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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW OMNI CRA 2003-10-29 MinutesCITY OF MIAMI DOSP&CRA WORSHOP MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 29, 2003 PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK/CITY HALL Priscilla A. Thompson/City Clerk MINUTES OF DEPARTMENT OF OFF-STREET PARKING/COMMUNITY -- REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY COMMUNITY WORKSHOP On the 29"' day of October 2003, Department of Off -Street Parking and the CRA met at the Miami Parking System Conference Room, located at 190 Northeast Third Street, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order at 4:35 p.m. October 29, 2003 Roamy Valera: Good afternoon, everyone. We would like to ' welcome you to the Miami Parking Authority and CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) joint public meeting. The intent of the meeting was to allow for public input, and to also allow the Miami Parking Authority, or the Department of Off -Street Parking, to discuss and talk about a little bit of the development of new parking facilities and lots under the I-395. What I'll do is I'll introduce myself I'm the Deputy Director, Roamy Valera, with the Parking Authority. Mark Trowbridge: My name is Mark Trowbridge. I'm the Director of Planning and Development here at the Parking Authority. Frank Rollason. I am Frank Rollason, the Executive Director of the CRA. Mr. Valera: This meeting was called just for the purpose of, again, soliciting some public input. We've had some meetings with some of the stakeholders in the area, Omni, Park West community board and association. We've discussed some of the upcoming projects in the area. And part of the process was to, again, solicit some input and have the folks and the interested parties kind of give us some feedback as to what's -- you know, what we've been able to discuss Lip to date. I'll have Mark Trowbridge go over -- and there's some copies here of the proposed timeline for the parking lots. Actually, some -- an exhibit that kind of talks about phase 1. We have expanded phase 1 to include some additional development on the -- just west of North Miami Court. And I'll let Mark go over that project. Mr. Trowbridge: Thank you, Roamy. I thought maybe since we have a pretty intimate group here, it might be helpful if folks would like to introduce themselves now, and then as we move through sort of some commentary, we'll -- reintroduce yourself. I think we'll start over here. Antranette, if you'd introduce yourself. Antranette Pierre: Sure. Antranette Pierre, CPA. Joseph Kohl: Joseph Kohl from Dover Kohl & Partners, consultants to the CRA. Gil Terem: Gil Terem, property and business owner in the Omni. Unidentified Speaker: (INAUDIBLE), business owner in the Omni area. Rosa Green: Rosa Green, Over -town resident. Valerie Riles -Robinson: Valerie Riles -Robinson, Performing Arts Center. Neko Grant: Neko Grant, CRA. Mr. Trowbridge: Great. The handout that we just circulated has, attached to it, a layout that was done by architectural engineers that we had retained to assist us in the layout of some of the proposed parking lots. And, attached to that, what you'll find is a timeline that we have -- actually, we originally presented this at the CRA meeting back in early October, and we since made a couple of updates to it. We've had a board meeting, and the City Commission has met 2 October 29, 2003 since that time and went ahead and assist us with ratifying those leases, and adopting resolutions. But what you're seeing -- I'll kind of walk you through that and then we'll look at the layout. We worked very closely with the CRA, and have now really taken over and spearheaded the actual construction of this project. We have entered into a lease agreement with FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation). There are actually seven parcels that run underneath I-395 in this area. And in those parcels, we're looking at this moment, based on demand -- that's one of the reasons we need feedback today -- to look at initially developing three of those parcels. Two of them you see in the schematic that's attached and waiting now, based on feedback, we're getting the schematics for the third parcel on November 3rd, so in a few more days. But go back to the timeline. You'll see here that at the begirming of November, we'd received updated layouts from HNTB. That's the company that's assisting us. There are architectural engineers. Review and comment. We're going to obviously share that with the City since we're working closely with them, and we have to do that with FDOT. We need feedback from various entities related to drainage and landscaping. We've actually had the go ahead of having an additional survey done, also with the drainage issues that weren't complete, based on what the engineers tell us. Then you'll see that after we go through that review and consent period -- or I should say review and comment period, December 151h we're looking to develop some construction documents to have those prepared. We get the permitting process through the City. Bid documents will be released to go out for bid to construct these lots, and proposals to be returned to us by the very end of January of '04. This, again, is moving us along pretty aggressively. February 15th, looking to receive permits for construction. It gives us, basically, a ' 60-day window to receive the construction project. (INAUDIBLE) alternates. There's been some discussion from some of the stakeholders about how we need to look at the fencing for the area, lighting, et cetera, that would obviously create a certain ambience and feel to the area that would fit well. We going to be receiving some feedback in terms of the bids. You'll see here that she put ahead what some of the dates are. Review those and then we bring that to our board. We have an independent status with the City. We have a 5-member board. That board would ratify that bid. Looking to do that at the first meeting in February, which is February 0'. As you see, it's going to be pretty quick to negotiate any final decisions. And begin construction by March 1st, and then, hopefully, be open and operational by July 1st. That moves us along pretty aggressively, as I mentioned before, with relation to getting through all of the review period, getting the permitting done, getting the bid awarded, getting construction, and moving us along pretty aggressively. We should have, as I said, within the next week or so, the layout of the final parcel. And we're in the process right now of finishing up those surveys. I think our biggest goal, as Roamy had said, when we presented .this information to members of the CRA and some of the public who was there at that meeting, is to, obviously, get as much input here from the stakeholders to do our very best. We obviously are here to serve the public interest in terms of our goals, and also work well in a system that keeps us moving along in a really positive sense. I know there's been some concerns over, you know, the time it's taken to get us to this point. And we feel pretty comfortable that we've picked up the project and want to move pretty quickly now to satisfy some of the needs of the residents, and certainly, the owners of businesses in the area. So -- Mr. Valera: Yeah. And our intent -- and I think we've shared this at some of the previous meetings we had -- our intent is not to have empty parking lots, but our intent is to have parking lots to serve the needs of the, you know, vicinity, or the area. This typical layout that you see 3 October 29, 2003 here, or fonnat, as far as parking is concerned, it's not foreign to us. I mean, if you look around downtown Miami and even in the Brickell area, we have taken advantage in the past of developing parking lots, parking lot spaces underneath either, you know, highways, or even rail lines, as is Metrorail, et cetera. And they've been very successful because they've been able to fit a need of the vicinity. The intent is not to serve a particular tenant, but rather, a number of stakeholders in the area. It is the interest of the authority, the interest of the CRA, and even the City, to make sure that the area is successful. And, obviously, the parking spaces, or the parking lots, will be that, you know, the catalyst to be able to allow everyone to go ahead and continue the redevelopment of the area. If there are any questions, comments, I'll ask that you come up to one of the mics. Kind of -- no, no need? They're picking up good? OK. So you're very comfortable. Just kind of state your name, and we'll try to answer the best -- those questions the best we can. Ms. Green: OK. Do I have to use the mic or -- Mr. Valera: No, you could. -- Mr. Trowbridge: We'll pick it up for you. You can just -- Ms. Green: Oh. Mr. Trowbridge: -- say your name one more time, please. And then feel free. Ms. Green: OK. My name is Rosa Green. And, unfortunately, my map skills are not very good. Now, I see North Miami Avenue, but could you tell me the exact streets where you're contemplating putting these parking lots? Mr. Trowbridge: This is -- Ms. Green: I'm looking at North Miami Avenue and I see -- Mr. Valera: It's actually just north -- Ms. Green: This is (INAUDIBLE) Mr. Valera: -- of I It" Street. Ms. Green: Huh? Mr. Valera: It's just north of 1 I"' Street. Unidentified Speaker: This is 11"' Street right here. Mr. Valera: (INAUDIBLE), could you -- Unidentified Speaker: Yeah. That's 11"' Street right here. 4 October 29, 2003 Mr. Valera: Eleventh Street, also known where -- II"' Street, between Biscayne and Miami Avenue, there are several clubs that are currently in operation. This is just north of that, directly under the highway, which that highway there, you see where the spaces are in white, it's I-395. The third -- Ms. Green: You don't plan to come west? See, y'all call Park West, but I call that where I live west, and this is east. So, you plan to stay on the east side? I mean, under -- well, you call it Park West side. Mr. Valera: Yes. Ms. Green: Nothing across 3`d Ave -- no, 3rd Avenue. Mr. Valera: No. Mr. Trowbridge: No, no. Not at all. It's actually -- the other side of this -- of the 95 or I-395, there's a small, little parcel that is between North Miami Court, and I think, (annis), you guys help me out here. Mr. Rollason: First. Mr. Valera: Northeast I" Mr. Trowbridge: And to -- it's also -- it's not intruding into the neighborhood at all. It's actually Ms. Green: Well, I would love it. I'm not complaining. Mr. Trowbridge: OK. Ms. Green: I wish you could improve. Mr. Trowbridge: It's actually by -- it's actually right in front of the railroad tracks, right? Unidentified Speaker: Right. Mr. Valera: Yes. It's right in front of it. Mr. Trowbridge: So -- and that's the first phase of the project. If the area continues to evolve, obviously, you know, we have contract for seven parcels, and this is one, two -- this will be three, four, five, six, seven. So it continues along I-395. Ms. Green: Well, I'm glad to see -- I mean, I guess I'm going to be glad to see it. Mr. Trowbridge: And we're hoping -- 5 October 29, 2003 Ms. Green: Maybe we can motivate them to get parking -- Mr. Trowbridge: Yeah. And we're hoping that that's the case. And we're hoping that this -- Ms. Green: -- in northwest. This is northeast. Mr. Trowbridge: Yeah. Mr. Rollason: Well, it's northeast -- Mr. Valera: Of Miami Avenue. Mr. Rollason: -- of where you see Miami Avenue going -- you know, going this way is east side, and then going this way is -- Mr. Valera: West. Mr. Rollason: -- west of Miami Avenue, but it's still over in the east side -- Ms. Green: That's right. Mr. Rollason: Right. OK. In other words, it's east of 3rd Avenue. Ms. Green: That's right. Unidentified Speaker: (INAUDIBLE) is North Miami Court. It's not even Northwest I" Avenue. Ms. Green: See, Miami Court is northeast. Mr. Rollason: Right. Unidentified Speaker: No, no, but I'm saying. It's not even Northwest lst Avenue. It's North Miami Court. Unidentified Speaker: It's really -- it's not even getting to Pt Avenue -- Mr. Valera: Yeah. Unidentified Speaker: -- not to mention 3rd. Mr. Valera: She's referring as -- she's referring to west -- Unidentified Speaker: Northwest 3rd Avenue. 6 October 29, 2003 Mr. Valera: Yeah. Mr. Rollason: I mean, this has not gotten by George's neutral ground yet. Unidentified Speaker: Not yet. Mr. Rollason: We still have to go up -- Unidentified Speaker: Another place. Mr. Rollason: -- another parcel. Unidentified Speaker: That's what I asked. My name is (INAUDIBLE), and I'm a business owner in the area. I own a club in the area called I/O. And, actually, I was -- my question is, is this phase 1? Is there -- Mr. Valera: It includes another parcel that has -- Mr. Trowbridge: We added the third parcel to what we're calling phase 1, based on feed -- Unidentified Speaker: We cannot get the other side of -- on -- Mr. Valera: Yes. Unidentified Speaker: -- on Miami -- Mr. Trowbridge: Yes, sir. Unidentified Speaker: Up to -- it think it's very important, actually, to -- Mr. Valera: That's what -- that was as a result of the comments we received from your group, the Omni Park West Community Board, was to include that parcel. And, originally, we did not think that that was going to be necessary. Obviously, you were saying, you know, it is a key component, and we included that. The reason, you'll see here, because the drawings you're schematically seeing are not done. Mr. Trowbridge: As soon as we receive those, we'll be glad to, you know, mend your copies and send it out to everybody who's here today. But you can see that I'm expecting that on Monday. Mr. Kohl: Is that third parcel to the east or to the west of this? Mr. Valera: This is the west. Mr. Trowbridge: To the west. Mr. Kohl: The west. 7 October 29, 2003 Mr. Valera: (INAUDIBLE) over here. Mr. Rollason: You got to keep going up. Mr. Terem: Another block. Another block. Mr. Trowbridge: It's kind of like a snake's tail. It kind of goes -- I guess a snake (INAUDIBLE) Mr. Rollason: It starts up this way and it gets narrower, and that's -- Mr. Kohl: Aren't the clubs more to the east, and that's where the parking (INAUDIBLE) is? Mr. Rollason: Well, that's where this -- Mr. Trowbridge: That's what it is. Mr. Rollason: -- that's where this is. Mr. Valera: This addresses the east side of the Entertainment District. Mr. Rollason: That's correct. Mr. Trowbridge: Which is why we refer to this as phase 1, initially, because these two parcels seem to have the greatest initial demand. Mr. Valera: The greatest impact is going to be here, and we recognize that there's going to be a need on the west side of this to address the issues of, you know, some of the events that's happening on the north side of the Omni area. Mr. Kohl: Are you -- is this going to be used for valet parking or for self -park by your -- self - parking? Mr. Valera: It will be self, but, you know, we'll -- obviously, the interest is to address the issues and concerns of the needs of the area. If we identify that, you know, we can -- there will still be successful valet operations. We can, you know, segregate some spaces. The outline allows us to do that. You know, if you see the outline, you could actually, you know, cut out sections of the lot to allow for that. So we're not opposed to the use rather than the fact to make it available and get it used. That's just the key ingredient. Mr. Kohl: One thing -- for the record, I'm Joseph Kohl from Dover Kohl & Partners. And I'm noticing that this really -- at least with the drawing you've got here -- all egress and access to both parking lots is off of North Miami Avenue, which is a one-way street heading south. Mr. Valera: That's the other issue we're addressing. 8 October 29, 2003 Mr. Kohl: So the other -- it seems kind of -- right now, that might work well for the Performing Arts Center, but with the current clubs, a lot of the folks that are patrons, I don't think really know their way around the area very well and will'ask for directions to get to 111" Street. Mr. Valera: We -- Mr. Kohl: And then the hard part is getting from 11"' Street to the parking lot. Mr. Valera: We -- today, we're discussing specifically that item, which is to address the issue of North Miami Avenue as a two-way street. And it could be only a limited area of North Miami Avenue. The reason is we have to be able to link the Omni area and Park West over the Entertainment District somehow. And the only way to do it -- because we have such a barrier, which is 1-395 -- is to be certain that, one, pedestrian accessibility is, you know, it's accomplished. And, two, the accessibility of the main street, which will be -- or the thoroughfare, which will be North Miami Avenue. We're actually in the process -- we're going to -- you know, obviously, with staff, sit down and address the issue whether we identify it from -- I think we said 14`", 17`1' -- Mr. Terem: From 11 `" to 14`". Mr. Valera: From 11"' to 14`", to be able to turn that area in two. Possibly, too, is the issue of addressing, you know, maybe nights and weekend, or when it's heavily utilized, a small trolley that moves folks from Entertaimment to Park West, back and forth, just as easy as that to accomplish, you know, club goers going to get something to eat, or someone who gets something to eat, come to the club without ever having to move the car again. So kind of accomplishing that task. Mr. Terem: For that purpose, the parking lot is right in the middle, which is -- Mr. Valera: Exactly. So, these -- it's a great point. It's the issue of North Miami Avenue. We're going to address that. Not easily done but I think, you know, we have all the powers that be, and I think the interest for the area is very high. And turning the area into -- you know, where people just can easily access it. Mr. Rollason: This is Frank Rollason. Just a question. I look over here on Northeast I't, and I'm just wondering if there's any way we could do any kind of entrance, coming off of the northbound way, to get in? Mr. Valera: No, there's -- the parking lot here that's actually the entrance to it is a -- it's Northeast Miami Court, which there's a dead end to the lot. And there's some private property that cuts off that Northeast Miami -- Mr. Rollason: And then this is the entrance to get up onto 395? Mr. Valera: Yes. 9 October 29, 2003 (COMMENTS OFF THE RECORD) Mr. Valera: So, it's -- we're -- Mr. Rollason: (INAUDIBLE) Mr. Valera: Yeah. We're -- Mr. Rollason: OK. Mr. Valera: It's actually an island. Mr. Rollason: Understand. Mr. Terem: This morning -- my name is Gil Terem. I'm also a property owner in the area and member of the only Park West Community Board. And this morning, we touched this possibility of making Northeast Miami Court coming down and put some parking or simply a passage that can link the Omni to the Park West because this is a very important concern to us. Another thing is that most of the cafes, the restaurants, and the galleries will be located anywhere between North Miami Avenue to, actually, the Performing Arts Center, which is to the east. And that way, because all these area is not being used and there is no linkage between them, all our places here, all the businesses around this area cannot enjoy this parking unfortunately. I went there this morning and I saw that this area is actually -- is a ramp, so there's no way utilize it as a parking lot. But what we maybe can do -- and this piece of land is owned by, I think either the County or the DOT (Department of Transportation). It's not private. And there's a strip here of about 15 to 20 feet. If it clears, we can maybe create some type of a corridor -- Mr. Valera: A sidewalk, like a (INAUDIBLE). Mr. Terem: Yeah. The people can simply walk from 14t" Street here down. Because, see, around this area over here, there's right now five businesses. And we're talking about the short term. Those businesses does not have parking. Armis has I/O, and he brings to the neighborhood hundreds of people that doesn't have any solution. If they can walk through here, that would be perfect. If we do the other plan of doing North Miami Avenue, both directions between 11"' and 14`", it will also address this point so people can simply walk around and drive. Because when they're coming out of this parking lot, for example, they don't know where to go. And a lot of people from I I`" Street already driving further west and stop on the railroad. Don't know how to get out of the neighborhood. This way, they'll be able to come up North Miami Avenue, 14"' Street and back to this street. And this is a nice way, I think. I know that everybody looked at the 395 as an obstacle. It's stuck there and it cut the neighborhoods from each other. But if we find this solution, together with this -- you know, take those parking lots that'll be built here and use it as a vehicle to link the neighborhood somehow. Because, as it is now, we're here, the clubs are here; there's no connection. And once they get into their car to drive, they're not staying in the neighborhood. So that's one very important point that we raised this morning with Art Noriega about it. 10 October 29, 2003 Mr. Trowbridge: Yeah. I think your comments this morning about a pedestrian mall type activity would be either something to look at in terms of its compliment to -- you know, it's going to create a sort of that synergy between the two areas, which are, unfortunately, just the divide is a physical barrier that we need to obviously look sort of larger picture at how the two neighborhoods are complimentary, and that there will be multi -usage that you could (INAUDIBLE) in, you know, foot traffic. That's important. Mr. Terem: And I don't see the 395 coming down that fast. Mr. Trowbridge: No. Our understanding is, when we signed our lease, we did it for a -- I think it was a 5-year lease with a 5-year option. And we laiew that we -- usually, they're longer than that with FDOT and the main reason was this issue that, in 10 years, something could be significantly different there. (INAUDIBLE) Mr. Terem: (INAUDIBLE), you know, I'm showing now properties in the neighborhood for future investors. And one -- the first question that they ask me is, "Where do we park?" Mr. Trowbridge: Yeah. Mr. Terem: So it's a problem. And it takes many months to get variance. Sometimes you get it. Sometimes you don't. And they don't lease places. With this, which is relatively short period of time -- we're talking about next year -- you know, this is something that people can count on. And by the time that they'll open their business about summer, or the next winter let's say, they'll already have parking lots. What we should true -- try and do now and this is our request to you -- and I'm glad that you agree with us -- is to try and -- some of the facilities that they didn't know whether they could be used for the Omni and the Park West, and they'll be linkage between them. Mr. Trowbridge: Yeah. We agree. Mr. Terem: All right. Mr. Trowbridge: Ms. Green. Ms. Green: Oh, I guess that's what I was thinking. And then, will the Theater of Performing Arts use this'? And will it be used 24 hours? Mr. Valera: We'd like to see it be used 24 hours and -- Ms. Green: I mean -- Mr. Valera: -- part of the -- part of what we were talking about is, if we form a linkage between both sides, I mean, people will feel comfortable parking here and going to a restaurant, and going to a theater, and coming back to a restaurant, and coming back to the parking lot. (COMMENTS OFF THE RECORD) 11 October 29, 2003 Ms. Riles -Robinson: Only if it's -- this -- I'm Valerie Riles -Robinson from the Perfonning Arts Center. So, only if it's pedestrian -friendly -- Mr. Valera: Exactly. Ms. Riles -Robinson: -- they'll feel they can walk from there to the Performing Arts Center. Mr. Valera: And that's the key with the area. I think the development of the area is to maintain that urban feel, I imagine, where a pedestrian can actually walk from parking lot to restaurant to Performing Arts Center, back and forth. You know, it happens in, you know, Coconut Grove. It's happening at Gusman, where folks are parking at this parking facility. They're going to grab. a bite to eat and walking across. So -- Mr. Terem: I know it's not exactly the reason that we're sitting here, but this is some of the issues that we were addressing the CRA, Public Works, .and I spoke with -- I sent a letter to Frank about it, too, to try and create everything. I know that it's not parking authority but we have here members from other bodies that might contribute to this point to do some kind of recognition to this neighborhood with signs, with light, with policing. We spoke with the Commander Reed, at the time, to put a beat officer there. And if there is a beat officer that does not drive with his patrol car, but rather, walk or horses we spoke about, or other things, people would feel free to walk around because there's a policing, not only like squad car rushing through, but really a person that we see everyday almost there. Unidentified Speaker: It would help the cause of our business. Right now, I'm investing a lot of money in off -duty police officers -- Mr. Valera: And I -- Unidentified Speaker: -- just to keep that area safe. Mr. Valera: And I think the enhancement of the lots to possibly even the future small trolleys that are being used in areas like Coconut Grove -- Mr. Terem: That's a beautiful idea. Mr. Valera: -- Key Biscayne, et cetera. I mean, once you connect a small loop where there's a constant movement of people and traffic -- Mr. Valera: -- there's a sense of safety and a perception of safety. You know, for some places it may be a long walk, but the trolley is -- if it's a small enough loop, I think it's a doable and reasonable, I mean, idea. Mr. Rollason: And I think the half -penny sales tax is paying for that trolley down there in the Grove. 12 October 29, 2003 Mr. Trowbridge. Currently, yes. Mr. Rollason: And another issue that we're looking at -- and I don't want to divert too much from what we're here for. This is a public hearing on this. Mr. Valera: Right. Mr. Rollason: But one of the items that we have on our budget for this year is the Police Department requested that the CRA purchase a cart for them that they could put two officers in and be able to patrol a bigger area with just two officers. Because everybody's having to hire somebody. And if you guys did something together in a group, they'd put two officers in a cart. We'd supply the cart. They could go through the Entertainment District. They could come up around 14"' Street and they could patrol that around there. If you remember a few years ago, we had that type of patrol in downtown Miami with the DDA (Downtown Development Authority), with their (INAUDIBLE) Program or whatever it was. It's something similar to that, except it would be with police officers. Unidentified Speaker: Right. Mr. Rollason: So I'm waiting for that program proposal to come to me from Police because I've already put the money in the budget to buy the cart. Mr. Terem: That will be great. Mr. Rollason: So, I mean, there's things that are being done. But -- Mr. Terem: We have girls walking like 1000 yard at night four, five o'clock in the morning back to their car and it's a problem. Sometimes I walk them through -- (Aremis), too, -- because, you know, those girls are walking in the neighborhood and it's (INAUDIBLE) for them. Ms. Green: And the lighting is very important. Mr. Terem: And the light is (INAUDIBLE). Mr. Rollason: Well, I -- listen, the other meeting that we're going to have with Public Works and Police, that'll be the place to address -- Mr. Terem: I know. I know. Mr. Rollason: -- the signage and all that. So we'll do that. Ms. Green: My last question I want to ask: Are you saying that this could be changed, or is this written in stone? Mr. Trowbridge: In terms of the layout? 13 October 29, 2003 L_J Ms. Green: Yes. Mr. Trowbridge: The only thing that might change just slightly in the layout is if we're required to do something additional landscaping or irrigation wise. We're looking for -- to maximize the number of spaces that you see laid out here. So that's what we had the engineer initially do. Now, we still have to get comments back from the City and get signed off from them. But the thing they're going to be looking at, obviously, is, you know, our landscaping and, obviously, our lighting and things like that. So, in general, this is, I think, pretty close to the layout that we're going to look to build. Mr. Valera: The lot will be built to Code. Obviously, we have no way around that, which means drainage, which means lighting, you lmow, irrigation, etcetera. Mr. Rollason: Beautification. Mr. Valera: Beautification. Mr. Rollason: Planning. Mr. Trowbridge: Yes. Mr. Grant: Neko Grant, CRA. Question: For future phases, are you going to include like bus parking? Because I'm sure the Performing Arts is going to have an extreme need for parking for buses once they get rolling. Mr. Valera: It's a great question. The parking lots are designed for cars, for vehicles. Mr. Grant: No, but I'm talking -- but for future use -- Mr. Valera: For stages -- Mr. Grant: -- for future phases, like when you go further west or -- Mr. Valera: If the need might be, that might be an idea. I mean, right now, I could tell you that for staging purposes, where buses can drop off and wait, we have -- CRA, obviously, has control of a couple lots, lot 57 and 58 -- Mr. Rollason: But those are going to go away. Mr. Valera: Yeah. I mean, we'll find a place where, you know, we can do some staging for buses. Mr. Rollason: It may have to be some distance. I mean, you bring the people to the site and the buses may have to go over by Bicentennial Park. Mr. Valera: Yeah. 14 October 29, 2003 Mr. Trowbridge: You all have a draft area that you put into your plan because of the cut and everything? Mr. Rollason: I'm sure there's a traffic plan. There must be a traffic plan. Mr. Valera: Bicentennial Park might be a nice -- Mr. Rollason: Yeah (INAUDIBLE). Mr. Terem: So those probably will be metered, or they'll be a booth like -- Mr. Valera: No. They'll be metered, and most likely it'll be metered with the new technology, with credit card acceptance. Mr. Terem: Yeah, because we need like -- if somebody go to the club, it's not for like three hours. Mr. Trowbridge: Right. Larger blocks of time. Mr. Valera: Most likely, it'll be a flat fee, credit card acceptance, a meter card or a debit card acceptance, just like we have in the parking lots. Mr. Terem: Yeah. I saw the parking lot on Biscayne. Mr. Valera: Exactly. Mr. Trowbridge: Yeah. Very easily -- it's very aesthetically pleasing and it allows you to buy the time in blocks. Unidentified Speaker: That's right. Mr. Valera: We'll have some -- yeah, we'll spend some time with kind of getting folks accustomed to that, but that technology that you see there is going to, obviously, be Citywide within the next five years. So this place will -- anything that we bring new will come on line with the new equipment, or the new technology. Mr. Terem: Just to talk about some other issues that we brought up today. We have to accept the fact that this area is part of the (INAUDIBLE), and if we incorporate -- in order to create a masterpiece parking lot with art work, specific light or -- that we mentioned before -- actually, what we said today, I didn't see that we have here the picture of the bridge. Mr. Valera: Yes. Mr. Trowbridge: Yes. 15 October 29, 2003 Mr. Terem: (INAUDIBLE) carsick, you know. We thought that if we can leave it in a way that It would be like significant, because we are in the Arts and Entertainment area. And we also spoke -- George Sanchez was here and he mentioned the fact that maybe we could put some kind of statues in the parking lot to sit there, besides the fact that this in the Arts and Entertainment area. Mr. Valera: Yeah. And what we've done is -- the discussion we're having regarding the construction of the lots is, yeah, we're looking at different alternates for fencing, different alternates for lighting. And, obviously, you know, part of the -- part of those alternates are to address the issues that are going to be the highlights of the area, i.e., arts in public places, i.e., lighting. I know up lighting, which is what it's referred to, in this picture, it's one of the requests, you know. Part of what we've talked about to stakeholders is, you know, we still have to meet requirement and Code for lighting, which is a minimum lighting requirement of (INAUDIBLE) per, you know, per square foot. So that has to be met. However, you know, in addition, there could be some, you know, some -- if the budget allows, you know, there could be some alternate to add some additional lighting, up lighting, et cetera, to identify the area with -- or the lots with the area. Kind of have a -- and we'll take that into consideration. Mr. Rollason: You might think about doing something with some neon circles very high that we can put plastic around that you can't hit with a stone. And if you did them in colors, people could identify they parked in the pink area, or the blue area, or the green area -- Mr. Terem: That's a very good idea. Mr. Rollason: -- or something like that. And have those up high on the rings. I've seen some -- Mr. Terem: Like in rows, different rows. Ms. Green: Yeah. Mr. Rollason: Or something like that, I mean, at least you'd know that you parked in the green or you parked in the yellow. But you're going to cover them in clear plastic with some kind of shield that -- because they're going to be a target for rocks and everything else. Mr. Terem: Neon tubes are not that expensive, you know. I mean, maybe those lights that you're inquiring into are expensive but the neon lights that simply run, I mean, there's not that expensive to install. Mr. Valera: We'll look at -- you know, we actually had our discussion with the engineer and the architect. We wanted to look at, you know, perhaps, at even the same concept or the same type, but somewhat of the concept, where it can be identifiable or somewhat addressed. And they've given some -- we've given them some direction as to -- you know, there's a lot of -- I mean, it's a lot of, you know, different types. Mr. Terem: Well, (INAUDIBLE) neighbor. We have too much (INAUDIBLE) Performing Arts Center. It's so nice. We cannot do something that would (INAUDIBLE). 16 October 29, 2003 Mr. Valera: No. I could tell you the parking lots, although -- are less -- other than Mark and I, we're probably the only ones who take pride in a parking lot, but for the most part, I think the development of those lots will be extremely beneficial. And, you know, we take pride in some of the product that we develop so we're really excited. We're looking forward. I think the timeline's aggressive, but I think it's one that we're striving to meet. You know, we have the support of the City staff, the Mayor, Commissioner, et cetera, and, you know -- and we're really on board trying to get this moving. Mr. Terem: Oh, it's beautiful. I know that (INAUDIBLE) but I want to, you know, express us and all the members that we're representing, which is about 14 property owners there and business owners, we were waiting for something like this for three years. So maybe it sounds like we're sitting here and we're picky about this issue (INAUDIBLE) but it's not. We're very, very thankful and we bless you, what can I tell you. Mr. Valera: No. It's what the meeting's about. It's -- you know, obviously, public input has kind of shifted and has added some additional development, so that's what it's about. Ms. Riles -Robinson: I have a question. Will the pedestrian mall type of -- concept that you're working with, that's a part of phase 2? Mr. Valera: We have not addressed that. That was something that was addressed just recently. And that is something we'll look at in conjunction with the City. But, obviously, identify property owners and try to put together -- the CRA is doing incredible work with -- and have done some incredible work with some pedestrian mall type of format. And, you know, I think 9°i Street is just a pretty good example. So that might be the concept, maybe similar in nature. We're not very much experienced with that but I think it was brought by the -- it was mentioned and I think it merits some consideration. We do agree that there's got to be some flexibility between that, you know, vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and we do identify that as a challenge. Mr. Terem: Yeah. We, as a community, suggested that we do on weekends, daytime Saturday and Sunday, holidays, a street fest underneath on those parking lots with arts and crafts. So it can't be (INAUDIBLE) for Overtown, Omni and Park West. Go underneath the 395 or those parking lots when they are not using -- used during the day, do fest -- street festivals and arts and crafts. And it's beautiful location for that. Ms. Green: (INAUDIBLE) pedestrian mall. But nothing's going to happen overnight. I don't know what Frank what to do. I guess you're going to have to -- I'm going to have to stand on my head and spin the cat, whatever that is, to get something done. How do -- what do we do? Where do we begin? Actually, this don't really concern me, but I can pass it on because this is -- like Park West, as you guys call it, which is really Park East. Mr. Trowbridge: We have noted that. Ms. Green: Because that's anything, you know, west of the -- I mean, east of the railroad -- to me, it's east. But it ends up being Park West. 17 October 29, 2003 Mr. Trowbridge: We'll put an asterisk next to it. Mr. Rollason: Because it's west of Bicentennial Park. That's how it got the name to begin with. Park West. Ms. Green: Yeah. But what does Bicentennial Park have to do with it? Mr. Rollason: Nothing. That's how it got the name. Ms. Green: Actually, (INAUDIBLE) because -- Mr. Trowbridge: The (INAUDIBLE) is west of the park. Ms. Green: -- actually, that park came much later. We -- you know, the railroad -- Mr. Rollason: It was west of the park. . Ms. Green: -- always was a dividing line. Mr. Rollason: Yeah. But it was west of the park, and that's why it got called Park West. Mr. Valera: Yeah. Mr. Rollason: It's west of Bicentennial Park. Mr. Valera: The original development of the area started on Biscayne -- Mr. Rollason: (INAUDIBLE) Mr. Valera: -- but this is west of Biscayne. So they didn't (INAUDIBLE) to where we're at today. It was actually just a corridor between Biscayne and I", and then 2ni1. And then it just moved on to where we're now, you know, Northeast Miami Court and Miami Court. And, you know, it's moved up. And it's going to end up, you know, all the way to -- Mr. Terem: It's a good movement. Mr. Valera: Yeah. It's just --but when it originally started, it was just a small parcel just west of the park. Mr. Kohl: Also, when we were hashing out the ideas of the museum being in Bicentennial Park, we suggested that there be no parking there, so that they have to park west. Ms. Green: And to me, see, my directions are messed up. Because I would say it's -- Unidentified Speaker: Park East. 18 October 29, 2003 Ms. Green: I would say it's east. Mr. Trowbridge: Well, Ms. Green, for you, we'll call it whatever you'd like. Mr. Rollason: Because you're saying it's east of Overtown. Mr. Valeraa: No. East of the railroad tracks. Mr. Rollason: Yeah. Ms. Green: Yeah. And that's right. Mr. Rollason: Right. Ms. Green: And see, he's talking -- you're talking I I"' Street and Miami Court, see, and that's what I was saying. So I don't see how you can still say that Bicentennial Park -- Mr. Valera: No. I said your point of reference is accurate. Absolutely. Ms. Green: But what does that mean? Nothing? Mr. Valera: No, no. You know, I play golf and every now and then, I run into a hole that is either par 4 or par 5, so it could Park East/Park West. Ms. Green: OK. Well, OK. It doesn't matter, but at least -- you know, I'm in a -- what I want to say, maybe when our Commissioners see that working under there for the five years that you guys have it leased, maybe he'll do something with that 395 in Overtown, seriously. This is not the place to discuss it, but is anything you can do with 61' Street lighting, Frank? Our lights are 20 watts. And I go to church. When I come home, it's dark. I mean, I can't see. Mr. Rollason: Did you get your bus benches the other day? Ms. Green: Yeah. We just need one more. Guess where it is now? Tell the guy? Don't tell You? You know that -- Mr. Rollason: Tell me. Ms. Green: -- where the I-395 passes over 3"d Avenue? Mr. Rollason: Yeah. Ms. Green: Right there I saw like seven ladies with babies in the stroller. It's in dire of need of at least one. You don't have to put one on each side, but at least on -- OK. I'm going to direct again. 19 October 29, 2003 Mr. Rollason: All right. After this meeting, we'll get together and you tell me where you want it. Ms. Green: It will be the west side. Mr. Rollason: And I'll talk (INAUDIBLE) about the lighting. Ms. Green: The .west side. If you don't put -- in front of my house. I live at 415. (INAUDIBLE) car at night. 415 Northwest 6"' Street. Tell them that pole up there, put 100 watts. Mr. Trowbridge: Well, we're very grateful that you all come out to talk to us. Just because we're going to, I guess, close up the hearing, doesn't mean that we don't want the dialogue to continue. Your input is key, not only because you're stakeholders, but you're obviously going to be users of that facility once we complete that. And your patrons and your friends and things like that, so the dialogue is critical to us. Ms. Green: Thank you. Mr. Valera: Thank you. Mr. Trowbridge: Thank you. Mr. Trowbridge: Thank you very much. Thanks for coming. [There being no further business, the meeting of the Department of Off -Street Parking and the Community Redevelopment Agency Community Workshop adjourned at 5:05 p.m.] 20 October 29, 2003 RECEIPT DATE: November 18, 2003 SUBJECT: Minutes for the ,October 29, 2003 DOSP and CRA Workshop Received By: MAYOR DIAZ Tvitcw-- Of:r; �. c CHAIRMAN WINTON y COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ COMMISSIONER SANCHEZ COMMISSIONER REGALADO VICE CHAIRMAN TEELE CITY MANAGER Frame, Yi V011090h .Lnfic r- O�l'cc- CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members DATE : November 17, 2003 FILE of the City Commission SUBJECT: Minutes of the DOSP and CRA Workshop of October 29, 2003 FROM: 25 �. REFERENCES: Pro ilia A. Thompson ENCLOSURES: City Cleric Enclosed herein, please find a copy of the minutes for the DOSP and CRA. Workshop of October 29, 2003. These minutes are regularly distributed to the members of the City Commission for their reference and files. PAT:mm c: Frank Rollason, Executive. Director, CRA