Editors Note: The Barbara Baer Capitman archives “Historic Threads” project is partly sponsored by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida. We’re highlighting important documents that tell the story of Miami Beach, coinciding with National Historic Preservation Month sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Before Miami Beach fully embraced its turnaround in the 1980s and 1990s, developers and preservationists alike had to come together to form a progressive and innovative plan for the future of the city. Part of this involved finding the best approach to planning and approvals within the district – a challenge given its status as the first 20th-century urban district in the United States listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Planning Board Representation
On Sunday, October 12, 1986, preservationist Nancy Liebman wrote a letter emphasizing the importance of having someone on the Miami Beach Planning Board who valued preserving the past as we work towards a bright future. This person needed to be well educated and experienced in historic preservation.
A public hearing on the issue was held on November 5th, 1986 in the Miami Beach commission chambers.
Preservation advocates were encouraged to apply, especially since the planning board had initially voted down this proposal in their previous meeting. The board had voted 6-1 against adding the preservationist seat. The loan dissenter was Neisen Kasdin, chairman of the Miami Beach Development Corp.
It was imperative for Miami Beach to have a person capable of relating preservation ethics to combine bold, new development with the roots of the past. Preservation contributes to building a sense of community and heritage. Miami Beach needed voices to express this philosophy.
On November 5th, 1986, city leaders agreed to a preservationist seat on the planning board.
“The city is finally recognizing the need for preservation and the importance of the historic district for the future of this city,” said Kasdin.
The commission’s unanimous vote represented a full recognition of the importance of historic preservation in our community and this was the beginning of a new era for Miami Beach.
