HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #02 - Discussion ItemJuly 23. 1979
Mr Mayor and City
Commissioners:
am Dr Sol Minkin;, Executive
of Senior Citizens.
members
Vice President of the Congress
appeared before you on behalf of our
t a public hearing on the Dinner Key Marina, earlier
this year. The subject has not changed and neither has our
resolve to effect a change in the status of the live-aboards
at. Dinner Key Marina. Concerned citizens are now soliciting
signatures on a petition, a copy of which is before you, to;ban`
live-aboards at marina sites within the City of Miami. In the
past week we have obtained over 1000 signatures and we intend
to have at least 10,000 signatures before too long, to prove to
you that your constituency objects very strongly to this small
special interest group continuing to live as wards of this City.
This petition is not intended as a threat nor a form of"blackmail
nor do we intend to ask that his matter be placed on the ballot.
We seek only redress from this duly
electd body.
x Friedson,
the founder of the Congress of Senior Citizens, is one of the
strongest advocates of our
free enterprise • system and of repre
sentative government and we believe that government by referendum
threatens this system.
This City under your courages leadership is on the threashold of
vast growth and development through the cooperation o
public
efforts
private and
endeavors andyet there are those who wouldattack these
for selfish personal gain.
These efforts would stagnate
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the growth and economy of this City to the detriment of
all of
its citizens. We are not disceived by such platitudes as 'Save
The Waterfront' or "Stop'The 'Give -a- way " or any referendum which
would be counterproductive to the development of the waterfront
for profit and. pleasure. The complicity is apparent and the live
aboards, though unwitting pawns, are an issue which must be resolved
since they contribute tothe pollution of the harbour and their
residency is economically. unfeasible. The question then,
is whethe r
or not it is fair to the taxpayers of this city to support with
public funds a viable commercial enterprise which has the
of being very profitable and totallyselfsufficient The
self evident. It is the duty of the city to realize its..
regarding the development of public facilities
potential
answer is
limitations
and; join private
enterprise with management capablilities as it
Trade Center and other such projects
Center,
The World
sideration,
o return to the general
has with the Knight
under con -
funds of the city the
greatest
revenue possible. It is inconceiveable that an ordinance
be passed by the live-aboards would pohibit the City from profiting
from the revenues
the mandate
caused to
of the Dinner Key Marina. It is inconsistent with
and the trust which the people of
placed your hands.
the City
of Miami. have
We further wish to assure you that although most of our
membership
do not own boats and at this stage of life have
little inclination
toward this recreational pursuit, we are not opposed to Marinas
FM
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provide recreation for our fellow citizens. We recognize that
Miami is a prime attraction for both tourist and residents
this community.
the leaseholders of Miami's waterfront property which we have
found to 'be neat, orderly
derlyand attractive. .Their equitable financial
contribution to the City
.The democratic process of,government has'`placed in.•your;hands
the responsibility to act expiditiously and forthrightly in
the performance of your duty to conclude all commitments relative
to the development of the Dinner Key Waterfront, in the best interest
of the public.
PETITION
We, the undersigned citizens, residents of the City of Miami, do
hereby petition the Miami City Commission to resolve an ordinance
forbidding residency aboard boats at docks or marinas within the
confines of the City of Miami. Such occupancy, commonly referred to
as live-aboards, contributes greatly to the pollution of the Miami
waterways and waterfronts. Live-aboards at marinas present a health
hazard and are a detriment to the general welfare of the communities
wherein such residency occurs. We object to the existence of a class
of people owning and maintaining residences presently exempt from
taxation. It is recognized that these residents enjoy police and
fire protection, trash removal service and school attendance without
contributing to the support of the City as other property owners are
so obliged. We add further to this complaint that the City Commission
has been presented with ample evidence to substantiate the charge
that dwellers, particularly at Dinner Key Marina, have been subsidized
by the City. We feel that these inequities and these dangers to the
community can be only eliminated by the banning of such residences.