the Ocean Drive Association, SOBESafe, and unspecified residents.
This comes as Miami-Dade County has ordered Miami Beach to implement modifications, including a partial reopening of vehicular traffic to the Ocean Drive Pedestrian Promenade, located from 13th Street to 14th Place, which has seen minimal activation in the eighteen months since its opening.
Some have suggested that the market be located there, similar to other markets in urban areas around the world.
This comes as public spaces have become increasingly privatized on Miami Beach and legislation has been proposed to criminalize being within public spaces.
A discussion item regarding the status of the market, sponsored by Commissioner Ricky Arriola, has been added to the July 26 Commission agenda.