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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Memorandum
To: Theff
o norable Mayo p and en bers of the City Commission
From: Alyce M. obertson, Executive Director
Date: July 15, 2009
Subject: Nitin Motwani, Miami WorldCenter Group, LLC
Waiver of the Conflict of Interest Provision (Section 2-612)
Re: For July 23, 2009 City Commission Meeting
Recommendation
It is respectfully requested that the Miami City Commission waive the conflict of interest provisions of Section 2-
612 of the City Code as they relate to Nitin Motwani, a principal in the Miami Worldcenter Group, LLC and a
member of the Miami DDA's Board of Directors.
Background
Since approval of the Miami World Center project by the City Commission on November 11, 2008, execution of a
project Development Agreement has been on hold pending the conflict of interest waiver.
As noted in the resolution originally slated for consideration at the January 15, 2009 meeting of the City
Commission, Mr. Motwani has "diligently complied" with the Miami DDA's conflict of interest provisions.
Furthermore, his financial interest in Miami Worldcenter Group LLC "does not rise to a level sufficient to violate
application provisions of the Miami -Dade County Code of Ethics nor otherwise violate provisions of said Code."
Meanwhile, the Miami World Center project offers significant benefits to the City of Miami. This development will
provide a well-designed. high-density mix of uses, including substantial public open space, and will positively
impact the economy and quality of life of the City of Miami.
The Miami World Center project will be, as referenced in Section 2-614 of the City Code, unique and execution of
the project Development Agreement will be in the best interest of the City.
In addition, by the nature of the Miami DDA Board composition, members must own property or work within the
Miami DDA area in order to serve on the Board, and as such create an inherent conflict. Mr. Motwani, in his
capacity as a member of the Board of Directors of the Miami DDA, has no authority to influence the approval of
zoning or issues related to the development order of the Miami World Center project as the authorizations rest
entirely with the City Commission and its staff.
Therefore, it is respectfully requested that prompt action be taken to waive the provisions of Section 2-612 and
thereby enable Miami Worldcenter Group, LLC to execute the approved development agreement while allowing Mr.
Motwani to remain in service to the Miami DDA Board.
AMR/sh
Cc: Julie O. Bru, City Attorney (via email)
Veronica Xiques, Assistant City Attorney (via entail)
Elva Gallastegui, Agenda Office (via eniail0
Miami Downtown Development Authority Tel: 305.579.6675
200 S. Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2929 Fax: 305.371.2423
Wachovia Financial Center Web: www.miamidda.com
Miami, Florida 33131