Interchangeable Accessories

Bars and Restaurants South of Fifth Experience Yet Another Math Problem

By Lee Molloy

At a popcorn-fueled meeting of the Miami Beach Land Use and Development Committee, city officials again discussed the number of seats allowed in restaurants (or bars that serve alcohol) located in the residential South of Fifth neighborhood of South Beach. on

On Monday, Nov. 17, committee members found themselves back at the table attempting to determine the appropriate ratio of tables and patrons allowed in a particular restaurant or bar in relation to the number of hotel rooms or apartment units in the building as a whole, in establishments known as “accessory use” hotels and bars.

“I supported 1-to-1 [seats-to-rooms ratio] from the beginning, with overflow for standing,” said Commissioner Saul Gross, who also pointed out that, theoretically, a new freestanding restaurant in a residential neighborhood wouldn’t be allowed at all. Commissioner Jonah Wolfson seemed to concur, describing the issue as representing “a new impact” on the neighborhood.

Commissioner Jerry Libbin pointed out that in the past, a smaller operation “had an opportunity to plead its case” for more seats before the city’s planning and zoning board.

“What would be the criteria by which the planning board would say 2-to-1 would be too much,” Gross asked Planning and Zoning Department Director Jorge Gomez. They would “look at traffic impact,” Gomez said.

Gross, however, was skeptical.

“It’s very hard for the planning board to intelligently analyze the traffic impact,” he said.

Mayor Matti Bower voiced concern about music played outside the restaurants and how that noise would affect residents. Gross opined to simply ban playing music outside. “Just put it in the ordinance,” he said.

Commissioners and interested parties alike struggled with the numbers while comparing the ratios of 1.25-to-1, 1.35-to-1 or 1.5-to-1.

Eventually, the committee unanimously passed a motion to allow a ratio of 1.25-to-1, or 125 percent for hotels with 32 or more units. However, if the hotel has between 20 and 32 rooms, it would automatically be allowed 40 seats. Therefore, a hotel with 40 rooms, for example, would get 50 seats.

Hotels hoping to get a few extra seats by converting current rooms into a restaurant area may be disappointed, however. Their seat count will be based on the number of rooms post-conversion.

“It’s not what it was, it’s what it is,” Gross said.

Comments? E-mail lee@miamisunpost.com.

All contents copyright © 2008 Caxton Newspapers, Inc.