Wernick & Co has experience crafting placemaking solutions that help unlock the potential of emerging neighborhoods and
special districts, bringing enormous value to both public and private sector interests.
Change is an agent of good in the right hands. Wernick & Co understands and delivers high impact solutions in emerging neighborhoods.
We often are engaged to consult on neighborhood master plans and community vision workshops, working with our clients and local civic associations to identify a shared vision to build consensus among stakeholders and property owners in a neighborhood.
Neighborhood revitalization in the urban core calls for new and innovative techniques to balance stakeholder interests, incentivize appropriate development and reinvest in the community in a way that benefits both current and future residents while celebrating the unique character of each neighborhood.
Wernick & Co works with local stakeholders and municipalities to advise on formation of Business Improvement Districts, Neighborhood Associations and leveraging other special district tools to support neighborhood revitalization initiatives and reinvestment.
Wernick & Co brings a unique mastery of the science & art. They put in the time to understand the true dynamics of our neighborhood, identified the obstacles, and developed actionable solutions that leverage the strengths of the community, enabling us to build consensus and advocate effectively with City officials.– Yoni Bornstein, President, Wynwood Community Enhancement Association
Representative work includes:
Wynwood Norte
NRD-2 / Little San Juan
Wernick & Co has served as special counsel to the Wynwood Community Enhancement Association, a diverse group of community stakeholders in the former Little San Juan, a working-class neighborhood of roughly 140 acres in Miami’s urban core, on an action plan to restore the neighborhood’s unique residential character while expanding quality missing middle housing options for families. Steven J. Wernick, Esq. AICP and Erin L. Grafton of Wernick & Co successfully spearheaded the community-driven Wynwood Norte Community Vision Plan in 2019, and at the direction of the City of Miami Commission, worked with the City’s Planning Department on implementation of the City’s 2nd Neighborhood Revitalization District, presented in the Fall of 2020.
Wynwood
NRD-1 / Arts District
Collaborative effort led by the Wynwood Business Im provement District to facilitate mixed-use development, including creative zoning solutions, parking program, and public benefits program to generate new dollars for infrastructure, open space, and affordable housing. Steven J. Wernick, Esq. AICP represented the BID in implementation of the NRD-1 in conjunction with PlusUrbia Design and the City of Miami Planning Department. The Wynwood NRD-1 was recognized by the American Planning Association in 2017 with a National Award for Best Economic Development Plan.
Miami Design
District
Represented Miami Design District Associates on a specialized area plan, zoning regulating plan, and implementation of innovative design-forward infrastructure and paseos to support the redevelopment of the Miami Design District as a successful high street retail destination.
Village of West Greenville /
Village Action Plan
In 2021, the City of Greenville engaged Wernick & Co to consult on a micro-area plan for the Village of West Greenville. A funky enclave in the heart of the former Textile Crescent, the Village has emerged as the City’s arts district, home to an eclectic group of working artists, small businesses, F&B and creative professionals. Working with City staff and stakeholders, Wernick & Co crafted a Village Action Plan focused on: (1) maintaining the Village’s authentic character, (2) reinforcing its unique identity, (3) facilitating a robust mix of uses and services, and (4) planning for inclusive growth. The Action Plan makes recommendations around Connectivity, Activation, and Regulation, including a new zoning framework to unlock its potential as a vibrant mixed-use node.
