HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Keith IvoryI)
VALORY GREENFIELD
MIRIAM HARMATZ
ARTHURJ.ROSENBERG
CHARLES F. ELSESSER
PURVI SHAH
JOSE RODRIGUEZ
ATTORNEYS
City Commission
City of Miami
Miami City Hall
Miami, FL
FLORIDA LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
MIAMI ADVOCACY OFFICE
3000 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 102
Miami, Florida 33137
Telephone: 305-573-0092 ext 208
. Fax: 305-576-9664
October 22, 2009 [CENT R. SPUHLER
DIRECTOR
SUBMITTE,[)" INTO
PULIC RECORD FUr:
ITEMPt.e ONjo(aa o9
Re: Commission Meeting October 22, 2009
Planning and Zoning Agenda Item # Pz.8 09-00974ct
Health District Regional Activity Center
Dear Members of the Commission:
I am writing on behalf of my clients Power U Center for Social Change and several residents
of Overtown to raise several concerns with the above mentioned item. These concerns do not go
to the Health District itself but rather to its interaction with the surrounding community.
The designation as a Regional Activity Center will significantly impact your ability to review
the plans of the participants in this project and thus this designation should be reviewed carefully.
The concerns that should be part of that review are as follows:
1. The Application Data Fails to Review the RegionaUImpacts
While that application data extensively reviews the plans and projections within the Regional
Activity Center, there is no mention of the impacts on the areas surrounding the Regional Activity
Center. This is particularly important in that the areas surrounding tie Regional Activity Center,
particularly Overtown and Alapattah are some of the poorest in South lorida. While it maybe that
the City believes that the Health District will significantly benefit tl}e surrounding area, there is no
analysis of that within this document.
Because a Regional Activity Center significantly increases the threshold for a Development
of Regional Impact analysis, there should be some attention to the "regional impacts" of the Center.
Instead this analysis simply looks at the regional services provided, most significantly health care
services, and economic generation. It fails to look at what impacts that economic generation creates
and how to best ameliorate those impacts.
09- 0097gct Suhm#o-I- Kei-t� Ivor
Miami City Commission
October 22, 2009
Page 2
One example of an impact is attached to this letter. The University of Miami, one of the
participants in the Health District project, in a letter to another planning agency, discussed at several
points the use of the Town Park housing as a source of housing for its employees. Town Park is
already a highly valued resource in this community, providing badly needed affordable housing. A
comprehensive analysis of the housing needs of the Health District and the means of providing that
housing could lessen the impact of the Regional Activity Center on already scarce supplies of
affordable housing.
2. The Application Does Not Comply with Comprehensive Plan.
For the reasons mentioned above, it is crucial that the Regional Activity Center by subjected
to a Regional Impacts analysis - particularly with respect to housing. Such an analysis is also
required by the City's Comprehensive Plan. Specifically, the Land Use element (Policy LU -1.2.2)
requires that the City's "land development policies [such as this Regional Activity Center] be
consistent with affordable housing objectives and policies adopted in the Housing Element."
The Housing Element objectives include "Increas[ing] the supply of safe, affordable and
sanitary housing for extremely low, very low- low and moderate -income households." ( Goal HO -1)
The implementing policies include creating policies that encourage developers to (1) " build new,
or rehabilitate old, residential structures" (Policy HO -1.1.3); (2) preserve "affordable rental housing
through the rehabilitation of existing rental stock and the encouragement of new rental housing
construction" (Policy 1-10-1.1.10). In addition the City commits to "continue, and when necessary
expand extremely low very low-, low- and moderate -income housing programs with the intent of
preventing a net loss of extremly low, very low-, low-, and moderate -income housing." (Policy HO -
1.2.2).
Now, when these policies are. in front of you in the form of this Regional Activity Center, is
the opportune time for you to discuss the imposition of these housing development objectives on this
area. You are providing significant development opportunities. Those development opportunities
will create need for additional housing for lower income households - for everyone from janitors to
care givers. Rather than create a competition for the scarce existing resources, the City should be
studying ways of using this economic engine to assist in the solution.
3. The Application Is Mistaken in Describing the Commission's Tools for Dealing with
the Health, Safety and Public Welfare in the Future.
The report states that the City Commission will have the ability to address these issues in the
future through the Major Use Special Permit process. The report states that the Regional Activity
Center will leave in place the City's ability to address the "health, safety and general welfare of the
public" as well as intergovernmental issues through the Major Use Special Permit process.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Miami City Commission
October 22, 2009
Page 3
As previously discussed in the section regarding the existing zoning, the City of
Miami has a review process in place for major projects referred to as a Major Use
Special Permit (MUSP). The MUSP process integrates intergovernmental
coordination as a key component of development applications and will be required
for development located within the Regional Activity Center designation.
The conclusion is that the City's zoning and regulatory process anticipates potential
projects of a higher intensity and has regulations and review processes in place to
ensure that the projects address the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.
The City's process achieves an intergovernmental review that includes coordination
between the city, county, regional, state, and federal agencies early and often during
the review and approval of a proposed project.
Thus the report explicitly assures the public and this Commission that the health, safety, and
general welfare of the public" as well as "intergovernmental review" will be implemented through
the Major Use Special Permit process which "will be required for development located within the
Regional Activity Center designation." However, the new Miami 21 zoning code repeals the Major
Use Special Permit process and does not substitute any analysis of the health, safety, and general
welfare of the public or any analogous intergovernmental review. In the absence of this MUST
process, a key and necessary component of the analysis presented in the Regional Activity Center
study is lost. This, again, argues for further review.
For the reasons stated herein I would urge the Commission to return this proposal to the
staff for additional study - particularly for study of the Regional Impacts on housing, on the
preservation and creation of affordable housing and on means of implementing the MUST
process, assuming the passage of the Miami 21 zoning code.
Thank you for this opportunity to present these comments.
S
S2harles F. Elsesser J
Attorney at Law
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
(Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
'iJNIVERSITYOP
- City Clerk
- -
December28', 2007
Miguel J. Riera, P.E.
Project Manager
Miami -Dade County Public Works
11.1 NW 1t Street, 15th Floor
Miami, Florida 33128
Subject: Advance Notification
NW Ph Avenue (SR 7/US-441) Reversible Flow Lanes
From: NW 5`h/6`" Street
To: NW 119h Street
Miami -Dade County Public Works Project No. 20060244
County:. Miami -Dade
Dear Mr. Riera
On behalf of the University of Miami, I would like to comment on our staff review of the.Advan.ce.
Notification package dated October 30; 2007 regarding the above -referenced project.. The,
following are.our comments about the project and how, it may impact, the future development
plans of the. University of Miami Miller School 'of Medicine and the surrounding Health District
area, which includes NW 7'h Avenue from NW 20w`Street to NW 14th Street. We appreciate the:
time and effort that you and other members of the project team, spent'. briefing us on December
10, 2007 regarding the` scope of the. project:.
The University understands .the need to enhance vehicular access to and from downtown:
Miami; however, we feel strongly that:those needs can be met:withthe least adverse impact on.
the Health District area between NW 200` Street and NW 14'" Street by locating, the southern.
boundary of the reversible lane, project at NW 20th Street.
The Feasibility Study Results for NW'7'h Avenue indicate; that the corridor between NW 5`h/60
Street. and NW 20th' Street does not meet the preferable 3 1 ratio during the PM peak hour.
Based on the fact that neither the AM peak hour traffic nor the PM Peak hour traffic experiences
LOS deficiencies with the current. 4 lane divided cross section, we believe that extending. the
reversible lane south of NW 20"' Street is unnecessary, and unwarranted at this time. we
believe that the proposed new access ramp to 1-95 at. NW'20'h Street; as shown in the City of
Miami Comprehensive, Neighborhood Plan Policy TR -1.1.12 (attached hereto as Exhibit A) is
the appropriate southem terminus point for the reversible lane project.
Our concerns relate to the following, areas: safety, neighborhood character and quality of life,.
impact on: revitalization initiatives, connectivity. to adjacent neighborhoods; and impact on.
planned public transportation projects as more specifically described below.
Safety;
The University of Miami is concerned about pedestrian and bicycle access across NW 7`h'
Avenue between NW 201h Street. and NW 14th Street. The goals of the University and the City of
REAL ESTATE tic FACILITIES
1535 LEVANTE AVE, 24.o FLOOR CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA 33146-2820 PHONE; "305-284-3051 FAX-305-284-4105
space. Conceptual:.renderings of the proposed Life Science Park, its location: and a brief
overview of the project is attached in Exhibit C. A preliminary economic impact study (attached
hereto in Exhibit D) anticipates that this project will create over 16,800 jobs during construction,
and over 3,000 permanent jobs;. with a"projected> revenue- of $9.9: billion. over 20 years:..
However; the, success of this project: will: rely heavily on the ability to market. this project's
unimpeded access to the resources of: the Health- District - in particular, collaboration with
research being conducted on the UM Medical campus;, as well as human resources offered in
the form of; highly specialized doctors and medical students whom end-users can employ, in th"e.
performance of their own research. Moreover," plans to develop much-needed workforce
housing within the Health District potentially creates an unsafe situation those who may want
to live close to the Life Science Park, where they may be: working.:
By essentially cutting off pedestrian access: to this project during peak hours,: the reversible
lanes will: work against. the fulfillment of the financial goals" of the project; particularly. during
those hourswhen access, is. necessary": for' optimum productivity: Additionally; fostering a
pedestrian -friendly. environment is essential to the ability to lease. the retail space programmed
along. the NW 7w Avenue corridor..
By. simultaneously discouraging pedestrian traffic and on -street parking, one can expect. retail
businesses to suffer during those times when traffic flow.and, therefore; potential business, is at
its peak. In this regard,. rental values of retail. spaces may also be impacted, as: the ability of
retail establishments to sustain themselves becomes threatened: This result affects the ability
to achieve the. "critical mass" that. is a key component to successful mixed-use redevelopment.
That is to say, retail, office*, and. residential drivers, must be introduced into the market in close
temporal proximity, and must thrive simultaneously, in order to attract end-users who may prefer
to work and live where other conveniences are available; and who may prefer to live close, to
their work:
The efforts being undertaken, to redevelop". the Health District, and particularly the NW 7t'
Avenue corridor; aim to serve as.. a backbone of economic growth for not. only. Miami -Dade, but
all: of South Florida in the coming. years. Where. successful, the regenerative effect. of
bioscience research and technology on local and regional economies has been well. "noted.
Failed projects of this scale prove incredibly costlyin the: long -run; both on private and
governmental levels:
The projects under contemplation for the: Health District; particularly the Life Science Park, have
the potential to buttress the local economy, as well as to attract the: attention of world-class
multinational life: science industry leaders, and to place Miami in the. upper echelon of
bioscience research centers nationally, and perhaps globally.:. The free flow of pedestrian traffic,
within the Health District, is essential to our ability to attract the world=class research companies
which are the targetmarket and lifebloodof these revitalization efforts.
Connectivity to.Adjacent Neighborhoods.-
There
eighborhoods.There are major existing physical challenges to the connection of the Health District with
adjacent neighborhoods. The 1-95 expressway is a tangible: barrier to neighborhoods to the east.
One neighborhood in particular, Town Park,. is working with the Local. Initiative Support
Corporation and converting: aging HUU housing into, affordable condominiums for employees in
the Health District: NW 170' Street is a tree -lined street that provides pedestrian access from
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
the eastinto the Health District:. However, during peak hours when reversible lane& would be
enforced',these: pedestrians: may have a difficult, and possibly: unsafe route to work:
The University., encourages local groups, and private, developers to create more affordable;
workforce housing in the. adjacent' neighborhoods and for residents to be: ableto access the.
Health'. District by foot or bicycle along well landscaped and safe.paths.
The 1-95' expressway: overpasses create a challenge; for designers to enhance these unused
and poorly maintained areas and to transformthem into attractive useable areas::that people will.
feel safe to cross under. The University of Miami`s School of Architecture plans to study these
design issues and to make recommendations about how to improve their appearance and make
them a safer and user-friendly route.
The reversible lane project; will add another barrier to the Health District and its surrounding:
neighborhoods. By ending the reversible lanes at NW 201.h Street, the streets: connecting the
Health District` to adjoining neighborhoods: can be enhanced and provide. direct and safe
pedestrian- access for neighbors.:
Impact on. Planned Transportation. Improvements:.
The Health District area is served.by an excellent public transportation network including. 3
Metrorail Stations and: a large number of. bus .routes. The City' of Miami. is- planning additional
public transportation improvements including% a. circulator route and a proposed streetcar line
that will include NW 7t' Avenue in their routes (attached. hereto in Exhibit E);.
The Circulator route has been funded through a 3 -year grant from FDOT to be matched by the
City of Miami. The funding will become available: in July 2008 and operation is scheduled to
commence soon thereafter. The: Circulator route will transport. employees and: visitors from:
public transportation and: parking garages. to their destinations in the Health District. The
operation of the circulator may allow the Miami Dade Transit to eliminate some bus routes and
reduce traffic congestion;as well as to create' a transportation hub at, the Civic Center Metrorail
Station on 121.h Avenue. With over 60,000 visitors a day; a circulator route is.animportant project
that will' facilitate,navigation within the area'Thex circulator route is also a key element In fulfilling
the mission of the revitalization: of Health. District: by providing mobility and connectivity.
throughout the neighborhood.
The: possibility of limiting left turns during reversible lanes operation hours causes will severely
undermine the circulator's success during the hours of greatest need on these proposed routes.
The. reversible lanes project encourages more vehicles,to pass through the neighborhood, not to
do businessin the area, but to use NW 7h' Avenue through the Health District as a highway to:
downtown Miami. By ending the reversible lanes project at NW 201' Street and providing an
access ramp to 1-95 at NW 200 Street; vehicles, can reenter the expressway and proceed to
downtown. Thischange will allow the Health District to proceed with plans to enhance. public
transportation and provide a safe; convenient circulator for the community to use within the
neighborhood.
The Advance Notice letter requested that comments address the project's consistency with the:
approved Comprehensive Plan. of the local jurisdiction(s). We have reviewed the: Objectives
and Policies of'the City, of Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood. Plan Polic�r and have included`
those sections that.we believe are. not consistent with the proposed NW'7� Avenue Reversible
Lane Project (attached hereto in. Exhibit A).
Submitted into the public
record in connection with 4
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
�� City Clerk
We: sincerely believe that the: success of the proposed: reversible lane, project is not,
compromised by changing its southern boundary to NW 200 Street; on the contrary, doing so.
will insure the success of the revitalization of the Health District:.
Wei thank you for allowingus= to submit comments to you; regarding. this. project, We will
participate in all future: meetings and, per thes request of Magbe Consulting Services; the public.
involvement consultants. for the project; have:included, a list of. Health District stakeholders that
we believe: should be invited to future meetings (attached hereto in Exhibit F).
The lead person in our organization coordinating' this review is Betty Fleming who can be
reached at W5-284-2090,, or by email at bfleming@miami.edu. Please continue to work with
her as the.. University's representative. We will continue to make ourselves. available to discuss
these concerns with you and your staff
It is the intent of the University to. be a good neighbor; to be a community: asset; and to work
closely, with. our government and elected officials: in making: the Health District a better
community, and to provide`the best care for our residents.
Sincerely.
Larry Marbert
Vice President
Real Estate&.Facilities
Cc:
Senator Mel Martinez
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
Congresswoman Frederica' S. Wilson:
Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla.
Representative Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall
Representative Luis R. Garcia.
Mayor Carlos Alvarez
Commissioner Dorrin D:. Rolle
Commissioner Bruno A. Bareira.
Commissioner Audrey M. Edmundson
Mr; George Burgess
Mn Jose Mesa
Ms: Esther Calas. Director
Miami -Dade County MOVN Committee
Mayor Manny Diaz
Commissioner Angel Gonzalez
Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones.
Mr. Pedro Hernandez:
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk _ ,
Exhibit A
Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
And University Comments Regarding Relevant Objectives and Policies Regarding the
Proposed NW Th Avenue Reversible Lane Project
FUTURE LAND USE
Objective LU -1.1: Ensure that land and development regulations are consistent with fostering a high quality
of life in all areas, including the timely provision of public facilities that meet or exceed the minimum level of
service (LOS) standards adopted in the Capital Improvements Element (CIE) of the Miami Comprehensive
Neighborhood Plan.
Policy LU -1.1.3: The City's zoning ordinance provides for protection of all areas of the city from: (1) the
encroachment of incompatible land uses; (2) the adverse impacts of future land uses in adjacent areas that disrupt or
degrade public health and safety, or natural or man-made amenities; and (3) transportation policies that divide or
fragment established neighborhoods.
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW 7h Avenue Reversible Lane project would disrupt and degrade safety for pedestrians crossing
NW /m Avenue between NW 20h Street and NW 141h Street during peak hours. In addition, the reversible lanes
would divide and fragment the properties to the east of NW 7h Avenue from the rest of the Medical Campus and
bifurcate the campus, adversely affecting the Miami Partnership's initiatives to create a unified, walkable campus.
Policy LU -1.1.7: Land development regulations and policies will allow for the provision of adequate neighborhood
shopping, recreation, day care, entertainment, and other neighborhood oriented support activities.
University of Miami Comments:
The NW 7h Avenue reversible lane project will adversely affect the creation of a lively pedestrian street with retail,
recreation and entertainment and other neighborhood activities between NW 20h Street and NW 141h Street because
It will, in effect, create an extension of the expressway, eliminate on -street parking, and create an unappealing
pedestrian access during peak hours. The proposed reversible lanes project will serve to create barriers between
various components of the existing neighborhood, and will create a virtual "wall" that impedes the easy flow of
pedestrians from the employment and residential centers east of NW 7h Avenue to the significant employment and
service centers west of NW 7h Avenue. The University has an opportunity to create significant new employment at
the proposed Life Science Park, which may result in over three thousand new jobs. However, the success of this
project may be jeopardized if the eastside of NW 7h A venue is cut off from the rest of the Medical Campus and the
adjoining residential neighborhoods on the east side of I-95..
Policy LU -1.1.10: The City's land development regulations will encourage high-density residential development and
redevelopment in close proximity to Metrorail and Metromover stations, consistent with the Station Area Design and
Development Plan for each station. (See Transportation Policy TR -1.5.2 and Housing Policy HO -1.1.9,)
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW 7h Avenue Reversible Lane project will adversely affect the creation of high-density residential
development in an area in close proximity to Metrorad Stations. Developers would view the reversible lanes project
as an impediment to development of new housing on NW 7h A venue and east of I-95 because it would make
pedestrian access to the Health District centers of employment difficult and unsafe during peak hours. There is one
such neighborhood, Town Park, which has the potential of becoming an important residential area for employees of
Submitted into the public
record in connection with A-1
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
the Health District that is located east of NW Zh Avenue and 1-95. Reversible lanes could potentially complicate the
pedestrian access to the point where driving the short distance will be safer than walking.
Policy LU -1.1.11: The City hereby adopts designation of the City, excluding Virginia Key, Watson Island and the
uninhabited islands of Biscayne Bay that have a land use and zoning classification of Conservation, as shown on
"Attachment A," as an Urban Infill Area pursuant to Miami -Dade County's designation of an Urban Infill Area lying
generally east of the Palmetto Expressway and including all of the City of Miami. Within this area, the concentration
and intensification of development around centers of activity shall be emphasized with the goals of enhancing the
livability of residential neighborhoods and the viability of commercial areas. Priority will be given to infill development
on vacant parcels, adaptive reuse of underutilized land and structures, and the redevelopment of substandard sites.
Maintenance of transportation levels of service within this designated Urban Infill Transportation Concurrency
Exception Area shall be in accordance with the adopted Transportation Corridors level of service standards set forth
in Policies TR -1.1.2 and 1.1.3 of the Transportation Element of the MCNP.
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW Zh Avenue Reversible Lane project will stymie the goal of enhancing livability in this urban infill
area. The City of Miami and the stakeholders in the area have been working diligently to create a liveable
neighborhood in this important center of activity. The NW Zh Avenue corridor from NW ZOh Street to NW I fh Street
has a stock of underutilized land and structures which are being programmed for major redevelopment which will
result in the creation of s/gnlflcant new jobs. This project has the potential to change the nature of the NW ?h
Avenue corridor and create a barrier for easy movement of pedestrians, and adversely affect the initiatives to make
this a liveable neighborhood..
Objective LU -1.2: Promote the redevelopment and revitalization or threatened residential, commercial and
industrial areas.
Policy LU -1.2.3: The City's residential, commercial and industrial revitalization programs will continue to place
highest priority on protecting neighborhoods threatened with declining conditions, second priority to reversing trends
in declining areas, and third priority to removing blighted conditions, and the City will continue its efforts to secure
federal and state aid in developing comprehensive redevelopment programs.
University of Miami Comments:
The Health District is located in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Miami and is designated an Enterprise Zone and
is part of the Empowerment Zone. The area along NW ?h A venue between NW ZOh Street and NW 141h Street has
major development slated for its renewal. Currently this section of NW ?h Area is blighted and its future
revitalization relies on unimpeded connectivity to the Medical Campus which the proposed NW ?h Avenue Reversible
Lanes project threatens by cutting off pedestrian access and changing the character of the corridor from the rest of
the Health District streetscapes . Redevelopment of areas east of NW ?h Avenue will be more successful if they are
fully integrated with the remainder of the Medical Campus. The basis for potential in vestment in de velopments such
as the Life Science Center by both the private and public sector can be best secured by a total integration of the
property east of NW 71, A venue into the Health District.
Objective LU -1.3: The City will continue to encourage commercial, office and industrial development within
existing commercial, office and industrial areas; increase the utilization and enhance the physical character
and appearance of existing buildings; and concentrate new commercial and industrial activity in areas where
the capacity of existing public facilities can meet or exceed the minimum standards for Level of Service
(LOS) adopted in the Capital Improvement Element (CIE).
Policy LU -1.3.5: The City will continue to promote through land development regulations, the creation of high
intensity activity centers which may be characterized by mixed-use and specialty center development.
Submitted into the public A-2
record in connection with
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
University of Miami Comments:
The University of Miami is in engaged Ina major development plan for a 1.4M SF Life Science Park on a 78 acre site
east of NW ?h A venue between NW 20^ Street and NW 161h Street. The proposed Life Science Park will establish
our City as a major bioscience business area. This mixed use development will provide the community with many
new, high paying jobs and will become the impetus for spinoff development in the adjacent area to further enhance a
high activity center along this corridor. The proposed NW ?h Avenue Reversible Lanes project threatens the viability
of this project by discouraging pedestrian access across NW ?h Avenue during peak hours and may adversely
impact the success of retail and mixed-use development.
Policy LU -1.3.7: The City will continue to use the City's Enterprise Zone and Tax Increment Financing district
strategies to stimulate economic revitalization, and encourage employment opportunities.
University of Miami Comments:
The NW 7h A venue corridor between NW 20^ Street and NW 141^ Street is in the Empowerment Zone and the
Enterprise Zone and enables private development to enjoy the economic incentives when investing in facilities in this
area. The proposed Life Science Park will most likely be developed in part with private development dollars. The
reversible lanes project may affect the development communities' interest in this project because the quality of the
street life and its adaptability to retail and other neighborhood enhancements may be thwarted by the appearance of
another 'expressway" at its front door during peak hours. The site would appear to be wedged between two
expressways since 1-95 borders the site to the east.
Policy LU -1.3.9: The City will continue to concentrate Community Development efforts in small geographic areas
that have special opportunities and/or potential for redevelopment such as the Little Haiti commercial district, Latin
Quarter, Little River Industrial District, Southeast Overtown/Park West, the Garment District, Allapattah Industrial
District and Downtown Flagler Street, consistent with implementation of small -area action plans that have the support
of neighborhood residents and business owners.
University of Miami Comments:
The City of Miami has concentrated significant attention and resources on the revitalization of the Health District
area, and has fostered the redevelopment of this section of Allapattah in a number of ways including the following;
rezoning the area to promote healthcare and research development, funding consultants to study circulator and tram
routes to provide easy access to the area from mass transit and parking garages; and funding design consultants to
prepare streetscape, signage and gateway designs for the area. In addition, the City of Miami has provided $ IOM in
seed money for Phase/ streetscape implementation. The proposed NW 7h Avenue Reversible Lanes project
adversely affects opportunities for redevelopment along the NW 7h Avenue corridor, and in particular, the proposed
streetscape designs recommends a landscaped median strip along NW 7h Avenue between NW 20^ Street and NW
141^ Street The Miami Partnership, chaired by Mayor Manny Diaz and UM President Donna Sha/ala, have
coordinated all stakeholders in the area into a cohesive neighborhood group that supports the planned revitalization
projects.
Policy LU -1.3.14: The City will continue to enforce urban design guidelines for public and private projects,
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW ?h Avenue Reversib/e Lane project does not conform to urban design guidelines that promote
emphasis on how buildings intersect with streets by incorporating arcades and retail to enliven the quality of the
street character. The proposed Reversible Lanes project is simply a milling, signal and signage project and does not
enhance the streetscapes or provide any amenities to the area. The proposed project allows vehicles to flow easily
through the area, but does not take into consideration the pedestrian and bicycle access to link the campus with the
important new development contemplated for this urban corridor.
Submitted into the public A-3
record in connection with
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk _
Policy LU -1.6.5: The City may continue to use special district designations as a land development regulation
instrument for the purpose of accomplishing specific development objectives in particular areas of the city.
University of Miami Comments:
The City of Miami has Identified this area as a special district with its own zoning overlay to encourage development
of healthcare and research activities. The City of Miami understands the development objectives of the University of
Miami and the other Health District stakeholders and works with the district to ensure revitalization efforts will be
implemented. The proposed neighborhood revitalization plan and potential development will afford the creation of
1,000'5 ofnewjobs for the community. The proposed NW T^ Avenue Reversible Lanes project adversely affects
those initiatives.
Policy LU -1.6.6: The City will continue to enforce signage regulations to ensure the quality of life in the city's
neighborhoods.
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW 71, Avenue Reversible Lanes project will introduce industrial size, gantry signage to the corridor
which adversely affects the quality of life in this neighborhood and does not relate to the type and quality of
neighborhood signage being recommended by the City's design consultants.
Policy LU -1.6.10: The City's land development regulations and policies will allow for the provision of safe and
convenient on-site traffic flow and vehicle parking.
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW 7h Avenue Reversible Lanes project will not provide safe and convenient on-site parking during
peak hours. The elimination of on -street parking during peak hours will cause confusion along the corridor and inhibit
access to the Life Science Park complex and other facilities during important times of day.
HOUSING
Goal HO -1: Increase the supply of safe, affordable and sanitary housing for low and moderate income
households and the elderly by alleviating shortages of low and moderate income housing, rehabilitating
older homes, maintaining, and revitalizing residential neighborhoods.
Objective HO -1.1: Provide a local regulatory, investment, and neighborhood environment that will assist the
private sector in increasing the stock of affordable housing within the city at least 10 percent by 2005.
Policy HO -1.1.1 The City will continue to develop comprehensive neighborhood redevelopment plans and programs
that encourage private developers to build new, or rehabilitate old, residential structures and ensure that public
investments are coordinated with private sector developments to increase the overall attractiveness of redeveloping
neighborhoods.
University of Miami Comments:
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine employs over 8, 000 of the 27, 000 area -wide employees /n the
Health District. Most of the employees live over 20 miles away from their workplace and would prefer to live closer to
work. The University has encouraged private developers to construct new residential projects /n the area to better
serve its employees. One community in particular, Town Park, located east of 1-95, is converting aging HUD
housing into condominium units. This neighborhood is /n walking distance to the Medical Campus, where many of
the residents work. The pedestrian access from Town Park to the Health District requires a resident to cross under l
95 along NW 17h Street and across NW 7h Avenue. The proposed reversible lanes project would not provide a safe
or pleasant walk to the Medical Campus, and may inhibit that route to be used by pedestrians and impede future
residential development east of the Health District.
Submitted into the public
A-4
record in connection with
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
�- - -- — - City Clerk __.-- - -
Policy HO -1.1.5: The City will continue to enforce, and where necessary strengthen those sections of the land
development regulations that are intended to preserve and enhance the general appearance and character of the
city's neighborhoods.
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW 7h Avenue Reversible Lanes project will adversely affect the enhancement and neighborhood
character of the NW 7h A venue corridor. Instead of strengthening the general appearance and character of the
neighborhood, this project will alter the appearance of the corridor between NW 20h Street and NW 141h Street and
create a more industrial looking streetscape with large gantry signage that will nor conform to the character of the
proposed streetscape and signage improvements throughout the district.
Policy HO -1.1.8: Through the land development regulations, the City will protect and enhance existing viable
neighborhoods in those areas suitable for housing.
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW 7h Avenue Reversible Lanes project will not protect and enhance the Health District, a viable
neighborhood with areas suitable for housing. The character of the neighborhood will be adversely affected by the
industrial type signage proposed for NW 71, A venue. The proposed project will impede pedestrian access across NW
7h A venue during peak hours and discourage residents in adjoining neighborhoods to walk or bicycle to work. One of
the attractions for developers to locate residential developments near this high employment area is proximity to an
area where residents could walk to work,
Policy HO -1.1.9: The City's land development regulations will encourage high-density residential development and
redevelopment in close proximity to Metrorail and Metromover stations, consistent with the Station Area Design and
Development Plan for each station. (See Land Use Policy LU -1.1.10 and Transportation Policy TR -1.5.2.)
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW 7h Avenue Reversible Lane project will adversely affect the creation of high-density residential
development in an area in close proximity to Metrorad Stations. Developers would view the corridor between NW20h
Street and NW 141h Street as not conducive for residential development because residents would not have pedestrian
friendly routes to the Health District workplaces during peak hours.
Objective HO -1.2: Conserve the present stock of low and moderate -income housing within the city and
reduce the number of substandard units through rehabilitation, reduce the number of unsafe structures
through demolition, and insure the preservation of historically significant housing through identification and
designation.
Policy HO -1.2.7: The City will continue to enforce, and where necessary, strengthen those sections of the zoning
ordinance that are intended to preserve enhance the general appearance and character of the city's neighborhoods.
University of Miami Comments:
The City of Miami has embarked on the Miami 21 rezoning project for the entire City. The City of Miami intended to
incorporate the proposed streetscape design guidelines, that are currently being developed by a City -sponsored
contract, into the Miami 21 rezoning of the Health District area. The proposed NW 7h Avenue Reversible Lane
project adversely affects the implementation of a landscaped median that is part of the recommended streetscape
design for the portion of NW 7h A venue from NW 20h Street to NW 141h Street.,
Objective HO -1.4: The City will continue to participate in a regional effort to provide adequate shelter for the
homeless.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with A-5
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Policy HO -1.4.1: The City, along with Miami -Dade County, Broward County, the major municipalities of the region,
the South Florida Regional Planning Council, and the State Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services will
participate in the development of a coordinated plan to address the problem of homelessness in South Florida.
University of Miami Comments:
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, as part of its mission, provides healthcare to the homeless
population in Miami. The University of Miami worked closely with the City of Miami, and through a land swap,
enabled the future Camillus House project to be located directly south of the proposed site for the L ife Science Park
along NW 7h Avenue. The University supports Camillus House s mission and its relocation to the Health District,
Policy HO -1.4.6: The City will provide regulations for, and permit the siting of, homeless shelters within its land
development regulations and take appropriate measures to prevent a net loss of shelter capacity.
University of Miami Comments:
The University of Miami worked with the City of Miami to site the new Camillus House Shelter in the Health District
area. The site for the new shelter is directly south of the proposed Life Science Center. The proposed NW 7'h
Avenue Reversible Lane project will bifurcate the Life Science Center and the Camillus House from the rest of the
Health District during peak hours and isolate the east side of NW 7h Avenue.
TRANSPORTATION
Goal TR -1: Maintain an effective and cost efficient traffic circulation network within the City of Miami that
provides transportation for all persons and facilitates commercial activity, and which is consistent with, and
furthers, neighborhood plans, supports economic development conserves energy, and protects and
enhances the natural environment.
Policy TR -1.1.1: The City hereby adopts designation of the City, excluding Virginia Key, Watson Island and the
uninhabited islands of Biscayne Bay that have a land use and zoning classification of Conservation, as an Urban Infill
Area pursuant to Miami -Dade County's designation of an Urban Infill Area lying generally east of the Palmetto
Expressway and including all of the City of Miami. Within this area, the concentration and intensification of
development around centers of activity shall be emphasized with the goals of enhancing the livability of residential
neighborhoods and the viability of commercial areas. Priority will be given to infill development on vacant parcels,
adaptive reuse of underutilized land and structures, and the redevelopment of substandard sites. Maintenance of
transportation levels of service within this designated Urban Infill Transportation Concurrency Exception Area shall be
in accordance with the adopted Transportation Corridors level of service standards set forth in Policies TR -1.1.2 and
TR -1.1.3 of the Transportation Element of the MCNP. (See Land Use Policy LU -1.1.11.)
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW 7h Avenue Reversible Lane project will adversety affect the goals of enhancing the livability of
residential neighborhoods and the viability of new commercial areas because the pedestrian access across NW Th
Avenue during peak hours will be compromised and make it an unsafe and unappealing route for pedestrians. The
NW Th Avenue corridor between NW 2017Street and NW 14117Street provides an opportunity to redevelop vacant
parcels and affect reuse of underutilized land and redevelopment of substandard sites, however this project
threatens the viability of such commercial ventures..
Policy TR -1.1.5: The City, through its membership and regular attendance at meetings of the MPO's Transportation
Planning Council (TPC), and through its Intergovernmental Coordination Policies, will support the County's efforts to
increase the efficiency and enhance the safety of the existing thoroughfare network by such methods as improved
signal timing, better intersection and street design, car pooling, and encouraging staggered work schedules
/-- - -- _- - - - -
Submitted into the public
record in connection with A-6
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk J
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW 7h Avenue Reversible Lane Project adversely affects the street design of NW 7h Avenue between
NW 20h Street to NW 141h Street, and would prohibit the implementation of the proposed landscaped median to
make the corridor more attractive and to enhance the character of the neighborhood.
Policy TR -1.1.6: The City, through its Intergovernmental Coordination Policies, will annually coordiriate with Miami -
Dade County on expansion of its public bus transit system, including the expansion of neighborhood -based local
circulator services. The City will work with Miami -Dade County, as required, in the formulation of bus system policies,
and continually encourage Miami -Dade County to adopt level of service standards or land use patterns that are
compatible with the operation of a public transit system.
University of Miami Comments:
The City of Miami funded a study for a Health District circulator and proposed a route that would include NW 7h
Avenue from NW 19h Street to NW 2011 Street. This proposed two-way circulator would transport visitors and
employees from mass transit stations and parking garages to destinations in the Health District. The NW 7h Avenue
Reversible Lane project would adversely affect the operation of the circulator during the most important hours of
operation. The circulator route would require left turns at NW 20h Street and NW l sh Street and the reversible lane
project would interfere with its operation. This Health District circulator project has received funding from FDOT with
City of Miami matching funds, and could become operational during the summer 2008. The reversible lane project
could jeopardize the operation and funding of this much needed neighborhood transportation enhancement,
Policy TR -1.1.12: The City will, through its membership and regular attendance at meetings of the MPO's
Transportation Planning Council and through its Intergovernmental Coordination Policies, encourage Miami -Dade
County to improve downtown connections to the expressway system by: providing a means of access to and from I-
95 at Northwest 20th Street, redesigning the existing 1-395 to improve its aesthetics in the vicinity of Biscayne
Boulevard and facilitate access to Northeast 1s' and 2nd Avenues, and constructing a truck tunnel connecting the
seaport to 1-395.
University of Miami Comments:
The University of Miami supports this policy that advocates providing a means of access to and from I-95 at NW 20h
Street. The proposed NW 7h Avenue Reversible Lane project, if continued south of NW 20h Street, would prohibit
the implementation of the City's policy to create anew access point at NW 20h Street to and from I-95. This new
access ramp would offer efficient access to the Health District and ease congestion at the 121h.Avenue and 141h
Street exits off SR 836. Emergency vehicles, employees and visitors to such institutions as Lindsey Hopkins
Technical Education Center, Miami Dade College Medical Campus, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Ryder Trauma
Center, the Veterans Medical Center proposed Life Science Park and existing retail development along NW 20h
Street would be well served by this proposed NW 201 Street exit ramp.
Objective TR -1.4: The City's street network will be utilized to protect and enhance the character of the city's
residential neighborhoods and neighborhood commercial centers through coordination with the Land Use
Plan and adopted Neighborhood plans and recommendations. Prior to the 2005 EAR, the Transportation
Element will be amended to reflect proposed measures for neighborhood protection and enhancement such
as neighborhood traffic management and traffic calming plans.
Policy TR -1.4.1: The City will seek cooperative agreements, as necessary, with Miami -Dade County to ensure that
the County's transportation improvements: are designed to minimize the intrusion of commuter traffic on City
residential streets, do not sever or fragment well-defined neighborhoods, do not result in major disruption to
pedestrian traffic, and encourage local traffic to use alternatives to the Florida Intrastate Highway System roadways,
where practicable, to protect its interregional and intrastate functions.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with A-7
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW ?h Avenue Reversible Lane project will not minimize intrusion of commuter traffic. Rather this
project is designed to introduce more commuter traffic through the Health District area. In addition, the proposed
project will sever the property east of NW 7h Avenue from the rest of the Medical School campus and Health District
area during peak hours. It will also cause a major disruption in pedestrian traffic during the most important
commuting time during peak hours.
Policy TR -1.4.2: The City will develop a streetscape design program that will guide landscaping, lighting and
construction of sidewalks and bicycle paths along city streets, and such improvements will be coordinated with major
repairs and renovation of city streets.
University of Miami Comments:
The City of Miami contracted designers to create streetscape design guidelines for the Health District. These design
guidelines will become the standard for the area. The proposed NW 71h Avenue Reversible Lane project prohibits the
implementation of these design guidelines that recommend a landscaped median along this corridor between NW
20h Street and NW 191h Street.
Policy TR -1.5.3: The City shall use its land development regulations to assist the University of Miami/Jackson
Memorial Hospital in meeting the demands of Civic Center expansion and helping solve the consequent accessibility
and parking problems and, through its membership on the Board of Directors of the Civic Center Transportation
Management Organization (CCTMO), shall encourage the Civic Center facility operators to increase Metrorail
ridership and utilization of the transit station to help decrease the need for excessive surface parking demand in the
Civic Center.
University of Miami Comments:
The City of Miami funded a study for a proposed Health District circulator /n an effort to increase Metrorail ridership
and decrease surface parking needs in the area. The proposed NW 71h Avenue Reversible Lane project adversely
affects the operation of the two-way circulator and may interfere with its operation particularly when the circulator
needs to make left turns on NW 71h Avenue during peak hours. The circulator has been funded by FDOT and City of
Miami and may begin operating In summer 2008
Policy TR -1.5.10: Through application of the provisions of its land development regulations, the City shall encourage
residential development near large employment centers in order to minimize Commutes within the City and near the
large employment centers. The City shall continue to update the land development regulations, as necessary, to
ensure the regulations promote residential development near large employment centers and investigate opportunities
for mixed-use developments.
University of Miami Comments:
The proposed NW 71h Avenue Reversible Lane project will impede pedestrian access across NW ?h Avenue during
peak hours and discourage residents In adjoining neighborhoods to walk or bicycle to work. One of the attractions for
developers to locate residential developments near this high employment area /s the proximity to the area and the
ability to offer residents a short, less expensive and time-consuming commute.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with A-8
item PZ.8 on 10-22-09
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk