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Home My WebLink AboutR-87-0758J-87-720 7/23/87 RESOLUTION NO.'� A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO PREPARE AN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM FOR THE VIRGINIA KEY MASTER PLAN ESTABLISHING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES, THE FEASIBILITY OF JOINT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CRITERIA, AND A FUNDING PLAN FOR PUBLIC/PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA: Section 1. The City Manager is hereby directed to prepare an implementation program for the Virginia Key Master Plan that: 1. develops a detailed public improvement plan for the plan's recommended public facilities and infrastructure with cost estimates, recommended phasing, and identification of sources of funding; 2. assesses the feasibility of recommended joint public/private recreation projects and based on such analysis, develop specific programmatic and developmental criteria for Unified Development Project (UDP) offerings; 3. prioritizes a sequence of UDP projects consistent with a phasing program for development of public facilities and infrastructure improvements; and 4. submits for review and approval by the Commission, a recommended funding/development program including: CITY CCII.1T II; : 3 T I IIEETII�G OF JUL ";; RFSOL071D(i Y VAr, h,. a. authorization for grant funding applications and Capital Improvement Program allocations; b. authorization to proceed with design services for public improvements; and c. authorization to issue requests for proposals for first priority Unified Development Projects. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of July 1987. XAVIER L. OREZ, MAYOR ATTESTi: -r, MATtY HIRAI CITY CLERK PREP/#RED AND APPROVED BY: ROBERT F. CLERK CHIEF DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY PRIED/AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: tUCIA A. DOUG CITY ATTORNEY RFC:bss:M487 -2- C7 � C PLANNING FACT SHEET PZ=4 APPLICANT City of Miami Planning Department May 29, 1987 PETITION 2. Consideration of recommending approval, in principle, of the Virginia Key Master Plan (May, 1987) for Virginia Key, an island on Biscayne Bay on the Rickenbacker Causeway, including recommendations for development; environmental, natural, open space and park areas; beach improvements; parking facilities; rights -of -way; beautification; special features; special activities and events, and waterfront improvement; which plan is in conformity with the Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan (September, 1985). REQUEST To establish the City Commission's policy on the future use and development of City owned land on Virginia Key. BACKGROUND On February 13' 1986, by Motion M-86-122, the City Commission directed the Department of Development to prepare a master plan for City owned land on Virginia Key, with the assistance of the Planning Department In January of 1987, the Planning Department was authorized by City Commission Motion M-87-56 to present the plan for review to numerous City, County and State agencies having jurisdiction over the use and development of the island. ANALYSIS The plan proposes seven basic principles for the use and treatment of the island as follows: 1. All access and use shall serve public recreational and educational needs. 2. Views to and from the water and highway edges should be blue or green. 3. Natural shoreline is to be preserved. 4. Natural forces should be allowed to shape the natural edges. 5. Commercial uses should be sited to promote public access to, use, and enjoyment of the water's edge. PAB 6/17/87 Item #2 Page 1 87-758 f C 6. Commercial uses are to be water dependent or water related. 7. Private uses shall expand public access to recreation programs. RECOMMENDATIONS The full report addresses more detailed land use and development recommendations for the six major areas in the island, those being the Marine Stadium Area, Bear Cut Oceanfront area, Lagoon Area, North Point Fill area, Mangrove area, and the Land Fill area. PLANNING DEPT. Approval. PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD At.its meeting of June 17, 1937, the Planning Advisory Board adopted Resolution PAB 41-87, by a 7 to 0 vote, recommending approval of the above. CITY COMMISSION At its meeting of June 25, 1987, the City Commission continued the above to its meeting of July 25, 1987. SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT The recommendations of the Shoreline Development REVIEW COMMITTEE Review Committee will be presented at the City Commission meeting. PAB 6/17/87 Item #2 Pue 2 8 a' -7SW f' 4 ..•rr• �• rs�•n •s.a N i tf1 N d G G N d 0. 1~ r` v co N Y v C 03 T 3 •N CJ • .N v cc cc L d IL 7 3 B -758 6 CITY OF MIAMI. FLORIDA INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM ,o Honorable Mayor and . Members of the City Commission rRO+ Cesar H. Odio City Manager DATE June 25, 1987 ,ILE SU@jE'-- Item PZ-4, City Commission Meeting of June 25, 1987 REFERENCES Virginia Key Master Plan ENCLOSURES This item may be heard today by the Commission but you are advised that no legislative action should be taken today pertaining to approval or denial of this plan, per Chapter 33D of the County Code; Metro Ordinance 85-14 "Shoreline Development Review Ordinance." You should then continue this item until the July planning and zoning meeting. This item was scheduled on this agenda under the presumption that the recommendation of the Metro Dade County Shoreline Development Review Committee, a necessary prerequisite to your legislative action, would be available for your consideration. The Shoreline Development Review Committee met on June 9th and received an informal presentation of this plan. On June 24th, the Committee decided that this plan "needed to comply." Absent a recommendation from their staff, the Committee was unable to form a recommendation to the Commission, with exact requirements for compliance. Without the recommendation of the Shoreline Te—velopment Review Committee, per Section 7 of Metro Ordinance 85-14, Chapter 33D of the County Code, no final legislative action should be undertaken today. A continuation to the July 23rd Commission meeting would allow the time necessary for the Shoreline Development Review Committee to complete their deliberations and make a recommendation to the City Commission. CHO/SR 8 -758 6- 6 J-87-568 6/12/87 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION APPROVING, IN PRINCIPLE, THE VIRGINIA KEY MASTER PLAN (MAY 1987), AS REFLECTED IN THE ATTACHED COPY THEREOF, FOR VIRGINIA KEY, AN ISLAND IN BISCAYNE BAY ON THE RICKENBACKER CAUSEWAY, WHICH PLAN CONTAINS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL, NATURAL, OPEN SPACE AND PARK AREAS, BEACH IMPROVEMENTS, PARKING FACILITIES, RIGHTS -OF -WAY, BEAUTIFICATION, SPECIAL FEATURES, SPECIAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS, AND WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENT; AND WHICH PLAN IS IN CONFORMITY WITH THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN (SEPTEMBER 1985). WHEREAS, the City Commission by Motion M-86-122 on February 13, 1986, Director, Department of Development to prepare a master plan for City owned land on Virginia Key, with the assistance of the Planninq Department; and WHEREAS, the City Commission by Motion M-87-56 on January of 1987, authorized the Planning Department to present the plan for review to numerous city, county and state agencies having jurisdiction over the use and development of Virginia Key; and WHEREAS, the recommendations for development include environmental, natural, open space and park areas, beach improvements, parking facilities, rights -of -way, beautification, special features, special activities and events, and waterfront improvement; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA: Section 1. The City Commission hereby approves in principle a master plan for the development of Virginia Key, an island in Biscayne Bay on the Rickenbacker Causeway. Section 2. The City Commission hereby finds and determines that the Plan appropriately considers (a), access and use to serve public recreational and educational needs; (b), views to and from the water and highway edge; (c), preservation of natural shorelines; (d), natural forces in shaping unnatural edges; (e), M� 8 -758 0 commercial uses suited to the promotion of public access for use and enjoyment of the waters; (f), commercial uses which are water dependent or water related; (g)_, private uses which expand public access to recreational programs. PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of , 1987. ATTEST: MATTY HIRAI City Clerk PREPARED AND APPROVED BY: MARIA J. CHIARO Assistant City Attorney XAVIER L. SUA EZ, MAYOR APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: LU IA A. DOU HERTY City Attorney MJC/wpc/pb/M458 6-, - 2- 8 ;>'_ 758 0 6 R G I N I A A S T E R 0 K E Y L A N 6 I T Y 0 F M I A M I P L A N N I N G D E P A IS7-jSWN T 0 46 CITY OF MIAMI VIRGINIA KEY MASTER PLAN Xavier L. Suarez, Mayor J.L. Plummer, Vice Mayor Joe Carollo, Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins, Commissioner Rosario Kennedy, Commissioner Cesar H. Odio, City Manager Walter L. Pierce, Assistant City Manager Prepared by the City of Miami Planning Department Sergio Rodriguez, Planning Director , Joseph W. McManus, Assistant Director Jack Luft, Chief of Urban Design Janet Gavarrete, Planner -in -Charge June, 1987 8 -7T8 0 0 L INTRODUCTION This is a master plan for Virginia Key. The recommendations herein offer policies for the use and management of land, the protection of natural resources and the development of a support structure of roads, parking and utilities to serve the island. Need For A Plan Virginia Key is a barrier island with a spectacular but fragile environment. The region has benefited greatly from major recreational attractions on the island but development of the key has resulted in extensive damage to natural systems. Greater demands for public activity and facilities continue to be made, yet no officially adopted plan to control and direct anticipated change now exists. OBJECTIVES It is the intent of the Master Plan for Virginia Key to: 1) Give specific direction to an overall plan for land use that respects the oroadest public purpose; 2) Gerine a set of principles for guiding public and private development to achieve highest public purpose; 3) Assure that use and development or the island is in harmony with public laws and natural conditions; 4) Show how a strategy or joint public ana private development can serve the recreational needs of a diverse population; 5) Propose solutions to existing and anticipated deficiencies in infrastucture; 6) Produce a plan .that can build public support for future recreation and educationa programs and planned development of the island. Background GEOLOGY - Virginia Key is part of the chain of islands that begins with Miami Beach and extends southerly past Key Biscayne ana Biscayne National Fark to the Florida keys. Originally, it is thought, the island was part of the Miami Beach / Key Biscayne land mass. Hurricanes over the past few centuries have openea the Bear Cut and Norris Cut channels that now sever it from the adjoining islands. In the past 100 years, the combined actions of storm surges and land fill i shoreline development activity have significantly altered the island's size and shape. qL B W8 N The limestone ridge that forms many or the islands in the Florida keys is submerged at this location. Virginia key and key Biscayne are unique because they are formed of quartz sand cut from the sea floor by wave action and by deposits from southward moving currents. As a young, recently emerged island built from sand deposits. it is a mobile structure at the mercy of massive natural forces that are changing it constantly. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS - The accompanying exhibit identifies the numerous vegetative communities. natural and altered shoreline conditions, and developed areas on the key. Coastal Hammock - Just behind the dune line on the extreme eastern shore exists a mixed West Indian hardwood hammock. Although invaded by such exotics as Australian Pine and Brazilian Pepper, numerous extremely large seagrape trees exist. The area is in a trough and is slowly filling in with windblown sands. Mangrove / Tidal Marsh - Red, Black and White mangrove populate the majority of undisturbed shorelines. The largest concentration exists between the marine stadium basin and the sewage treatment plant and covers over 120 acres of tidal marshlands. These plant species are protected by state law in recognition of their productive role as habitat for numerous forms or marine life and in stabilizing shorelines. Australian Pine - The most prevalent plant colonization on the island is the Australian Pine or Casuarina. This exotic pest tree has invaded virtually all areas but especially the disturbed fill areas with saline soils. Control measures to eradicate the tree within areas of desirable hardwoods ano mangroves must also include modification of the soils, drainage and replanting or native species. Meadow - Open areas of low native grasses cover 55 acres of the old Virginia Key beach park along the southeastern shoreline. Sludge fill - Areas immediately west and south of the sewage treatment plant nave had sludge injected into the soils. Ground water permeates this area resulting in a thick liquid sludge that creates unstable soil conditions and potential subsidence. Dredge fill - The northernmost point or the key, adjacent to the treatment plant, and the Rickenbacker Causeway area including the Seaquarium and the perimeter or the Marine Stadium are constituted of dredge spoil till material. This represents the most stabie soil conditions on the island. / 8 ;'-758 0 0 fill ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IRGINIA KEY A S T E R P L A N mmmmmmmmmm"� 0 3 Coastal Beach - Longshore sediments ksandi carried southward along the Atlantic coast have built up beaches along the east and southern shores where tidal currents pass through Bear Cut. Uncontrolled Land Fill - A 112 acre area south or the sewage treatment plant was excavated for fill to build a base for the plant construction. Subsequently. the excavation was filled in with trash, incinerator ash, plant trimmings and sludge. The dump site was closed in 1978 and capped with two feet of clean soil. Brackish Ponds - Several small excavations remain from an aborted effort to construct a golf course just west of the former Virginia Key beach area. These ponds have been colonized by a fringe of mangrove. Biscayne Bay / Atlantic Ocean - Deeper waters ( o+ feet) exist as channels for tidal flows through Norris and Bear Cuts, and within the Marine Stadium basin. Tidal Fiats - Shallow waters form a shelf t -o feet 1 extending east and west of the island. It is within these areas that benthic communities of sea grasses. fishes and invertebrates nourish. The grasses contribute to the accumulation or new sand deposits and thus help stabilize shoreline conditions. Developed Land - Approximately 2.50 acres or 25% of the island has been developed for commercial activities. public facilities and utilities. EXISTING LAND USE - Virginia Key is approximately 1005 acres of land in size. The public use of the island and those areas which remain in a natural or undeveloped state, is displayed on the accompanying exhibit, Existing Land Use. Undeveloped Open Space - There are 150 undeveloped acres of primarily mangrove tidal marshes and another 1420 acres of reclaimed former land fill area which remain barren. Public Recreation Space (closed) - The former Virginia Key oeacn area immediately north of Rickenbacker Causeway along Bear Cut remains closed to public use except for special events. An eroding beach, dangerous currents near shore and a lack or park start to supervise the area has necessitated the closure. Concerts are periodically scheduled for large groups. Public Recreation Space topeni - The easternmost shore or the island and the abutting coastal hardwood hammock was opened in June of 1986 as a City beach and picnic area. 0 rl 1: 0 EXISTING LAND USE VIRGINIA KEY M A S T E R P L - wo/.no//• 0/1. s/.0 ww.c ww/ / Iro/rnO� - P—C YCM.IrM //.C/ CCO//• 1-- /vY.t •./l1I/ M//IC// Lj .MIIC .ISO/ ./.\/ JN• �///.rYfWNI o/1/w nu ..1. � cor1�11rc.np�� ON//./.Y I///1N•I h./I 0 4 Limited concessions, parking lots and lifeguard towers have been added to facilitate public use. Public Beach topenj - The new park (see above) and the causeway right-of-way bordering the bay are active and heavily used public water sports recreation areas. Swimming. wino -surfing, sailing, and snorkeling are a part of the daily activities drawing thousands of enthusiasts. Public Beach tclosed) - As stated above, the hazardous swimming conditions at the former Virginia Key Beach park has required its closure. Dredge Fill area - The 84 acre area north of the treatment plant functions as a disposal area for dredge spoil material from the Port of Miami operations. Periodically. the limerock dredge material is sold as fill to private contractors. Sewage- Treatment Plant - One of three serving metropolitan Dade County. the Central wastewater Treatment Plant on Virginia key covers 115 acres and is connected to the mainland by a 72 inch force main extending to the northwest under Biscayne Bay. The plant generates siudge which is digested talso for the North plant). dewatered and dried on open beds. Disposal or the sludge has been a continuing issue. teavy truck traffic serves the plant and shares the access road to the newly opened beachfront park. Private Marine Recreation - The Miami Rowing Club, located between Marine Stadium and Planet Ocean, is an athletic organization devoted to the teaching, training and staging of competitive rowing. A club -house, storage area and pool/picnic area comprise the facilities. Public Marine Exposition - Planet Ocean - Founded by the International Oceanographic Foundation, Planet Ocean is the worlds largest marine science exposition attraction. The facility contains over 60,000 square feet or floor area and L58 parking spaces. Marine Stadium - The Marine Stadium, a 200 acre basin and 6500 seat grandstand built to stage power boat racing and competitive marine events, is the premiere facility of its kind on the east coast and one of America's finest. It could never be duplicated in this time of rigorous environmental laws and permiting procedures. It has until recent years, however, suffered declining / use as an avenue for racing events whose national s ; -75'8 0 0 center has shifted to the Great Lakes and Pacific 5 Northwest. The recent upgrading of stage facilities and promotional efforts for concerts and special shows has reversed the annual financial losses of the stadium and returned a small profit to the City in 1966. Additional structural and mechanical upgrading of the facility is. however, needed to maintain the facilities competitive attraction for such events vis-a-vis new outdoor concert amphitheaters being built in Lade County. Existing parking facilities for 925 cars are inadequate for a 9000 seat facility, texpanded with bleachers) resulting in spillover parking problems along Rickenbacker Causeway. Public Marine Services - A recreational boating service area. northwest of Marine Stadium, provides 650 dry boat storage spaces. 16- wet slips, boat rentals, retail supplies, minor repairs, boat launching and restaurant services. A boat fuel faciiity is planned. Unorganized growth in the area has created access, circulation, and parking problems. Inefficient use or land for boat storage has preempted needed parking and space for staging racing events. Institytional Marine Research - Dade County has reserved 65 acres northeast of the Seaquarium for a marine research park. Present institutions represented with facilities include the University of Miami Rosenstiel School or Marine and Atmospheric Science, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration tNOAA), and the Southeast Marine Fisheries Center tdivision or NOAA in the U.S. Department of Commerce). Commercial Marine Exposition - The Miami Seaquarium is a privately owned entertainment complex that covers 60 acres. Specialty shows featuring performing marine mammals and exhibits of marine lire provide a major tourism attraction for the region. The land is leased from Lade County. Commercial Services - Retail services on the island are limited to restaurants. including Horatio's. the Rusty Pelican and the Sandbar, all within the vicinity or Marine Stadium, temporary vendor concessions along the public recreational beaches, and a bait & supplies stand in "Shrimpers Lagoon" east or the treatment plant. Communications - WKNT radio leases a 2.2 acre site south of the treatment plant for a transmitting tower ispread of tower guy wires covers a 15 acre site). Parking - Approximately 4,130 parking spaces are provided for all uses texcluaing the treatment planto on the island. N summary or parking oy use is listed below: e�'7S8 9 e Location Amount NOAA Laboratories 300 U of M Rosensteil School 280 Planet Ocean 256 Miami Sequarium 917 Marine Stadium 925 Rickenoacker Causeway tbeach area)400 City Park on Virginia Key Beach 350 Restaurants/marine services area650 Southeast Marine Fisheries 50 Roadway and Transportation - Rickenbacker Causeway is the only vehicular access to Virginia Key and Key Biscayne. In 1966 the causeway was widened to six lanes and a new high level fixed span five lane bridge constructed over the intracoastal waterway. The causeway and bridge improvement is designed to accomodate projected traffic demands from Virginia Key and Key Biscayne through the year 2005. The three lanes westbound (critical movement) have a peak hour capacity of 3600 vehicles. The causeway improvement also includes extensive landscaping, controled vending areas, a bike path. and designated parking areas that have enhanced the causeways extensive use as a waterfront recreation area. Overflow parking from special events at Marine Stadium is no longer accomocated on the causeway. Public transportation services to the island consist of Metrobus service at 40-60 minute intervals with connections to the Vizcaya Metrorail station. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS A barrier island is a unique challenge to urban growth. State and local building codes and environmental laws have in recent years established legal constraints to development that common sense, prudence and an awareness or natural conditions should have dictated in the past. A summary of the factors this plan has identified as environmental tand legal) constraints to use ana development of the island are listed below: Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve Boundary - The western shoreline of Virginia Key from Norris cut to the Seaquarium marks the boundary of the aquatic preserve. In 1974. the State of Florida adopted legislation that estabtisnea i� i y - 101 1171 '121� • ,7 +. \ till \ •,s i' . 1! till • It 1 Y is 4121 Y to 1131 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS IVIRGINIA KEY M A S T E R P L A a• _1 : ► •� • 17 •1u1 Ir , • N•C.rN •., .0.."c ,•.N•.• •OWN.•. - •.NNIr� np. Nqw r� co.•u. co•u•uc raw cwna r.r r. N... r.••• !Or CO•I.yw rCO uwc0.L0..0 l.N n.. r•• WWOtl• 1 r� Nw.W rN.rMw/ N.wt 0.Ow• QiiL../! •\WW rwNtrrOw ONOW •i.. QNN N•�r.r. h0. Uau!!�r uunw IIIII I I, i� r!� /6 8 ;'-758 7 "outstanding Florida waters" that would be subject to stringent regulatory review. in effect, state agencies that provide environmental permit review, impose higher standards designed to assure no degradation of water quality in the preserves. All permit requests must demonstrate that below mean high water, existing water quality will be preserved or enhanced by requested development actions; in practice, a very difficult test to meet. Mangrove / Tidal Marsh - Mean high water covers most of the mangrove areas shown on the accompanying map, Environmental Constraints, and therefore places them in the Biscayne Say Aquatic Preserve. State law further places the mangrove on the protected species list. For practical purposes, all but the most incidental development actions within mangrove areas are prohibited. and those must be related to enhancing the publics awareness and appreciation of this unique and fragile environment, (such as interpretive boardwalk trails). Coastal Construction Control Line- The Coastal Constuction Control Line defines that portion of the beach/dune system that is subject to mass movement of sand due to a one hundred year storm surge. The CCC line and 5000 foot setback dine calls attention to the special hazards and impacts associated with development and use of the such property. Construction and development activity seaward of the CCC line is virtually precluded with the exception of non -habitable structures that are considered "disposable" (docks, life guard towers, etc.) The CCC legislation also imposes more rigorous standards for design, construction and siting of devopment seaward of the CCC line. Landward of the setback line, normal South Florida building code standards are likewise enhanced to account ror storm surge forces. Federal Flood Zone Contours - Federal Flood zone contours apply to special flood hazard areas innundated by 100 year floods. These flood hazard areas consist or: A Zones - Requires all habitable space within structures, including mobile homes to be elevated at or above the 100 year level (elevation aoove mean high water indicated in brackets on map). V Zones - Requires all new construction and substantial improvements to be elevated on pilings or columns so that lowest portion of the structural members or the lowest floor, excluding pilings or columns, is elevated to or above base flood level. Uncontrolled Land Fill - Approximately 120 acres of land south of the treatment plant constitutes a former public dump site. Materials used to fill the excavated area consisted primarily of incinerator ash, plant trimmings, and sludge with some uncontrolled trash and rubbish. This fill material was placed in a small water body known as Luck Lake tan excavation for fill to build the treatment plant) and thus is, in part, below the ground water level. It is presumed that the wet ash and sludge forms a thick liquid substrata that makes ground subsidence a continuing danger (a large dump truck simply sank out of sight and was never recovered.) The dump was closed in 1976, and under supervision of the Environmental Protection Agency, a two foot cap of clean soil was graded over the site. A second nazardous condition is the methane gas that is generated by decaying fill material. Soil tests in 1986 discovered methane levels as high as 68%, considered very high by Dade's Department of Environmental Resource Management. The practical consequences of these conditions are that development and public use within the fill site must be greatly restricted tpaved areas and structures could trap pockets of gas below risking explosive conditions) for the torseeable future tlO-15 years) or an expensive processes of gas extraction undertaken. The additional hazard of ground water leaching through the fill material and contaminating the water table requires that the soil cap remain intact and ground water runoff be directed to the sites perimeter. Sewage Treatment Plant Odors - Depending on wind direction and other climatic conditions, the treatment plant occasionally generates unpleasant odors. Ninety percent or the odor problem can be traced to five point sources including the influent chamber, aeration tanks, scondary, clarifier, and sludge handler. These primary odor problem points can be covered and vented through chemical scrubbers as has been done at the north and south treatment plants. This would eliminate all but faint musty odors from the sludge drying beds which is not a noticible problem (the mangrove areas create tannin odors that are often mistaken as coming from the treatment plant.) The technological improvements necessary to control the problem have been identified in the County capital improvement program but not scheduled or funded. Sludge Deposit i Dredge Fill - Immediately west or the treatment plant is an area that has peen and continues to be used as a temporary sludge storage site. Say bottom dredge material from the Fort -or -Miami is also periodically deposited and then sold to private construction projects. Development or this area would require removal or sludge contaminated soil prior to use by the public. 8 e -75"8 Sand Sedimentation - The southward migration of sand along 9 the Atlantic Coast, although diminished by the Government Cut jetty, does contribute to the accumulation of sand in the vicinity of Norris Cut. Cynthia Cove tmore popularly known as shrimpers lagoon) is likewise filling with sand. Since the former dump site tsee abov`► filled in Duck Lake in the 1970's and severed the flow of water across the island, the cove has lost ten feet in depth and is in danger of filling entirely in the next decade. Development of the north point of the island that may include boating access from Norris Cut will have to account for continuing sand movements and deposition in that area. Shoreline Erosion - The eastern or ocean shore is severely eroding under the force of tidal currents and storm surges. The shoreline of the island has been in continuous retreat since the late 1880's when records were first maintained. Significantly, the shoreline has been disrupted as dunes have been destroyed by development actions and groins have been built to compensate for the loss of protective dune formations. While stabilizing somewhat the northern segment of shoreline, the groins have actually increased the scouring effects of currents on the southern shore. Compounding the problem, the jettys built to halt the southerly movement of sand sediments into Government Cut to the north, have also cut off Virginia Key tand Key Biscaynei from the natural resupply of sands that would normally renourish the beaches. The result is sand starvation and accelerated erosion of their ocean beaches. As pronounced as these erosion problems have been in the past twenty years. it is fortunate that there has been no major hurricane impacts in that period of time. All of this underscores the essentially transient nature of barrier islands and the unstable. condition of their shorelines. JURISDICTIONS Several Federal. State, regional and local agencies are involved in regulating the use and development of Virginia Key. The complex, multiple -level review of developlment is directly attributable to Virginia Key's status as a barrier island. As can be seen on the accompanying map, Jurisdictions, the areas that border the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, contain mangroves, or are within the Coastal Construction control line are subject to numerous agency reviews and environmental laws. A summary those agencies and their functions is as rollows: U.S. Army Corps or Engineers - Federal Agency 8 7-758 Eti•E�'SES . OC[AN 'US EINnd"W AL SCAMS eEmncE s .a.w. i CAM CO.lEWAa � MATMDOT FLAW j i i •'` �'. • .t:� ADVERSITY OF MAN TROPICAL OCEANOORA/nV nSWAMES JURISDICTIONSra G" O r...... YM. M.rrrtr Yra.nW 9861M t We IMAM waver.., few"KOr. Kwtr. YM Y11�•. YM.�d� I�rt •.M GY11 Y•I Grtl�r�wY YMI�G.• i •.M Cavan wawa wAt. w.rts r.r.Yr�tlwl0r U/i..�llnn rwawrr Ywlr CQM ,M.GI •.Y G01wtt aaaG. ra G M G & TWIL" WA4410 Net ••rll.y Y•w�G.MwwwGr MKw�. piY. a .•L•wr.1 •L.iG conk• . 0 49. r- 41041110011 .4W114001411 Y�/IN /r•nG/MY .Yrtt L. 3ra "M Gwat• •OLL~ GYIIYL aW GwrIT aaaa ELM Gw/n PMKK wows � GwMn to as VIRGINIA KEY M A S T E R P L A N Hill I I I n Regulates and issues permits for work below mean high water such as dredging, filling, marinas, and all coastal construction on the island. The Corps of Engineers jointly regulates and permits projects with the State Department of Natural Resources and the State Department of Environmental Regulation. The permit process time varies from 120 to 180 days after receipt of a completed application. Florida Department of Environmental Regulations - State Agency Regulates and issues permits for water quality discharges (surface and groundwater) dredge and fill, an quality, stormwater runoff, solid and hazardous waste facilities, public water systems, underground injection control and water well construction. The majority of the permits are processed and issued by the district office in West Palm Beach. However, certain permits for major air pollution sources, and major dredge and till projects are among those issued from Tallahassee. Other types of permits have been delegated to other agencies such as the water management district or local pollution control agencies such as Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Management tDERM). The permit process time varies from 90 to 120 days upon receipt of a completed application. Florida Department of Natural Resources - State Agency This agency is also responsible for the management of marine fisheries and State Aquatic Preserves, beach management and restoration. Regulates and issues permits for the construction or coastal structures sucn as groins, jetties, and breakwaters, including any coastal development which takes place seaward of a "coastal construction control line". The agency also grants leases and easements across "state sovereignty land". all tidal lands and lands under navigable waters. The permit process time varies from 90 to 120 days upon receipt or a complete application. Construction seaward or the coastal construction control line must meet special structural and other design considerations which provide for the protection of the beach dune system, structure, and adjacent properties. Dade County Department Management - County Agency Regulates and permits coastal waters of Dade County such uprap dredging and fillers. or Environmental Resources construction permits in tidal as docks. marinas, bulkheads. Certain types or major permits 10 0 11 require related permits from DER, COE, and DNR. This agency also regulates and issues permits for removal or trimming of mangroves. County Commission Approval is also required as part of the permit process. The permit process time varies from 2 weeks to over a year - depending on the type and scope of the project. Dade County Shoreline Development Review Committee - County Agency The Shoreline Development Review Committee reviews all development proposals along the shores of Biscayne Bay for compliance with the Shoreline Development Ordinance adopted in iSBs. In the case of Virginia key, review by this board is required for any development proposed on the entire island. The provisions of the ordinance require compliance with certain design criteria and objectives such as preservation and enhancement of the natural. aesthetic and recreational values of Biscayne Bay, encouragement of the best use of water and shoreline, maximum public visual and physical access to the water, development design to respect and address waterfront orientation. visual corridors, buildings, heights, side setbacks. Dade County Building and Zoning Department Regulates ano issues all building permits for construction in areas within Dade County on virginia Key. Public Works Department All roadway improvements to Rickenbacker Causeway are the responsibility of this agency. Access and utilities serving the island must be permitted by this agency as well. . Parks and Recreation Department The beach areas along Rickenbacker Causeway come unaer the responsibility of this Department in terms of development. use. and programming of such facilities. City of Miami Building ano Zoning Department Regulates and issues all building permits for construction in areas within the City or Miami corporate limits. Leaseholds 0 PA 12 The City has leased properties in the vicinity of Marine Stadium to private commercial interests .that can provide marine and marine related services to the general public. These include: Marine Stadium Enterprises - 5.53 acres of land incorporating 400t boat storage spaces, rood services, boating and fishing supplies, and recreational concessions. The lease expires in 1993. Marina Biscayne - 4`:0 acres supporting a 169 slip marina, 213 dry storage boat racks, fuel pumps, minor repair services, bait and tackle store, and a sub -lease to Horatio's restaurant (10,500 sq. ft. and 90 parking spaces). The master lease expires in 1997 with two 5 year extensions optional. The Horatio's sublease expires in 1999 with two optional 5 year extensions. Biscayne Bay Restaurant Corporation - The Rusty Pelican restaurant occupies 2.5 acres that includes the 26,000 sq. ft. restaurant and 277 parking spaces. The lease expires in 1991 with two rive year extensions. WKAT radio - A 2.2. acre site south of the Sewage Treatment Plant has been leased until 2007 for a transmission antenna.. The lease only accounts for the actual footprint of the tower and anchors for the guy wires, but the facility spreads over a square site almost 15 acres in area. Miami Rowing Club - A twenty year lease from 1980 to the year 2000 provides a .75 acre site for a clubhouse and storage area housing a private competitive rowing club that offers training, instruction, and staging or competitive rowing events. Working agreements - An informal working agreement ono contractual lease) exists between the City and the Fort or Miami allowing the bay bottom dredge material produced by the port expansion and channel maintainance to be deposited in the area north or the treatment plant. Future port development will make continuation of this arrangement important to the port. The City obtains revenue from sale of the dredge material to the constuction industry. DEVELOPMENT SUITABILITY The preceding chapters have summarized existing conditions on Virginia Key. These conditions essentially define opportunities and constraints for man-made change on the island. The accompanying graphic, Development Suitability, summarizes the overlap of legal, environmental, physical and administrative factors that generally characterize how and where the island should change. 0 0 '; El 0 DEVELOPMENT SUITABILITY VIRGINIA KEY M A S T E A P L A N - r►dvUJPWmrO►Or►►rw ►wrN�a& Kfr WY LJ . wow r►rs r►F► aMobM► rcrurrrt sma"no Qrsnw+r.s rcam"m amom © NO"" teed►► M r►►rr Qr►reen►�e r►►e W.we•wr�►� Y��rW er►� © Weam 08CLOL 6cM7 on IIIII i i I W W .1. .Y ear •r S 7 -7SB Four levels of potential development of the island are shown: NO DEVELOPMENT - "Protected Environmental and Scenic Areas" Mangrove, tidal marshes, beaches, and roadside corridors should have no development. Maintainance of natural conditions, habitats, and landscaping is paramount. Restoration of disturbed areas through beach renourishment, dune enhancement, mangrove replanting and landscaping with native West Indian species will be necessary to maintain the integrity of island edges. LOW DEVELOPMENT -"Flood Restricted- Coastal Construction Control Zone" Within the narrow margin of land abutting mean high water that is subject to normal storm surge teasterly of the CCC Line) there should be no habitable development and only expendable structures (i.e. picnic shelters, lifeguard towers) can be built. This area also includes the shorelines or rilled areas that have the potential of enhancement as beaches. MODERATE DEVELOPMENT - "Environmentally Sensitive - Lowland Areas" Two areas. the rormer County Virginia Key Beach Park snow ciosedi and the spoil fill area north or the racing basin are technically developable according to environmental regulations. The proximity or the latter to mangrove preserves and sensitive wildlife habitats makes development undesirable for all but limited public eaucational /environmental study tacilities. The rormer park site is an area of low meadows and brackish ponds that is covered by a "V" zone flood contour tdirectly exposed to open ocean storm surge) that imposes stringent building requirements on all development. Recreation related facilities and structures are appropriate but overall development should be limited. HIGH DEVELOPMENT - "Institutional, Recreation, Service, Commercial, and Marine Related Facilities." Along Rickenbacker Causeway and within the northern point or the island exists lands of limited environmental sensitivity. composed or stable dredge rill material, outside the "V" zone contour, and westerly of the CCC Line. These areas are considered appropriate for development of the more complex infrastructure required to support institutional, commercial, marine, service and formal recreational tacilities. 13 r e ; -7S R 0 14 i RESTRICTED - In addition. the former dump site can be considered "Restricted" in terms of its development suitability. The highly unstable subsurface conditions and methane gas seepage tsee Environmental Constraints) makes development and public use of this site hazardous. It is possible that methane gas extraction procedures could be utilized texpensive) and additional foundation pilings added texpensivei if development was deemed necessary. General recreational use for open public activities (i.e. 1 camping, hiking, field games, parking) should be prohibited until safe conditions can be assured. BOATING - For purposes of marine boating access and associated shoreline development for marine services, certain segments of the Virginia key shoreline are appropriate. The shores bordering both Norris Cut to the north and Bear Cut to the south as well as the Marine Stadium basin and "shrimpers lagoon" have both sufficient water depth and open shoreline (no mangrove / tidal flat grass beds) to permit active power boating and sailboat access. EDGES - Principles Of Use and Treatment This plan is intended as a guide and a basis ror standards by which the use and development of Virginia key can be directed. Fundamental to establishing development policy, is the clear assertion of principles that represent public expectations ror the care and use of this unique resource. It is a basic tenet of this -plan that edges, particularly or an island, dictate the destiny of the interior. Find the proper use and treatment or each edge, and the space behind it will be much more easily shaped to its proper role. This plan's principles or use and treatment or primary edges are: 1. All access to and use of the island shall serve recreational needs. ll. All views from public thoroughfares shall be blue or green. Ill. Natural shorelines shall be preserved. IV. Natural forces shall be allowed to shape natural edges. V. Commercial uses shall be confined to the waters edge to promote public access, use and enjoyment or the water. VI. Commercial uses shall be water related or dependent. 0 _ NOI.CII. ..r•. • .v.alt •C [f....f.0 I.1 CO.1.0►.a EDGES WATER acu.11.... ..1.. • .1 .. C .cc1.. .r V.. ,..l r.. 0 r...C11..•1f.•►Y..1....1.1wfICY►■.. IY..It ION..1.06" VY r.1.•Cq. PRINCIPLES OF USE AND TREATMENT 7 "a" AM UN TO YAK RICAMAnoku 88106 ...I.C1f..■O...iY •...I.O.r61N►. Y.1.111.1 tt AA GNICRA t la a1/ on GF 11 ISLAND © .uwn0.w •.w1.,r • .. c ..c�uw. ■.. fs.r..Y. .1�1.0 .I.N.. • w :�wKl.► ;i Team"" b101nt mis t.101LnY.nlYnNlO a.Iw.•. Iw.n r ■.nIV10Y. •cl .. .RUC LI..1. .I N. .C11.1IN...•i1..0 ►If. A .PTWRL tOKIS *"Owlo TO MY/! NATURAL toGU !t c4rl110K Uns cowswo TO wages tool TO.'nomen ema Aces" "Y.C.►...o1w...r KM.M * camm d ve" Way n.aAno on of NKW BOULEVARDS �� I.I..Kf .f.111� • M...Y VIRGINIA KEY M A S T E R P L A N C;� 8 i-7 --7S8 The following proposed policies for the use and treatment of the island's principle edges are based upon' these principles. They are depicted on the accompanying graphic EDGES. Protected Water - The tidal flats west of the island and the mangrove marsh within shrimpers lagoon shall be protected from public landside access except as appropriate for educational and environmental studies. Recreational Water - The basin, lagoon, causeway shoreline and Atlantic Ocean shoreline are considered desirable public use areas tar water contact recreation. Public access is invited. Restricted Water - Along the Seaquarium and institutional research shorelines. public access and use should be restricted. In addition, the strong otf-shore currents near Virginia key Beach Park will require floatation barriers to assure public use is confined to the shallow snelr waters near shore. Protected Shoreline - Environmentally sensitive mangrove tidal marsh areas along the Bay and lagoon are to be undisturbed. Recreational Shoreline - The basin shoreline, causeway, and beaches are all prime recreational use areas, and public access should be encouraged. The basins northern shore should. however, be limited to special event usage for spectators under controlled access supervision. A landscaped, publicly accessible shore along the basins south edge should be generally open to public use and controlled access during special events. Developed Shoreline - Specific shorelines are appropriate tar marine and commercial/institutional usage, including the south shore of the basin (with a landscaped setback east or marine stadium), the seaquarium and institutional research areas, the Norris Cut shore and short segements or shrimpers lagoon. Landscaped Boulevard - Public roadways should be generously landscaped consistent with preserving views of the water. Parking lots, storage areas, utilities and concessions should be screened from view. Entrance Feature i Signage - Only at vehicular entrance points from Rickenbacker Causeway and the beach access road should signage be permitted and then confined to indirect lit name identification only. Commercial signage for businesses and services on buildings should not be visible from Rickenbacker Causeway. All major road intersections and public facility entrances should have feature landscape treatment. 15 , ;� , e e --75'8 PROPOSED LAND USE The future use of land is the central issue, the principa' concern to which this plan is addressed. Unlike previous studies for Virginia Key . the details of design and site development are left to subsequent implementation efforts. The following policy recommendations. as depicted on the accompanying Proposed Land Use graphic, characterise the general public purpose that each recommended land use fulfills. While each policy addresses specific use options. there should be future flexibility in choosing which activities or site designs best meet a policy objective. Public Open Space / Recreation Four areas constitute the public open space recreation program proposed for the island: i) Former Virginia key Beach - Immediately east of the marine institutional research park, this seventy-seven acre tract is the key's best opportunity for development of an active natural resource based recreation area. The area should be privately developed and operated under one unified program of design and management. Examples or suitaole activity include water theme parks twith visuai emphasis on landscaping, not "erector -set" architecture), equestrian parks, campgrounds, group picnic facilities, and large open areas suitable for event and concert programming. Combinations or tnese and similar activities wouid be desirable but would require a master site development plan for the entire area prior to implementation or any one component. Active public use of the area will inevitaoly lead to public use of the water's edge, including swimming. This is as it should be. But it will be necessary to provide a floatation barrier orf-shore to separate swimmers from dangerous channel currents. The only alternative is to erect an elaborate barrier to deny public use or the snoreline which this study considers impractical, visually undesirable and likely ineffective. Vehicular access to the area would be confined to the existing treatment plant access road (no access through the marine researcn park) at a point indicated on the Proposed Land Use grapnic. 2) Existing City Park/Beach - Presently in use as a public park and swimming beach. the area consists of a beach, modified by groins installed by the Corps of Engineers, and a hardwood nammock immediately upland. The northern reacn or the beachrront is separated rrom "shrimpers lagoon" to the 16 A2 n b ,,, 9� V• 4 \ �• .db low •t r�f �• t j r• 1 � f MANRovg N/N.N . r•RIM N/URCr AaN 0 toagm ,CIK .rnl PROPOSED '"r°° .A• 0TIMIS1" ralrM «rnl /rvlRorwfru urMNfna elrnf Q lo.nN nouw ROCRIRf ❑ MACMf LANDUSE 13 R.rlff ►.Arr • .MrA► Ilf.f stwes ❑ AMfArI MARINE CLUBS © nnuC /MlMEMO° • Nor aLAM/CAPON ■ rMIRy�[roUno. fKfrr/ ■ a"N frAYO RUKIC RAN•RA/Mvf NC...". ■ Corw.Cu► r.a.M .MIMIC.• � R./TSMf ■ •* Mwririii oiuiii IC.UIIOr ® RICN NIOr gMKll - rIRMN ® 100011 Coal OL Cowl,"" ® ~NWwIO AT RICRIATIOM ❑ /R°ARCAfr ?*WIN Q AA.uN ® ,IfUCo/TOR CPARr IR NROKI VIRGINIA KEY IIIII I I I!� M A S T E R P L A N p Ll e r -758 17 west by mangroves. Due to the environmental sensitivity of these eco-systems, the area should remain as an undeveloped natural city park devoted to picnicing, swimming, and passive recreation. Three improvements are, however, needed: 1 - Environmental enhancement, including specifically renourishment of the beach, reestablishment of the dune system, removal of exotic plants and replanting of West Indian hardwoods within the hammock, and mangrove planting along the west shore of the lagoon inlet. 2 - Provisions for expanded parking facilities that would require a westerly relocation of the existing access road (see graphic) and the expansion of existing parking into the old roadbed. 3 - Concessions serving the public park visitors including food and beverage vendors (portable stands) near the beach (see graphic), an open decked food concession at the northerly point of the beach, and a rental concession at the edge of the lagoon for paddle boats, canoes, and windsurfers. 3) Norris Cut Fill Site - The northern point of the island remains today a 70 acre barren area of bay bottom dredge deposits Chat is also the most developable of the islands ocean frontages. By grading the mounds of limerock deposits to a level above flood criteria (+10-12 feet above mean high water) there is the potential to develop permanent recreation and athletic facilities that could not be built elsewhere on the island and for which space generally does not exist in the city's mainland park system. The recommended use program for this site includes: 1 - athletic facilities for fitness programs, competitive training programs, local club sports programs and competitions, and an international training center for olympic class sports. There have been several past occasions where city and county efforts to attract international competitive events of the caliber of a Carribean or North American Games have been rejected due to a lack of sanctioned facilities. As the recent Key Biscayne Tennis Center has demonstrated, this is an excellent location for international sports facilities, particularly for winter training of European and North American athletes. Paired with Marine Stadium, the Olympic Sailing Center in the Grove, and the potential for windsurfing competition (Miami hosted 1966 National Championships), Virginia Key would be an ideal location for world class sports training facilities. Potential sports facilities could include swimming / diving / water polo pools, bicycling track/velodrome , cyclo-cross / moto-cross course, archery / rifle ranges, and equestrian courses. The potential for State of Florida assistance in ft developing the facilities would be a possibility given 18 the Governor's Council on Sports and Physical Fitness continuing efforts in this direction. These facilities and others like them would be managed, programed and promoted through the efforts of regional clubs and associations devoted to the particular sport. It would be a condition of this plan that any club or association granted the right to operate sports/recreational facilities on Virginia key would be required to maintain an out -reach program of public education, training and open competition, particularly ror inner-city residents with limited access to such facilities. It is this strategy of utilizing the private resources• of regional sports associations to expand the public's opportunities for recreation (in ways local government never could) that underlies tnis policy recommendation. 2 - Camping and/or lodging facilities that would serve. in part. the above described athletic facilities. As a source of revenue, such private lodging and hospitality development could provide a funding source for the local share of athletic facility capital costs. 4) Uncontrolled Land Fill Site - Comprising 120 acres tincluding ' the WKAT radio tower lease) this site has significant development restrictions tsee Environmental Constraints). It is recommended that no public recreational use be made of the site until methane gas and land subsidence hazards can be mitigated. Assuming that no direct measures are taken (gas extraction) it is predicted by the Department of Environmental Resource Management that it will be ten years or more before public use can be accomodated. At such time. and subject to tests confirming the lack or hazards, the recommended options for use include: 1 - support activities extending the recreation programs developed for the waterfront recreation areas,tsee preceeding sections). If camping and equestrian activities, for instance, are developed in the old Virginia key beach area, expanded camping and extended riding trails could be developed throughout the landfill site. Viewed another way, this site should be considered a land bank to be reserved for future uses as may be necessary to complement then existing recreational programs on the island. 2 - activities that would add to the soil cover or the site and require few structures, such as a golf course or field game area. As above, these activities might be considered as extending and complementing a lodging and sports/recreation program developed for the northern point of the island. 3 - Remote parking facilities for expanded public facilities in the Marine Stadium i Seaquarium area. As special event parking to be used only occasionally, it .. should remain sott-surfaced with a stabilized base course. 4 - not recommended would be further leases tor broadcast towers, or similar non -recreational facilities. Marine Recreation The unique dimensions of Virginia key that distinguish it from other public lands and recreation space in the region are it's extraordinary natural environment, its bay setting and unparalleled access by water for marine recreation programs. The following land use policies reflect the goal of optimizing the island's marine recreational opportunities: 1) Marine Stadium and Basin - The future of powerboat racing in Miami is uncertain, but has enjoyed some renewed interest with the recent surge in recreational motorboat sales. Given this uncertainty, there has been consideration of transforming the basin into a marina and mooring basin for sailboats. Projected demand for such slips %1986 Dade County Marina Study) shows need for an additional 1000 slips by the year 2000. South Biscayne Bay is a desired location for new slips making Virginia Key an attractive location. It is, however. recommended that the basin be kept open snot converted to a marina or mooring basin) and available for marine competitive boating events and water snows. Alternatives exist in Biscayne Bay for expanding sailboat slips to meet future demand. but no such alternative exists for marine racing and water shows. To maintain the economic viability of the stadium, the stage tbarge) should be expanded. and programed improvemei,cs to the stadium seating area and support racilities expedited. If market analysis supports it. expanded seating should be provided at the sides of the stadium (on land or floating wings) to attract events in the +10,000 seat range that are now lost. Parking, a critical need for major events, should be expanded through joint -use agreements with the Seaquarium and Planet Ocean, which would yield a potential 3000 total spaces. To better compete with amphitheaters to be built at Metrozoo and Bayfront Park, and in recognition of the proposed facility next door at the Seaquarium, it is recommended that a private management/promotion service be contracted to operate the stadium. Stadium management should join with the Seaquarium to better schedule events and gain advantage of natural promotion opportunities to package Stadium events and visits to the Seaquarium and Planet Ocean. This would further reinforce the proposal for shared parkin¢ cetween the three tacilities. A logical 19 B ; 758-�� -3 !; extension of the joint promotion i shared parking arrangement would be the physical linkage of the the three facilities with an overhead tramway or people mover (see Proposed Land Use graphic). Major event parking (+20.000 attendence at races) or same -day events on the island will require remote spillover parking that could be accomodated on the former dump site (see r. preceding discussion of Uncontrolled Land Fill Site.) To enhance spectator viewing for major racing events. it is recommended that shoreline viewing areas southeast of the stadium and along the opposite northern shoreline be improved through increased landscaping, removal of exotic plants (Brazilian Pepper. Casuarina) and regular maintainance and trash removal. The access road that now follows the perimeter of the basin from the stadium to the northwesterly basin terminus should be relocated to connect with the "treatment plant access road" (see Land Use Plan graphic). This would remove the roaas shoreline conflict with the rowing club and Planet Ocean. and allow for busses and trams to bring spectators to the basin's opposite snore for large events. Commercial Marine Services - The Marine Stadium area provides for a variety of commercial services that enhance the publics access to and use of the waterfront. The accompanying graphic. Marine Stadium Development Concept. provides schematic recommendations for the ruture use and organization of this vital area. These include: 1) Reorganization of the boat storage area to: a) condense the boat storage area by converting the surface storage of boats (Marine Stadium Enterprises) to more efficient rack storage. b) utilize easterly portion of area now in surface boat storage (adjacent to staaium entrance drive) for parking to serve Marine Stadium and relocated food service (see below). c) relocate present restaurant from the center of the parking lot to the indented shoreline west of Marine Stadium (leasehold expansion). Add floating docks (could oe moved for racing events) for the relocated restaurant. Added parking adjacent to the stadium will serve the restaurant. d) move boat ramp to westerly edge of indented area. e) provide direct vehicular access from the stadium entrance area to the relocated boat ramp and Rusty Pelican / Horatios restaurants. f) move the Horatio's i Rusty Pelican entrance drive easterly twenty five feet to allow for 20 8"1.1. 3 75 0 ft �A.. AIK•• 3- MARINE STADIUM •...� DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT••y- i YI.1 �•Yyr NIA Y�Kf . Yrr rcM•r.p�y • COrrKY• ■ Y�r �•IO...WI VIRGINIA KEY M A S T E R P L A N IIIII I•• •I_, 0 0 ft landscaping and reduced in front of Horatio's. g) provide landscaping along entrance drive and Rusty 'Pelican restaurant. pedestrian conflicts of basin shoreline parking lot for the 2) Expansion of food service facilities along the basin shoreline easterly of the stadium toward the rowing club. Within the stadium area there is demand for a greater variety of food services. particularly lower cost fare. Such facilities should not be located along the Rickenbacker Causeway frontage. The aforementioned principles of use and treatment argue against "strip highway commercial" as inconsistant with the islands public park character. The temptation to "take advantage" of considerable traffic and a roadside exposure on the causeway would not enhance the publics "access to and use of the waterfront". a basic rationale for service commercial uses. The appropriate location would be setback fifty feet from the basin edge with a public landscaped walk and viewing lawn along the water connecting a sequence or food services to the stadium. Spacing of structures would have to allow tor required views through to the water tCounty snoreline ordinance). Parking during non-event times would be plentiful, and during marine racing events the rood service areas become an extension of event seating and concessions. 2) Marine Club Activities - It is consistent with the objectives and principles of this plan to encourage marine recreational clubs on Virginia Key that add a dimension to recreational activities which local government cannot provide. It is, as recommended above for sports/atheletic club activities, important that in granting the privilege to conduct "members -only" activities. that out -reach programs be required as a part of club lease agreements. Specifically, education, training. and competitions open to the general public must be hosted by the private club. Programs to serve especially the underprivileged, handicapped. and youth that have no access to these activities are expected. The plan recommends that ruture leases that may be granted by the Commission be confined to the area in the southeastern corner of the basin as indicated on the Proposed Land Use and also the Marine Stadium Development Concept graphics. This particular location is the only remaining uncommitted site on the basin that is not constrained by mangrove tidal marsh and affords enough area ror adequate Parking, Access snouln ne tram the existing treatment plant access road. 21 36 3) Marina Services - In addition to those provided in the Marine Stadium area, additional boating services are recommended near Norris Cut on the opposite side of the island. For twenty three years, a small informal marina has existed in "shrimpers lagoon". operated by a past tenant of the old Port of Miami. The potential exists to formalize and expand the services to fishermen - commercial, charter and sport - with bait and tackle. food and cruising supplies, and possible small boat rack storage. A sport fishing club' could complement the marina and again provide special recreation services to the elderly, youth and disadvantaged in the city. A strategic benefit of this concession would be the lease (and practical) requirement that the channel access to the lagoon be kept open with maintainance dredging. Without constant dredging, the entire lagoon will fill with sand and a recommended recreation area for paddleboat concessions to serve beach visitors will be lost. A second boating service faclility is recommended in conjunction with a potential lodging i hospitality center proposed for the Norris Cut point. This facility would serve as a boat landing for shallow draft boats ( k to 6 foot water depth) visiting or provided by the lodging. This segment or shoreline is not in the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, but only a floating dock is recommended. Commercial Plan proposals for commercial development or the island have been incorporated into the preceding sections describing open space, marine recreation and marine services. Commercial, uses on the island are, in point of plan policy, oniy to serve and amplify recreational objectives and have been presented in that light. It is , however, recognized that on a 1000 acre island. certain opportunities exist to accomodate private commercial projects that are not strictly necessary to expand recreational uses but do offer a commpatible fit with public recreation. Specifically, they do offer an attractive source of lease revenues that could fund significant and costly public infrastructure needs on the island at a time when public funds are exceedingly scarce. Such rationale is easily distorted to justify a host or development "schemes" that would threaten the natural, scenic and public recreational character of this unique island. While guarding against this common temptation, careful consideration was given to commercial uses that would "fit". One such opportunity deemed appropriate in the overall context or the p(an is a (odging facility to host visitors drawn to the recreational amenities or the island. Situated 22 '37 8 ;'-758 on the Norris Cut point, and exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, Fisher Island and the Miami and Miami Beach skylines,• a site for development of such facilities is shown on the Proposed Land Use graphic. It complements well the proposed use of the adjacent lands for a variety of athletic training and sports facilities. Approximately thirty acres in area and including almost 3000 lineal feet of waterfront, the site would require strict development standards to assure a design compatible with the islands recreational activities. Specifically, the following development standards are recommended: 1) Overail neight limited to 50 feet above flood criteria to preclude buildings from intruding on views from public park areas. 2) All beaches to be open to the public during normal park hours. 3) All existing mangroves maintained and a new dune system and ecology established. a) Waterfront setbacks and view corridors in compliance with County shoreline development ordinance. 5) An architectural image evocative of a Carribean or "island" vernacuiar. 6) Support facilities such as restaurant and meeting space confined to not more than fifteen percent of lodging floor space. 7) No. bulkheads Marine Exposition Planet Ocean - Planet Ocean remains an exposition center that has potential for incorporating educational tacilities as an extension of the University of Miami and/or the Lade County public school system. This plan does not make any policy recommendations tar the facility except that future exposition use should be promoted in conjunction with Marine Stadium and Seaquarium activities. A joint management/promotion program should consider as wc!l a 3oint parking use arrangement. Seaquarium - Privately owned, outside the City's corportate limits, and on land leased from Dade County, this plan recommends only that future management and promotion of the Seaquarium should be coordinated with the Marine Stadium. Joint parking use agreements between the two facilities would be an integral part of such coordination. Marine Research Park Dade County has set aside the area adjacent to Bear Cut as a marine research park ror development at tacilities by governmental and educational institutions. Adequate space exists for anticipated future expansion of these activities and growth should be confined to this area. Access should remain limited to Rickenbacker Causeway. 23 3f 8 -75'8 E 24 Environmental Interpretive Center Virginia Key possesses one of Biscayne Say's most diverse natural environments in the tidal flats and mangrove marshes forming it's northern shore. It is a habitat fnr hundreds of species of fish, marine invertebrate. reptiles, amphibians, j!. mammals. birds, and plants: dozens of which are on rare or endangered species lists. As a potential laboratory for environmental education in an urban setting, it is without parallel. This plan recommends that the spoil banks on the northern perimeter of the Marine Stadium basin be reserved for such studies. Surrounded by fragile mangrove and tidal areas and an active migratory bird nesting site, it is unsuitable tor active recreation use. As shown on the accompanying graphic, Environmental Preservation and Institutional Development Concept, limited shelter facilities, exhibit, and meeting room space for an environmental education and interpretive center would be appropriate. Boardwalks and canoe trails could. extend the centers reach for field studies. in combination with the more formal facilities planned for Key Biscayne by a coalition of South Florida Environmental groups, this site would provide study habitats unavailable on Key Biscayne. Access to the site would be limited to special study groups under the auspices of the Environmental Center. Mangrove Preserve The area shown on the Proposed Land Use graphic as Mangrove Preserve should remain in a natural state. undeveloped. Areas are also shown along the northern basin shoreline, on the off shore spoil islands, and along the channel to "shrimpers lagoon" where mangrove planting can be done as mitigation measures for development impacts elsewhere on the island. Sewage Treatment Plant The Dade County Water and Sewer Authority Central Waste Water Treatment Facility on Virginia Key will expand it's capacity for sewage treatment within the current site boundarys. As a part of the plant's continuing facilities improvements, the covering and chemical scrubbing of primary point source odor emmissions should be programmed to be completed by 1991. Removal of the plant storage area along the eastern site boundary snot on WASH property) should be completed by 1988. The currently heavy truck traffic serving the plant (80• trucks per day) is expected to grow. To minimize impacts on park users and vehicular traffic to beach park areas, it is recommended that a truck access road be built by WASH from the plant sites southwestern corner along the western edge of the old land till site to the current access road (see Proposed Land Use graphic). This would place truck traffic west of and out of contact with the proposed intersections leading to public beach recreation areas. The current park toll gate booth just east of Rickenbacker Causeway should he relocated east of the proposed truck access road. The proposed median - divided beach access road should provide an eastbound left turn storage lane to the new truck access road. HeIistop To accomodate needed emergency evacuation service, a helistop (not a port terminal) for helicopter landings should be provided adjacent to Rickenbacker Causeway near the beach access road intersection. This location assures best emergency vehicle access from all points on the island. DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The City of Miami can not and should not be the principal agent for accomplishing most of the development recommendations herein. The primary means for achieving the majority of the plan concepts should be through a joint public i private partnership as provided for in the city's Unified Development Program tUDP) code. The accompanying graphic. Development Program, portrays the implementation program recommended, the majority of which consists of UDP's. With this plan as the conceptual guide, the city should prepare requests for proposals (RFP's) that would be issued to solicit private sector offers for a particular proposed development. A public selection process would result in the City Commission choosing the most responsive proposal for contractual negotiations leading to a formal lease agreement and development of the desired activity. The following is a breakdown of the areas for development under the Unified Development Project Process as defined by the City Charter and Code. Loaction Former county park recreation area Spoil bank north or the racing basin Lagoon Eastern edge of racing basin Use Active Recreation Environmental Interpretive Center City/Educational Institutions Recreation Concession and Retail Marine Services Fishing Supplies/Docking Marine Recreation/Sports Club Facilities 25 Marine Stadium Stadium Expansion. Fromotion and ft 11 0 .108.e 7.1 DEVELOPMENTmmov �j~ "or PROGRAM ��, :PANIocommajoall swam :.. �.. «<� ., : = :..0 -� �i am wrrr ar M,+......� Uft b WIpOE� W c... �•tnr�• waver ew�www�► PFAMOM MA• MSMNI= • loom ewe PAGLO M XGK Poo ■ .•11000M elrwrr woo" ' UNa Yam• as~" rlb� omen oam" Mm••sAm twein mmm Mw Man" VIRGINIA KEY ow"Sawag"' Hill I I I • IM M/ 1••• M M A S T E R P L A N r/ 8 7 -ISB Dredge fill Programming Restaurant/Event Seating Lodging/SportsiRecreation Facility Additional implementation actions recommended include: 1) Lease Expansion - To achieve a more efficient and proper siting of uses in the Marine Stadium Enterprises lease, it is recomended that a new lease be negotiated at the first renewal period, that would relocate the restaurant and condense the boat storage area as proposed in the preceding Marine Services section. 2) Special Use Management - To the extent that public recreation and sports facilities are built with public funds, it will require special use agreements with private recreation clubs for management and promotion of the facilities. 3) City Park Development - It is recommended that the existing public beach and park opened in 1986 remain as a public park managed by the City Parks Department. DEVELOPMENT FUNDING The above described process will result in a substantial number of leaseholds returning annual lease revenues to the City. It is essential that a Virginia Key Improvement Fund be established as a enterprise fund receiving the lease and concession revenues. The lease revenues, shown on the graphic Development Funding, together with user fees and concession revenues provide the basis for revenue bond funding of: 1) Public Infrastructure - a) A rebuilt, widened and realigned access road from Rickenbacker Causeway to the Norris Cut point; b) Exte..sion of sewer and water facilities from the causeway to Norris Cut point; c) Improved public parking facilities for recreation facilities; d) a rebuilt access road along the stadium basin north shore; 2) Environmental Enhancement - a) Hammock and dune restoration b) Beach renourishment c) Mangrove planting d) Landscaping and removal of exotic plant species. enterprise funding of: 1) Recreation programs for public parks; 2) Maintainance of public facilities, utilities and lands; 3) Education programs and facilities including the Environmental Interpretive Center (with education institution and private environmental groups funding assistance). 26 43 8 ;>-7 58 _ __ __._._ f.o��:.r.a..nrr..n•w^+•r.,'a'�cz+rT.:9.+.:`.`vf.«m`�F't'es!^8�ry�'sf.�F.4Rw^"'Fe;y",,:c.rs.: "+[n-..r•,: _. __ _ 0 \� •I YI IYY.KI•I r'� ' � \I ••K 11 ohm" .•YC.14 11/o••I•• yuCo•IC■ Crr601\• M■rK• LI. •rr •r ! .I ♦ j ;\\ .r.tYN .\M •CT� •\G •I.Ir•• IKKill {.rpo•\r• � �.w rw..c■..N P \I\' \•• • •• ,.. r• DEVELOPMENT .wv.T. u M �.:� W ;w FUNDING .�� M11[mW. "� .ace Moo".r. ruo" "olo► YTII1,111L hMwq rYNTtNYKt Q� ["YI"ONr[141" t"N41C[Y[011 rTq{T1011 Yun P[[{ "tC"[�TqN P"oo"fir{ I�Ct,1TN{ MINIMUM"" - Moo"" Puma" towww"/j. {wa"[r{ VIRGINIA KEY M A S T E R P L A N I W 8 ; -7 ,.A 9w12&d4:;;4udtXon.,--S-o ff 9w. 3530 SUNSET DRIVE MIAMI, FLORIDA 33163 July 22, 1907 Commissioner Joe Caarollo 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 Dear Commissioner Corollo: i am enclosing a copy of a resolution of our Board of Direc- tors concerning the proposed Master Plan for Virginia Key. it was approved at our meeting on Tuesday, July 7. A copy has been sent to the City of Miami Planning Department. As you can see, we are very concerned about the lack of any public input into this plan. When previous plans were being prepared for Virginia Key, public meeting sere held with the residents of Key Biscayne and with representatives of local con- servation organizations. i know that input obtained from the public contributed significantly to each previous plan. i do not know why such meetings were not part of the planning process this time. For example, the proposed development west of the sewerage plant would impact on an area used by a nesting pair of bald eagles. Few cities in North America have nesting eagles within their limits. We feel that this portion of the plan needs to be reviewed by the National Audubon Society research division. Much of the plan seems to have merit, but our advisors have had little time to review it. Therefore, we request that you defer the approval of this plan until appropriate public input is obtained. We strongly oppose the location of any facility, e.g. rifle or pistol range, on Virginia Key that would interfere with the use of the area by the wildlife that depends on it for survival. Virginia Key is a critical habitat for several endangered species, e.g. least terns and roseatte spoonbills in the summer, peregrine falcons during fall and spring migration, and ospreys and eagles during the winter. The location of an environmental education center on the north side of the Marine Stadium is an excellent idea, and there should also be a public viewing area on the northwest tip. However, the entire western area, the shallow flats from the north side of the stadium to the northwest tip should be closed to motorized boat traffic, including Jet -skis and similar abominations. There is plenty of room for such activities in other parts of the bay. CONSERVATION IN ACTION IN SOUTH FLORIDA (30s) 666.5111 T Virginia Key offers a unique opportunity for development in a way which will provide public recreation, preserve and enhance environmental values, and allow visitors to South Florida to ob- serve and enjoy much of our unique wildlife. It deserves a plan that will lead to this type of development. incerely, Robert L. Kelley, Ph.D. r President Tropical Audubon Society RLK/lc attachment RESOLUTION WHEREAS, Virginia Key is a major public asset for the City of Miami and for Dade County, and WHEREAS, the future development of Virginia Key is of great concern to a wide range of individuals and groups of citizens in this community, and WHEREAS, the professional staff of the City of Miami has prepared a master land use plan for the development of Virginia Key for approval by the City Commission without review by the citizens and relevant interest groups in the community, and WHEREAS, this master land use plan is innovative, complicated, potentially controversial, and will foreclose other options if adopted by the City Commission in its current form, NOW THEREFORE, the Board of Directors of the Tropical Audubon Society requests that the City Commission defer action on the proposed Virginia Key Master Land Use Plan until a citizens advisory committee, patterned after the committees assisting Dade County in locating new wellfields, is appointed by the City Commission to review said plan and the committee presents its report on the plan to the City Commission Adopted by unanimous Board of Directors. vote of the Tropical Audubon Society .....-...,,.r.......,-!rn�.-ro.T. :'Y��: t.}"�'nit'}j_`..t'fr'R,R.•�yl`�YII�R4!�-..:..... Spcky, gm. 3530 SU14SI.T1:51C'4ZE MIAMI, FL0RIDA 33143- July 14, 1987 Ms. Janet Gavarrete City of Miami Planning Department Urban Design Division P.O. Box 330708 Miami, FL 33233-0708 Dear Ms. Gavarrete: On behalf of our Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for the excellent presentation that you made to us last week. The future of Virginia Key continues to be of special interest to us, because of its unique position as a key location for mi- grating, wintering and summer nesting birds. As I indicated to you, we feel that presentation of this plan to the commission is premature, and I intend to inform the mayor and commissioners of our position. Also, we stongly object to our exclusion from the planning process until this time. We participated in previous planning for Virginia Key, and we expect to participate in future planning. We will supply more detailed criticism of those parts of the plan that we opposes as soon as our advisors can be contacted. We are especially concerned about the proposed development around the sewerage plant because of its potential impact on the birds, especially, the bald eagles, which use the area. We also strongly oppose the location of any rifle or pistol range of any sort on Virginia Key. We consider your idea of locating an environmental education facility on the north edge of the Marine Stadium to be a good one, and we suggest that you locate an interpretive facility on the extreme northwest tip for the general public, especially tourists. We would be glad to assist you in developing the necessary materials and exhibits. Thank you again for your time. Sincerely, Robert L. Kelley, Ph.D. President, Tropical Audubon CONSERVATION 666.5111 FLORIDA METAOPOLITAN DADE COUNTY, PLORIDA DIE �,,',� METRO-DADE CENTER Mr. Sergio Rodriguez, Director City of Miami Planning Department 275 N.W. 2 Street P9iami, Florida 33128 RE: Shoreline Hearing No. 87-20 Virginia Key Plaster Plan Dear Mr. Rodriguez: OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER DEVELOPMENTAL IMPACT COMMITTEE SUITE 1210 July 23, 1987 111 N.W. 1 st STREET MIAMI. FLORIDA 33128.1973 (305) 375.2557 Enclosed please find Shoreline Committee Resolution No. 87-8 and staff report for the above noted project which was passed by the Shoreline Review Committee on July 22, 1987. As required by Dade County Ordinance 85-14 this resolution shall become a part of all hearing and permit records. Upon issuance of approval, this Committee must he provided a copy of the City Commission action within 21 days to ensure compliance with the subject recommendation. This resolution is rendered with the understanding that all existing Deed Restrictions will be adhered to or modifications approved by the County Commission as needed. Should you have any questions or need assistance please contact the County Shoreline Coordinator at 375-2557. Sincerely, .01 WO/jm �II.I fMONfTl1001p(iOLYAT NOT SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE RESOLUTION 87-8 WHEREAS, the City of Miami has applied for approval of the Virginia Key Master Plan prepared by the City of Miami Planning Department dated June 1987, which is totally within the Shoreline Development Review Boundary as outlined in Dade County Ordinance 85- 14 , and WHEREAS, the City of Miami has applied for a need for compliance determination as required by Dade County Resolution #259-85 Section B, and WHEREAS, the Shoreline Development Review Committee considered whether and the extent to which the Virginia Key Master Plan conformed to the Dade County Comprehensive Development Master Plan, the applicable Municipal Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance, and the Biscayne Bay Management Plan, and WHEREAS, the Shoreline Development Review Committee of Dade County has as one of its primary responsibilities, the duty to determine the extent to which any plan or development action as proposed, is in conformance with Dade County Ordinance 85-14 and the minimum standards set forth in Dade County Resolution 85-257, and WHEREAS, the Committee considered the summary review and staff recommendation prepared by the City of Miami, and Dade County Staff, and, WHEREAS, a public meeting of the Shoreline Development Review Committee of Dade County, Florida was advertised and held as required by law, and all parties in attendance were heard and upon due and proper consideration having been given to the matter, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that at its advertised meeting of July 22, 1987, the Biscayne Bay Shoreline Development Review Committee moved by Franklin Grau, seconded by Jose Feito to recommend aqua l of the Virginia Key Master Plan as presented. P The Vote on the motion was as Follows: William O'Leary - Aye T. Glen Johnston - Absent John Thomas Regan - Absent Madelin Bunster - Absent Sergio Bakas - Aye Ronald Frazier - Aye Jose Feito (City of Miami) - aye Franklin Grau - Aye Edward Wright (City of Miami) - Aye Motion to approve with conditions passed 6-0. 3 absent This resolution constitutes the report of the Shoreline Development Review Committee submitted to the City of Miami, Florida pursuant to Dade County Ordinance 85-14 which shall become a part of all hearing and/or permit records on the proposed master plan plan and subsequent development actions. Respectfully submitted, .��. _ �- f0tgj) l�iam A.WO'Leary,WF.A.S.L.A. Chairman, Biscayne Bay Shoreline Development Review Committee P It F M n R A N D U M Committee Members DATE: July 14, 1987 Shoreline Development Review SUBJECT: Virginia Key Master Plan (87-20) FROM: Dade County Staff I. REQUEST Approval of Virginia Key Master Plan. II. BACKGROUND Virginia Key is a 1,006 acre barrier island located in Biscayne gay. The island is characterized by sensitive environmental conditions; these being mangroves, tidal flats, coastal hammock, coastal beach, and ponds. The Water and Sewer Authority Sewage Treatment Plant and the former land fill site covers 243 acres and presents unique environmental and aesthetic constraints. Several federal, state and local agencies are involved in regulating the use and development of Virginia Key. The island is partially within the municipal boundaries of the City of Miami and the remainder is within unincorporated area of Dade County. The entire island is within the Shoreline Development Review Boundary as established by County Ordinance 85-14 and is acknowledged in the master plan on page 20. The first Master Plan for Virginia Key was produced in 1969 as a result of recommendations of an Advisory Committee made up of County and City officials. One major outcome of this planning process was the establishment of an Oceanographic Science Park containing approximately 162 acres of land and today houses the University of Miami Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Southeast Marine Fisheries Center. In 1979 the County Commission approved the Miami/Dade County land exchange agreement. Since that date several exchanges of property have taken place which have met a variety of needs for both jurisdictions. To facilitate this process, the City submitted a master plan dated 1982 for the proposed maintenance and a level of service equal to or exceeding that which was provided by the County; 2. Development or relocation of the facilities will be in accordance as approved on the master plan and any revisions shall first be approved by the Board of County Commissioners at a public hearing. If existing facilities are subject to relocation, the replacement facility shall be constructed and made available for public use before the demolition and closing of the existing facility; and 3. The City will prohibit park patrons access into the marine research area (as defined by Board of County Commissioners Resolution No. R-674-69 on r �- May 28, 1969) . " �' M F M o R A N D U M T0: Committee Members DATE: July 14, 1987 Shoreline Development Review SUBJECT: Virginia Key Master Plan (87-20) FROM: Dade County Staff I. REQUEST Approval of Virginia Key Master Plan. II. BACKGROUND Virginia Key is a 1,006 acre barrier island located in Biscayne gay. The island is characterized by sensitive environmental conditions; these being mangroves, tidal flats, coastal hammock, coastal beach, and ponds. The Water and Sewer Authority Sewage Treatment Plant and the former land fill site covers 243 acres and presents unique environmental and aesthetic constraints. Several federal, state and local agencies are involved in regulating the use and development of Virginia Key. The island is partially within the municipal boundaries of the City of Miami and the remainder is within unincorporated area of Dade County. The entire island is within the Shoreline Development Review Boundary as established by County ordinance 85-14 and is acknowledged in the master plan on page 20. The first Master Plan for Virginia Key was produced in 1969 as a result of recommendations of an Advisory Committee made up of County and City officials. One major outcome of this planning process was the establishment of an Oceanographic Science Park containing approximately 162 acres of land and today, houses the University of Miami Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Southeast Marine Fisheries Center. In 1979 the County Commission approved the Miami/Dade County land exchange agreement. Since that date several exchanges of property have taken place which have met a variety of needs for both jurisdictions. To facilitate this process, the City submitted a master plan dated 1982 for the proposed development of any revisions Board of County land. A condition of this agreement was that to this plan must first be approved by the Commissioners. other uses on the islands are identified in the proposed Master Plan and are generally a result of long term land leases granted from either Dade County or The City of Miami. The majority of the island remains undeveloped and as such this updated plan dated June 1987 will offer policies for the use, development and management of land, the protection and enhancement of natural resources and the development of a support structure of roads, parking utilities and maintenance to serve the island. III. STAFF CRITIQUE The v irg inia Key Master Plan as prepared by the City of Miami Planning Department is generally well conceived. It sets policies and guidelines for the use and management of land on the Key based on a joint public and private funding basis while essentially preserving the existing environmental amenities. in its evaluation, staff raises the following questions and concerns: A. Virginia Key E3eachW This 85-acre site was a part of the 1979 land exchange agreement as described above. The actual conveyance of deed was completed in 1982 with the restriction that this land was reserved for public park purposes only and is limited to those uses specified on the Master Plan dated 1982. The 1982 plan identifies this area as recreational vehicle and tent camping area for individuals and groups. A visitor and environmental studies center with boardwalks, trails etc. to serve campers and school programs is also indicated. Swimming in this area was discouraged due to strong channel currents. Under the proposed land use segment of the subject master plan (page 28) this area is identified as being :_suitable for a privately developed and operated water theme -dark, equuestrian_�ark, and concert— programminq.W� Staff does not take issue with the proposed uses however, the 1982 agreement has a reverter clause and this change of proposed land use as well as the requirement that it be a Eublic park should be reviewed in context of compliance with the agreement. B. PARKING The proposed master elan acknowledges that all development actions will require review of the Shoreline Review Committee, however, parking is a major concern based on previously approved leases and activities. Staff would suggest that any proposal to expand or enlarge an existing facility (i.e. Marine Stadium, Marina Biscayne, Seaquarium, etc.) must satisfy all parking requirements on site based on current code requirements. Likewise all new construction should satisfy code parking requirements with no variances to reduce the number of required spaces. C. Comprehensive Development Master PlanW(CnMP) Dated July-1983�WWW This plan is the County's Land Use Plan 1990-2005 and it appears that the land use designation for the Oceanographic Science Park noted as institutional no longer reflects its current physical configuration due to subsequent actions taken by both the City of Miami and Dade County since its original designation. This item has been acknowledged by Dade County Planning Department and they have confirmed that the necessary steps to amend the Land Use Plan accordingly in the next review and amendment process will be taken. IV. SUMMARY The Master Plan will this property while such, staff could conditional with the encourage protecting support a above noted the orderly development of valuable resources and as favorable recommendation items being addressed. MEMORANDUM 107,01-11 A Agenda Item No. 2 ( j ) TO Honorable Mayor and Members Bo r of County Commissioners FROM ou Wt*inager RECOMMENDATION DATE March 16, 1982 Su9JECT Conveyance of a Portion of Virginia Key to the City of Miami It is respectfully recommended that conveyance of approximately 85 acres to the City of Miami to be used as a BACKGROUND the Board approve the of land on Virginia Key public park. On December 4, 1979, the Board approved the City of Miami/Dade County Land Exchange Agreement. Since that date, several exchanges of property, including Lummus Island, have taken place between the City and County which have met a variety of needs for both jurisdictions. The conveyance of a portion of Virginia Key to the City of Miami is the final item to be executed pursuant to the agreement. The City of Miami/Dade County Land Exchange Agreement specifies that the land requested by the City of Miami on Virginia Key will be conveyed by appropriate instrument pursuant to the following: 1. A public hearing before the Board of County Commissioners; and 2. That the City of Miami use this land as a public park. The City.of Miami has submitted a master plan for the proposed development of this land. The master plan has been reviewed and approved by the Park Policy Committee, the Key Biscayne community through public hearings, and meets the requirements set forth in the agreement. The planned development of the park includes camp- ground facilities for recreational vehicle and tent camping, ballfields, coastal protection through revegetation and extension of seagrass beds, a lagoon preserve for swimming and limited fishing and a tree nursery which will buffer the public park from the Virginia Key Wastewater Treatment Plant. As a result of staff review, it is recommended that Dade County convey the land by deed with the following restrictions, subject to a reverter with an annual review by the County Manager or his designee: 1. The property is restricted to public park purposes only to be kept open to the public, providing maintenance and a level of service equal to or exceeding that which was provided by the County; 2. Development or relocation of the facilities will be in accordance as approved on the master plan and any revisions shall first be approved by the Board of County Commissioners at a public hearing. If existing facilities are subject to relocation, the replacement facility shall be constructed and made available for public use before the demolition and closing of the existing facility; and 3. The City will prohibit park patrons access into the marine research area (as defined by Board of County Commissioners Resolution No. R-674-69 on May 28, 1969) . �"; �• SCHEMATICOS!iER IS"No :'4; DEVELOPMENT, ?A 1 NORRI T fro pro.- 'erv! ,- EnvlrO�lrencnl Preeerve �� ar r N3 we troics center lee %� I V12ttr trod! Crm NO wm.t"Grmed acwii verrea' Top ma".,e I-r0w Btomr" tXF3 SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT New P"st in full operation OftePilitr tic oz4vion if% owr 421* TIDAL FEATS AGLt4mS 0 0JSTI1 Fill W-!t-r-ctl marine RFST. CLfivifies oricti.dir-1 %psaoror events. MAP%%& stscalt"t. rcwo"q . etc % auif-r atn Usage MARINE STADWM UM#WRfM • MARINE STADRAII, — S4EL) HEL02pj// / . I SOUTHEIRIN BELL ROWING CLUP, PLA"k—TOPSAM/ MIAMI SE&OUAP"JNA 1�4 OME%STIELSC"OOLOFIA&JtW*&Al%SOSPMFP'CW;ErC1 VIRGINIA KEY A klue " f4f fed - SE MARINE FISHERIES CENTER "mo& A EAR t UT "o, SITE r Tne -f" art rq !i --1!:zm I.r 7`11 to*V f::r e-tol- it ty.. Its rh CC-rJAa 'Es.fra"S er, -ervice :4-1-16 a*- :,rfmjtCr4l :ic-tryTJ -10001N 1982 City of kiliaryi Dept. of ParkS *0 f 14 Agenda Item No. 2 (j) 3-16-82 RESOLUTION NO. 1--36 --.7 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE TO THE CITY OF MIAMI OF APPROXIMATELY 85 ACRES OF LAND ON VIRGINIA KEY FOR THE PURPOSE OF A PUBLIC PARK; AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A COUNTY DEED WHEREAS, this Board desires to accomplish the purposes outlined in the accompanying memorandum, a copy of which is incorporated herein by reference, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board hereby approves the conveyance of a portion of Virginia Key to the City of Miami and authorizes the County Manager to execute a Special Warranty Deed for and on behalf of Dade County, in substantially the form attached hereto and made a part hereof. The foregoing resolution was offered by Commissioner , who moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner and upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: Barbara M. Carey .Clara Oesterle 'Beverly B. Phillips James F. Redford, Jr. Harvey Ruvin Barry D. Schreiber Ruth Shack Jorge E. Valdes Stephen P. Clark The Mayor thereupon declared the resolution duly passed and adopted this 16th day of March, 1982. Approved by County Attorney/�i form and legal sufficiency.91. DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA BY ITS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RICHARD P. BRINKER, CLERK By: Deputy Clerk 91 86 r.•� 11 43 234 s COUiI'1' DE'LD • - 3bu TilltLS f)tSt;ps tn;..ti0 th"1 L0 _'�.t'` clay of ��'�-' it., A+1 � . :L9��=s 11C t..:C;�•=� J)i�. CUi i�'1'�, a t]ollt lcal :iub:I Lti`t::!Uri of 111(1 3t,at:c or party of the fir"A vart, and CITY OF MtAi",t) a rim'.ai'I pe.r•ty .of the-;econd 1)ai, t t r!'!1J7-,5:,`l'i(i 'i'hiAT i,tle said )ia?'t " : ' ' f I y o>. th c f:Ll',�t Marc, fo_• anct In t: ail :i.tl^]'at.tnn of the sum of One Dollar ($ 1..00) and other good con.,idet'ation to it in hand braid by the pnrt,v of t•. S:`'.'.:`1'lt' n:i't, I' r,cth,i; !:heic1J" is heJ•'C4oy t1C!!t Ui','l�El`;C,'d, has, tli't't;xin�:d e,nd sulch to the, sa"i.d Party of the si,corl�I tt 1t,Y,,' :L't;:: 311,,C'; F:O!'S ilr]�Z i::•`ii.f;l"lu forever all rl. ht:, title, Intere-iL And by D,:to County 1n and to tnc iUl.lO.'r.i:l` land o, ��' .ilk; a lid b--`:im-,- :ill DC-Ade Courlty, FJ(tt'1d1: t" p.c•crl of' land onVirc,;Inia Key, in Biscayne Ray, Dade Cotint:y, V lovida, a portion of Sections 16, 1'(, 20 and 21 of Town•- 5' : it:l, van e 42 Fast, Dade County, Florl.da and t'teli1t, more.- ;.rtic ur .y dv.scv I iae(i as follo;c ; .1:tionco at the;• print of intersection of the ccntcr].:tnc of I;luk► ,nbac_.er Cause ay :Tith the South line of said .section 17, n ald u�: ►1i, of intersection being 26119.97 feet N 890561115" 1'1 of the `_ :�t•':� �It'�?:i` C::trnel- of Fuld Section l7 as J113c1our-d lr `� 't 't , i:...U:�f, . � l:: :.� )ilt:t :1...:"1'.. o J.d Section 17; thence ruil v 11�;022107" is a].c`llu i,llt:' eCitIL-O.!•- i ]:t : (,f i%:lll M.0 11.0i'lilc cker Causeway for i:.l. distance of 251.67 f('ct t:0 a rout- i. o_ _!.nter. s cE:ion v-1 til the Sout1niosterly pr. olonuat - urt of the' :':li'p:. !., IL': Rotinda 'y of tale City of I'1:iami; therice run 1-1 6110 -11 t 112t` U. City of iiiami Corporate Boundary and Its South we..t-evl; I�i•i� l.c�l�,i ai1 and along the Southeasterly right of bray Lithe of tI e . Sc:T;<<;:: i'aarrt Access Road for a distance of 2715.7( fc'E-t to a poit- on t1he Ei.c_ti; 'line of said Section 17, naid point a.1so r ►',G ar_: !rt on th -! h(]i'Gh line of the South] 1000.00 feet of : o:Ld S.•.:t•intl i.G; 4iio.1ce run S 390 591 50" E along the ?forth li rie of the S�vltht 10iJ.0- 00 f -(:'L. of said Section 16 for. a di staricc� of 67.23 fe(.,t- �' :' 1-,o mil. Otwith the arc of a circular ctirve cohi -. ve �. 1;. �: i.. , ,'rl t. r. 'C, •�• � �• � f., , n .r(� b]:C.I] bears s ., Ll{?a,s 1.1 aa..i(1 poii7t: of inter -suction al.,--o bi..-Int; the of the heroin d•. ,crlbed pa rcc:{ ; thcnc•c ri:,n ��'!:�:� i c:?'i;J i:o ,'r:n.tht:ic;it•^r1.;y' a1a ithe arc of Said (1:ircttl.;]t• cur.' 0.1 f,',•Ir t'-,•rt �1 t 1: „ 1 • t1/1�+i: rt• + 5 :1 •.•J h ( ,, ��t►:fii;-P r a ��,da!ts t�of 1 0.00 i.c ct.�, titr,oi i,;it .. (�'. ?"► ini: ' r ' Itl 1.1 f t! • ., t r , , r� ;:l f• .1.3^1{ . lt) :'C!t t�) ,.;tc, ni 1fl ?. :LU , !E)i <.n .etc. d:t.rt,.rico o i' Itt.' i i?ii o" :'evr:i•';it• C;► r •iituve I.th thE: 1 „t 1 t , , ►.! 11.,r ti t.rc: of ,1 cil c, t.�t,t c.tt1 t a alt')lr�, thlc.' i11.C; Ct« ,.+u:i.(j Cirt.lilaC' i,l) i,.11►.: Inct , hit1'ln a 'earl,10 , O . )!0, 00 roo ,%1troligh a C; ;i. t r,•r f ., ,: {,:� (,' f' 1� �' :�`l" Ctl�'c cl:t �• t m „1 '' 517 0 ''., foe" t.cr ;t �.� ?'r r.�',1: 'r''trJta�ii�i► .:r'r,i .,I �n i•11 . ar » „ r, •. , n r , f 1 •, c!i' f:. "i ► li 1'i! l: i.t.i it c'i i f1 . 1,..J. GC't: t � t:•) l 21. lci't; Lhcricr: rurl SOU thlWStOrly to S0uL1w I:,t;crJy oloiq; said circular curve to the left, having a r a dlu..of 350. 00 fcr_L, tllt-ottr;t1 a cent ral all E1 c: of 62027' 5 5 " , for all ai•c c11 ;taIICC of 381.58 feet to a point of tangency with a line 25.00 feet Ilorth of and parallel with the property conveyed to the UtliverGity of i•1lamL; thence run 5 11502?.107" I', along a line 25.00 feet }1c>_•1Ah of and parallel with the: said University of 1•11ami property for a distance of 170 feet rlore or less to the mean hi rh t:atcr l:i.nc, or Virginia thence mor!tlder 1lorthcasterly along the mean 111r,11 water 1.*-.110 of Virr;inla Xcy for a distance of 11300 Ceet woro. or less to a point of interoectiot1 t-r.Ltli t;h-:: }North 1.1nc of the South 1000. 00 feet of sc►Ad Section 16; thence run 11 8;i059' 50" 1-1 alon, the 11ori,h line of the South 1000.00 feet of sai.cl "'(�cLi_on 16 for a distance of 3200 feet more or less to the Point of Dcj�,inwin;;. The COUI4TY grants all the real property doted in this Ucrd to the City so long as the City utilizes the said property for public park purpoaes only. The City agrees to keep the property open to the public, provide maintenance and a level of services equal to or exceeding that which was provided by the County. The CITY. will provide a development schedule of the propr:H':y _ - and the deA-e.lopment or relocation of any facilities will he In accordance with the approved master plan and any rovi; lons f ir:,t be approved by the Board of County Conunis3lciner_c at Z hearin-,. If' existing facilities are subject to relocation, t:11e replacement facility shall be constructed and made avallabl.o for public use before the demolition and closing of the ex.istini; fac 1ity. The CITY shall prohibit park patrons access into th, I•larine ResE!F'zrch area (.as defined by the Hoard of County Commission Resolution No. R-674-69 on May 28, 1969). In the event the City does not use the property as a public park, or conveys or aL-t-cmpts to convey all or a portion of the property, then the property described herein will revert back to the County or Its uucce ::,or or asslgr_ at the option of the County. The restrictions are subject to an annual review by the County Manager or his cles i2;nec . '1111S grant: convoys only the interest of the County and iLs Board c'County Conmis:;.i.oners In the pronorty here, Ln descrlbc-d, Ftlid oltall not be deemed to ;arrant the title o, to state of f act:.. concern.in- the s^r!,e . . ' � L IM 1% the s:1:id party of. the f.i.1-:;t pz'rl; h-a.'; c lj,;ecl thc.�� hr• :,efts to be eyecuLcd :in .its naiiie by it,:.; I:9al d of Covnt.y acting by the Mayor or Vice Mayor of said Board, the clay 1•tll;l year afores aid. A. i'I� i ,•• •• DADC COUNTY FLORIDA 1U 011AIRD 1' . 13P111KEPI, CLERK By CAI✓ _ �-�Lc.� C'i.rc:u t Court This instruir.ent was prepared by: General services Administration 1.175 li.jJ. South diver Drive • 141ami, Florida 33136 • STATE.OF FLORIDA ) CGUHTY 01' DADE ) 31 BY ITS BOA.111) OF C0)U1,41T 0i4ill S:;TOi•IP.171r� IIy ITS MAN70H Oit VICE i 11YOtd R4 lsef'ore me personally appeared STEPHEN P. CLARK and ANNE SNAW to ne well knot -in to be the Mayor or VA ce Hayor and Cleric or Deputy Cleric of Dad- County, Florida., who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged to and before me that they executed said instrument for the purposes herein expressed. Witness my hand and official seal, this 5th day of April 1982. I.I,/ C 01U/fl ;] cXhires I t J Stat.e of Florida aL T.arge """y "L* STATE It Y CO.St t.� 1 S S 1:;; ! OF Fl n?IDA AT URGE EIPlr"' "'AV • ��•Il/nn/,1jrh •J.D THRU GiNER: 1 1985 ( "JS . a IY ..+ .l• .w.� ' CUM CIRLU1T CUURF ��„ ;.3• f LEGAL DESCRIPTION CONVEYANCE OF A PORTION OF VIRGINIA KEY TO THE CITY OF MIAMI A parcel of land on Virginia Key, in Biscayne Bay, Dade County, Florida, being a portion of Sections 16, 170 20 and 21 of Township 54 South, Range 42 East, Dade County, Florida and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the point of intersection of the centerline of Rickenbacker Causeway with the South line of said Section 179 said point of intersection being 2649:97 feet N 89°56'45" W of the Southeast corner of said Section 17, as measured along the South line of said Section 17; thence run S 45°22'07" E along the centerline of said Rickenbacker Causeway for a distance of 251.67 feet to a point of inter- section with the Southwesterly prolongation of the Corporate Boundary of the City of Miami; thence run N 64*34142" E along said City of Miami Corporate Boundary and its Southwesterly prolongation and along the Southeasterly right of way line of the Sewage Treatment Plant Access Road for a distance of 2735.77 feet to a point on the East line of said Section 17, said point also being a point on the North line of the South 1000.00 feet of said Section 16; thence run S 89°59'50" E along the North line of the South 1000.00 feet of said Section 16 for a distance of 67.23 feet to a point of intersection with the arc of a circular curve concave to the West, the center of which bears S 82*42115" W from said point of intersection, said point of intersection also being the Point of Beginning of the herein described parcel; thence run Southeasterly to Southwesterly along the arc of said circular curve concave to the West, having a radius of 1650.00 feet, through a central angle of 46020'10", for an arc distance of 1334.38 feet to a point of reverse curvature with the arc of a circular curve to the left; thence run Southwesterly along the arc of said circular curve to the left, having a radius of 1350.00 feet, through a central angle of 21°56'37", for an arc distance of 517.03 feet to a point of compound curvature with the arc of a circular curve to the left; thence run Southwesterly to Southeasterly along the arc of said circular curve to the left, having a radius of 350.00 feet, through a central angle of 62°27'55", for an arc distance of 381.58 feet to a point of tangency with a line 25.00 feet North of and parallel with the property conveyed to the University of Miami; thence run S 45°22'07" E along a line 25.00 feet North of and parallel -with the said University of Miami property for a distance of 170 feet more or less to the mean high water line of Virginia Key; thence meander Northeasterly along the mean high water line of Virginia Key for a distance of 4300 feet more or less to a point of intersection with the North line of the South 1000.00 feet of said Section 16; thence run N 89°59'50" W along the North line of the South 1000.00 feet of said Section 16 for a distance of 3200 feet more or less to the Point of Beginning.,q S MEMORANDUM )7-17 To Mr, Porter Homer DATE May 9, 1969 County Manager SUBJECT planning Advisory Board F110M Reginald R. Walters Recommendation for A?pruval Executive Secretary of Virginia Key ;aster Plan Planning Advisory Board �t4l/ / and Admendment to Dade County ✓leg v`1 General Land Use Master Plan Transmitted herewith is a copy of a "Preliminary Report for a General Land Use Master Plan for Virginia Key, Miami, Florida", prepared jointly by the Dade County and City of Miami Planning Departments and recommended for adoption as an amendment to the Dade County General Land Use Master Plan by the Planning Advisory Board at a regular meeting on May 1, 1969. A copy of the PAB resolution and a large colored copy of the proposed land use plan (the official map) is also attached. We are including a draft of a suggested resolution for County Commission adoption. ' The Miami City Commission already has adopted the Virginia Key Master Plan, but it needs to pass another resolution creatidg a joint city -county oceano- graphic Science Park Advisory Board. The county must, of course, also adopt such a resolution and the wording should be substantially the same in both documents. RRW/gW cc: George Acton T. P. Abbott M.At 1:1 COUNTY ATTO;.Z$W-'.' owl • BE IT FURTHER RESOUED that the Planning Advisory Board recommends that, as soon as possible after the master plan amendmept is adopted, that the five member Oceanographic Science park Advisory Board, as recommended in the Virginia Key Master Plan Report, be appointed jointly by the Dade County and City of Miami Commissions, with three year overlapping terms of office, with the appointees representing the fields of education, industry and government and be acknowledged authorities in one or more of the marine sciences, with three of the members representing the Virginia Key oceanographic complex,, and with the Dade County and City of Miami Planning Directors serving as ex-officio members. The above resolution was made by Mr. Joseph Turturici and seconded by Mr. Ronald Young. The vote was as follows: • Emil J. Could - Aye Mrs. Harold Kendall - Aye aul Loaner - Absent Jay Morton - Absent Philip Pearlman - Aye F. Eugene Poe - Absent Gerald E. Shingledecker - Absent Harry Sonz - Aye Joseph Turturici - Aye David S. Walker, Jr. - Absent Ronald Young - Aye This resolution was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Metropolitan Dade County Planning Advisory Board May 1, 1969, 01. i a Yid , Lifc•. + ,�� •F �' �' .. 0 PRELIMINARY REPORT FOR. A . GENERAI. LAND USE MASTER PLAN FOR VIRGINIA KEY, MIAMI. FLA. Adopted by the Planning Advisory Board and certified to the County Commission as an amendment to the General Land Use faster Plan. 1, 1969 Pl�ing Director Dade County Prepared by City of Miasni Planning Department Dade County Planning Department February 26, 1969 " kt •ti t t CONTENTS TITLE Study Objectives Physical Data Existing Land Uses Plan Formulation Criteria for Screening Oceanographic Activities Recommendation PACE f Z 3 5 b T r• eoll .* STUDY OBJECTIVES f Recause of the growing nationwide interest in oceanographic research and the need to establish a suitable location for the many scattered marine science activities in the Greater Miami Area, the Dade County and City of Miami Commissions recently passed resolutions to make available City and County owned lands on Virginia Key, not presently needed for other public purposes, for the promotion of oceanographic studies and the establishment of an Oceanographic Science Park and directed their City Managers to confer with each other and prepare a plan and report. After meeting in January, 1969, the City Mahagers instructed their professional planning staffs to jointly prepare •a general land use matter plan for Virginia Key which would provide space for the development of an Oceanographic Science Park. It was also decided that the master plan study should include the formulation of criteria for selecting applicants for the use of the publicly owned land set aside for oceano- graphic purposes. Directly related to the question of a marine science complex on Virginia Key are the grants of public land by Dade County to the Atlantic Oceanographic Laboratory of the Environmental Science Services Administration of the U. S. Department of Commerce (ESSA), the Tropical Atlantic Biological Laboratory of the U. S. Bureau of Corn- me.rciat Fisheries (TASL), and the University of Miami Institute of Marine Science. This is coupled with recent requests by Miami -Dade County Junior College and the University of Miami for parcels of land Page 1 of 8 on Virginia Key to be ubed as oiler, for the conAtruction of marine science ffilities. The Junior College wants to establish a Marine 'Technological Center and the University would like additional land to expand their extremely crowded facilities. The major objectives of the study are: 1. Preparation of a general land use master plan for Virginia Key which provides space for the development of an oceano- graphic science park. 2. Formulation of criteria for selecting applicants for the lease of public land in said park. PHYSICAL DATA Virginia Key is a 1, 028 acre area of land and water situated two miles, east of the City of Miami on Biscayne Bay. between Fisher Island on the North and Key Biscayne on the South. It occupies a strategic position in the Bay in relation to the rapidly developing port facilities on Dodge Island, and if the recently completed Dade County Metropolitan Transportation Study is implemented$ Virginia Key will be linked by a major arterial to the new Port of Miami. Fisher Island, and the south end of Miami Beach. The geographical climatic environment of Virginia Key, essentially tropical though situated 150 miles north of the Tropic of Cancer, makes it an ideal jumping-off place for the pursuit of many oceanological objectives. It is one of the few North American areas from which it is possible to study, in nearby waters, living coral reef, mangrove Page 2 of 8 V. swamps, limestone rock formations, and other phenumena associated with tropical seas and shores. The Gulf Stream, with its almost boundless opportunities for oceanic research and study, passes almost within sight of shore. Small craft and research vessels can easily reach the scientifically interesting Bahamas Banks, the Gulf of Mexico, and many Carribbean areas. Southeast Florida is also admirably located for deep sea studies in'the area between West Africa, Brazil. Bermuda, and Florida, and its waters teem with a wide variety of marine life. Another benefit of this unique island is that Virginia Key, though only minutes from downtown Miami, has none of the complexities and distractions of urban surroundings. This island on Biscayne Bay is, covered by great stretches of tropical vegetation, and bordered by long strips of clean sandy beaches. With the exception of a marine stadium, sewage treatment plant, and a few service buildings, construction on the Key consists entirely of oceanographic facilities in proximity to each other. The special ambience of the island is ideally suited to the work of the marine research scientist. EXISTING LAND USES Oceanographic activities presently located on Virginia Key include the Institute of Marine Science of the University of Miami and the U. S. Tropical Atlantic Biological Liboratory. The Institute is one of the world's largest marine educational and research establishments. It Page 3 of 8 t i-IN `W was developed to meet the need for a tropical marine station readily a4essible to the educational and scientific centers of the United States. TABL is engaged in oceanographic biological research activities including the study of marine fnod resources of the entire tropical Atlantic Ocean; the design of research programs to support and increase efficiency of total catch by the U. S. Commercial Fisheries; the acquisition of better knowledge, for use both in harvesting and conserving stocks of surface schooling tunas in the tropical Atlantic and adjacent seas; and the aiding of the peoples of underdeveloped nations bordering the tropical Atlantic to find better means of acquiring protein rich food resources near their shores. The above two together with the facilities to be constructed by ESSA on a site already provided by the County, will make up the neucleus'oi the proposed oceanographic science park. ESSA plans to build the Atlantic Oceanographic Laboratory which provides services relating to the environment including earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, tele- communication sciences, and oceanography. This facility will supply scientific services relating to the environment that IMS and TABL need for the research they are doing on the ocean. Other land uses in Virginia Key are the City of Miami Marine Stadium, the Seaquarium - a privately owned facility, the City of Miami Sewage Treatment Plant, Virginia Beach - an excellent public park and bathing area, and a small private anchorage for commercial fishing boats. Page 4 of 6 t ti��y /'' • rA!' STATE OF FLORIDA ) SS: COUNTY OF DADE ) 1. E. B. LEATHERMAN, Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for Dade County, Florida, and Ex•Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. RM6714 s469 adopted by the said Board of County Commis- sioners at its meeting held on N" 2A IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal on this 2h day of 11" , A. D. 19 % . SEAL E. B. LEATHERMAN, Ex,Officio Clerk Board of County Commissioners Dade County, Florida Y Deputy Clerk Board of County Commissioners Dade County, Florida (A 51 PLAN FORMULATION As a result of directives received from the City and County Commissions, _/ I Mr. Melvin Reese, the City Manager, and Mr. Porter Homer, County Manager, held a meeting tn determine what procedure was necessary to formulate a master plan for Virginia Key. They decided that their Planning Departments, working cooperatively with each other and with recognized authorities in the fields of marine science and public recreation, should develop a master plan that reflects the two major existing land uses -- recreation and oceanographic training and research. There followed a series of meetings between City and County Panning Staff members and directors of IMS. TABL, and ESSA, plus personnel from various other City and County departments, to establish guidelines for developing a land use master plan as well as criteria for determining which marine science facilities will be permitted to locate -in the proposed Oceanographic Science Park. Using these guidelines, the combined Planning Staffs prepared a preliminary land use master plan for Virginia Key that recognises both short and long range space requirements for oceanographic and recreational needs. As shown on the maps being prepared for this report, the proposed Oceanographic Science Park occupies most of the southwestern part of Virginia Key, where expansion of the existing marine science nucleus is possible without encroaching on vitally needed recreation areas. The boundary of the Science Park. along the Atlantic Ocean, was Page 5 of 8 0 I 71 established as 800 feet north of the center line of the Rickenbacker Causeway to allow the marine activities access to Bear Cut for necessary ocean water iesearch. It contains 162 acres of land, much of which is below the flood criteria of six feet above sea level. and must be filled prior to development. Of the total oceanographic acreage. 97.7 is in the City and 64. 3 is in the County. The proposed oceanographic park will front on both the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay with access to the interior provided via a channel. In addition to providing access, this waterway will offer visual and , . recreational advantages and act as an attractive physical separation between oceanographic and recreational uses. Also included in the plan is an oceanographic marina to serve the needs of the marine science community. I The proposed alignment of the major arterial, buffers the recreation area from the sewage treatment plant and skirts the southeast end of the Marine Stadium to avoid an undesirable fragmentation of the core of the oceanographic complex. Major recreational uses include an improved beach area, picnic grounds, nature trails, boating accommodations. and both active and passive recreation facilities. CRITERIA FOR SCREENING OCEANOGRAPHIC ACTIVITIES To be favorably considered for a lease of public land in the designated Virginia Key Marine Science Complex, an applicant must meet both of the general requirements stated below. 0 01. Page 6 of 8 1. The applicant roust be engaged in an activity for the benefit of the public welfare, that is directly related to and actively involved in marine science (or marine technology) through education, training, research or development. Applicants engaged in on site production should be excluded. 2. The activity of the applicant must be compatible with the activities of the other members of the marine science complex and contribute to the advancement of the complex through mutually beneficial relationships. For the selection of loseees from among the applicants meeting the general requirements, the following priorities should be established: 1. Public, non-profit activities a. Educational institutions b. Governmental jurisdictions t. Private, non-profit activities a. Educational institutions -b. Industrial orgainizations 3. Private, profit activities RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations are based on the joint City of Miami - Dade County Virginia Key Master Plan Study: 1. Because of the existence of an oceanographic nucleus and sufficient space for substantial future development, the Page 7 of 8 southeastern portion of Virginia Key should be designated r as an oceanographic science park as per the general land use plan proposed in this report. 2. Criteria similar to those suggested in this report should be adopted for screening applicants for the use of County and City owned land located within the proposed oceanographic science park. 3. That the land to be utilized by oceanographic activities should be leased. Where governmental agencies are ' involved this restriction could be modified. 4. A five member Advisory Committee should be appointed by the Dade County and City of Miami Commissions to review all requested leases for land in the oceanographic park and make recommendations to the County and City governments. Committee appointees should represent education, industry and Government and be acknowledged authorities in one or more of the marine sciences. At least three of the appointees should be representatives of participating members of the oceanographic complex. The City and County Planning Departments would serve as ex-officio members of the Committee. S. The balance of Virginia Key's limited land should be preserved for present and future park and recreational purposes. Page 8 of 8 If \ v •f ff t 1/ •If Iot1, I14t1 If fltt• 1•I f•1 • 111 I, 04, ............................�• ♦ • •• V, 1 L lot of old so �f 7 •� t//./t 1416041161 •tt.f 1 pall is 1[e4[0 I I IL c e� 41'� ;r Adopted by the Planning Advisory Board u�� .•� and certified to the County Commission as an amendment to the General Land •`• Use Master Plan. off f'ffttlf May if 1969 • PRELIMINARY GENERALIZED LAND USE Planning Director MASTER PLAN OF VIRGINIA KEY. MIAMI. FLA. LEGEND Oceanographic Science Park City of Miami I.....) within City of Miami Sewillge Treatment Plant rn•. tad ' Oceanographic Science Park Sea quarium I.... within Dade County Butter Parks and Recreation within City of Miami Parks and Recreation within Dade County I STATE OF FLORIDA ) SS: COUNTY OF DADE ) I, E. B. LEATHERMAN, Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for Dade County, Florida, and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. R204 S , adopted by the said Board of County Commis- sioners at its meeting held on MW 28 , 19 Jig — IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal on this 2,M day of 1by , A. D. 19 (19_ . i E. B. LEATHERMAN, Ex-Officio Clerk Board of County Commissioners Dade County, Florida 1 Y Deputy Clerk SEAL Board of County Commissioners Dade County, Florida h -\ G: A j 1 Agenda Item No. 7 i1) r� 5-28-69 RESOLUTION NO. it•$rb•b9 RESOLUTION AMENDING THEW GENERAL LAND USE PLAN AS IT APPLIES TO VIRGINIA KEY AND APPROVING CREATION OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE AS RECOMMENDED IN REPORT FROM CONFERENCE OF COUNTY AND CITY --- OF MIAhU OFFICIALS WHEREAS, Resolution No. R-44-69, adopted January 6, . 1969, expressed the intent of the Board of County Commissioners 'to make available county owned property on Virginia Key not needed for other county purposes. which may be necessary for the promotion of oceanographic tudies and the establishment of an Oceanographic Science Park; and WHEREAS, said Resolution No. R-44-69, further directed the County Manager to confer with the City Manager of the City of Miami and to prepare and submit a plan and recommendation whereby such necessary lands may be made available and may be allocated for such purpose; and WHEREAS, as a result thereof, there was prepared a report entitled "Preliminary Report for a General Land Use Master Plan" for Virginia Key, Miami, Florida" dated February 26, 1969. recommending the establishment of such an Oceanographic Science Park and the creation of an advisory committee to screen applicants for the use of county and city -owned land within said park; and WHEREAS. attached to said report was a map of the Preliminary Generalized LaInd Use Master Plan for Virginia Keyj aa4:i I Agenda Item No. 7 (1) Page No. i WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirements of Section t-lit. the Planning Advisory Board of Dade County held a public hearing to consider the proposed master plan for Virginia Key. and thereafter adopted by majority vote of said board a resolution approving said master plan for Virginia Key and recommending that said master plan be, approved by the Board of County Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the Dade County Planning Advisory Board his certified to this Board the proposed amendment to the master plan relating to Virginia Key and the aforementioned resolution adopting such pkan.* NOW, : .EREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA: Section 1. This Board approves the amendment to the Dade County General Land Use Master Plan as certified to it by the Dade County Planning Advisory Board, as shown on the map attached to this Resolution and made a part hereof. The Planning Advisory Board is authorized to publish the revised and amended General Land Use Master Plan reflecting the aforesaid amendment. Section Z. This Board approves the creation of an advisory - committee which will advise this Board as to the suitability of any applicant desiring to lease land owned by Dade County and located within the Oceanographic Science Park; this Board also approves of the above -mentioned "Preliminary Report for a General Land Use Master Plan for Virginia Key, Miami, Florida" and the criteria recommended therein for the screening of applicants for the lease of county or city -owned land located within the Oceanographic Science Park.~ YYQ/lj(� � • TPA/sb/ k'\ ,4," Agenda Item No. 7 (1) Page No. 3 0 M The ruregoing Resolution was offered by Commissioner Q mzwdes B• Gosd= who moved its adoption. The motion was sectilld el by Commissioner RAIVK As Wome and upon being pail to a vote, the vote was as follows: Neal F. Adams , Alexander S. Gordon lye Harold A. Greene A V R. Hardy Matheson Mv=t ' Thomas D. O'Malley 410 Arthur H. Patten, J?Absent Ben Shepard Aye Earl M. Starnes Abomb Chuck Hall A%Mt The Mayor thereupon declared the Resolution duly passed and adopted this 28th day of May, 1969. t. DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA BY ITS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS E. B. LEATHERMAN* CLERK By: EpwARD D. PHELAN Deputy Clerk. fi b' �'1fM 11�'�1. f•MiiM►i'b .ti.r.. J..H 4 RESOLUTION I METROPOLITAN DADE COUNTY PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD RESOLUTION RECUIMENDING ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED LAND USE PLAN FOR VIRGINIA KEY AS AN AMENDMENT TO THE METROPOLITAN DADE COUNTY GENERAL LAND USE MASTER PLAN; ADOPTION OF SUGGESTED CRITERIA FOR SCREENING APPLICANTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC LAND ON VIRGINIA KEY; APPOINTMENT OF AN OCEANOGRAPHIC SCIENCE PARK ADVISORY BOARD WHEREAS, there exist on Virginia Key land uses devoted to the study'of..the t •' 6 marine sciences, plus other activities related to such study; and WHEREAS, additional agencies and institutions engaged in oceanographic research have indicated a desire to locate on Virginia Key; and WHEREAS, by direction of the Dade County and City of Miami,Comnissions, county and city planning officials have held i series of meetings with repre- sentatives of the University of Miami Institute of Marine Science, the U. S. Tropical Atlantic Biological Laboratory, and the U. S. Environmental Science Services Administration to determine the advisability and feasibility of creating an oceanographic science park on Virginia Key; and WHE.WS, as a result of said meetings, the Dade County and City'of Miami Planning Departments have jointly prepared a proposed land use and development plan for Virginia Key; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Metropolitan Dade County Planning Advisory Board that the Virginia Key Master plan, as prepared jointly by the Dade County and City of Miami Planning Departments titled "Preliminary :2eport For A General Land Use Master Plan For Virginia Key, Miami, Florida, dated Feb- ruaicy 26, 1969," is hereby approved and it is recommended that the Board of County Commissioners approve it as an amendment to the Metropolitan Dade County General Land Use Master Plan; and 1 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Advisory Board recommends adoption of the criteria suggestid in the Virginia Key Master Plan Report of 00 screening applic#nts for the use of public land in the proposed oceanographic science park; and �j,"? F. . i',