HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Support LettersSubmitted Into the public
recoi in connection with
item r 1-i5-'-iio on I Z- I9. 01
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Cleric
1
October 1, 2007
Members of the City Commission of the City of Miami
Members of the Planning Advisory Board and
Members of the Zoning Board
RE: Land Use Change for approx. 7300 NE 6'h Court
File ID No. 07-011521u
Dear Members:
On behalf of the MiMo District, please accept this letter as our support for the application
before you for a re -zoning and land use amendment of a portion of the property from R-3
to C-1 for the historic Vagabond Motel site. We are supportive of the adaptive re -use for
the existing motel property and encourage the boards approval of said land use change in
order to facilitate the adaptive uses of this site.
Since the motel use is an illegal use under the property's current zoning designations, not
to permit an adaptive re -use would encourage the demolition of the existing historically
significant building.
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Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
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Belle Meade Homeowners Association, Inc.
September 25, 2007
Chairperson Arva Moore Parks
City of Miami Planning Advisory Board
Office of Hearing Boards
444 SW 2"d Avenue
Miami. Fl 33130
RE: FILE ID 07-011521u — LAND USE CHANGE FOR 7300 NE 6-ni COURT
Dear Ms. Parks:
Please accept this letter as support for this item to be heard at the PAB meeting scheduled
for October 3, 2007, from the Belle Meade Homeowners Association..
We are very supportive of ministerial changes required to allow and permit the adaptive
re -use of the historic motels within the MiMo Historic District
That being said, we have two concerns for which we would appreciate Board
consideration: 1) We do not want to see an increase in traffic on NE 6th Court as a result
of this change — the east side of 6t Court is single family residential, and 2) we do not
want there to be business access or deliveries performed at the rear of the Vagabond on
6th Court — all deliveries and access to businesses should be from Biscayne Boulevard.
Thank you for considering our position.
Sincerely,
Margaret Tynan, President
Belle Meade Homeowners Association
MT; fkr
cc: Belle Meade HOA Board Members
Mr. Eric Silverman, Owner/Operator, Vagabond Motel
Submitted Into the public'
recor n connection
item 15 !to on 12 0- 7
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
781 Northeast 76th Street • Miami, Florida 33138.
305 759. 3848
MIMO B SCAVNE ASSOCIATION, INC.
September 24, 2007
To whom it may concern:
RE: FILE ID 07-01152Iu — LAND USE CHANGE FOR 7300 NE 6111 COURT
Please be advised that the MiMo Biscayne Association favors the approval of this change for
Mr. Silverman and the Vagabond Motel property. This is an important step forward for the
revitalization of the MiMo Biscayne Boulevard Historic District. Mr, Silverman is doing
exactly what needs to be done to change the use of the motel rooms into boutiques, salons,
offices, etc.
Please support thischange to Cl.
Frances C. Rollas n
President
6,84$ t . 74' Street %amt. flotilla 341 Vi 4,1.15 7 514..til 44
Submitted Into the public
recorAin connection, With
item v "16-a-110 on 12- I -9_7
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Nitkiwon-1118toiai mut to.t.not arttorg
Elvis Cruz 631 NE 57 Street, Miami, Florida 33137
305 754 1420 ElvisCruz@mac.com
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Dear Planning Advisory Board Members,
I am writing you regarding the proposed the change of zoning of the back half of the
Vagabond Motel property at 73`d Street and Biscayne Boulevard.
I am supportive of Eric Silverman's ambitious project to save the Vagabond Motel building.
As I have been told, this change from R3 to restricted commercial is a requirement for the
Vagabond Motel to go forward with its adaptive reuse, and as such preserve this important
component of the Biscayne Boulevard / MiMo Historic District.
I have read the Planning Department's recommendation of denial, and find the reasons given
to be logical. One of those reasons is the fact that Restricted Commercial also includes high -
density residential, which would be incompatible with the area. I have long pointed out that
egregious flaw in our zoning code - that if a property is zoned to allow even a single story of
commercial use, it is also zoned to allow a residential or office building of unlimited height.
Therefore, I urge the members of the Planning Advisory Board to initiate discussion leading to
the removal of the unlimited height R4 and Office designations from Commercial zoning.
However, in the case of the Vagabond, it would be acceptable if a covenant could be
established that will maintain the height of the building as is, and that the historic district will
also protect the character and scale of the area. On that basis I am supporting this zoning
change and ask you to allow it.
Sincerely,
Elvis Cruz
SUBMITTED INTO THE
PUBLC RECORD FOR
ITEMIs 1e ON12-13 a, ,
Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
From: eric@fashionrealestate.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:29 PM
To: Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
Subject: Fwd: The Vagabond Hotel
Attachments: ATT3033714.htm
\TT3033714.htm (3
KB)
Forwarded message from Nanlieb@aol.com
Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2007 12:07:52 EDT
From: Nanlieb@aol.com
Reply -To: Nanlieb@aol.com
Subject: The Vagabond Hotel
To: agelabertsanchez@ci.miami.fl.us
Cc: eric@fashionrealestate.com
Dear Ms. Sanchez,
I am pleased to write this letter of support for the application that will modify the zoning for the
Vagabond Hotel. I hope you will share my thoughts with the Planning Board this evening when the
application will be reviewed by the Board.
The Vagabond is a premier site in the MiMo Historic District. Unfortunately, the hotel's boundaries
are divided between a residential and commercial district. In order for the Vagabond to move ahead
with its renovations, this discrepancy needs to be amended. The restoration of the Vagabond is
critical as a model for other historic MiMo property owners.
The change in zoning will allow for a compatible addition to the Vagabond in keeping with the
requirements and restrictions of being in an historic district. It will also allow for an adaptive re -use
of the historic building, an important incentive for protected buildings in an historic district.
The City of Miami is in the process of amending Chapter 23 of the Historic Preservation Ordinance to
enable flexible uses for the city's historic buildings. Allowing for adaptive re -use of historic buildings
is an important tool used by property owners in historic buildings across America. Unfortunately,
Chapter 23 has not been yet been adopted. The amended version would alleviate the need for the
Vagabond's application.
I urge the City of Miami Planning Board to vote in favor of the Vagabond application. It will be the
pivitol point in the on -going quest to jumpstart Biscayne Boulevard's Historic MiMo District.
Sincerely, CtIbMitted Into the public
tecociilih connection with
VL —Ilc on adill
A. Thompson
City
1
Nancy Liebman
Member, MiMo Biscayne Association
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com
End forwarded message
SUBMITTED INTO THE
PUBLtC RECORD FOR
ITcM�s_ib Qfd 2-i3 a] .
2
Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
From: eric@fashionrealestate.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 11:35 AM
To: Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
Subject: Fwd: Letter supporting zoning change...
Attachments: ATT8541444. htm
\T78541444.htm (2
KB)
Forwarded message from BESTSALON@aol.com
Date: Mon, io Dec 2007 20:45:56 EST
From: BESTSALON@aol.com
Reply -To: BESTSALON@aol.com
Subject: Letter supporting zoning change...
To: eric@fashionrealestate.com
Cc: gingeri7@bellsouth.net, HEADTEASER@aol.com, RAlexander@ci.miami.fl.us,
jnlongchampsjr@yahoo.com, Abbiejustice@aol.com, mylenec@bellsouth.net,
MariauxyCastillo@aol.com
RE File ID o7-011521u - Land Use Change for 730o NE 6th Court
Commissioners,
As a resident of the Upper Eastside and a board member of the Upper Eastside Preservation
Coalition, I support the approval of a zoning change for the Vagabond Motel that will change the use
from motel rooms into boutiques, salons, offices etc.
As a long term business owner on South Beach, I support the efforts of the MiMo Biscayne
Association in revitalizing our new historic area here in the Upper Eastside. This is an important
beginning in making that dream a reality.
Respectfully Yours,
Jack Spirk
722 NE 81 Street
Miami, FL 33138
305-756-0620
SUBMITTED INTO THE
PUBLIC RECORD FOR
ITEM hz ie ON IL r3-oi .
**************************************See AOL's top rated recipes
(http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004)
End forwarded message
1
Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
From: eric@fashionrealestate.com
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:11 AM
To: Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
Subject: Fwd: supporting rezoning of your Vagabond Property
Attachments: ATT8615376.htm
\TT8615376.htm (2
KB)
Forwarded message from callen@cinemaeast.com
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:27:55 -O5Oo
From: Charles Allen <callen@cinemaeast.com>
Reply -To: Charles Allen <callen@cinemaeast.com>
Subject: supporting rezoning of your Vagabond Property
To: eric@fashionrealestate.com
Eric,
Please include us as supporters of your rezoning request before the Commissioners of the City of
Miami.
Your request is one of the serious steps necessary to improve the economics of Biscayne Boulevard
and change the cycle of decay and stagnation.
Any further delays will not only have serious negative consequences for Biscayne Boulevard but also
all of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Sincerely,
Charles & Susan Allen
5859 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33137
and
7111 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33138
End forwarded message
SUBM!TTED INTO THE
PUBL9 RECORD FOR
1TEMi5i ONjZ07 ,
1
romAavier M. LL MARIE
ice president & managing Partner
Fifty street Investment LLC
Office at the Palm Bay Yacht Club
780 NE 69th street
Suite 509
Miami FL 33138-5744
Dear Zoning Board members,
Miami, December l2 2007
Submitted Into the public
recon connection with
item —16--Koon 11-1 -01
Priscilla A. 'Thompson
City Clerk
My name is Xavier LESMARIE. I own real-estate located at soa-n
Biscayne Boulevard. I am also involve with the MiMo- BiBo association, with
interest leading toward businesses within the MIMO d • boundaries.
Unable to come personatly today to speak before you I took the liberty
to writett* letter of Support to the request of Zoning change of the
VAGABON Building.
Today economics are very different to what they were when the Vagabon
was operated as a Motel . It is up most essential that you allow this
landmark construction to become again economically fit and "alive" .
Our newly form & recognizeillistoric MiMo District is in debt to the
Vagabon. The Visual impact brought by its structure is so powerful that
seeing it for so many years fading Into obscurity was a real shame .
However, it s ins spotlight might be turn on again on this jewel.
You cannot let this opportunity pass without doing the only right thing
command in today's world: Being able, without changing its magnificent
archit re, to welcome people once more.
To achieve this simple goal, as you already agree that Preserving any
significant architecture and design our Citywas bless with/is an absolute
must, is to accept the fact that new use is the only sustainable way to
really preserve history.
Respectfu yours and Happy Holidays
Xavier M. ESMAR1E
Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
From: eric@fashionrealestate.com
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 12:05 PM
To: Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
Subject: Fwd: letters for hearing 12/13
Attachments: vagabond.doc
vaga bond.doc (32
KB)
Forwarded message from jody@coveringsetc.com
Date: Mon, io Dec 2007 10:25:39 -0500
From: Jody Vargas <jody@coveringsetc.com>
Reply -To: Jody Vargas <jody@coveringsetc.com>
Subject: letters for hearing 12/13
To: Eric Silverman <eric@fashionrealestate.com>
Dear Eric,
Attached are letters of support from Ofer and myself. I will drop off hard copies at the end of the day.
Let me know if there is more we can do.
Jody Vargas
Coverings ETC
76io NE 4th Court
Miami FL 33138
End forwarded message
SUBMLTTED INTO THE
PUBL9 RECORD FOR
ITEM.,i5--i-ko _ON izi3 a�
1
December 9, 2007
City of Miami
City Commission
SUBJECT:
FILE ID 07-011521u -
LAND USE CHANGE FOR 7300 NE 6TH COURT
To whom it may concern:
We are unable to attend the hearing scheduled for December
13th, however, may it be known that we are in favor of the
petition Eric Silverman is proposing with regard to his
Vagabond Motel property.
As a resident of the Bayside Historic Neighborhood and a
local business operator in Little River Industrial District, I
am fully aware of the need to revitalize City ordinances,
variances etc. in order to facilitate the revitalization of the
Upper Eastside, MiMo Biscayne Boulevard Historic District.
We support the change to C1.
Thank you,
Jody Vargas
646 NE 70th Street
Miami FL 33138
SUBMITTED INTO THE
PUBUC RECORD FOR
ITEM ON iz i3 of .
December 10, 2007
City of Miami
City Commission
RE: FILE ID 07-01152Iu — LAND USE CHANGE FOR 7300 NE 611" COURT
To Whom It May Concern:
It has come to our attention that Mr Eric Silverman will appear at the hearing
on December 13th, and we send this correspondence to support his efforts, in
lieu of attending in person.
We are in full support of Mr Silverman's efforts to request changes as needed
in order to pursue his endeavors of revitalizing the neighborhood. Change is
good for progress, progress is good for all concerned.
As owner of commercial properties on NE 4th Court, I applaud Mr Silverman's
steadfast reserve, and the time he has invested in pursuing all avenues
necessary as a pioneer in leading the revitalization of the Upper Eastside and
MiMo Biscayne Boulevard Historic Districts for both residents and businesses.
Please note our approval of the proposed change as referenced above.
Sincerely,
Ofer Mizrahi
Q Properties
7610 NE 4th Court
Miami FL 33138
SUBMITTED INTO THE
PUBLIC RECORD FOR
ITEM t* ON iz 6 .
Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
From: eric@fashionrealestate.com
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 11:58 AM
To: Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
Subject: Fwd: Support for Zoning Variance for Land Use at Vagabond Motel..
Forwarded message from rbootss@bellsouth.net
Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:41:46 -0500
From: Roy Smith <rbootss@bellsouth.net>
Reply -To: Roy Smith <rbootss@bellsouth.net>
Subject: Support for Zoning Variance for Land Use at Vagabond Motel..
To: eric@fashionrealestate.com
Cc: Fran Rollason <rollason@iglide.net>
**Friday Dec. 7, 2007
**
**
**
**To whom it may concern:**** **
*RE: FILE ID o7-011521u & ID o7-01152Zc — LAND USE CHANGE FOR 730o NE 6ATH COURT** ***
**I, Roy Smith, resident at 775 NE 75th St. in Bell Meade of the Upper East Side here in Miami favor
the land use zoning variance change from "R3" to "C1" for Mr. Silverman and the Vagabond Motel
property. This approval is an important step forward for the revitalization of the MiMo Biscayne
Boulevard Historic District. Mr. Silverman is doing exactly what needs to be done to change the use of
the motel rooms into boutiques, salons, offices, etc.**
** ***Thank you,
Roy Smith
775 NE 75th St.
Miami, FL 33138
*
End forwarded message
SUBMITTED INTO THE
PUBLIC RECORD FOR
ITEM is—ie QN .
1
Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
From: eric@fashionrealestate.com
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 11:58 AM
To: Escarra, Iris (Assoc-Mia-Env)
Subject: Fwd: Re: Change of Zoning for the Vagabond Motel
Attachments: ATT8497549. htm
\TT8497549.htm (2
KB)
Forwarded message from AmerProSvs@bellsouth.net
Date: Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:02:37 -0500
From: Bruce Barham <AmerProSvs@bellsouth.net>
Reply -To: Bruce Barham <AmerProSvs@bellsouth.net>
Subject: Re: Change of Zoning for the Vagabond Motel
To: Fran Rollason <rollason@iglide.net>
Cc: "'Eric Silverman (The Vagabond)"' <eric@fashionrealestate.com>
> Bruce Barham
> 669 NE 74th Street
> Miami, Florida
> December 7th, 2007
> City of Miami
> Commisioner Mark Sarnoff
> City Hall
> Miami, Florida
> RE: FILE ID 07-011521u LAND USE CHANGE FOR 7300 NE 6TH COURT
> Dear Commissioner Sarnoff:
> As a long time resident of Belle Meade who owns property within 500
> feet of N.E. 6th Court, I wish to show my support to the proposed
> zoning change for the Vagabond Motel.
> Please support this change to Ci.
> Thank you,
> Bruce Barham
> 669 NE 74th Street
> Miami, FL 33138
> 305 757-6644 SUBMITTED INTO THE
> PUBLC RECORD FOR
ITEMr16 ONiz-i o�
1
Dec 11 07 07:27p
p.2
December 10, 2007
City of Miami
Commissioners:
RE: FILE ID 07-011521u — LAND USE CHANGE FOR 7300 NE 6TH COURT
I am in support of the above zoning change for the Vagabond Motel owned by Eric
Silverman. This will be an important part of the MiMu Biscayne Boulevard Historic
District and the revitalization of the business corridor. As a member of the MiMo Biscayne
Association I believe projects like the Vagabond will greatly enhance the economic vitality
of Biscayne Boulevard while preserving one of its historic landmarks.
Louis Bourdeau
685 NE 64 Street
Miami, FL 33138
SUBMITTED INTO THE
PUBL9 RECORD FOR
ITEM is-ie ON oi.
Dec 11 07 07:28p
13.3
December 12, 2007
760 N.E. 74th Street
Miami, Florida 33138
Re File ID 07-011521u- LAND USE CHANGE FOR 7300 N.E. 6th COURT
To whom it may concern:
This letter is being submitted in support of Mr. Eric Silverman's request for the above
referenced land use change.
I am a forty-seven resident of North East Miami, a registered architect, and a historian
familiar with the development and growth of the neighborhood of Belle Meade.
The Vagabond Motel is the largest historical site in the MiMo-Biscayne Boulevard
Historic District and its conversion to a locale for commercial and office use will
provide much needed services for the surrounding residential areas. The presence of
these services at this historic landmark will foster the pedestrian environment that is
crucial to the long term success of Biscayne Boulevard.
Please approve this change.
Sincerely,
i
Antolin Garcia Carbonell, RA.
SUBMtTTED INTO THE
pi ir4i
PN.
n r cK!
UEMG
2007
Board of Directors
Allyson Warren
President
tel: 305-757-9780
alymiche12002@yahoo.com
Henry Patel
Vice President
tel: 305-757-2674
hemantking@aol.com
Robert Flanders
Secretary
tel: 786-295-3800
palmbayb(iilmsn.com
David Treece
Treasurer
tel: 305-751-8855
dvdtreece(&aol.com
Upper Eastside Miami
Council. Inc.
PO Box 380204
Miami, FL 33238
Upper Eastside Miami Council, Inc.
December 13, 2007
The Upper Eastside Miami Council has voted unanimously to support the
application of Eric Silverman for the Vagabond Hotel's proposed Special
Exception to the SD-9 overlay, which would change the zoning of the rear
portion of the property from R-3 multifamily residential, to C-1 commercial.
All the businesses on the Boulevard corridor have been held in limbo without
the passage of Chapter 23, the Historic Preservation Ordinance which is part of
Miami 21. Mr. Silverman wisely, has chosen to request his Special Exception
under the old ordinance, and has been approved by both the Zoning Board and
Planning Advisory Board. While we understand the reluctance of the Planning
Department to make exceptions to the SD-9 overlay, Mr. Silverman's proposed
adaptive use/reuse will be impossible without approving the special exception.
He has invested a great deal of time, energy and of course, dollars in order to
make this historic project a reality. In order for him to be successful, he must
change the zoning on the rear portion of the property to allow it to be utilized for
commercial purposes. This is the only mechanism available to him at this
moment.
In fact, the Commission today will deal with another proposed exception to the
SD-9 Overlay to allow for a medical/dental office. That is PZ-3.
If the Boulevard is to be properly and totally revitalized, these issues must be
dealt with so as to allow the owners to survive and prosper. Special Exceptions
such as this must be looked at on a case by case basis as you do here today, and
when Chapter 23 and Miami 21 are in place, many of the `exceptions' will
probably be allowed anyhow.
Thank you, and we hope you will also support Mr. Silverman's project, because
it will be the cornerstone of the designated historic district in the Upper Eastside.
UPPER EASTSIDE MIAMI COUNCIL
By
Allyson M. Warren, President
SUBMITTED INTO THE
PUB[JC RECORD FOR
ITEM i5-i� ON iz-�s-o,.
1
e3 Bilzin Sumberg
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
October 2, 2007
VIA HAND -DELIVERY
Mr. Roberto Lavemia, Chief
Land Development, City of Miami
Miami Riverside Center, Third Floor
444 S.W. Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33130
Carlos J. Gimenez, Esq.
Tel 305.350.7227
Fax 305.351.2198
cgirnenez@bilzin.com
RE: V-Downtown - Public Hearing Application for an Official Vacation and Closure
of a Public Right -of -Way ("Street Closure Application")
Dear Mr. Lavernia:
We are aware that the City of Miami (the "City") requires a public benefit be proffered by
the applicant in connection with a Street Closure Application. Normally, we would incorporate
the City's public benefit requirement as part of the proposed development's design (i.e., open
space, public plaza, etc.). However, since there is no proposed project at this time in
connection with the above -referenced Street Closure Application, our client has authorized us to
offer a twenty-five _ thousand dollar ($25,000.00)contnbution to the City, to be utilized by the City
to provide a public benefit to the surrounding neighborhood. This contribution will be submitted
to the City within sixty (60) days of final plat recordation.
As always, please feel free to contact us directly should you have any questions.
CJG/id
cc: Dr. Barry Silverman
V. Garcia -Toledo, Esq.
Stanley B. Price, Esq.
MIAMI 1418868.1 7689827917
Sincerely,
Carlos J. Gime
SUBMITTED INTO THE
PUBLIC RECORD FOR
ITEM pzONi
BILZIN SUMBERG BAENA PRICE & AXELROD LLP
200 S. Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2500, Miami, FL 33131-5340 Tel 305.374.7580 Fax 305.374.7593