HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-89-0199x
J-89-06
2/23/89
RESOLUTION NO. 89--199
A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENTS, APPROVING, IN
PRINCIPLE, THE WATSON ISLAND MASTER PLAN
1989; FURTHER, DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION
TO PROCEED TO PUBLISH SAID PLAN, AS AMENDED;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, previous plans for the development of Watson Island
included proposals entitled "Watson Island Recreation Program"
prepared by Edward D. Stone, Jr., for the City of Miami (June,
1973); "Watson Island Development of Regional Impact and
Environmental Impact Statement," prepared by Post, Buckley, Schuh
and Jernigan, adopted by Resolution No. 80-525 (July 10, 1980);
and "Marine Exposition Center" (1986).
WHEREAS, the Miami Planning Advisory Board at its meeting of
December 7, 1988, Item No. 3, following and advertised hearing,
adopted Resolution No. PAB 95-88, by a 7 to 0 vote, RECOMMENDING
APPROVAL, in principle, of the Watson Island Master Plan 1989, as
hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission after careful consideration of
this matter, deems it advisable and in the best interest of the
general welfare of the City of Miami and its inhabitants to
- — approve, in principle, the Watson Island Master Plan 1989; as
hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The Watson Island Master Plan 1989, in
essentially the form attached hereto, and as amended on
February 23, 1989, is hereby approved, in principle, and the City
Manager is hereby directed to publish said Plan, as amended.
Section 2. This Resolution shall become effective
immediatley upon its adoption pursuant to law.
ATT�,ft 0 q -M rlrrmo7n
ll
MW fil'C
CITY COMMISSION
MEETING OF
FEB 23 1989 QQ
)N No.89-199
r � '
` 1 �4T3 wvya.ei a., xs � t� tx a
y Z i At
��,y�p iF��y� 7j�. �! ,�yam of hit,
� `{
tlm_
Am AMP"
XAI RE
1,
HIRAI
CITY CLERK
PREPARED AND APPROVED
� t
A
A,oe,l ), 1//
E. MAXWELZ
S ISTANT Uif ATTORNEY
V1 !
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND �
CORRECTNESS:
4{ JOR E L ERN DEZ
ll CIT ATTORNEY Y
,
JEM/db/M891
b z �- `` e � t t "n r, „ ,�.;.`� � x .: r �x 'xi. : ,•6,r. x�+`g�i��
r: .r f .s z• 1 z £ � ix s t F � J � fii: —t- w � �, a�����+vtF �•kc 1'�
¢�{'
T
s 1"F 1 7x t y ..� T $x t Y � +" 4: s a � `� k e r� s.,���� ,� 4 m � �� � .� 1 p�w� C � e'r✓ � ,�'u-�yyy1��Fy�
,.
Nm
ss :+
a
f f `ter i1 lNi
ht1 f- ry
ATTACOONT
TO RESOLUTION 89-199�
(WASTON ISLAND
MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN ' +'
is .filed in a separate 'folder
with the
backup paperwork a� x
F EA ���n`£4
�wt�}y�s".n14.*.Y a�,$7k'yyd1"x+
3 i] :f :`f i +7.11C YfSt,✓ �5'x'e'i
£ 5 '
i
C j
PLANNING FACT SHEET
APPLICANT �.4 .'City of Miami Planning Department: f ;
November 18, 1988 _
PETITION 3. Consideration of recommending approval
1 principle of the Watson Island Master Plan' as
evidenced by the materials presented to the
,�k Ij
Planning Advisory Board and City Commission;
instructing the Administration to proceed to
i publish the report, and amending the Miami
- Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan (September, y
1985), and proposed Miami Comprehensive
Neighborhood Plan 1989-2000 accordingly.
REQUEST To approve, in principle, the Watson Island
Master Plan.
4.
BACKGROUNO�`ky' � �,3 ; �4 Previous. plans for the .development-t,of
>I
Island have included the following .proposa l s z , r ' � x n i'
"Watson Island Recreation ,Program", prepared
by Edward O. Stone, Jr., for=the''City of a•
y i4 Yqf
Miami : (June, 1973) : r�
_ - Watson IslandDevelopment of Regional nott 1ty-4n"'
t and Environmental Impact Statement,
f° n ( Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan, adopted 'by {5 }E r r
f , 2�0
Resolution 80-525; July '10, 1980.
f t g 'Marine Exposition Center (1986)..,
I r �
RECOMMENDATIONS;
( 3' , ,. ��al d r •?�-"gip a t,��3
PLANNING DEPT.' Approval, in principle.
PLANNING ADVISORY $QNRD At its meeting of December 7, 1988, the Planning
Advisory Board adopted Resolution
7. tp 4 vote, recommending approval of the eV$ $F
the City Cooeiaion, x
*t
l $
4 CITY.•COMM�SBI4N ''�° +R .: r it- its meeting` of January 26, .Z98�� t1�e
}.
Commission continued action on this 'e
yk� ; Sri-'- oY.�.,
i T�� 3•ki�.
i I ail T', ,}`�, i•
i �:t S
f�
"
J
x,
�
i' 1
{'
t
t i
{r
t � t
a, x
5i t tc
i j 5
CITY OF MIAMI. FLOAIDA rt°'
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO Honorable Mayor and Members DATE t� FILE
of the City Commission FEB I
SUEUECT : Watson Island Master bevel opment
Plan - Response to Commission
Concerns
FROM REFERENCES :Item PZ-6 j City Commission
Cesar H. Odi
City Manager ENCLOSURES Agenda February 23 1989
{
E . 1989, the Cit` f j „u
During discussion of Item PZ-13, Watson Island, on January 26, �3►�
Commission asked several questions and expressed same concerns about Planning}
Department. recommendations in the Proposed Watson Island: Master.Developmen.t ', ';''
Plan. A response to those questions and concerns follows:'
s Cost" Of Develo=nt Recommendations Attached to this memorandum ,:is a
complete accounting of costs for each of the Master Plan recommended 4a
improvements to the island (see Attachment "A"). The -;total costr}is �
"approximately $50,000,000 'including infrastructure, utilities, andkal
.: open space, public and private improvements.plus a.10% contingency -,factor,.; fN
L' The cost of the proposed MacArthur Causeway bridge and..:.hi hway
I improvements by the State are not included. Of the total cost,
E;. million (87%) would be funded by private leasehold developers,
remaining $6.5 million in costs are City .expenditures which .dour! '
presumably be funded from utility and road bonds and a revenue bond.:
financed by the island's lease revenues. A_projection of all potential.,`
it
Private leasehold revenues to the City, not ,been done„ nor could be
without substantial economic. analysis that was beyond the resources ,of the
Master Plan study.
.." 3''•r' i r+ it �5?
B Number and —Type Restaurants Proposed - The Plan has proposed: the'<
following food services for the island:
1) An open-air, popular fare restaurant adjacent to the beach
i slip marina. The menu could feature seafood and correlate with the . ,
charter (shin boat docks nearby.; The.,restpurant`,'wow
�dt
proposedAximatel 5000 s uare.feet in_area, J°
' approx.
.0., d .y q - - t. •_ I f 3 5 f'• r *' :mil '+ � j vs
21 A },�apalnese restaurant tea house directly adjacent to tha L,�ap
Gareens:. - : Approximate, y ,500Q ggpare,, feet in Giza►t'rtklia
views of the'garde and be a .:revenue source .:for ChefCp
.
T
.t .i...;°,?
a i, j� : tP. _ ,'x'i#,lfii'�^_ }t"� fir,,,, J,ti}•y n"i '.e �'{
n y � � •+./',` %ar
tK ,,. .. ..i irva ,. •., .. .R ,T. F. t..r ._ - i 4. H."�i. iS •k4.4V:E�..w. .PT�♦il --..,:i" fa .. f.- au.Tf,J1��3�[`�:'
t
nth Ir4 '.,i K t, �� WYY t :- •�
l
." - Utk�, 3�'a+N t",'W-r'•#+'>H`iin.'x.'rtYs#s'ti�?!..`.`t �'ti1 r. } `{
17
Ax
Honorable Mayor and Members
of the City Commission
3) A snack -bar concession in the Chalks Airline terminal for the
convenience of waiting passengers.
4) A small cafe, take-out food concession (500 - 1000 sq ft) in the
restored Brown House for serving marina patrons and possible live
aboards.
5) Hotel restaurants - Not specifically proposed, but logically assumed
to be a part of a hotel, would be a restaurant. and a small cafe as
ancillary uses to the hotel operation.
6) Megayacht Marina restaurants - A desirable support service for. the
marina and particularly the expected tourists who would .visit .the
marina to see the yachts, are one, possibly two cafes adjacent:.to the,
ow
Baywalk and public observation tower. These would be 'included An the
"� 40,000 sq ft. marine retail center serving the megayachts.
An addition, the plan recommends small vending carts serving ice cream,;:
sandwiches, fruits and similar condiments along the cruise ship viewing plaza.
r Status Report on Marina SlipDemand - In response to the C�nissions'' ;
concern that there may not be a demand to -justify the recommended; i
development of the megayacht marina (30-40 slips) and the small: boat
marina (250 wet and 200 dry slips), the following facts are offered: lY��
1) The 1987 Biscayne Bay Management Plan ,cites a need for an additional,
1000 wet and dry slips to serve recreational boating in Biscayne Bad;
by the year 2000. f,
2) The.new Black Point Marina (Dade County -Parks Dept.) has, a-1.1/2,year.
waiting list for wet slips. f
3) The County Matheson Hammock marina has a 3 year waiting list for wet.':
slips and 1 1/2 years for dry slips. f
f • f
4) The County's Crandon Marina (Key Biscayne) has a 3 year waiting list
:for wet slips.
5) The County projects that the new Pelican Harbour Marina at
Street will completely rent its 150 slips upon opening later thiw�
=1 year.,
The Rickenbacker and Virginia Key Marinas are 90 occupied*.y
7). The Miami Beach 5th Street marina has had occupancy prQhlsMsri+'�
due to "difficulties with 3 knot tidal currents 1h4 flow =trA�rt�a
marina from adjacent Government.x
Cut r
-
,C�
�V
)Y : ..1... 1 y r , r f . ' r . i .. 7 �'•li dl > � f .�1 _. �' 7
-
i�
/ AS: t�t ri! t.. .. ... c:. . .f�.�. - t.... :� }:,.. .�',1Y'-`.t�'{�r... .4:i .. . ,.-.. -. .. t 5 ..i �."t :,, ,i�6���!h3'& '1� •%M_. *_M_P fk _'I
�K
r
A� '^77rk
w.
i P
p�a�
t 7
,r-r
it
T
xw x
r
tonorabl a Mayor and Members
ti
of the' City Commission
r
S t
,.f 8) .:Both the Miami Yacht Club
and Miami Power Boat Club on Watson isl
d I e
are in `need of additional wet and storage space an wou g HeraUf
immediate demand for marina storage facilities.
9) `For Megayachts of over 100 feet in length, only one marina capable of
berthing 10 or more such vessels exists" on the east coast of the U.S..:.
(in New York City). Miami offers a rare site for a marina adjacent to
a downtown and with 15+ foot draft potential
D Height of Boat Racks The Master Plan proposes a four level, 34 :foot 4..
height dry, rack facility for boat storage.. Concern was expressed.:about
the.- visual impact of ':the -structure. on the. park and .surrounding` bayh'
islands. Dade County is installing in the Black Point,' Haulover, and ;
r Matheson. Marinas, three level fully., enclosed :and 'roofed rack storage '�
:structures. In response, 'the -maximum -rack height "could be reduced to
three levels and 24 foot height overall with a three sided enclosure and rvn,
roof
E-
- dwthintheBoat,.Reoairs - No boat, would- mamma orx'
upland. se ce areas. All boat repairs would occur off :of the isl`and,�;''
with�.a majority;potentially�occurring;within then<existing Miami River boat k
x.yards and servicejards.
",.
EL BeachArea�- Practicality and'Use - On Sunday, January 29th, at.3:00
_ . 'an.i-�-informal survey = of the -beach site found 18 indi vi dual s engaged in
picnicking, swimming, sunbathing, and sailboarding. Several .expressed .,
their.' reference' for this beach as. a convenient, uncrowded
, peaceful ands j
well; s ade& place:,for a pycnic and swimming. Subsequent 'site inspections ; 5>
,on the following weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, found continued use of
the: beach. These: brief :visits confirm.'reports. of boat club and mahfna
"tenants-on'Watson Island that the beach�is.well used..most,�weekends, ,r
Lid t ' d f �....,,��,.i `— _
Jy-__..__ _ —..
° y1. ` 'C- r .d ti4.Y C'` y tr:
1.",f4 .. . .. Jt(
}a.. , .
,
{;
P
§ �i
a �• t`x';
Fr 1�
S f }
aY t-4. T , ' { j a t�'4
Y st. r1. .� - ,
�J��'i
' 3 ki;k.
s 'h• to 4+�i�'
i
`"' t 'E' x
t t .x
r.11
1, 5xr,
} k 5 J y k 3r''f'{
Y I t ✓{fi'j�t+
f ;i 5 tt,$' Ir
,�i r,,t# i i,
y1 .p
k i
c t�
r ..i',if-, a,,�
c_
rt g'
11
t} 3'"1
t
t �,cy
v
`MAIN R�CR�ATION - 4=°
f:
, ,
Yacht Club Club house, storage,- site improvements '.
piers, landscaping, equipment, utilities.......$ 300,000 *
';,
Power Boat Club -Club House, hoist, storage, piers, r"
landscaping, utilities, site improvements......$ 300,000
Boat Ramos and Finger Piers - 4 at $30,000 @...$ 120,000
- concession/supply stand....... 50.000
subtotal.....$ 170,000
Public Marina- 250 slips at $15,000/slip......$3,750,000
- 200 dry rack storage at $1500@.$ 300,000
,, , �_ ., i. Dockmasters Office & services `{
including Brown House reconstruction
`. and renovation .................$ 3001000 *
-`180 Parking spaces at $700 @...$ 126,000 * -0F
r - Public Baywalk (lighting,
{�,° w. ,f 'k ;" landscaping)1700 if at 150/lf.$ 255,000 *. ',},�
X E
�* Restaurant/Raw bar- 5000sf.....$ 500,000 * ,art"
tr' s i Lt , , - E s,ii
'F 4 J > dX7
4 k2 us ,� subtotal • ....�� *3'yy
j t( j�gaavacht Marina ='40 slips at $150,000 @ $6,000;000 *,Fr
s .... r
, `1L Bulkhead-1200 if at $5Q0/Tf $ 600;000 * 1�-
Public Baywalk 1200 if at ',
�150/lf'.........:...........$ 180,000 * �`'�
r -Marine fuel/service/docks...$ 150,000 *
f, Marine Patrol offices/docks.$ 200,000
t ,
Observation Tower (100 ft),:$1,500,000
,:
,, Retail maritime shops - 2
levels 40 Q00 sf at $65/sf.$2,600,000 *
1 ` , ' Hotel 200 rooms/retai 1
/'F V i - - �`,,
services- at $100,000/room.$20000;000 * ,z
4< Pedestrian Overpass.........$ 50Q,000 * tl�
subtotal,
{ 15
TRAIiSPORTATION CENTER
,�
1
1.
r Sgao)ane Base w/ 10,000sf. terminal; sn1.ack. bar, #'_i I
; ' servicing hangar, fuel tanks, � c'
,.,
, , helipads., ,,.,,.,,.$1,000;000 :* ,
Hel -'w/ three pads, passenger/office ,'1 . //��/�33. -
. $ _ # �Al�$l C.1 r
11
x,terminal..., ....;:.,....,,.....,.
i, °i ` ° � 250 parking spaces 1� , Q.- � ,
...,.,....,.,......, r
l.
t' , rt uaf,� k c ' s
M4 i. I..`'
.
ygq ss, `f'�'' Water T8X 1 Dock ..... ,., , , ...... * r .. , t', , . , , 0,1$ � . { Q4 , 5 _,
. - _ t ; t lf�
tN r2,� t•�9-+.h t', xS,f XJs i,tr ; , ,�.� of ice/lendin f�e��i , if t± :-Ytl t��T lnn' .. �`�
_(same..� f OY.,g ,area ),.. � k. P .
71
i n
iy
;� i a#W t : w r �iw ', .F ✓ } k s c i J "` ��z1 `t F #'° .t A-4 `�{- .."
} ," drik c p 1' } rt. q -iL" xt # r ta` x
Y. r �5?'S
oi
h
r. z ki r k. Cr4 a
r ". t �t t�-r• �s�- ��
11
-
y
hfih' ?b�'11Ss"y7pi.;[yk}411
5 u��Mti4•R�Y+S{tl1.P44ib.5'W .71�� J !t t-:.S k .
lsta x� k t� .�7a 1 A rams r�r�te+r.:nSYA'PoFA .y y.
� 7 k
,R }
Total $45,303,500 J t }i 4 its Fie �tti �,R
{p/1i5 iO�k contingency.... 4.530 350 "
.,. 1 Ak p Total Y
j rN Gran....$49,833,850
USE .... $50.000.0000 h k.
A
r Gy
fi r v a irm v 8� a 7�'t * ,.sax64r.>Je
.,Casts; 'rom Private sources.:. 0 .,
s.._..� 6,481,750
''Costs from Public source
Source: City of Miami Planning :Department4 2/8940
AN
�+ r
{
E
_i. ! r I,
_.... .,.. n. ru ,.,, t s uu,z. ; n. 'd,. .L2 .,11 1.... •b-. '� �..... �!',. tq�'
< 4 cr:A �r�+♦'�� },� i t. r y '".. t � 2,t t,+�$y4�sfi1��'� 4, s'yH :: t r �'�
rp
' .t r �� ���f ,�w✓. ��7�� Y S�F,��.Lf§F 3c�+ �� i)R f' q'A,� � fY,;
r. /+
S�r
y3*.r.w,� .a"�Ytt`"��..'
ICI - .. ate..._ ' .. � � I;`i'•-.S'� '�_ -+'•� 1. r�i=�t:i"i!T"*'-' �'.� -� �4'�,}�:`"� '� ,.•.•�.-
--��.•� ii•�-_^+.�. h �� � �n~- _ � �.��• �D■tea.-�� '"7 ' V �.d,:►�y' � .ice' _
top !A
JAI
�.,. t � � ��.��'_ � � -mot �����e�•-��}az�_ - � �S.y.:S:� 3�"'
_ .R' 4 _
t7cl -
..► ,1 �.��� - ��-`��P ^ -•}ate - �L••^- .. .
ns
10
�A ' � w \� _ .• ~may � � }i - ' tp..i"Y."� cy.idL�' 3�..�'.
� v�.a . � ,..ate--'` r s• _ •`C,,,.e•`'. r'` .: ` � 3_.� _p ,�.�a - j.'
�'�� �..`��^ 1... � �,.r�i ��,.�, � �s,��4n4-~\y �y^'�, ti^. .,,,tom. �1.. --.��; ' �.R R.�•! Y'•tr- a• .s
�: �>.;.. K�•Yaae+�+�• �, riC� � �.s.��.• � .y.�r .t•�G:.f".� �cr�s� .{`+�%-«� `d�...a„ Jam. t tiff � ,tom J
..+.i-.--.. i T_"4�"i - Nt�'-. �'�,«'�++C 1Cr�p+1!v►'4ti .ate+`,'-_.�••l't-.��'f�"'x+•..c� �4+•-�_ ..
.14
_ zr.�> -,..gym...........,.. .... ._.._.. _.., .... ... ,--.- . .... .- .. .
CITY OF MIAMI �.
HEARING 8 DS D $ION, BUILDING AND ZOR# D W94M
P.O. 3OX 70r
ciiAMi, FLORIDA 33133 = S,8`44
,f.
M
APPLICATION POR_PLANNING ADVISORY 84AD_PUBLIC HEARING
fi
Petition is pr000sed by:
City Commission
Pl i Ad i sward
O ann ng T awry
O Zoning Board
O PLANNING Department
Now '
..
in compliance compliance with Resolution p dated
or
Memorandum dated November 181 1988 .,
REQUIREMENTS:
1. All documents, reports, studies, exhibits, or other written or graphic
materials, if any, to be used in support of this hearing shall be submitted
with and be a part of this application.
Z. Certified list of owners of real estate within 375' radius from the out-
side boundaries of the subject parcel (when necessary).
DATE November 18, 1988
The subject property is located at
AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS:
Lot (s)
Block (s)
SUBDIVISION
It is herewith petitioned and requested that
n 77,
r SS
F '
rc r t
t v
:s
rim
OR
Request for consideration of an amendment to Ordinance 9500, the Zoning Ordinance
of the City of Miami, as follows: ` +'
n
• ... .. 'MAN` 4 ' u ! f i�-� �; r
msideration of .recopy ding aPProra t, �in� principl4 ' o #fib. #son
lstsr ; Plan; as eyidencesd ° by ;the :maitortals ' prep"tod } tw t tq Panning= W
X sory 8bprd 'and city Cdo6i ss i op; i nstructi qg the Admi A i str i pn ;i +p fie t
r�ocoad to publish the report, and amendin+ the: Miaioti+sxr;, -
*ighbarhood Plan ept (Sember,. 1985 and proPQ;ed Miawti Cgmprenesi�r r �,t ? _
ighDorhood Ptah 18$B2OQQ scgrdingly,
4fty
R
si�'s��l' •t ��2 �
sstt
1S.s..^.iFfM. i
u :C,,v M .f
CITY OF MIAMI. FLORIDA '-
INTRR•OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Ta Honorable Mayor and Comissioners DATE February 23, 1989 FILE =
SUBJECT : Watson Island Master plan - —
Open space calculations 7,1
FRO REFERENCES:
Cesar H. Odio ENCLOSURES:
City Manager
In response to the Mayor's question at the February 9th Commission meeting
concerning the amount of "open, green space" that will be preserved in the
proposed Watson Island Master Plan, the following tabulations represent the _
plan's recommended allocation of land uses for the 86 acre island:
Open Space & Recreation (landscaped, grassed, open) - 32 acres
Central Park Open Space................13 acres
Permanent recreation field games....... 5
acres
Part-time field recreation/blimp.......
8
acres
Japanese Gardens .......................
1
acre
Boat Ramp
picnic area ..................
1
acre
=
Cruise Ship
viewing plaza ..............
2
acres
Beach and picnic area ..................
2
acres
—
Open Space Total
32
acres
Active Recreation & Marina Areas
- 32 acres
Y
- Boat Clubs.
'-
Boat Ramps and parking .................
3
acres
Qf
Public Marina, Dockmaster & parking....
5
acres
Megayacht marina and Baywalk...........
5
acres
— Hotel ..................................
Seaplane and Helicopter base...........
5
3
acres
acres
S f
Public parking areas ...................
2
acres
_
Active Recreation/Marina Total
32
acres
-r
`` y
—
f
— Roadways
- 22 acres-
'r
-
1 r
— MacArthur Causeway.....................15
acres
r ��
Island roadways ..................:....._.7
acres
Roadway Total...22
acres
g—
�t
.r� K
r�
.ai'js� a ., :,. •. , ._',.:-,. � ;.:, -. ,::'• '� . 7 '}.� - art ,..,4d fya4 f�, tr�. t. i. ,Yt �,
i ` 1 I•
1 i
,x,r,�
.JO
i• ��• � i � 1' 4 fr . 1 � 1
if
t,I.i.
.r ' 1 ,i�4�1i���.�'�,1 ( r' i� ,�Y� �t �4, y1� n� I , � ' - f /.4 �� •
W �
Y
ZO
t}�
�4
r —
r
W
i
y
VA
tf
S`
I'Jifu� 1111111111,11
� r� ��jilt di !�{,. ICi �� III ,
N' ,..v},,^y r "�>;.<*-,}
s , S ,.f" �f'4 f 'y'�•�S.^'^'3f 1, .r ..ara Fay 'W
r M, i ti,y t vK r " _,c,t,.R"y.'tit
ti
h t tk 'ri w .. • CITY OF MIAMI f..
L SLJ' 'ut �`4 t A`�' f �2•�g 1 � i 'yp ��+.� - � i
ISLAND MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN
sk
XAVIER L. SUAREZ, MAYOR
s VICTOR DE YURRE, VICE MAYOR
X Tr L ..
�.,
ROSARIO KENNEDY, COMMISSIONER ;
} ti
.� J.L. PLUMMER COMMISSIONER
MILLER J . DAWKINS , COMMISSIONER
lot
•ki �4/TE aJ1Sli [
•CESAR H. ODIO, CITY MANAGER
IO RODRIGUEZ, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER}
PLANNING DIRECTOR
JORGE L. FERNANDEZ , CITY ATTORNEY - "Mi�"y'i
^:.«may.
MATTY HIRAI, CITY CLERK
v
0"
�`
�PREPARED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI;
PLANNING DEPARTMENT °
` Gt13LLERMO OLMEDILLO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR
7 SEPH W. , AS
DIRECTOR
FMCMANUS
Y `` K5`pP µy ELBERT
e WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
r + r s s�gp }3f �e
ice+'
.JACK LUFT, CHIEF OF URBAN DESIGN
SENIOR PLANNER
CLARK P . TURNER,
SENIOR PLANNER
�?a ANA GELABERT,
YVETTE PHILIP, PLANNER
RICHARD BUTLER,
GRAPHICS
OLGA GARCIA, GRAPHICS
, 1989
JANUARY
x
,q y,
rf.. s
jl
g�
i
4 f k ak
ADDENDUM£
On February 23, 1989, the Commission of the z
City of Miami adopted by Commission
Resolution 89-199, the Watson Island Masten
Plan, as presented herein with the following k
amendments:
1) The proposed Hotel shall not utilize
more than five (5) acres in total area nor
exceed thirty (30) feet in height (above
federal flood criteria).
2) The proposed dry rack boat storage
associated with the public marina (250 i
slips) is eliminated and shall not be bui.l.
3) The proposed observation tower located
adjacent to the proposed mega -yacht marina
is eliminated and shall not be built.
■
yE
r ;..
F:
0.w .
s" s
�"4 14 �I mill
w ,10
h
t
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Wt!{
INTRODUCTION...........................
1
�
��i,�� ,
PURPOSEOF PLAN ........................
1
CONSIDERATIONS.........................
2
PUBLIC PURPOSE FOR WATSON ISLAND.......
2
EXISTING USE PATTERNS ..................
3
RELATIONSHIPS TO THE CITY ..............
ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC PURPOSE...........
6
EXISTING ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS........
6
MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN ................
$
MASTERPLAN CONCEPTS ...................
8
LANDUSE PLAN ..........................
9
Public Open Space and Recreation....
9
Active Field Game Recreation........
11
Marine Recreation ................... 12
Transportation Services ............. 15
CIRCULATION AND PARKING.,*..** ... 0 ... 17
vehicular Circulation ............... 17
Parking ............................. 18
Pedestrian Circulation* . . . 100*00*00* 19
Utilities ...............
19
■
_
W
SM s
-�
.«
0
•�
-_,
M
�:'*
.a
IICKINNACKI N
PAIN ISLI
SMUT
IUANDS F7-il
YINITIAN ISLANDS
WATSO
LNI cw
LAN W-0
a
ID�D�•Ns•
'%=--n111
/ISN IftAND \.
YINDIMIIA Kft
a
I
WATSON ISLAND MASTER PLAN
171
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 until 1980, an airship.
The island has been the subject of repeated efforts to
develop major public facilities from a 1935 proposal
for a Pan American 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, theF
Watson Island Master Plan presented herein offers a :4 }
set of public purpose goals for the island and,
addresses policies for the use, development,
+ w Y 4fy X w
enhancement, and infrastructure support needed to risk
achieve those goals. Standards for the type, amount,
area, and management of the proposed activities are
set forth to assure fulfillment of policy objectives.
f;
ar
4
9j ,... -.w,b }ram ..•..,., n *?" "i e , T Xy 7' •, C,T ? i i,
�-
1
1
t 1
ti
�v
tLh _1t i�
4
CONSIDERATIONS`
Watson Island i s : thouljhti bf = b`y',.
"el can
,
slate". No leases are in force
ficant
,which
improvements. exist eiccept theJapa
e only
are being improved .land must` , .;°t�
,
significant constraint governing e
use and
�
development of the . -island is ,zrtlt_ .. deed of
conveyance from the State of ` F1o'ritla
C. ty of
Miami. The deed expresses certain
on the
use of the island, which;'•if violatetkl::
.,der the
deed null and void. The Aahqua
deed
restriction is as follows:"
...this deed is given :eand',d<pon
the
express condition 'subsequent
e�:'Grantee
herein or its successors --and At
""1'1 never
sel 1 or convey or lease- the ahtry ..
'b4d land
or any part thereof to any pt
' t fln: firm
or corporation for any privatet
k'�rpose, it
being the intention, of 1hi_s re'
ii that the
said lands shall be used s3i
public
purposes, including' municipal
and not
otherwise." *fir-
k
.
.3'
In 1980 and again in 1986, the.'16t�► :
f tsought a
waiver of these provisions fro..:
of the
Internal Improvement- Fund<of..1101''
rnor and
Cabinet members) to permit the -`'lei °
ions of
the island to private -interest �':..�
iver was
granted on the basis that' the' ' ' }
' `)d
k were in substantial . conforms
uses
public
interest and purpose of the ijf
herance
of municipal purposes.
Thus, past expera,ece a {:
Island
Master PI an has tb+
And :corporate easetto y
�^vate
demonstrate a rota. ns
#r. uses
leans ' #o a :�rra�d L x
Al
fir, This
educed
past:
Impose -on tfie ' a�n�
and
Of ases,
ersion
_ 'on lYr 'ZIT Al st ral ` '4
iiwe ver,
, des:,the
a: wel 1
fsz�la�i'
at
told
the
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:
i,
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 PATHWAYS OF
PUBLIC USE
AND THE MERITS OF THOSE USES ARE WELL6
ESTABLISHED
AND UNDERSTOOD. AS
A PROVING GROUND;'
FOR PUBLIC
PURPOSE, NO BETTER
PROCESS CAN BE
z'
DEVISED. IT
REMAINS TO TRACE THESE PATHWAYS OF
PUBLIC USE
TO FIND WHICH LEAD TO
A USEFUL FUTURE
"
AND WHICH HAVE TURNED AND FADED.
f�
s
i i?
f
,
fo
'tion of
Existing Use Pa rns �fia
::Island
the historical and existing u5+,.
both
d 'publ is
reflects assessments of pUfifti
informa.'
opinion (as expressed in
l+ab
RECREATION/OPEN SPACEM.Swiing,
�i�Ttl
strolling in the Japanese
(softball c�
"green) ,
unstructured play
l the car,
sunbathing, ethnic festivals) po
celebra
rb�'rthda y
picnicking, jogging,`
island
center
parties, etc. - Watson
to-Cd
ye' The
city what Kennedy Park is
. appear
PP
key ingredients in this recrieati -
..
of the
to be the spaciousness artd
island. It feels safe because IN:
Y�t
easy to
rarely
see what is going on around
feels crowded; plenty of ur own
thing, publicly yet anon 'us- is is a
'.Nn
constant and active element . rn il_x .
s use
and generally perceived by`NPe
r
iro' be its
most valuable activity, : one .,.aau
�
st be
_ �
maintained and emphasized„t.
Existing Uses A
H
Public Park (central open space) ., -«
J,10 acres
Shoreline recreation {cruise ship°vt�
3 acres
Public Beach - 12/02/88 ........:..
:�:.2.acres
Open field areas (north and east:..A
i. ;"K` 6 acres
Open field areas. (south of caus.;
acres
a
acres
-
,,
b�-,
77
T h
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, Batson Island is the observation deck of
the city; a fishbowl that seems to magnify the
spectacle of city life that leans in on all
sides.
561 -GS
�'77III I I � I IIIIIII III I I I
^• -r,SYL�+ir
-
1*
a
Y x>A
i ' `
BOATING - Charter i.ishing at�t
refueling at Ph�l_p's. ;66 doG�x:
regattas along the:..VenetAan
slicing through '.the intercoas�al'
catamarans onto the share, j0ckej
the right angle at the:.,rampsi a;a
islands trail ed.. by.
bobbing along in 1, prams and; pdrl
draped with festival lighti09.-
C the bay'.s only. -public ;island
banks) with; full' 360 degree
! Eight thousand -Lineal feet of:
f make the island a natural resr
recreation and , , public .boat;
exception, however,. the -.sho
crumbling and decayed vestige of
boating tradition..
Existing Uses
Miami Yacht Club
Miami Outboard Club
Public Boat Ramp` .. ..':..»
Public Marina .......
Phillips 66 fuel docks_ # JA
a
P
a �
marina,
j*n, club
boats
surf i ng
ers for
rom the
kids
ir; boats
l and i s
spoil
boat.
iorel i ne
marine
.Without
:are a
ids long
.3acres
3` acres
4 acres
2 'acres
'acres
TRANSPORTATION/SIGHT-SEEING - Catching a Chalk'
flight to the Nassau casinos or an out-islan
resort, chartering a sailing cruise to the Key
or spinning off in a helicopter for a tour of th
bay or a quick hop to a meeting in Browar
County. For fifty years until 1980, a blim
offered a lazy glide over our subtropica
landscape, if you were willing to wait hours i
line for a 30 minute trip. No other city coul
boast of this unique combination of exoti
devices for personal transport. Still today
Chalk's remains one of the world's only schedule
seaplane services. It has been said that Chalk'
Airline since 1919, the world's oldest, is t
Miami what the cable cars are to San Francisco.
Existing Uses
Chalks Airline .....................
Dade Helicopters ••••••••••-••••• Airship field (not in use) ..............
5
d
s
e
d
d,
t
d
5 �
V
J,.
t
Y f`
r �
2 I/2 acres
5 acres{
7 acres 3` ;•.
Total 14 1 2 acres
/ l-
.4 KK
R.
WI M, TP
A14t,
U 4�1;x t I anrl
I I HOW OcS
_hsbips to the
-!Vre sently 'fit into the larger scheme 0
kY doWntown, other waterfront parks, and adjac
-'Watson 'Island is:
The Largest Public Open Space In Thi
8 acres are twice the size of Bicentehfif:
6 C
lar
ger ger than Manor, Moore, Curtis and hic6
together. it is our "Central Park" and
- ty,
most � important resources in the
available to meet future resident ands vi"P-AR
fDr quality public openspace.
R
The OnI y Undeveloped Biscayne W
�.
other lands within: the. Bayare define,
-61 r priva .-
either for public e purpgs
.0 t
exception of. parts . of -..Virginia
last: great opportunity.,--j'
represents the .
-among the most inhe,06,31
reshape lands:
South Florida.";,
Detached from City Life As an
a degree of isolation from urban act
The island is self contained and not-"'!'
with mainland uses.Jts almost
a
..furth& c"pl, irate cate -
ma-Aii e6i a 11 y, dowmainland, esp town
heavily on pedestrian and :transit ,,..-,,*
The City ls Best, ,,*e:s,6u
Improymnts has;
_s
horelini, -few '._bpportunWes.,f6
fa, growing, . - in e.,;
to,. serve fast a
_.Virginia Ke
ys s beaches,,
boating
N. access to the, superior'�---BbAi ::� y,k south bay. Watson- Island
A&IR welles, J)11
' and ]and side boat
ing service`'
lai�ienent'<P1 an projects
and 6y pdblIt"'boat sla;`
the ,- ypar. .2
:,Bay,
`ies?
-its
irk and
put
.6f, the
Miami
needs
All
ip . roved
,h the
�,.Islan
d
6tely
ble in
,enjoys
.terns.
!,grated
,lice on
ps to
t. rely
ins.
ritime
ensive
,I ities
6rests
groves
5, good
it. the
Let as
action
fie Bay
t.ional
boats)
finding
marina
marina
)l the
vices
we to
J�.
1�,
.,-..need
attain
card
LOCA406
Within :si 1M
016
South'. Miami BeAch: arid. �, only -�-te* f (41_
Airport and S* ' Ort
the r Watson" Island
attractive location for almost,- any'--'developfmnenrt c
that seeks to expand the to*urfst bate of our re :.Z,
economy. So attractive, in fact, that past concepts
have consumed the island: to, the exclusion of local
F"
recreational space. Termed 'a-ttractions-, these'.
tourism concepts sought to add new, dimensions to the
package of local visitor offerings. The leading
AN
question now, however, is whether any "attracti0aw
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.
I I
Usur
'ILANIM
Assessment of Public _Pu G--6 a long
ublic use,
history of active and meaningful p _,_.
and a unique relationship to the following
region described above, the g
statements of public purpose are set forth as
the basis for subsequent master plan
policies:
I. Watson Island is public. .-open space,
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 seuand by air.
Its role as a connecting;'. link in
transportation services to the 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`making
Miami a special place.
� r
\ , • 11 -4 31 I Y R
Watson Island presently has
environmental and management
constrain potential development
the island. These include:
Y:
several site,
issues that
policies for
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 has
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.
ION
AFRVISIC
.
---- �� ,lk
_ s
a ubul
'PLANIr
DFRVISIul
-1="its I:FA/(s
•
• ,tip ti .;•7;.-:•. ,y-=
ao\& xa,
• , I r�� - � `_ � -. ...mow-...�„ �^ � '.. � � ;:�� ;�^` �T
_ - _ _ _ ..�..-_. +� ;^�� i�v-,'.`sue^ � w�` P. ii ..•�
•.,�����,���
i
Environmentally Sensitive
bottoms - Fragile bay -Pot
exist near the north and east
cannot be disturbed
construction.
Poor Water Quality - The Mace
east of the island prevents t
waters north of. the causeti
quality along the islandi
results from the entrapment:
remain cut-off from. tidy
Government Cut.
Prevailing Winds Southeast4
and northwesterly ,winter b=
ease of sailboat access to.1t
the Northeastern point I,t
location for sailboat access
Traffic intersection-.Hatart
non -signalized interi"
island raffle and Macr
1
very hazardous,:„partilcula
leaving. the ,islnd >arid at
to enter the .Causeway.
the causeway to attend
park rafter par#ing on th
s3gnif-icafit- distnpti�na-q
� . -
Turbult
b{oat. 'tyy
Y
t31�i r �i
condi:t��
ti
r
52.
�vte�,�'hhL�iy>
Bay-
,. beds
s that
marina
luseway
nent of
water
shore
s that
in in
winds
.et the
,-making
a good
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
inadequate with properties along the north
and east sides of the island suffering from
low water pressure (and consequent fire
protection deficiency).
Helicopter Noise - The heliport creates
significant noise, which can be, depending on
take -off and approach patterns, disruptive to
park users.
Causeway Reconstruction - The State of
Grade,
Florida Department of Transportation has
local
proposed a complete reconstruction of the
ay is
causeway from Star Island to the mainland
licles
with the existing bascule bridge to be
t turn
replaced by a high level, fixed span
5ssing
structure. The causeway east of Watson
in the
Island is in the final design stage but the
create
new bridge design is only in the preliminary
k ;
design stage. The construction of the bridge.,.
and causeway would not occur, at the
terway
earliest, until the early 19901s. Any
k
from
development of the island that would
wave
significantly increase traffic will need to
f;
(west
be phased with the construction of the
issels
causeway and bridge improvements.
-
-. . a . a w 4 ,F•�I �ti w y rTl �a."i '
.,. 71���,•�,�+'P
nI
I � i
� .
�0 1
MASTER PLAN CON FATS
Miv 'MA
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
particularly the 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 TES=
communities, has contributed a unique
dimension to the image and function of
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.
C ) v
^ r
Cif L JC
y^ i e v FJ
JJ /J jJJ/ JJJ/JJ J J/
i flJj / �Jj!%JJ j!J t/Jj/% JJJJJj
/ !J!j / JJJjJ/Jl J J/ J j /Jf /jlj JJJ/
��JJj{J/JJjJ/� lf�jJJlj%I�JJ�'
MASTER PLAN
CONCEPTS
WATSON
ISLAND
•
M A S T E R P L A N
City Of Mlorm 060affff at
4 fr"�M
r
Js, x
DEEP WATER` MEGA -YACHT MARINA AND HC� , z ; �,
- . . PL�kl�f
t.:
for -;
Mated `a'r
Mail
an as xs:
York ,
tonal The following use and development standards
i; the
for Watson Island (see accompanying map,
sting
Master Development Plan) are directed to the
realization of "public purpose" principles
and master plan objectives outlined above.
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND
ill ce to
RECREATION
The master plan provides four principal
long
spaces within the island for the public's
.tors,
enjoyment of traditional park and open space
the
and passive recreational pursuits:
:that
ewing
1) The Central Commons - The existing park
our
space that occupies almost 13 acres in the
center of the island east of the causeway is
heavily used, especially by small ethnic
festivals. It requires upgrading, however
that would include:
■ 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.
W 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
playground.
■ 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.
•il
%TSUF
'ILA
•, �_.___..,�,_._I.i I,,. _._._ .L�_ _ IIIIIIIIIIIILIIIIotI�IIIIIIL1111111IIIIIIIIIILILI___ _. .. _ . _ _
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
f 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.
■ A baywalk paralleling the- water's
edge complete with palm;iandscaping,
benches, and lighting. It;is:important
that landscaping offer shade 41ong the
plaza but not block the. view to the
port from the causeway.
■ Small piers, similar to at
Downtown Bayfront Park,'.,which, offer
bench seating and a chance 'to`� fish as
I well as a small boat landing:
■ Vending stalls, spaced .regularly
I along the plaza to allow #dr offerings
of refreshments.
■ A flower market near .the e8st'end of
the plaza to maintain the tradition of
r
colorful flower stands sei.'ving the
causeway traffic.
iw" _ i i iiuii i�iirrlrrr�rrrrrr.�.."vi
�
3) The Beach - 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 unique dimension this
unexpected recreational resource adds to the
island's open space program can be enhanced
through:
■ Landscaping the site (removing the
australian 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/refreshments/entertainment;
■ Providing open showers and fresh
water along with bathroom facilities
adjacent to the new restaurant.
slow
S9_195
�� I Illlllllllllllp�lllll�llllll�l�Illlglllll IgII I� I�
- �...777_ _
f _
4) The Japanese Gardens - Restored in
1988., the gardens must be maintained to the
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 mainthinance,
but just as importantly to assure active
public use of the gardens, Ia "Japanese
restaurant or tea house should be constructed
adjacent to the gardens where the oriental
ambiance and confined spaces within the
garden would contribute to the` dining
experiance. This restaurant 1.would be
administered by the designated - association
and revenues earmarked for the garden's care.
Two areas are recommended for public use as
active field game and sports recreatt cM
facilities:
1) A sports field game area (5 1/2 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 1/2 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 uses: 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
ships.
MARINE RECREATION t
Watson Island should emerge, with full
implementation of this plan, as the' premiere
recreational boating center in South'lbrida.
and -
Facilities, programs, services, `support
relationships with the maritime comn.ity are u�t
all a part of the following recommendations:
1) New 250 Slip Public Marina 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 -.Vocation of
piers. The marina would include.
■ Approximately 250 wet slips
■ Dry storage racks for -2 )0 power
boats (under 40 ft) with "fiiit'. refusal
rental rights for powerboat ":club on
island
■ Baywalk promenade the lerigth'Of the
marina at the shorline
■ Dockmasters offices, convenience
store, supplies, showers, dockers &
food services in a restored.Hrown House
■ Incidental repair services but no
boat yard with full service,, repair
which is available on Miamf liver.
■ Reserved slips (10-201,0Z charter
fishing boats near the proposed .seafood
restaurant (see Recreation:-.',, -Beach)
■ Reserved slips (10-25};fcir hourly
tie-ups (restaurant)
s
F l
I M j A
R
v.✓'Vw�
t
2) New 30 slip Mega -yacht Marina and
Hotel - A public marina designed and
operated to serve exclusively very large
luxury yachts (100' - 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 megayachts can withstand
these conditions, particularly if shoreline
rip -rap is used to reduce 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.
■ 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 $1,000,000 annually per
vessel.
■ Luxury yacht marinas often attract sizable
numbers of visitors who can view these exotic
craft up close (one such Mediterranean port
registers as many as 2,000,000 such tourist
visits annually,)
■ A f f t t' 1 h
s one o very ew in erns Iona megayac t -I
marinas in this hemisphere, the establishment
of one on Watson Island would signal yet
another step in Miami's emergence as a world
class city.
l IIIII IIIIIIIIIVI I■��Ili�l ���;� W :
F
The development of a megayacht m8i3.t- will
require the inclusion of SUMP`,
if it is to successfully attract ,thee world s
fleet of corporate yachts for extendedstays.
Desirable components proposed area`
�z rvo>nt :luxury
■ a 150 to 200 ho�el is
(potentially all suites? r,,
needed in particular to sere the
business guests hosted . by , fhg. °Yachts .
It should not exceed five stoYies or 60
flood
feet above grade (including,
criteria) to protect against intruding
on the open space and low.recational
scale of the island. its 'proposed
location adjacent to the new high level
causeway bridge further minimizes its
physical impact on the island's
internal public views while offering
the hotel vistas of the :downtown
skyline. The expected compliment of
�. service and recreational:"amenities
(tennis courts, pools, .rest$urants and
gardens) for guests would :be permitted
( the proposed 10 acre ste.,includes
space for these), but substantial
meeting room facilities are not (this
is the function of the -'
he_ 1►chts) :" .
■ a complex of small..shops and
restaurants lining the makina•is needed
for providing basic seryguests,
marina tenants, and sightseeing
vistors. Not to exceed ;40,000
leaseable square feet or ,'6ne level
above flood criteria •(to,p orve hotel
views and pedestrian scab o#marina,
this small retail" center, 1s not for
shopper's goods (dress shoes,
jewelry, etc.) ' .that�dutplicate
Bayside retailing.
an observation towerx to the
marina. The marina viz, � Want or
tourist) w3..; en jay the pity to
expand the "island5x na. :;vistas
by ascending ,.e 1ti0< tFr power to
an_ observation dec��� full
breadth of thee,
a „caain of
bay' islands 46.u- f sine of
the ell
t ,'
r gr�matic
4r Sig as
a landmark
rid; a
4 f
+ M,
c•,rµ a}�� �I' I�u i
i
z _ y
i Ill
contemporary lighthouse that could w
house a small museum at its baseMR
x
recalling the rich 70 year history of
Watson Island and man 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.
■ 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 island
adding safety and extending public use
and appeal of the island.
I
*131v
S9 4
�.r.�+..'^i..�^ e.-,.""`� - y V ^+✓ r ! A A V .I T T<<y ' 4 L r ^J f >` 1�
45-60 FT.
-- =v '"y,rt+ ✓ryn�L✓TJ •,K✓'T 35-45FT.
ry < ,M Y✓>Y y S'nS +n>r rt'>yY<(
uK�R�,.'•""A' '..-t' T f< Y i 1 <+ Y) y n y ^+> > n A ,Y A y<
`Kt l' I.JT t y`4> '�<LJy AJ Ynf rJ> iT+ Y+�<✓>LT T _ � V .• v a y J
t
wr+�e./^"..w"^.^".'�'.' > Y T }' Y,+ < y T r > •� r n , T> T L V J r r
A ✓ ✓ y+ i' a J f
�,r,_..,,., L r+✓ + •, r L I. y a n K• h L r a r <> <r ^ L K v^,Y.,i.� '+�.-..
-• i- T r r n• `. T Y y 4 �y Y y r� J i r> r_ r Y> 4 n ,r LT J}SJ t 1J L< V f L � w 25— 5 -
...: ar , `r) ✓ <iL< >S+r,<"'. + " ✓/fr n> �... .
•,'r i T �>Aar^> Y><} <J> fr>ry `<L'< '<, rr_ "<r
✓^.-.-..^.-..",..L> T a y, • y L +r a L> Y '< L +' r' a >" ,> ^rya , Y r �<t y Y r< '', aQ ti\'^�^C \\\�
-.-„-..•.---^•..•�' > ' ,A ^„ J �T� ar} v `r/L it
J�✓LTtry>� •.+' y> �< A� `r ^ >aL <>rT Ar^ rT1 �15-25 FT.
or-
.r.^....r�^�"' ♦ I .< . ± r , > ; y S ' 4 y Y v� T ; ^ r' ATS Y > s y A L < y C ✓ v < < 1 'I r <
.r+•.^'^-J" L> 4 y a 4 V L 1> + A rY y` <. r r �� T L T q Y+ <✓< VL
4iV T>T�Y♦ t">YT>a LJY �"Sy TA iTA>'YTr, +,✓,�>y
—15 FT.
>. A L> ✓ >YT> L < <J dy Y a 4 h FL rL L �
^ 1 T r <✓ J a ` > rSir +�� V V[ T ' Y
K r J YY r Ay Y L >< f✓ T y f " T, i T <V> K V <T�< < i Y ✓SY n
Y r > 7 L Y t • > Y !�K Yr < A } iy •> T t ' T �fJfJj/}�•{� '� <C'
arYTry Ty ♦L > �,� JS fA < y ( L K a 4 �g GROUND LEVEL
r<%f�TR,/yj YT r 1 rJK'•t JTJT VY,�+T<><�'Y✓LTY>, V'^`4y'`; Tr > y
>"lt S M1rf, 1< SJ>T>At"JyL L[}>[^FL i}ei
} T J�Trrr A Y r( Kr .�e y ArT Jy> HEIGHT
LA>s TL L>��r"i r,
^}A;rTYf^CONTROLS
T y[ r, Y T♦ t�i [T> f T' Ty[ L, ' T T+ VIEW
CORRIDORS
WATSON
ISLA
A
r yV n1 tr
T �
? [ r
M A S T E R P L A N
Gtq of Ytnnw ino mfnq tMOortmwnt
- lX
i
..
ram, s
yj
3) Boating, Services and ,
existing commercial, fuel,+
'
convenience boating, and', -,f
adjacent to Chalk's airl-i
upgraded to include.:
■ retail sales of basi
fishing supplies and grd,
E
■ a new structure, not:.l
square feet, with encio E
screened trash collection.
■ a new dock, extended,,
service at least four
-
fueling from the dock Jrf
tanks);
■ extensive landscaping`:'
4) Marine Patrol / Customs--]
The Miami Police Department,''s
needs permanent office, sto=a
docking facilities with easy,..
city' s bayfront and river. ..gat
ideal and should incorporates;
i
above retail service/fuel'fAC
Patrol center and U.S. Customs
international arrivals of p
Included in the center should,"':
office structure, up to`SpOD�a't
for up to ten vehicles, and Sto)
5) Improved Public .Boat
existing public boat ramps;,
east shore: should. be improved f:
'a
� FAY.....
} T
C 4
�kh�2:3,-ai'y�
� ✓
ury. lYY 4 w,2+. F
.fir
wit
4:
t
011 �R
- The
sR, ; and
11r store
kid be
ing and
eed 5000
rage and
angth to
Is with
existing
ties -
�Patrol
nd. boat
sto the
;land is
;.A, -,to the
i_ marine
ping for
craft.
ks., an
.parking
The
.sland's
■ rebuilding the ramps
to improve
fi
safety and utility;
k r
■ resurfacing of the ramp
area;
= L
rr,.
■ construction of trailer
parking (min
50 spaces) and improved
circulation
drives;
■ construction of a small
(1000 square
foot) retail convenience
shop (food,
boat supplies, bait, refreshments) to
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;
arr
IIIIIcIIIIIIII I II
�t
f
:
■ ; offered}
locations but �rth
;as defined an Attie:
;P_la map.
■ required to.
clubhouse"faclites
�._ required -to upc
extensively:.the..sit
surface: boat store
screened from exter.
■ . ..:required to. es#
extensive -public -ov
educate and introdu
recreational :boatini
each: club =.shouldar
youth ( not ,.less th
members) who -:are.;
disabled ,and otherw
normal access .to -re.
in. free sailing anti-
■ encourage (throe,
to. - maintain the r
- memberships fees 'ae
maximum. . , membership°=,
area.'residents;
i continue to:cond
,lease payments. 'on ah
Miami resident.membe:
�w
iresent
►daries
pgraded
mascape
Lcularly
visually
operate
rams to
lents to
:icular,
11 area
:en club
ged or
to gain
>oating,
:lasses.
fering)
ly low
,ssuring
ty to
ount of
City of
hill 11" I
l
} f` III
Y
TRANSPOR A'r'TnN SERVICES
The use of Watson Island for transportation�f�"'
services dates to the very origin of the
' „
island in 1919 when Pappy Chalk started the
world's 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 offering should
include:
■ 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 responsiblities 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;
■ 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
desirable;
■ docks for temporary berthing of
potential water taxi service to the
mainland and Miami Beach;
■ extensive landscaping of the site,
in particular the screening of service
and fueling areas.
I III III IIIIL III 111 . I I
■ 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
erected 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 f ield 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.
` 2) Heliport - The provision of helicopter
services for sightseeing and regional
transportation should be accomodated in a
long term lease to a commercial helicopter
operator that includes the following
provisions:
■ relocation of helicopter landing
pads (3, 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
sq. feet in area.
■ full access to available helipads by
transient private, commercial and
government {Coast Guard, Customs,
Police, etc.) helicopters for temporary
landing needs;
■ the total site area for landing pads
(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 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;
a 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
by the airship operator adjacent to the
heliport;
CIRCULATION
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.
kum 0 tato _.3
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
a 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 maps, Access - Circulation -
Parking--- Marinas:
1) Mac Arthur Causeway - The causeway,
including the bascule bridge over the
Intracoastal Waterway, is scheduled by
Florida DOT for complete reconstruction in
s' 1994. and completion in 1996. The planned
t 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
xYk following modifications to the existing
x�,t preliminary,,plans are proposed:
'''� { ■ Accelerate the construction phase to
z begin in 1991;-
r Utilize 'the four percent grade for
-*i1dge 4pproach rather fyhan the
`ternative five percent;
i Lf t
@ � .M-E.[y 3'FxYi if su, ti+M1. �, 4`��SS, •
� ICI ..
M 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 space
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 / Mac 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 - Trip Generation
Estimates-1995)
■ 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);
WULATIC
oA DWIYf%.
%TSUI
PL _
w r c e O L A Y
- IUU IIUI��11�11ullllu II IIII I I I III I �
■ 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;
■ Allow for the incorporation of
potential ramps to a tunnel linking to
the Port of Miami (feasibility analysis
in process by FDOT).
2) Circulation Roadways - The following
system of roadways for internal circulation
II 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;
■ 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:
�I ■ 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
�s
Gardens
- 80 spaces
f) adjacent
to
the
public
marina
- 180 spaces
Gw A. K2
Y5
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
4) Pedestrian Circulation - The following
improvements are proposed to meet pedestrian
circulation needs:
■ A baywalk conforming to City design
standards (20 foot width) for
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 Gardens and
public marina, with a connection 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.
NAIPN
�-: 1. •
P
y
W E
�
5
yf t
AMAGE D1liLY
PE"Noun = r
p
Level d
Yw �
t4
;
'�� t
� K! ��S � •Y ,.e
f
4
,F
.is
'tiolr+!!1'
Ptayfieids
t
`� :'..%' F '� � v l • i IIII
I
>.� AFFIC VOLUMES L 9OF ISLAND,18
y i!
i
I I
t �
;Slip
Zf�li -Alto
oe�p _ Park
250 3.0
Lump 50.0
g.space 60
1.0
Lump
200.0
32
25.0
300
10.2
Lump
50.0
is/day 15
--
ts/day 18
3.1
Lump
400.0
EASTBOUND iiESTHOUND TWau.
23,939 23,393 47,332
2,100 19720
.37 .30k `
A
Y tF �+
E'er `n �.cc
C !3:
i�
750
3.2
800
4.2
1050
100
100.0
200
125.0
250
f
60
2.3
138
2.5
150
�r
400
300.0
600
400.0
800
800
15.0
480
10.0
320'
3060
13.4
4020
10.1
3030
100
100.0
200
125.0
250
0
6.0
90
6.0
90
55
3.0
54
2.4
43
800
600.0
1200
750.0
1500
6125
scent 0.10 613
3f
0 x 0.80 4900
rth) 1048
0.20 1225
Guth) 963
: 105
96
7782
7483
778
748
6226
5987
1390
logo
1556
1497
1209
1047
139
18o
121
103
d I