HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of IntentCD
Bilzin Sumberg
ATTOR N EYS AT L A W
April 6, 2009
VIA HAND -DELIVERY
Teresita Fernandez
City of Miami
Hearing Boards Department
444 S.W. 2"d Avenue, 7th Floor
Miami, Florida 33130
A. Vicky Garcia -Toledo, Esq.
"Tel 305.350.2409
Fax 305.351.2233
vgarcia-toledo@bilzin.com
Re: 229 NW 15 Street; 217 NW 15 Street; 226 NW 16 Street; 211 NW 15 Street
Application for Special Exceptions and Class 11 Permit
Dear Ms. Fernandez:
Our firm represents The Sundari Foundation, Inc. and The Lotus Endowment Fund, Inc.
(collectively the "Owner") regarding the property located at the above -referenced addresses in
the City of Miami (the "Property") commonly known as "Lotus House." The purpose of this letter
is to submit to you an application for (1) special exception for a rooming house; (2) special
exception for a health clinic; and (3) Class II Permit for an educational facility to be operated on
the Property.
Lotus House was established by the Owner in 2006 as a free, non -denominational,
resource center and residential facility serving women and infants from across Miami -Dade
County in the heart of the historic African-American district of Overtown, one of the poorest
neighborhoods of Miami. Lotus House provides housing to women and infants who have been
victims of domestic violence and/or who have been displaced from their homes, and serves as a
sanctuary for pregnant women as a place of comfort during their pregnancy and afterwards until
these women are able to support themselves and their newborn babies and transition to a
permanent home.
To date, Lotus House has served over 300 women and infants. The past three years
have shown that there are tremendous opportunities to further support and empower women
and infants in need. In furtherance of its mission, Lotus House is respectfully requesting
approvals to expand its wonderful work in the community.
MIAMI 1780594.2 7703630813
4/6/09
BILZIN SUMBERG BAENA PRICE & AXELROD LLP
200 S. Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2500, Miami, FL 33131-5340 Tel 305.374.7580 Fax 305.374.7593 www.bilzin.com
April 6, 2009
Page 2
Rooming House. This application would allow Lotus House to operate a housing
program to help support and embolden these special women and their infants. Individuals would
enter into an agreement, through which they receive room and board and a supportive
environment in return for a commitment to an Action Plan to make strides towards achieving
stability for themselves and their newborns and a commitment to contribute time and effort to
the day-to-day operations of the Lotus House. Resource coordinators will work closely with
each woman to assist her as she prepares to leave Lotus House in identifying and securing new
homes. Resource coordinators and volunteers will regularly follow-up with women after leaving
Lotus House to assist their transition to independent living and identify additional resources that
may be needed.
Health Clinic. This application would allow Lotus House to operate a health clinic to
provide basic preventative health care to its residents, including, but not limited to, cholesterol
and blood pressure screening and treatment, diabetes screening and treatment, management of
chronic conditions, nutritional counseling and smoking cessation. All general health care
services will be provided by board certified volunteer physicians from the University of Miami
Jackson Health Care system. Physicians will refer patients to a more comprehensive center if
and when specialists are needed. With an emphasis on preventive health care and well being,
Lotus House utilizes a holistic approach to serving its residents.
Educational Facility. This special exception application includes a request for a Class
II permit, as a lesser inclusive permit, for an "educational facility" to provide educational
workshops and a host of enrichment activities, including art, creative writing, yoga, dance, and
crafts, offer alternative paths to healing and personal growth. Lotus House will provide basic
computer skills classes. Lotus House also provides basic tutoring for enhanced reading, writing
and arithmetic skills, as well as English literacy. Individual tutoring and classes utilize volunteer
instructors from local universities and colleges, as well as professional instructors. Lotus House
also assists women in exploring community resources and financial aid to further their
education, including GED courses, vocational instruction and community college.
Enclosed herein for your consideration is a completed Special Exception application with
all required attachments and a check for the cost of processing and two public hearings,
pursuant to Section 62-156 of the Miami City Code, in the amount of $2,686.00.
SiTe
A.a-Toledo
Enclosures
MIAMI 1780594.2 7703630813
4/6/09
' BILZIN SUMBERG BAENA PRICE & AXELROD LLP