Miami may scale back its downtown billboards aims
A year after Miami expanded its outdoor advertising sites, the city commission may reverse the decision and return to just the three places allowed under a 2015 law.
Today (1/25), the commission is to hear a resolution to repeal a policy that allows outdoor ad signs at ten government-owned sites. If approved, the measure would reinstate the 2015 law that allows for billboards up to 750 square feet at the James L. Knight Center, the Olympia Theater/Gusman Center for the Performing Arts and the Miami Children’s Museum.
In January 2023, the commission amended the sign ordinance to add Bayfront Park, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, Maurice A. Ferré Park, and any government-owned location within the Omni or Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agencies to the list of properties where outdoor billboards are allowed.
Additionally, Bayfront Park, PAMM, Adrienne Arsht Center and Maurice Ferré Park were deemed Digital Free Standing Sites, which permits larger two-sided signs up to 1,800 square feet.
The city believed that measure would generate revenue necessary to maintain and improve government-owned properties within the city.
Now, one of the commission’s newest members is seeking to revert to the original outdoor ad ordinance adopted in July 2015 and remove the locations added via the January 2023 resolution.
The proposal, sponsored by Commissioner Damian Pardo, would provide for outdoor ads on principal buildings at three city-owned venues: the James L. Knight Center, The Olympia Theater/Gusman Center for the Performing Arts and the Miami Children’s Museum.
It also would remove references that allow advertising on Department of Off Street Parking facilities and Digital Free Standing Sign Sites. If approved today, the item would need to pass a second reading to become official.
Helena Lim
January 24, 2024 at 8:48 am
Definitely supporting Commissioner Pardo’s proposal. Please don’t destroy downtown Miami with huge billboards.
Downtown Residents
January 24, 2024 at 8:55 am
Pardo’s plan is the right move. Downtown doesn’t need or want to be Times Square
GP
January 24, 2024 at 10:28 am
We DO NOT want Digital Signage of ANY type on/or abutting our City’s Parks, especially MAF Park, with 5 Condominiums directly across the street.
Park West does NOT want to be another Times Square!
GJ
January 24, 2024 at 1:22 pm
Perez Art Museum 100 foot digital billboard is under construction right next to 395! Needs to be stopped
DC
January 24, 2024 at 5:55 pm
I agree with the 3 commentators above. The billboards are as embarrassing and unnecessary as Carollo’s cat and dog sculptures littering the grounds of the Perez.
BBP
January 25, 2024 at 7:05 pm
Agree, that these billboards are unsightly and unnecessary, remove them all even the approved ones! Interesting that the Federal Highway Administration has new rules about electronic freeway signs but has NO problem with digital billboards. Follow the money – How many times do we need to read “YOUR WIFE is HOT” or “Stinger, Gumball & Fedup got us $2M”
RS
January 30, 2024 at 1:49 am
Agreed, Miami has all the sophistication and sleekness right in its architectural buildings, beaches, events, businesses, transport and people.
No overbearing and distracting billboards are required. Let’s keep Miami Elegant and Clean.
Ronnie Heit
January 30, 2024 at 3:55 pm
If you’re against the added signage please admit you want higher taxes to maintain those structures where they are.
Think people.
Marco Stewart
February 26, 2024 at 12:38 pm
What are you talking about??? We pay some of the highest taxes on the planet here in downtown Miami. This will only benefit the company who will manage de ads. One Company! The PAMM Should never have gotten involved in such horrible deal for our city. This would never happen anywhere else. Plus it’s a hazard to drivers on I836.
Scott Blazer
February 9, 2024 at 3:04 pm
The choice is not between higher taxes or hideous ad billboards. Idea – Why don’t we stop the waste and corruption in our city first? Bet that will cover all the costs and then some!
Mark G.
March 11, 2024 at 5:21 pm
The billboards are the FLAG OF CORRUPTION in Downtown Miami! SHAME ON THE PAMM!