With a mission of making people feel good about their time – and money – spent in the Grove, our Block-By-Block Ambassadors consistently and meticulously walk the Business Improvement District (BID) to identify areas needing repairs, cleaning, and general tidying up. The team also collaborates with multiple outside agencies, utility companies, and city and county government to facilitate and expedite necessary repairs along our streets, sidewalks, and common areas.

Such was the case following the recent July 4^th Celebration. Hats off to the Block-By-Block ambassadors for their outstanding efforts! Together with BID personnel and the City of Miami’s Parks & Recreation Department, they tackled the cleanup of trash and debris immediately after the July Fourth celebration. Thanks to their hard work, Peacock Park and the surrounding streets of the Grove were spotless before the night ended.

Following is an update on multiple other efforts in which the Block-By-Block team is presently engaged, as headed up by Operations Manager Block by Block Sully Silva:

• The Block-By-Block team continues its aggressive program of repairs, releveling, and replacement of large swaths of uneven pavers throughout the BID. Areas of improvement include: the sidewalks along Virginia and Oak; in front of Vinoteca on Grand Ave., and in front of Coconut Grove Elementary School, also on Grand Ave. Please reach out if you notice a problem area near your business. Meanwhile, look out for caution signs surrounding these work areas.
• Our Block-By-Block Ambassadors are also constantly working to mitigate the impact of pooling water following significant rain events – by cleaning street drains and removing the unsightly puddles by sweeping and other means. In fact, they are presently looking at various electric pump options. We’ll keep you posted.
• Stay tuned for news about exciting upgrades to the SMART system, which are presently on course to be rolled out in early August.
• The repair and replacement of multiple banner signs bracketed to light poles continues; as does updating Coconut Grove branding signage throughout the District.
• Block by Block also continues to monitor and report on street repairs and installation work being performed by the City of Miami, such as on Oak and Virginia Streets where steel road plates have been temporarily installed over excavation areas. Sometimes the asphalt around the seams of the plates needs extra attention so that people and vehicles may continue to safely pass over them.
• We continue to work with City of Miami Police in addressing the recurring trespassers and graffiti activity at the now-closed Miami Art School at 3138 Commodore Plaza. The BID is also looking at options to beautify the entrance area to that abandoned property. Stay tuned
• Dog poop is a stinky problem along poopular dog walking routes – especially on Florida Ave. Residents are being reminded that they may ask Block-by-Block Ambassadors for doggie bags that they carry on them all day long. Bark and thou shall receive!
• Managing repair and replacement of rubber mulch and Flexipave along Main Highway continues.
• We continue to paint bicycle racks and reposition them based on usage demand; as well as spearheading replacement of damaged traffic signs (i.e., pedestrian and stop signs).
• Ongoing efforts: Cleaning of debris covering stormwater drains, power washing/refreshing of trash receptacles, and repair of potholes.