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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMiami River Commission Minutes (6.5.06)Miami River Commission Meeting Minutes June 5, 2006 Ms. Irela Bague, Chair of the Miami River Commission (MRC), convened the MRC meeting at noon, Monday, June 5, 2006, Robert King High, 1407 NW 7111 Street, New Board Room, Miami, Florida. Miami River Commission Policy Committee Members and/or Designees attending: Ire1a Bogue, Chair of the Miami River Commission Phil Everingham, Vice -Chair of the Miami River Commission Bruno Barreiro, Miami -Dade Commissioner (arrived during agenda item III.) Steve Wright, Designee for City of Miami Commissioner Joe Sanchez (arrived during agenda item III.) Sallye Jude, Neighborhood Representative, appointed by County Commission Charles "Bud" Morton, Miami River Marine Group Megan Kelly, designee for Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Dana Nottingham, Downtown Development Authority Captain Beau Payne, Designee for Chair of the Miami River Marine Group Dr. Ernie Martin, Neighborhood Representative, appointed by City Commission Manny Prieguez, Member -at -Large, appointed by City Commission Robert Ruano, Designee for City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz Carmen Polanco, Designee for Ms. Sara Babun MRC Staff: Brett Bibeau, Managing Director Ashley Chase, Assistant Managing Director Others attending interested in the River: Greg Kyle, Kimley-Horn Maria Anaya, Kimley-Horn Stewart Robertson, Kimley-Horn Mario Garcia -Serra, Greenberg, Traurig Jodel Narcisse, Molina & Narcisse Jim Murley, Florida Atlantic University Lavinia Freeman, Trust for Public Land David Henderson, Metropolitan Planning Organization Tim McIntosh, Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) Dorian Valdes, DERM Susan Markley, DERM Evan Skornick, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Kristin Feldman, SFWMD Lucia Perez, SFWMD Robert Weinreb, City of Miami Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group Jeffrey Hooper, AME Shipping Michael Saenz, Air Marine Terminal Miami River Commission June 5, 2006 Meeting Minutes Page 2 Mark Bailey, Merrill Stevens Alma. Llinas, Keyes Realty Dan Ricker, The Watchdog Report Cristobal Lanter, Marcus & Millichap Pedro Villa, Marcus & Millichap Denise David 1. MRC Chair Report — Chair Bague stated she was pleased to announce that two MRC members have appointing their new MRC designees in writing, whom have the right to vote in their absence. On behalf of the MRC, Chair Bague warmly welcomed Robert Ruano, whom is taking Otto I3oudet Murias' vacated seat as designee for Mayor Diaz, and Carmen Polanco, whom is taking Mr. Eddie Rodriguez's vacated seat as designee for Ms. Sara Babun. Chair Bague entertained a motion to approve the MRC's April 3 and May 1, 2006 Meeting Minutes. Vice -Chair Phil Everingham moved to approve the MRC's April 3 and May 1, 2006 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Ms. Sallye June and unanimously adopted. Chair Bague noted the MRC Executive Committee had approved a contract with Broadcast Quality to create a 30 second "Miami River Works for Me" Public Service Announcement in English, Spanish, and Creole. Upon its completion, Chair Bague stated that local stations would be contacted to air the PSA. In addition, Chair Bague noted that Ms. Ashley Chase, MRC Assistant Managing Director, had met with WKAT representatives, whom are interested in producing a "Miami River Works for Me" radio PSA, and a new 1/4 hour Miami River documentary. Chair Bague reminded the MRC board and meeting attendees of the rescheduled upcoming MRC meetings. Due to the Fourth of July Holiday, the .MR.C's July meeting will be pushed to the second Monday in July, which is July 10, and due to a large agenda, the meeting will start at 1 1:30 AM. Chair Bague noted the MRC', will not meet in August, and due to the Labor Day Holiday, the MRC will meet on the second Monday in September as well, which is on September 1.1. The MRC will recommence its regular lst Monday of the Month, noon, meeting schedule on October 2, 2006, and all MRC meetings, which are open to the public, continue to be held at 1407 NW 7 ST, in the Miami -Dade County Housing Agency's New Board Room. Mr. Simon Ferro, Greenberg Traurig, representing the potential developer of the proposed "Miami River Rapids" development, stated he had another hearing later that afternoon, therefore respectfully requested to switch the order of his agenda item III with Agenda Item II. No objections were stated to switching the order of agenda items II and III, therefore the MRC agreed to Mr. Ferro's request, and asked him to proceed with his presentation. PUBLIC DOCUMENT Miami River Commission June 5, 2006 Meeting Minutes Page 3 III. Presentation Regarding Proposed "Miami River Rapids," 1850 Delaware Parkway - Mr. Simon Ferro, Greenberg Traurig, presented a proposed mixed -use development, "Miami River Rapids," which requires a Major Use Special Permit, including a land use and zoning amendment to certain parcels within the site from Liberal Commercial (C2), Office (0) and Single Family Residential (RD, to Restricted Commercial (CI). Mr. Ferro stated the current C2 zoning has a 120-foot maximum building height, therefore the zoning amendment is being sought to C1, which has unlimited building heights. Mr. Ferro introduced the proposed project's architect Mr. Javier Font, Behar, Font & Associates, and noted he would be available to address any questions. Mr. Ferro noted the proposed development consists of 1,590 residential units in four buildings, 12 stories each, and 5,500 square -feet of commercial space. The 12 acre site is located west of the NW 27th Avenue Bridge's south side. Mr. Ferro noted that 9 'A acres would be re -zoned to CI, while the remaining 2 1/2 acres currently zoned C2 would remain as such. Mr. Ferro added the existing adjacent trailer park is currently not included in the proposed building site. Mr. Ferro noted the .four buildings' parking structures would be lined on all sides with residential or retail spaces. To accommodate vehicular traffic in the area, Mr. Ferro noted each building would have two vehicle access points. In an effort to animate the space and increase public access, Mr. Font stated the developer wished to create two pedestrian bridges over the remains of the Miami River Rapids at the end of the North Fork, connecting a 20-foot wide publicly accessible Greenway along the south side of the Miami River Rapids remains into the historic Miami River Rapids Park. In addition, Mr. Ferro added the developer would like to work with the City on cleaning & beautifying the Miami River Rapids remains, which is filled with debris, in order to transform it into an amenity and attraction. Mr. Ferro stated the property boundary between the City of Miami's Miami River Rapids Park to the north, and the proposed development site to the south, is the middle of the North Fork, therefore the southern half of the Miami River Rapids area is owned by the potential developer, while the northern half of the Miami. River Rapids remains is owned by the City of Miami. Mr. Ferro noted the project had received favorable reviews from the City of 'Miami Zoning Board, Planning and Zoning Department, Urban Design Review Board, as well as the MRC's Urban infill Working Group Subcommittee. Mr. Ferro stated the item will be deferred at the July Planning Advisory Board meeting, and will eventuallybe considered by the City Commission. Mr. Ferro noted the developer had previously met with the area's neighbors. Mr. Dana Nottingham, MRC, asked if the project's proposed Greenway, as well as the Miami River Rapids Park, would be publicly accessible. Mr. Ferro replied that the proposed development includes a publicly accessible pedestrian path within the 25 foot setback along the North Fork's southern shoreline. In addition, two proposed publicly accessible pedestrian bridges will proceed over the 'Miami River Rapids historical remains, connecting the publicly accessible pedestrian path into Miami River Rapids Park, which is located on the North Fork's northern shoreline. Mr. Ferro added that the proposed project also consists of covered arcades running between each of the four PUBLIC DOCUMENT 'Miami River Commission June 5, 2006 Meeting Minutes Page 4 buildings, which will proceed along the Delaware Parkway and connect to the publicly accessible Greenway. Mr. Nottingham asked if the park is well -maintained, and Mr. Ferro replied that though it has been somewhat forgotten over time, it is currently in good condition. Mr. Nottingham asked for the project's construction timeline, and Mr. Ferro responded he anticipated development between the next 3-5 years. Mr. Nottingham asked about residential unit prices, and Mr. Font replied that the project is considered "workforce housing" with two - bedroom units starting in the mid $200,000 range. Ms. Sallye Jude, MRC, asked if the developer would beautify the surrounding streets, and Mr. Font replied that the developer planned to repave the proposed project's surrounding streets, as well as create covered arcades. Mr. Robert Ruano asked if the project's proposed Greenway and paved streets would be accessible to the public at all times, and Mr. Font replied yes. Chair Bague asked for examples of businesses the developer hoped to attract to the project's commercial space, and Mr. Font responded that although he was not sure as of yet, the developer preferred small, "mom -and -pop -type stores," dry cleaners, etc. Chair Bague asked if the project's parking structure would be open to the public, and Mr. Font replied it would not, since the developer wanted to encourage a walkable community in and around the project's parameter. Mr. Font added that parallel parking currently exists along the street. Mr. Charles "Bud" Morton asked if a traffic study had been conducted, and Mr. Ferro replied that a traffic analysis had been conducted as part of the project's MUSP process. Mr. Ferro added the analysis received a positive recommendation from the City, as it indicated a good distribution of traffic. Chairperson Bague asked Mr. Jim Murley, Chair of the MRC's Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG), to state his findings of the proposed project. Mr. Murley referred to the UIWG's May 9, 2006 minutes and "Technical Review Report". Mr. Murley noted that, according to the Plan, the area is "appropriate for mixed -use development oriented toward celebrating and enhancing the historic and archaeological Miami River Rapids Park site" (pages 39-40). As the proposed "Miami River Rapids" residential development includes a publicly accessible pedestrian path featuring pedestrian bridges leading into the Miami River Rapids Park, and plans to improve the Miami River Rapids remains, Mr. Murley recommended the MRC find it consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, subject to including a covenant guaranteeing public access to the pedestrian paths and adjacent park area, private / public improvements to the Miami River Rapids remains, a historical marker for the Miami River Rapids, and a "working river" disclosure be included in the condo documents. Mr. Ferro explained that as part of the MUSP process, the developer submitted a covenant, binding him to the proposed project's site plan, which guarantees public access along the Greenway and its pedestrian bridges leading into City owned Miami River PUBLIC DOCUMENT Miami River Commission June 5, 2006 Meeting Minutes Page 5 Rapids Park. Mr. Ferro added that the developer, per the UIWG's recommendation at the May 9 meeting, agreed to install a historical marker on the project's proposed site, commemorating the adjacent remains of the Miami River Rapids. Chair 1.3agtie stated the MRC has requested that developers include in their potential condo documents a "working river" disclosure, acknowledging that the site is adjacent to a working river with numerous marine industrial businesses, therefore its residents will occasionally be exposed to its ambient noise (bridge horns, etc.). Mr. Ferro replied the developer was currently considering the working river disclosure condition. Mr. Ferro added he did not foresee any noise issues, since the proposed development is in a fairly isolated area. Mr. Ruano asked if the developer planned to clean up & beautify the North Fork, and Mr. Ferro replied he was currently unsure as to what responsibilities that would entail. Mr. Ferro stated, however, that the developer wished to remove as much litter and exotic vegetation as possible. Mr. Murley suggested that the MRC's Stormwater Subcommittee examine the area in an effort to engage the public in community clean-ups. Mr. Ruano asked if the proposed project contains areas for green space, and Mr. Font responded that the proposed project's plans include the publicly accessible greenbelt running along the front and back of the property and along its streets. Captain Beau Payne expressed concern over increased traffic congestion within the area, especially along NW 27th Avenue. Mr. Ferro restated that the City had found the traffic analysis favorable. Mr. Jeffrey Hooper, AME Shipping, stated the site is located in the "Upper River" which is predominately marine industrial, therefore the proposed 1,560 residential unit development was inconsistent with the surrounding area and Miami River Corridor Urban 1011 Plan. Mr. Ferro replied the site doesn't have direct river access, isn't zoned marine industrial, and has never had a marine industrial business. Mr. Hooper asked if the MRC had received any "working river" disclosure forms from any Miami River developers, and Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, replied the MRC had written to request the previously proffered disclosure forms, and were awaiting their receipt. Mr. Hooper then suggested that the MRC withhold its vote on proposed future projects until the receipt of such documentation. Mr. Bibeau explained some of the MRC's previous advisory recommendations contained conditions, including but not limited to including the recommended marine industrial disclosure. Ms. Lavinia 'Freeman, The Trust for Public Land, asked if the developer would consider becoming a long-time steward of the Miami River Rapids Park to ensure its maintenance and enhance the area's quality of life. Mr. Ferro replied the residents will be paying taxes to the City of Miami, whom should maintain their adjacent City owned publicly accessible park, yet the developers will consider a one time improvement in partnership with the City of Miami to the Miami River Rapids Park and remains. Captain Payne asked if the residents of the adjacent trailer park had voiced any concerns over the proposed project, and Mr. Ferro replied that the developer had met with them on PUBLIC DOCUMENT Miami River Commission June 5, 2006 Meeting Minutes Page 6 May 9 to address any and all questions and concerns. Mr. Ferro added that no one from the aforementioned neighborhood had attended the City of Miami's recent Zoning Board hearing to voice opposition to the project. Captain Payne asked about the developer's phasing plans for the project should the market demand significantly decrease. Mr. Ferro replied that the four proposed buildings will not be built simultaneously, rather be separated into four phases. Manny Prieguez stated he was a minority partner with the proposed developer on a project in SW Miami -Dade, therefore would abstain from voting due to any potential perception of a conflict of interest. Mr. Charles Morton made a motion finding "Miami River Rapids" consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, subject to the developer agreeing to a covenant on the property guaranteeing public access to the proposed pedestrian paths, pedestrian bridges, and adjacent Miami River Rapids Park area; private / public improvements to the Miami River Rapids remains; provide a historical marker identifying the site of the river's former rapids; and include "working river" disclosure in the condo documents. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bruno Barreiro and passed unanimously. II. Presentation Regarding Proposed "Miami River Place" Residential Development at 710-720 North River Drive - Mr. Mario Garcia -Serra, Greenberg Traurig, representing the proposed "Miami River Place" residential development at 710-720 NW North River Drive, informed the MRC that, per the request of the MRC's Urban Infill Working Group on April 1.2, 2006 and Executive Committee, the developer and architects of the project had met with the Spring Garden Civic Association (SGCA) in early May and on June 1 to address concerns prior to the MRC's June 5 meeting. Mr. Garcia -Serra stated the proposed "Miami River Place" development features 19 residential units in a 5-story building with roof -top terraces, and the developer agreed to increase the number of parking spaces from 35 to 39. Mr. Garcia -Serra noted the SGCA had voiced concern over the construction timeline and design, and dissatisfaction with the area's current zoning. Mr. Garcia -Serra noted that the proposed project is greatly under the maximum density and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) permitted under its current Residential (R-3) zoning. Mr. Garcia -Serra noted the developer agreed to all of the .MRC Urban Infill Working Group's (UIWG) April 12 recommendations, which included: meeting with the Spring Garden Civic Association (SGCA), guaranteeing public access to the proposed pedestrian paths / riverwalk, and including in their potential condo documents a "working river" disclosure, acknowledging that the site is adjacent to a working river with numerous marine industrial businesses, therefore its residents will occasionally be exposed to its ambient noise (bridge horns, etc.). Mr. Garcia -Serra added he and the developer would continue to meet with the SGCA to reach a compromise regarding construction schedules. On behalf of developers Ward International Trading Company, L.I. Mr. Mario Garcia - Serra, Greenberg Traurig, introduced architects Mr. Jodel Narcisse, Molina and Narcisse, PUBLIC DOCUMENT