MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Irene Bigger lives steps away from the beach on Ocean Drive. She said she is worried about crime in the area overshadowing the beauty and history of the Art Deco architecture in the area.
Bigger said Ocean Drive is a “beautiful piece of paradise” that needs saving. She said Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue also need attention.
“Somebody offering me drugs; I witness heavily intoxicated people with very aggressive behavior,” Bigger said, adding that when she goes for walks in the area she has to “maneuver around” many “unpleasant” scenarios.
“Is this what we want it to be? I don’t believe that a commissioner could say this is what we want it to be,” Bigger said.
Mayor Dan Gelber agrees has been concerned about the Entertainment District. And city leaders met on Thursday to discuss the future of the ArtDeco District.
“So we have got to figure out how to reform the business model,” Gelber said.
The city is looking into adding surveillance cameras and having off-duty police officers at businesses that serve alcohol.
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