HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Public Comments Submitted Online for the September 10, 2020 Virtual City Commission MeetingCommission Report
Commission Meeting Public Comment - September 10th, 2020
September 10, 2020 10:36 AM EDT
Public Comment
motero@miamigov.com
First
Name
Glenn
Diana
Last
Name
Patron
Davies
Sebastia Domingu
n ez
Stephen Keppel
Street
Agenda
Public Comment
Address
Item
Without punishment our laws and regulations are toothless. Planning & Zoning's
RE. 7
delays and stone -walling, whether planned or not, allow developers to continue
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construction so that, months after violations have been recorded, they can claim
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"Concrete Poured" In one case a lot was illegally split and a 3rd story home being
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built and ( I have a record) though 110 communications over 9 months were sent to
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for
city officials, the violation was not recognized until CONSTRUCTION WAS
ave
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FINISHED. In another case ( I have proof ) a developer falsified records and NEVER
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SENT the waiver notices required by law to delay the raising of any objection to the
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variance they had in their construction. There's more but this should be enough to
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convince any decent citizen or City official of the need for enforcement
RE. 7
What is going on in the Grove that contractors are getting away with 6 inches
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separation between two structures? I remember when I built my backyard pool,
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inspectors from the City of Miami would count every inch and they even made me
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tear up a brick patio because it was 6 inches too long. Are these contractors who
34
for
have plagued the Grove with the two -stories horror structures filling the inspectors'
avenue
violation
Pockets? There is no other explanation on how a structure has been allowed to
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stand with only a 6" separation. Grove residents are dying to know how this came
Construc
about.
tion
PZ. 4
7718
We received the proposed plans by the SGCA and we believe that the current plans
978 NW
HEPB
do represent and preserve the historic look of the Spring Garden while elevating the
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look and the architecture of the neighborhood. If the current design does not follow
River Dr.
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the guidelines then something strange happened when approving the design for the
Unit 4
713 NW
2 houses that were recently built down the street.
7StRd
RE. 7
7817
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We are a nation of laws. It is the City's job to enforce local laws. It shouldn't matter
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where the illegal action takes place or if it is the fault of the City itself. Please
3411
for
support this resolution and consider additional enforcement actions or penalties to
Oak Ave
Violation
be imposed against construction permit holders who violate the code of the City of
s Of
Miami, Florida.
Construc
tion
7868 Submittal -Public Comments Submitted Online for the September 10, 2020
Virtual City Commission Meeting
First Last Street Agenda
Name Name Address Item Public Comment
The plan as submitted by the applicant is insufficient in two major areas: 1. the roof
design is not reflective of the original contributing structure, nor is the addition of
planters in the street elevation reflective of the period of original contributing
structure; 2. a landscape plan is missing -a single tree is NOT a landscape plan.
These key elements have a lasting impact on the visual aspect of this lot -our
neighborhood is remarkable historically and ecologically for the lush vegetation and
PZ. 4
tree canopy. Unfortunately, the owner has resisted Spring Garden Civic Association
978 NW
7718
(SGCA) efforts to educate, inform and direct her to the Preservation Officer and HEP
North
HEPB
Board guidelines for building on a contributing structure property. While neighbors
Karyl Boynton
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River Dr6
who view the proposed design may like what they see, the over-riding reality is that
Appeal -
6
there exists precedences and guidelines for this construction. The SGCA has spent
713 NW
over 23 years advising and guiding owners toward compliance with City of Miami
7 St Rd
Historic District guidelines -this is stated clearly in our charter with the State of
Florida. Our neighborhood complies with Historic District guidelines regarding roof
lines, setbacks, front elevation remodeling, fencing, pavements for parking, etc. A
new residence built on the lot of a contributing structure should pay homage to the
original in a more direct way than this proposed plan. If this owner does not comply,
why should the rest of us?
PZ. 3
6982
HEPB
Decision
Appeal -
The greenery and character of Coconut Grove need to be preserved. There are
1644
2167 S.
already many projects done or ongoing here without any consideration of the
Golnaz Ebrahimi Onaway
Bayshore
historical and environmental impact on our neighborhood. I oppose the building of a
Dr.
Dr,
new school as it is not needed but adds to the traffic and destructs the main
(Special
character of our beloved Coconut Grove.
Certificat
e of
Appropri
ateness)
PZ. 2
6981
HEPB
Decision
The greenery and character of Coconut Grove need to be preserved. There are
Appeal-
1644
already many projects done or ongoing here without any consideration of the
Golnaz Ebrahimi Onaway
2167 S.
historical and environmental impact on our neighborhood. I oppose the building of a
Bayshore
Dr
Dr
new school as it is not needed but adds to the traffic and destructs the main
character of our beloved Coconut Grove.
(Special
Certificat
e of
Approva l)
RE. 7
7817
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The city should not approve plans for houses that do not meet code. There are
Tricia Sullivan Overbroo
for
several that are too close to each other. If a builder lies about this on the plans the
k St
Violation
inspector should catch it on their inspections and put a stop on construction.
s Of
Construc
tion
Hollis Hawkes
Elizabeth Gibson
Cindy snyder
Street Agenda
Public Comment
Address Item
RE. 7
7817
The city absolutely needs to apply more penalties to construction that breaks
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building code. Coconut Grove is being exploited and destroyed by developers who
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knowingly break the rules to maximize profit because they know the penalties will
Loquat for
be minimal. It is ruining the neighborhood and tax paying residents will be left with
Ave Violation
an undesirable neighborhood that will lower their property values and quality of life.
s Of
Represent your constituents!!!
Construc
tion
RE. 7
7817
The builder should be required to remove the part of the building that is encroaching
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and the city should put in place double checks to make certain all laws are followed.
4145 El Penalties
In other words, more than one person should be looking at the plans. I have lived in
Prado for
south Grove most of my life and I hear from small business and regular
Blvd Violation
homeowners, how difficult it is to get anything approved. Fence permits, roof
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permits. Unless you are a developer. The Day avenue mess should never have been
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approved.
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The VillaWoodbine, is AT RISK. Its owner is Appealing the Historic & Environmental
Preservation board's (HEP) DENIAL to transform Historically Designated Villa
Woodbine into a school campus with Decision to Deny Carrollton its use as a school.
What is the situation? The Historically Designated property on 2.4 to 2.8 acres, in
the single family residential neighborhood of Coconut Grove has for many years
been used as a private club, per the conditions of its Historic Designation. It was
bought recently as an "investment" by a corp. known as "the Convent of the Sacred
PZ. 3
Heart". 2 addit'l adjacent homes have also been bought by that corporation, with the
6982
aim to enlarge the Historically Designated Property to approx.. 4 acres and change
HEPB
it use. The New Owners' Want to Make a Lot of Money & Not Pay Property Taxes.
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AN AUDACIOUS IDEA! BUT WHO ARE THE LOSERS, WHO SUFFERS IN
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PROCESS ?? WHO MAKES UP FOR LOST TAXES?? There are OTHER problems:
3980 2167 S.
The Residents of this Single Family Neighborhood of Coconut Grove want its zoning
Hardie Bayshore
codes enforced. They paid dearly to live in this highly desirable tree canopied
Ave Dr,
neighborhood, they do not want that environment diminished. -They want good
(Special
access to their local roads to be retained for their use, not least of which is to be
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able to get to Mercy Hospital quickly. -This proposed use would bring much noise,
e of
traffic congestion, and dangerous inconveniences both day and night to the entire
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community... think about if one were having a stroke or heart attack & medical
ateness)
personnel could not reach them quickly enough. When fire personnel were needed
quickly, another likely issue. The increased burdens and risks on the community
brought by this project would not make for a safe environment or good neighbor
relations. The Neighbors do not want this for good reason. The HISTORIC &
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD TURNED DOWN THIS PROPOSAL.
VOTE NO: DO NOT THROW THE NEIGHBORHOOD LIKE "UNWANTED GARBAGE
TO THE CURB" PLEASE SHOW RESPECT FOR NEIGHBORS UPHOLD the HEP
BOARD'S DECISION
First Last Street Agenda
Name Name Address Item Public Comment
The Spring Garden Historic District was designated in 1997, the 3rd historic district in
the City of Miami. For 23 years, homeowners have relied on the guidance of the
Preservation Office for Certificates of Appropriateness for new construction and
modifications to homes (roofs, windows, fencing, new additions). Appointed
members of the Historic, Environmental & Preservation Board (HEPB) lend expertise
to assist applicants seeking Certificates by adhering to the Guidelines of the
Secretary of the Interior. Before the Commission today is an appeal to the denial of
the HEPB meeting held July 7, 2020. The property at 713 NW 7 Street (now a
vacant lot) has a history: the house that was previously demolished was a
"contributing" structure. While all homeowners within the district require a Certificate
of Appropriateness for home modifications, not all homes are contributing structures.
This distinction is important. A vacant lot that never had a structure has no past
architectural history; the property before you today did: it was a contributing
PZ. 4
structure. At the July 7, 2020 HEPB meeting, several "conditions" had been
7718
901 NW
recommended by the Preservation Officer as was stated in the staff report. One very
Greenfiel HEPB
North Decision
Priscilla d-
important issue was that after the demolition and sale of the property, all the trees
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Manning
were cut down. Spring Garden's vast tree canopy is a distinct signature of the
Drive
district. The Applicant offered no comprehensive landscaping plan. Also, several
713 NW
HEBP members offered recommendations on various concerns that were not
7 St Rd
accepted. Our neighborhood civic association (Spring Garden Civic Association
registered with the State of Florida since 1994) has met and worked with new
neighbors who have built homes, neighbors who (thankfully!) purchased homes that
were deteriorating due to benign neglect and saved from demolition, as well as 3
large apartment buildings (Modera River House). Approved at the same July 7th
meeting were plans for two new condominiums on the Miami River in Spring
Garden. The developers and architect designed plans that, when built, will not only
add character to the district but will offer an open, two-story courtyard with a visible
view of the Miami River from the street. Neighbors may agree or disagree, like or
love or dislike different architectural styles. Some may be unaware of the difference
between a contributing and non-contributing structure. What should define the
granting of a Certificate of Appropriateness is the adherence to the guidelines.... and
it should apply to everyone, equally.
The HEP Board decision should be respected. The design presented is not becoming
PZ. 4
of the Spring Garden Historic District. The district does allow a generous approach of
7718
architectural styles, and the HEP board's directives were not unreasonable. The
1010 NW
HEPB
design does not reflect the character of the neighborhood, and is especially lacking
11th
Neill Lewis
Decision
in green space. It's very unfair to the existing residents of the neighborhood to allow
Street,
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any resident to bypass the recommendations of the Historic Preservation officer and
Apt 507
713 NW
the Historic & Environmental Preservation board. We should all be held to the same
7 St Rd
standard, and it would be a disservice to allow the PZ board to override the HEP
decision. Please do not allow any appeal.
RE. 7
7817
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Some one needs to fired and investigated for bribery. There is blatant corruption
GARY GROSS Tequesta
for
right under your nose. Please show some commitment to your voters Gary gross
LN
Violation
s Of
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tion
First Last Street Agenda
Name Name Address Item Public Comment
September 9, 2020 To Whom It May Concern: City Commissioners Regarding: Item
# PZ. 4 7718 HEPB Decision Appeal - 713 NW 7th Street Road. My name is Carlos
Salas and I am the President of the Spring Garden Civic Association (SGCA).
Residents of Spring Garden Historic District have put their faith in the SGCA for
decades. Many volunteers have dedicated time away from their family and friends
to help preserve our contributing historic structures to ensure Spring Garden is the
hidden oasis that you find today in Downtown Miami alongside the Miami River.
SGCA accolades include securing Spring Garden's historic designation in 1997 and
securing the funds to purchase the land for Spring Garden Point Park and
maintaining it until it was donated to the parks system. The SGCA board has voted
to support the HEPB 7/7/2020 decision to deny the proposed plans for the new
proposed plans at 713 NW 7th Street Road. In general, most of the HEPB
referenced that the proposed plans did not represent the historic contributing
structure that was previously there. They also expressed that its their responsibility
to protect Spring Garden's historic contributing structures and not allow the
PZ. 4
demolition 713 NW 7th Street Road to be replaced by something that looks nothing
1021 NW 7718
like what was there before. The SGCA's board members also feels the same way
North HEPB
and voted to NOT support the proposed plans and support the HEPB's denial.
Carlos Salas River Dr Decision
Moreover, coincidently related to 713 NW 7th Street Road, a new organization was
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formed on Sunbiz on June 24, 2020 called Spring Garden Resident's Association.
33136 713 NW
Spring Garden Resident's Association is not related in any shape or form to Spring
7 St Rd
Garden Civic Association (SGCA). The State of Florida online information at Sunbiz
regarding this new corporation called Spring Garden Resident's Association list
officers who are not residents of the Spring Garden Historic District. The owner of the
property of the address of the corporation (7300 NW 34 St, Unit 7300), Jose
Castrillon, shares a surname with the applicant for item # PZ. 4 7718 HEPB Decision
Appeal - 713 NW 7th Street Road. Several comments in support of the proposed
plans during the 7/7/2020 HEPB meeting came from people that do not live within
Spring Garden which you may encounter during today's City Commission meeting.
A petition organized by the applicant may include signatures of neighbors who are
unfamiliar with the guidelines for Historic Districts, particularly ours, and may be
unfamiliar with the recent history of this property regarding demolition and
reconstruction. Please consider the response from the Spring Garden Civic
Association, as we greatly honor the efforts made by the HEPB in the past to
provide the structure for maintaining our Historic guidelines. Thank you for your
support! Carlos Salas SGCA President
RE 7 Hello Commissioners My name is Anthony R. Parrish, Jr. With offices at 3678
Grand Avenue I think it's great you are considering tightening up the process for
permit applications so that all new development conforms to the City of Miami
Codes, namely Miami 21, and the Neighborhood Conservation Districts. Note:
Miami 21 Article 2 has as its No 1 goal "the preservation of neighborhoods:' So what
does "preservation of neighborhoods" mean if not preserving them for the
NEIGHBORS who live there? Miami has over two dozen unique neighborhoods.
RE. 7
Most have some of the same concerns, like traffic congestion and pollution of
3678 7817
Biscayne Bay, but some neighborhoods have specific concerns, like tree canopy
Grand Review -
removal in the Grove, Gentrification in Little Haiti, and intrusion of private schools
Avenue Penalties
Parrish,
into single family neighborhoods in Shenandoah. But ALL neighborhoods want the
Coconut for Anthony
Jr.
laws of the City of Miami followed to the letter, with justice for all and not special
Grove, Violation
favors for some. A case in point is the blatant and obvious illegal construction at
FL. s Of
3374 Day Avenue in Village West Coconut Grove. It is simply not good enough—
33133 Construc
Commissioners --to say this structure must remain standing forever because it would
tion
be too expensive to demolish it. Too expensive for whom? Not for Village West
residents who will have to look at it from now til the end of time. It is also not good
enough to sweep it under the carpet by saying "one employee who made a mistake
is to blame" especially when that same employee went straight to another high-up
position in Coral Gables Building and Zoning. Nobody— but Nobody --can say with a
straight face that it was just one employee who made a mistake. Village West
Coconut Grove is worth fighting for. 3374 Day Avenue cannot stand.
First Last
Name Name
NATHAN KURLAN
Dan Austin
Jo Winstead
Rhian Purdy
Street Agenda
Public Comment
Address Item
RE. 7
7817
Review -
Please vote in favor of RE7. Hopefully it will help prevent situations like the one that
Penalties
3132
occured on Day Ave. Those buildings should have been torn down. Commissioners
for
Day Ave
voted to ignore the law - not surprising in a time where people are encouraged to
Violation
s Of
vote twice
Construc
tion
RE. 7
7817
3701 Review -
Please ensure adequate enforcement and penalties for our building codes and code
Solana Penalties
enforcement to maintain the integrity and safety of our residential neighbourhoods.
Road for
This includes short-term rentals which continue to be a safety and disturbing the
Miami, Violation
peace problem throughout the City (ie 3373 Solana Road being used as a club and
FL 33133 s Of
multi residential house).
Construc
tion
PZ. 4
Please do NOT approve plans for this property that do not represent the historic
920 NW 7718
920 7718HEP
home that was demolished. The demolition was granted on the grounds that the
10tstructure
to be built would have the appearance of the original 1920's house, while
Ave., Decision
incorporating today's construction materials and conforming to updated codes.
Miami, Appeal -
Please do not allow beautiful historic Spring Garden to become another zero lot line
FL 33136 713 NW
concrete jungle.
7 St Rd
No vote to 6981 & 6982 School expansion violates 1.Tree Canopy Preservation
protected by the Environmental Preservation District. 2. Historical land topography
protected by the Environmental Preservation District. 3. Sustainable and responsible
growth for Historic community. 4. Citizens and tax payer lifestyle and quality of life.
5. Measures that: protect against run off and point source pollution and contribute to
reduction in greenhouse gases. Land development in the Grove continues to be
perpetuated by a compass not of collaboration and preservation but one of
greed/money/political affiliations. There are plenty of areas in southern Florida that
PZ. 3
do not suffer the life long detrimental costs from progress and would provide citizens
6982
the benefits of private schools and upgrading of homes and shops. WE CANNOT
HEPB
GET BACK what we are loosing daily at a rapid rate in the grove due to violations of
Decision
home construction, towering complexes, and addition of new schools. Our roads are
2993 Appeal -
congested, out homes becoming densely packed, and our heritage lost. This is more
Ruth st 2167 S.
than a loss of old growth canopies which cannot be replaced, this is a violation of
Miami Bayshore
sustainability and a lack of a vision of growth which meets each communities needs.
Florida Dr,
" Coconut Grove was founded in 1873 by an eclectic mix of pioneers, artists,
33133 (Special
intellectuals and adventurers. It was and should be preserved as a tropical oasis
Certificat
offering a warm, laid-back atmosphere with charming boutiques, galleries, gourmet
e of
restaurants, sidewalk cafes and sailboats:' I implore the politicians to maintain the
Appropri
neighborhoods' distinct bohemian flair as well as protecting out lush canopy, one
ateness)
story business districts, Bohemian cottages, and lime stone topography. The Grove
should be preserved for the citizens, the heritage, and economic prosperity from
potential visitors who come to see the uniqueness. WE ARE NOT BRICKELL and we
are losing our identity I vote and will always vote to protect us from developers who
have large pocket books and violate precedent laws and the uniqueness of our
community for the narcissistic desires which do not support those of us who live in
the Grove. WE DO NOT AND CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THE WOODBINE
SCHOOL IN THE GROVE. thank you. Opposed to Carrollton School at Villa
Woodbine. Rhian Purdy M.D.,M.Ed. 2993 Ruth street Miami Florida 33133
First Last
Name Name
Alexande Moskovit
r z
Loren Blandon
Alexande Moskovit
r z
Charles
Hand
Allison McNeill
Street
Address
2185 S
Bayshore
Dr,
Miami,
FL 33133
Tequesta
Lane,
coconut
grove
2185 S
Bayshore
Dr,
Miami FL
33133
743 NW
7th
Street
Rd
2695 SW
17th
Ave.,
Miami,
FL 33133
Agenda
Item
PZ. 3
6982
HEPB
Decision
Appeal -
2167S.
Bayshore
Dr,
(Special
Certificat
e of
Appropri
ateness)
PZ. 2
6981
HEPB
Decision
Appeal -
2167S.
Bayshore
Dr
(Special
Certificat
e of
Approva l)
PZ. 2
6981
HEPB
Decision
Appeal -
2167S.
Bayshore
Dr
(Special
Certificat
e of
Approva l)
PZ. 4
7718
HEPB
Decision
Appeal -
713 NW
7StRd
PZ. 2
6981
HEPB
Decision
Appeal -
2167S.
Bayshore
Dr
(Special
Certificat
e of
Approva l)
Public Comment
Like with PZ.2 6981, 1 am formally requesting that I be allowed to make a
presentation of no more than 30 minutes. This request is being made given that: i) I
was denied Intervenor status during the prior commission hearing, and ii) the
Appellant Carrollton was amenable to allowing me to make my own presentation,
notwithstanding their argument to deny me Intervenor status. I would like to be
given the notice to properly present. Thank you.
In response to agenda items 6981 and 6982, and on behalf of the residents of
Coconut Grove, we vehemently oppose the construction of the proposed school in
our neighborhood. We request that the appeal be denied. The impact and
consequences of allowing this school to be built are severely detrimental to our
community. Further, there is absolutely no need for such an establishment in this
location.
I would like to request the commission allow me to properly organize a presentation,
not to exceed 30 minutes. In the last commission meeting on August 2020, when
my request for intervenor status was denied, the movant Carrollton, through its
counsel Ethan Wasserman and Ryan Bailine, said they were against granting me
intervenor status. However they had acknowledged on the record that they were
agreeable to allowing me to provide a presentation to enable the commission to
hear me. The commission heard Greenberg make its presentation but never allowed
me to present. I respectfully request the City to allow me with advance notice to
organize and make a presentation on the now deferred items.
I do not have a problem with the design and new construction proposed at 713 NW 7
Street Road, as long as it remains single family and the tree canopy is maintained.
What defines Spring Garden is not any specific architecture, but that it is an intact
urban single family neighborhood and it's tree canopy.
I am adamantly opposed to allowing this lot to be turned into a massive private
school, which will not only further contribute to the destruction of our Grove tree
canopy but will lead to increasing the already congested traffic we experience in the
Grove on a daily basis. We already have several great private schools and a 10 rated
public elementary school. There is no need for an additional private school in our
neighborhood. Please uphold the denial as the environmental impact will be too
severe. Thank you.
Street Agenda
Address Item Public Comment
PZ. 4
7718
HEPB
830 NW
I am a resident of Spring Garden. I have seen the house design and give my
Adrian
Rivalta
Decision D
8 St Rd
approval for this home. It will fit in great with the neighborhood.
Appeal -
713 NW
7StRd
PZ. 3
6982
HEPB
Decision
2539
Appeal -
Swanson
2167 S.
I am a long time coconut grove resident. These plans have already been denied.
Manuel
Ruiseco Ave
Bayshore
Please deny the appeal. I oppose the destruction of our tree Canopy and the
Miami
Dr,
increase traffic into our neighborhoods. Please do NOT approve this motion.
Florida
(Special
33133
Certificat
e of
Appropri
ateness)
PZ. 2
6981
HEPB
2539
Decision
Swanson
Appeal -
I am a long time coconut grove resident. These plans have already been denied. I
Manuel
Ruiseco Ave
2167 S.
oppose the destruction of our tree Canopy and the increase traffic into our
Miami
Bayshore
neighborhoods. Please do NOT approve this motion.
Florida
Dr
33133
(Special
Certificat
e of
Approva l)
PZ. 2
6981
HEPB
Decision
Appeal -
I OBJECT to the building of the Carrollton School at Villa Woodbine. I am extremely
Stephen
Keppel 3411
2167 S.
worried about the further destruction of the Tree Canopy and the potential traffic on
Oak Ave
Bayshore
Bayshore Drive.
Dr
(Special
Certificat
e of
Approva l)
First Street Agenda
Public Comment
Name Address Item
First, once again the agenda description of the HEPB decision with regard to this
item is misleading, intentionally biased, and wrong. The HEPB denied the
application; there is no such thing as a tie. This was brought to the city's attention in
July and yet it appears here again. What is happening with regard to the appeal of
the HEPB denial of the environmental and historic aspects of the Villa Woodbine
project is understandable in terms of the strategy pursued by the developer's team.
Like a magician they are distracting the decision makers on the commission's
attention, by getting them to focus on very narrow criteria, Ch. 17 and 23 language,
PZ. 2
while they work around the major objective: the zoning violation of building a
6981
massive commercial operation in a single family area where it will cause major
HEPB
disruption. The camel's nose is a metaphor for a situation where the permitting of a
Decision
small, seemingly innocuous act will open the door for larger, clearly undesirable
Appeal-
3980
actions. Do not allow the camel to put its nose under the tent; vote to uphold the
John snyder Hardie 2167 S.
city's commitment to single family zoning in this area. If the Villa Woodbine project
Bayshore
Ave
is approved what it will become can be predicted by what has happened at the
Dr
existing campus on Main highway: (From Carrolton website) Once housed solely in
(Special
the original estate home, El Jardin, the school now boasts two complete campuses,
Certificat
Barat and Duchesne. The second campus was acquired in 1991. The Junior High
e of
School has seen additions, which include science labs, state of the art classrooms
Approva l)
and a new assembly space. The Barry Building at Barat was added in 1969; the
Science/Technology Library building has now been in use since 2007. The
Intermediate Science/Math Pavilion opened in 2009. The Wellness Center opened in
November 2014. The final phase of the Master Plan, a Convocation Center to
replace the current all-purpose room in the Barry Building was completed in March
2018. Current enrollment 820 for PK-12th The Master plan for the Villa Woodbine
campus has not been revealed. Say No to the Appeal, do not allow the camels nose
under the tent.
Dear Commissioners, I've already addressed my concerns about this property in a
previous comment. But I will restate that this is an absolute abomination. It is a
RE. 7
blemish on the Planning and Zoning department. And it will be an embarrassment to
7817
this board if you don't take major strides to remedy. Now is your chance. These
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developers --who have a long history of abusing building codes in the Grove --need to
Loquat Penalties
Fronefiel
be held accountable. May it not go unnoticed that the majority of these violations
Margaret Avenue for
d
are happening in the Village West, arguably the most historically important
Miami, Violation
neighborhood in Miami whose history is steeped in Bahamian culture. The attorney
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who excused this is wrong, and, quite honestly, her explanation on this are suspect
Construc
at best. Please do your job and remedy this atrocity. Please hold these developers
tion
who laugh in the face of our city's code, and quite frankly, your positions (they truly
believe they will get away with this) accountable. Sincerely, Margaret Fronefield
As a student who lives in coconut grove and went to high school in coconut grove
the commute to school was miserable and always unpredictable thanks to traffic
from Ransom and Carrollton. There is absolutely no need for another private school
PZ. 2
to be built when there are already 17 schools available in 5 mile radius. Not to
6981
mention that adding this school will just further encourage more outsiders to come
HEPB
into the Grove and chaos havoc by increasing traffic since 75% of students of these
Decision
institutions live outside the Grove. On a business note, we cannot let this school skip
4121
Appeal -
out on paying real estate taxes which are to be a predicted $40 million. This harms
Malaga
Alexandr 2167 S.
the actual neighborhood residents, many of whom will not even utilize the school
Cerda Ave
a Bayshore
and will be left to suffer. This money should instead be funneled into improving the
Miami,
Dr
public school system. As a resident concerned about the environment as well I see
FL 33133
(Special
these plans are wholly unprepared. How are you going to only have 53 parking
Certificat
spaces when traffic studies advise a minimum of 123 spaces. I don't care about their
e of
plan to "replant" trees. Removing 123 trees, about half of the property's trees,
Approval)
disrupts the natural ecosystem of coconut grove and also requires the use of energy
and fossils fuels that just destroys the climate even more. Leave nature and the
jungle as it is! I plead you today to not allow the destruction of beautiful coconut
grove for profit and business!
First Last Street
Agenda
Public Comment
Name Name Address
Item
As a student who lives in coconut grove and went to high school in coconut grove
the commute to school was miserable and always unpredictable thanks to traffic
PZ. 3
from Ransom and Carrollton. There is absolutely no need for another private school
6982
to be built when there are already 17 schools available in 5 mile radius. Not to
HEPB
mention that adding this school will just further encourage more outsiders to come
Decision
into the Grove and chaos havoc by increasing traffic since 75% of students of these
4121
Appeal -
institutions live outside the Grove. On a business note, we cannot let this school skip
Malaga
2167 S.
out on paying real estate taxes which are to be a predicted $40 million. This harms
Alexandr
Cerda Ave
Bayshore
the actual neighborhood residents, many of whom will not even utilize the school
a
Miami,
Dr,
and will be left to suffer. This money should instead be funneled into improving the
FL 33133
(Special
public school system. As a resident concerned about the environment as well I see
Certificat
these plans are wholly unprepared. How are you going to only have 53 parking
e of
spaces when traffic studies advise a minimum of 123 spaces. Furthermore, removing
Appropri
123 trees, about half of the property's trees, disrupts the natural ecosystem of
ateness)
coconut grove and also requires the use of energy and fossils fuels that just destroys
the climate even more. Leave nature and the jungle as it is! I plead you today to not
allow the destruction of beautiful coconut grove for profit and business!
As a resident of Coconut Grove for 39 years, all of it spent in the North Grove, I
have witnessed the explosion of traffic on our charming, two-lane arteries during
PZ. 2
peak travel hours in the morning and afternoon. As you know, it is impossible and
6981
downright dangerous to travel on Tigertail Avenue due to Ransom Everglades Middle
HEPB
School. Adding another school with hundreds of additional cars is a slap in the face
1624
Decision
of residents already coping with the status quo. Most of the parents with children at
Micanop
Appeal-
Carrollton are NOT residents of Miami. Equally disturbing is the plan that Carrollton
Lisa Treister y
2167 S.
School has put forth, which will turn a beautiful, tranquil property into a massive
Avenue,
Bayshore
hunk of concrete. Not only is it completely out of scale with the neighborhood, but it
Miami,
Dr
also presents an environmental challenge to drainage and water run-off ... not to
FL 33133
(Special
mention the design of a pool to hang over the bluff and the destruction of so many
Certificat
trees. In summary, why should you vote "No" to the destruction of Villa Woodbine?
e of
Six simple reasons: -- Scale -- Footprint -- Canopy -- Soil -- Bluff -- Traffic I urge you
Approva l)
to vote NO. Thank you for your time and consideration. Lisa Treister 1624 Micanopy
Avenue Miami, FL 33133
PZ. 2
6981
As a City of Miami resident, a coconut grove resident, I am opposed to increasing
HEPB
the global footprint in this beautiful area. There already exists a surplus of
4121
Decision
traffic,cars, emissions polluting this area. It is absurd to believe that the 50 parking
Appeal -
Malaga
slots will suffice when traffic studies advise a minimum of 123 spaces. This disparity
Gerace
Graciela Avenue,
2167 S.
will only mean more cars in the surrounding areas. There is also no clear
Cerda
Bayshore
Miami,
explanation to the lack of property tax payments for the proposed school. This only
FL 33133
Dr
benefits the business of the school. The for profit business. Do not give them a
(Special
break -use those taxes for our existing public schools!! 40 million would serve far
Certificat
more children than the elite who will choose to attend this institution.
e of
Approva l)
PZ. 3
6982
HEPB
As a City of Miami resident, a coconut grove resident, I am opposed to increasing
Decision
the global footprint in this beautiful area. There already exists a surplus of
4121
Appeal -
traffic,cars, emissions polluting this area. It is absurd to believe that the 50 parking
Malaga
2167 S.
slots will suffice when traffic studies advise a minimum of 123 spaces. This disparity
Gerace
Graciela Avenue,
Bayshore
will only mean more cars in the surrounding areas. There is also no clear
Cerda
Miami FL
Dr,
explanation to the lack of property tax payments for the proposed school. This only
33133
(Special
benefits the business of the school. The for profit business. Do not give them a
Certificat
break - use those taxes for our existing public schools!! 40 million would serve far
e of
more children than the elite who will choose to attend this institution.
Appropri
ateness)
First Last
Name Name
Judith Paul
Rhian Purdy
Street Agenda
Address Item Public Comment
As a 28 yr. resident of Spring Garden I stand in opposition to the "single-family"
residence proposed for 713 NW 7th St. Road. I walk by that site almost every day. It
strains my credulity to imagine a 5 bedroom "family home", plus studio space, loft,
1000 NW PZ. 4
wet bar, pool deck, and apparently a carport for a single vehicle -- all this jammed
North 7718
onto a small lot on the Seybold Canal. I dont believe for a minute that this is
River HEPB
motivated by a family's desire for a home in this historic neighborhood. This house is
Drive, Decision
out of scale, incongruous and unflattering to its neighbors. It is built over the whole
Unit#121 Appeal -
lot. If it were to be constructed it would no doubt be repurposed as an Air B&B within
Miami 713 NW
a very short time. This sort of exploitation is happening in many residential areas of
33136 7 St Rd
Miami Beach and it doesn't enhance the neighborhoods at all -- it just overtakes
them. I ask the Commission to uphold the decision of the HEP Board and DENY this
appeal.
School expansion violates 1.Tree Canopy Preservation protected by the
Environmental Preservation District. 2. Historical land topography protected by the
Environmental Preservation District. 3. Sustainable and responsible growth for
Historic community. 4. Citizens and tax payer lifestyle and quality of life. 5.
Measures that: protect against run off and point source pollution and contribute to
reduction in greenhouse gases. Land development in the Grove continues to be
perpetuated by a compass not of collaboration and preservation but one of
greed/money/political affiliations. There are plenty of areas in southern Florida that
do not suffer the life long detrimental costs from progress and would provide citizens
PZ. 2
the benefits of private schools and upgrading of homes and shops. WE CANNOT
6981
GET BACK what we are loosing daily at a rapid rate in the grove due to violations of
HEPB
home construction, towering complexes, and addition of new schools. Our roads are
2993 Decision
congested, out homes becoming densely packed, and our heritage lost. This is more
Ruth Appeal -
than a loss of old growth canopies which cannot be replaced, this is a violation of
Street 2167 S.
sustainability and a lack of a vision of growth which meets each communities needs.
Miami Bayshore
" Coconut Grove was founded in 1873 by an eclectic mix of pioneers, artists,
Florida Dr
intellectuals and adventurers. It was and should be preserved as a tropical oasis
33133 (Special
offering a warm, laid-back atmosphere with charming boutiques, galleries, gourmet
Certificat
restaurants, sidewalk cafes and sailboats:' I implore the politicians to maintain the
e of
neighborhoods' distinct bohemian flair as well as protecting out lush canopy, one
Approval)
story business districts, Bohemian cottages, and lime stone topography. The Grove
should be preserved for the citizens, the heritage, and economic prosperity from
potential visitors who come to see the uniqueness. WE ARE NOT BRICKELL and we
are losing our identity I vote and will always vote to protect us from developers who
have large pocket books and violate precedent laws and the uniqueness of our
community for the narcissistic desires which do not support those of us who live in
the Grove. WE DO NOT AND CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THE WOODBINE
SCHOOL IN THE GROVE. Thank you. No vote to 6981 & 6982 Opposed to
Carrollton School at Villa Woodbine. Rhian Purdy M.D.,M.Ed. 2993 Ruth street
Miami Florida 33133
End of Report