HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-95-0142J-95-125
1/27/95
RESOLUTION NO. 9 5 142
A RESOLUTION, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 89-199, AS
AMENDED AND ADOPTED ON FEBRUARY 23, 1989, WHICH
ADOPTED IN PRINCIPLE THE WATSON ISLAND MASTER
DEVELOPMENT PLAN, BY MODIFYING CERTAIN PARAMETERS OF
THE WATSON ISLAND PLAN, SPECIFICALLY THE LAND USE
PLAN, MARINE RECREATION CHAPTER, SECTION 2 (AS
AMENDED), BY PROVIDING FOR A MARINA OF UP TO 70 SLIPS,
A MARINA RETAIL SERVICES COMPONENT OF UP TO 50,000
SQUARE FEET, AND A HOTEL OF UP TO 300 ROOMS NOT TO
EXCEED 55 FEET IN HEIGHT (ABOVE FEDERAL FLOOD
CRITERIA); FURTHER MODIFYING MAPS, PLANS, AND TEXT OF
THE WATSON ISLAND PLAN ACCORDINGLY; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Miami Commission, on February 23, 1989, adopted
Resolution No. 89-199, which approved in principle the Watson Island Master
Plan, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Miami Planning Advisory Board, at its meeting of
December 21, 1994, Item No. 5, following an advertised hearing, adopted
Resolution No. PAB 77-94 by a vote of eight to one (8-1), RECOMMENDING DENIAL
of the proposed amendment to Resolution No. 89-199 as hereinafter set forth;
and
WHEREAS, not withstanding the PAB's recommendation, 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 Resolution No. 89-199 as hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA:
CITY COVnEsSION
MEETING OF
FEES 0 9 1995
Resolution No.
95-- 142
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to
this Resolution are hereby adopted by reference thereto and incorporated
herein as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2.
following particularly/:
The Watson Island Master Plan shall be modified in the
LAND USE PLAN
***** ***** *****
MARINE RECREATION
***** ***** *****
2.) NEW 30 70 slip Mega Yacht Marina and Hotel - A public
marina designed and operated to serve exclusively very large
luxury yachts (100' to 200') does not exist in South Florida
(few places have the required deep water access). The west
shore of the island facing the turning basin, is unsuitable for
small boat marinas due to rough water, but the mega yachts can
withstand these conditions, particularly if shoreline rip -rap
is used to reduce wave kick -back from bulkheads and new
intercoastal waterway no -wake rules are enforced. The
megayacht marina concept offers several benefits to the
community.
The Development of a megayacht marina will require the
inclusion of support facilities if it is to successfully
attract the world's fleet of corporate yachts for extended
stays. Desirable components proposed are:
a 158—te-200 200 to 300 room luxury (potentially all
suites) hotel, business class caliber or better is needed in
particular to serve the business guests osted by the
yachts. It should not utilize more than dive—(5) eleven
11 acres in total area nor exceed thirty (30+ fift five
55 feet in height (above federal flood criteria) to
protect against intruding on the open space and low
1/ Words and/or figures stricken through shall be deleted.
Underlined words and/or figures shall be added. Asterisks
and ellipsis represent omitted and unchanged material. The
remaining provisions are unchanged and remain in effect.
-2- 95°- 142
1
recreational scale of the island. Its proposed location
adjacent to the new high level causeway bride further
minimizes its physical impact on the island's internal
public views while offering the hotel vistas of the downtown
skyline. The expected compliment of service and
recreational amenities (tennis courts, pools, restaurants
and gardens) for guests would be permitted (the proposed 5
11 acre site includes space for these), but substantial
meetin room facilities are not (this is the function of the
yachts.
a complex of small shops and restaurants lining the
marina is needed for providing basic services to guests,
marina tenants, and sightseeing visitors. Not to exceed
4G7000 50 000 leasable square feet or one —level above flee
eri-t7eyxia�designed to preserve hotel views and the
pedestrian scale of marina), this small retail center is not
for shopper's goods (dresses, shoes, jewelry, etc.) that
would duplicate Bayside retailing.
Section 3. If any section, part of this section, paragraph,
clause, phrase or word of this Resolution is declared invalid, the remaining
provisions of this Resolution shall not be affected.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately
upon its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this
PREPARED AND APPROVED BY:
J ELT-E. MAXW L
PUY CITY TORNEY
M4908/JEM/mis
9th day of February 1995.
STEP N P. CLARK, MAYOR
-3-
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
CORRECTNESS:
,h
A. QU N JOKY,I
CITYMA TOR
95-- 14,E
TO : Honorable Mayor and Members
of the City Commission
FROM : C 0
CV'ager
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM PZw 36
DATE : FILE :
Resolution Amending Resolution
SUBJECT : No. 89-199 which adopted the
Watson Island Master Plan
For City Commission
REFERENCES :Meeting Of 2/9/95
ENCLOSURES:
RECOMMENDATION:
It is respectfully recommended that the City Commission adopt the attached Resolution amending
Resolution No. 89-199 which adopted, in amended form, the Watson Island Master Plan. The
pro osed modifications to the Master Plan are as follows: providing for a Mega Yacht Marina of up
to 70 slips, a marina retail services component for said marina of up to 50,000 square feet, and a
hotel to service the marina of up to 300 rooms not to exceed 55 feet in height, above federal flood
criteria.
BACKGROUND:
The Development Division of the Department of Development and Housing Conservation
recommends that the City Commission adopt the attached Resolution in order to further development
efforts on Watson Island, specifically the Request for Proposals document prepared by the
Department of Development for the purposes of implementing the Mega Yacht Marina Project.
The Watson Island Master Plan, as adopted six years ago, calls for a 30 slip Mega Yacht Marina, a
retail services component to service the marina of up to 40,000 leaseable square feet, plus a hotel
component restricted in size and height to five acres and thirty feet. In order to be economically
viable in the current market, the Department of Development recommends that the Marina be
increased in size from 30 slips to 70 slips. In addition, the retail services component should be
increased in terms of allowable square footage from 40,000 to 50,000 leaseable square feet. Lastly,
research indicates the need to modify the configuration of the proposed optional hotel component,
which would be better served if allowed up to eleven acres in total size and a height restriction of
fifty five feet rather than thirty.
These modifications would alter the concept of the Mega Yacht Marina as it currently exists within
the Master Plan to create one that meets the demands of the mega yacht industry by allowing for an
adequate density of slips to justify the investment involved with a marina of this type. In addition,
the retail services are considered a necessary element for this type of facility, which caters to vessels
that require a strong support services base within immediate proximity. The hotel component is a
necessary option based on discussions with potential developers concerning the viability of this
project. The general concensus is that a hotel on Watson Island, as part of this marina development,
would be enormously successful, further justifying the development of the marina itself.
95- 142
PLANNING FACT SHEET
APPLICANT City of Miami Department of Development
APPLICATION DATE
REQUEST/LOCATION Consideration of amending Resolution 89-199 which adopted in principle, the Watson
Island Master Development Plan in order to modify certain parameters to accommodate
new marina, retail and hotel development, not to exceed 50 feet in height, and
modifying plans, maps and text of the plan accordingly.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION Watson Island
PETITION Consideration of a Resolution amending Resolution 89-199, passed on February 23,
1989, which adopted in principle, the Watson I&Iand Master Development Plan
(January, 1989), and modifying certain parameters of the Watson Island Plan by
providing for a marina of up to 70 slips, a marina retail services component of up
to 50,000 square feet, and a hotel of up to 300 rooms, not to exceed 50 feet in
height, and further modifying maps, plans and text of the Watson Island Plan
accordingly.
PLANNING
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUND AND
ANALYSIS
Approval.
See attached.
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD Denial. VOTE: eight (8) to one (1)
CITY COMMISSION 9 5" 142
APPLICATION NUMBER 94-162 December 21, 1994
01/30/95 . Page 1
RESOLUTION PAB - 77-94
A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING DENIAL OF AMENDING CITY COMMISSION RESOLUTION
89-199, PASSED ON FEBRUARY 23, 1989, WHICH ADOPTED IN PRINCIPLE, THE
WATSON ISLAND MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN (JANUARY 1989), AND MODIFYING
CERTAIN PARAMETERS OF THE WATSON ISLAND PLAN BY PROVIDING FOR A MARINA OF
UP TO 70' SLIPS, A MARINA RETAIL SERVICES COMPONENT OF UP TO 50,000 SQUARE
FEET, AND A HOTEL OF UP TO 300 ROOMS, NOT TO EXCEED 50 FEET IN HEIGHT, AND
FURTHER MODIFYING MAPS, PLANS AND TEXT OF THE WATSON ISLAND PLAN
ACCORDINGLY.
HEARING DATE: December 21, 1994
VOTE: eight (8) to one (1)
ATTEST:
R I R RI UE , DIRECTOR
PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING
95- 142 5
SENT BY:DEV/HOUSING-ASSET 4T:12-13-94 : 5:10PM CITY AF MIAMI- ;# 2
.; CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
i
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
10 :
FROM :
Lourdes Slay yk
Planning Department
Jack T,
DATE :
December 13, 1994
SUBJECT
Watson Island Master Plan
REFERENCES : Amendments
ENCLOSURES:
FILE :
WATSON ISLAND MAST :lt PLAN AMENDMENTS
Megayacht Marina and Hotel Untied Development Project
The Department of , Development is requesting certain amendments to specific
development parameters get forth in the adopted Watson Island Master Plan, January
1989. The master plan calls for replacement of the existing 42 slip marina on Watson
island with a 30 slip "Mega -yacht" marina and ancillary rctaiUhotel uses subject to
specific limitations (see attached master plan map).
On June 30, 1994 the Department of Development was directed by Commission
Resolution 94448 to prepare a Request for Proposals for the Unified Development of the
Watson Island Mega -yacht marina. Pursuant to the drafting of the R.F.P. a preliminary
design and feasibility study was commissioned by the Department of Development that
identified several factors in the design and operation of such a marina that would be
essential for its viability. These factors include:
• Construction of a breakwater to protect the marina, from wave turbulence created by
the intro -coastal waterway traffic and turning basin. The cost of this breakwater
makes a 30 vessel marina economically infeasible. Moreover, a marina with more
slips offers greater operational efficiencies vital to the success- of this type of specidity
marina. Therefore, it is the requirement of an RFP for this project that up to 70 slips
be permitted instead of the master plan limit of 30.
• Development of shnreside support st 4ces.for the marina. A full complement of
concierge services, storage, reservations and weather center, catering services,
security services, delivery service, car rental, wmmunicetions and navigation center,
and marina operations ollices will be required to adequately support the marina.
Added to this base of marina services is a needed public retail service component to '
95- 142 7
I SENT BY:DEV/HOUSING-ASSET MGKTt12-13-94 ; 5:10PM : CITY OF MIAMI-
:# 3
f
support a desired recreational and lclsure activity program attracting pedestrians and
visitors to the island to a baywalk promenade adjoining the marina. To provide
sufficient space; Cor these services an increase is necessary in the master plan limit of
40,000 square feet for marina retail services to .50,000 square feet.
• C'vnstruction of a Hotel to support Marina Operations. The megayaclits berthed at
the marina function in part as rorpomte conferancing centers for the businesses that
operate them. As a location for meetings, it is considered an important complement
to the marina operations to have a quality hotel immediately adjacent to the marina to
serve the corporate guests that attend these meetings (that is why the two major large
yacht marinas in Broward County are located adjacent to hotels: the Marriott and Pier
66 Hotels,) The Watson Island Master Plan imposes a three story height limit on the
hotel. (liven the necessity of a two story (above flood criteria) retail service center
next to the marina acid in front of the hotel, it would be impossible for the hotel to
take advantage of bay and. downtown views if it was limited to three stories. Without
views to the bay, the feasibility of the hotel is greatly damaged. An increase in
potential height of the hotel to five stories would be in scale with the island but
preserve the site advantages of important views for the hotel design and operation.
9
95- 142
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i'
CITY OF MIAMI
WATSON ISLAND MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN
XAVIER L. SUAREZ, MAYOR
VICTOR DE.YURRF, VICE MAYOR
t
ROSARIO KENNEDY; COMMISSIONER
T+
J.L. PLUMMER, COMMISSIONER
MILLER J. DAWKINS, COMMISSIONER
CESAR H. ODIO, CITY MANAGER
SERGIO RODRIGUEZ, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER /
PLANNING DIRECTOR
JORGE L. FERNANDEZ,.CITY ATTORNEY
MATTY HIRAI, CITY CLERK
PREPARED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
GUILLERMO OLMEDILLO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR
JOSEPH W. MCMANUS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
ELBERT WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
JACK LUFT, CHIEF OF URBAN DESIGN
CLARK P. TURNER, SENIOR PLANNER
"A GELABERT, SENIOR PLANNER
YVETTE PHILIP, PLANNER
RICHARD BUTLER, GRAPHICS
OLGA GARCIA, GRAPHICS
l�
JANUARY, 1989
wbb
i
deed
and
ADDENDUM
On February 23, 1989, the Commission of the
City of Miami adopted by Commission
Resolution 89-199, the Watson island Master
Plan, he presented herein with the following
amep�mentst
1) he proposed Hotel shall not utilise
more than five (5) acres in total area nor
exceed thirty (30) feet in height (above
federal flood criteria). A
2) The proposed dry reek boat as stom
associated with the public marine (250
slips) is eliminated and shall not be built.
3) The proposed observation tower located
adjacent to the proposed mega -yacht marine
In eliminated and shell not be built.
if
■
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...... ..................... 1
PURPOSE OF PLAN ........................ 1
CONSIDERATIONS .......................... 2
PUBLIC PURPOSE FOR-WATSON ISLAND....... 2
EXISTING USE PATTERNS .................. 3
RELATIONSHIPS TO THE CITY .............. S
ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC PURPOSE........... 6
EXISTING ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS........ 6
MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN ................ 9
MASTER PLAN CONCEPTS ................... 9
LANDUSE PLAN .......................... 9
Public Open Space and Recreation.... 9
Active Field Game Recreation........ 11
Marine Recreation.... 4 .............. 12
Transportation Services ............. 15
CIRCULATION AND PARKING ................ 17
Vehicular Circulation ............... 17
Parking ..............:.............. 1®
Pedestrian Circulation .............. 19
Utilities .......... o.................. 19
.. s
k''
WATSON ISLAND MASTER PLAN
INTRODUCTION
Watson. Island. is an entirely man-made spoil island,
located in Biscayne Bay, 86 acres in area, consisting
of dredge material from Government Cut. Watson Island
was originally deeded to the City of Miami by the
State of Florida in 1919. The island has remained
largely undeveloped for seventy years, serving
primarily as open recreational space and a
transportation terminal for seaplanes, helicopters,
and-Aintil 1980, an airship.
The -island has been the subject of repeated efforts to
develop major._public facilities from a 1935 proposal
for a Pari` Aftrlcan Merchandise Mart to more recent
concepts for a theme amusement park in 1980 and a
Marine Exposition Center/marina and hotel in 1986.
None of the past proposals had been preceded by a
public policy plan for the island that gave direction
to these private initiatives.
PURPOSE OF PLAN
In accordance with Commission Motion No. 88-253, the
Watson. .Island Master Plan presented herein offers a
set of. public purpose goals for. the island and
addresses, policies for the use, development,
enhancement, and infrastructure support needed to
achieve those goals. Standards for the type, amount,
8rea,land management of the proposed activities are
set .forth to assure fulfillment ofpolicy objectives.
t. ,. rONSlDERATIONS
Watson island is thought of by Many as a "clean
slate". No leases are in force and no significant
improvements exist except the Japanese Gardens, which
are being improved and must be kept. The only
significant constraint governing the future use and
development of the island is the 1949 deed of
conveyance from the State of Florida to the City of
qY Miami. The deed expresses certain limitations on the
use of the island, which, if violated, will render the
deed null and void. The language of the deed
restriction is as follows:
"...this deed is given and granted upon the
express condition subsequent that the Grantee
herein or its successors and assigns shall never
sell or convey or lease the above described land
or any part thereof to any private person, firm
or corporation for any private use or purpose, it
being the intention of this restriction that the
said lands shall be used solely for public
purposes, including municipal purposes and not
otherwise."
In 1980 and again in 1986, the city of Miami sought a
waiver of these provisions from the Trustees of the
Interns Improvement Fund of Florida (the Governor and
Cabinet members) to permit the leasing of portions of
the island to private Interests. The waiver was
granted on the basis that the proposed leasehold uses
were in substantial conformance with the public
Interest and purpose of the island and in furtherance
of municipal purposes.
Thus, past experience suggests the Watson Island
Master Plan has the flexibility to consider private
and corporate leasehold activities, provided such uses
demonstrate a relationship to public purpose. This
leads to a wide range of use options that has induced
past development efforts to "clean the slate" and
Impose on the island a major redesign and conversion
of uses.
40 The "clean slate" approach is appropriate, however,
only if historical and existing use patterns as well
are to be disregarded in a new plan. It is here the
f public purpose question comes into clear focus. What
has seventy years of constant and extensive use told
us about the role this island plays in th. ilfe of the
city?
Ohl
1.4
PUBLIC PURPOSE FOR WATSON ISLAND
It is the particular challenge of this plan to fashion
a clear and compelling statement of public purpose for
Watson Island. "Public purpose" must embrace a
diversity of interests; open space, recreation,
maritime, tourism, downtown, center -city
neighborhoods, government and environmental. The
ideal master plan accommodates all of these interests
with a balance that the public can sense is in proper
proportion. Finding, defining and balancing these
"public purpose" interests would be for most plans, a
very difficult task. For Watson Island the job has
been simplified, for one unique and compelling reason:
FOR SEVENTY YEARS, THE PUBLIC HAS BEEN FREE TO
ADOPT AND ADAPT WATSON ISLAND TO ITS NEEDS MUCH
AS IT SEES' FIT. THE PATTERNS AND PAT OF
PUBLIC USE AND THE MERITS OF THOSE USES WELL
ESTABLISHED AND UNDERSTOOD. AS A PROVIV§ GROUND
FOR PUBLIC PURPOSE, NO BETTER PROCESS-CANBE
DEVISED. IT REMAINS TO TRACE THESE PATHWAYS OF
PUBLIC USE TO FIND WHICH LEAD TO A USEFUL FUTURE
AND WHICH HAVE TURNED AND FADED.
•2•
'4
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Enj,s�g Use Patterns - The following description of
the historical and existing uses of Watson Island
reflects assessments of both planning staff and public
opinion (as expressed in informal field surveys):
RECREATION/OPEN SPACE - Public gathering,
strolling in the Japanese Gardens, swimmin ,
unstructured play (softball on the green),
sunbathing, ethnic festivals, polishing the car,
picnicking, jogging, celebrating birthday
parties, etc. - Watson island is to the center
city what Kennedy Park is to Coconut Grove. The
key ingredients in this recreation profile appear
to be the spaciousness and openness of the
Island. It feels safe because it Is so easy to
see what is going on around you and it rarely
feels crowded; plenty of room to do your own
thing, publicly yet anonymously. This is a
constant and active element in the island's use
and generally perceived by the public to be its
most valuable activity, one that must be
maintained and emphasized.
Existing Uses
Public Park (central open space) ............ 10 acres
Shoreline recreation (cruise ship viewing) .. 3 acres
Public Beach - 12/02/88 ..................... 2 acres
Open field areas north and east shores) .... 6 acres
Open field areas south of causeway)......... 10 acres
Total 31 acres
OBSERVATION - Watching the cruise ships, waiting.
for Chalk's amphibians to splash down in
Government Cut, driving across the island to see
the panorama of downtown, the port and Miami
Beach (60,000 people each day), strolling the
docks to see the days charter boat -fish catch,
watching the sunset silhouette the city's
skyline, enjoying Bayside's fourth of July
fireworks and pausing to catch the spiral
landings of helicopters. Many still recall vivid
Images of the blimp drifting to earth, several
men tugging on trailing ropes as though landing a
giant celestial tuna. People have discovered
there is no better place to see the city and the
swirl of activity that surrounds the island. for
many, Watson Island is the observation deck of
the tity; a fishbowl that seems to magnify the
spectacle of city life that leans in on all
sides.
m3■
BOATING - Charter fishing at the old city marina,
refueling at Phillip's 66 docks, sailing in club
regattas along the Venetian Isles, power boats
slicing through the intercoastal waters, surfing
catamarans onto the shore, jockeying trailers for
the right angle at the ramps, a yacht in from the
islands trailed by the marine patrol, kids
bobbing along in prams and parading motor boats
draped with festival lighting. Watson island is
the bay's only rublic island (excluding spoil
banks) with ful 360 degree access by boat.
Eight thousand lineal feet of public shoreline
make the island a natural resource for marine
recreation and public boating. Without
exception, however,,.] the shorelines are a
crumbling and decayed Nestige of the islands long
boating tradition.
Existing Uses
Miami Yacht Club .......................... 3 acres
Miami Outboard Club ....................... 3 acres
Public Boat Ramp .......................... 4 acres
Public Marina ............................. 2 acres
PhJllips 66 fuel docks Acre
Total 13 acres
TRANSPORTATION/SIGHT-SEEING - Catching a Chalk's
flight to the Nassau casinos or an out -island
resort, chartering a sailing cruise to the Keys
or spinning off in a helicopter for a tour of the
bay or a quick hop to a meeting in Broward
County. For fifty years until 1980, a blimp
offered a lazy glide over our subtropical
landscape, If you were willing to wait hours in'
line for a 30 minute trip. No other city could
boast of this unique combination of exotic
devices for personal transport. Still today,
Chalk's remains one of the world's only scheduled
seaplane services. It has been said that Chalk's
Airline since 1919, the world's oldest, is to
Miami what the cable cars are to San Francisco.
Existing Uses
cchalks Airline ......................... 2 1/2 acres
dade'Nelicopters ........................ 5 acres
Airship 1`104d (not `1n use) 1 acres
Total 14 i%2 acres
m4■
aPlationshio to the City - It- does Watson Island
presently fit into the larger scheme of the Bay,
downtown, other waterfront parks, and adjacent cities?
Watson (stand is:
The Largest Public Open Space In The City - Its
86 acres are twice the size of Bicentennial Park and
larger than.Manur, Moore, Curtis and Peacock Parks put
together. It is our "Central Park" and one of the
most important resources in the City of Miami
available to meet future resident and visitor needs
for quality public open space.
The Only Undeveloped Biscayne Bay Island - All
other lands within the Bay are defined and improved
either for public or private purpose (with the
exception of parts of Virginia Key). Watson Island
represents the last great opportunity to completely
reshape lands among the most inherently valuable in
South Florida.
Detached from City Life - As an island, it enjoys
a degree of isolation from urban activity patterns.
The island is self-contained and not easily integrated
with mainland uses. Its almost complete dependence on
autg-access further complicates relationships to
mainland, especially downtown, developments that rely
heavily on pedestrian and transit interconnections.
The City's Best Resource for Maritime
Improvements - Miami has, despite its extensive
shureline, few opportunities for expanding facilities
to serve fast growing marine recreation interests
(Virginia Key's beaches, shallow waters and mangroves
limit boating access). Especially since It has good
access to the superior boating environment of the
south bay, Watson Island has significant market as
well as physical capacity for wet slip construction
and land side boating services. The Biscayne Bay
Management Plan projects a demand for 1000 additional
wet and dry public boat slips (primarily power boats)
by the year 2000. Adding to the concern for finding
new boat slips is the decline in Miami River marina
space. The well established maritime economy of the
river (boat yards, sales, supplies, services,
manufacturing) is dependent on marina space to
generate consumer demand. There is a mounting need
for new boating facilities near the river to sustain
the thousands of maritime jobs at risk in Miami from
competitive and superior marina facilities in Broward
and Monroe Counties.
A Superior ).ocation for Tourism Related
Development -" Within sight of downtown, Bayside and
South Miami Beach and only ten minutes from the
Airport and the Seaport, ' Watson Island Is an
attractive location for almost any development concept
that seeks to expand the tourist base of our regional
economy. So attractive, in fact, that past concepts
have consumed the island to the exclusion of local
recreational space. Termed "attractions", these
tourism concepts sought to add new dimensions to the
package of local visitor offerings. The ,leading
question now, however, is whether any "attraction"
that doesn't draw repeat local resident visits can
survive. Recent fundamental rethinking in the
national "attractions" industry (in the wake of
numerous financial failures) is now favoring
activities that are oriented to the local residents,
of high quality and permanence, with educational
value, and an authentic part of local culture and
life-styles.
N
WATSOP
ISLAN-
vk ------
'A �RE P L A 0
Ataer,Ymefit. of Pubilc _ Purpoae - Given a long
hlatn.v of active and meaningful public use,
and a unique relationship to the city and
region described above, the following
statements of public purpose are not forth as
the basis for subsequent master plan
policies:
I. Watson Island is public open specs.
deeded to the City of Miami as such, and
should be retained as a primarily open,
undeveloped, recreational island.
II. Watson Island should be open to and
accessible from Biscayne Bay, the region's
greatest open space and recreational
resource. Protecting views to the bay and
offering facilities for boating access are
fundamental aspects of meeting this
objective.
III. Watson Island is neutral ground In the
City; open space that belongs to no
neighborhood but to all communities. It
should foster the public gathering of the
broadest range of local citizens.
IV. Watson Island is a strategically central
point of entry to the City by sea and by air.
Its role as a connecting link In
transportation services to Ctrs Bahamas,
Florida Keys, and Gold Coast communities is
valuable and should be enhanced.
V. Watson Island's historic combination of .
airships, seaplanes, helicopters and sailing
vessels was unique in the world, a point of
local pride and enjoyment that should be.
valued as distinctive element in snaking,.
Miami a special place.
Mil
EXISTING ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS
Watson Island presently has several site,
environmental and management issues that
constrain potential development policies for
the island. These includes
No Leases - None of the current clubs or
commercial tenants on the island have leases
with the City. All except Chalk's operate
month -to -month with 30 day revocable use
permits, but continue to make normal monthly
lease payments to the City. Chalk's airline
has no agreement in any form with the City
and makes no payments (and has not since
1919). The lack of a lease makes it
impossible for any tenant to finance
Improvements to their property which his
resulted in generally poor physical site
conditions and inadequate facilities for all
of the island's tenants. Until long term
leases can be offered, the poor conditions
will not significantly improve.
Poor Maintainance - The City of Miami does
not have the resources to provide the high
level of maintainance required for the
Island's heavily used public open spaces.
son
m
DiTSU P
PLANrl
Environmentally Sensitive Perimeter Day -
bottoms - Fragile bay -bottom grass beds
exist near the north and east shorelines that
cannot be disturbed by pier or marina
construction.
Poor Water Quality - The Mac Arthur Causeway
east of the island prevents tidal movement of
waters north of the causeway. Poor' water
quality along the Islands easterly shore
results from the entrapment of waters that
remain cut-off from tidal action in
Government Cut.
Prevailing Winds - Southeasterly trade winds
and northwesterly winter breezes affect theAW
ease of sailboat access to the island making N.
the Northeastern point of the island a good
location for sailboat access.
Traffic Intersection Hazards - The at -grade,
non -signalized intersection between local
island traffic and Mac Arthur Causeway is
very hazardous, particularly for vehicles
leaving the island and attempting a left,turn
to enter the Causeway. Pedestrians crossing
the causeway to attend special events in the
park (after parking on the south side) create
significant disruptions to traffic.
Turbulent Water - The Intracoastal Waterway
boat traffic and bulkhead induced chop from
the cruise -ship turning basin creates wave
conditions along the existing marina (west
t shore) that are very disruptive to vessels
docked there.
Brown House- Damage.:- The historic Brown
House, moved from Edgewater to the north
shore of the island, remains unoccupied and
severely damaged from the partial collapse of
the structure during the move.
Lack of Utilities - The island has no
sanitary sewers and water service is
ina•'-wate..with properties along the north
and at sides of the Island suffering from
low water: pressure (and consequent fire
protection deficiency).
Helicopter Noise - The heliport creates
slgniflcarkt__ noisy, which can be, depending on
tyke -off e'Q app'[oach patterns, disruptive to
p.r. . F: users.
Causeway. Reconstruction - The State of
Florida Department of Transportation has
proposed a complete reconstruction of the
causeway from Star Island to the mainland
with the existing bascule bridge to be
replaced by a high level, fixed span
structure. The causeway east of Watson
Island is in the final design stage but the
new bridge design is only in the preliminary
design stage. The construction of the bridge
and causeway would not occur, at the
earliest, until the early 1990's. Any
developm*v_t__ of the island that would
aignifi=Increase traffic will need to
be phe.____ th the construction of the
causeway erla bridge improvements.
�J
MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN
objectives for the public use and Improvement
of Watson Island are:
Enhance and expand public use,
particularly recreation.
e Attract a diversity of user groups.
Protect and enhance desirable existing
patterns of public use.
Enhance the island's natural and historic
assets of views, water, and historic uses.
i Expand and improve the island's
interrelationship with the bay.
• Provide a Use Program relevant to
Downtown, Miami Beach, the Port of Miami, and
Miami River maritime community's needs as
well as regional resident recreational needs.
0. Provide a public use and development
program that will be economically self-
sustaining.
to
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MASTER PLAN CONCEPTS
It is recommended that Watson Island
Incorporate six principal uses (see map -
FUture Use Concepts):
■ OPEN SPACE RECREATION
The plan places a major emphasis on
preserving the Island as a resource for
passive recreation and public gathering
by retaining the popular and valuable
large central open space and Japanese
Gardens and enhancing traditional
public activities of viewing cruise
boats and swimming.
■ ACTIVE FIELD GAME RECREATION
Expanding the public use of the island,
particularly for youth groups can be
accomplished through the addition of
much demanded athletic fields for
active recreation.
• MARINE RECREATION
Increasing demands for marina and
organized boating activities from a
rapidly growing population of boaters
plus Watson Island's attractive and
accessible shorelines makes the use of
particularlythe north and eastern
shores for marinas, clubs, and boat
launching a natural activity to be
enhanced.
■ TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
;
Historic use of Watson Island as a
"Jumping-off* point for travelers to
the Bahamas, Keys, the Carribean and
increasingly, other gold coast
t
communities, has contributed a unique
dimension to the image and function of
i
the city. Steady and growing demand
for these services makes it important
to retain and enhance them, but in a
more efficient and concentrated use of.
land.
.A.
DEEP WATER MEGA -YACHT MARINA AND HOTEL
A unique opportunity exists for
developing a marina and associated
land -side services (hotel and retail/
entertainment) that would serve an as
yet untapped market (south of New York
City.) for accomodating international
mega -yachts (over 100 feet) and the
business trade they attract as floating
meeting centers.
OBSERVATION DECK
The island's role as a special place to
view the city and the bay, long
appreciated by the island's visitors,
can gain a new dimension with the
addition of a landmark tower that
accomodates a high level viewing
platform to fully :. reveal our
magnificent subtropical coastline.
■
LAND USE PLAN
The following use and development standards
for Watson Island (see accompanying map,
Master Development Plan) are directed to the
realization of "public purpose" principles
and master plan objectives outlined above.
PWI•IC_ OP •N a A - • AND R .CREATION
The master plan provides four principal
spaces within the island for the public's
enjoyment of traditional park and open space
and passive recreational pursuits:
1) The Central Commons - The existing park
space.,that occupies almost 13 acres in the
center of the,,4sland east of the causeway is
heavily used, especially by small ethnic
festivals. It requires upgrading, however
that would includes
■ Additional landscaping with palms,
flowering trees and native subtropical
shade trees is needed to soften and
beautify a now plain and somewhat
barren green space. It is Important,
however, that the openness and
spaciousness -that contributes to its
usability and sense of safety not be
lost through overplanting with dense
walls of green that limit visibility.
■ Improved restrooms;
• Improved and limited signage;
® Expanding its area by an additional
acre through realignment of the
perimeter road closer to the boat
ramps..
■ Construction "of a children's•
plbyground.
■ Inclusion of small court games such
as " horseshoes, bocce, croquet,
handball, or badminton (south end of
park).
• Provision of picnic tables and
grills and vita -course in the shoreline
open area north of the boat ramps.
.g.
M
i
2) The Caribbean Plaza - Perhaps the most
popular spot on the island is the shoreline
facing the Port of Miami and its massive but
elegant cruise ships. To enhance the pastime
of watching these cruise ships as they arrive
and depart the following improvements are
proposed:
■ A 1000 foot long plaza at the
shoreline paved with a tile mosaic
• depicting a map of Florida and the
Caribbean islands extending to
Venezuela. Routes of the cruise ships
would be shown as lines connecting
ports -of -call and named for the
respective ships that travel them.
People watching the ships leave could
trace their routes as they walk the
plaza and learn the geography of our
tropical region.
O A baywalk paralleling the water's
edge complete with palm landscaping,
benches, and lighting. It Is important
that landscaping offer shade along the
plaza but not block the view to the
port from the causeway.
i Small piers, similar to those at
Downtown eayfront Park, which offer
bench seating and a chance to fish as
well as a small boat landing.
S vending stalls, spaced regularly
along the plaza to allow for offerings
of refreshments.
■ A flower market near the east end of
the plaza to maintain the tradition of
colorful flower stands serving the
causeway traffic.
3) The ..9eack - A sandy beach formed
naturally by currents from the Intracoastal
waterway exists at the extreme northwesterly
corner of the island. It Is heavily used
despite the lack of maintainance and
supervision. The dnique dimension this
unexpected recreational resource adds to the
island's open space program can be enhanced
throught
• Landscaping the site (removing the
australlan pines) with coconut palms,
seagrape, and dune system ground cover;
■ Adding a baywalk promenade (see
Circulation for full baywalk system)
along the Inland edge, of the beach with
shade trees, seating, and lighting;
■ Providing lifeguard services and
marker bouys lining the perimeter of a
swimming area that would be secure from
intrusion by boats;
■ Developing a privately operated
restaurant at the east end of the beach
with primarily open air, deck seating
and oriented to fresh seafood ("cook
,your catch") and light
fare/refreshmente/entertainment;
■ Providing open showers and fresh
water along with bathroom facilities
adjacent to the new restaurant.
4) The Japanese Gardens - Restored in
1990, the gardens must be maintained to the
,...v
highest standards. To provide the basis for
that restoration, the City should arrange for
the management and care of the gardens by a
non-profit association devoted to the garden.
As a source of funds for the maintainance,
but just as importantly to assure active
public use .�hf the gardens, a jerneae
restaurant or tea house should be constructed
adjacent to the gardens -0te re the oriental
ambiance and confined spaces within the
garden would contribute to the dining
experience. This restaurant would be
administered by the designated asm--iation
and revenues earmarked for the garden's care.
ACTIVE FIELD GAME RECREATION
Two areas are recommended for public use as
active field game and sports recreation
facilities:
1 ) A sports field game area (5 1112 acres)
with fully equipped facilities for baseball,
football, soccer, basketball and volleyball
is proposed adjacent to the cruise ship
viewing plaza. Spectator seating is not
recommended. The usual backstop, goal nets,
outfield fences, etc. are to be provided but
wind screening, heavy landscaping or solid
walls that would block views from the
causeway across the fields to the cruise
ships should not be used.
2) An open field area (8 112 acres)
immediately northwest of the sports fields is
recommended for a dual purpose airship base
and recreational field games. The airship
base (see Transportation Services) needs only
a mooring mast and a small office with a
seven acre open field for landing. It would
Likely be present for only the winter event
season leaving several months available for
active recreational uses to utilize the open
fields. Like the numerous pick-up games that
materialize on the mall in Washington D.C.,
this area would be available for a variety of
athletic usesr.baseball, softball, football,
rugby, soccer, field hockey, polo, and a
running track. Each special game area could
be permanently marked on the ground for ease
of use, but fixed equipment (goalposts, high
backstops) would not be installed so as to
permit the airship use. This area would
remain visually open to maintain causeway
views to the downtown skyline and the cruise
MARINE RECREATION
Watson Island should emerge, with full
implementation of this plan, as the premiere
recreational boating center in South Florida.
Facilities, programs, services, and support
relationships with the maritime community are
s,e.r
all a part of the following recommendations:
1) New 250 Slip Public Marina - A public
marina for recreational boats (average under
50 feet) is proposed for the north shore.
The marina must respect sensitive grass beds
(see Site Conditions map) in the location of
piers. The marina would includes
■ Approximately 250 wet slips
■ Dry storage racks for 200 power
boats (under 40 ft) with first refusal
rental rights for power boat club on
island
■ Baywalk promenade the length of the
marina at the shorline
■ Dockmasters offices, convenience
store, supplies, showers, lockers 6
food services in a restored Brown House
■ Incidental repair services but no
boat yard with full service repair
which Is available on Miami River.
® Reserved slips (10-20) for charter
fishing boats near the proposed seafood
restaurant (see Recreation - Beach)
O Reserved slips (10-15) for hourly
tie-ups (restaurant)
MF�
2) Now 30 slip Mega -yacht Marina and
Hotel - A public marina designed and
operated to serve exclusively very large
luxury yachts (100' - 2001) does not exist in
South Florida (few places have the required r }
deep water access). The west shore of the
island, facing the turning basin, is
unsuitable for small boat marinas due to
rough water, but the megayachts can withstand
these conditions, particularly if shoreline
rip -rap is used to.xeduce wave kick -back from
bulkheads and new Intracoastal waterway no -
wake rules are enforced. The megayacht
marina concept offers several benefits to the
community:
■ These large yachts often serve their
corporate owners as business meeting
facilities, thereby attracting international
clients to the marina for business purposes,
a significant enhancement for downtown's
business activity.
f Annual expenditures for maintainance,
staffing and provisioning these yachts can
amount to 10-15% of their total cost; a
potential direct economic spin-off for the
port that can exceed $1,000,000 annually per
vessel.
■ Luxury yacht marinas often attract sizable
numbers of visitore who can view theme exotic
craft up close (one such Mediterranean port
registers as many as 2,000,000 such tourist
visits annually,)
■ An one of very few international megayacht
marinas in this hemisphere, the establishment
of one on Watson Island would signal yet
another step in Miami'a emergence as a world
class city.
•12•
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..INA
fib
The development of a megayacht marina will
require the inclusion of support facilities
If it is to successfully attract the world's
fleet of corporate yachts for extended stays.
Desirable components proposed are:
■ a 150 to 200 room luxury
(potentially all suites) hotel is
needed in particular to serve the
business guests hosted by the yachts.
It should not exceed five stories or 60
feet above grade (including flood
criteria) to protect against intruding
on the open space and low recreational
scale of the island. Its proposed
location adjacent to the new high level
causeway bridge further minimizes its
physical impact on the island's
internal public views while offering
the hotel vistas of the downtown
skyline. The expected compliment of
service and recreational amenities
(tennis courts, pools, restaurants and
gardens) for guests would be permitted
( the proposed 10 acre site includes
space for these), but substantial
meeting room facilities are not (this
is the function of the yachts).
■ a complex of small shops and
restaurants lining the marina is needed
for providing basic services to guests,
marina tenants, and sightseeing
vistors. Not to exceed 40,000
leaseable square feet or one level
above flood criteria (to preserve hotel
views and pedestrian scale of marina,
this small retail center is not for
shopper's goods (dresses, shoes,
jewelry, etc.) that would duplicate
Bayside retailing.
O an observation tower adjacent to the
marina. The marina visitor (tenant or
tourist) will enjoy the opportunity to
expand the island's natural bay vistas
by ascending a 100 to 150 foot tower to
an observation deck. Here the full
breadth of the shoreline and chain of
bay islands would be revealed; one of
the region's most unique and dramatic
sights. The tower can serve as well as
a landmark symbol for the island; a
contemporary lighthouse that could
house a small museum at its base
recalling the rich 70 year history of
Netson Island and man's impact on the
bay. Potential exists to incorporate
food services into the observation deck
or at its base. It is not recommended
that this tower assume the proportions
of world's fair towers (ie. in Seattle
or San Antonio) that rise several
hundred feet and are a symbol'of the
entire city. Such a large structure
would surely visually dominate the
island and its passive parks and would
likely require substantial commercial
development to economically support its
costs.
i a baywalk promenade joining the
retail/restaurant services to the
marina. A fifty foot wide, publicly
accessible' 'walkway with seating,:
landscaping, lighting and vending
extends the length of the marina and
connects to the proposed public baywalk
circling the island. This waterfront
plaza could become the needed center of
nightime public activity on the igl'and
adding safety and extending public use
and appeal of the island.
Mn
3) Boating Services and Fuel - The
existing commercial fuel docks and
convenience boating and fishing supply store
adjacent to Chalk's airline should be
upgraded to include:
■ retail sales of basic boating and
fishing supplies and groceries;
■ ,a new structure, not to exceed 5000
square feet, with enclosed storage and
screened trash collection areas;
■ a new dock, extended in length to
service at least four vessels with
fueling from the dock (retain existing
tanks);
■ extensive landscaping.
4► Marino Patrol / Customs Facilities -
The Miar `Ice Department's Marine Patrol
needs ;+• t office, storage, and boat
docking to-, ities with easy access to the
city's bayfront and river. Watson Island is
Ideal and should incorporate, next to the
above retail serviceifuel facility, a marine
patrol center and U.S. Customs processing for
international arrivals of pleasure craft.
Included in the center should be docks, an
office structure up to 5000 sq. ft, parking
for up to ten vehicles, and storage .
5) Improved Public Boat Ramps - The
existing public boat ramps on the island's
east shore should be improved through:
cc. .
,thz
• rebuilding the ramps to improve
safety and utility;
■ resurfacing of the ramp area;
■ construction of trailer parking (min
50 spaces) and -improved circulation
drives;
® construction of a small (1000 square
foot) retail convenience shop (fcsOs►,
boat supplies, bait, refreshments)
serve both ramp users and park users of
adjacent picnic, game court and open
commons areas;
■ landscaping.
6) Improvement of Boating Club Facilities
The island presently accomodates two public
boating clubs, one for sailing craft and the
other for power boats. They perform a
valuable public service through the
organization, promotion, management, and
physical accomodation of special boating
programs and activities. Boating education,
regattas, parades, special races, and
tournaments as well as hosting special
visitors and charitable events are all of
benefit in expanding public access and
enjoyment of marine recreational
opportunities. To continue and improve this
service, two boating clubs (sail and power)
should be:
■ established with long term leases
(25-50 years) through a competitive bid
offering by the city;
a offered sites at the present
locations but with leasehold boundaries
as defined on the Master Development
Plan map.
■ required to provide upgraded
clubhouse facilites;
• required to upgrade and landscape
extensively the sites and particularly
surface boat storage areas (visually;i-
screened from external view);
■ required to establish and operate
extensive public outreach programs to
educate and Introduce area residents to
recreational boating. In particular,
each club should annually enfoll area
youth ( not less than one per ten club
members) who are disadvantaged or
disabled and otherwise unable to gain,
normal access to recreational boating,
in free sailing and seamanship classes.
• encourage (through the bid offering)
to maintain the traditionally low
membership fees as a means of assuring
maximum membership accessibility to
area residents;
Y continue to condition the amount of
lease payments on the extent of City of
Miami resident membership.
4;
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
x
The use of Watson Island for :transportation
services dates to the very origin of the
Island In 1919 when Pappy Chalk started the
worlds first airline from a terminal at the
edge of Mac Arthur Causeway. As Watson
Island grew In size with fill from Government
Cut, additional services were added, the
blimp base ,in 1929 and a heliport in the
1960's' It'is a principal recommendation of
this plan that these services continue to
occupy the island under the following
provisions:
1) Seaplane Base A long term lease for
the operation of a seaplane base should be
offered for public bid by the City:
Conditions of that lease .o.fferIng should
includes
a leasehold site not to exceed 3
acres (exclusive of parking) as
generally depicted on the -Master
development Plan map.
■ . operation of the seaplane base with
the role and responsiblitles of a
"fixed -base operator". As viewed by
the Federal Aviation Administration, a
"fixed -base operator" controls the
flight - dispatching and service
operations for aircraft operating from
..the site. Included would be helicopter
dispatching and service facilities;
8 combining fuel and aircraft
servicing areas (seaplane and
helicopter -two pads) with servicing
limited to normally required incidental
maintainance, not major mechanical
servicing;
■ development of an improved terminal
facility not to exceed 10,000 square
feet including passenger ticketing and
U.S. Customs processing areas. Food
services for passenger convenience are
desirables
■ docks for temporary berthing of
potential water taxi service to the
mainland and Miami Beach:
■ extensive landscaping of the itte;
in particular the screening of service
and fueling areas.
■15•
W
2) Heliport - The provision of helicopter
services for sight."01119 and regional
transportation should +,c accomodated In a
long term lease to a commercial helicopter
operator that includes the following
provislonsi
■ relocation of helicopter landing
pads 13, potentially 4) to a shoreline
location adjacent to the seaplane
terminal, with all landing and takeoff
flight patterns over the Government Cut
waterway;
■ construction of a passenger
terminal/offices adjacent to the
seaplane base and not to exceed 2500
aq. feet In area.
■ full access to available hellpads by
transient private, t;ummercial and
government (Coast Guard, Customs,
police, etc.) helicopters for temporary
landing needs;
■ the total site area for landing pad
(excluding service/fuel area pads) and
terminal should not exceed one acre.
■ flight operations and servicing
shall be subject to management of the
"fixed -base operater (see seaplane
base),
3) Airship Base - The return of airship
services for sightseeing and special events
Is proposed through establishment of a
landing and mooring area between the seaplane
base and the causeway. Terms and conditions
for the creation of the base are:
■ a long term lease for operation of
an approximately seven acre area (see
Master Development plan map) for
landing and temporary moorings of
airships should be offered for public
bids by the City;
■ The airship shall be available for
public sightseeing rides and a
passenger's terminal and operations
office not to exceed 1500 square feet
in area shall be erected and maintained
Ir` by the airship operator adjacent to the
heliport;
■ no ,structure for the storage of the
airship, except a mooring mast, shall
be permitted on the island;
■ appropriate perimeter barriers
(cables or low fencing) shall be
eredted around the landing field and
during times of airship use, the
airship operator shall erect signage
that indicates to the public the
restricted use of the field for airship
purposes only;
■ If the airship does not utilize the
landing/mooring field for any period in
excess of 30 days„ the field shall be
open for public utilization as a
recreational field game facility and
all restrictive signage removed by the
operator until the resumption of
airship use.
■ the City may mark the landing field
area on the ground for field game
recreational use, but no above ground
apparatus shall be installed.
slow
-8
CIRCULATION AND PARKING
The following recommendations for access,
vehicular and pedestrian circulation, public
transit services, parking, and support
infrastructure are predicated on the above
described land use plan.
VEHICULAR CIRCULATION
The principal circulation Issue has
historically been the conflict between Mac
Arthur Causeway and local Island traffic.
Watson island has been divided into two
distinct and quite separate parts by the
causeway which is difficult and dangerous to
cross. Entering and leaving the island is
hazardous as well since the only causeway
intersection is without signalized control.
The existing network of roadways within the
island is a patchwork of old causeway lanes,
driveways, service roads and ad hoc dirt
lanes worn in by constant use. Parking on
the island is uncontrolled with vehicles free
to park anywhere. The following
recommendations establish a heirarchy for
vehicular systems that is illustrated on the
accompanying map, Access - Circulation -
Parkina - Marinas:
1) Mac Arthur Causeway - The causeway,
Including the bascule bridge over the
Intracoastal Waterway, is scheduled by
Florida DOT for complete reconstruction in
1994 and completion in 1996. The planned
Improvements retain the 6 lane cross section
with widened lanes but replace the existing
bascule bridge with a high level (65 feet
above sea level) fixed span bridge. The
following modifications to the existing
preliminary plans are proposed:
,■ Accelerate the construction phase to
begin in 1991;
■ Utilize the four percent grade for
the bridge approach rather than the
alternative five percent;
to
■ From the end of the bridge and for
the first approximately 600 feet of the
causeway as It enters the west side of
the island, a pier structure should.be -
utilized to allow for use of the,epsce
below the causeway for a circulation.
road and parking. Earth fill for the
remaining grade to the east is
acceptable.
■ • Establish an at -grade intersection
with on and off lanes connecting to
local Island roadways at approximately
station 1082 (FDOT constuction: plans
for I-395 / Maw Arthur Causeway Bridge)'
which occurs adjacent to the Japanese
Gardens (see Access -Circulation map).'
A grade separated overpass connecting
the two sides of the island is not
proposed. Projections of traffic
impacts (see appendix - sip Generation
Estimates-1445)
■ The intersection should be
signalized with median left turn lanes; ,
■ Provide a westbound off -lane and an:
eastbound on and off -lane at the east
side of the island (adjacent to Miami
Outboard Club);
■ Allow for future development of
proposed light -rail system within
median but confine the light -rail to an
at -grade crossing of the island (no
aerial guideway structure on the island
where columns obstruct views and
potential grade separated pedestrian or
vehicle crossings of the causeway would
be eliminated);
sf%•
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■ Allow for proposed light -rail to
provide a station platform immediately
west of the proposed at -grade
intersection (see above) with a
pedestrian overpass spanning the
causeway and connecting to the median
platform;
p Allow for the incorporation of
potential ramps to a tunnel linking to
the Port of Miami (feasibility analysis
In process by PDOT).
2) Circulation Roadways - The following
system of roadways for internal circulation
Is proposed:
■ A new primary access road aligned
with the proposed causeway intersection
(see above);
■ A roadway linking the two sides of
the island by passing below the
elevated causeway bridge approach
approximately 300 feet from the west
shoreline;
Y An access road serving the proposed
public marina (east side of Island)
that is separated from the primary
circulation road of the island.
■ A median divided, heavily landscaped
roadway the length of the island from
the proposed hotel to the Caribbean
Plaza, and also as a primary entrance
road from the causeway intersection.
3) Parking - The island is heavily used
but has relied primarily on informal roadside
parking and overflow field parking for
special events. To control random parking
and minimize the present damage it inflicts
on landscaped areas, the following
recommendations are proposed:
• provide paved parking areas in the
following locations:
a) below the causeway bridge
approach - 200 spaces
b) adjacent to the seaplane
base - 250 spaces
c) adjacent to the megayacht
�.marina - 120 spaces
d) adjacent to the
beach 50 spaces
e) adjacent to the Japanese
Gardens - 80 spaces
f) adjacent to the public
marina - 180 spaces
i
g) trailer parking next to boat
ramp - 50 spaces
h) adjacent to the boat
service/fuel - 25 spaces
i) below and adjacent to the
hotel - per code
j) within boat club
sites - per code
■ provide soft surface parking (turf
grass over stabilized sub -grade) in the
following locations:
a) around perimeter of central
park - 300 spaces
b) along edge of Caribbean
Plaza - 80 spaces
c) along edge of field game
area - 50 spaces
■ provide soft surface overflow
parking for special events
a) within central park
space - 240 spaces
b) between causeway and central
park - 120 spaces
also
4) Pedestrian Circulation - The following
Improvements are proposed to meet pedestrian
k•:
circulation needs-
0 A baywalk conforming to City design
standards (20 foot width) for
4
waterfront walkways Is proposed that
would link the public marina, beach,
'
observation deck, megayacht marina,
service docks, seaplane base, and
Caribbean Plaza. The walkway will
include seating, lighting and
landscaping.
■ A pedestrian overpass linking the
hotel to the Japanese Cardens and
public marina, with a connec Lon to the
proposed light rail platform in the
median of the causeway.
■ All roadways shall have full 6 foot
wide sidewalks and shade tree
landscaping.
5) Utilities - The following infrastructure
systems will be required to support the
recommended development plan:
■ A sanitary sewer line will need to
be extended from the mainland in an
underwater crossing of the Intracoastal
Waterway. The sewer improvement is in
the Miami Capital Improvements Program
but Is not scheduled pending formal
approval of development plans for the
Island. Its estimated cost is
$1,000,000.
■ Additional larger water mains will
need to be extended to the east half of
the island to improve low water
pressure conditions.
■ A culvert should be placed beneath
the new Mac Arthur Causeway improvement
near the east end of the island to
permit water to flow through from the
Venetian Isles to Government Cut for
improvement of water quality.
W
slow
t.
TRAFFIC VOLUMES
AND LEVEL OF SERVICE
WATSON
ISLAND, 1987
EASTBOUND
WESTBOUND
TOTAL
AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC, 1987
23,939
23,393
47 332
c
PEAK HOUR (PM)
2r100
1.720
V/C Ratio
.37
.30
Level of Service
A
A
PROJECTED TRIP GENERATION
WATSON ISLAND, t995
WrKDY
TRIP
SAT.
TRIP
SUN.
TRIP
USE UNIT
NO.
RATE
ENDS
RATE
ENDS
RATE
ENDS
Marine Slip
250
9.0
750
3.2
600
4.2
1050.
Japanese Gardens Autos
Lump
50.0
100
100.0
200
125.0
250
Boat launch ramp Parkng.apace
60
1.0
60
2.3
136
2.5
150
Miscellaneous Autos
Lump
200.0
400
300.0
600
400.0
000
Malta -Yacht basin Slip
32
25.0
a00
15.0
460
10.0
320
Hotel Room
300
10.2
3060
13.4
4020
10.1
3030
Playflelds Autos
Lump
50.0
100
100.0
200
125.0
250
Blimp base Flights/day
t5
--
0
6.0
90
6.0
90
Chalks Flishts/day
18
9.1
55
3.0
54
2.4
43
Sishtsesins Autos
Lump
400.0
800
600.0
1200
750.0
1500
Total Trip Ends
6125
77a2
7403
Peak -Hour (AM) Percent
0.10
613
770
746
Cardinal distribution#
From west (mainland) R
0.00
4900
6226
59a7
Left turns (to north)
104a
1390
1600
From east (beach)X
0.20
1225
1556
1497
Left turns (to south)
963
1209
1047
Peak hour left turns(
From most to north 105 139 /00
From east to south 96 121 105
A4