HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubnittal-Dickman, Andrew-Objection to City of Miami-Proposed Comprehensive e Plan Text AmendmentSubmitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
Ewan, Nicole on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
From: Mendez, Victoria
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2020 11:04 AM
Subject: FW: City of Miami - Proposed Comprehensive e Plan Text Amendment - File ID 7291
Attachments: Settlement Agreement - Cover Letter and Resolutions - 2010 (00106691xE1 F64).PDF; Settlement
Agreement - Exhibit 1 - Stipulated Settlement Agreement (00106690xEl F64).PDF; Settlement
Agreement - Exhibit A - Statement of Intent - 2010 (00106689xE1 F64).PDF; Settlement Agreement -
Exhibit B - Remedial Actions - 2010 (00106688xE1 F64).PDF; Opinion Brisas 102407
(00056771 xE1 F64).PDF; Opinion Hurricane Cove 080807 (00059103xE1 F64).PDF; Opinion - Coastal
082907 (00057006xE1 F64).PDF
Honorable Mayor and Commissioners
Please note objection from Attorney Andrew Dickman and his clients on item PZ5 regarding the comprehensive plan
change that will allow hotels in industrial areas. Thank you.
Todd
Please make sure this is placed in the public record as well.
From: Andrew Dickman <andrew@dickmanlawfirm.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 3:54 PM
To: Mendez, Victoria <VMendez@miamigov.com>
Cc: Matthew McConnell <matthew@dickmanlawfirm.org>
Subject: FW: City of Miami - Proposed Comprehensive e Plan Text Amendment - File ID 7291
CAUTION: This is an email from an external source. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
sender and know the content is safe.
Victoria,
I represent the Miami River Marine Group and Antillean Shipping. They brought to my attention that the city is
proposing the above referenced text amendments to the comprehensive plan. They provided me with a notice of the
virtual public hearing on this matter scheduled tomorrow and the requirement to submit documentation by 5 pm
today.
To that end, I provided my clients a quick summary of the settlement and cases involving the city and the port of Miami
River plus the relevant documents. I am forwarding all this to you in the interest of time since I am not able to
appropriately participate in the hearing.
I believe it is too important an issue to conduct this in a virtual hearing. My clients are now telling me that they cannot
upload the attached files. I realize the governor's executive order waived the physical quorum requirement but the
underlying AGO did not lower the bar on the public's right to reasonably participate.
I would suggest that the content of this matter is so significant that the normal use of the word "reasonable" is much
higher than allowing someone to submit information and call in.
I am therefore asking you to stop this hearing and more importantly look into the substantive issues related to the text
amendments. It would be very easy to exempt out those marine industrial areas to preclude motels and hotels.
7291 Submittal -Dickman, Andrew -Objection to City of Miami -Proposed Comprehensive a Plan Text Amendment
I have another issue with a letter promised by Sue Trone and Francisco on the Brisas rezoning, but the text amendment
is the most pressing today. Submitted Into the public
You can call my cell anytime. 305-335-1303. record for Item(S) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Thank you, Andrew
From: Andrew Dickman
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 3:35 PM
To: Roselvic Noguera <rnoguera@antillean.com>; markbailey@miamirivermarinegroup.org
Cc: Matthew McConnell <matthew@dickmanlawfirm.org>
Subject: City of Miami - Proposed Comprehensive e Plan Text Amendment - File ID 7291
Dear Ms. Noguera (Antillean Shipping) and Mr. Bailey (the Miami River Marine Group):
The attached documents should be entered into the record in connection with the above matter. The documents
together are the "settlement" of your 2010 appeal of the comprehensive plan text amendments which would have
eliminated any all reference to and protection of the Port of Miami River working waterfront. I've separated the
documents for ease of use do to the size when scanned. Below is a brief synopsis.
From 2003 to 2010, the Miami River Marine Group (inclusive of Antillean Marine), the late Captain Beau Payne, and the
Durham Park Neighborhood Association successfully challenged the City's rezoning properties on the Miami River from
marine industrial to restricted commercial large condominium. I was and still am your attorney. Also attached are the
district court opinions. When the City did not prevail in court, in 2008, it used the statutory requirement to evaluate its
comprehensive plan, a process called "Evaluation and Appraisal Report" (EAR), to propose EAR -based text amendments
to the comprehensive plan. These amendments would have eliminated any all reference to and protection of the Port
of Miami River working waterfront, as stated above. You lobbied the state land planning agency, at that time known as
the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), to opposed those amendments pertaining to the Port of Miami River
working waterfront. DCA found these amendment "Not In Compliance" and put the City on notice of this in 2009. The
DCA and the City began negotiating through mediation and you fought successfully to intervened in this process. In
2010, the parties entered into a Stipulated Settlement Agreement (settlement) adopted by the City on July 22, 2010 by
resolution. The substantive feature of the settlement is the "Remedial Actions" which caused the adoption of extensive
text amendments to the City's comprehensive plan. Those amendments are still in the comprehensive plan.
In my opinion, the above referenced text amendments violate the settlement and remedial action primarily because the
City is allowing "Hotel/Motel" uses on lands designated as part of the Port of Miami River zoned marine industrial. The
district court cases addressed this very issue — what happens when marine industrial land on the Miami River is
"converted" to non -water depended and water -related. In the opinion of the court, this will systematically deplete
available land to maintain the Port of Miami River and introduce incompatible uses adjacent to the working river. These
court opinions, in my opinion, fall under a doctrine called "law of the case," which essentially precludes parties from
relitigating an issue already resolved by the appellate court. In other words, the City will have to show why these
amendments are different from the ruling in 2010.
The attached settlement documents are:
1. The transmittal letter from the City to DCA of the resolutions adopting the settlement and remedial actions;
2. Exhibit A— DCA's statement of intent to find the 2008 text amendments "Not In Compliance";
3. Exhibit 1—the executed settlement agreement; and
4. Exhibit B—the Remedial text amendments.
I will attempt to communicate your concerns with the City Attorney and request that the City exclude the Port of Miami
River from the proposed amendments.
Best regards, Andrew
Andrew Dickman, Esq., AICP
DICKMAN LAW FIRM
(239) 434-0840
www.dickmanlawfirm.org
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Note: This is a confidential email communication. If you are not the indended reciepient,
please immediately contact me and delete the email. Thank you for your cooperation.
C�ttg o'f �Ct�i�it
July 26, 2010
Mr. Richard Shine
Florida Department of Community Affairs
Office of the General Counsel
2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100
(850) 488-4925
Submitted-i-n#o-the public --
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
CARLOS A. MIGOYA
City Manager
Re: Transmittal of Adopted Stipulated Settlement Agreement and Remedial Actions to the
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan (MCNP) related to the Port of the Miami
River portion of the 2008 EAR -Based Amendments.
Dear Mr. Shine:
Please find attached the adopted Stipulated Settlement Agreement and Remedial Actions related
to the Port of the Miami River -related portions of the 2008 EAR -Based Amendments. The
settlement agreement was adopted by the City Commission at a public hearing on July 22, 2010
as Resolution R-10-0327. The Remedial Actions were adopted at the same public hearing as
Ordinance 13189. The Intervenor signed the agreement immediately following the City
Commission's adoption. The Agreement includes all conditions that were agreed upon during
the phone conference that was held between the City, DCA, and the Intervenor on June 21, 2010.
The Stipulated Settlement Agreement includes Exhibit A, the Department's Statement of Intent,
and Exhibit B, Remedial Actions required for compliance. The Remedial Actions include
proposed Amendments to the MCNP and supporting Data and Analysis.
The City anticipates that the Department will sign the Stipulated Settlement Agreement and allow the
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan to come fully into compliance with Florida Statutes. If
you have any questions, please direct them to Harold Ruck, Chief Planner of the Community
Planning Section at 305-416-1424.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
444 S.W. 2nd Avenue, 3rd Floor / Miami, Florida 33130 / (305) 416-1400 / Fax: (305) 416-2156
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 330708 Miami, Florida 33233-070
Mr. Richard Shine
July 23, 2010
Page 2 of 2
-Su bm- itted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Copies of this transmittal are being sent concurrently to the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, District Six Office of the Florida Department of Transportation
Florida Department of State, South Florida Regional Planning Council, South Florida Water
Management District, Florida Department of Education, and Miami -Dade County Planning and
Zoning Department, as well as the Intervenor.
g Department
Documents Included
CC: Carlos Migoya, City Manager, City of Miami
Horacio S. Agirre, Chairperson, Mayor's Transition Committee
Tomas Regalado, Mayor, City of Miami
Bill Pable, Community Program Administrator, DCA
Mike McDaniel, Chief of Comprehensive Planning, DCA
Ray Eubanks, Plan Processing Administrator, DCA
Andrew Dickman, Legal Council, Miami River Marine Group
Fran Sohnsack, Executive Director, Miami River Marine Group
Jim Quinn, Environmental Manager, Department of Environmental Protection
Phil Steinmiller, Planning Section, FDOT District 6
Susan Harp, Historic Preservation Planner, Department of State
Rachel M. Kalin, South Florida Regional Planning Council
Jim Jackson, A.I.C.P., Senior Supervisor Planner, SF Water Management District
Tracy D. Suber, Department of Education
Mark Woerner, Chief of Metropolitan Planning, Miami -Dade DPZ
CITY COMMISSION
FACT SHEET
File ID: 08-00223ctl
Submitted into tme -PUD11C
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
PZ.2
Title: A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENTS, APPROVING THE STIPULATED SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AFFAIRS ("DCA") AND THE INTERVENOR, "THE MIAMI RIVER MARINE
GROUP INC.", REGARDING A PENDING DISPUTE OVER CERTAIN
AMENDMENTS TO THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD
PLAN ("MCNP") AFFECTING THE MIAMI RIVER; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT,
IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM ATTACHED; DIRECTING THE PLANNING
DIRECTOR TO SUBMIT AN AMENDMENT TO THE MCNP IN THE
MANNER PROVIDED BY THE STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT.
Applicant(s): Carlos A. Migoya, City Manager, on behalf of the City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 250-5400
Purpose: This will approve the Stipulated Settlement Agreement with the Department
of Community Affairs and the intervenor, "Miami River Marine Group, Inc."
Finding(s):
Planning Department: Recommended approval.
Background
and Analysis: See supporting documentation.
City Commission: July 22, 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
P Z. 3
FIRST READING
CITY COMMISSION
FACT SHEET
File ID:
08-00223ct2
Title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED,
THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING, ADDING, AND DELETING GOALS,
OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES OF THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT,
PORTS, AVIATION AND RELATED FACILITIES PORT OF MIAMI RIVER
SUB -ELEMENT AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT OF THE CITY'S
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS REQUIRED BY CHAPTER 163, PART II,
FLORIDA STATUTES, TO INCORPORATE THE PLAN AMENDMENTS
PURSUANT TO THE STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE INTERVENOR "THE MIAMI RIVER MARINE GROUP,
INC.", THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, AND THE CITY OF
MIAMI; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTALS TO AFFECTED AGENCIES;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Applicant(s):
Carlos A. Migoya, City Manager, on behalf of the City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 250-5400
Purpose:
This will allow required amendments to the Comprehensive Neighborhood
Plan based on the Stipulated Settlement Agreement between the intervenor,
"Miami River Marine Group, Inc.", the Department of Community Affairs and
the City of Miami.
Finding(s):
Planning Department: Recommended approval.
Background
and Analysts: See supporting documentation.
City Commission: July 22, 2010
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mittedinto-thelmb1Tc—
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Background and Analysis
Per Florida Statutes, all local governments shall adopt Comprehensive Plan
Amendments based on a state required and adopted Evaluation and Appraisal
Report (EAR) of its Comprehensive Plan. The City adopted its EAR document
December 2005, and is required to adopt amendments to its Comprehensive Plan
based on EAR recommendations.
On January 6, 2009, the City of Miami received issuant of the Department of
Community Affairs (DCA) Statement of Intent and Notice of Intent finding the
adopted EAR Based Amendments In Compliance with the exception of Goal PA-3,
Objective PA-3.1 and Policies PA-3.1.1 to 3.1.9, Objective PA-3.2, and Policy PA-
3.2.1, Objective PA-3.3 and Policy PA-3.3.1, Objective PA-3.4, and Policies PA-
3.4.1 to 3.4.4 and Policy LU-1.4.10 that were found Not In Compliance.
On October 16, 2009, the City bf Miami entered into mediation between Intervenor,
"Miami River Marine Group, Inc." the Department of Community Affairs and the City
of Miami in efforts to resolve dispute.
On May 27, 2010, the City Commission held a duly noticed public hearing, at which
time it discussed the proposed compromised language regarding the Miami River
Sub -element; at which time it voted to transmit the plan amendment and Stipulated
Settlement Agreement to the Department of Community Affairs for approval. This will
allow required amendments to the Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan based on a
Stipulated Settlement Agreement between Intervenor, "Miami River Marine Group
Inc.", the Department of Community Affairs, and the City of Miami to bring the entire
Comprehensive Plan into compliance.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Gti 1'. QF` City of Miami
F� -
9 Legislation
Resolution
File Number: 08-00223ct1
Submitted Onto -the publie
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
City Hail
3500 Pan American
Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamlgov.com
llnal Action Date:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENTS,
APPROVING THE STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ("DCA") AND THE
INTERVENOR, "THE MIAMI RIVER MARINE GROUP INC.", REGARDING A
PENDING DISPUTE OVER CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ("MCNP") AFFECTING THE MIAMI
RIVER; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE STIPULATED
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM ATTACHED;
DIRECTING THE PLANNING DIRECTOR TO SUBMIT AN AMENDMENT TO THE
MCNP IN THE MANNER PROVIDED BY THE STIPULATED SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT. .
WHEREAS, the City adopted Comprehensive Plan Amendment (EAR -Based Plan Amendment)
by Ordinance No. 13043 on November 13, 2008, which is sometime known as Miami 08-1 ER; and,
WHEREAS, the Department issued .its Statement and Notice of Intent regarding the
Amendments op January 6,2009 and found the EAR Based Plan Amendments to be in compliance
with the exception as set forth below; and,
WHEREAS, as set forth in the Statement of Intent, the Department contends that the
following Amendments: Goal PA-3; Objective PA-3.1, and Policies PA-3.1.1 to 3.1.9; Objective PA-3.2,
and Policy PA-3.2.1 ; Objective PA-3.3, and Policy PA-3.3.1; Objective PA- 3.4, and Policies PA-3.4.1
to 3.4.4; Policy LU-1.4.10 are not "in compliance" because it fails to insure the protection of
recreational and commercial working waterfronts as required by Section 342.07, Florida Statutes; as
well as Chapter 163 II, Florida Statutes, the State Comprehensive Plan, Rule 9J-5, Florida
Administrative Code, and the Strategic Regional Policy Plan for South Florida; and,
WHEREAS, the pursuant to Section 163.3148(10) Florida Statues, DCA has initiated the
above -styled formal administrative proceeding challenging the Amendment; and
WHEREAS, the "Miami River Marine Group" challenged the MCNP amendments and is an
Intervener- in the Challenge proceedings; and'
WHEREAS, the City disputes the allegations of the Statement of Intent regarding the
Amendment; and
WHEREAS, on October 16, 2009., the City enter into mediation between the Intervener, "Miami
River Marine Group, Inc.", the Department of Community Affairs, and the City of Miami in efforts to
resolve .dispute; and
WHEREAS, subsequently the City made changes to the foregoing EAR based Plan
Amendments requested by DCA; and.
Gitp of Miami Page 1 of File Id: 08-00223at1 (Mersiott: I) Printed On: 71912010
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record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Re Number.' 08-00223ctl
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2010, the City Commission held a duly noticed public hearing, at
which time it discussed the proposed language regarding the Miami River Sub -element of the City of
Miami Comprehensive Plan; at which time it voted to direct the Administration to open dialog with
stakeholders and return to City Commission with a settlement proposal within 30 days; and
WHEREAS, on April 15, 2010, upon Commission request, the City of Miami held a
stakeholders meeting to review and finalize proposed Port of Miami River Sub -element; and
WHEREAS, on May 27, 2010, the City Commission held a duly noticed public hearing, at which
time It discussed the proposed compromise language regarding the Miami River Sub -element of the
City of Miami Comprehensive Plan; at which time it directed staff to proceed with the plan amendment
and settlement agreement; and
WHEREAS, DCA, the Intervener "Miami River Marine Group Inc." and the City have been able
to amicably resolve their differences over the Miami River related amendments in the manner set forth
in the Settlement Agreement and its exhibits which amendments have addressed the need to protect
and foster recreational and commercial working waterfronts in the manner provided by the laws of the
State of Florida; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to accomplish the purposes outlined in the
accompanying Stipulated Settlement Agreement and City Commission agenda memorandum, a copy
of which is incorporated by reference, and has conducted a public hearing in compliance with the
requirements of section 163.3184(16), Florida Statutes and further directs the Planning Director to
transmit the Stipulated Settlement Agreement to the Department of Community Affairs for approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA,
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are adopted
by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth In this Section.
Section 2. This City Commission hereby approves the Stipulated Settlement Agreement with
the Florida Department of Community Affairs ("DCA") and the Intervener, "Miami River Marine Group
Inc." relating to the pending dispute styled Florida Department of Community Affairs, Petitioner and the
Miami River Marine Group, Inc., Intervener vs. the City of Miami, Respondent, (DOAH Case No. 09-
0969GM, In Re.: MCNPAmendment 08-9ER) in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1
and made a part hereof. This City Commission further authorizes the City Manager to execute the
Stipulated Settlement Agreement for and on behalf of the City of Miami and directs the Planning
Director to submit an amendment to the MCNP in the manner provided by the Stipulated Settlement
Agreement to DCA for approval.
Section 3. In accordance with the provisions of Sections 163.3184(16) and 163.3184(15) (b)(2)
and (15)(e), Florida Statutes, and § 62-31(e) (6) of the Code of the City of Miami, the following
schedule shall govern: the ordinance approving the application to amend the MCNP shall be
considered at public hearing on July 22, 2010, or as soon thereafter as It may be heard.
Section 4. The effective date of this plan amendment shall be the date a final order Is Issued
by the Department of Community Affairs or Administration Commission finding the amendment in
City, of Mianti Page 2 of 3 File Id. 08-00223ct1 (TIarsion: I) Printed On: 71912010
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Fite Number 08-00223ct1
compliance in accordance with Section 163.3184(1)(b), Florida Statutes, whichever is applicable. No
development orders, development permits,•or land uses. dependent on this amendment may be issued
or commence before It has become effective. If a final order of noncompliance is issued by -the
Administration Commission, this amendment may nevertheless be made effective by adoption of a
resolution affirming its effective status, a copy of which resolution shall be sent to the Florida
Department of Community Affairs, Division of Community Planning, and Plan Processing Team. {1)
Section 5. If the state land planning agency issues a notice of intent to find that this plan
amendment transmitted in compliance with Section 163.3184(1)(b), Florida Statutes, any affected
person may file a petition with the agency within 21 days after the publication of notice. In this
proceeding, the amendment shall. be determined to be in compliance If the City's determination of
compliance is fairly debatable.
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM AND CORRECTNESS;
JULIE • B_ROW"�_
CITYATTORNEY
Footnotes;
(1) If the Mayor does not sign this Resolution, it shall become effective at the end of ten calendar
days from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Resolution, it shall
become effective immediately upon override of the veto by the City Commission.
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SubmittedSUbmitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
op., City of Miami City Hall
3500 Pan American
Drive
Legislation Miami, FL33133
�y rip www.miamigov.com
Ordinance
Tile Number, 08-00223ct2 FInal Action Dnte.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
BYAMENDING., ADDING, AND DELETING GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES
OF THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT, PORTS, AVIATION AND RELATED
FACILITIES PORT OF MIAMI RIVER SUB-ELEMENTAND'COASTAL
MANAGEMENT ELEMENT OF THE •CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS
REQUIRED BY CHAPTER 163., PART II, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO INCORPORATE
THE PLAN AMENDMENTS PURSUANT TO THE STIPULATED SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE INTERVENOR "THE MIAMI RIVER MARINE
GROUP, INC.", THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, AND THE CITY
OF MIAMI; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTALS TO AFFECTED AGENCIES;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 163, Part II, Florida Statutes (F.S.), the Miami Comprehensive
Neighborhood Plan (MCNP) was adopted by the City Commission of the City Miami by Ordinance No.
10544 on February 9, 1989; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 163, Part II, F.S. and Chapter 9J-5, -Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)
required that each local government periodically updated its comprehensive plan through the
preparation and adoption .of an evaluation and appraisal report assessing the success or failure of the
adopted comprehensive plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission adopted the Evaluation and Appraisal Report on December
1st, 2005; and
WHEREAS, R-05-0707, adopting the 2005 Evaluation Appraisal Report (EAR), indicated that
the City of Miami shall consider amendment of the MCNP based on recommendations in the EAR and
shall consider updating the comprehensive plan in accordance with Sections 163.3184, 163.3187, and
163.3191, F.S.; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 163, Part II, F.S., requires that each local government incorporate
recommendations contained in the Evaluation and Appraisal Report as amendments to the MCNP; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami in furtherance of public participation In the oomprehensive
planning process through Its local planning agency, the Planning Advisory Board, held various
workshops and public hearings relative to the EAR amendments; and
WHEREAS, the Miami •Planning Advisory Board, at its meeting on April 30, 2008, Item No. 1,
following an advertised public hearing, adopted by Resolution No. PAB 08-014, by a vote of eight to
City of Miand Page I of 4 Ric Id: 08-00223ct2 (Version, 1) Printed On: "12010
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Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
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File Number: 08-00223ct2
zero (8-0), recommending APPROVAL with modifications of text amendments to the MCNP; and
WHEREAS, the Miami Planning Advisory Board, at its meeting on April 30, 2008, 'Item No. 1,
following an advertised public hearing, adopted by Resolution No. PAB 08-014a, by a vote of six to two
(6-2), recommending DENIAL of the proposed Miami River Sub -Element as presented by the Planning
Department; and
WHEREAS, on May 8, 2008, the City Commission held a duly noticed public hearing, at which
time it considered the recommended changes In the review comments, from staff, and from members
of the public; and
WHEREAS, the public hearing held on May 8, 2008 was recessed and the City Commission
continued this public hearing until May 13, 2008, at which time the City Commission deliberated,
discussed and took action on the EAR based amendments; at which time it voted to transmit the
amendments for review by state, region and local agencies as required by law; and
WHEREAS, on July 18, 2008, the City of Miami received the Department of Community Affairs
(DCA) report entitled Objections, Recommendations and Comments (ORC); and
WHEREAS, following Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) review of the
amendments to the MCNP and a finding of insufficiency by Florida Department of Community Affairs
(DCA), the City Commission of the City of Miami on July 24, 2008, adopted amendments to the MCNP
based on the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Objections, Recommendations and
Comments (ORC) Report of July 18, 2008"; and
WHEREAS, on January 6, 2009, the City of Miami received Issuant of the Department of
Community Affairs (DCA) Statement of Intent and Notice of Intent finding the adopted EAR Based
Amendments In Compliance with the exception of Goal PA-3, Objective PA-3.1 and Policies PA-3.1.1
to 3.1.9, Objective PA-3.2, and Policy PA-3.2.1, Objective PA-3.3 and Policy PA-3.3.1, Objective
PA-3.4, and Policies PA-3.4.1 to 3.4.4 and Policy LU-1.4.10 that were found Not In Compliance as
attached in Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, on October 16, 2009, the City of Miami enter Into mediation between the
Intervenor, "The Miami River Marine Group, Inc.", the Department of Community Affairs, and the City
of Miami in efforts to resolve dispute; and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2010, the City Commission held a duly noticed public hearing, at
which time It discussed the proposed language regarding the Miami River Sub -element of the City of
Miami Comprehensive Plan; at which time It voted to direct the Administration to open dialog with
stakeholders and return to City Commission with a settlement proposal within 30 days; and
WHEREAS, on April 15, 2010, upon Commission request, the City of Miami held a
stakeholders meeting to review and finalize proposed Port of Miami River Sub -element; and
WHEREAS, on May 27, 2010, the City Commission held a duly noticed public hearing, at which
time It discussed the proposed compromise language regarding the Miami River Sub -element of the
City of Miami Comprehensive Plan; at which time It directed the Planning Director to proceed with the
plan amendment and compliance agreement; and
City oflia ni Page 2 of 4 Me Id. 08-00223ct2 Ne:sion:1) Printed On: 71912010
SuUfttted into the public—,
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
File Number., 08-00223ct2
WHEREAS, the City Commission after careful consideration of this matter deems it advisable
and in the best Interest of the general welfare of the City of Miami and its inhabitants to amend the
Future Land Use Element, Ports, Aviation and Related Facilities Port of Miami River. sub -element and
Coastal Management Element of the MCNP as hereinafter set forth and transmit to the .Department of
Community Affairs for approval.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained In the Preamble to this Ordinance are hereby
adopted by reference thereto and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this Section,
Section 2. Ordinance No.10544, as amended, the MCNP, is hereby, amended by amending
the text of the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of said Ordinance as attached in "Exhibit B". f1)
Section 3. The City Manager is directed to instruct the Director of the Planning Department to
immediately transmit certified copies of this Ordinance and the amended MCNP to the Florida
Department of Comm unity Affairs, Tallahassee, Florida; South Florida Regional Planning Council,
Hollywood, Florida; and any other public official or government agency requesting a copy for statutorily
mandated review.
Section 4. If any section, part of section, paragraph, clause, phrase, or word of this Ordinance is
declared invalid, the remaining provisions -of this Ordinance shall not be affected.
Section 5. The effective date of this plan amendment shall be the date a final order is issued by
the Department of Community Affairs or Administration Commission finding the amendment In
compliance In accordance with Section 163.3184(1)(b), Florida Statutes, whichever is applicable. No
development orders, development permits, or land uses dependent on this amendment may be issued
or commence before it has become effective. If a final order of noncompliance is issued by the
Administration Commission, this amendment may nevertheless be made effective by adoption of a
resolution affirming its effective status., a copy of which resolution shall. be sent to the Florida
Department of Community Affairs, Division of Community Planning, and Plan Processing Team. {2}
Section 6. If the state land planning agency issues a notice of intent to find that this plan
amendment transmitted In compliance with Section 163.3184(1)(b), Florida Statutes, any affected
person may file a petition with the agency within 21 days after the publication of notice. In this
proceeding, the amendment shall be determined to be in compliance if the City's determination of
compliance is fairly debatable.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
JULIE O.
CITY ATTORNEY
Footnotes:
City of Miami Page 3 of 4 File Id: 08-00223ca (Perslou:1) Printed On. 71912010
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record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Flle Number., 08-00223ct2
{1} Words and/or figures stricken through shall be deleted. Underscored words and/or figures
shall be added. The remaining provisions are now in effect and remain unchanged.
{2} This Ordinance shall become effective as specified herein unless vetoed by the Mayor within
ten days from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Ordinance, it shall
become effective at the date stated herein, whichever is later.
City of Miami Page 4 of 4 File a 08-00223c12 Mersion: 1) Printed On: 71912010
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record for item(s) PZ.5,
.�,s� 0F,, City of Miami
Mayor Signature Report
Meeting Date: July 22, 2010
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number Title Enactment Number
08-0022301 Resolution Enactment No: R-10-0327
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENTS,
APPROVING THE STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ("DCA") AND THE INTERVENOR, "THE
MIAMI RIVER MARINE GROUP INC.", REGARDING A PENDING DISPUTE OVER
CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD
PLAN ("MCNP") AFFECTING THE MIAMI RIVER; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM ATTACHED; DIRECTING THE PLANNING
DIRECTOR TO SUBMITAN AMENDMENT TO THE MCNP IN THE MANNER
PROVIDED BY THE STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT.
Sign
08-00223ct2 Ordinance
Veto
Enactment No: 13189
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
BYAMENDING, ADDING, AND DELETING GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES
OF THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT, PORTS, AVIATION AND RELATED
FACILITIES PORT OF MIAMI RIVER SUB -ELEMENT AND COASTAL
MANAGEMENT ELEMENT OF THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS
REQUIRED BY CHAPTER 163, PART II, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO INCORPORATE
THE PLAN AMENDMENTS PURSUANT TO THE STIPULATED SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE INTERVENOR'THE MIAMI RIVER MARINE
GROUP, INC.", THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, AND THE CITY OF
MIAMI; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTALS TO AFFECTED AGENCIES;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Sign [x Veto 1771
City of Miami Page 1 of 2 Printed on 0712612010
File Number Title
Mayor Tomas Re lado ate
Mayor
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Enactment Number
The signature of the mayor indicates review and action for the items
(R-10-0327, 13189). If any item does not indicate a determination to sign or
veto, the item shall be deemed to take effect 10 days from the date of the
City Commission Action.
ATTEST:
-*AN L
LPriscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
`77 a6 10
Date
City of Miami Page 2 of 2 Printed on 0712612010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
EXHIBIT 1
STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
1
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
CASE- NO.: ***Unknown: Corot -Status Case No))
STATE OF FLORIDA
DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS,
Petitioner,
MIAMI RIVER MARINE GROUP, INC.,
Intervenor,
V.
DOAH Case No. 09- 0169GM
CITY OF MIAMI,
Respondent.
STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
THIS STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT is entered into by and between the
State of Florida, Department of Community Affairs and the City of Miami, a Florida Municipal
Corporation (City) as a complete and final settlement of all claims between the Petitioner,
Intervenor and Respondent raised in the above -styled proceeding.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the State of Florida, Department of Community Affairs (DCA or
Department), is the state land planning agency and has the authority to administer and enforce the
Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act, Chapter
163, Part Il, Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, the Cit j is a local government with the duty to adopt comprehensive plan
amendments that are "in compliance"; and
WHEREAS, the Local Government adopted Comprehensive Plan Amendment (EAR
based Plan Amendments) by Ordinance No. 13043 on November 13, 2008, which is sometimes
known Miami 08-IBR; and
r
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on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
CASE NO.: ***Unknown: Court -Status Case No))
WHEREAS, the Department issued its Statement and Notice of Intent regarding the
Amendments on January 6, 2009 and found the EAR Based Plan Amendments to be in
compliance except as set forth below ; and
WHEREAS, as set forth in the Statement of Intent, the Department contends that the
following Amendments: Goal PA- 3; Objective PA- 3.1, and Policies PA-3.1.1 to 3.1.9 ;
Objective PA- 3.2 , and Policy PA- 3.2.1 ; Objective PA- 3.3 , and Policy PA- 3.3.1; Objective
PA- 3.4, and Policies PA- 3.4.1 to 3.4.4 ; Policy LU-1.4.10 are not "in compliance" because it
fails to insure the protection of recreational and commercial working waterfi-onts as required by
Section 342.07, Florida Statutes ; as well as Chapter 163 II, Florida Statutes, the State
Comprehensive Plan, Rule 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, and the Strategic Regional Policy
Plan for South Florida; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 163.3184(10), Florida Statutes, DCA has initiated the
above -styled formal administrative proceeding challenging the Amendment; and
WHEREAS, the "Miami River Marine Group" challenged the MCNP amendments and is
an Intervenor in the challenge proceedings; and
WHEREAS, the Local Government disputes the allegations of the Statement of Intent
regarding the Amendment; and
WHEREAS, the City conducted a formal mediation with DCA and the Intervenor on
October 16, 2009; and
WHEREAS, subsequently the Local Government made changes to the foregoing EAR
based Plan Amendments requested by DCA; and
WHEREAS, the City also conducted a Stakeholder meeting with the Intervenor on April
15, 2010; and
WHEREAS, the Local Government has additionally made changes to the EAR Based
Plan Amendments requested by the Intervenor and these changes were approved, in principle, by
the City Commission on May 27, 2010 who directed they be transmitted to DCA; and
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on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
CASE NO.: ***Unknown: Court -Status Case No))
***
WHEREAS, the parties wish to avoid the expense, delay, and uncertainty of lengthy
litigation and to resolve this proceeding under the terms set forth herein, and agree it is in their
respective mutual best interests to do so;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein
below set forth, and in consideration of the benefits to accrue to each of the parties, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby represent and agree as
follows:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. Definitions. As used in this agreement, the following words and phrases shall
have the following meanings:
a. Act: The Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land
Development Regulation Act, as codified in Part II, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes.
b. Agreement: This stipulated settlement agreement.
C. Comprehensive Plan Amendment or Plan Amendment: Comprehensive
plan amendment Miami 08-1 ER, adopted by the City on November 13, 2008, as
Ordinance No. 13043, as amended by subsequent requests of DCA and the Intervenor.
d. DOAH: The Florida Division of Administrative Hearings.
e. hi compliance or into compliance: The meaning set forth in Section
163.3184(1)(b), Florida Statutes.
f. Notice: The Notice of Intent issued by the Department to which was
attached its statement of intent to find the plan amendment not in compliance.
g. Petition: The petition for administrative hearing and relief filed by the
Department in this case.
L
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on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
CASE NO.: ***Unknown: Coun-Status Case No))
**9:
h. Remedial Action: A remedial plan amendment, submission of support
document or other action described in the statement of intent or this agreement as an
action which must be completed to bring the plan amendment into compliance.
Remedial Plan Amendment: An amendment to the plan or support
document, the need for which is identified in this agreement, including its exhibits, and
which the local government must adopt to complete all remedial actions. Remedial plan
amendments adopted pursuant to this Agreement must, in the opinion of the Department,
be consistent with and substantially similar in concept and content to the ones identified
in this Agreement or be otherwise acceptable to the Department.
Statement of Intent: The statement of intent to find the Plan Amendment
not in compliance issued by the Department in this case.
k. Support Document: The studies, inventory maps, surveys, data,
inventories, listings or analyses used to develop and support the Plan Amendment or
Remedial Plan Amendment.
2. Department Powers. The Department is the state land plamiing agency and has
the power and duty to administer and enforce the Act and to determine whether the Plan
Amendment is in compliance.
3. Negotiation of Agreement. The Department issued its Notice and Statement of
Intent to find the Plan Amendment not in compliance, and filed the Petition in this case to that
effect. Subsequent to the filing of the Petition the parties conferred and agreed to resolve the
issues in the Petition, Notice and Statement of Intent through this Agreement. It is the intent of
this Agreement to resolve fully all issues between the parties in this proceeding.
4. Dismissal. If the Local Government completes the Remedial Actions required by
this Agreement, the Department will issue a cumulative Notice of Intent addressing both the
Remedial Plan Amendment and the initial Plan Amendment subject to these proceedings. The
Department will file the cumulative Notice of Intent with the DOAH. The Department will also
Submitted into the public
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on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
CASE NO.: ***Unknown: Court -Status Case No))
***
file a request to relinquish jurisdiction to the Department for dismissal of this proceeding or for
realignment of the parties, as appropriate under Section 163.3184(16)(f , Florida Statutes.
5. Descrption of Provisions not in Compliance and Remedial Actions; Legal Effect
of Agreement. Exhibit A to this Agreement is a copy of the Statement of hitent, which identifies
the provisions not in compliance. Exhibit B contains Remedial Actions needed for compliance.
Exhibits A and B are incorporated in this Agreement by this reference. This Agreement
constitutes a stipulation that if the Remedial Actions are accomplished, the Plan Amendment will
be in compliance.
6 Remedial Actions to be Considered for Adoption. The Local Government agrees
to consider for adoption by formal action of its governing body all Remedial Actions described in
Exhibit B no later than the time period provided for in this Agreement.
7 Adoption or Approval of Remedial Plan Amendments. Within 60 days after
execution of this Agreement by the parties, the Local Government shall consider for adoption all
Remedial Actions or Plan Amendments and amendments to the Support Documents. This may
be done at a single adoption hearing. Within 10 working days after adoption of the Remedial
Plan Amendment, the Local Government shall transmit 3 copies of the amendment to the
Department as provided in Rule 9J-11.0131(3), Florida Administrative Code. The Local
Government also shall submit one copy to the regional planning agency and to any other unit of
local or state government that has filed a written request with the governing body for a copy of
the Remedial Plan Amendment and a copy to any party granted intervenor status ui this
proceeding. The Remedial Plan Amendment shall be transmitted to the Department along with a
letter which describes the remedial antion adopted for each part of the plan amended, including
references to specific portions and pages.
8. Acknowledmn . All parties to this Agreement acknowledge that the "based
upon" provisions in Section 163.3184(8), Florida Statutes, do not apply to the Remedial Plan
Amendment.
6
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on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
CASE NO.: ***Unknown: Cowl -Status Case No»
gas*
9. Review of Remedial Plan Amendments and Notice of Intent. Within 30 days after
receipt of the adopted Remedial Plan Amendments and Support Documents, the Department
shall issue a Notice of Intent pursuant to Section 163.3184, Florida Statutes, for the adopted
amendments in accordance with this Agreement.
a. In Compliance: If the adopted Remedial Actions satisfy this Agreement,
the Department shall issue a cumulative Notice of Intent addressing both the Plan Amendment
and the Remedial Plan Amendment as being in compliance. The Department shall file this
cumulative notice with DOAH and shall move to realign the parties or to have this proceeding
dismissed, as may be appropriate.
b. Not in Compliance: If the Remedial Actions do not satisfy this
Agreement, the Department shall issue a Notice of Intent to find the Plan Amendment not in
compliance and shall forward the notice to DOAH for consolidation with the pending
proceeding.
10. Effect of Amendment. Adoption of any Remedial Plan Amendment shall not be
counted toward the frequency restrictions imposed upon plan amendments pursuant to Section
163.3187(1), Florida Statutes.
11. Purpose of this Agreement• Not Establishing Precedent. The parties enter into
this Agreement in a spirit of cooperation for the purpose of avoiding costly, lengthy and
unnecessary litigation acid in recognition of the desire for the speedy and reasonable resolution of
disputes arising out of or related to the Plan Amendment. The acceptance of proposals for
purposes of this Agreement is part of a negotiated agreement affecting many factual and legal
issues and is not an endorsement df, and does not establish precedent for, the use of these
proposals in any other circumstances or by any other local government.
12. Approval by Governing Body. This Agreement has been approved by the Local
Government's governing body at a public hearing advertised at least 10 days prior to the hearing
in a newspaper of general circulation in the manner prescribed for advertisements in Section
7
Submitted into the public
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on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
CASE NO.: "*"Unknown: Cows -Status Case Nos
163.3184(15)(e), Florida Statutes. This Agreement has been executed by the appropriate officer,
the City Manager, as provided in the Local Government's charter or other regulations.
13. Changes in Law. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to relieve either
party from adhering to the law, and in the event of a change in any statute or administrative
regulation inconsistent with this agreement, the statute or regulation shall take precedence and
shall be deemed incorporated in this Agreement by reference.
14. Other Persons Unaffected. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to affect
the rights of any person not a party to this Agreement. Thus Agreement is not intended to benefit
any third party.
15. Attorney Fees and Costs. Each party shall bear its own costs, including attorney
fees, incurred in connection with the above -captioned case and this Agreement.
16. Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective immediately upon
execution by the Department and the Local Govermnent.
17. Filing and Continuance. This Agreement shall be filed with DOAH by the
Department after execution by the parties. Upon the filing of this Agreement, the administrative
proceeding in this matter shall be stayed by the Administratiye Law Judge in accordance with
Section 163.3184(16)(b), Florida Statutes.
18. Retention of Right to Final Hearing. Both parties hereby retain the right to have a
final hearing in this proceeding in the event of a breach of this Agreement, and nothing in this
Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of such right. Any party to this Agreement may move to
have this matter set for hearing if it becomes apparent that any other party whose action is
required by this Agreement is not proceeding in good faith to take that action.
19. Construction of Agreement. All parties to this Agreement are deemed to have
participated in its drafting. In the event of any ambiguity in the terms of this Agreement, the
parties agree that such ambiguity shall be construed without regard to which of the parties drafted
the provision in question.
:I
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on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
CASE NO.: ***Unknown: Covet -Status Case No»
s**
20. Entire Agreement. This is the entire agreement between the parties and no verbal
or written assurance or promise is effective or binding unless included in this document.
21. Governmental Discretion Unaffected. This Agreement is not intended to bind the
Local Government in the exercise of governmental discretion which is exercisable in accordance
with law only upon the giving of appropriate public notice and required public hearings.
22. Multiple Originals. This Agreement may be executed in any number of originals,
all of which evidence one agreement, and only one of which need be produced for any purpose.
23. Captions. The captions inserted in this Agreement are for the purpose of
convenience only and shall not be utilized to construe or interpret any provision of this
Agreement.
9
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
CASE NO.: "•Unknown: Coun•Slatus Case No),
In witness whereof, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their
undersigned officials as duly authorized.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
By:
Charles Gauthier. Director
Division of Community Planning
Date
CITE' OF MI
By:
Carl igoya, City Manager
t:
Priscilla A.Thompson, CMC, ty clerk
11'���I0
Date
INTERVENOR
Miami River Marine Group, Inc.
i
B L r'
Pr ident or Other aWwripeCorporate Offichr
Date
:Attest:
Corporate Secretary
ApLvqved as to f and le lality,
Assistant General Counsel
Approved as to form and legality:
Julie O. ity Attorney
Date
(Affix Corporate Seal)
20
Submitted public -�
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Exhibit A
Statement of Intent
Submitted into ic-
record for item(s) PZ.5,
._ on 06-11-2—QZ"4. Qleirk
STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
• "Dedicated to making Florida a better place to call home"
CHARLIE CRI5T
Govemor
January 6, 2009
THOMAS G. PELHAM
Secretary
The Honorable Manuel A. Diaz
Mayor, City of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, Florida 33133
Dear mayor Diaz:
j The Department of Community Affairs (the Department) completed its review of the City of
Miami OMER comprehensive plan amendments adopted on November 13, 2008 by Ordinance Number
13043. With the exception of the specific goals, objectives, and policies identified in Table I below, the
I' Department determined that the amendments adopted by'Ordinance Number 13043 meet the requirements
of Chapter 163, Part I1, Flprida Statutes, for compliance, as defined in Subsection 163 ,3184(1)(b), Florida
\v J' Statutes.
i
The Department is issuing a Statement of Intent and a Notice of Intent to find the specific goals,
objectives, and policies listed in Table I below Not In Compliance, and the remaining amendments -
1 adopted by Ordinance Number 13043 In Compliance. The Notice of Intent has been sent to the Miami
Herald for publication on January 7, 2009.
I Table 1
Goal PA-3
Objective PA-3.1, and Polioies PA-3.1.1 to 3.1.9
I Objective PA-3.2, and Policy PA-3.2.1
■ Objective PA-3.3, and Policy PA-3.3.1
! Objective PA-3.4, and Policies PA-3.4,1 to 3.4.4
Policy LU-1.4.10
l The City's amended goals, objectives, and policies in Talale 1 (which were adopted by Ordinance
i Number 13043) fail to include strategies that will be tised to preserve recreational and commercial
' working waterfronts as required by Section 163.3178(2)(g), Florida Statutes. Accordingly, the
Department is issuing a Notice of Intent and a Statement of Intent to find the amended goals, objectives,
and policies in Table I not In Compliance.
With respect to the remaining amendments adopted by Ordinance Number 13043, the
! Department's Notice of Intent to find these plan amendments In Compliance shall be deemed to be a final
order if no timely petition challenging the amendments is filed. Any affected person may file a petition
IJ 2655 SHUMARD OAK BOULEVARD + TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-2100
860-488-8466 (p) ♦ 850-921-0781 (f) + Webslte: www dea.state.f).us
• COMMUNITY PLANNING 850468.2386(p) OV,084309(0 t FLORIDA COMMUNME6TRUST 560.9224207(p) 850.921-1747(l)
• HOUSING AND cOMMUNivyDEHBLOpmeNT 650488.7956(p) 860.922.5623(f)
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
• The Honorable Manuel A. Diaz
January 6, 2009
Page 2
with the agency within 21 days after the publication of the Notice of Intent pursuant to Section
I 1633 t 84(9), Florida Statutes. No development orders, or permits for a development, dependent on the
amendment may be Issued or commence before the plan amendment takes effect. In addition, the Notice
of Intent and the Statement of Intent will be forwarded to the Division of Administrative Hearings for the
scheduling of an administrative hearing pursuant to Section 120.57, Florida Statutes.
I
Please note that a copy of the adopted City of Miami 08-1 ER comprehensive plan amendments,
the Statement of Intent, and the Notice of Intent must be available for public inspection Monday through
Friday, except for legal holidays, during normal business hours, at the City of Miami City Hal 1, 3500 Pan
American Drive, Miami, Florida 33133. In addition, Section 163.3184(8)(c)2, Florida Statutes, requires a
local government that has an Internet site to post a copy of the Department's Notice of Intent on the site
within 5 days after receipt of the mailed copy ofthe agency's Notice of Intent.
If an affected person challenges the In Compliance portion of the Notice of Intent, you will have
the option of mediation pursuant to Subsection 163.3189(3)(a), Florida Statutes. Ifyou choose to attempt
to resolve this matter through mediation, you must file the request for mediation with the administrative
law judge assigned by the Division of Administrative Hearings. The choice of mediation will not affect
the right of any party to an administrative bearing.
Finally, the following comment regarding the requirement for the City to adopt a water supply
plan is offered for clarification, and not as a compliance issue. Objection E. I in the Department's
O Objections, Recommendations, and Comments Report noted that "The amended goals, objectives, and
policies do not require the City to adopt a 10 year water supply facilities work plan." The City
adequately responded to Objection E.1. However, the City's proposed text provides for the Plan to be
adopted by August 15, 2008, "and if not, as soon as possible before the end of the calendar year, 2008".
The quoted text should be deleted for clarity at the City's next amendment cycle, Also, the City's data
and analysis in Appendix li (see un-numbered page 7) seems to infer that the requirement to complete a
water supply plan does not apply to the City. The requirement to adopt a water supply plan does apply to
the City.
If you have any questions, please contact )Jill Pable, AICP, at (850) 922-1781 for assistance.
0
5incereiy )171
)/-)� �0
Mike McDaniel, Chief
Office of Comprehensive Planning
MDivi/bp
Enclosures: ' Notice of Intent
Statement of intent
cc: Ms. Ana Delabert-Sanchez, Planning Director, City of Miami
Ms. Carolyn A. Dekle, Executive Director, South Florida Regional Planning Council
0
—Sb-mitted- into public —
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--- •_ _..__-- __ — on 06-11-202�, Li y I _rk
STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
IN RE: CITY OF MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN AMENDMENT 08-IER; ORDINANCE
NUMBER 13043 AMENDING THE FUTURE ocket No. 08-lER-NOI-1315-(A)-(N)
LAND USE ELEMENT AND THE MIAMI
RIVER SUB -ELEMENT
STATEMENT OF INTENT TO FIND
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
NOT IN COMPLIANCE -
The Florida Department of Community Affairs, pursuant to Rule 9J-11.012(6), Florida Administrative
Code, hereby issues this Statement of Intent regarding the specific Goals, Objectives, and Policies
(GOPs) of the City of Miami 08-IER amendments identified below.
■ Goat PA-3
• Objective PA-3.1, anal Policies PA-3.1.1 to
3.1.9
■ Objective PA-3.2, and Policy PA-3.2.1
■ Objective PA-3.3, and,Policy PA-3.3.1
Objective PA-3.4, and Policies PA-3.4.1 to
3.4.4
o Policy LU-1.4.10
The specific GOPs identified above were part of the Comprehensive PIan amendment adopted by the
City of Miami in Ordinance Number 13043 on November 13; 2008, which is known as Miami 08-IER.
The Department finds the above cited GOPs Not In Compliance, based upon the Objections,
Recommendations, and Comments Report issued by the Department on July 18, 2008, which is hereby
incorporated by reference, as defined in Section 163.3184(1)(b), Florida Statutes. The Department
finds that these Comprehensive Plan amendments are Not In Compliance because they are not
consistent with Chapter 163, Part II, Florida Statutes, the State Comprehensive Pla4, Rule 9J-5,
Florida Administrative Code, and the Strategic Regional Policy Plan for South Florida,for the
following -reasons:
1. INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS
The City's revised Goals, Objectives, and Policies fail to include strategies that will be used to
preserve recreational and commercial working waterfronts as required by Section 163.3178(2)(g),
F.S., for the.following reasons:
A. Lack of meaningful and kredictable standards undermines commercial working waterfront
uses. The City's amended goals, objectives, and policies do not establish meaningful and
predictable standards for the use and development of land and provide meaningful guidelines
for the content of more detailed Iand development regulations related to preserving the
recreational and working waterfront of the Miami River. Without meaningful and predictable
strategies establishing a comprehensive plan to guide and control development along the Miami
River, the commercial working uses of the waterfront are vulnerable because of the potential
for the creation of incompatible land use patterns and piecemeal displacement by residential
uses.
Submitted into the public
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on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
B. Not based on data and analysis. The City's amended goals, objectives, and policies are not
based on data and analysis in support of the required strategies that will be used to preserve
commercial working waterfronts. The City provided a report from Lambert Advisory (i.e. the
Lambert Report), The data and analysis focuses on market viability versus strategies, and some
of the conclusions regarding market viability are questionable because they are based on faulty
or incomplete data. Furthermore, the ORC Report noted that the data and analysis must include
the information identified in the accompanying citations. However, the data and analysis does
not fully respond to the requirements in the referenced Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative
Code, and State Comprehensive Plan.
C. Not consistent with EAR. The City's amended goals, objectives, and policies are inconsistent
with the City's Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). Page 2 of the City's EAR notes that
one of the major issues is "the need for, and impacts of, equitable redevelopment and
development". The EAR text places great importance on economic development, but the EAR
based amendments related to the Port of Miami River Sub -Element are inconsistent with the
noted major issue, The City provided the Lambert Report in response to this issue. However,
the Lambert Report does not include data and analysis which explains how the continued loss
of commercial working waterfront uses is consistent with the major issue identified in the EAR.
The Lambert Report provides a market analysis of the viability of Working versus non -working
waterfront uses, but it does not adequately address the preservation of working waterfronts.
Furthermore, while the Lambert Report advocates converting various working waterfront sites
into non -working waterfront uses, it offers no analysis of how residential projects act as an
O ongoing stimulus to job creation and economic development. Therefore, the inconsistency
between the Goals, Objectives, and Policies and the Evaluation and Appraisal Report is not
resolved.
C�
D. Not internally consistent. The City's amended goals, objectives, and policies are inconsistent
with the City's Comprehensive Plan. Goal CM-2 notes that the City commits to "...preserving
traditional water dependent and water -related uses ... and minimizing user conflipts" The most
recent amended version of Goal PA-3 reads as follows. "Development along the Miami River
(hereinafter the River) shall continue to provide for.water-dependent, water -related
commercial, industrial, and recreational uses along the River and provide for residential and
mixed use development, while acknowledging the presence of the waterfront industrial district
along the River." The amended version of Goal PA-3 (and its associated Policies) does not
preserve traditional water -dependent and water -related uses, and does not minimize user
conflicts.
E. Intergovernmental coordination. The City's amended goals, objectives, and policies do not
show how the City will achieve consistent implementation of intergovernmental coordination
among the governmental endiles that have planning responsibilities related to the -Miami River.
Intergovernmental coordination will occur in a policy vacuum since there. are no strategies to
preserve commercial working waterfronts. Also, the'goals, objectives, and policies fail to
indicate how the coordination will be implemented in a consistent manner.
2
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
an 06-1 1-902 (itv_.C4erk
F. Compatibility. The City's amended goals, objectives, and policies do not ensure compatibility
and suitability of uses along the Miami River. Compatibility and suitability should be
addressed as part of the strategies to preserve recreational and Commercial working waterfronts.
However, the amendment provides no assurance that residential development would not occur
along the River in a piecemeal manner and create incompatible land uses. The City has not
adequately ensured compatibility and suitability of uses along the Miami River because action
is generally deferred to the Land Development Regulations, and it focuses primarily on
recreational waterfronts.
11. RULE AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS
The Department specifically finds these Comprehensive Plan amendments are inconsistent with the .
following rule and statutory provisions (citations are provided for each of the above five sections):
Section LA: Rules 9J-5.005(2)(6), Florida Administrative Code, and Sections .163.3177(6)(a)
and 163.3178(2)(g), Florida Statutes,
Section I.B: Rules 9J-5.005(2), 9J-5.012(2)(a)(h), Florida Administrative Code; and Sections
163.3177(1), 163.3177(6)(a), and 163.3178(2)(b)(g), Florida Statutes.
Section I.C: Rule 9J-5.012(2)(a), FloridaAdmtnistrative Code; and Sections 163.3177(1)(6)(a),
163.3178(2)(g), 163.3191 (10), Florida Statutes.
Section I.D: Rule 91-5.005(5), 9J-5.012(2)(a), Florida Administrative Code; and Sections
1.63.3177(1)(2)(6)(a), 163.3178(2)(g), 163.3187(2), Florida Statutes.
Section LE: Rules 9J-5.012(3)(c)14, 9J-5.015(3)(c)6, Florida Administrative Code; and Sections
163.3177(4) and (6)(d)(h),163.3178(2)(g), Florida Statutes.
Section I.F: Rules 9J-5.003(23), 9J-5.003(128), 9J-5.006(3)(c)1-2,�9J-5.012(3)(c)9, and 9J-
5.019(4)(c)21, Florida Administrative Code; and Sections 163.3177(6)(a) and
163.3178(2)(g), Florida Statutes,
III. RECOMMENDED REMEDIAL ACTIONS
A. The above inconsistencies identified in Section "I" may be remedied by taking the actions
listed below. The recommended remedial actions are. summarized by the -six areas of
compliance in Sections I.A through LF above.
1. Section I.A. Adopt policies to ensure that the recreational and commercial working
waterfronts are preserved, which could include the following: .
a. The establishment of Waterfront Overlay on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM),
which includes policies to guide the location of uses and assure the preservation of
commercial working waterfront uses.
3
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
I
n b. An assessment of the required number of acres of working and recreational waterfronts
required to maintain their viability, and accompanying policies to ensure that land use
amendments will not be considered that would encroach on that total.
c. The adoption of*a "no net loss" standard for commercial working waterfront uses along
the Miami River.
d. Identification of a limited number of specific sites that might be considered for
conversion to non -working waterfront uses in the future, in order to preserve the
remaining parcels for working waterfront uses.
e. A City funded financial assistance program to assist displaced working waterfront uses
to'relocate to other areas of the River if they are displaced by redevelopment.
f. Creation of a marina public access requirement so that new private residential
developments on riverfront marina sites rent a minimum percentage of their slips which
are not leased to building residents on the open market.
2. Section I.B. Provide data and analysis in support of the strategies noted above in I.A that
will be used to preserve commercial working waterfronts.
3. Section I.C. The remedial actions listed in I.A and I.B resolve this concern.
�J 4. Section I.D. The remedial actions listed in LA and I.B resolve this concern.
v 5. Section I.E. Adopt policies to indicate how the coordination will be implemented in a
consistent manner. Such strategies might include joint planning area agreements and
coordinated planning and economic development efforts to ensure the future growth and
development of working waterfronts along the Miami River.
6. Section I.F. Adopt policies to ensure compatibility and suitability of uses along the Miami
River, which could include the following:
a. Specific setbacks for all uses within the waterfront overlay referenced above in
11I.A.i.a.
b, A determination of which uses are not compatible to be located next to each other due
to visual impacts, noise impacts, dust, or fumes (i.e., diesel repair next to residential).
c. Design criteria which would orient potential residential uses in a manner to minimize
impacts through acoustic materials, site design, or other measures.
d. Require that the hours of operation of contiguous waterfront uses be taken into
consideration when considering potential FLUM amendments to convert sites to
residential use, and that the hours and nature of the working waterfront operation be a
basis for denial of the conversion of the contiguous site to residential use.
e, An assessment of whether a FLUM amendment to convert a working waterfront site to
a residential use can be served by necessary public infrastructure.
--bubmitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
- --^ _ -- _-- — __-- -_Qn 06-1 1-2020, Git_ k
JN. CONSISTENCY WITH THE STATE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A. inconsistent Provisions. The inconsistent provisions of the plan amendment under this subject
heading are listed below. The Comprehensive Plan amendment is inconsistent with the State
Comprehensive Plan goals and policies set forth in Section 187.201, Florida Statutes, including
the following provisions:
1. Transportation. The amendment is inconsistent with the Goal set forth in Paragraph
1$7.201(19)(a), Florida Statutes, and the Policy set forth in Subparagraphs
187.201(19)(b)5, Florida Statutes; and
2. The Economy. The amendment is inconsistent with the Goal set forth in Paragraph
187.201(21)(a), Florida Statutes, and the Policies set forth in Subparagraphs
187.201(21)(b) 1; 4, and 12, Florida Statutes; and
3. Agriculture. The amendment is inconsistent with the Goal set forth in Paragraph
187.201(22)(a), Florida Statutes, and the Policy set forth in Subparagraph
187.201 (22)(b) 12, Florida Statutes; and
4. Employment. The amendment is inconsistent with the Goal set forth in Paragraph
187201(24)(a), Florida Statutes, and the Policy set forth in Subparagraph 187.201(24)(b)4,
Florida Statutes; and
5. Plan Implementation. The amendment is inconsistent with the Goal set forth in Paragraph
Cb* 187.201(25)(a), Florida Statutes, and the Policies set forth in Subparagraph 187.201(25)(b)
7, 8, Florida Statutes.
B. Recommended remedial action-. These inconsistencies may be remedied by revising the
Comprehensive Plan amendment as described above in Section Ill.
V. CONSISTENCY WITH SOUTH FLORIDA STRATEGIC REGIONAL POLICY PLAN
A. Inconsistent provisions. The inconsistent provisions under this subject heading are as follows:
1. Goal 2, related to increasing employment opportunities and supporting the creation of jobs
with better pay and benefits for the Region-s workforce, of the Strategic Regional Policy
Plan,
2. Goal 8, and Policy 8.3, related to enhancing the Region's mobility and to planning land use
in and around seaports to minimize unnecessary conflipts and costs, of the Strategic
Regional Policy Plan.
3. Goal 17, and Policies 17.7 and 17.10, related to maintaining a competitive economy,
diversifying the economic base, and protectirig, marine related industries throu;h innovative
comprehensive planning and zoning regulations, of the Strategic Regional Policy Plan.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
I4. Goal 20, and Policies 20.10 and 20.I 1, related to achieving long-term efficient and
sustainable development, enhancing the roles of seaports in economic development, and
supporting the movement of freight and goods, of the Strategic Regional Policy Plan.
B. Recommended remedial action. These inconsistencies may be remedied by revising the
Comprehensive Plan amendment as described above in Section III.
CONCLUSIONS
1. The Comprehensive Plan amendments identified herein for the specific Goals, Objectives,
and Policies are not consistent with the State Comprehensive Plan.
2. The Comprehensive Plan amendments identified herein for the specific Goals, Objectives,
and Policies are not consistent with Chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code.
3. The Comprehensive Plan amendments identified herein for the specific Goals, Objectives,
and Policies are not consistent with the requirements of Chapter 163, Part II, Florida Statutes.
4. The Comprehensive Plan amendments identified herein for the specific Goals, Objectives,
and Policies are not, consistent with the South Florida Strategic Regional Policy Plan.
5. The Comprehensive Plan amendments identified herein for the specific Goals, Objectives,
and Policies are not "in compliance," as defined in Section 163.3154(I)(b) Florida Statutes.
6. In order to bring the Comprehensive Plan amendments for the specific Goals, Objectives, and
Policies into compliance, the County may complete the recommended remedial actions described
above or adopt other remedial actions that eliminate the inconsistencies.
Executed this O day of January 2009, at Tallahassee, Florida.
-�In; L�14 C' �
Mice McDaniel, Chief
Office of Comprehensive Planning
Division of Community Planning
Department of Community Affairs
2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399 2100
fal
bUDmittea into the Pupiic
record for item(s) PZ.5,
STATE OF FL0RIDA
i DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
i NOTICE OF INTENT TO FIND THE CITY OF MIAW COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS,
GOAL PA.3, OBJECTIVE PA-3.1, AND POLICIES PA-3.1.1 THROUGH 3.1.9, OBJECTIVE PA-3.2
AND POLICY PA-3.2.1, OBJECTIVE PA-3.3 AND POLICY PA-3.3.1, OBJECTIVE PA-3.4 AND
POLICIES PA-3.4.1 THROUGH 3.4.4 AND POLICY LU IA.10, ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO.
13043 ON NOVEMBER 13, 2008, NOT IN COMPLIANCE,
AND THE REMAINING AMENDMENTS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE 13043,
iN COMPLIANCE
DOCKET NO.08.1 EP. NOi 1315{A)-(N)
TheDepammotgivas notice of its intent to Sad the Cltyof Miami Compre#rensive Plan Amend-
ments, Goal PA.3, Objective PA-3.1, and Policies PA-3.1.1 through 3.1.9, Objective PA-3.2 and Policy PA-
3.2.1, Objective PA-3.3 mid Policy PA-3.3.1, Objective PA-3.4 and Policies PA-3.4.1 through 3.4.4 and
Policy LU-1 A.10, adopted by Ordinance No. 13043 an November 13, 2008, NOT IN COMPLIANCE, and
the remaining arneodments adopted by Ordinance No.13043, IN COMPLIANCE, pursuant to Sections
163.3194, 163.3187 and 163.3189, F.S.
The adopted City of Miami Comprehensive Plan Amendments, the Department's Objections, Recom-
mendations, aod•Commeats Report (if any), and the Department's Statement of leletd to rind the Comprelren-
sive Plan Amendments Not In Compliance wM be available for publko inspection Monday through Friday,
except for legal holidays, during normal business hours, at City of Miami Planning Departtaent, 444 S.W. e
Avenue, 3w Floor, W ornti Florida 33130,
Any affected person, as defined in Section 163.3194, F.S., has a right to petition far an admin-
Istradve hearing to challenge the proposed agency determination that the above referenced amendments to
the City of Miami Comprehensive Plan are In Compliance, as defined in Subsection 163.3184(I ), F.S. The
petition must be filed vAthia twenty-one (21) days afterpublioation of this notice; a copy most be mailed or
delivered to the local government andmust include all of the information and contents described in Uniform
Ride 28-106.201, FA.C. The petition must be filed with tlm Ao y Clerk, Departraeut of Community
Affairs, 2555 Shu hard Oak: Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100. Failure to timely Me a petition
shall consdtute a waiver of sayright to request an administrative proceeding as a petitioncrunder Sections
120.569 and 120.57, F.S. If a petition is filed, the purpose of the administrative hearing will be to present
evidence and testimony mid forward a recommended order to the Department. If no petition is Filed, this
C`� • Notice ofliteat oball became final agency action
�J1 This Notice ofliteat and the Statemeat of intent for those amendments found Not In Compliance
will be forwarded by petition to the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) of the Department of
Management Services for the scheduling of an Administrative Hearing pun uaat to Sections L20.569 and
120.57, F.S. The purpose of the administrative -rearing will be to present evidence and testimony on the
noncompliance issues alleged by the Department in its Objediois, Rccommeadatims, and Cormnents Re-
port and Statement oflatert in order to seame a recommended order forforwmding.to the Administration
Commission
Affected persons may petition to intervene in either proceeding referenced above. A petition for
intervemioannust be filed at kwtt=V (20) days before the final hearing and nnast include all of the iafor-
madua cad contents desedbalio UniformRato 28-106.205,F.A.C. Pmauant to Section l63.3184(l0), F.S.,
no» sw issues maybe alleged as a reason to find a plan anandment not is compliance in a *don to inter-
vene Hied more than twauty one (21) days after publication ofthis notice unless the petitioner establishes
goat cause fornot alleging such new Issues within the twenty ono (21) daytime period. The petition for
intervention shall be filed at DOAH,1230 Apalsobee I'mitway, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060, and a
copy mailed ordelivered to the local government and the Department Failure to petition to intervene within
the allowed time fiv= constitutes a waiver of any right such a persoahas to request a hearing pursuant to
Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S., or to participate in. the administrative hearing.
After an administrativeheariuMlition is timely filed, mediation is availablopursuant to Subsection
163.3189(3xu), F.S., to any affected person who is made a party to the proceeding by filing that request with
the administrative faw judge assigned by the Division ofAdministtative Hearings. Tho choice of mediation
shal l not affect a party's right to an administrative hearing.
Charles Gauuthier, AICP, Director
Division of Community Planning
Departmentof CcmmrmltyAfWrs
2555 Shmnmd Oak: Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399 2100
L
Submitted in o the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Exhibit B
Remedial Actions
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT
Revisions based on June 21, 2010 DCA Conference Call_
C4v°pc�cken text represents deleted text; underlined text represents additional new
text.
FUTURE LAND USE
Policy LU-1 3 3• Pursuant to Ch.163.3177(6)(a),F.S., the City shall maintain
regulatory incentives and criteria that encourage the preservation of recreational and
commercial Working Waterfronts as defined in Ch.342.07 F.S... particularly in the "Port
of Miami River' Subelement to guide future development within the Miami River
Corridor.
Policy LU-1.3.7.: The City will continue to use the City's Enterprise Zone, Tx
4nGrement Finanoing DiStFiG, Empowerment Zone, Commercial Business Corridors,
and Brownfield Redevelopment Area strategies to stimulate economic revitalization,
and encourage employment opportunities. (Policy PA-3.3.10.).
Policy LU- 1.3.8.: The City will foster or develop and implement job training,
vocational, and educational programs to assist the City's existing and future residents,
water dependent and water related businesses and uses along the Miami River, in
achieving economic self-sufficiency utilizing government resources as necessary, and
will continue to work with appropriate State and County agencies to direct training
programs and other technical assistance, to support minority and semi -skilled
residents of the city including, without limitation, their involvement in recreational and
commercial working waterfronts along the Miami River as defined by s 342.07 Fla.
Stat.. (Policy PA-3.3.11).
Policy LU-1.4.10: The City will continue to develop modifications to existing
regulations with the intent of providing greater flexibility in the design and
implementation of mixed -use developments within the general Downtown area and
particularly along the Miami River up to and including_51h Street consistent with the Port
of Miami River Sub -Element.
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
Selective Goal Objective Policy Updates
June 2010
Submitted into t-he pub-lic
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk j
Interpretation of the 2020 Future Land Use Map
Restricted Commercial:
, � ,. a ••� � � _ •.
TRANSPORTATION
Objective TR-1.9: The City shall seek to achieve consistency and coordination belweeFl-with
the Port of Miami. Port of Miami River and the Miami International Airport plans and the
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan.
Policy TR-1.9.1: The City, through its Intergovernmental Coordination Policies, will
annually coordinate with the Port of Miami, Port of Miami River and Miami International
Airport to ensure consistency between the Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
and the port and airport master plans, and to improve access to and compatibility with
port and airport facilities.
PORTS, AVIATION AND RELATED FACILITIES
Peft of 4
Miami Rever
valued and -eeenemka#y viable sempeRent-i"e efty!s mad"e
indu6t4a! base. Develepment' along the Miami River- (heFeinaffig the ffiverJ, 69WMye-ate
+-The4Pe"- Miami Rivet!4s4mpty- egaWame-used4o idenr*wme444RdependeFi pOvately-owned-small-shippin"ompaNes4erated-along
the -Miami Riw and4s-noW-!Ro t-Facility" hbin4ho-usuaFmeaning-oNho4eFFn. eidengriisaliwof4hese4hippin"onsemsesdhe'Per{- Wiami
Rwe4 was made-in49g6-fekhe-sele-purpese of WOSfydng a U.S. GBa5l GUM Fegulat+en-geveaxn01ga pump WIS.
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan 2
Selective Goal Objective Policy Updates
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
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Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
Selective Goal Objective Policy Updates
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
n
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Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan 4
Selective Goal Objective Policy Updates
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Port of Miami River2 Sub -Element
Goal PA 3• The Port of Miami River shall be encouraged to continue operation as a valued
and economically viable component of the City's maritime industrial base.
Objective PA 31 • (PLANNING AND ZONING) The City shall protect the Port of Miami
River from encroachment by non -water -dependent or non water -related land uses, and
shall regulate the Port of Miami River's expansion and redevelopment in coordination
with applicable future land use and coastal management goals, obiectives policies
(See Policy LU-1.3.3 and Goal CM-3).
Policy PA 31 1: The City shall maintain a Working Waterfront Table of Properties to
guide future development within the Miami River Corridor. The Table shall clearly
depict the location and description of all properties of recreational and commercial
working waterfront uses on the River, as defined in Ch. 342.07 F.S. (hereinafter
referenced as the "Working Waterfront") The Table shall classify working waterfront
properties into Categories "A" and "B" The Table shall be incorporated as supporting
data and analysis within Appendix PA-1.
Policy PA 312 Category A: The City may adopt a comprehensive plan future land
use map (FLUM) amendment for properties designated "Industrial" on the FLUM,
along the Miami River only if the proposed amendment complies with this sub -element.
The future land use designation for any of the properties identified "Industrial" therein
may be amended only through the large-scale comprehensive plan amendment
process Applications for such amendments shall demonstrate that either of the
following conditions exists:
1 The Development — redevelopment as industrial is not economically
feasible based on a market and site analysis using a professionally
acceptable methodology that has been peer reviewed: or
2 The Proposal includes an equivalent transfer or expansion of industrially
designated property offsite to another location on the Miami River within
the City of Miami.
9 The I'on of bliami Rivcr' is a shallow dmfi revering Ron consistmL of'independent. plivat lly-owied small shiname comnamc�.
Pry. IA) W
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
Selective Goal Objective Policy Updates
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Policy PA-3.1.3 Category B: All Category "6" properties shall maintain a working
waterfront use. Additionally, the City shall require that any residential development
with a density greater than duplex residential or any mixed use development include
Working Waterfront use component per Ch. 342.07. F.S. or other amenities that is
accessible to the public which promotes the enioyment of the Miami River unless
prohibited by the Miami -Dade Department of Environmental Resource Management
DERM .
Policy PA-31.4• The City shall encourage the establishment and maintenance of
Working Waterfront uses along the banks of the Miami River, and to discourage
encroachment by incompatible uses.
Policy PA-31.5: The City shall encourage the development and expansion of the Port
of Miami River Working Waterfront consistent with the future land use, coastal
management and conservation elements of the City's comprehensive plan.
Policy PA-3.1.6: The City shall encourage only those developments, rezoning, and
land use amendments in the vicinity of the Working Waterfront lands designated
"Industrial" on the adopted future land use map that are compatible and suitable with
the existing "Industrial" use of property.
Policy PA-3.1.7: The City shall, through its land development regulations, adopt and
enforce appropriate setbacks and buffering requirements for Non -Working Waterfront
properties along the Miami River in order to protect the existing Working Waterfront
use from encroachment of incompatible and unsuitable uses.
Policy PA-3.1.8: There shall be no net loss of recreational wet -slips along the Miami
River.
Policy PA-3.1.9: The City shall require from new residential development and
redevelopment located along the Miami River a recorded covenant acknowledging and
accepting the presence of the existing Working Waterfront 24-hour operations as
erg mitted.
Policy PA-3.1.10: In its commitment to support the Port of Miami River, the City of
Miami shall continue its support of the dredging of the River.
Policy PA-3.1.11: The City of Miami shall facilitate and expedite municipal permitting
for water -dependent water -related, commercial, industrial and recreational working
waterfronts along the Miami River.by expediting the application process for such uses.
Obiective PA-3.2: (TRANSPORTATION), The City shall encourage with appropriate
agencies the coordination of surface transportation access to the Port of Miami River
Working Waterfront with the traffic and mass transit system shown on the traffic
circulation map series.
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
Selective Goal Objective Policy Updates
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Policy PA-3 21 • The City shall through the Transportation Element of the
comprehensive plan encourage the coordination of the intermodal surface and water
transportation access service to the Port of Miami River Workinq Waterfront (See
Obiective TR-1.9, Policy TR-1.9.1).
Obiective PA-3 3• (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & COORDINATION). The City shall
coordinate its Port of Miami River Working Waterfront planning activities with the
multiple regulators and stakeholders who have an interest in the Miami River.
Policy PA-3 31 • Give the Miami River's multi jurisdictional and regulatory nature, the
City shall coordinate with:
1 The United States Army Corp of Engineers regarding the dredging,
navigation, and commerce on the Miami River; and
2 The United States Coast Guard regarding security and safety on the
Miami river: and
3 The Miami -Dade County Planning Department to evaluate the
interdependence and effectiveness of the CountVs Port of Miami River
sub -element in its comprehensive plan with that of that of the CitVs: and
4 The Miami -Dade CountVs Department of Environmental Resource
Management and the Manatee Protection Plan Committee regarding the
protection of manatees and establishment of new wet and dry marine slips
on or near the Miami River: and
5 The Miami -Dade County Property Appraiser to ensure that all Port of
Miami River Working Waterfront properties are assessed by the "current
use" pursuant to Section 4, Article VII of the Florida constitution and
S.193.704. Fla. Stat.
Policy PA-3 3 2: The City shall remain an active member of the Miami River
Commission as established by Ch.163.06, F.S. and shall continue to request and
consider from the Miami River Commission written recommendations related to policy,
planning development and other River issues within the scope established by the
Florida Legislature.
Policy PA-3 3 3• Within 18 months of adoption of this policy, the City shall consider
approving a ioint planning agreement with the Miami River Commission and Miami -
Dade County to revise and adopt the "Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan" as the
strategic plan for the Miami River.
Policy PA-3 3 4: Within three years of the adoption of this policy, the City along with
Miami River stakeholders property owners and businesses shall consider submitting
an application to the Florida Department of Community Affairs, Waterfronts Florida
Partnership Program for assistance in protecting and promoting the Miami River
traditional Working Waterfront.
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
Selective Goal Objective Policy Updates
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Policy PA-3.3.5: The City shall coordinate with Miami River stakeholders. property
owners and businesses to prepare reasonable Working Waterfront code compliance
and enforcement policies to eliminate unsafe, abandoned, and blighted conditions
along the river banks.
Policy PA-3.3.6: The City of Miami shall provide technical assistance to Working
Waterfront businesses along the Miami River.
Policy PA-3.3.7: The Citv shall work to imorove the economic vitality of the Miami
River in cooperation with other concerned public and govemmental agencies and
organizations. (See Miami -Dade County's Comprehensive Development Master Plan,
Port of Miami River Sub -element Policy PMR-1 Q
Policy PA-3.3.8: The City will work with property owners along the Miami River to
secure Enterprise Zone tax incentives to businesses for creation of iobs and
revitalization. Such incentives consist of the following and are based on availability:
Enterprise Zone Incentives
1. Jobs Tax Credit
2. Business Equipment Sales Tax Refund
3. Building Materials Sales Tax Refund
4. Property Tax Credit
5. Community Contribution Tax Credit Program
Policy PA-3.3.9: The City will continue to use Brownfield redevelopment Area
strategies to stimulate economic revitalization to Working Waterfronts. Such incentives
consist of the following and are based on availability:
a. Financial Incentives
i. 35% Voluntary Cleanup Tax Credits
H. $2500 Brownfields Bonus Refund
N. Low -interest loans
iv. Sales Tax Credit on Building Materials
v. Up to 5 years of State Loan Guarantees of Loan Loss Reserves
vi. Site -Specific Activities Grant, and
A. National Brownfields Assessment. Revolving Loan Fund, Cleanup Grants,
and HUD Brownfield Economic Development Loans
b. Regulatory Benefits
i. Risk Based Corrective Action
H. Cleanup Liability Protection
iii. Review of Voluntary Cleanup Projects at FDEP Conducted Separately
From Enforcement Mandated Cleanups by Responsible Parties
iv. Expedited Review and Response to Technical Reports and
Correspondence
v. CERCLA Site Clearance Issued by EPA, and
vi. Lender Liability Protection to the extend allowed by applicable laws
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
Selective Goal Objective Policy Updates
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Policy PA 3 310: The City will continue to use the City's Enterprise Zone,
Empowerment Zone Commercial Business Corridors and Brownfield Redevelopment
Area strategies to stimulate economic revitalization and encourage employment
opportunities within the Port of Miami River. (Policy LU-1.3.7.).
Policy PA 3 311 • The City will foster or develop and implement lob training,
vocational and educational programs to assist the City's existing and future residents,
and water dependent and water related businesses along the Miami River, in
achieving economic self-sufficiency and will continue to work with appropriate State
and County agencies to direct training programs and other technical assistance to
support minority and semi -skilled residents of the City including, without limitation, their
involvement in recreational and commercial working waterfronts along the Miami River
as defined by Ch 342.07 F.S. (Policy LU-1.3.8.)
Policy PA 3 312• The City, through its Intergovernmental Coordination Policies, shall
support and coordinate with other governmental agencies having iurisdiction over the
River to support and enhance the Miami River's economic importance and viability.
The functions of the Miami River shall be consistent with the future goals and
o_biectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan particularly with respect to the unique
characteristics of the Miami River's location and its economic position and functioning
within the local maritime industry.
Objective PA 3 4• (MONITORING & EFFECTIVENESS). The City shall monitor track the
effectiveness of its goals objectives and policies designated to preserve and
promote the Port of Miami River as a valued and economically viable component of
the City's maritime industrial base.
Policy PA 3 41 : City staff shall prepare or cause to be prepared, an annual report
on the status of the Planning and Zoning Economic Development and Coordination,
and Transportation Objectives and Policies contained in this Sub -element, which shall
be presented to the City Commission at a dully noticed public hearing.
Policy PA 3 4 2• City staff shall prepare or cause to be prepared, an annual report
on the loss or gain of recreational and commercial Working Waterfront lands and uses,
which shall be presented to the City Commission at a dully noticed public hearing.
Coastal Management
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
Selective Goal Objective Policy Updates
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Goal CM-2: Improve public awareness, appreciation, and use of Miami's coastal resources
by preserving #radi€ieenal-water-dependent and water -related uses, ensuring adequate public
access to such uses, and minimizing user conflicts.
Objective CM-2.1: Wherever feasible, increase physical and visual public access to
Biscayne Bay, the Miami River, the City's shorelines, and publicly -owned islands.
Policy CM-2.1.1: Where appropriate and in the interest of public safety and promotion
of outdoor recreation opportunities on environmentally sensitive areas, future land
development regulations will require non -water dependent or related development or
redevelopment to maintain public access to the coastal and Miami River shorelines.
(See Parks, Recreation and Open Space Policy PR- 3.2.4)
Policy CM-2.1.2: Where appropriate,-M City owned; waterfront property, including the
Miami River shorelines, willshall provide for public open spaces that allow
esimilar access to the shoreline and the City will work with Miami -Dade County
to provide similar access to County owned public open spaces that provide access to
the shoreline where appropriate.
4.1.12.)
■ . 1 l 1
- • - • - - -
Policy CM-2.1.43: The City will continue development of the river- walk and bay- walk
along City owned property as funds become available and will continue to require
development of the baywalk and riverwalk along private property through its land
development regulations, where appropriate Whenever feasible the City will
encourage the riverwalk to interact with recreational and working waterfronts along the
Miami River.
Policy CM-2.1.54: The City shall continue to implement design guidelines along the
baywalk and riverwalk in accordance with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and
other adopted plans as appropriate.
Policy CM-2.1.55: [Reserved]
Policy CUP-2.1.76: The City will incorporate provisions for public physical and/or visual
access to the shoreline in its waterfront zoning regulations (See Parks, Recreation and
Open Space Policy PR- 3.2.3.)
Policy CM-2.1.97: As specified in the City of Miami Charter and related laws, and
more specifically the Waterfront Charter Amendment and Ordinanee 1100 Zoning
Ordinance for the City of Miami) all new development and redevelopment along the
downtown waterfront is required to provide a waterfront setback, and those
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan 10
Selective Goal Objective Policy Updates
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
developments within Special Districts (SDs) that require publicly accessible shoreline
walkways, will design them in conformance with the "Baywalk/Riverwalk Design
Standards." (See Parks, Recreation and Open Space Policy PR- 3.2.11.)
Policy CM-2.1.88: The City will continue to work toward increased physical public
access to Virginia Key and Watson Island by pursuing appropriate development and
redevelopment as directed by the Virginia Key and Watson Island master plans.
Policy CM-2.1.489: The City will ensure that development regulations are not altered
so as to prohibit water dependent facilities or uses such as swimming, boating, and
fishing and will encourage and support such facilities and uses.
Goal CM-3• Pursuant to Ch 963 3978(2)(g), F S., The City shall maintain strategies that will
be used to preserve and adequate supply of land for recreational and commercial Working
Waterfront uses defined in Ch. 342.07, F.S.3
Obiective CM-31 • The City shall strive to allow no net loss of acreage devoted to
recreational and commercial Working Waterfront uses in the coastal area of the City of
Miami.
Policy CM 31 1 • The comprehensive plan and land development regulations will
encourage water -dependent uses along the shoreline and strategies that will be used
to preserve recreational and commercial Working Waterfronts as defined in Ch.
342 07 F S particularly on the Miami River. (See Goal PA-3 and Policy LU-1.3.3).
Additional strategies to preserve and encoum eg recrewtional and commercial Working Waterfront uses are contained in the
Poris. Aviation. and Related Facilities element. "Port ol'Miami River" Sub -element.
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan 11
Selective Goal Objective Policy Updates
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
APPENDIX PA-1
The following Working Waterfront Table of Properties and the attached map identify properties of recreational and
commercial working waterfront uses along the Port of Miami River and are subject to criteria listed in Port of Miami
River Sub -Element Policy PA-3.1.1.
This space was intentionally left blank.
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
Goals Objectives Policies
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Working Waterfront Table of Properties
No.
Address
Folio
FLUM Designation
Cate-ciory
1
236 SW North River Dr
555 NW South River Dr
0101140002010
Industrial
A
2
0102000101071
Industrial
A
3
325 NW South River Dr
510 NW 1 St
0102000102030
Industrial
A
4
0102010001020
Industrial
A
5
169 NW South River Dr
0102000401190
RESERVED
Industrial
A
6
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
7
8
RESERVED
2190 NW North River Dr
RESERVED
Q131340241140
0131340510570
RESERVED
Industrial
RESERVED
A
9
1201 NW 22 AV
Industrial
A
10
2116 NW 12 St
0131340510610
Industrial
A
11
227 NNW 14 St
0131340730010
0131340950010
Industrial
A
12
2 199 NW South River Dr
Industrial
A
13
1270 NW 11 St
0131350210180
Industrial
A
14
1 1201 NW South River Dr
0131350220110
0131350230100
RESERVED
Industrial
A
15 1
1261 NW 8 Ter
Industrial
A
16
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
17
1175 NW South River Dr
298 SW North River Dr
300 SW North River Dr
0131350310010
Industrial
A
18
0141370310010
0141370310020
0141380030130
0141380030150
Industrial
A
19
Industrial
A
20
431 NW South River Dr
Industrial
A
21
437 NW South River Dr
Industrial
A
22
377 NW South River Dr
0141380441020
Industrial
A
23
151 NW South River Dr
0141380270020
Industrial
A
24
405 NW South River Dr
801 NW 4 St
0102000101010
Industrial
A
25
Q102000101020
Industrial
A
26
311 NW South River Dr
301 NW South River Dr
01020 0102040
Industrial
A
27
0102000105010
Industrial
A
28
129 NW South River Dr
961 NW 7 St
0102000501130
Industrial
A
29
0131350310020
Industrial
A
30
971 NW 7 St
0131350000020
Industrial
A
31
2100 NW North River Dr
2100 NW North River Dr
0131340241160
Industrial
A
32
0131340241161
Industrial
A
33
2000 NW North River Dr
0131340241170
Industrial
A
34
2490 NW 18 Ter
0131340290010
Industrial
A
35
2525 NW 18 Ter
0131340310110
0131340510580
Industrial
A
36
2181 NW 12 St
Industrial
A
37
2161 NW 12 St
0131340510590
0131340510600
Industrial
A
38
2151 NW 12 St
Industrial
A
49
501 NW South River Dr
131 NW South River Or
01413 0030160
Industrial
A
40
0141380270010
Industrial
A
41
401 SW 3 Ave
0141380490030
Industrial
A
4
242 SW 5 St
0102030801010
Indus ' I
A
43
19 NW South River Dr
0102010001230
Industrial
A
44
2154 NW North River Dr
2660 NW 18 Ter
0131340241150
Industrial
A
45
0131340310010
Industrial
A
46
600 NW 18 Ter
01 1340310020
Industrial
47
2570 W 18 Ter
1 2540 NW 18 Ter
0131340310030
Industrial
A
48
131340310060
Industrial
A
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
Goals Objectives Policies
June 2010
Submitted into -the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
49
2530 NW 18 Ter
0131340310070
Industrial
A
50
2551 NW 18 Ter
0131340310160
Industrial
A
51
2601 NW 18 Ter
0131340310170
Industrial
A
52
1350 NW 18 Ave
0131340420090
Industrial
A
53
1881 NW 27 Ave
0131340310180
Industrial
A
54
2670 NW 18 Ter
0131340310210
Industrial
A
55
19 SW North River Dr
0101130803130
Industrial
A
56
121 SW North River Dr
0101130901141
Industrial
A
57
114 SW North River Dr
0101130901160
Industrial
A
58
300 SW 2 St
0101130901280
Industrial
A .
59
200 SW North River Dr
0101140001090
Industrial
A
60
737 NW 4 St
0102000103010
Industrial
A
61
745 NW 4 St
0102000103020
Industrial
A
62
101 NW South River Dr
0102000104010
Industrial
A
63
125 NW South River Dr
0102000501120
Industrial
A
64
1995 NW 11 St
0131340420040
Industrial
A
65
1320 NW 18 Av
0131340420120
Industrial
A
66
1142 NW 21 Av
0131340490090
Industrial
A
67
2051 NW 11 St
0131341010010
Industrial
A
68
2750 NW 20th St
0131330070040
Light Industrial
B
69
1960 NW 27 Ave
0131330670030
Liaht Industrial
B
70
1970 NW 27 Ave
0131330070020
Liaht Industrial
B
71
1990 NW 27 Ave
0131330070010
Light Industrial
B
72
1583 NW 24 Ave
0131340680010
Industrial
A
73
1583 NW 24 Ave
0131340590020
Industrial
A
74
1583 NW 24 Ave
0131340590010
Industrial
A
75
2215 NW 14th St
0131340000160
Industrial
A
76
1645 NW 22nd Ave
0131340241190
Industrial
A_
77
1635 NW 22nd Ave
0131340241200
Industrial
A
78
1625 NW 22nd Ave
0131340241210
Industrial
_A
79
1615 NW 22nd Ave
0131340241220
Industrial
A
80
1605 NW 22nd Ave
0131340241230
Industrial
A
81
1585 NW 22nd Ave
0131340241240
Industrial
A
82
1575 `-NW Ave
0131340241250
Industrial
A
83
1565 NW 22nd Ave
013134024126Q
Industrial
A
84
1545 NW 22nd Ave
0131340241270
Industrial
A
85
1525 NW 22nd Ave
0131340241280
Industrial
A
86
1515 NW 22nd Ave
0131340241290
Industrial
A
87
1505 NW 22nd Ave
0131340241300
Industrial
A
88
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
89
1884 NW North River Dr
0131340241180
Industrial
A
90
_
1884 NW North River Dr
0131340170140
Industrial
A_
91
1818 NW North Ri er Dr
0131340170120
Industrial
A
92
663 NW South River Dr
0141380040080
Restricted Commercial
B
93
661 NW South River Dr
0141380040090
Restricted Commercial
B
94
555 NW South River Or
0141380030180
Restricted Commercial
B
95
603 NW South River Dr
0141380040010
Restricted Commercial
B
96
517 NW South River Dr
0141380030170
Restricted Commercial
B
97
448 NW North River Dr
0101070101250
Light Industrial
B
98
442 NW North ' 1
0101070101240
Light Industrial
B
99
440 NW North River Dr
0101070101230
Light Industrial
B
100
450 NW North River Dr
0101070101 21
Light Industrial
B
101
422 NW North River Dr
0101070101220
Light Industrial
B
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
Goals Objectives Policies
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
102
412 NW North River Dr
404 NW North River Dr
400 NW North River Dr
398 NW North River Dr
0101070101210
I.i ht Industrial
B
103
0101070101200
Light Industrial
B
104
0101070101190
-Light Industrial
B
105
0101070101180
Light Industrial
B
106
343 NW South River Dr
0102000401020
Industrial
A
107
201 NW South River Dr
0102000401180
Industrial
A
108
250 NW North River Dr
RESERVED
0101090302020
Ma'or Inst. Public Facilities
B
109
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
110
111
112
90 NW North River Dr
28 NW North River Dr
40 SW South River Dr
0101100901110
0101110201090
Restricted Commercial
1 Restricted Commercial
B
B
0102010101111
Restricted Commercial
B
113
1 SW Sou h River Dr
0102010101075
Restricted Commercial
B
114
115
5 SW South River Dr
1 27 SW South River Dr
401 SW 1st St
40 SW North River Dr
0102010101070
Restricted Commercial
B
0102010101020
Restricted Commercial
Restricted Commercial
Restricted Commercial
B
116
117
0102010101120
0141370360080
B
B
118
109 SW South River Dr
0102010801040
Restricted Commercial
B
119
129 SW South River Dr
0102010801010
Restricted Commercial
B
120
135 SW South River Dr
510 NW 7h Ave
0102000106010
Restricted Commercial
B
121
0131350271420
Li ht Industrial
B
122
528 NW 7N Ave
0131350271410
0131350271400
Light Industrial
B
123
600 NW 70, Ave
700 NW 7' Ave
ndurstnal
B
124
0131350271160
0131350271140
Light Industrial
B
125
710 NW Th Ave
Light Industrial
B
126
722 NW 7m Ave
0131350271130
Light Industrial
B
127
732 NW 7h Ave
0131350271120
0131350271110
Light Industrial
B
128
800 NW 7h Ave
Light Industrial
B
129
808 NW 81^ St Rd
0131350271100
Llaht Industrial
B
130
_
810 NW 8t^ St Rd
0131350271090
Medium Density Multifamily
B
Residential
131
_
812 NW 8t^ St Rd
0131350271080
Medium Density Multifamily
B
Residential
132
830 NW 8t" St Rd
0131350271070
Medium Density Multifamily
B
Residential
32
852 NW 81" St Rd
0131350271060
Medium Density Multifamily
B
Residential
134
_
900 NW 8e St
0131350271051
Medium Density Multifamily
B
Residential
135
_
908 NW 8u^ St Rd
0131350271050
Medium Density Multifamily
B
Residential
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
Goals Objectives Policies
June 2010
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Tbirb �t"!Arirt court of appeal
State of Florida, July Term, A.D. 2007
Opinion filed October 24, 2007.
Not final until disposition of timely filed motion for rehearing.
No. 3D06-2718
Lower Tribunal No. 06-1146
The Durham Park Neighborhood Association, Inc., the Miami River
Marine Group, Inc., and Captain Herbert Payne,
Appellants,
vs.
City of Miami and Brisas del Rio, LLC,
Appellees.
An Appeal from the Florida Department of Community Affairs.
Andrew W.J. Dickman (Naples), for appellants.
Jorge L. Fernandez, City of Miami Attorney and Rafael Suarez -Rivas,
Assistant City of Miami Attorney; Shutts & Bowen and Stephen B. Gillman and
Stephen T. Maher and Suzanne Youmans Labrit, for appellees.
Before WELLS and CORTINAS, JJ., and FLETCHER, Senior Judge.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
PER CURIAM.
This is an appeal from a Final Order of the Florida Department of
Community Affairs which adopted the administrative law judge's Recommended
Order and denied Appellants' Exceptions. The administrative law judge ("ALY)
made certain findings of fact and concluded that appellants failed to meet their
burden of establishing that the City of Miami's approved small-scale amendment
of its Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan for two parcels of property ("Parcel 1"
and "Parcel 2") along the Miami River was not in compliance with pertinent
statutes and administrative regulations, was not supported by the adequate data and
analysis, and/or was internally inconsistent with other provisions in the
Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan.
The amendment, approved by the City in Ordinance 12776, changed the
land use designation in the Future Land Use Map ("FLUM") for Parcel 2 from
"Industrial" and "Medium Density Multifamily Residential" to "Restricted
Commercial." The amendment did not change the "Medium Density Multifamily
Residential" for Parcel 1. The City passed the amendment pursuant to the
procedures for small-scale development amendments found in section
163.3187(1)(c), Florida Statutes (2005).
2
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
The ALJ who adjudicated appellants' current petition' found that appellants
were collaterally estopped from raising certain aspects of their challenge based on
the adjudication of a previous petition in which the same petitioners challenged a
similar small-scale amendment to the FLUM for a different parcel of property,
which was also located near the Miami River. See Payne v. City of Miami, DCA
Case No. 06-GM-132, DOAH Case No. 04-2754 (Fla. Dep't of Cmty. Affairs,
Final Order, June 21, 2006). The AU further held that the Department of
Community Affairs' Final Order in DOAH Case No. 04-2754 conclusively
established certain disputed issues in this case. The Recommended Order in this
case also cites the Department of Community Affairs' Final Order in DOAH Case
No. 06-759, which was a similar challenge to a third small-scale FLUM
amendment for yet another piece of property along the Miami River. See Payne v.
City of Miami, DCA Case No. 06-GM-214, DOAH Case No. 06-759 (Fla. Dep't of
Cmty. Affairs, Final Order, Aug. 31, 2006).
Both the Final Order in DOAH Case No. 04-2754 and the Final Order in
DOAH Case No. 06-759 were appealed and each appeal, including this one, has
raised almost identical challenges. On August 8, 2007, we reversed the Final
Order in DOAH Case No. 04-2754, and on August 29, 2007, we also reversed the
Final Order in DOAH Case No. 06-759. See Payne v. City of Miami, 32 Fla. L.
1 The same AU adjudicated Appellants' petition in DOAH Case No. 06-759 and
this case.
3
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Weekly D1885 (Fla. 3d DCA 2007) and Payne v. City of Miami, 32 Fla. L.
Weekly D2055 (Fla. 3d DCA 2007). Importantly, the AU in this case found the
Final Orders in DOAH Case No. 04-2475 and DOAH Case No. 06-759 (which
were reversed on appeal by this court) to be collateral estoppel in the instant action.
Thus, we are compelled to reverse the order presently before us and remand for
proceedings consistent with our opinions in those cases.
Reversed and remanded.
11
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
The Durham Park Neighborhood Assoc., Inc.,
Miami River Marine Group, Inc., and Herbert
Payne, v. City of Miami and Brisas de Rio, LLC.
Case No.: 3D06-2718
WELLS, Judge, (specially concurring).
I agree that because we are bound by our earlier decisions in Payne v. City
of Miami, 32 Fla. L. Weekly D2055 (Fla. 3d DCA Aug. 29, 2007), and Payne
City of Miami, 32 Fla. L. Weekly D1885 (Fla. 3d DCA Aug. 8, 2007), the order on
appeal here must be reversed.
FLETCHER, Senior Judge, concurs.
5
Tbirb aigtrict Court of appeal
State of Florida, July Term, A.D. 2007
Opinion filed August 08, 2007.
Not final until disposition of timely filed motion for rehearing.
No. 3D06-1799
Lower Tribunal No. 04-2754GM
Herbert Payne; Ann Stetser; The Durham Park Neighborhood
Association, a Florida not -for -profit corporation; and The Miami
River Marine Group, Inc., a Florida not -for -profit corporation,
Appellants,
LTM
City of Miami, a Florida municipal corporation; and Balbino
Investments, LLC,
Appellees.
An Appeal from the Department of Community Affairs.
_. Andrew W.J. Dickman (Naples), for appellants.
Greenberg Traurig and David C. Ashburn (Tallahassee); Greenberg Traurig
and Elliot H. Scherker and Lucia Dougherty and Paul R. Lipton and Pamela A.
DeBooth, for appellee Balbino Investments, LLC; Jorge L. Fernandez, City
Attorney, and Rafael Suarez -Rivas, Assistant City Attorney, for appellee City of
Miami.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Submitted into the public
Before GERSTEN, C.J., and CORTINAS and ROTHENBERG, JJ. record for item(s) Pz.5,
ROTHENBERG, Judge. on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Balbino Investments, LLC ("Balbino") owns a parcel of land located on the
north side of the Miami River at approximately N.W. 18th Avenue and which was
being used as a commercial boatyard and marina. Balbino applied for and
obtained from the City of Miami ("City") a small scale amendment to the Future
Land Use Map ("FLUM Amendment") of the Miami Comprehensive
Neighborhood Plan ("Comprehensive Plan"), changing the land use designation of
the property from Industrial and General Commercial to Restricted Commercial.
Balbino also applied for and obtained a zoning change from SD-4.2 Waterfront
Industrial to C-1 Restricted . Commercial and a Major Use Special Permit
("MUSP"), thereby allowing Balbino to construct a mixed -use project on the
property with a maximum density of 150 units per acre, comprising of three high-
rise buildings consisting of 1,073 condominium units with a median price of
$200,000 to $225,000 per unit.
The following parties filed a petition with the Division of Administrative
Hearing ("DOAH"), challenging the ordinance that approved the FLUM
Amendment: Herbert Payne ("Payne"), a boat captain who owns and operates one
of the largest tugboat companies on the Miami River and who relies exclusively on
commercial marine business on the Miami River for his livelihood; Ann Stetser, a
►]
` Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
n 06-11-20P0 City Clerk
local resident; the Durham Park Neighborhood Association, Inc. `Durham Par ")',
a non-profit neighborhood association comprised of approximately ninety
homeowners and businesses located in the Durham Park area, which is across the
Miami River and to the west of Balbino's property; and The Miami River Marine
Group, Inc. ("Marine Group"), a trade association representing marine and
industrial businesses along the Miami River (collectively referred to as "the
appellants"). This petition was dismissed as untimely filed. On appeal, this court
reversed and remanded, finding that the petition was timely filed. Payne v. City of
Miami, 913 So. 2d 1260 (Fla. 3d DCA 2005)("Payne I").
Meanwhile, the circuit court dismissed Marine Group from the petition,
finding that it lacked standing. That decision, which will be addressed more fully
in this opinion, was, also reversed by this court in Payne v. City of Miami, 927 So.
2d 904 (Fla. 3d DCA 2005)("Payne II").
On remand, the appellants sought leave to amend the petition to include
arguments regarding additional provisions contained in the Comprehensive Plan.
Balbino objected, arguing that the provisions the appellants sought to include
pertained to land development regulations, and therefore, did not apply to the
challenged FLUM Amendment which pertains to land use. The administrative
law judge ("ALT') agreed with Balbino, and he denied the appellants' motion for
leave to amend the petition with allegations arising from those provisions.
t]
After a hearing conducted by the ALJ on April 4 and 5, 2006, the ALJ
issued a Recommended Order, which was subsequently adopted by the Florida
Department of Community Affairs ("the Department"), which is the subject of the
appellants' appeal.
Because the appellants are challenging agency action, our review is
governed by section 120.68, Florida Statutes (2006), and Coastal Developm,,rit of
North Florida, Inc. v. City of Jacksonville Beach, 788 So. 2d 204 (Fla. 2001). The
relevant provisions of section 120.68 provide:
(7) The court shall remand a case to the agency for further
proceedings consistent with the court's decision or set aside agency
action, as appropriate, when it finds that:
(a) There has been no hearing prior to agency action and the
reviewing court finds that the validity of the action depends upon
disputed facts;
(b) The agency's action depends on any finding of fact that
is not supported by competent, substantial evidence ... ;
(c) The fairness of the proceedings or the correctness of the
action may have been impaired by a material error in procedure or a
failure to follow prescribed procedure;
(d) The agency has erroneously interpreted a provision of
law and a correct interpretation compels a particular action; or
(e) The agency's exercise of discretion was:
1. Outside the range of discretion delegated to the agency by
law;
2. Inconsistent with agency rule;
3. Inconsistent with officially stated agency policy or a prior
agency practice, if deviation therefrom is not explained by the
agency; or
4. Otherwise in violation of a constitutional or statutory
provision[.]
(Emphasis added).
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Amendments to a local government's comprehensive plan are legislative in
nature and, therefore, are subject to the fairly -debatable standard of review. Martin
County v. Yusem, 690 So. 2d 1288, 1295 (Fla. 1997). Thus, where reasonable
persons could differ as to the propriety of the planning action, it should be
affirmed. Id.; see also Coastal Dev., 788 So. 2d at 206 (applying the fairly -
debatable standard of review to small scale development amendments). However,
because the future land use map of a comprehensive plan represents a local
government's fundamental policy decisions, any proposed change to that
established policy is a policy decision that requires that those policies be
reexamined. Coastal Dev., 788 So. 2d at 209.
It seems to us that all comprehensive plan amendment requests
necessarily involve the formulation of policy, rather than its mere
application. Regardless of the scale of the proposed development, a
comprehensive plan amendment request will require that the
governmental entity determine whether it is socially desirable to
reformulate the policies previously formulated for the orderly future
growth of the community. This will, in turn, require that it consider
the likely impact that the proposed amendment would have on traffic,
utilities, other services, and future capital expenditures, among other
things.
Id. at 209 (quoting with approval Jacksonville Beach v. Coastal Dev. of N. Fla.,
Inc., 730 So. 2d 792, 794 (Fla. 1st DCA 1999)(emphasis added)).
In applying these standards, we conclude that the AW erred in refusing to
apply this court's findings in Payne II at the time of hearing, or in the alternative,
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erred by not continuing the hearing, as requested by the appellants, until the
opinion did become final. Instead, the ALJ chose to rely on the Department's
definition of the term "Port of Miami River" in Monkus v. City of Miami, D)AH
Case No. 04-1080 GM (Department of Community Affairs, Final Order, Oct, 28,
2004)("Monkus"), a definition rejected by this court in Payne II. Although the
ALJ did recognize this court's holding in Payne II in his Recommended Order, his
untimely adoption did not cure the error, as the ALJ precluded the appellants from
introducing relevant evidence and from making critical arguments based upon his
incorrect conclusion that the Port of Miami River Subelement of the
Comprehensive Plan was not relevant. Additionally, although the ALJ ultimately
recognized this court's holding in Payne II, he still declined to apply the goals,
policies, and objectives of the Port of Miami River Subelement of the
Comprehensive Plan. This was error.
The ALJ additionally erred in failing to examine the FLUM Amendment's
impact upon, and consistency with, other fundamental policy decisions contained
in the Comprehensive Plan and the Miami River Master Plan, and he made
findings that are unsupported by competent, substantial evidence. We conclude
that had the correct law been applied to facts which are supported by competent
substantial evidence, it would compel a finding that the Balbino FLUM
Amendment is inconsistent with both the Comprehensive Plan and the Miami
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Submitted into the public
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River Master Plan. on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Section 163.3161, Florida Statutes (2004), which is known as the Local
Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act, was
enacted to strengthen local governments' role in the establishment and
implementation of comprehensive planning to control future development. Section
163.3161 provides, in part:
(5) It is the intent of this act that adopted comprehensive plans
shall have the legal status set out in this act and that no public or
private development shall be permitted except in conformity with
comprehensive plans, or elements or portions thereof, prepared
and adopted in conformity with this act.
(7) The provisions of this act in their interpretation and
application are declared to be the minimum requirements necessary to
accomplish the stated intent, purposes, and objectives of this act; to
protect human, environmental, social, and economic resources; and to
maintain, through orderly growth and development, the
character and stability of present and future land use and
development in this state.
§163.3161(5), (7), Fla. Stat. (2004)(emphasis added). Section 163.3177(6),
Florida Statutes (2004), provides that comprehensive plans shall include certain
elements, including:
(a) A future land use plan element designating proposed future
general distribution, location, and extent of the uses of land for
residential uses, commercial uses, industry, agriculture, recreation,
7
conservation, education, public buildings and grounds, other public
facilities, and other categories of the public and private uses of land . .
§ 163.3177(6)(a), Fla. Stat. (2004).
Amendments to comprehensive plans may not be made more than two times
during any calendar year except: (a) in the case of an emergency, (b) when the
amendment is directly related to a proposed development of regional impact, or (c)
if the amendment is for a small scale development. § 163.3187(1)(a)-(c), Fla. Stat.
(2004). The Balbino FLUM Amendment was sought and granted as a small scale
development pursuant to section 163.3187(1)(c).
Section 163.3187(1)(c), Florida Statutes (2004), provides an exception to the
time limitation for small scale amendments to comprehensive plans if:
1. The proposed amendment involves a use of 10 acres or
fewer and:
f. If the proposed amendment involves a residential land use,
the residential land use has a density of 10 units or less per acre,
except that this limitation does not apply to small scale amendments
described in sub -sub -subparagraph a.(1) that are designated in the
local comprehensive plan for urban infill, urban redevelopment, or
downtown revitalization as defined in s. 163.31641 urban infill and
redevelopment areas designated, under s. 163.2517, transportation
concurrency exception areas approved pursuant to s. 163.3180(5), or
regional activity centers and urban central business districts approved
pursuant to s. 380.06(2)(e).
§ 163.3187(1)(c)(1)(f), Fla. Stat. (2004).
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Thus, before a small scale FLUM Amendment may be approved without
complying with the requirements normally imposed, the applicant must
demonstrate that the amendment involves a use of ten acres or less and the
proposed amendment involves a residential use with a density of ten units or less
per acre or that the property is designated in the Comprehensive Plan as urban
infill, urban redevelopment, or downtown revitalization.
We note that the AL3 and the City incorrectly applied the 2005 version of
this statute and that there was no evidence presented demonstrating that this small
scale FLUM Amendment satisfied these requirements or the requirements of the
2004 version of section 163.3187, Florida Statutes.' The density exception does
not apply as the density for the proposed development is over ten units per acre,
and the current Industrial classification, which pertains to nearly all of the property
contained in this small scale FLUM Amendment, permits no residential uses. The
only exception the Balbino FLUM Amendment could conceivably be relying on is
that the subject property is located in an urban infill zone. However, the City,
after paying for and participating in the creation of the Miami River Corridor
Urban Infill Plan ("Infill Plan"), failed to adopt the Infill Plan, and takes the
position that the entire City is an urban infill site. We find this argument hard to
' The 2005 version of this statute provides a further exception where the future
land use category allows a maximum residential density allowable under the
existing land use category, an exception which does not pertain to the Balbinc
FLUM Amendment. Submitted into the public
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accept. We additionally note that the Infill Plan targeted certain areas for ufban
infill development and this particular site is not a designated urban infill target
area under the Infill Plan.
The only challenge, however, made by the appellants regarding whetherthe
FLUM Amendment complies with section 163.3187 was that the subject property
is larger than ten acres. As the ALJ concluded that the FLUM Amendment
involves less than ten acres, and the appellants have not raised the issue on appeal,
nor have they argued that the Balbino FLUM Amendment does not fall within any
of the exceptions contained in the statute, we make no finding regarding whether
the requirements of section 163.3187 have been satisfied and do not base our
analysis or reversal on whether the subject property fiilfills the statutory
requirements of a small scale amendment.
In addition to the statutes regulating land development, requiring the
enactment of comprehensive planning to control future development and
providing a regulatory scheme for amendments to comprehensive plans, is the
City's Zoning Code. Article 6 of the City of Miami Zoning Code (2004) ("City's
Zoning Code") provides for the creation of SD Special Districts to protect certain
areas or districts within the City. Article 6, Section 600, provides, in pertinent
part, as follows:
Section 600. Intent.
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It is the intent of these regulations to permit creation of SD
Special Districts:
(a) In general areas officially designated as having
special and substantial public interest in protection
of existing or proposed character, or of principal
views of, from, or through the areas;
It is further intended that such districts and the regulations
adopted for them shall be in accord with, and promote the policies set
out in, the Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan and other
officially adopted plans in accordance therewith.
City of Miami Zoning Code, Art. 6, § 600 (emphasis added). "The regulations
shall be designed to promote the special purposes of the district, as set out in the
statement of intent." Id. at § 600.4.3. Article 6, section 604 of the City's Zoning
Code specifically provides for the creation of a waterfront industrial district to
regulate the waterfront property along the Miami River, and states, in pertinent
part, as follows:
Sec. 604. SD-4 Waterfront Industrial District.
Sec. 604.1. Intent.
This district designation is intended for application in areas
appropriately located for marine activities, including industrial
S operations and major movements of passengers and commodities.
In view of the importance of such activities to local economy and
the limited area suitable and available for such activities, it is
intended to limit principal and accessory uses to those reasonably
requiring location within such districts, and not to permit
residential, general commercial, service, office or manufacturing
uses not primarily related to waterfront activities except for
office uses in existing office structures. For the purposes of
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section 3(mm) of the City of Miami Charter, this district shall be
construed as an industrial district.
Sec. 604.4. Principal uses and structures.
604.4.1. Permitted principal uses and structures.
1. Piers, wharves, docks, and railroad service to related
loading, storage or distribution facilities.
2. Freight terminals; facilities for warehousing and
storage, packing, packaging and crating of materials from
or for marine shipment; assembly and distribution
facilities for marine shipments, except as provided under
permitted uses and structures in section 604.4.2 below.
3. Passenger terminals, including related facilities for
handling baggage or freight ground transportation,
parking, and establishments to serve needs of passengers
and visitors including retail shops, eating and drinking
establishments, ticket agencies, currency exchanges and
the like.
4. Facilities for construction, maintenance, service,
repair, supply or storage of vessels, including shipyards,
dry docks, marine railways, shops for marine
woodworking, electrical, communication and instrument
installation and repair, welding, sail making, engine and
motor repair and maintenance; ship chandlers; fuel supply
establishments. Manufacture, maintenance, service,
repair and/or sales of supply of parts, accessories and
equipment for marine needs.
5. Bases for marine dredging, salvage, towing; marine
construction offices and yards, piloting headquarters.
6. Sales, charter or rental of vessels, marine supplies and
equipment, marine sporting goods and supplies.
7. Establishments for collection, processing and/or
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distribution or sales of marine food products and
byproducts, including eating and drinking establishments
related to such operations.
8. Hiring halls for seamen and dock workers.
9. Telecommunication transmission and relay stations;
radar installation.
10. Structures and uses other than as listed above for
performance of governmental functions (including private
facilities supplementing or substituting for governmental
functions such as fire protection or provision of security),
or relating to operation of public utilities.
11. Commercial marinas, including permanent
occupancy of private pleasure craft as living quarters and
for temporary occupancy for transients (maximum stay:
thirty (30) days) as shall be required for work or security
purposes, or for repair work within the district.
12. Cellular communications site provided that where a
transmission tower is used the transmission tower shall be
by Special Exception only. The transmission tower and
anchoring devices, if directly -abutting a residential
district, must: (1) be located in the interior side or rear
yard of the property; (2) meet minimum setback
requirements; (3) be securely anchored, installed and
maintained in accordance with all applicable codes; (4)
not exceed a maximum height of one hundred and fifty
(150) feet; and (5) be separated from adjacent properties
by a landscape buffer.
Despite section 163.3161(5), which prohibits development unless it is in
conformity with the City's Comprehensive Plan; section 163.3161(7), which
specifies that the purpose of the Act is to protect certain resources and to maintain
the character and stability of development in this state through orderly growth and
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1
development; section 163.3187, which limits amendments to the Comprehensive
Plan; and Article 6 of the City's Zoning Code, which designates key areas oo the
Miami River as a protected district due to its importance to the City's economy,
a designation that specifically prohibits residential use or other uses not
primarily related to waterfront activities, the City granted Balbino a small scale
FLUM Amendment for its property located within this specially protected district,
to permit the construction of residential units that are not primarily related to
waterfront activities. As will be addressed in depth herein, Balbino's FLUM
Amendment is contrary to these provisions and is inconsistent with the Miami
Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan and the Miami River Master Plan.
THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
("Comprehensive Plan")
The ALJ found that the FLUM Amendment was consistent with the goals,
objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. The ALJ's evaluation of the
evidence is, however, flawed because he failed to consider critical sections found
in the "Port of Miami River Subelement," and portions of the "Coastal
Management" and the "Future Land Use" sections of the Comprehensive Plan in
reaching this conclusion.
The Port of Miami River Subelement
The Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City Commission in 1989 and
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Submitted into the public
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amended through August of 2004. Within the Comprehensive Plan is a section
devoted to "Ports, Aviation and Related Facilities," specifying the City's goals,
objectives, and policies regarding development within these critical areas. Within
this section there is a subelement titled the "Port of Miami River." The appellants
claim that the Balbino FLUM Amendment is inconsistent with this subelernent.
Although the appellants claim that the Balbino FLUM Amendment is inconsistent
with the Port of Miami River Subelement of the Comprehensive Plan, the AU
precluded the appellants from introducing evidence regarding this subelement
because he incorrectly concluded that it was not relevant. The ALJ based his
conclusion, in part, on the Monkus definition of the Port of Miami River, despite
our contrary conclusion in Payne II. At the time of the hearing, the ALJ's
justification for failing to apply this court's findings in Payne II was that Payne II
was still under consideration for rehearing and rehearing en banc. The appellants'
motion for a continuance pending the issuance of a mandate by this court in Payne
II was denied. The ALJ's failure to permit the appellants to introduce evidence or
to present argument that the Balbino FLUM Amendment is inconsistent with the
Comprehensive, Plan, was error.
Balbino and the City claim that the Port of Miami River Subelement found
in the Comprehensive Plan only relates to the fourteen commercial shipping
companies that were located along the Miami River in 1989. They premise their
15
arguments on a footnote in the Port of Miami River Subelement of the
Comprehensive Plan, which states:
The "Port of Miami River" is simply a legal name used to identify
some 14 independent, privately -owned small shipping companies
located along the Miami River, and is not a "Port Facility" within the
usual meaning of the term. The identification of these shipping
concerns as the "Port of Miami River" was made in 1986 for the sole
purpose of satisfying a U.S. Coast Guard regulation governing bilge
pump outs.
Based upon this footnote, they argue that the policies and objectives regarding the
Port of Miami River in the Comprehensive Plan only apply to those fourteen
companies. Not only is this argument illogical, it was rejected by this court in
Payne II:
We find that the "Port of Miami River" subsection is not limited
to 14 unidentified companies. Rather, the footnote explains that the
"Port of Miami River" is not a port in the traditional sense of the
word. Accordingly, appellants did not have to allege that they were
one of the 14 shipping companies referenced in the footnote.
Pa ne, 927 So. 2d at 908 (footnote omitted)(emphasis added).
Some of the objectives and policies found in the "Port of Miami River"
Subelement of the Comprehensive Plan, which the ALJ failed to consider when he
found that the FLUM Amendment was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan,
are:
Objective PA-3.1: The City of Miami, through its Land development
regulations, shall help protect the Port of Miami River from
encroachment by non water -dependent or water -related land uses, and
shall regulate its expansion and redevelopment in coordination with
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the City's applicable coastal management and conservation plans and
policies.
Policy PA-3.1.1: The City shall use its land development regulations
to encourage the establishment and maintenance of water -dependent
and water -related uses along the banks of the Miami River, and to
discourage encroachment by incompatible uses.
Policy PA-3.1.2: The City shall, through its land development
regulations, encourage the development and expansion of the Port of
Miami River consistent with the coastal management and
conservation elements of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Policy PA-3.1.3: The City shall, through its land development
regulations, encourage development of compatible land uses in the
vicinity of the Port of Miami River so as to mitigate potential adverse
impacts arising from the Port of Miami River upon adjacent natural
resources and land uses.
Policy PA-3.3.1: The City of Miami, through its Intergovernmental
Coordination Policies, shall support the functions of the Port of
Miami River consistent with future goals and objectives of the
Comprehensive Plan, particularly with respect to the unique
characteristics of the Port of Miami River's location and its economic
position and functioning within the local maritime industry, and the
necessity for coordination of these characteristics and needs with
maritime industry that complements, and often competes with, the
Port of Miami River.
The City and Balbino's argument, that these objectives and policies do not
apply to the Balbino property because it is not located on one of the orginal
shipping company sites, is illogical. It is undisputed that many of the fourteen
shipping companies that were located at various sites along the Miami River in
1986 have moved, changed hands, and no longer exist, and that instead of fourteen
shipping companies along the Miami River, there are now at least twenty-eight.
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Since the Comprehensive Plan's enactment in 1989, the City adopted The Miami
River Master Plan, which will be addressed more fully herein, and the City has
amended and readopted the Comprehensive Plan. It is also undisputed that the
marine industry along the Miami River has grown substantially and has become an
important economic asset to the City. The Miami River generates over $800
million in input, $427 million in income, $45 million in tax revenue per year, and
provides employment to 7,500 people. The shipping industry along the Miami
River is not only growing, further expansion is all but certain when the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers completes its dredging of the Miami River. It is, therefore,
illogical to conclude that the City meant only to protect the original fourteen
shipping companies along the Miami River when it drafted, enacted, amended and
readopted the Comprehensive Plan. Thus, we reaffirm our position in PaneII,
that the Port of Miami River referred to in the Comprehensive Plan, and as
amended and adopted in 2004, is not limited to the fourteen shipping companies
that existed in 1989.
Our conclusion is supported by the findings contained in the Miami River
Master Plan, prepared by the City of Miami Department of Planning, Building and
Zoning, and adopted by the City on January 23, 1992, by Resolution #92-61 . In
this document, the City recognized that, although the Miami River is a navigable
waterway used extensively for commercial shipping, it is not officially regulated as
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a port by state or local government; these commercial shipping operations are
100% owned and operated by private enterprise and, therefore, do not enjoy the
structure, authority, and advantages normally associated with ports; that the name
Port of Miami River was simply coined in 1986 to satisfy a U.S. Coast Guard
regulation governing bilge pumpouts; and that there are currently between twenty-
five and thirty independent shipping companies operating on the Miami River as
opposed to the fourteen companies operating in 1989. Miami River Master Plan,
River Management Port of Miami River, 2.12 (Jan. 1992). Indeed, based upon
this rather unusual structure, or lack thereof, the Miami River Master Plan stresses
the need for a formal organization to manage the use of these facilities, providing,
in part, as follows:
RECOMMENDATIONS
Policy:
2.4.9 Create an official "port" organization with responsibility to
assist with enforcement of rules and regulations applicable to
commercial shipping activity.
(a) Support the private sector efforts to fulfill the role of a port
through a cooperative organization.
(b) If the private port cooperative fails to effectively manage
shipping activity, establish a public port agency with legal
authority to enforce regulations.
Id. at 2.13.
Additionally, the Infill Plan contains a summary specifically addressing the
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Port of Miami River Subelement. It reads as follows:
In 1988 The Port of Miami River consisted of approximately 14
independent shipping terminals, along the Miami River as shown in
Figure IV-16, that were joined together in 1986 in order to comply
with U.S. Coast Guard regulations regarding pumpout of bilge water.
The Infill Plan lists the fourteen original shipping terminals; discusses the services
provided and the tonnage of cargo shipped; notes the estimated $1.7 billion value;
and then addresses the Port of Miami River Subelement as it existed in 1995:
As shown in Figure IV-19, in 1995 the Port of Miami River consists
of about 28 independent shipping terminals located along navigable
5.5 miles of the Miami River that stretch from the salinity dam to the
Biscayne Bay.
The Infill Plan names the twenty-eight shipping terminals that existed in 1995 and
which were considered the Port of Miami River at that time. While the Infill Plan
does not provide a more current list of the Port of Miami River entities, its drafters
make it clear that the term clearly includes the shipping terminals along the river
wherever they are located and regardless of the name or ownership.
Jack Luft, who testified for the appellants and who was accepted by the ALJ
as an expert in the field of comprehensive land planning, was a land planner with
the City for twenty-eight years; participated in the rewrite of the Comprehensive
Plan in 1978; was the senior project manager for several components of the
Comprehensive Plan in the 1980's; wrote master plans for various cities and areas,
including Virginia Key, Dinner Key, Coconut Grove, downtown, Watson Island,
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Bicentennial Park, and for a number of neighborhood revitalization parks; planned
the Design District in the 1990's; was a consultant for Sunny Isles Beach's
Comprehensive Master Plan in 2000; and is considered an expert for last year's
Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, Mr. Luft served as the Director for the
Department of Development for the City and was involved in revitalization
strategies for Little Havana and Little River, where he analyzed census
information, income data, and housing costs and conditions to determine how to
approach the revitalization of these communities.
Mr. Luft testified that the Port of Miami River is not specifically defined in
the Comprehensive Plan, but rather, it is only "vaguely referred to as a collection
of marine industries and nonspecific locations of an unspecific number." It is Mr.
Luft's expert opinion that the Port of Miami River comprises the marine industrial
uses and properties along the Miami River, which include the shipping terminals,
shipping operations, and an array of services including freight forwarders, port
construction companies, repair facilities, equipment suppliers, and other entities
that operate and service the vessels on the Miami River.
Dr. Francis Bohnsack, the Executive Director of the Miami River Marine
Group and who serves as the Miami River Port Director for the United States
Coast Guard as a liaison for the marine industry on the Miami River with local,
state, and federal agencies, agrees with Mr. Luft's definition of the Port of Miarni
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River. Dr. Bohnsack explained that the Miami River Marine Group was
established because of the Port of Miami River's unconventional structure. While
conventional ports have an operational infrastructure owned by the government,
the Port of Miami River is comprised of privately owned companies that compete
with each other. The Miami River Marine Group was established as an
independent entity to serve its interests and the interests of the marine industry.
She further explained that the Port of Miami River is a "riverine port" with many
terminal addresses running along the entire length of the Miami River in
designated marine industrial sites. It is, therefore, the position of both Mr. Lutz
and Dr. Bohnsack that the Port of Miami River includes the port facilities that are
water -dependent, zoned SD-4, and regulated by the Coast Guard, customs, and the
various federal, state and local agencies.
The evidence supports Mr. Luft's and Dr. Bohnsack's definition of the Port
of Miami River. We, therefore, conclude that the Port of Miami River
encompasses the water -dependent marine activity on the river, which includes the
shipping companies and terminals and the associated supporting marine industries
zoned SD-4 on the Miami River.
This conclusion, however, is not dispositive. Whether we view the Port of
Miami River as the ever -changing shipping terminals along the river or as the. SD-
4 water -dependent and water -related marine industries on the river, the ALJ erred
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in refusing to permit the appellants to introduce evidence or to argue that this
FLUM Amendment is inconsistent with the objectives and policies of the Port of
Miami River Subelement. Additionally, while the ALJ ultimately recognized this
court's holding in Payne II, in his Recommended Order, he failed to consider the
objectives and policies of the Port of Miami River Subelement previously listed in
this opinion.
This error is material, as Balbino's proposed land use is clearly inconsistent
with the Port of Miami River Subelement of the Comprehensive Plan. Objective
PA-3.1 requires the City to "protect the Port of Miami River from
encroachment by nonwater-dependent or water -related land uses" (emphasis
added). This Subelement also provides clear policy which requires the City
through its land development regulations to encourage the maintenance of water -
dependent and water -related uses along the banks of the Miami River and to
encourage expansion of the Port of Miami River. Contrary to these objectives and
policies, the City approved Balbino's small scale FLUM Amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan, changing the land use designation which is mostly Industrial
to Restricted Commercial; and also permitted this parcel of land, located directly
on the Miami River, to be rezoned from SD4-2 Waterfront Industrial to Restricted
Commercial, thereby allowing the construction of a mixed -use project, which is
neither water -dependent nor water -related and will limit future expansion of the
23
Port of Miami River.
Balbino and the City additionally argue that the Port of Miami River
Subelement applies to land development regulations (zoning), not to land use,
which is what the FLUM Amendment addresses. Balbino and the City, therefore,
argue that regardless of how we define the Port of Miami River, the ALJ did not
err in refusing to consider whether Balbino's FLUM Amendment was consistent
with the objectives and policies of the Port of Miami River Subelement. We
disagree.
The Balbino property was, for the most part, zoned SD-4.2 Waterfront
Industrial. Therefore, its land use designation was, by necessity, identified as
Industrial. The SD-4.2 classification precludes any residential uses. The SD-4-2
land development regulation was placed on this property to reserve and preserve it
as a water -dependent or water -related industrial use that could not be used for
residential purposes. The Port of Miami River Subelement was enacted to
specifically protect the Miami River from encroachment by non -water -dependent
or non -water -related uses that have no relevance to and do not support the shipping
- - ...industry. By changing the land use designation from Industrial to Restricted
Commercial, the only water -related or water -dependent use permitted in that
classification would be for a marina. Additionally, the FLUM Amendment will
permit residential use, a land use specifically precluded by the SD-4.2 land
Submitted into the public
24 record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
development classification. Thus, by changing the land use, the FLUM
Amendment dramatically changes the permitted land development uses.
We are also unwilling to pretend ignorance or to engage in willful blindness.
The City agreed to amend the land use designation from Industrial and General
Commercial to Restricted Commercial, granted Balbino's petition to change the
land development classification from SD-4.2 Waterfront Industrial to Restricted
Commercial, and granted Balbino's MUSP, thus granting Balbino permission to
build three mixed -use high-rise buildings, which are in no way related to the
shipping industry and which are completely inconsistent with the Comprehensive
Plan.
This parcel of land has always been used for marine industrial purposes.
When the City approved the FLUM Amendment, zoning change, and MUSP, the
property was being used as a water -dependent commercial marina and "self-help"
boat repair facility. Therefore, the land use change is clearly tied into the zoning
change and MUSP.
We, therefore, conclude that the ALJ erred in refusing to allow the
-appellants to offer evidence; to consider that evidence; and to evaluate whether
Balbino's FLUM Amendment was consistent with the goal, objectives, and
policies of the Port of Miami River Subelement. We find that had the ALJ done
so, the inescapable conclusion would have been that the FLUM Amendment is
Submitted into the public
25 record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Coastal Management
The Comprehensive Plan also contains a section, titled "Coastal
Management," which addresses the coastal areas located within the City. One of
the goals specified in this section is to "[p]rovide an adequate supply of land for
water dependent uses." Goal CM-3. In order to accomplish this goal, Objective
CM-3.1 provides: "Allow no net loss of acreage devoted to water dependent
uses in the coastal area of the City of Miami" (emphasis added). Moreover,
Policy CM-3.1.1 states: "Future land use and development regulations will
encourage water dependent uses along the shoreline."
The ALJ concluded that because the change to a Restricted Commercial land
use designation will still permit a commercial marina to operate at that location,
the FLUM Amendment will result in no loss of acreage devoted to water -
dependent use. This conclusion ignores the intent of Coastal Management Goal
CM-3. The AU ignored the fact that (1) the property is currently a commercial
marina; (2) the FLUM Amendment, zoning change, and MUSP approval were all
tied together and approved together: the City's approval allows Balbino to
construct over 1,000 residential units on property where residential units were
previously precluded; and (3) eliminates the commercial marina currently
operating at that location, as well as twenty-seven of the ninety-three dry boat slip.,
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on the Miami River.
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
The Balbino FLUM Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, changing the
land use designation, which is primarily Industrial to Restricted Commercial, and
the zoning change from SD4-2 Waterfront Industrial to Restricted Commercial,
will result in a net loss of acreage devoted to water -dependent use, thereby
conflicting with Coastal Management Goal CM-3. Instead of "[p]rovid[ing] an
adequate supply of land for water dependent uses[,] ... [a]llow[ing] no net loss of
acreage devoted to water dependent uses in the coastal area of the City of Miami,"
and using its land use regulations to "encourage water dependent uses along the
shoreline," these changes to this property's land use and zoning will deplete land
specifically reserved by the City for waterfront industrial use in its Comprehensive
Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan's goals, objectives, and policy considerations
regarding coastal areas, and specifically those coastal areas along the Miami River,
are in recognition of how important the shipping industry and other water -
dependent uses are to the City's economy.
In view of the importance to the local economy, the limited
available areas suitable for high intensity water dependent uses, and
strong population pressures of the 1960's, the City created in the mid
1960's a zoning classification entitled Waterfront Industrial. This
zoning classification strictly prohibits uses that are not directly
related to waterfront activities.
Since any new water dependent or related facilities would
involve redevelopment of existing waterfront properties, these
zoning ordinances are considered sufficient to insure that
adequate land area for water -dependent or related uses is
protected.
Along the Miami River, an economic study in 1986 reported that the
firms located in the study area ... have a significant impact on the
Miami economy. They employ an estimated 7,000 workers on a full
time basis and over 600 part time. Total sales are estimated at $613
million, or about $87,000 for a full time worker. An additional
indirect impact of $1.2 billion of business activity in the Miami area
is created by firms in the study area. Many of the firms located in the
study area are marine related businesses in part composed of water
dependent and water related activities.
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan 1989-2000, Volume II, Data and
Analysis, Coastal Management Element (emphasis added).
The ALJ, however, failed to consider the importance of the marine industry
to the City's economy or to appreciate that the Industrial land use designation and
Waterfront Industrial SD-4 zoning classification were created to protect those uses
and to ensure that there will be adequate land area for water -dependent and related
uses.
Future Land Use
The Future Land Use section of the Comprehensive Plan also provides that a
future land use goal is to "[mjaintain a land use pattern that (1) protects and
Submitted into the public
28 record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
enhances the quality of life in the city's residential neighborhoods; (2) fosters
redevelopment and revitalization of blighted or declining areas; (3) promotes
and facilitates economic development and the growth of job opportunities in
the City ... and (6) protects and conserves the city's significant natural and
coastal resources." Goal LU-1.
The ALJ found that the FLUM Amendment is consistent with Goal LU-1.
He concluded that because the "FLUM Amendment will eliminate the potential
for development of industrial uses that may generate `excessive amounts of noise,
smoke, fumes, illumination, traffic, hazardous wastes, or negative visual impact[,]"
it will improve the quality of life of the surrounding neighborhoods, and it is,
therefore, consistent with subpart (1). He additionally found that because the
Balbino property is located in Allapattah, a declining area, the FLUM Amendment
will provide redevelopment and revitalization of the area, and is, therefore,
consistent with subpart (2). These findings, however, are unsupported by the
record.
Ms. Stetser, a resident near the Balbino property, testified that rather than
"enhancing the quality of life" in the neighborhood, the addition of over 2000
additional cars to the already congested two-lane North River Drive and to the 17th
Avenue bridge, which already backs up, will cause further delays and frustration tc
the neighborhood's drivers.
Submitted into the public
29 record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
We also note that in 1997, the Florida Legislature created the Miami laver
Study Commission to assess the main issues along the Miami River and to cake
recommendations for improving its management; in 1998, the Legislature
established the Miami River Commission to coordinate state, regional, and local
activities impacting the Miami River; and in 1999, the Legislature adopted the
Urban Infill and Redevelopment Act to assist local governments in implementing
their local comprehensive plans. In 2000, in recognition of the importance of the
Miami River and the need for a single, multi jurisdictional plan for the entire
Miami River Corridor, the City, Miami -Dade County, and the Miami River
Commission executed a joint planning agreement to create an urban infill plan for
the Miami River Corridor. After two years of collaborative effort, the Infill Plan
was adopted by the Miami River Commission and Miami -Dade County as their
Strategic Plan. While the City has not yet adopted the Infill. Plan it helped create, it
does periodically refer to data contained in the Infill Plan, and it has been relied
upon, in part, by the City, the ALJ, and Balbino during the proceedings.
The Infill Plan identifies the Allapattah area as a neighborhood stretching
from N.W. 17th Avenue to N.W. 27th Avenue on the north bank of the Miami
River. The Balbino property is located at approximately N.W. 18th Avenue
directly on the Miami River. The Infill Plan notes that A.11apattah is the home to
thriving marinas, two of the largest yacht basins on the Miami River, numerous
30 Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
produce and flower markets, and a thriving wholesale and retail clothing district on
N.W. 20th Street. In addressing the waterfront properties along the Miami River,
the Infill Plan states that both high density and lower density residential
development may not be the most appropriate use of the neighborhood's river
frontage and that "Allapattah's waterfront industrial zoning should be
maintained." Thus, while it may be beneficial to develop certain areas in. the
Allapattah area, the waterfront in areas zoned Waterfront Industrial is not one of
them.
Rather than promoting economic development and the growth of job
opportunities as required in LU-1(3), the, evidence establishes that it will do just
the opposite. Jack Luft testified that the Miami River Master Plan; the Urban Infill
Plan; the City of Miami; Miami River Market Analysis; and the 2004 Economic
Impact Analysis, all reflect that the Miami River and its marine industrial base is a
significant source of jobs and economic enhancement to the City. This includes
not only the shipping industry, but a variety of marine industrial support services
that reinforce and directly serve the industry. He noted that from 1991 to 2001, the
- . marine industries on the river doubled in ports serving the Caribbean and in the
cargo handled along the river. Jobs have tripled. The Miami River marine
industry is an important economic asset to the City which provided over $4 billon
in trade during the ten-year period from 1991 to 2001. Mr. Luft testified that "this
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
31 on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
amendment eliminates irreplaceable marine industrial land from the river. There is
L
not another place to recapture it, and it completely violates the promotion and
facilitation of economic development of one of the most important industries in the
city. It's clear." Mr. Luft additionally stated that the FLUM Amendment not only
eliminates this particular marine use on the river, it threatens the viability and the
very existence of the surrounding marine industrial uses and that it is the Miami
River maritime industry itself which provides jobs in the region.
The AU also failed to address LU-1(6), which requires the City to protect
and conserve its "significant natural and coastal resources." Since 2000, fifty
percent of the properties designated for marine industrial water -related and
water -dependent uses along the banks of the Miami River have been lost due
to the multiple small scale land use amendments to make way for residential
high-rises. These small scale amendments do not require the scrutiny that is
normally required to amend the Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, developers, with
City approval, have been compromising the marine industry and in effect,
changing the Comprehensive Plan piecemeal, rather than performing a
comprehensive review with appropriate public and governmental input and
oversight. The Balbino FLUM Amendment is an example of this piecemeal
alteration of the City's coastal resources, and when viewed in conjunction with the
other small scale amendments, dramatically affects the stated goals and objectives
32 Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
to preserve the Miami River as a working river, which are to protect the marine
industries along the river and to reserve a sufficient amount of waterfront industrial
land for expansion of water -dependent and water -related uses.
Despite the FLUM Amendment's conflict with the overall goals, objectives,
and policies specified in the Comprehensive Plan and the River Master Plan, the
ALJ upheld Balbino's FLUM Amendment because he found that it was consistent
with Policy LU-1.3.6, which encourages "diversification in the mix of industrial
and commercial activities and tenants" in certain areas of the City, including the
"River Corridor." The ALJ, however, failed to consider that while diversification
and mixed -use classifications may be desirable in certain locations along the River
Corridor, the Comprehensive Plan and the River Master Plan make it clear
that these goals only apply to appropriately zoned areas, not to land reserved
for waterfront industrial purposes:
Goal CM-3: Provide an adequate supply of land for water
dependent uses.
Objective CM-3.1: Allow no net loss of acreage devoted to water
dependent uses in the coastal area of the City of Miami.
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan 1989-2000, Volume II,
Data and Analysis, Coastal Management Element: In view of the
importance to the local economy, the limited available areas
suitable for high intensity water dependent uses, and strong
population pressures of the 1960's, the City created in the mid
1960's a zoning classification entitled Waterfront Industrial.
This zoning classification strictly prohibits uses that are not
directly related to waterfront activities. Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
33 on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
River Master Plan, 0.2: The function of the Miami River as a
"working waterfront" should be preserved. Scarce waterfront
land should be reserved, wherever possible, for use by businesses
that are dependent on a waterfront location or are essentially
related to the maritime economy of the area.
River Master Plan, Urban Design 4.20: New housing construction
should be encouraged, except on lands reserved for water -
dependent uses.
River Master Plan, Urban Design 4.20, Objective 4.8: Encourage
residential development on appropriately zoned lands in the Mid -
River area.
Additionally, there was no evidence presented to support the ALJ's findings
that the Balbino project will "fulfill a need for housing for persons who work in the
Civic Center area" and will promote job creation. No evidence was presented that
there is a need, for such housing. In fact, the evidence presented paints a very
different picture. Jack Luft testified that Miami and Florida have initiated an
aggressive marketing campaign to strengthen its ports. The Caribbean Basin
Initiative and the recent Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) are
two of those initiatives..-, He additionally noted that Rule 9J-5 of the State
Administrative Code requires the City to do an assessment of need. In compliance
with Rule 9J-5, the studies performed demonstrate an enormous need to
preserve waterfront industrial sites along the Miami River. The Port of Miami
River handles one-third of the tonnage that serves the Caribbean basin and is one
of the major ports serving the shallow draft ports of the Caribbean. Mr. Luft
34 Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
testified that the existing need, while great, is continuing to grow with no other
location to fulfill the need. He astutely pointed out that while there are many
suitable upland locations for the residential buildings planned by this developer,
the marine industry has no such latitude.
MIAMI RIVER MASTER PLAN
("River Master Plan")
The River Master Plan is as a result of a planning study undertaken by the
City of Miami Department of Planning, Building and Zoning, to provide a long-
range and a short-range vision of the Miami River as a "working waterfront." It
specifically provides that:
The function of the Miami River as a "working waterfront"
should be preserved. Scarce waterfront land should be reserved,
wherever possible, for use by businesses that are dependent on a
waterfront location or are essentially related to the maritime
economy of the area.
The river should grow as a shallow draft seaport— a lifeline to the
Caribbean Basin — providing good -paying jobs for city residents.
New shipping terminals should be located where they will not be
detrimental to residential neighborhoods.
The river's role in the regional market for repair, sales and
service of boats and marine equipment should be maintained and
strengthened.
The marine character embodied by the fishing industry on the
river should be preserved.
River Master Plan, 0.2 (emphasis added). Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
35
The River Master Plan addresses the limited availability of land suitable to
development and expansion of water -dependent marine businesses, stating in
pertinent part:
Within Dade County, there. is estimated to be only 13.7 acres of
undeveloped land['] with suitable water access and zoning to permit
expansion of water -dependent marine businesses. Of that total, 8
acres are located on the Miami River. Given the economic
significance of the marine industry, particularly in terms of the
type and number of jobs created, it is important to prevent
encroachment upon the limited amount of land available for
growth of marine activities in the Miami River area.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Objective:
1.1 Reserve the limited amount of waterfront land available for
expansion of marine industries.
Policies:
1.1.1 Retain and enforce the requirement for water -dependent
and water -related uses within areas currently designated SD-4 in
the City of Miami.
River Master Plan, The Working Waterfront 1.4 — 1.5 (emphasis added).
The River Master Plan also specifically addresses the SD-4 zoning
designation for coastal areas along the Miami River to provide protection from
intrusion by non -water -dependent or related uses.
In the City of Miami, marine industries along the Miami River and its
2 The River Master Plan was adopted in 1992. Thus, the data is reflective of
available water -dependent land at that time.
36 Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
tributaries are protected by a special zoning designation from
intrusion by other uses that are not dependent on a waterfront
location. This special zoning is called "SD-4, Waterfront Industrial
Special District." It is intended for application in areas
appropriately located for marine activities, to limit principal and
accessory uses to those reasonably requiring waterfront locations,
and to exclude residential, general commercial, service, office or
manufacturing uses not primarily related to waterfront activities.
River Master Plan, The Working Waterfront, Waterfront Industrial Zoning 1.12
(emphasis added). The River Master Plan divides the SD-4 zoning classification
into SD-4.1, Waterfront Commercial, and SD-4.2, Waterfront Industrial categories.
Waterfront Commercial SD-4.1 includes marinas, boatyards, fisheries, boat sales
and service, mixed use, and limited restaurant or residential with water dependent
use. Waterfront Industrial SD-4.2 includes shipping terminals, marine contractors,
commercial shipyards, towing, and salvage, and all SD-4.1 uses, except
residential.
This waterfront zoning classification was recommended by City planners in
1956, was adopted by the City in 1961, and generally remained intact until recent
-- years- -when -the City began approving small scale amendments to the -
'Comprehensive Plan and the concurrent zoning changes. Most of Balbino's
property is zoned SD-4.2 Waterfront Industrial property, and therefore, is reserved
for waterfront industrial purposes and specifically excludes any residential uses.
The City, Balbino, and the ALJ all contend that, because the subject
property is located in the "Mid -River" section where most of the existing housing
WA
is located along the Miami River, a change from an Industrial land use, and SD-4.2
Waterfront Industrial zoning, to a mixed -use residential Restricted Commercial
designation is consistent with the area's land use. We disagree, as the River
Master Plan, which recognizes the importance of housing opportunities in the Mid -
River area, specifically limits its application to land not reserved for water -
dependent uses.
Residential Development
A number of opportunities remain for development of new housing
by building on vacant lots or by increasing the density of existing
developed lots. New housing construction should be encouraged,
except on lands reserved for water -dependent uses. In the
proposed SD-4.1 Waterfront Commercial zoning district (see page
1.14) residential development could be permitted as an accessory use
to a marina.
Objective:
4.8 Encourage residential development on appropriately zoned
lands in the Mid -River area.
River Master Plan, Mid -River, Urban Design, 4.20 (emphasis added). Balbino's
property, which is zoned SD-4.2 Waterfront Industrial, therefore, is specifically
excluded from the City's stated residential development goals along the Mid -
River. Even SD-4.1 Waterfront Commercial zoned land may only include
residential development as an accessory use to a marina.
Lastly, the River Master Plan recognizes that higher land values and the
Submitted into the public
38 record for item(s) PZ.S,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
concomitant increase in property taxes results in the displacement of marine
businesses and that the SD-4 Waterfront zoning was created, in part, to protect the
maritime industry along the Miami River from being priced out of the location. It,
therefore, provides for specific objectives and policies to protect these marine
businesses from displacement by higher land values.
Land Values
One issue which directly affects the continued viability of marinas
and small boatyards, as well as other businesses along the Miami
River, is that of increasing land values and the concomitant increase
in property taxes. Clearly this has been the case in the Downtown
portion of the river and has resulted in the displacement of marine
businesses with office buildings....
Q • _�I�! �� elm
Objective:
1.3 Preserve the marine repair, service, equipment and related
industries along the Miami River that are vital to the shipping
industry or the recreational boating industry.
Policies:
1.3.1 Protect boatyards and related- marine businesses from
displacement by higher land values uses by adopting separate
"marine industrial" and "marine -commercial" zoning district
classifications.
River Master Plan, Marinas and Boatyards, Land Values 1.9. Balbino's FLLJM
Amendment, changing the land use designation from Industrial to Restricted
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
39 on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Commercial, is clearly inconsistent with the objectives and policy considerations
relating to property values. Balbino's 1,073-unit residential towers will most
likely raise the property values and taxes, not protect them, thereby creating a
financial strain on smaller marine businesses critical to the working waterfront.
The ALJ erred in failing to consider this issue in finding that the FLUM
Amendment was consistent with the River Master Plan.
CONCLUSION
While we recognize that agency action enjoys great deference, findings of
fact must be supported by competent, substantial evidence. Furthermore, when the
agency incorrectly interprets the law or, fails to apply the law, the decision rendered
is subject to reversal. Because we conclude that the ALJ erred in precluding the
appellants from introducing evidence and in making argument regarding the
FLUM Amendment's inconsistency with the Port of Miami River Subelement of
the Comprehensive Plan; failed to consider the Port of Miami River Subelement
and critical areas of the Coastal Management and Future Land Use sections of the
Comprehensive Plan; failed to consider critical sections of the River Master Plan;
and made findings that were unsupported by the evidence, we reverse. We find
that had the .ALJ considered these areas of the Comprehensive Plan and the River
Master Plan, he could not have concluded that Balbino's FLUM Amendment wa!
consistent with either.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
We further note that these "small scale" amendments, when viewed together
as a whole, are changing the character of the Miami River waterfront without
proper long range planning or input from appropriate agencies, departments, and
citizen groups. Because the Miami River is such an important asset to the City,
County, and State, such piecemeal, haphazard changes are not only ill-advised,
they are contrary to the goals and objectives of those who worked together,
debated, and determined how the Miami River waterfront should be developed. If
the City's vision for the Miami River has changed, then that change should be
clearly reflected in its Comprehensive Plan to provide industries and land owners
along the Miami River with fair notice.
Reversed.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
41
Tbirb ;Di5trirt Court of Zipped
State of Florida, July Term, A.D. 2007
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
Opinion filed August 29, 2007. on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Not final until disposition of timely filed motion for rehearing.
No. 3D06-2409
Lower Tribunal Nos. 06-759 GM; DCA 06-GM-214
Captain Herbert Payne; The Durham Park Neighborhood
Association, Inc., a Florida not for profit corporation; and the
Miami River Marine Group, Inc., a Florida not for profit
corporation,
Appellants,
VS.
City of Miami, a Florida municipal corporation; and Riverside
Investments, LLC, a Florida limited liability corporation,
Appellees.
An Appeal from the Department of Community Affairs.
Andrew W.J. Dickman (Naples), for appellants.
Greenberg Traurig and David C. Ashburn (Tallahassee); Greenberg Traurig
and Elliot H. Scherker and Lucia Dougherty and Pamela A. DeBooth, for appellee
Riverside Investments, LLC; Jorge L. Fernandez, City Attorney, and Rafael
Suarez -Rivas, Assistant City Attorney, for appellee City of Miami.
Before RAMIREZ, CORTMAS, and ROTHENBERG, JJ. Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
ROTHENBERG, Judge. on 06-11-202.0, City Clerk
Riverside 22 Investments, LLC ("Riverside") owns a 4.3-acre parcel located
on the south side of the Miami River at 2215 N.W. 14th Street, Miami, Florida.
Riverside applied for and obtained from the City of Miami ("City") a small scale
amendment to the Future Land Use Map ("FLUM Amendment") of the Miami
Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan ("Comprehensive Plan"), changing the land
use designation of the property from Industrial to Restricted Commercial.
Riverside also applied for and obtained a zoning change from SD-4.2 Waterfront
Industrial to C-1 Restricted Commercial, and a Major Use Special Permit
("MUSP"), thereby allowing the construction of a multi -family development
project on the property. The ordinance approving the FLUM Amendment was
adopted by the City Commission on January 26, 2006, and was signed by the
Mayor on January 31, 2006.1 The City approved the rezoning of the property and
the MUSP on the same day. The approved development on this 4.3-acre
waterfront parcel is for two twelve -story residential condominiums consisting of
633 dwelling units. The MUSP and the rezoning have not been challenged in this
appeal.
The following parties filed a petition with the Division of Administrative
1 Ordinance Number 12761.
2
Hearing ("DOAH"), challenging the ordinance that approved the FLUM
Amendment: Captain Herbert Payne ("Payne"), a boat captain who owns and
operates one of the largest tugboat companies on the Miami River and who relies
exclusively on commercial marine business on the Miami River for his livelihood;
The Durham Park Neighborhood Association, Inc. ("Durham Park"), a non-profit
neighborhood association comprised of approximately ninety homeowners and
businesses located in the Durham Park area, which is located on the south side of
the Miami River and to the east of the Riverside property; and The Miami River
Marine Group, Inc. ("Marine Group"), a trade association representing marine and
industrial businesses along the Miami River (collectively referred to as "the
appellants"). After a hearing, the administrative law judge ("ALJ") issued a
Recommended Order, which was subsequently adopted by the Florida Department
of Community Affairs ("the Department"), and to which the appellants now
appeal.
Because the appellants are challenging agency action, our review is
governed by section 120.68, Florida Statutes (2006), and Coastal Development of
North Florida, Inc. v. City of Jacksonville Beach, 788 So. 2d 204 (Fla. 2001). The
relevant provisions of section 120.68 provide:
(7) The court shall remand a case to the agency for further
proceedings consistent with the court's decision or set aside agency
action, as appropriate, when it finds that:
(a) There has been no hearing prior to agency action and the
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
3 on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
reviewing court finds that the validity of the action depends upon
disputed facts;
(b) The agency's action depends on any finding of fact that
is not supported by competent, substantial evidence ... ;
(c) The fairness of the proceedings or the correctness of the
action may have been impaired by a material error in procedure or a
failure to follow prescribed procedure;
(d) The agency has erroneously interpreted a provision of
law and a correct interpretation compels a particular action; or
(e) The agency's exercise of discretion was:
1. Outside the range of discretion delegated to the agency by
law;
2. Inconsistent with agency rule;
3. Inconsistent with officially stated agency policy or a prior
agency practice, if deviation therefrom is not explained by the
agency; or
4. Otherwise in violation of a constitutional or statutory
provision[.]
(Emphasis added).
Amendments to a local government's comprehensive plan are legislative in
nature and, therefore, are subject to the fairly -debatable standard of review. Martin
County v. Yu.sem, 690 So. 2d 1288, 1295 (Fla. 1997). Thus, where reasonable
persons could differ as to the propriety of the planning action, it should be
affirmed. Id.; see also Coastal Dev., 788 So. 2d at 206 (applying the fairly -
debatable standard of review to small scale development amendments). However,
because the future land use map of a comprehensive plan represents a local
government's fundamental policy decisions, any proposed change to that
established policy is a policy decision that requires that those policies be
reexamined. Coastal Dev., 788 So. 2d at 209. Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S,
4 on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
It seems to us that all comprehensive plan amendment requests
necessarily involve the formulation of policy, rather than its mere
application. Regardless of the scale of the proposed development, a
comprehensive plan amendment request will require that the
governmental entity determine whether it is socially desirable to
reformulate the policies previously formulated for the orderly future
growth of the community. This will, in turn, require that it consider
the likely impact that the proposed amendment would have on traffic,
utilities, other services, and future capital expenditures, among other
things.
Id. at 209 (citing with approval City of Jacksonville Beach v. Coastal Dev. of N.
Fla., Inc., 730 So. 2d 792, 794 (Fla. lst DCA 1999)(emphasis added)).
In applying these standards, we conclude that because the ALJ (1) refused to
apply the findings of this court in Payne v. City of Miami, 927 So. 2d 904 (Fla. 3d
DCA 2005) ("Payne II"), preferring, instead, to rely on the Department's contrary
definition of the term "Port of Miami River" in Monkus v. City of Miami, DOAH
Case No. 04-108OGM (Department of Community Affairs, Final Order, Oct. 28,
2004) ("Monkus"), a definition rejected by this court in Pa, nee II; (2) failed to
examine the FLUM Amendment's impact upon, and consistency with,
fundamental policy decisions contained in both the Comprehensive Plan and the
Miami River Master Plan; and (3) made material findings that are unsupported by
competent, substantial evidence, we must reverse. We additionally conclude that
had the correct law been applied to facts supported by competent, substantial
evidence, it would compel a finding that the Riverside FLUM Amendment is
inconsistent with both the Comprehensive Plan and the Miami River Master Plan.
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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Section 163.3161, Florida Statutes (2005), which is referred to as the Local
Government Comprehensive Planning and Land- Development Regulation Act, was
enacted to strengthen local governments' role in the establishment and
implementation of comprehensive planning to control future development. Section
163.3161 provides, in part:
(5) It is the intent of this act that adopted comprehensive plans
shall have the legal status set out in this act and that no public or
private development shall be permitted except in conformity with
comprehensive plans, or elements or portions thereof, prepared
and adopted in conformity with this act.
(7) The provisions of this act in their interpretation and
application are declared to be the minimum requirements necessary to
accomplish the stated intent, purposes, and objectives of this act; to
protect human, environmental, social, and economic resources; and to
maintain, through orderly growth and development, the
character and stability of present and future land use and
development in this state.
(Emphasis added).
Section 163.3177(2) provides in pertinent part that "[t]he several elements of
the comprehensive plan shall be consistent, and the comprehensive plan shall be
financially feasible. . . ." Additionally, section 163.3177(6) provides that the
comprehensive plan shall include certain elements including:
(a) A future land use plan element designating proposed future
general distribution, location, and extent of the uses of land for
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S
residential uses, commercial uses, industry, agriculture, recreation,
conservation, education, public buildings and grounds, other public
facilities, and other categories of,the public and private uses of land. .
.. For coastal counties, the future land use element must include,
without limitation, regulatory incentives and criteria that encourage
the preservation of recreational and commercial working waterfronts
as defined in s. 342.07....
Amendments to the comprehensive plan may not be made more than two
times during any calendar year except: (a) in the case of an emergency, (b) when
the amendment is directly related to a proposed development of regional impact, or
(c) if the amendment is for a small scale development. § 163.3187(1)(a)-(c), Fla.
Stat. (2005). The Riverside FLUM Amendment was sought and was granted as a
small scale development pursuant to section 163.3187 (1)(c).
4n July 1, 2005, prior to the City's first reading of the proposed ordinance
to amend the future land use designation of Riverside's property,2 section
163.3187(1)(c), Florida Statutes (2004), was amended to provide an exception to
the time limitation for amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for a small scale
amendment if:
1. The proposed amendment involves a use of 10 acres or
fewer and:
e. The property that is the subject of the proposed amendment
2 The first reading was on July 28, 2005, and the ordinance was ultimately passed
by the City on January 26, 2006. Thus, the 2005 version of the statute would most
likely apply. Submitted into the public
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is not located within an area of critical state concern, unless the
project subject to the proposed amendment involves the construction
of affordable housing units meeting the criteria of s. 420.0004(3),
and is located within an area of critical state concern designated by s.
380.0552 or by the Administration Commission pursuant to s.
380.05(1)... .
f. If the proposed amendment involves a residential land use,
the residential land use has a density of 10 units or less per acre or
the proposed future land use category allows a maximum residential
density of the same or less than the maximum residential density
allowable under the existing future land use category, except that this
limitation does not apply to small scale amendments involving the
construction of affordable housing units meeting the criteria of s.
420.0004(3) ....
§ 163.3187(1)(C)(1)(e)-(f), Fla. Stat. (2005).3
Thus,
before a
small scale FLUM Amendment may
be
approved without
complying
with the
requirements normally imposed,
the
applicant must
demonstrate that the amendment involves property that is ten acres or less and (1)
the property is not located in an area of critical state concern unless the
amendment involves the construction of affordable housing units meeting the
criteria of section 420.0004(3) and other factors, or (2) the proposed amendment
involves a residential use with a density of ten units or less per acre or the
maximum density is equal to or less than the density allowable under the existing
3 The previous version of this section of the statute also required that the proposed
residential land use have a density of ten units or less per acre unless the
amendment is to a designated urban infill site. This version of the statute does not
provide the further exception found in the July 1, 2005 statute where the proposed
future land use category allows a maximum residential density under the future
land use category. Regardless of whether the July 1, 2005 version of the statute or
the previous version is applied, the analysis and result would be the same.
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future land use category, unless the small scale amendment involves the
construction of affordable housing pursuant to section 420.0004(3), or the property
is designated in the Comprehensive Plan as urban infill, urban development, or
downtown revitalization.
We note that there was no evidence presented demonstrating that this small
scale FLUM Amendment falls into any of these exceptions or that it qualifies for
any of the exceptions provided for in section 163.3187, Florida Statutes (2005).
There was no evidence presented demonstrating that this small scale FLUM
Amendment was sought to build affordable housing. The evidence in the record,
in fact, suggests a contrary conclusion. The picture of the proposed development
reflects that the Riverside project is for something on a much grander scale, and it
is on the water, which generally increases the value and, thus, the cost of a
residential unit. The density for the proposed development is over ten units per
acre, and as the current Industrial classification permits no residential uses, the
density exception clearly does not apply. The only exception the Riverside FLUM
Amendment could conceivably be relying on is that the subject property is in an
urban infill zone. However, the City, after paying for and participating in the
creation of the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, failed to adopt the Plan,
and takes the position that the entire City is an urban infill site. We find this
argument hard to accept.
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9
Because the appellants have not challenged the FLUM Amendment on the
basis that it fails to comply with section 163.3187 or that the FLUM Amendment
does not fall within any of the exceptions contained in the statute, we merely note
our concern but do not base our analysis or reversal on this issue.
In addition to the statutes regulating land development, requiring the
enactment of comprehensive planning to control future development and
providing a regulatory scheme for amendments to comprehensive plans, is the
City's Zoning Code. Article 6 of the City of Miami Zoning Code (2004) ("City's
Zoning Code") provides for the creation of SD Special Districts to protect certain
areas or districts within the City. Article 6, Section 600, provides in pertinent part
as follows:
Section 600. Intent.
It is the intent of these regulations to permit creation of SD
Special Districts:
(a) In general areas officially designated as having
special and substantial public interest in protection
of existing or proposed character, or of principal
views of, from, or through the areas;
It is further intended that such districts and the regulations
adopted for them shall be in accord with, and promote the policies set
out in, the Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan and other
officially adopted plans in accordance therewith.
City of Miami Zoning Code, Art. 6, § 600 (emphasis added). "The regulations
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shall be designed to promote the special purposes of the district, as set out in the
statement of intent." Id. at § 600.4.3. Article 6, section 604 of the City's Zoning
Code specifically provides for the creation of a waterfront industrial district to
regulate the waterfront property along the Miami River, and states in pertinent part
as follows:
Sec. 604. SD-4 Waterfront Industrial District.
Sec. 604.1. Intent.
This district designation is intended for application in areas
appropriately located for marine activities, including industrial
operations and major movements of passengers and commodities.
In view of the importance of such activities to local economy and
the limited area suitable and available for such activities, it is
intended to limit principal and accessory uses to those reasonably
requiring location within such districts, and not to permit
residential, general commercial, service, office or manufacturing
uses not primarily related to waterfront activities except for
office uses in existing office structures. For the purposes of
section 3(mm) of the City of Miami Charter, this district shall be
construed as an industrial district.
Sec. 604.4. Principal uses and structures.
604.4.1. Permitted principal uses and structures.
1. Piers, wharves, docks, and railroad service to related
loading, storage or distribution facilities.
2. Freight terminals; facilities for warehousing and
storage, packing, packaging and crating of materials from
or for marine shipment; assembly and distribution
facilities for marine shipments, except as provided under
permitted uses and structures in section 604.4.2 below.
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3. Passenger terminals, including related facilities for
handling baggage or freight ground transportation,
parking, and establishments to serve needs of passengers
and visitors including retail shops, eating and drinking
establishments, ticket agencies, currency exchanges and
the like.
4. Facilities for construction, maintenance, service, repair,
supply or storage of vessels, including shipyards, dry
docks, marine railways, shops for marine woodworking,
electrical, communication and instrument installation and
repair, welding, sail making, engine and motor repair and
maintenance; ship chandlers; fuel supply establishments.
Manufacture, maintenance, service, repair and/or sales of
supply of parts, accessories and equipment for marine
needs.
5. Bases for marine dredging, salvage, towing; marine
construction offices and yards, piloting headquarters.
6. Sales, charter or rental of vessels, marine supplies and
equipment, marine sporting goods and supplies.
7. Establishments for collection, processing and/or
distribution or sales of marine food products and
byproducts, including eating and drinking establishments
related to such operations.
8. Hiring halls for seamen and dock workers.
9. Telecommunication transmission and relay stations;
radar installation.
10. Structures and uses other than as listed above for
performance of governmental functions (including private
facilities supplementing or substituting for governmental
functions such as fire protection or provision of security),
or relating to operation of public utilities.
11. Commercial marinas, including permanent occupancy
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of private pleasure craft as living quarters and for
temporary occupancy for transients (maximum stay:
thirty (30) days) as shall be required for work or security
purposes, or for repair work within the district.
12. Cellular communications site provided that where a
transmission tower is used the transmission tower shall be
by Special Exception only. The transmission tower and
anchoring devices, if directly -abutting a residential
district, must: (1) be located in the interior side or rear
yard of the property; (2) meet minimum setback
requirements; (3) be securely anchored, installed and
maintained in accordance with all applicable codes; (4)
not exceed a maximum height of one hundred and fifty
(150) feet; and (5) be separated from adjacent properties
by a landscape buffer.
Despite section 163.3161(5), which prohibits development unless it is in
conformity with the City's Comprehensive Plan; section 163.3161(7), which
specifies that the purpose of the Act is to protect certain resources and to maintain
the character and stability of development in this state through orderly growth and
development; section 163.3187, which limits amendments to the Comprehensive
Plan; and Article 6 of the City's Zoning Code, designating key areas on the Miami
River as a protected district due to its importance to the City's economy, a
designation that specifically prohibits residential use or other uses not primarily
related to waterfront activities, the City granted Riverside a small scale FLUM
Amendment for its property located within this specially protected district, thereby
allowing the construction of residential units that are totally unrelated to waterfront
activities. As will be addressed in depth herein, Riverside's FLUM Amendment is
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contrary to these provisions and inconsistent with the Miami Comprehensive
Neighborhood Plan and the Miami River Master Plan,
THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
("Comprehensive Plan")
The ALJ found that the FLUM Amendment was consistent with the goals,
objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. The ALJ's evaluation of the
evidence was, however, completely flawed because he failed to consider two of the
most critical sections of the Comprehensive Plan, the Port of Miami River
Subelement and portions of the Coastal Management section, in reaching this
conclusion. Additionally, the ALJ's confusion as to where this property is located
seriously calls into question his understanding -of the evidence and his ability to
evaluate the evidence with respect to the Comprehensive Plan.
The Port of Miami River Subelement
The Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City Commission in 1989 and
amended through August of 2004. Within the Comprehensive Plan is a section
devoted to "Ports, Aviation and Related Facilities," specifying the City's goals,
objectives, and policies regarding development within these critical areas. Within
this section there is a subelement titled the "Port of Miami River." Unfortunately,
the definition of the "Port of Miami River" has occupied a prominent position of
contention among the parties in their pleadings and arguments before the ALJ and
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this court, despite our ruling in Pa. nrnee II. Because the ALJ who heard the
appellants' petition in this case refused to apply this court's findings in Payne II,
precluded the appellants from presenting evidence and argument in reliance upon
this court's holding in Payne II, and, instead, relied upon the Department's
definition of the term "Port of Miami River" in Monkus, a definition clearly
rejected by this court in Payne II, we must address the issue again.
Riverside and the City cite to a footnote in the Comprehensive Plan and
argue that when the Comprehensive Plan refers to the "Port of Miami River," it is
referring to the fourteen commercial shipping companies that were located along
the Miami River in 1989. The footnote Riverside and the City are referring to
states:
The "Port of Miami River" is simply a legal name used to identify
some 14 independent, privately -owned small shipping companies
located along the Miami River, and is not a "Port Facility" within the
usual meaning of the term. The identification of these shipping
concerns as the "Port of Miami River" was made in 1986 for the sole
purpose of satisfying a U.S. Coast Guard regulation governing bilge
pump outs.
Based upon this footnote, they argue that the policies and objectives regarding the
Port of Miami River in the Comprehensive Plan only apply to those fourteen
companies. Not only is this argument illogical, it was rejected by this court in
Pie II:
We find that the "Port of Miami River" subsection is not limited
to 14 unidentified companies. Rather, the footnote explains that the
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"Port of Miami River" is not a port in the traditional sense of the
word. Accordingly, appellants did not have to allege that they were
one of the 14 shipping companies referenced in the footnote.
Payne, 927 So. 2d at 908 (footnote omitted)(emphasis added).
Some of the objectives and policies found in the "Port of Miami River"
subelement of the Comprehensive Plan, which the ALJ failed to consider when he
found that the FLUM Amendment was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan,
are:
Objective PA-3.1: The City of Miami, through its Land development
regulations, shall help protect the Port of Miami River from
encroachment by non water -dependent or water -related land uses, and
shall regulate its expansion and redevelopment in coordination with
the City's applicable coastal management and conservation plans and
policies.
Policy PA-3.1.1: The City shall use its land development regulations
to encourage the establishment and maintenance of water -dependent
and water -related uses along the banks of the Miami River, and to
discourage encroachment by incompatible uses.
Policy PA-3.1.2: The City shall, through its land development
regulations, encourage the development and expansion of the Port of
Miami River consistent with the coastal management and
conservation elements of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Policy PA-3.1.3: The City shall, through its land development
regulations, encourage development of compatible land uses in the
vicinity of the Port of Miami River so as to mitigate potential adverse
impacts arising from the Port of Miami River upon adjacent natural
resources and land uses.
Objective PA-3.3: The City of Miami shall coordinate its Port of
Miami River planning activities with
providers and regulators including the US.
16
Coast Guard, and Miami -Dade County's Port of Miami.
Policy PA-3.3.1: The City of Miami, through its Intergovernmental
Coordination Policies, shall support the functions of the Port of
Miami River consistent with future goals and objectives of the
Comprehensive Plan, particularly with respect to the unique
characteristics of the Port of Miami River's location and its economic
position and functioning within the local maritime industry, and the
necessity for coordination of these characteristics and needs with
maritime industry that complements, and often competes with, the
Port of Miami River.
The City and Riverside's argument is illogical as it is undisputed that many
of the fourteen shipping companies that were located at various sites along the
Miami River in 1989 have moved, changed hands, or no longer exist, and that
instead of fourteen shipping companies along the Miami River, there are now at
least twenty-eight. Since the Comprehensive Plan's enactment in 1989, the City
adopted The Miami River Master Plan, which will be addressed more fully herein,
and the City has amended and readopted the Comprehensive Plan. It is also
undisputed that the marine industry along the Miami River has grown substantially
and has become an important economic asset to the City. The Miami River
generates over $800 million in input, $427 million in income, 7,500 jobs, and $45
million in tax revenue per year. The shipping industry along the Miami River is
not only growing, but further expansion is all but certain when the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers completes its dredging of the Miami River. It, therefore, is
illogical to conclude that the City meant only to protect the original fourteen
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shipping companies along the Miami River. Thus, we reaffirm our position in
Payne II, that the "Port of Miami River" referred to in the Comprehensive Plan, as
amended and adopted in 2004, is not limited to the fourteen shipping companies
that existed in 1989.
Our conclusion is supported by the findings contained in the Miami River
Master Plan, prepared by the City of Miami Department of Planning, Building and
Zoning, and adopted by the City on January 23, 1992, by Resolution #92-61. In
this document, the City recognized that, although the Miami River is a navigable
waterway used extensively for commercial shipping, it is not officially regulated as
a port by state or local government; these commercial shipping operations are
100% owned and operated by private enterprise and, therefore, do not enjoy the
structure, authority, and advantages normally associated with ports; that the name
"Port of Miami River" was simply coined in 1986 to satisfy a U.S. Coast Guard
regulation governing bilge pumpouts; and that there are currently between twenty-
five and thirty independent shipping companies operating on the Miami River as
opposed to the fourteen companies operating in 1986. Miami River Master P1
River Management, _Port of Miami River, 2.12 (Jan. 1992). Indeed, based upon
this rather unusual structure, or lack thereof, the Miami River Master Plan stressed
the need for a formal organization to manage the use of these facilities, providing,
in part, as follows:
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Policy:
2.4.9 Create an official "port" organization with responsibility to
assist with enforcement of rules and regulations applicable to
commercial shipping activity.
(a) Support the private sector efforts to fulfill the role of a port
through a cooperative organization.
(b) If the private port cooperative fails to effectively manage
shipping activity, establish a public port agency with legal
authority to enforce regulations.
Id. at 2.13.
Additionally, included in Riverside's January 26, 2006 FLUM submittal is a
summary specifically addressing the Port of Miami River Subelement. It reads as
follows:
In 1988 The Port of Miami River consisted of approximately 14
independent shipping terminals, along the Miami River as shown in
Figure IV-16, that were joined together in 1986 in order to comply
with U.S. Coast Guard regulations regarding pumpout of bilge water.
The submittal lists the fourteen shipping terminals; discusses the services provided
and the tonnage of cargo shipped; notes the estimated $1.7 billion value; and then
addresses the Port of Miami River Subelement as it currently exists:
As shown in Figure IV-19, in 1995 the Port of Miami River consists
of about 28 independent shipping terminals located along navigable
.5.5 miles of the Miami River that stretch from the salinity dam to the
Biscayne Bay.
This document names the twenty-eight shipping terminals that existed in 1995 and
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which were considered the "Port of Miami River" at that time. While the
document does not provide a more current list of the Port of Miami River entities,
it is clear that the term includes the shipping terminals along the river wherever
they are located and regardless of the name or ownership.
Jack Luft, who testified for the appellants and was accepted by the ALJ as
an expert land planner based upon a stipulation by the parties, views the Port of
Miami River more expansively. Mr. Luft was a land planner with the City for
twenty-eight years; participated in the rewrite of the Comprehensive plan in 1978;
was the senior project manager for several components of the Comprehensive Plan
in the 1980's; wrote master plans for various cities and areas, including Virginia
Key, Dinner Key, Coconut Grove, downtown, Watson Island, and Bicentennial
Park, and for a number of neighborhood revitalization parks; planned the Design
District in the 1990's; was a consultant for Sunny Isles Beach's Comprehensive
Master Plan in 2000; and is considered an expert for last year's Comprehensive
Plan. Additionally, Mr. Luft served as the Director for the Department of
Development for the City and was involved in revitalization strategies for Little
Havana and Little River, where he analyzed census information, income data, and
housing costs and conditions to determine how to approach the revitalization of
these communities.
Mr. Luft testified that the Miami River Master Plan was adopted in 1992,
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and as a result of this plan, the Port of Miami River Subelement was
introduced into the Comprehensive Plan to further the specific objectives of
the Miami River Master Plan. He noted that the Miami River Master Plan was a
"holistic view of the river," designating different land uses along the river and
creating a balance between the uses, while identifying the core of the sustainable
marine river industries that must be protected and preserved as marine industrial.
He testified that the Miami River Master Plan specifically mentions the
Comprehensive Plan, which has the force of law behind it, lays the foundation for
subsequent amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, and recommends the
establishment of a "Port of Miami River." In reliance of this background, Mr. Luft
defines the "Port of Miami River" as:
[A] collection of shipping industries ... supported by a variety of
marine water -related activities including tugboats, construction firms,
repair, vessel maintenance, parts distribution, freight forwarders that
are all part of the network that makes the port operate. There [are]
literally the container ships and the offloading and unloading and
there is a subsidiary of groups that are essential and critical to provide
that as an operation.
The port element speaks to maintaining and supporting those
other dimensions of the port industry. It's all a part, and therefore it
is within the industrial area of the river, it is not confined to just a
specific number of terminals that actually are supposed to expand and
may expand in different locations within the industrial zone. So
literally in my opinion the industrial zone and its associated
industries that are all interconnected and interrelated are the
port. That's the way the port works. Without that support
industry the port is not functional and not sustainable.
(Emphasis added).
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Dr. Francis Bohnsack, the Executive Director of the Miami River Marine
Group and who serves as the Miami River Port Director for the United States
Coast Guard as a liaison for the marine industry on the Miami River with local,
state, and federal agencies, agrees with Mr. Luft's definition of the Port of Miami
River. She testified that the Port of Miami River includes the port facilities that are
water=dependent, zoned SD-4, and regulated by the Coast Guard, customs, and the
various federal, state and local agencies.
The evidence supports Mr. Luft's and Dr. Bohnsack's definition of the Port
of Miami River. We, therefore, conclude that the Port of Miami River
encompasses the water -dependent marine activity on the river, which includes the
shipping companies and terminals and the associated supporting marine industries
zoned SD-4 on the Miami River.
This conclusion, however, is not dispositive. Whether we view the Port of
Miami River as the ever -changing shipping terminals along the river or as the SD-
4 water -dependent and water -related marine industries on the river, the ALJ erred
in failing to consider the objectives and policies of the Port of Miami River
Subelement, because in Payne 11 we specifically found that the Port of Miami
River Subelement was not limited to the original fourteen shipping terminals. The
ALJ, therefore, was not free to conclude otherwise.
This error is material, as the proposed Riverside land use is clearly
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inconsistent with the Port of Miami River Subelement of the Comprehensive Plan.
Objective PA-3.1 requires the City to protect the Port of Miami River from
encroachment by non -water -dependent or water -related land uses. This
Subelement also provides clear policy which requires the City through its land
development regulations to encourage the maintenance of water -dependent and
water -related uses along the banks of the Miami River and to encourage expansion
of the Port of Miami River. Contrary to these objectives and policies, the City
approved Riverside's small scale FLUM Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan,
changing the land use designation from Industrial to Restricted Commercial, and
permitted this parcel of land located on the Miami River to be rezoned from SD4-2
Waterfront Industrial to Restricted Commercial, thereby allowing a mixed -use
project, which is neither water -dependent nor water -related, to be built on the site,
thereby limiting future expansion of the Port of Miami River.
Riverside and the City additionally argue that the Port of Miami River
Subelement applies to land development regulations (zoning), not to land use,
which is what the FLUM Amendment addresses. Riverside and the City,
therefore, argue that regardless of how we define the Port of Miami River, the AU
did not err in refusing to consider whether Riverside's FLUM Amendment was
consistent with the objectives and policies of the Port of Miami River Subelement.
We disagree.
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The Riverside property was zoned SD-4.2 Waterfront Industrial. Therefore,
its land use designation was, by necessity, identified as Industrial. The SD-4.2
classification precludes any residential uses. The SD-4.2 land development
regulation was placed on this property to reserve and preserve it as a water -
dependent or water -related industrial use that could not be used for residential
purposes. The Port of Miami River Subelement was enacted to specifically protect
the Miami River from encroachment by non -water -dependent or non -water -related
uses that have no relevance to and do not support the shipping industry. By
changing the land use from Industrial to Restricted Commercial, the only water -
related or water -dependent use permitted in that classification would be for a
marina. More importantly, the FLUM Amendment will permit residential use, a
land use specifically precluded by the SD-4 land development classification. Thus,
by changing the land use, the FLUM Amendment by exclusion, dramatically
changes the land development uses.
We are also unwilling to pretend ignorance or engage in willful blindness.
The City agreed to amend the land use from Industrial to Restricted Commercial,
granted Riverside's petition to change the land development classification from
SD-4.2 Waterfront Industrial to Restricted Commercial, and granted Riverside's
MUSP, thus permitting Riverside to build two multi -family residential twelve -
story buildings, which are in no way related to the shipping industry and which are
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completely inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
This parcel of land has always been used for marine industrial purposes.
Prior to Riverside's purchase of the land, it was owned and used by Coastal Tug
and Barge. Riverside's purchase of the land was contingent upon a successful
change in its land use and zoning, and in obtaining a MUSP. Therefore, the land
use change is clearly tied to the zoning change and MUSP.
We, therefore, conclude that the ALJ erred in refusing to consider the Port of
Miami River Subelement, and find that had he done so, the inescapable legal
conclusion would have been that the FLUM Amendment is inconsistent with the
Comprehensive Plan.
Coastal Management
The Comprehensive Plan also contains a section, titled "Coastal
Management," which addresses the coastal areas located within the City. One of
the goals specified in this section is to "[p]rovide an adequate supply of land for
water dependent uses." Goal CM-3. In order to accomplish this goal, Objective
CM-3.1 provides: "Allow no net loss of acreage devoted to water dependent
uses in the coastal area of the City of Miami." (emphasis added). Policy CM-
3.1.1 states: "Future land use and development regulations will encourage water
dependent uses along the shoreline."
Despite the stated goals, objectives, and policies regarding the coast of the
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Miami River, the City approved the Riverside FLUM Amendment to the
Comprehensive Flan, changing the land use designation from Industrial to
Restricted Commercial and approved a change in the zoning from SD4-2
Waterfront Industrial to Restricted Commercial. These changes will preclude the
very use the Comprehensive Flan specifies should be protected and it is obviously
a net loss of acreage devoted to water -dependent use, thereby conflicting with
Coastal Management Goal CM-3. Instead of "[p]rovid[ing] an adequate supply of
land for water dependent uses[,] ... [a]llow[ing] no net loss of acreage devoted to
water dependent uses in the coastal area of the City of Miami," and using its land
use regulations to "encourage water dependent uses along the shoreline," the City
approved a land use change from Industrial to Restricted Commercial of a
specifically zoned parcel of land on the banks of the Miami River, zoned SD-4.2,
Waterfront Industrial, a designation reserved for shipping terminals, marine
contractors, commercial shipyards, towing, and salvage, and which specifically
excludes residential use.
The FLUM Amendment and zoning changes to Restricted Commercial, with
the concurrent approval by the City to allow Riverside to construct two twelve --
story multi -family residential buildings with 633 residential units that are neither
water -dependent nor water -related, is clearly inconsistent with the goals,
objectives, and stated policies of the Coastal Management section of the
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Comprehensive Plan. The ALJ, however, failed to address or even consider
Coastal Management Goal CM-3 in its Recommended Order, focusing solely upon
Goal CM-4, which relates to safety issues regarding hurricanes. Had the ALJ
properly considered Goal CM-3, the inescapable conclusion would have been that
the FLUM Amendment is inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan's goals, objectives, and policy considerations
regarding coastal areas, and specifically those coastal areas along the Miami River,
are in recognition of how important the shipping industry and other water -
dependent uses are to the City's economy.
In view of the importance to the local economy, the limited
available areas suitable for high intensity water dependent uses, and
strong population pressures of the 1960's, the City created in the mid
1960's a zoning classification entitled Waterfront Industrial. This.
zoning classification strictly prohibits uses that are not directly
related to waterfront activities.
Since any new water dependent or related facilities would
involve redevelopment of existing waterfront properties, these
zoning ordinances are considered sufficient to insure that
adequate land area for water -dependent or related uses is
protected.
Along the Miami River, an economic study in 1986 reported that the
firms located in the study area ... have a significant impact on the
Miami economy. They employ an estimated 7,000 workers on a full
time basis and over 600 part time. Total sales are estimated at $613
million, or about $87,000 for a full time worker. An additional
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record for item(s) PZ.S,
27 on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
indirect impact of $1.2 billion of business activity in the Miami area
is created by firms in the study area. Many of the firms located in the
study area are marine related businesses in part composed of water
dependent and water related activities.
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan 1989-2000, Volume II, Data and
Analysis, Coastal Management Element (emphasis added).
The ALJ, however, failed to consider the importance of the marine industry
to the City's economy or to appreciate that the Industrial land use designation and
Waterfront Industrial SD-4 zoning classification was created to protect those uses
and to ensure that there will be adequate land area for water -dependent and related
uses. Because there was no evidence presented, nor was a study performed, to
evaluate the sufficiency of the remaining SD-4 zoned land along the Miami River,
in light of the recent and expected future increases in shipping and other related
marine services along the river due to the dredging of the Miami River, the ALJ
had insufficient evidence to conclude that the FLUM Amendment for this parcel of
land is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and would be beneficial to the
community.
Future Land Use
The Future Land Use section of the Comprehensive Plan also provides that a
future land use goal is to "[m] aintain a land use pattern that (1) protects and
enhances the quality of life in the city's residential neighborhoods; (2) fosters
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28 on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
redevelopment and revitalization of blighted or declining areas; . . . and (6)
protects and conserves the city's significant natural and coastal resources. Goal
LU-1.
The AU found that, because the "FLUM Amendment will eliminate the
potential for development of industrial uses that may generate `excessive amounts
of noise, smoke, fumes, illumination, traffic, hazardous wastes, or negative visual
impact[," it will improve the quality of life of the surrounding neighborhoods,
such as Durham Park, and, therefore, is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
What the AU failed to consider, however, is that Riverside's property is zoned
SD-4.2, Waterfront Industrial, it is located within four contiguous Waterfront
Industrial uses, and that collectively, these four properties are the single greatest
concentration of SD-4 land along the Miami River in the City. The bulkhead
shoreline of these properties constitutes over 3,000 linear feet of marine industrial
shoreline. Directly to the west of the Riverside property is Detroit Diesel, a repair
facility for private and commercial vessels, and to the east of the Riverside
property is Brisas, which previously operated as a repair and storage facility for
private and commercial vessels, and River Marine Services, a shipping operation.
Additionally, to the west of Detroit Diesel is the Florida Yacht Basin, which was
used to store ships during the hurricane season and is currently being used to paint
and repair ships and yachts. Thus, a 633-unit residential facility located in the
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record for item(s) PZ.5,
29 on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
middle of these marine operations is hardly consistent. Additionally, Durham Park
is a single-family marine oriented community located several hundred feet east of
the Riverside property.
Durham Park objects to the proposed FLUM Amendment, which depletes
marine uses along the river and a land use designation which permits a density of
150 dwelling units per acre with no height limitation, thereby allowing the
construction of 633 dwelling units on this 4.3-acre site, which will be occupied by
approximately 1,600 new residents. These residents will substantially strain the
N.W. 22nd Avenue crossing over the Miami River which is already plagued by
troublesome delays. We, therefore, find that the ALFs conclusory finding, that the
proposed land use would protect and enhance the quality of life in that
neighborhood, is unsupported by the evidence.
The ALFs. finding that "the Allapattah neighborhood, in which the subject
property is located, is an area in decline and mixed -use projects that include work
forces and affordable housing will help stabilize the area by providing housing
opportunities for employees at the Civic Center and in downtown who want to live
near where they work," is not only unsupported by the record, it is based upon a
false premise that undermines all of the ALFs findings. The Riverside property is
not located in Allapattah. It is not even located on the same side of the Miami
River as is the Allapattah neighborhood
30
Riverside's property is located in
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on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Grapeland Heights, which is in a stable middle -income area, not a blighted area or
an area that is in decline. It is located within a working waterfront quadrant, near a
shipping company and next to a marine -related business and Durham Park, a
single-family residential neighborhood.
The ALJ also failed to consider the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan,
which specifically notes the "troubled land use situation" in the Durham Park/West
Little Havana quadrant, the net loss of Waterfront Industrial property, and the
"circulation impediments related to the south fork of the River." The Miami River
Corridor Urban Infill plan strongly recommends that a study be conducted and that
the City work with the property owners and residents in the area.
The ALJ also failed to address LU-1(6), which requires the City to protect
and conserve its "significant natural and coastal resources." Since 2000, fifty
percent of the properties designated for marine industrial water -related and
water -dependent uses along the banks of the Miami River have been lost due
to the multiple small scale land use amendments to make way for residential
high-rises. These small scale amendments do not require the scrutiny that is
normally required to amend the Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, developers, with
City approval, have been compromising the marine industry and in effect,
changing the Comprehensive Plan piecemeal, rather than performing a
comprehensive review with appropriate public and governmental input and
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record for item(s) PZ.5,
31 on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
oversight. The Riverside FLUM Amendment is an example of this piecemeal
alteration of the City's coastal resources, and when viewed in conjunction with the
other small scale amendments, dramatically affects the stated goals and objectives
to preserve the Miami River as a working river, to protect the marine industries
along the river, and to reserve a sufficient amount of waterfront industrial land for
expansion of water -dependent and water -related uses.
Despite the FLUM Amendment's conflict with the overall goals, objectives,
and policies specified in the Comprehensive Plan and the River Master Plan, the
ALJ upheld Riverside's FLUM Amendment because it was not inconsistent with
the City's position to encourage "diversification in the mix of industrial and
commercial activities and tenants" in certain areas, including the "River Corridor."
Policy LU-1.3.6. The ALJ, however, precluded testimony by the appellants
regarding this issue. Additionally, while diversification and mixed -use
classifications may be desirable in certain locations along the Miami River, the
Comprehensive Plan and the River Master Plan mare it clear that these goals
only apply to appropriately zoned areas, not to land reserved for waterfront
industrial purposes:
Goal CM-3: Provide an adequate supply of land for water
dependent uses.
Objective CM-3.1: Allow no net loss of acreage devoted to water
dependent uses in the coastal area of the City of Miami.
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record for item(s) PZ.S,
32 on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan 1989-2000, Volume II,
Data and Analysis, Coastal Management Element: In view of the
importance to the local economy, the limited available areas
suitable for high intensity water dependent uses, and strong
population pressures of the 1960's, the City created in the mid
1960's a zoning classification entitled Waterfront Industrial.
This zoning classification strictly prohibits uses that are not
directly related to waterfront activities.
River Master Plan, 0.2: The function of the Miami River as a
"working waterfront" should be preserved. Scarce waterfront
land should be reserved, wherever possible, for use by businesses
that are dependent on a waterfront location or are essentially
related to the maritime economy of the area.
River Master Plan, Urban Design 4.20: New housing construction
should be encouraged, except on lands reserved for water -
dependent uses.
River Master Plan, Urban Design 4.20, Objective 4.8: Encourage
residential development on appropriately zoned lands in the Mid -
River area.
(Emphasis added).
Additionally, there was no evidence presented to support the ALFs finding
that the Riverside project will provide affordable housing opportunities for
employees at the Civic Center and the downtown area. No evidence was presented
that there is a need for such housing, or that these units will be "affordable." In
fact, the evidence presented is just the opposite. Lourdes Slazyk, the Assistant
Director for the City of Miami's Planning Department, admitted that there are
currently between 300,000 and 400,000 people living in the City and that there are
currently 95,000 new units being built or to be built in the City. The City
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calculates that each unit will house between 2.6 and 4.0 residents, thus providing
for a population increase of 229,000 to 380,000. Riverside's FLUM Amendment
would increase the projected population by at least another 1,658 people. There
was no evidence presented, however, that the City is expecting to nearly double its
population or that the 95,000 units already being built would not sufficiently
provide the housing needs of the Civic Center and downtown areas.
MIAMI RIVER MASTER PLAN
("River Master Plan")
The River Master Plan is .as a result of a planning study undertaken by the
City of Miami Department of Planning, Building and Zoning, to provide a long-
range and a short-range vision of the Miami River as a "working waterfront." 1t
specifically provides that:
The function of the Miami River as a "working waterfront"
should be preserved. Scarce waterfront land should be reserved,
wherever possible, for use by businesses that are dependent on a
waterfront location or are essentially related to the maritime
economy of the area.
The river should grow as a shallow draft seaport — a lifeline to the
Caribbean Basin — providing good -paying jobs for city residents.
New shipping terminals should be located where they will not be
detrimental to residential neighborhoods.
The river's role in the regional market for repair, sales and
service of boats and marine equipment should be maintained and
strengthened.
The marine character embodied by the fishing industry on the
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34 on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk
intrusion by non -water -dependent or related uses.
In the City of Miami, marine industries along the Miami River and its
tributaries are protected by a special zoning designation from
intrusion by other uses that are not dependent on a waterfront
location. This special zoning is called "SD-4, Waterfront Industrial
Special District." It is intended for application in areas
appropriately located for marine activities, to limit principal and
accessory uses to those reasonably requiring waterfront locations,
and to exclude residential, general commercial, service, office or
manufacturing uses not primarily related to waterfront activities.
River Master Plan, The Working Waterfront, Waterfront Industrial Zoning 1.12
(emphasis added). The River Master Plan further divides the SD-4 zoning
classification into SD-4.1, Waterfront Commercial, and SD-4.2, Waterfront
Industrial. Waterfront Commercial SD-4.1 includes marinas, boatyards, fisheries,
boat sales and service, mixed use, and limited restaurant or residential with water
dependent use. Waterfront Industrial SD-4.2 includes shipping terminals, marine
contractors, commercial shipyards, towing, and salvage, and all SD-4.1 uses,
except residential.
This waterfront zoning classification was recommended by City planners in
1956, was adopted by the City in 1961, and generally remained intact until recent
years when the City began approving small scale amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan and resultant zoning changes. Riverside's property is zoned
SD-4.2 Waterfront Industrial property, and therefore, is reserved for waterfront
industrial purposes and specifically excludes any residential use.
36
residential development as an accessory use to a marina.
Lastly, the River Master Plan recognizes that higher land values and the
concomitant increase in property taxes result in the displacement of marine
businesses and that the SD-4.2 Waterfront Industrial zoning was created, in part, to
protect the maritime industry along the Miami River from being priced out of the
location. It, therefore, provides for specific objectives and policies to protect these
marine businesses from displacement by higher land values.
Land Values
One issue which directly affects the continued viability of marinas
and small boatyards, as well as other businesses along the Miami
River, is that of increasing land values and the concomitant increase
in property taxes. Clearly this has been the case in the Downtown
portion of the river and has resulted in the displacement of marine
businesses with office buildings....
RECOMMENDATIONS
Objective:
1.3 Preserve the marine repair, service, equipment and related
industries along the Miami River that are vital to the shipping
industry or the recreational boating industry.
Policies:
1.3.1 Protect boatyards and related marine businesses from
displacement by higher land values uses by adopting separate
"marine industrial" and "marine commercial" zoning district
classifications. Submitted into the public
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Riverside's FLUM Amendment was consistent with either.
We further note that these "small scale" amendments, when viewed together
as a whole, are changing the character of the Miami River waterfront without
proper long range planning or input from appropriate agencies, departments, and
citizen groups. Because the Miami River is such an important asset to the City,
County, and State, such piecemeal, haphazard changes are not only ill-advised,
they are contrary to the goals and objectives of those who worked together,
debated, and determined how the Miami River waterfront should be developed. If
the City's vision for the Miami River has changed, then that change should be
clearly reflected in its Comprehensive Plan to provide industries and land owners
along the Miami River with fair notice.
Reversed.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5,
on 06-11-2020, City Clerk