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Collins Park Neighborhood Association Meeting Summary

On April 18th, 2006, CPNA held it’s monthly Board of Director’s meeting hosted by board member, Karim Masri, owner of Club Mokaii.

The focus of this meeting was to have each of the twelve board members discuss the one most important issue to him in shaping and developing the Collins Park Neighborhood that is now known as South Beach’s final frontier.

The list that funneled out of this discussion shows first and foremost that retail is the most important component for this neighborhood to thrive. It must be a mixture of human necessities, the arts, restaurants and clubs. We need to have controls in place to insure a proper mix of business but we cannot make it so difficult that businesses do not come to our neighborhood. Everyone is in agreement that solving the parking issue is way past due and should be a number one priority as well as completing the promised second addition to the Bass Museum. Eliminating the cosmetic eyesores of the neighborhood and general beautification of Lake Pancoast are important to help insure that development will continue to make this the great neighborhood we all envision. There are security, lighting and traffic issues that will no doubt be addressed as this area transforms but an intermediate step with regard to lighting going through Collins Park, out since Hurricane Wilma, needs immediate attention.

Some of the board members are looking farther into the future wanting to have concerts in the park, a type of weekly market (similar to Lincoln Road on Sunday), and maybe an annual social or dance to bring the community together in celebration. All of this is important.

For now, we have to get back what we have lost. Carolyn Klepser summed up her frustration very simply and to the point. She came here 11 years ago when within 2 blocks of where she lives she could go to three markets, a drugstore, a bank, several medium priced restaurants and a whole host of shops in the Roney Arcade. Now all gone! Last week she couldn’t even buy a box of tissues without making a trip out of it and she has no car. She is afraid she won’t be able to hang on living in urban suburbia until it becomes truly urban again.

The Collins Park Neighborhood Association has a great and diverse board. However we have 3 vacant positions to fill. We are looking for an attorney who lives or works in Collins Park, someone to represent the New World Symphony Dorms and someone to represent section 8 housing. We are focused on what we want. We are trying to develop the clout we need and attract the attention of those who can help make a difference. If you are interested in helping physically, emotionally, or financially, please contact Ray Breslin, president of CPNA at
305 772-5665 or email Bresaro@aol.com

Our next membership meeting will be at the Bass Museum of Art on Tuesday, May 16th at 6:30 PM. If you are not on our email list, mark your calendars now to be there. It is always an informative meeting.