By Bari Auerbach

‘Bonuses’
The Sunny Isles Beach City Commission recently endorsed the concept of offering contractors monetary bonuses for early completion of select significant city projects – but don’t you think there should also be special incentives for promoting other special accomplishments like these…

‘Shuttle Bus Bonus’
If the city offered a bonus to passengers riding the city’s shuttle bus, this could result in a lot less traffic on Collins Avenue. To help ease withdrawal symptoms from driving, a great idea might be to create a “bonus bag” filled with stuff you normally need while behind the wheel like lipstick, a cell phone, a sandwich, coffee and of course the latest edition of the Sunny Isles Beach Sun newspaper!

‘Participation Bonus’
If bonuses were given to all concerned citizens attending City Commission meetings, there could be such a huge turnout – Government Center might even have to expand to accommodate the crowds. The bonus could be two cents for every person because after all, if you don’t put your two cents in - how can you get change?

‘Be Nice Bonus’
If you could get a bonus from the city just for courtesies like letting a car in that’s trying to change lanes; inviting another shopper to cut ahead of you at the grocery store if they only have a few items; or holding the elevator even if you’re in a big hurry – would you think twice about being nice? Your answer would most likely be a definitive “yes” if the incentive was knowing everyone else would return the favor. To jump start all the good will, the city could also establish an official “Be Nice Day” set to be celebrated – every day!

‘Creative Thinking Bonus’
Coming up with ways to acquire more parks and parking spaces are among the City Commission’s ongoing quests…but if bonuses like babysitters to push kids on the swings and free gasoline were offered in exchange for creative ideas - there could be a plethora of solutions! For example, owners of vacant lots already required to preserve their properties in “park-like” settings could be generous and donate the land for parks…And benevolent shopping center owners could declare “No Tow” days so people could park on the west side of Collins Avenue and just cross the street to reach the beach!

‘Moving In Bonus’
Just imagine what could happen if the city started promoting bonuses for buying a home in Sunny Isles Beach like…“Free use of the beach!” or “Unlimited sun!” New developments would surely start selling out and re-sales might even hit record breaking highs. Then again, considering Sunny Isles Beach has one of the lowest property tax rates coupled with the highest quality of life, maybe new residents should be the ones required to proffer a bonus for the privileges of enjoying life in the city!