Q&A regarding the closing of the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center Facility

Q: When are you closing the JCC?
A: The JCC will be closing at the 4221 Pine Tree Drive address effective February 9, 2010.

Q: Why is the JCC closing at that site?
A: We are closing that site because we are preparing for the building of a new facility; because the condition of the facility is problematic; and because we have found better interim space in other locations to offer a range of programs.

Q: What programs will you be offering?
A: We will be offering our after school program at North Beach Elementary School. Hopefully a second site for afterschool programs will be held at Lehrman Community Day School starting in the fall for 2010. We are also exploring parenting classes at Temple Menorah. We will in essence be a "Center without walls" until the new JCC facility is built

Q: Has there ever been a Center without walls before?
A: It is not unique in the history of Jewish Community Centers for JCCs to operate in multiple locations to meet the needs of the community, even as they plan for new facilities. The JCC is committed to providing quality programs and even enhancing those programs starting this spring and in the fall. But we will do so using different sites and facilities until the new Center is ready.

Q: How do I reach the JCC in the interim?
A: The JCC core staff will be relocated to the Federation building located at 3950 Biscayne Blvd, Miami FL 33137. Our same phone number will be in place: 305-534-3206.

Q: Is the main telephone line always available?
A: If for some reason the staff are out at North Beach Elementary or other programs, you can reach us by cell phone at 305-389-7794.

Q: What is the immediate plan for Summer Camp 2010?
A: Summer Camp 2010 will be held at the Lehrman Community Day School. The JCC has entered into a partnership relationship with them which will enhance the quality of the camp and the services we can provide. We will also have access to the fields at Biscayne Elementary School. You will be getting a full camp brochure within the next several weeks.

Q: How do I register for afterschool and camp?
A: You can register by calling the JCC and speaking to Sara Rancman or Janet Thomas at 305-534-3206. You will be getting registration material for both the spring session and for summer camp on our website www.mbjcc.org and by direct-mail to your home.

Q: Where will special events programs of the JCC take place?
A: Special events programs of the JCC will take place at a variety of venues on Miami Beach. Those venues will be worked out by staff and our volunteers, and as each program is developed you will be informed as to the appropriate location.

Q: Is the field still available over the next several months for rental?
A: The field will be used by the JCC for programs such as flag football. It is also available for rental and we do have outside access to bathroom facilities. You can call the JCC for rental information

Q: What happens to the senior adult meal site now at the JCC?
A: The JCC has worked closely with Jewish Community Services which operates that meal site. They have relocated the meal site to two other locations that they operate in Greater Miami Beach. When the center reopens, we will review with JCS the return of the meal site to the new center. If you have any questions about the meal site program please call 305-899-8301.

Q: What can you tell me about the new facility?
A: The new JCC will be a 35,000 to 40,000 square-foot facility with a gym, an outdoor pool, a parenting center room, a fitness area, a teen lounge and many other services designed to meet the needs of the Jewish community. We will also have adult education rooms, as well as a room for special catered events.

Q: When will the new facility be built?
A: We are in the final stages of approval by the City of Miami Beach. We will start the permitting process with completed construction documents by March 1st. The permitting process should take between 4-6 months. We will, therefore, be ready for construction in early fall of 2010.

Q: When will the new facility be ready?
A: If the JCC completes the permitting process with the City of Miami Beach by early fall 2000, and if we raise the final funds we need to create this vital facility for the community, we will start construction in September or October with a new facility ready by late fall, 2011.

Q: Do you have everything you need to start construction?
A: The JCC is in the midst of a Capital Campaign and has raised $6.4 million dollars. We need to reach approximately $9 million dollars in order for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, which is actively supporting this effort, to bond the project and allow us to proceed. We are looking for and urging the community to support our final fundraising effort over the coming six months.

Q: Is there anyway that I can help the Center achieve the Capital Campaign goal?
A: Yes! All you need to do is call the JCC and ask for Steve Paikowsky, our Capital Campaign Consultant, Jay Roth, the Center's Executive Director or Florencia Esquenazi, the Executive and Capital Campaign Assistant. We would be delighted with your help, whether through a direct gift or through anyone you can recommend that might be interested in supporting the JCC.