Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2011-11-17 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Di • -sash. I° r • IN O9P I9 1i: Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 2:00 PM PLANNING AND ZONING City Hall Commission Chambers City Commission Tomas Regalado, Mayor Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Chairman Frank Carollo, Vice -Chairman Marc David Sarnoff, Commissioner District Two Francis Suarez, Commissioner District Four Michelle Spence -Jones, Commissioner District Five Johnny Martinez, City Manager Julie O. Bru, City Attorney Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Chairman Gort, Commissioner Sarnoff, Vice Chairman Carollo, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Spence -Jones On the 17th day of November 2011, the City Commission of the City ofMiami, Florida, met at its regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, in regular session. The Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting was called to order by Chair Gort at 5:44 p.m., recessed at 9:44 p.m, reconvened at 10: 41 p.m., and adjourned at 10:42 p.m. Note for the Record: Commissioner Suarez entered the Commission chambers at 6:13 p.m., and Commissioner Spence -Jones entered the chambers at 6: 34 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Julie O. Bru, City Attorney Johnny Martinez, P.E., City Manager Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk ORDER OF THE DAY Chair Gort: PZ.3, I understand that this will be a second reading. It'll be a fast one. Maria J Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): Mr. -- Vice Chair Carollo: Yes, Mr. Chairman. Chair Gort: PZ.3. Ms. Chiaro: Mr. Chair, ifI -- Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Chiaro: -- may read the procedures to be followed -- Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Chiaro: -- during the PZ (Planning & Zoning) meeting. The hearing procedures for all Planning & Zoning items shall proceed pursuant to Section 7.1.4.5 of the City code. All those wishing to speak shall be sworn by the City Clerk. The City ofMiami requires that anyone requesting action by the City Commission must disclose before the hearing anything provided to anyone for agreement to support or withhold objection to the requested action. Any documents offered to the City Commissioners that have not been provided seven days before the meeting as part of the agenda materials will be entered into the record at the City Commission's discretion. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chair Gort: Thank you. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Ladies and gentlemen, if you are going to be testing on any of the PZ items on the agenda, I need you to please stand and raise your right hand so that can swear you in. If you're testing, you need to stand and raise your right hand. The City Clerk administered oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those persons giving testimony on zoning issues. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. City ofMiami Page 2 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Chair Gort: Thank you. PZ.3. Francisco Garcia: Mr. Chair, for the record, Francisco Garcia, Planning and Zoning director. If it please the Commission, I would like to request continuances for the last three items quickly, and perhaps we can then move -- Chair Gort: Okay. Mr. Garcia: -- on with the -- with PZ.3 as the first item. This is simply to request a continuance of items PZ.15 and PZ.16, which are companion items. And our request is that they be continued to the meeting in January, January 26. That's the P and Z meeting in the month of January of next year. Andl believe the applicants are here and they concur with us that it is best to continue for purposes of meeting with the stakeholders in the neighborhood. Chair Gort: Okay, thank you. Vice Chair Carollo: Need a motion. So move. Chair Gort: Need a motion, yes. Commissioner Sarnoff.. Second. Chair Gort: It's been moved by Vice Chairman Carollo and second by Commissioner Sarnoff. All in favor, state it by saying aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Ms. Thompson: And that motion was for PZ.15 and 16. Chair Gort: 16. Ms. Thompson: Is that correct? Chair Gort: Right. Mr. Garcia: That is correct. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Mr. Garcia: Thank you. City ofMiami Page 3 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 PZ.1 10-00612ww PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), MAKING FINDINGS AND APPROVING A MODIFICATION OF THE REQUIRED WATERFRONT CHARTER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SETBACKS: 1) AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 3(MM)(I)(B) OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CHARTER"), MODIFYING THE WATERFRONT SIDE -YARD REQUIREMENT OF TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT (25%) OF THE WATER FRONTAGE OF EACH LOT, BASED ON AVERAGE LOT WIDTH OF 276.2 FEET, AS FOLLOWS: WATERFRONT SIDE -YARD SETBACKS REQUIRED 69'0", PROPOSED EAST 5'0", PROPOSED WEST 8'0", PROPOSED VIEW CORRIDOR (CENTER) 52'7" (TOTAL PROPOSED 65'7"), REQUEST TO MODIFY 3'5"; AND 2) AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 3(MM)(I)(A) OF THE CHARTER, MODIFYING THE REQUIRED WATERFRONT SETBACK OF 13'6.4", PROPOSED 13'1.8", REQUEST TO MODIFY 0'4.6"; FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 39 AND 55 SOUTHWEST MIAMI AVENUE ROAD, MIAMI, FLORI DA. 10-00612ww CC 11-17-11 Fact Sheet.pdf 1 0-00612ww Analysis & Maps.pdf 10-00612ww Miami River Commission Ltr, WAB & PZAB Resos.pdf 1 0-00612ww Application & Supporting Documents.pdf 10-00612ww CC Executed Legislation (Version 2) & Exhibit.pdf 10-00612ww-Submittal-Ben Fernandez -Architectural Plans for Big Fish.pdf 10-00612ww-Submittal-Letter from Miami River Commission.pdf LOCATION: Approximately 39 & 55 SW Miami Avenue Road [Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff - District 2] APPLICANT(S): Ben Fernandez, Esquire, on behalf of 55 SW Miami Avenue Road, LLC (Owner) FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval. MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION: Recommends approval on July 11, 2011 by a vote of 7-4. WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD (WAB): Recommends approval with a condition* on July 12, 2011 by a vote of 7-1. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD (PZAB): Recommends approval with conditions* on October 5, 2011 by a vote of 9-0. *See WAB and PZAB Resolutions. PURPOSE: This will allow the construction of a new waterfront -commercial building along the Miami River for the Big Fish Restaurant project. Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote. City ofMiami Page 4 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Carollo Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Suarez and Spence -Jones R-11-0474 Chair Gort: PZ.1. Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Thank you, sir. Next item is PZ.1. This is a request for waterfront waivers pursuant to the charter of the City ofMiami for a property at 39th and 55 Southwest Miami Avenue for a restaurant that once existed and will hopefully soon exist again called Big Fish. The requests are two; one is for a waterfront waiver and the other one is for a side setback waiver, also pursuant to the charter. This particular proposal has been reviewed by numerous boards, among them -- and while they set up, I will share with you that the Waterfront Advisory Board has reviewed it, the Urban Development Review Board, the Miami River Commission, as well as the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, and all of them have recommended favorably for approval to this Commission. It is our recommendation -- and I'll close with this, Commissioner Carollo -- in the Planning and Zoning Department that the item be approved. There will be one particular item that we would like to bring up as part of the discussion today, which pertains to the hours of access being provided for the public spaces, and as a result of that, our recommendation will be for approval with the provisions that we will discuss today regarding public access. Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Gort: Yes. Vice Chair Carollo: Something that came up in the last Miami River Commission meeting and now catches my ear because you said that the different boards that have approved this. It's my understanding that what the Miami River Commission approved was something different from what is being shown here, and you know, I would yield or ask the chairman that is the executive director of the Miami River Commission, you know, can come forward and maybe explain a little further, if possible. Mr. Garcia: While the package is being distributed, I would only like to add for the record that as design proposals or development proposals travel through the entitlement process, revisions are frequently made and they go through different boards, and attempt to the best of their ability to incorporate the recommendations of the board so it is ultimately inevitable more often than not that the plans that you see at the City Commission der slightly from those presented previously because, once again, they reflect the changes that have been made throughout. Having said that, of course, this is the place to discuss those fine details. Chair Gort: Okay. Yes, sir. Horacio Stuart Aguirre: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice Chairman, Commissioners, Horacio Stuart Aguirre, as chairman of the Miami River Commission. We thank Vice Chairman Carollo for his opening remarks. Yes, way too often we have observed at the Miami River Commission that we approve one set of plans or one set of proposals and concepts, and they come back to the Miami City Commission in a totally different form with significant variances and very often omitting key elements that are critical to the mission of the Miami River Commission. So Vice Chairman Carollo is correct. In this particular case, we asked the vice chairman of the Miami River Commission to draft a letter -- he is a skilled writer with legal background -- incorporating the recommendations of the Miami River Commission that were originally intended. Those are the recommendations thatMr. Francisco Garcia alludes to very clearly and they will be part of a letter signed by me on behalf of the Miami River Commission with the recommendations thatMr. Garcia instructs. And these have been agreed upon, it's my understanding, by the developer and developer's counsel. I'll ask Mr. Brett Bibeau if it -- this -- would this be the right time or would City ofMiami Page 5 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 you rather have opening remarks first? Chair Gort: Let's have the opening remarks, then they can -- if they agree with it, they can incorporate it in. Mr. Aguirre: All right. Thank you, sir. Chair Gort: Yes, sir. Ben Fernandez: Thank you. Mr. Chair, members of the Commission, Ben Fernandez, 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, here on behalf of the property owner, 55 Southwest Miami Avenue Road, LLC (Limited Liability Company). Just for the record, we have been meeting with Mr. Bibeau on some additional wording that we propose be added as a condition of approval to the resolution. It's stated in the letter that he distributed to you and we are fully supportive of that language . I think it's just an evolution of what we initially presented to the Miami River Commission and that they voted for approval of. As your Planning director indicated, this application has been to various boards, including the Planning, Zoning, Appeals Board, the internal design review committee, the Waterfront Advisory Board, and everyone has recommended approval of the project. I think it's a fantastic addition to the river. If any -- if for any reason because it is a two-story project in a transect that allows greater than 48 stories of height and 80 percent lot coverage, and what you have before you is a project that is only at 50 percent lot coverage because it's two separate buildings. It almost complies with the waterfront side setback requirements, which are pretty intense, particularly for a very shallow lot such as this. It's only 55 feet deep. And it also complies with the river walk setback requirements. It's off by inches. So, really, the modification that we're asking for this evening is a modification that is less than half of a percent in the aggregate of what the charter requires for waterfront properties. We think that the issue is really a non -issue. It's a de minimis variance. The standard for you to consider in the charter for this type of modification is on this gigantic board that is in front of you, and it basically asks you to look at whether or not the project provides public benefits, such as direct public access, public walkways, plaza dedications, covered parking up to the floodplain level or comparable benefits which promote a better urban environment, public advantages, or which preserve natural features. In this case, I can have the architect walk you through the project, but I will just tell you briefly that we are providing three independent access points to the river; one on the west end of the project, one on the east end of the project, and one right in the middle of the project. The condition that we've agreed to with the Miami River Commission will ensure that at least two of those access points are available to the public from sun -- from 8 a.m. till closing essentially. And we think that we're providing public benefits in that we are improving what CIP (Capital Improvements Program) was doing to the South Miami Avenue Road portion of the property. We're burying power lines. We're also paying for sidewalk improvements, and we are preserving a large shade tree that is on this site that has always been part of the Big Fish site. So, really, in conclusion, I think the main benefit is that you're continuing to get what is an iconic restaurant on the river in line with Garcia's and some of the others. We're keeping that as part of the Miami tradition. It's going to maintain view corridors from important projects across the river so that you don't get the canyon effect that you get in other cities, like when you go up the Intercoastal in Aventura that you've got just walls of condominiums. So you're going to have a nice break in the river. Andl think that just for those reasons this project merits your consideration and approval. And we're here to answer any questions that you have. Andl can have the architect walk you through the project. I know it's a long evening for you, so I'll leave it to your discretion. Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you. Commissioner Sarnoff.. Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a notion. I'd like to make a motion to approve it with the following language. All river walk, two side yards and middle corridor shall be publicly accessible. The entire river walk, two side yards and middle corridor shall be open, City ofMiami Page 6 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 publicly accessible when either the restaurant, cafe, and/or lounge are open. At a minimum, the entire river walk and two side yards shall be publicly accessible from 8 a.m., regardless of the business opening time, onward to business closing time or sundown, whichever comes later. I'd equally include that the two side setbacks shall be not less than six feet. Vice Chair Carollo: Second. Chair Gort: Okay. It's been moved and second. This is a public hearing. Anyone in the public would like to address this Commission on this issue? Anyone in the public would like to address -- 2 Mr. Aguirre: Mr. Chairman, Horacio Stuart Aguirre again, as chairman of the Miami River Commission. Mr. Vice Chairman and Commissioner. We accept your recommendations and amendments, Commissioner Sarnoff. Those are, indeed, embodied in my letter andl believe a copy has been handed to you. Since you have a copy, I will spare you the time to go over and read it, unless Mr. Bibeau has other comments. Chair Gort: Thank you. Mr. Aguirre: Thank you, gentlemen. Commissioner Sarnoff.. Thank you. Chair Gort: Anyone else? Close the public hearings [sic]. There's a motion and a second. All in favor, state it by saying iiye. " The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Gort: Thank you. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): That is -- Chair Gort: Good luck. Ms. Thompson: -- Chair, that's adopted as modified. Chair Gort: Yes, as modified. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Chair Gort: Yes. PZ.2 RESOLUTION 04-00897cr A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING A RELEASE TO A DECLARATION OF RESTRICTIONS ("COVENANT") DATED DECEMBER 20, 2004 AND RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 22923, PAGES 3035-3038, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 2255, 2263 & 2295 SOUTHWEST 37TH AVENUE; 3685 & 3695 SOUTHWEST 23RD STREET; AND 3672 & 3688 SOUTHWEST 22ND TERRACE, MIAMI, FLORIDA. City ofMiami Page 7 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 04-00897cr CC 11-17-11 Fact Sheet.pdf 04-00897cr Analysis.pdf 04-00897cr Maps.pdf 04-00897cr Application & Supporting Documents. pdf 04-00897cr CC Legislation (Version 2) & Exhibit.pdf LOCATION: Approximately 2255, 2263 & 2295 SW 37th Avenue; 3685 & 3695 SW 23rd Street; and 3672 & 3688 SW 22nd Terrace [Commissioner Francis Suarez - District 4] APPLICANT(S): Patricia M. Baloyra, Esquire, on behalf of Berkley Investment Holdings, LLC FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval to City Commission on November 2, 2011 by a vote of 7-0. PURPOSE: This will allow the release of the above -mentioned covenant relating to all the properties herein specified and previously -approved multifamily residential building with a maximum F.A.R. of 2.4 for the entire properties. The current Miami 21 zoning designation allows for an F.L.R. of 5 with a "T6-8-O" Urban Core Zone designation. Releasing this covenant will not impact the approved zoning. Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Carollo Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Suarez and Spence -Jones R-11-0475 Chair Gort: PZ.1. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): No. Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Sir, may I request that PZ.2 be the next item heard. We expect that that also will be a very quick item to hear. Chair Gort: Which one? Mr. Garcia: PZ.2. It is simply a release of covenant. Chair Gort: Okay. Mr. Garcia: Thank you. Item PZ.2 is a petition to release a covenant approved by the City Commission for a property at the address of 2255, -63, -95 Southwest 37th Avenue and others nearby. The reason for this request is the covenant was actually a part of a Major Use Special Permit approved under Zoning Ordinance 11000. However, that proposal for development has since been abandoned and the applicants are now coming in with a new development proposal that is intended to comply fully with Miami 21. Because the new project no longer needs that covenant attached to it, they are now petitioning for a release of the covenant. We are recommending approval of that petition. City ofMiami Page 8 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Chair Gort: Okay. Yes, ma'am. Patricia Baloyra: Good evening. Patty Baloyra, Brown & Cassel, offices at 1 Biscayne Tower. I can answer any questions you may have. Basically, we're just trying to clear up title. You -- the property already received a waiver earlier this year to develop the property in compliance with Miami 21. This covenant that's still on the property ties it to a development that's no longer being pursued Chair Gort: Okay. Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Gort: Yes. Vice Chair Carollo: I think this is district -- Chair Gort: This is Commissioner Suarez's district. Vice Chair Carollo: -- Commissioner Suarez district. I -- you know, I would like to defer to him or at least wait for him to be present since it's his district, out of courtesy. Chair Gort: Definitely. Commissioner, we need you. Do we have any other quick ones? Mr. Garcia: My apologies. Not as quick as these. Chair Gort: Okay. Let's wait a minute and see if he gets in. I have a -- Commissioner staff has said it's all right for us to go on. Vice Chair Carollo: If that's the case -- Chair Gort: That was in conversation with Commissioner Suarez. Their staff talked to him and said it was fine to -- Commissioner Sarnoff.. To hear it? Chair Gort: Yes. Commissioner Sarnoff.. Move it. Vice Chair Carollo: Second. Chair Gort: It's been moved and second. Maria 1 Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): A resolution. It is a resolution. Chair Gort: A resolution. All in favor, state it by saying aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Ms. Baloyra: Thanks very much. Chair Gort: Thank you. PZ.3 ORDINANCE 11-00698zc Second Reading City ofMiami Page 9 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T5-L" URBAN CENTER ZONE AND "T6-8-O" URBAN CORE ZONE TO "T5-O" URBAN CENTER ZONE FOR THE SOUTH PORTION ONLY FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 690 SOUTHWEST 8TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11-00698zc CC 11-17-11 SR Fact Sheet.pdf 11-00698zcAnalysis, Maps, School Concurrency & PZAB Reso.pdf 11-00698zcApplication & Supporting Documents.pdf 11-00698zc CC Legislation (Version 2) & Exhibit.pdf LOCATION: Approximately 690 SW 8th Street [Commissioner Frank Carollo - District 3] APPLICANT(S): Mario Murgado, Owner, on behalf of Miami Automotive Retail, Inc. FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval with a modification to change the south portion only to "T5-O" on September 26, 2011 by a vote of 7-0. PURPOSE: This will change the zoning designation of the south portion of the property from T5-L "Urban Center Zone -Limited" to T5-O "Urban Center Zone -Open", which will allow for a zoning designation at the subject property that matches its current use. Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Carollo Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Suarez and Spence -Jones 13292 Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Item PZ.3 is a proposal for the rezoning of a property at approximately 690 Southwest 8th Street. The proposal is -- as presented to you, is to take a parcel which straddles a zoning boundary and so half of it is zoned presently T 6-8 and the other half is T5 L. And the proposal before you is for a rezoning to T5 O for both halves of the parcel. However, both the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board unanimously and the Planning Department recommend that you consider rezoning only the south part of the lot to T5 0, while leaving the north part of the lot, which fronts 8th Street, to T6-8 O. In that regard, then the T6-8 0 zoning that occurs along 8th Street will remain intact and they will be able to make the improvements to the property that they seek to make. With that, I'll yield to the applicant. Our recommendation is approval, and I'll certainly answer any questions you may have. Chair Gort: Thank you. Yes, sir. Mario Murgado: Hi. Mario Murgado, Brickell Motors. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners. We're fine with that recommendation and ready to move forward. Chair Gort: Okay. City ofMiami Page 10 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Vice Chair Carollo: Move it. Chair Gort: It's been moved. Second? Commissioner Sarnoff. Second. Chair Gort: Anyone in the public would like to address this issue? Showing none, all in favor, state it by -- that was an ordinance. Read it. Vice Chair Carollo: It's an ordinance. The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Your roll call on the second reading ordinance. A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above. Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been adopted on second reading, 3-0. Chair Gort: Thank you. Mr. Murgado: Thank you, Commissioners, and a wonderful Thanksgiving to you and your family. Chair Gort: Thank you. Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. PZ.4 ORDINANCE 11-00806zt Second Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.13114, THE MIAMI 21 CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY MODIFYING ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1.2. ENTITLED "DEFINITION OF TERMS" AND ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.6.3, ENTITLED "ADDITIONAL OFF-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS", TO ESTABLISH CONDITIONS AND STATIONING REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL WATERCRAFTS IN T3 AND T4 ZONES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11-00806zt CC 11-17-11 SR Fact Sheet.pdf 08-00806zt PZAB (10-00963zt1) Reso & CC Legislation (Ver. 1).pdf LOCATION: Citywide APPLICANT(S): Johnny Martinez, City Manager, on behalf of the City of Miami FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: For File ID 10-00963zt1, recommended approval to City Commission on May 18, 2011 by a vote of 7-1. PURPOSE: This will establish equivalent regulations and requirements from City ofMiami Page 11 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 former Zoning Ordinance No. 11000 and place them in the Miami 21 Code; more specifically, to establish conditions and requirements for pleasure water crafts in T3 and T4 Transect Zones. Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Carollo Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Suarez and Spence -Jones Note for the Record: Item PZ.4 was deferred to the January 26, 2012, City Commission meeting. Chair Gort: Okay, PZ.4. Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Thank you, sir. Item PZ.4 is proposed amendment to Miami 21, the zoning ordinance. This is a bit of an afterthought, but I'll share it with you for your consideration. This you might be familiar with as a watercraft related amendment which seeks to regulate how or if watercraft can be stationed on single-family residential properties on the side yards and the rear yards. As we have continued to do research, we have identified some, shall we say, shortcomings of the proposed ordinance and frankly, we would benefit from some additional time to reconsider some of its aspects. So if the Commission is not adverse to it, we would like to request a continuance of this item perhaps to the month of January, January 26. Commissioner Sarnoff. So moved. Vice Chair Carollo: Second. Chair Gort: It's moved and second. Public hearings [sic]. Anyone would like to discuss this issue? None -- Horacio Stuart Aguirre: Horacio Stuart Aguirre, Miami River Commission chairman. We respectfully recommend those continuance motions by Mr. Garcia. Chair Gort: Thank you. All in favor, state it by saying "aye. The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Gort: Thank you. PZ.5 ORDINANCE 08-00166zc1 First Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T3-R" SUB -URBAN, "T4-R" GENERAL URBAN, "T5-0" URBAN CENTER, AND "CS" CIVIC SPACE TRANSECT ZONES WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, ("R-1" SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND "0" OFFICE WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT, "SD-12" SPECIAL BUFFER OVERLAY DISTRICT, AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000) TO "T6-8-O" URBAN CORE TRANSECT ZONE WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT B", ("C-1" RESTRICTED City ofMiami Page 12 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 COMMERCIAL WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT C"), FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 3400, 3428, 3440, 3432, 3456, AND 3396 GRAND AVENUE; 3241, 3401, 3435, 3441 AND 3445 HIBISCUS STREET; 3441, 3439, 3407, AND 3454 THOMAS AVENUE; AND 3420 ELIZABETH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 08-00166zc1 CC 12-15-11 SR Fact Sheet.pdf 08-00166zc1 Analysis.pdf 08-00166zc1 PZAB Reso.pdf 08-00166zc1 Application & Supporting Documents.pdf 08-00166zc1 CC Legislation (Version 5).pdf 08-00166zc1 Exhibits A-D (Legal & Graphics).pdf LOCATION: Approximately 3400, 3428, 3440, 3432, 3456, 3396 and Grand Avenue; 3241, 3401, 3435, 3441 and 3445 Hibiscus Street; 3441, 3439, 3407, and 3454 Thomas Avenue; and 3420 Elizabeth Street (Paradise Island Block - Front) [Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff - District 2] APPLICANT(S): Lucia A. Dougherty, Esquire, on behalf of Grove Village, LLC, Applicant/Developer, GV Paradise Island, LLC, Paradise Island Development Corp., City of Miami, George and Dazelle Simpson, Evelyn Roberts, Collectively Owners FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval with conditions*. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval with conditions to City Commission on November 2, 2011 by a vote of 7-0. See companion File IDs 08-00166zc1a, 08-00166zc2, 08-00166zc3, 08-00166zc4 and 08-00166zc5. *See supporting documentation. PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "T6-8-O" Urban Core Transect Zone with a "Village West Island and Charles Avenue NCD-2" Overlay, as depicted in "Exhibit B", for the proposed Grove Village Major Use Special Permit. NOTE(S): On October 28, 2010, the City Commission adopted the companion Land Use Change application. Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Chair Gort: PZ.5. Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Thank you, sir. Chair Gort: First reading. City ofMiami Page 13 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Mr. Garcia: Items PZ.5 through PZ.10 are companion items. These are zoning changes, proposed zoning changes for a project that has come to be known as Grove Village, and they take place along Grand Avenue, both on the north side and the south side of Grand Avenue, and to the north, they bound with Florida Avenue, and to the south, with Thomas Avenue, although one of the parcels actually crosses over. What I would like do as the applicants are setting up is go through a couple of the key aspects of the path traveled so far by this application, and highlight the fact that this project has over the last, certainly the time I've been here, so the last year and a half, but even before that, been considered by a number of different boards and has been to the community, to the immediate neighbors and to the property owners and stakeholders of the area a number of times. The project has evolved. We've seen many iterations, andl would like to say that it has consistently evolved in an improved fashion. It has been reviewed by the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board, by the Urban Development Review Board, by the Consolidated Review Committee of the City ofMiami, and by the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, and all of these boards, in one form or another, have recommended approval of this project, albeit with certain conditions. Many of those conditions, as the project has moved forward, have been incorporated into the project and have been resolved as part of the redesign of the project. As I see the applicants are set up and ready to go, I will conclude my brief introduction by saying a couple of -- making a couple of remarks. This is frankly an unprecedented opportunity for the Grand Avenue corridor, especially the western end of the Grand Avenue corridor to be redeveloped. Our role as your Planning and Zoning Department is basically to review the proposal set forth by the property owners, so in that regard, we are -- we have established a very good working relationship with them and we have also reached out to the community and sought their input. That process, by the way, continues as this is only the first reading. And our commitment to the community has been that we will continue to work with them to try to refine whatever aspects of it are required until the second reading and final decision by this body is made. The last and perhaps more significant of the changes that has been made -- and this is probably exemplary of the degree of care that has been put into this project -- is that one of the blocks has been modified to shift what was commercial development crossing the Thomas Avenue boundary and so basically encroaching into what was a well -established single-family residential area, that has been now been shifted northward so that the commercial development only fronts on Grand Avenue, and the two parallel residential streets, Florida Avenue and Thomas Avenue, now remain exclusively residential. That has required quite a bit of manipulation, but I think they've done it rather successfully. As a result, however, one of the buildings that you will see today and will be pointed out to you is now going to be eight stories. We think that is also worth considering and it has been designed very elegantly. The last point will make is this, and I'll certainly answer any questions you have afterwards, after the presentation is made. There are two items that are peculiar about this application. One is the fact that the applicants could not propose the zoning in the form that they did because by code they are required to have the zoning designation encompass the entire parcel of land. They cannot propose -- they would if they could, but they cannot propose any layering as part of their zoning request. However, we, as your Planning and Zoning Department, and you, as a Commission, ultimately can, in fact, approve the sort of layered zoning scheme that you'll see in some of the backup material that you have and that we will go over as part of the presentation. And our recommendation ultimately is that that layered approach be taken. What ultimately will be accomplished is that those residential streets will remain residential in character and in development, and commercial development will be confined to the areas of those lots that -- or those blocks that front on Grand Avenue, which is basically Coconut Grove's main streets. That's one point wanted to make. The other point wanted to make and highlight is the fact that along with these zoning changes, you will be considering a Major Use Special Permit. The reason why that is significant is ultimately, although this is a zoning change, you will be in the end voting on a very specific development proposal that will essentially bind the land to the entitlement that is approved, meaning that notwithstanding the zoning designations, the more restrictive aspect of this application, which is actually the Major Use Special Permit as designed and as presented to you, is in fact what will have to be built. I repeat that. It is in fact -- what you see here designed, it is, in fact, what will City ofMiami Page 14 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 have to be built. If that were not the case -- and I'm saying this preemptively because I know this issue is likely to come up and we'll address it as it comes up as well. But if what is presented to you is not built, then the zoning that will end up on this land will revert back to an even more restrictive scenario. So we've done, again, in conjunction with the applicants and certainly with their cooperation, we have devised a scheme whereby the project that is presented to you is what would be approved if you should approve both the zoning changes and the Major Use Special Permit. And any subsequent property owner that chose not to build this would basically face a much more restrictive zoning scheme that would revert back to the zoning that existed under the prior zoning ordinance. I know that's a fairly complex point to make and we'll certainly clarify it further as we need to. And I'll close by saying that we recommend approval of the proposal as presented to you with certain conditions that are contained in your backup material. And with that, I'll yield to the applicants and certainly stand by to answer any questions. Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): Mr. Chair -- Chair Gort: Okay, my -- Ms. Chiaro: -- before you proceed, just for purposes of the record, items 5 through 10 on this agenda are presented as one project. The record will reflect on each of those individual items this entire presentation as made by the Planning director and by the applicant. The MUSP (Major Use Special Permit) that the Planning director referred to will not be considered today. It will be considered when these ordinances come back to you on second reading. So you'll look at first reading for the underlying zoning for the project tonight. You'll discuss the project as one project, but it will apply to each of the individual items first reading zonings that you'11 vote on tonight, 5 through 10, and then when second reading comes back for that zoning, additionally, the approval of the MUSP for the project will be presented to you. Chair Gort: My question to you is since these are ordinance, we will have to vote on each one individually, although it's being presented together. What my understanding you saying is make all the presentation from 5 to 10 and then we'll start voting individually for each one? Ms. Chiaro: That's correct. Chair Gort: Okay. So we're going to hear -- what I would like to -- the people in the technicals, if they can put the cameras into the -- what do you call the --? Lucia Dougherty: Presentation board. Commissioner Gort: -- the presentation, the boards, so the public can see it. We'll appreciate it. Then we'll hear from the applicants and then we'll open up for the public hearing. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Ms. Dougherty: Good evening, Mr. Chairman and members of the Commission. Lucia Dougherty andlris Escarra, with offices at 333 Avenue of the Americas, in downtown Miami. I'm here today on behalf of Pointe Group Developers. And we're very pleased that this is the end of a long road starting in 2007 when we first presented this project to the City. And we are so pleased to be here this evening to see a final resolution of this matter. Joining us this evening is Peter Gardner, who is the principal of Pointe Group, and his colleague, Margaret Nee, Albert Cordoves, with CorwilArchitect [sic] and his associate, AlbertAlvedo (phonetic), and John McWilliams, who is our traffic engineer and our -- my cocounsel, Patrick Range and Tucker Gibbs. Although this is a six -block Major Use Special Permit, the zoning that you're going to be hearing today is only on four blocks, the four most eastern blocks. And the reason for that is is because in 2008 you actually zoned the western two blocks, and at that time we had considered having a grocery store -- andlris -- and you may want to show them where it is on the block. At that time, we considered having a grocery store on the south side and an office building on the City ofMiami Page 15 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 north side. And at that time, you also were very concerned, well, you're going to get this rezoning, and you -- you know, and you're going to do whatever you want to and you're not going to do what you say you're going to do. And at -- and that's not come to bear. In fact, we haven't done anything until we bring the Major Use Special Permit. But back in 2008, which -- when you rezoned this in April of 2008, what happened is that our lender was Lehman Brothers. And in Lehman Brothers at that time was going to, you know, fund this project. By October of 2008, we didn't have any funding and there was no Lehman Brothers anymore. So we got caught up in the same situation, the same market condition that a lot of people did. But to some extent, that time, that lapse gave us an opportunity frankly to address some of the concerns and to get better hearing from the neighborhood and address their issues. And so we're here today -- how many years later? -- three, four years later having digested many of the community concerns that we had back in 2008. Our presentation is going to be -- frankly, Mr. Gardner, he doesn't want to speak to you because he doesn't like to toot his own horn, but we've convinced him that he needs to talk to you and tell you and show you his passion and his commitment to this community. Patrick Range will then detail the public benefits program for the project. Margaret Nee will talk about the tenant relocation in the project. Albert Cordoves will then talk about the master plan and the project architecture. I will talk about the rezoning and the project. We will have our traffic consultant available if you want to talk to him. And then after the public presentation, Tucker will do rebuttal. So with that, I'd like Peter Gardner to come forward. Peter Gardner: Good evening. For the record, Peter Gardner, 3599 North Moorings Way. As Lucia mentioned, I'm not one for public speaking, but a couple people feel that I'm this person that doesn't exist, soI was asked to come up here and I'm going tell a little bit about myself, which is a little odd. I was born and raised in Coconut Grove. When I was brought home from the hospital, I moved to the north Grove. Several years later in 1972, we moved to the South Grove, and I'm one of those unique people that actually live on the same street that grew up on. Andl don't think we find many people like that today. Nineteen ninety-eight, I married a lovely girl who is born and raised in Miami as well, so obviously our roots are very tied to Miami and hopefully our children will grow up here and remain here, have children and they will stay here as well. My older brother, younger sister, who's here tonight, andl attended the same elementary school that currently my three sons and my sister's son now attend, and believe it or not, I was a classmate of Lucia's stepdaughter. It's a very small world. For the last 20 years, I've been very involved at the Kampong in the Grove, and for the last 11 years, have been the chairman of the board of governors and also on the board of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, which is the parent operation of the Kampong. I was the president of the board of trustees at Plymouth Congregational Church, where over the years we have been actively participating in outreaching and programs in the West Grove. Currently, I'm on the board at St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School, which also supports programs in the West Grove. Now's when it gets a little unique. A long time ago my father told me that it was very important to help those if you could quietly within a mile of your own church. Well, as Lucia said, I'm not a big fan of talking about things that we do, but -- and tonight I think it's important for what we're trying to bring forth to you that you understand how involved we are and have been in the community and will be going forward. With that, I'm going to read a short list of all the different things we 've participated in since 2007, and in some cases, a long time before that. We've done back -to -school drives for the City (UNINTET,TIGIBT,F). We've been involved with the Barnyard. We've been involved at Christ Episcopal Church. We've been involved in the Coconut Grove community garden, the Coconut Grove Rotary Club, the Coconut Grove Sailing Club and Rotary Club Youth Regatta, the Coconut Grove senior center, the Coconut Grove Women's Club, Fathers to the Rescue, GW (George Washington) Carver Elementary School, GW Carver Middle School, the Goombay Festival, the Grove community garden on Day Avenue, the Helen B. Bentley Medical Center, the Hope Outreach Center, the Kampong, which I mentioned before, Macedonia Church, the Mariah Brown house, the Ministerial Alliance, Thanksgiving Day feedings, Plymouth Congregational Church, St. Stephen's Day School, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, the Switchboard ofMiami, the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, the Theodore Gibson Memorial Foundation, Tucker Elementary School, the Will Johnson Memorial Fund, St. Alban's, and City ofMiami Page 16 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 something that was near and dear to my heart and will continue to be, which is Rebuilding Together, which our personal team has been out and redone 23 homes, but we've been involved in almost a hundred, and my coworker, who you're going to hear here in a minute, spent a whole year chairing that. So it is very near and dear to our heart. On top of that, I'm also a big believer in employing those who live or work in 33133. If you look at our professional team, those of you that know them, Lucia, Tucker and Patrick are all Grove residents or have Grove ties. Our design architect, Max Strange, was a Grove resident. Margaret, who is going to talk in a minute, is a Grove resident. George, Franchel and Orondae, who work for Pointe Group, all are involved in the Grove and have been for most of their lives, and they manage currently our properties in the Grove. Obviously, if we're fortunate enough to move forward and build this project, we will continue to keep hiring those that live within the 33133 and continue to build our Pointe Group team from within here. Currently, we own and manage 19 affordable properties in the West Grove that are outside the boundaries of this project. We participate in the Miami -Dade Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. And the last thingl want to end with is the fact that throughout the years that we've been working on this project, I've been very fortunate. We've had numerous, countless meetings with the pioneer families that have been in Grove -- the Grove, and many of them have become my friends over this time and I'm deeply honored that one of the families is actually one of our partners, and that's the Simpson -Stirrup family, and they started purchasing land in 1893 in the Grove. So historically, this is a very, very important thing for not only me, everybody working on it, the residents, but Coconut Grove and the City ofMiami. So I thank you for your ears in listening tonight. Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you. Next. Patrick Range: Good evening, Mr. Chair, members of the Commission. For the record, my name is Patrick Range, with offices at 5727 Northwest 17th Avenue, here in the City ofMiami. And I'm going to talk with you a bit just about our efforts in terms of outreach. And just before I get into that, I'd like to say a bit about my personal story, which I think is a bit unique in this circumstance. I first had the opportunity to meet Peter Gardner at the outset of this project, and I had a chance to converse with him about his vision for the Grove, particularly as it related to this Grove Village project. And again, my perspective was a bit different I think in this case than perhaps in other cases, in other developers that I've represented in that my family owns a business and has owned a business here in Coconut Grove, actually right on Grand Avenue at 3384 Grand Avenue for over 20 years. I'd like to think of it as an institution here in the community. Certainly, we have -- my family has strove to serve very professionally and in the best way we know how, the members of this community, and we hope to continue to do so. But the fact is is that this project directly will impact my family's business. In fact, you know, we will be relocating as a result of this project. So you might think that would not be in favor of this. But again, in having the opportunity to meet Peter and to talk with him about his vision, first of all, that was a marked change from anything that I had seen. Other developers have come in and proposed developments that would take over where my funeral home -- my family's business is, but they have not come and explained what their thoughts were, asked for input. They simply -- we would simply hear rumors about what was coming and that, of course, is very disturbing to us. But having had the opportunity to talk with Peter, to hear his vision, to provide input, I was very impressed and certainly was happy to be a part of this effort and that continues today. And I certainly hope that -- or certainly, it has been our -- or my goal to continue that outreach that Peter started with me. Andl think that Pointe Group has done that throughout the course of these four years that we've been working. And so I would like to point out some of our efforts. You certainly heard from Peter, all of the groups and agencies in the Grove that have been supported both financially and through volunteer work. We'd like to also point out some of the groups that we have met with. We, over the course of this four years, have met with all of the stakeholders in the Coconut Grove area. We've had over -- easily, over 50 meetings to hear input, to hear feedback, to incorporate that into our project, andl think that we have done that. Some of the groups that we have worked with over this period of time include but certainly not limited to, the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association, the Coconut City ofMiami Page 17 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Grove Collaborative, the Cocoanut Grove Village Council, the Coconut Grove Ministerial Alliance, the Coconut Grove Chamber, the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District, just to name a few again. And we've continued to meet and we'll continue to meet with these groups as we move forward. And certainly, out of the discussions that we've had, there have been several points that have been brought to us that were of major concern to the community. And those things include jobs and jobs programs, business outreach, and housing. Andl think that we have striven aside from the changes that we've made design wise, which you will hear about because there have been many of those, we certainly have sought to seek that social input and make those changes to our social program that would benefit community the most in terms of what we've been hearing from all of the residents and other stakeholders. And so, as a part of that, just to speak to our jobs and our jobs commitment, obviously this project will generate significant jobs if all phases are able to be done, and that's certainly what we anticipate. We anticipate having the opportunity to employ local residents. We have already contacted and been in contact and set up opportunities for job training through the youth co-op program operated by Ms. Sylvia Daughtry (phonetic). She actually has come -- we actually have a center that's set up in the Shady Grove Church now. We have committed -- Pointe Group has committed going forward to provide space within the project to house the youth co-op program, the job training program. We're also working in conjunction, as youth co-op does, with South Florida Workforce, and they will be a part. And again, we have committed to have space. There is space now that's being used here in the Grove for job training. We have encouraged each of the groups that we have spoke with. And I'd like to again encourage tonight those residents and the stakeholders that are here, if you know of persons that are here in the Grove that are in need of work, that want to work, we want to hear those names. We want to hear -- get their information and continue to try to do our part to see to it that those folks that are here in this community that need jobs have the opportunity to have them. Again, aside from working with the youth co-op program, the South Florida Workforce, we are also going to be requiring all of our retail tenants to participate in this program, so not just Pointe, but all of the tenants that will be coming will be required to participate in the youth co-op job training program, so they will have to submit and become a part of the database so that those residents who do apply, those persons who do apply for jobs will have the opportunity to work directly with any of our tenants that are, you know, going to be housed within this project. We have also, of course, as a part of our MUSP, submitted a minority construction employment plan, and we also particularly have done some very specific things. Since 2007, as Peter had begun to mention, we've employed nine West Grove residents at Pointe Group Advisors. Since 2007, we have used several West Grove companies in our project, including Safe and Sound Security, Lil D Landscaping, and Go Green Document Solutions. Again, these are businesses that are housed right in the West Grove. We continue to work with two of these businesses today. In 2008 and 2009, we employed and provided internship positions to two youths from the West Grove who've since gone on to college and the armed services. Currently, one of our employees is attendingATl Career Training Center to enhance his skills and be eligible for a trade or licensed position in the future. This young man, with Pointe Group's support and encouragement, has turned his life around. As a result of his sponsor, Margaret Nee, he was released to a strict work release program. And as an aside, the judge who Ms. Nee appeared in front of released him because he had never previously had a white female employer come out to speak on behalf of a young African American male with a criminal history. This young man is now averaging a 3.91 in his studies and will be graduating in December of this year. I'd like to also highlight a bit of our efforts in terms of the business outreach that we have done. We have contacted and committed to work with Mr. Bill Diggs, who is the president of the Miami -Dade Chamber of Commerce. This is the African -American chamber of commerce. He's agreed to provide not only resources for the -- for minority subcontractors who would work in terms of the construction of this project, but also they are obviously the database for black business here in the County, and we'll be working with them, using their resources to recruit minority businesses into our operation. We're also -- have been in contact with Mr. Leroy Jones of Neighbors and Neighbors. He operates primarily in Liberty City, but we have contacted him about using his program and using his resources to assist us again in recruiting not only for jobs but also for our businesses to have the opportunity to come here and to be a part of this project. City ofMiami Page 18 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 And as a goal, Pointe Group has set a 10 percent -- at least a 10 percent minimum goal for minority ownership in this project in the retail on commercial components. I'd also like to speak a bit about housing and our efforts in terms of ensuring that this project will be inclusive and not exclusive of Grove residents. As Peter had mentioned, in fact, Pointe Group currently operates 19 affordably priced units in the West Grove. This is without the boundaries -- meaning outside the boundaries of the current project that's before you tonight. Our intention is to provide a total of 53 affordable housing units, which would be over 20 percent of the units that are being provided in this project. However, we will need subsidy as most affordable -- as all affordable housing projects would. We will need subsidy to provide these additional units. We've applied for that subsidy. We are seeking that subsidy and we will continue to do so in that effort. Again, the 19 units that are currently existing, we hope will continue to exist. Those rents start as low as $600 per month, and there's actually 14 of those units that are at that level, between 600 and $650 per month. Again, we also have taken efforts to speak specifically with -- or deal with the relocation for units that we had taken down. We've taken down 32 units, you know, since this project began. And of those 32 units that have been taken down, 11 of those units have -- 11 persons within those units have actually been relocated within the Grove, and there have been -- four families have been relocated actually outside the Grove and that was per their request. Again, I'm going to ask Margaret Nee to come up in a few moments and to give you some specific examples of cases and folks that we have worked with to help them in that effort. And just before I leave, I'd like to read a letter into the record, which comes from one of the gentlemen that we've actually helped. He wasn't able to be here tonight. He's actually handicapped, wasn't able to be with us this evening. But we actually participated, as we began this project, in a -- I don't know if you would term it -- I believe you'd term it a -- we like to say a housing fair, a relocation assistance fair, if you will. That was back in 2008. And during this assessment -- actually, this was done in conjunction with the City ofMiami in the summer of 2008, and we had done it -- Pointe Group agreed to participate in order that those units that were taken down, those 32 units that were taken down that we would be able to assist those folks in any number of ways, including relocation. And so, again, there were a variety of services provided at this fair, including relocation assistance, medical services, utility and phone service reviews, and a benefits review for food stamps and other benefits. Again, we had done this to benefit those who were directly affected by our project. As it turned out, there were 112 local residents that actually came out and got assessed as part of this fair, which we were a part of in conjunction with the City ofMiami. And again, during this assessment, the gentleman whose letter I'd like to read, Mr. Jerome Harris, was a highly impacted person. He now has an improved living condition, medical care and benefits. He was living in a wood frame house previously that was not handicapped accessible, and again, he is wheelchair bound. And so, again, we think that his life has been greatly improved, and I'd like to just briefly read the letter. It's not very long. And it does read: To Whom This May Concern: I want to thank God for Ms. Margaret Nee and her program because if it wasn't for her and her friend, I would not be where I am today. The place where I lived before -- where I live now, I was -- I actually had to leave. Ms. Nee is my angel, who helped me find a place downtown where I feel very blessed to be. I try to stay in contact with her because I consider her my angel and love -- andl love everything that she has done for me. God bless her. I'm in a power wheelchair andl cannot walk. She had been my legs when it came time for me to move. I thank God every day for Ms. Nee and her friend's kindness. I pray and wish that there were more people like them in the world. It certainly would be a more beautiful place. I've been fortunate to have met someone like Ms. Nee. She is one of a kind. Greatly appreciated, Jerome Harris. "As Peter had mentioned, in conjunction with the homes that have been rehabbed, the 19 affordable housing units, again, there was a full rehab done to these units, include painting and so forth. And lastly, I'd like to close -- before I ask Margaret to come up, I would like to close with a letter which is submitted by another gentleman who wasn't able to be here this evening, Dr. Rick Holton, who's been member of the West Grove here for some time. Unfortunately, he was called out of town and couldn't be here. His letter reads -- again, very briefly. To Whom It May Concern: I am a lifetime resident of Coconut Grove and have always been proud of my community and its accomplishments. It is sad to say that I am also one of the last in my high school class who have elected to stay in the Grove, hoping that one day we will City ofMiami Page 19 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 return to being one of the most vibrant and thriving communities in this country. My family has entertained the idea of moving on several occasions and used those that mentioned as an example as to how and why we should leave. Based upon these factors, as well as my personal belief that we can and will survive, I ask that you consider the preference for others who also have a big stake in this community. As a homeowner, we're extremely concerned about looking outside of our house and observing a depressed neighborhood with little commerce, other than illegal drug sales and arguments which can be seen and heard from my window early morning, noon, and night. This has not happened to many of my associates who have moved out of the -- out for this and other reasons. It's not fun anymore, andl believe that we deserve better. Again, I am confident that Mr. Peter Gardner and the Pointe Group family will continue to employ concepts into this project that are community friendly and will on a continuous basis include the requests of others who may have a legitimate and reasonable concern as we move towards change and improvements for our future. I support this project and look forward to an outstanding neighborhood and future. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Dr. Rick Holton. "Andl'd like to submit both of these letters into the record. And just as I close, we do have a plethora -- as a result of our continuous community outreach efforts, we do have over 400 letters of support, which I'd also like to submit into the record. And with that, I'd like to ask Margaret to come up and to provide some specific examples of what we have done to folks who've been impacted in this community. Ms. Dougherty: Before she does that, she is not a registered lobbyist because she hasn't had a chance to take the ethics course. So we would ask that one of you ask her to tell you about her specific relocation efforts. Commissioner Sarnoff.. I'll ask. Ms. Dougherty: Would you like to have that answered for you? Commissioner Suarez: Yes. Chair Gort: Commissioner Sarnoff has asked. Margaret Nee: Good evening. Margaret Nee. I live at 2440 Inagua Avenue, lived on -- office at Pointe Group at 3250 Mary Street. And Mr. Range and Mr. Gardner have told you about our commitment to the project and the neighborhood in which we work and live. But I'd like to tell you tonight about how since 2007 we've implemented a self-imposed sense of duty and responsibility with regard to our tenants in the units that Pointe Group has purchased, and in some cases, has taken down. While many here tonight will focus solely on numbers, I'm here to tell you about a few of the people who were impacted that personally worked with. Since I began working on this project in 2007, when we bought a building or a duplex, I would personally meet with each tenant, and if they remained in good standing after they knew the building was coming down and that they would have to leave at some point in the future, together we would work on a relocation plan that suited them. This was done on an individual basis. We didn't hire a professional relocation firm, although we could have done that. We believed then and we believe now that team Pointe Group should, could and will assist the tenants to ensure that it's the best possible outcome for them. In an effort to reach as many West Grove residents as possible, beyond the units that Pointe Group was impacting directly, Pointe Group partnered with the City ofMiami and provided a community outreach in the summer of 2008. We were overwhelmed. Over 112 residents were provided individual case assessments to review a variety of services. Initially, we thought we were reaching out only to the 16 units that we were directly impacting on Thomas Avenue. But 112 residents received a variety of service assessments, including rent assistance, medical services, benefits review for food stamps and other subsidies, including free cell phones. It was through this outreach that we were able to work with Mr. Harris and improve the quality of his life. He was able to get a motorized wheelchair, a hospital bed, and ultimately, into tremendous supportive Carrfour housing. Other City ofMiami Page 20 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Pointe Group tenants who chose to be relocated in the Grove were assisted with moving their possessions, painting their apartments, and providing security deposits. One of the tenants who opted to stay in the Grove that worked with had a requirement that she must be within walking distance to her house of worship. She was born and raised in the Grove, spent over 70 years at this church and the requirement was that she could walk there. It was a tough requirement, but we found an apartment that was suitable. This lovely lady also had a request that we paint the entire apartment pink. Pointe Group painted it pink, thanks to George and his team. And then Franchel, Orondae and George moved her and her belongings and set everything up in her apartment. Although we tried to encourage the tenants to stay in the Grove, some of the tenants I worked with chose to relocate outside the Grove. One such tenant had lost her job that she had moved to the Grove for and she was quite pleased when we decided to work with her to find an affordable apartment that was within walking distance of her new job. However, the new place had to accept pets. After considerable searching, Pointe Group found the appropriate apartment, but it required that the pet have a license and tags. To make sure the relocation went smoothly and that she could keep her beloved dog, we assisted with vouchers so that the dog could be neutered and given its shots, and she moved north to her job with her dog. I could continue, but for the sake of this evening's time, I won't. I'd like to thank you for taking the time to hear about the people we've been working with in the West Grove. I'm proud of the work that we've been doing and will continue to do at Pointe Group. For our credo is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and we just don't say it. We live, breathe, and embrace this credo at Pointe Group. Mr. Range: Andl did omit -- if we could, just for a moment, just going back to the business outreach. In addition to the Miami -Dade Chamber of Commerce, who we'll be partnering with, as well as Mr. Leroy Jones, with Neighbors and Neighbors, we've also taken our own efforts to reach out and to encourage businesses -- minority businesses to become a part of this project. In fact, we've reached out to several businesses, including Bahamian businesses to come and to be aware of what we're doing and to, you know, gauge their interest into moving into this project. Also, we have committed to host a minority business reception at the next International Council of Shopping Centers trade show in Florida. This is the premier conference for national, local, and regional businesses, retailers and restaurants to scout new markets, locations and projects. So we've committed to go in and to provide an opportunity to recruit through this national convention organization. So with that, I'd like to ask Lucia to come back. Ms. Dougherty: Mr. Sarnoff -- I mean, Commissioner Sarnoff, would you also ask our architect to present to you the plans? Commissioner Sarnoff.. Please present the plans. Alberto Cordoves: Mr. Chair, Commissioners, Albert Cordoves, Corwil Architects, with addresses at 4102 Laguna Street, Coral Gables, Florida. I'd like to say that, first and foremost, I am really excited to be here today presenting this project before you. This is one that we've been working extensively with the City staff with our client, with our consultants and with the entire community to bring to you before a real winner, what we think is going to be a catalyst for this community and a -- truly an urban design dream. With this, I'd like to briefly go through each and every one of the six city blocks and give you a brief description of what we're intending and we're proposing to do in each. What you see here is essentially two panoramic shots of the front elevations north and south of Grand Avenue, and I'll start with our north view of Grand Avenue. The first block, which we call Freeport, is essentially bounded by Hibiscus Street on the east and Plaza Street on the west, and it's composed of a five -story retail office building. It ranges from three levels to five levels, and it counts with approximately 33,000 square feet of retail at grade level and 48,000 square feet of office use at levels three and four -- four and fifth, I'm sorry. What you have is you have an integrated parking system within the level second and third. And as you can see with this one and as well as other elevations throughout this project, that the parking systems have been well articulated and harmonized with the rest of the project. As you City ofMiami Page 21 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 can see, we're using essentially the same screening as we have used for the upper and lower uses, again, creating a real active pedestrian activity at grade level. We also have an option for this, which is a hotel option that houses 84 hotel rooms and it is essentially to be placed within the same footprint as levels four and fifth of the office footprint as it states on the base option. This one also counts with eight single-family homes that are fronting Florida Avenue in the rear. Our next block is Nassau; a little more challenging of a block, a little bit bigger, but a little more challenging. It had incredible specimen trees throughout. And one of the opportunities architecturally that we had, as an example, is this beautiful specimen tree, which is approximately 50 to 60 feet in diameter and we took advantage of that. Again, this particular block is an office retail complex, which houses approximately 27,000 square feet of retail at grade level, not only in the office building to the east -- to the west, but also underneath the parking system on the east. It counts with approximately 797 parking spaces for the uses, and again, we've integrated pretty much the same vocabulary as you see in the office building throughout the parking system integration of shutters, trellises, green screens throughout the entire facade. Our last block to the north of Grand is our Grand Bahamas block. On this particular one, this is a retail office complex with 20,000 square feet of retail at grade level and approximately 50,000 square feet of office use at levels four and five. Again, the parking system well integrated and in harmony with the uses below and above; sgain, extremely retail -oriented on the ground floor. Active space is creating a beautiful pedestrian realm that connects the first block to the third block. I'd like to continue now with the blocks on the south of Grand. Our first block is our Bimini block. And our Bimini block here is one of the -- in my -- what I feel is one of the nicest ones of all because we were able to completely integrate parking systems, 80 percent of them, within the uses themselves. We were able to have the office and retail uses essentially encapsulate the parking systems. Not only that, but we were also able to reorganize the footprint as we went up to -- from the ground level to the second level, to the -- all the way to the fifth level. We also stepped back the building and reduced the footprint as we went up, so a lot of articulation happens there. The center block on the south side of Grand is our residential mixed -use component, and this is essentially 223 residential units, and it also counts with a -- an extensive retail use at grade level, totaling approximately 20,000 square of retail and it has the park in the corner, which is existing already. Again, very well articulated and in harmony with the rest of the projects as far as the architectural treatment and vocabulary is concerned. And last but not least is our Abaco block, which is bounded on the east by Elizabeth Street and on the west by Margaret Street, and it's what we call our grocery store block. This one houses approximately 52,000 square feet of retail and 22 residential units fronting Thomas Avenue. With this, I'd like to answer any questions you might have. Chair Gort: Thank you. Ms. Dougherty: This project has been carefully broken down into six blocks. They aren't the exact same blocks -- same architecture on every block. We have worked very hard with Francisco Garcia and his staff to make it the most interesting and still keep the vernacular of the Bahamian architecture. A couple of things I want to point out from the design standpoint. In none of the garages will you see the cars. They are all screened. There's no access from any residential street into the commercial areas. There are residential liners on almost all of the blocks, and if there's not a residential liner, then there is landscape buffering. And beyond that, here's what we've done for the community. This is how we've modified the plans after we've talked to the community. There's no longer any below -grade parking. You may recall that was a controversial issue a long time ago. People were concerned about below -grade parking, so we took that out. The grocery store is committed to be in phase one. That was the -- also our commitment back then. We make the same commitment now. In our first phase will be the grocery store; also, the residential block. Domino Park will not be moved. We initially had thought we would move Domino Park. There will be affordable housing units, job outreach and minority businesses -- minority business outreach, as Patrick Range described. We have either residential units facing Florida and Thomas, which are on the back -- the streets on the back side of Grand Avenue or landscape buffers. But most importantly, I want to describe to you what the City ofMiami Page 22 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 biggest issue that the neighbors had. Initially, we had a 62-foot building for our residential structure here. Now, you may say, well, why don't you keep it 62 feet, but just keep it off of Thomas? Because that's what we -- that's what the zoning is allowing us to do. We're moving off of Thomas, but moving this up to 82 feet -- 81 feet, excuse me. Now, under Miami 21, you can go up 81 feet, but you can't have five stories. You can't go beyond five stories. So we have eight stories in 81 feet on this one block. So this block is going to be C-1, but it immediately turns into SD (Special District) -- I mean, excuse me, T6-8 after the rezoning takes place. This block is the -- now the grocery store. Remember, we initially had the grocery store on the Bimini block in 2008, and now the grocery store is in the Abaco block. So again, this has to be C-1 in order to have a grocery store. So these are the two blocks. Other than that, it is consistently zoned for the -- as the West Grove is, as well as Center Grove. These are the two anomalies. Now all of the buildings have residential, andl don't think you showed the four houses. All of the blocks have residential on the back side. In other words, there are four single-family houses here. These are actually landscaped with residential -- against the residential. These -- this will be zoned residential. These have townhouse units, and these have townhouse uses facing Thomas. So there're townhouse uses on Thomas, townhouse units on Thomas, and of course, this is the church property. So we have residential facing residential, residential -zoned property facing residential -zoned property, and Albert, working with the Planning Department, has done a fantastic job of designing the project as it faces both Thomas and Florida. So from a zoning standpoint, this is consistent with what you have on West Grove -- I mean, on Center Grove and in West Grove. The only anomalies is the Paradise block in order to have it go a little bit higher to maintain the number of units that we need to support the commercial because we all know that commercial's not going to come until you have the residential. In order to have the number of units that we need to support the commercial, we can either do it in 62 feet spread over Thomas or we can do it in 81 feet and keep it on Grand. And the consensus from the community was keep it at 81 feet and keep it off of Thomas. So with that, I'd like -- Chair Gort: Thank you. Ms. Dougherty: -- to close -- Oh, I need to go over some of your zoning cat -- We've passed out a chart for you -- and so this gives you the overall zoning for the property. In terms of density for the total property, we are allowed to have 1,519 units. We're actually providing 257 units, 34 of which are going to be set aside for affordable housing. Now that's on the base program. We also have a maximum scenario because this is a six -block area and we have some flexibility built in. So depending on what we actually market, we may actually go up to 349 units. And in terms of FAR (Floor Area Ratio), we're at -- 799 is possible. We're providing in our base program 706,000 square feet, but we might go up to 750, depending on what the uses are provided. Again, the parking spaces, we're required to have 1,622 spaces; we're providing 1,820 under the base program, which is the most likely scenario. And again, we're providing much more open space than is required. What's required is 74,000 square foot of open space and we're providing either 126,000 or 125, 000. So we've also provided in this backup a listing of all the options, along with the zoning classification or the zoning ordinances that correspond to the various options and the various boards with that. And after this zoning ordinance goes into effect, we'll have a Major Use Special Permit that will tie us to these plans at your next meeting. Immediately after that, all of this property is going to be zoned T5 0, meaning that if for some reason we don't build this building, we don't build this project, anybody who buys it after us who doesn't want to build this project immediately goes to T5 O. So you have many layers of protection. You have the fact that we have a Major Use Special Permit, the fact that it's going to be zoned T5 0 under Miami 21, and the fact that we've been at it this long and Mr. Gardner is a man of his word and will be keeping his commitments to this community. So thank you very much, and we'd like to reserve some time for rebuttal. Chair Gort: Thank you. At this time, we're going to hear from all those -- it's a public hearing. Anyone who like to testify on this or like to speak on this item? City ofMiami Page 23 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Excuse me, Chair. Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Thompson: We had some people who came in late to sign up to speak, so I would need to administer the oath to them. Chair Gort: Go right ahead. Ms. Thompson: Ladies and gentlemen, if you have not done so already and you plan on giving testimony on these PZ (Planning & Zoning) items 5-10, I will need you to please stand and raise your right hand so that can swear you in. Do I --? Is Pierre there? I'm sorry. Unidentified Speaker: Oh, yeah. Ms. Thompson: Anyone who's not been sworn in yet, okay, I need you to stand and raise your right hand. The City Clerk administered oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those persons giving testimony on zoning issues. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Thank you, Chair. Franchel Gaitor: How you doing? I'm Franchel Gaitor, at 3600 Plaza Street. I've been employed by Pointe Group for almost four years. Pointe Group picked me up as a convicted felon. As we all know, it's very rare that convicted felons get jobs. Since I've been working for Pointe Group, I have been enrolled in school, staying out of trouble, taking care of the community. As most of the community is here, they will tell you thatl be out there every day making sure all the land that Pointe Group own that take care of with the lawn service, taking care of the buildings, and many more things, replacing -- well, removal of -- most of the tenants that were moved off Thomas, I personally moved them myself me and two more of the people that work with. I stand for Pointe Group because Mr. Peter -- Mr. Gardner didn't let me down when I was on my dirt foot. So I stand for Pointe Group because I say that they are honest people and they're for the community. Chair Gort: You're in favor of it? Mr. F. Gaitor: Yes, sir. Chair Gort: You're example that got a job working for them? Mr. F. Gaitor: Yes, sir. And l feel that they are for the community. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Mr. F. Gaitor: Thank you. Chair Gort: Next. Glen Diston: Good evening. My name is Glen Diston. I operate a business by the name of Go Green Document Solutions at 3715 Grand Avenue. And before I go on, I'd like to say congratulations to Commissioner Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff for your reelection, and I'd like to say welcome back to Commissioner Spence -Jones. I've been in the community for almost 15 years, and I've operated a business here in Coconut Grove for that time. And I'd like to say that I'm in support for this particular project. I've seen several developers come and go within City ofMiami Page 24 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 my time frame working in this community, and as Patrick said, they just came and nothing happened. And I'd like to say a big thank you to Peter and the Pointe Group for bringing this vision to the Coconut Grove area, that even in these economic times, he stuck with it. Many people would have probably just thrown up their hands and left us here, but he's sticking with it andl think this project is a real good project. I'd also like to say that I'm going to leave three words with you before I go. One, jobs, jobs, and jobs. Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you. Next. Stafford Cummings: Good evening, Chair. My name is Stafford Cummings. They call me George. I am a Jamaican. I'm 59 years of age. I was retiring and going back home 'cause I own some property, and I can live without doing anything for a while, I think, for the rest of my life. But Mr. Gardner called me into his office one day and said to me he needs a gentleman who knows everything construction to train some people, some young men in the Grove to work in some project that he's about to start. I told him I would give him a year. He said, no, I'm sorry. I can't do it. I said how long. He said he want at least three years from me. So I saidl don't know about three years because I'm actually retiring. He convinced me then to give him five years, and so I signed on for five years. I came here in 1990, andl was told by a friend of mine to go to a building on Grand Avenue to get some instruments to ship back to Jamaica for -- I always ship stuff to Jamaica for the underprivileged kids to play music (UNINTELLIGIBLE) musician. The guy took me around off Douglas, onto Grand Avenue and we were going up Grand Avenue. So I said to him, how far is Grand Avenue? He said, this is Grand Avenue. I said, what do you mean, Grand Avenue? This ain't no grand avenue. He said yeah, this is Grand Avenue. I said, listen, a street is supposed to be indicative of its name. This is not Grand Avenue. This is not -- What's wrong with you people? Why have you -- why has it gone down to this state? All these buildings closed up and rotting to pieces. Anyway, to make a long story short, Mr. Gardner showed me the plan that he had in the program for Grand Avenue. And ask every one of you (UNINTELLIGIBLE) that you have driven up and down Grand Avenue for the past 20 years. I've lived there for ten years, lived on Grand Avenue for ten years, andl challenge any one of you in here to tell me that what you have seen for the past 20 years driving up and down Grand Avenue each day, each morning, each evening, is that what you want to leave for your children and for your children's children for the next 20 years? I think not. I implore you, please, pass this program. It is for the betterment of this community. Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you. Thank you, sir. Next. Anthony Parrish: Andy Parrish, with offices at 103 Grand Avenue. I'm president of Wind and Rain, Inc., which built 15 houses in the West Grove, starting in 1994. And I'm proud to say that all of my homeowners are still in those houses because we set them up right. We also own the Grand Island building on the corner, which is -- used to be known as Gil's Spot, some of you may recall, if you've been here long enough. And because I see this as a very positive development, we're -- my partners andl are finally fixing the old liquor store that's right there on the corner of Grand and Douglas. So we're very hopeful that this project is going to be approved tonight. We've waited a long time. Nineteen ninety-four, I think the street looked even better than it does -- I mean, going on 17 years later. It's long overdue that we have a developer that comes in, does low-rise building, which these basically are. The previous developer was going to do ten stories and up, cheapest bay views in all of Dade County, but this one's come in and actually come up with a plan that incorporates a lot of the streetscapes that the Center for Urban and Community Design that University ofMiami came up with. It helped start the revitalization process that then got short-circuited by the recent economic disaster, and the fact that this developer is willing to go forward in these uncertain times I think is to his credit and to everybody on his team's credit. I wouldn't have the guts to do it. So I really hope we'll get behind him and support it. It's a good project with a good developer and it's long, long overdue. Thank you very much, Commissioners. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Yes, ma'am. City ofMiami Page 25 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Bonna Cooper: Yes. My name is Bonna Cooper. I reside at 3476 Hibiscus Street, a rental property owned by Greater St. Paul AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church. I've met Mr. Gardner. I like Mr. Gardner, but I just want to give my thoughts. My concerns is that the blatant disrespect to the historical Village West Island District. Historical, preserving history. It's a hidden treasure that every developer wants and have embarked upon. Urban revitalization. Other cities across the United States have embraced their diamonds in the rough. We're such a small area that can be uniquely our own. I always said at different meetings that the east side is warm and inviting, but when you get to the west side, it's of despair, but that despair is of design. It's orchestrated. Developers want to personally change their -- they want to personally change to their liking, but the character of being the historical Village West, they want to change. Not only does the developers change the footprints of residential dwellings, but they're totally demolishing. In closing, you wouldn't dare go into other areas of the City and make such a drastic overall change as this. For those who have conscience, please think about it. That's my thoughts. Chair Gort: Thank you, ma'am. Next. Allen Lester: Allen Lester, with offices at 6858 Southwest 89th Terrace, Pinecrest. I own properties on William Avenue, which I do plan to develop into what I call obtainable housing. I've looked at the project. I've developed other projects in Coconut Grove. Though I can't say I'm 100 percent in concept -- agreement, they've done a great job in working with the community. The only thing I'd ask of this Commission is to do what they did for me on Terrazas, which is to get CIP (Capital Improvements Program) and City Manager to make sure the impact fees from both the City and Dade County are used into this area, okay, in order to create a stronger residential and commercial corridor. Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Next. Monty Trainer: Good evening, gentlemen. How are you? Chair Gort: Good evening. Mr. Trainer: My name is Monty Trainer. I reside at 2649 South Bayshore Drive, and I've been in Coconut Grove since 1968, opened my first restaurant in 1969, so I've been around the block a couple of times in the Grove. And as some of them referred, they've seen developers come and go and make all kinds of promises. But I have to remind you gentlemen of what we've been through in the Grove and what the West Grove has meant to us as we grew up. And with this -- this is the main corridor that'll come into Coconut Grove. And as Marc always likes to refer to his three-legged stool, this is the third leg. You know, you got Main Highway, you got Commodore Plaza, and now you'll have Grand Avenue. And this is what's been lacking. And was talking to Peter earlier about the ingress and egress. And hopefully down the road, the Playhouse will become involved in this whole equation. I think that's what you've been really missing in the Grove, as we've been -- I don't know whether we isolated the West Grove or they isolated us; one of the two, but now this will open it up and bring the commerce. Everybody said, well, the Grove is -- this is what will make the Grove happen is to make this the unification of the Grove. So I really applaud what Peter and Margaret have been able to accomplish on keeping this thing alive. And when I first heard about the project, andl reached out andl said gee whiz, can you tell me a little bit about your project, and this was about three or four years ago. So they immediately took the time to tell me about the project, andl invited them to the Grove to speak at a chamber luncheon. And at the luncheon, everybody overwhelmingly approved what they were hoping to do. And of course, as you heard, that Lehman Brothers -- Lucia told you about Lehman Brothers going south, so the project went south. So I was very disappointed. So this guy should get a medal for being so tenacious and weathering the storm of our economic times and still having the ability to keep the vision for the West Grove. So I hope everybody gets City ofMiami Page 26 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 behind this. Thank you for your time. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Anyone else? Brad Houser: Good evening. My name is Brad Houser. I live at 3630 Plaza Street, kind of uniquely situated. I live literally steps from the Marler (phonetic) Street pathway that goes from the West Grove to the South Grove. And until a few years ago, it was literally paddle [sic] locked up, a chain -link fence with a paddle [sic] lock, literally segregating the West Grove from the South Grove. Over the past few years since they opened that gate up, I've seen a nice healthy flow of traffic, foot traffic and bicycle traffic from the West Grove into the South Grove, but not much traffic from the South Grove into the West Grove. Andl look forward to this project and the day when we see a healthy foot traffic and bicycle traffic from the South Grove into the West Grove. I've known Peter for a number of years. I've had the pleasure of working with him very closely at St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School, and there's not a better person to carry this project off. I'd also like to speak on behalf of Sylvia Larrauri, who is the head of school at St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School, where Peter serves on the board. She unfortunately cannot be here tonight, but she wanted me to offer her full support for the project. Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Next. Henry Givens: Good afternoon. Good evening. Henry Givens, 10500 Southwest 149th Street, Miami 33176. I'm president of Grovites United to Survive. Before I get started, Commissioner Suarez, I would like to remind you that when you were about 5, 6 years old, your dad was bringing you to meetings of this nature in Overtown, and I'm so happy to see you in a position that you can help make some of the things happen that your father was teaching you way back then. A few years ago, I became president of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, the first African American to serve in that position. The reason I wanted that position was to try and bridge the divide between the west part of Coconut Grove and the eastern part of Coconut Grove. But something started to happen and maybe I started recognizing things, that everybody who came to the table to talk had a good game. Nobody was willing to put their money where their mouth was. Ain't much changed, but one of the things that did change was that a young man came and saw the opportunity to help revitalize the western part of Coconut Grove. He put his money where his mouth is. If you would just take the time to think of the thousands of dollars that have just been spent in just making these kind of presentations that have been made over and over and over again, this is what this company has done. I really like Peter. I like to be involved with him. And the thingl like most of all about him, he is one of the most pleasant people to disagree with. And knowing me, I love that, 'cause I -- but he's very pleasant to disagree with. He tells it exactly the way it is, andl certainly would like to encourage you to certainly pass on this project because this opportunity is not going to knock again. Trust me. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Mr. Givens: Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Laurie Cook: My name is Laurie Cook, 3840 Charles Terrace, in the Grove. And Mother Teresa said, in these times of development, everybody is in a rush and on the way, there are people falling down who are not able to compete. These are the ones we want to love and serve and take care of. Those are also the ones that I'm here to represent as my neighbors and my friends. Nobody -- I don't think anybody would say that we don't need revitalization in the Grove. I think every resident in the Grove and beyond would say that that's needed. But to me, development that's going to be displacing hundreds of people is not acceptable. And so, I have some particular concerns that I want to address in that regard. First, the Pointe Group has talked about affording housing. I've been to the many -- many of the meetings they've talked about, I City ofMiami Page 27 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 have attended. And there was one particular meeting where we were trying to get to the bottom of what does this affordable housing thing mean? You're going to have some affordable units. What does this mean? And the question was danced around for a while. And finally, I asked, the people who live on Grand Avenue right now, would they be able to afford your affordable housing? And they said no. Okay, that's all need to know on that. Secondly, in regards to their stating that they are helping people to relocate, I don't know about those particular stories that they have shared, but I know that I do have a friend who she was given -- she lived in one of the houses on a property that they purchased. She was renting, had been renting there for the last ten years and was given her 60-day notice, was -- nothing in the letter said anything about helping her to relocate. I actually had to tell her, I've been at these meetings where they have said they will help you relocate so you need to call them out on that. So she called them. And she was told, yeah, there's housing for you in Liberty City or Overtown. And I just -- you know, for each of us, how would you feel if you're being told, wherever you live, if it's in Coral Gables or wherever, okay, all right, we have alternate housing for you in Overtown or Liberty City. That's not acceptable. And so she decided just to find her own way to her own place because she couldn't either afford anything else in the Grove currently. Another issue that I have is the eight -story building. I think most of you are probably aware of several years ago, the previous developer wanted to build higher. Granted, yes, eight stories is shorter than, you know, how high the other developer wanted to go, but our community fought and fought and fought to keep five stories. Andl think that's ridiculous that just in one instant we lose what has been fought for previously. And part of that is really just because of the fact that part of the draw of the West Grove has been that it's a quaint island village. Andl -- and that's not found anywhere else. People can go to all different parts ofMiami for, you know, bigger and larger and greater, but the draw of the West Grove is that it is that small island village. And so, again, I do say we -- yes, we do want revitalization; that's needed, but again, if that's going to displace hundreds of people, to me, that's just not acceptable. Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you. Anyone else? Miles Jennings: Good evening, Chair, fellow Commissioners. My name is Miles Jennings. I reside at 3471 Oak Avenue. I am a lifelong resident of Coconut Grove. I envy Mr. Gardner. He said he still resides in his street that he grew up on. Well, I live two blocks away. I come from one of the oldest pioneering families here in Coconut Grove. I wear numerous hats, and my view of this development may be slightly different than most. I am a licensed general contractor. Most of the construction that has been built in the last 30 to 35 years in the West Grove, I built. So I've served on numerous boards. I'm attempting to make change in West Grove. Because of strife, infighting, and other situations, our community is decaying right before our eyes. We have a developer who has come in who has the wherewithal, the capability, and the sensibility to actually develop a new concept for West Grove. Years ago, the gentleman said he thought Grand Avenue was blighted. Grand Avenue was grand. The density on Douglas Road was much higher. We had high-rises all along Douglas Road. Many, perhaps, have forgotten. We changed the density to a lower level and, consequently, we thought that would solve some of the problems. It has not. Many boards have come. Many developers have proposed concepts and ideas which have not been -- have not come to fruition. I ask that you consider this current proposal before you, andl am a proponent. Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Anyone else? Alice Eason: My name is Alice Eason. And I'm not living in the Grove right now, but I was raised in Coconut Grove. I still have family here. And I'd just like to say thank you, Mr. Peter and Margaret, for doing an outstanding job in trying to get the Grove back to where it used to be a long time ago. We need the businesses, we need the stores, and we need the Grove to look like the white Grove, so to speak. We need Grand Avenue to be beautiful. We want to be able to walk and feel safe in our neighborhood. My sister, Yvonne McDonald -- may she rest in peace -- she worked very hard for this community, and l just want to just say thank you. Just keep doing what City ofMiami Page 28 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 you're doing. Appreciate it. Chair Gort: Thank you, ma'am. Yes, sir. Edwine Gaitor: Good evening, Commissioners, Mr. Sternoff [sic], Michelle. I'd like to congratulate you, Mr. Sternoff [sic] on reelection. Michelle, welcome to see you back, as well as Commissioner Suarez. Good to see you all. My name is Mr. Gaitor. I was born and raised in Coconut Grove. There's a labor of love in Coconut Grove that goes way back. There's a deep history in Coconut Grove that existed for many years. I myself born and raised in this community, can imagine that, you know what I'm saying, the things that we are seeing today and the things that are happening today comes amongst change. Geographically speaking, we have the West Grove as well as the South Grove. That's a little odd to me, but I'm learning to adjust to that there because to me it's just one Grove. It's always been one Grove. Andl understand that, you know what I'm saying, there's a lot of passion that comes out of Coconut Grove -- comes from Coconut Grove. I myself have that deepest desire myself. Earlier you saw my son get up and spoke. He was the young gentleman that was standing there telling you about the work that Peter Gardner and Margaret Nee has done for him in regards to Pointe Group. Andl commend him as a man, as a young man and as a father for where he at right now today. Andl appreciate the work that Peter and Margaret have put into my son. We need this development in Coconut Grove. There's no doubt about it. We need the jobs that do not exist, not only just in Coconut Grove, but in America today. We have to come together on these grounds with whatever we need to do to make this project move forward to expand and enhance this community that has been suffering for so many years and will continue to suffer if we don't allow this thing to move forward so we can see better things, better future for our kids and our grandkids. Andl am a grandfather, so that's how serious I am about this project. I just want to thank you all for your time and I'm going to say good night. You all enjoy. Chair Gort: Thankyou. Anyone else? Anyone else? Kathy Harris: Hi. I'm Kathy Harris. I've lived in the Grove since 1974. I am very much in favor of the project. I agree with the gentleman that said Grand Avenue is not very grand, and I'd like to see it brought up to what it should be in the area it deserves. I also want to shop. IfI - - I don't want to have to feel have to go drive to South Miami or something else to shop. I would like to spend my money in my community and help my fellow Coconut Grove residents. Andl think an awful lot of people would prefer to shop, if they felt there was something on Grand Avenue right now. Sometimes you just don't feel like it's the safest place to go to go shop. If this - - I would like it to be something that we can be proud of we can spend our money in our own community. My husband andl were also involved with the development in South Miami across from the South Miami post office. It completely revitalized the area. It was an area no one wanted to go and it's completely changed it. The community embraced it dramatically. They were -- even those that were originally opposed loved how it changed -- it changed their -- improved the value of their own real estate. They loved it. So I have experience in this and l just want to support this project. I know Peter Gardner. I trust Peter Gardner, and I just hope you'll consider that. Thankyou. Chair Gort: Thank you, ma'am. Next. Orondae Smart: My name is Orondae Smart. I worked for Pointe Group for about four years. It's like too main words I keep hearing, change and jobs. You know, by me growing up and been raised in the Grove, I've seen the good times of the Grove, I've seen the bad times of the Grove. Peter Gardner came through, gave me an opportunity to have a job, so I'm one of the first to get a job through his program out of the Grove. So therefore, the jobs come into play. I believe he will bring jobs to the Grove. He's going to provide a lots of jobs 'cause I have cousins, I have nephews, nieces, you know, family members that need jobs. And if he's going to bring the jobs to the Grove, I'm willing to back him on what he's trying to propose. And then the change. You City ofMiami Page 29 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 know, a lot of people from the Grove scared of change right now. They feel like by Peter coming through the Grove and he's doing what he's doing, that they're going to be left out, you know what I mean. So he's bringing good change to the Grove. All change is not bad, you know what I mean. And it's time for the Grove to just step up and do what they need to do, you know what I mean. Everybody keeps saying the history of the Grove is going -- dying out, but the Grove not stepping up to preserve the history. I applaud these folks right here 'cause I do see them in the community talking to people. You know, I'm from the community, so I see both sides. So I applaud y'all for what y'all doing, but at the same time, the community not even where y'all at right now. Y'all doing all the talking for them when they need to be here as well. Then you got those that's talking about Peter Gardner -- or they say in the hood, the white man want to come through and change everything. But he changing it for the good, like I said before. So whatever he's -- whatever Peter Gardner is about, I'm backing him. He gave me an opportunity to get a job when nobody else did, andl hope he bring a lot more to the Grove. That's all have to say. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Next. Bennie Chapman: Hello, everybody. My name is Bennie Chapman, andl live at 3360 Florida Avenue. I've heard everybody come up and talk about the Grove, they lived in the Grove, they were born in the Grove. Let me tell you a little something about Bennie. I was born and raised in the Grove as well. I was born in a part of the Grove that was the only black community of Coral Gables, which is known as the Golden Gates. And a lot of you know that -- and that's over by Carver school. And from there, I moved -- as my parents brought me away from over on that end when I finished high school over to where I'm living now. I only lived two places in my whole life and I'm almost 70 years ago. And yes, Peter, I love you. I don't hate you. You're doing a good job, but you know what? I'm a little confused. I'm concerned, andl want you to straighten me out. Help me because I'm confused about the drawing. I love the changes you're doing, but I don't want to be put out on my street. So I want to ask you, on Florida Avenue, you say you're going to keep that as it is? Tell me, somebody. Y'all speak to me now 'cause I'm coming up here asking questions. I'm not here to down nobody. Chair Gort: Ma'am, all your questions will be write [sic] and they'll be answered when they rebuttal. Ms. Chapman: Okay. Chair Gort: Okay. Thank you, ma'am. Ms. Chapman: Because I'm a little confused, and that's why I come up here to ask. And to rebuild Grand Avenue is beautiful, butt don't want you to go eight or ten stories high because you'll be looking down in my bedroom. But I love the way you're doing it, and you're going to make Coconut Grove look good, but just don't bother Florida Avenue. That's the only thing I'm asking. Keep up the good work. Do what you doing. Make us look good, but leave Florida Avenue alone. Here I am almost 70, done retired. I don't feel like going no place else. Just let me live in peace, butl thank you just the same, you hear? Chair Gort: Thank you, ma'am. This is the right place to bring the questions and your concerns. Anyone else? George Simpson: My name is George A. Simpson, M.D. I'm a physician, a retired surgeon, and I have lived in Coconut Grove since 1955, when I joined the Stirrup family. I think most of you probably know me. I guess I could trade credentials of being interested in Coconut Grove with anybody around here 'cause my family is, without doubt, one of the most interested groups of people for Coconut Grove since this community began. And myself have -- had my office Overtown and in Liberty City, but I had an office here in Coconut Grove too. Every night when people come to my house, I had a third office right here. And our family has built affordable City ofMiami Page 30 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 housing, at least 40 or 50 units, since I have been here, andl have managed and developed many of these. As a surgeon, I have had the opportunity and sometimes the unfortunate opportunity of treating people who were very ill, moribund, about to die. And my professor of surgery used to say, if the person is that sick and there's a possible remedy for it, how do you consider that remedy? Well, if it won't do harm and might do good, use it. If it might do harm and won't possibly do good, don't use it. I look at Coconut Grove -- and, especially, I look at the Grand Avenue corridor of Coconut Grove as a sick community, moribund, about to die, dying. It needs therapy. Two therapies are proposed. One is if you delay this, you're doing nothing. You're doing harm and that person's going to die. The other is, it can't do harm because this community is not going to get worse -- I mean it's not going to get better doing nothing, so it can't do harm, but it will and probably will do good. So are you going to leave this patient there to die doing nothing or are you going to grasp at the possible therapy and do something to save this community's health? I propose to you, andl think everybody would agree, you have to do something. And the only thing we have right now is the Pointe Group plan, which I think is an honorable one. The man, in my opinion, has kept every promise that I've known about and he's shown his sincere concern for this community. This therapy for this community, which is moribund, needs to be done now because to delay will just hasten the death. So let us get this thing on, pass this thing and enable this group to do its work. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Thank you, doctor. Williams Armbrister: My name is Williams Armbrister. I live at 3260 Thomas Avenue. I am the third generation Armbrister in this community. And Commissioner Gort, I will ask you, as chairperson, to permit me a bit more time than an individual, as I do represent a number of individuals in this community and it is on record in our October meeting. I'm not going to bore you. Chair Gort: Sir, you have used already 30 seconds. And if you -- Mr. Armbrister: Okay. Chair Gort: -- if you've been watching -- excuse me. Mr. Armbrister: Okay. Chair Gort: Excuse me. If you've been watching everyone, their two minutes have been up andl allow them to continue to speak because I think it's very important. Go ahead, sir. Mr. Armbrister: Yes, indeed, very important. What the developers and a few other people have said that they've met with the different organizations in the community, but they have no approval for their proposed project from the organizations in the community. The only approval that they do have are those that will tend to profit from this, not those that are attempting to survive. You know, what -- the only thing we're asking of Pointe Group and have always asked of Pointe Group is that they keep their footprint off and out of the residential community. That's all. They try to come in and make believe that, well, since we like you, we won't go on across -- we won't cross Thomas Avenue. But let me tell you the truth what happened to that. I was in contact with the Episcopal diocese and provided all the information whereas they had been misled by Pointe Group thinking and saying that this is a project that the community want. The community doesn't want greater than three stories on Grand Avenue. I noticed earlier, Commissioner Carollo, when you talked about building better communities and somebody reminded you of one you forgot. You also forgot Coconut Grove. And it's not only you; it's the entire Commission that has forgotten Coconut Grove. And when you take into consideration we were not notified about this meeting today, it almost de -legitimatizes this item on the agenda for today. There was zero notification, as if we weren't desired to come and express our opinion in regards to this item. And so I don't think that this should be even acknowledged as a first reading because I City ofMiami Page 31 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 personally feel -- and correct me, if it's proper for you to have these items brought before the Commission without noting the residents. Is it proper for you to do that? I don't know. I'm asking. Chair Gort: There'll be answered in your rebuttal and will ask -- Mr. Armbrister: Okay. I'm sure -- Chair Gort: -- the lawyer -- I'll ask later on, sir. Mr. Armbrister: -- there's some slimy hole that the developers weaseled through in order to justify that. They did what was politically correct. And for you to sign on and approve this project that Commissioner Sarnoff came through the community and was lobbying for the developers as he was lobbying for his Commissioner seat. And then when you look at about $18, 000 or more that is easily traced -- I'm only speaking what is true and public -- Chair Gort: Excuse me. Mr. Armbrister: Yes, sir. Chair Gort: We're addressing this issue. What's your opposition to the issue, okay? Mr. Armbrister: Well, what I'm saying is the developer has contributed a great deal -- sum of money to Mr. Sarnoff. And because they have done this, it gives this a bad smell. Chair Gort: Okay. Mr. Armbrister: And what I'm saying is documentation. Chair Gort: Thank you. Mr. Armbrister: And everybody may not be aware of this, but I want to make certain that in your decision you have taken into consideration that the developers may have smeared this entire process -- Chair Gort: Okay. Mr. Armbrister: -- from point one. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Mr. Armbrister: And you don't make it look good for yourself -- Chair Gort: That's your -- Mr. Armbrister: -- if you -- Chair Gort: -- personal opinion. Mr. Armbrister: -- endorse that. No, that's not a -- Chair Gort: That's your personal opinion. Mr. Armbrister: -- no, that's documentation. City ofMiami Page 32 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Chair Gort: Andl thank you. Okay. Mr. Armbrister: It's documented. Chair Gort: The elections are over. Mr. Armbrister: Thank you very much. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Mr. Armbrister: Thank you very much. Chair Gort: Thank you. Pierre Sands: My name is Pierre Sands. I am the president of the Homeowners and Tenants Association in Village West. I would like to preface everything that I say tonight with a scripture. It says do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Today's translation is if you make a deal, two people on either side of a table, if it is truly a deal and it's truly beneficial, then the dealmakers would not object to switching places. So I ask the people here tonight, pro and con, would you like to switch places? Last hearing, before the PZAB (Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board), I spoke of landmarks in Coconut Grove and I mentioned Barbara Rose Apartments, which were on 37th Avenue, andl mentionedRoy's Georgia Barbeque at 32ndAvenue. Those two points represented the very extreme points that black people could live in Coconut Grove. Roy Asbury (phonetic) was on the virtual demarcation -- line of demarcation of Coconut Grove. Tonight I want to dispel myths about Coconut Grove. And as I sat here tonight or stood here tonight, I've got a list of them. One of the main ones that troubles me is that Village West is a dangerous place to live. Everyone, if they're going to justify this development, do not use that as an excuse for your project. This is a dangerous place to live. I want to recount just how dangerous Coconut Grove is, Village West. Did you know we have 16 churches in Village West, 16, not counting the little storefronts and home worship and bible studies? Did you know that we have three schools in Coconut Grove West Village? Francis S. Tucker, George Washington Carver, and the St. Alban school. And if you count St. Hugh, many of us went there from the '50s on to today. That's the dangerous Coconut Grove that has been depicted. It is an egregious misrepresentation of this community. This is the oldest community in all ofMiami, and it's a slap in the face when people stand up and say it is a dangerous place. Now, if that is so, then I must be a dangerous man. And everybody that sits here representing their homestead, the tenants, they are dangerous people. I want to go down the list andl want to talk about -- Chair Gort: Sir, in conclusion. I'd like for you to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) for that. Mr. Sands: You know what? I appreciate that. You know, I'm at the bitter end. Everyone has spoken. And the only person that you've interrupted is William [sic] Armbrister and now me. And I'm going to ask for some leeway here because this is a very important issue. Chair Gort: Let me repeat once again the same thing that repeat to Mr. Armbrister. I have given plenty of time to everyone that's gone beyond the two minutes that they're supposed to be speaking so I've been very lenient on that. Mr. Sands: Yeah, I understand that. But when we're talking about the destiny of a community and you limit us to two minutes and Pointe Group gets to have a time for a rebuttal. Chair Gort: Sir, if you recall, I have given you all plenty of time. I have gone beyond the two minutes. Will you try to conclude, please, sir? Mr. Sands: I will. City ofMiami Page 33 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Chair Gort: Thank you. Mr. Sands: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman, can I just ask you a question? Chair Gort: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: If there's anyone else from West Grove that would want to give him their two minutes that may not be speaking? Chair Gort: Okay, two, four, six. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, so -- Chair Gort: Eight minutes. Mr. Sands: Okay. Thank you. Chair Gort: You got eight minutes, sir. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I just want to make sure you -- Chair Gort: Yes, yes. Go ahead. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- have an opportunity to say what's necessary -- Mr. Sands: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- out of respect for the neighborhood. Mr. Sands: Well, in that am limited to eight minutes, I wanted to go down a pantheon of famous Grovites, Village West, but I will use one. Andl will say that she is a pillar in this community, and I'm glad l found this book two nights ago. And she writes, who would be interested in the life of a colored child? Now a woman born in Coconut Grove, 1926. What could say about my life as a colored nurse coming to work at Jackson Memorial Hospital in 1947 and not being able to work in the room because of my color? She says -- she goes on to say that there were two operating rooms at Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital, and they shorten it to OR (Operating Room). So tonight, OR will be the metaphor for Village West and the east of 37th or 32nd Avenue. The myth is that -- and forgive me, Peter -- that Peter keeps his promise. I know Peter. He's an honorable man, but to date, we cannot base or make that statement because nothing has been done since 2007. So we're waiting for the fulfillment of that promise. Someone said that there has always been one Grove, andl categorically say that is wrong. I grew up in Coconut Grove when it was white town and colored town. I grew up in Coconut Grove when that line of demarcation was 32ndAvenue and McDonald Street. I grew up in a Coconut Grove where there was a wall between Muller Street and the street that this gentleman spoke of. There was no osmosis. There was no exchange of people and culture. That's the Coconut Grove we grew up in. Someone says that this is a blighted community. It's not a blighted community. Somehow you want to put the blame on the people that live in Village West that it is a blighted community. We won't carry that onus, and the reason being; this corridor you speak of of Grand Avenue, we never owned any of it. We were tenants. We lined the pockets of slumlords for years and years and years, and those that own property that were from Village West couldn't get a loan. Why is that? Lucia Dougherty says architecture with a Bahamian vernacular. What is architecture with a Bahamian vernacular without the Bahamians? She says -- andl like Lucia. City ofMiami Page 34 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 She's a wonderful person. She's a good lawyer. But she says the only concern that this community has is eight stories. Yes, that is a huge concern, but we are concerned about the commercial encroachment that has taken place in our community. I attended a meeting three weeks ago where I was guaranteed by members of Pointe Group that there would be no further encroaching into Village West. Now, Marc, being the astute lawyer, explained to me that it is constitutionally not possible. You never say never. That's wised me up. I learned a lot that day. Two hundred and fifty-seven units. These are going possibly to 394. We're just throwing numbers at the wall, you know? There's nothing concrete there. Monty Trainer said he came here in 1968. He says he doesn't know whether Village West isolated itself from Village -- or the East Village or was it the other way around. The fact in American history is, as I've explained earlier, segregation is what divided east from west. Andl say to myself, Mrs. Gibson could not work at Miami Jackson hospital, two operating rooms. There are two operating rooms here in Coconut Grove. It is only fitting for people to use the one Grove, but they do it disingenuously. There still isn't a one Grove. One lady says that she wants to shop. We in Village West want to exist in the place that we were born, a place that our ancestors built. This is the oldest black historical community in Florida. Bud [sic] Houser says he lives on Plaza and Muller and he envisions this project as this osmosis of culture. Not going to be that. Myth. A gentleman says -- that was Mr. Monty Trainer. He says Pointe Group's vision of West Grove. What's wrong with that? People who live in West Grove ought to have their own vision. We don't need anyone having visions for us; paternalistic, insulting. We're better than that. You believe in one Grove? Let's prove it. Miles Jennings, my friend I grew up with Miles Jennings. Miles Jennings says he's a contractor. The people of Village West, we don't work for Pointe Group, and we're not looking to work for Pointe Group. Strife, he says. Name me anywhere on this planet that involves the human being where there is no strife. We're just like you. We fuss, we fight, we make up, we kill, we steal. Strife. It's not peculiar to the people of Village West. Now, Mr. Gainer, you're a good man. And sure, Pointe Group has hired people. I commend them for that. There are a lot of people living in Coconut Grove that won't have employment. Why? Because they won't be here. Now, I want to just briefly cover -- Chair Gort: Sir -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: In conclusion. Chair Gort: -- I need for you to conclude, sir. Commissioner Spence -Jones: In conclu -- I'm sorry. Mr. Sands: I'm going to conclude. Chair Gort: We have given you plenty of time. Commissioner Spence -Jones: In conclusion. Mr. Sands: Okay. And I thank you for that. Chair Gort: You have done a better rebuttal than their rebuttal's going to do. I mean, you rebuttal every opinion everybody testified here, which you've done a great job on that. Commissioner Spence -Jones: You've done an excellent -- Chair Gort: Please -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- job, actually. Chair Gort: -- conclude. City ofMiami Page 35 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Excellent. Mr. Sands: Okay. I would like to close with -- Chair Gort: Yes, sir. Mr. Sands: -- in Coconut Grove, I'm a certified arborist, andl know that since 2004, the developers have savaged our urban canopy. The City ofMiami revamped its tree code. It makes the offender mitigate the trees that they remove. But when we tear down apartment buildings where people lived for pretty near 100 years, the City ofMiami is short armed and weak voiced, no mitigation. Why is that? Are trees more important than the people who planted them? And so I leave you tonight with that, you know. If you truly want to do the thing you say, then I want to just finish with a credo of our Homeowners and Tenants Association, which was penned by Will Johnson. It says I am Coconut Grove, Village West, South, Center and North. We are not divided. We want what every community wants: Jobs, opportunity, good education for our children, quality recreation, clean streets, no crime, elected leaders who truly know us, respect us and represent our interests. And to date, that is still our dream. I thank you very much. God bless -- Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Mr. Sands: -- and keep you. Chair Gort: You've done a tremendous job. Thank you. Mr. Sands: Thank you. Chair Gort: Okay. He's taken a time of other people here. Yes, sir. Vernon Clark: Good afternoon, everybody. My name is Vernon Clark. I think I'm the senior member of Coconut Grove. I was born in 1936, Grand Avenue. My parents are Bahamians. I think have more days behind me than I have in front of me. I know Pierre mother. I know Pierre grandparents. Andl know everybody in Coconut Grove because some way we're related. The man -- what's his name? Peter. What's your name, sir, your last name? Peter Gardner. I call him Peter Pan, because the Cubans had a Peter Pan that when they can, they waved the wool because things happened. Barbecue can't work anymore. Arroz con pollo and rice can't work anymore. There's nobody that know when I was coming up with the Jews in the community that have always come in Coconut Grove. That's where Pierre was born. They were there to work and they help us out. The good old boys -- I wear the cowboy hats. Some of them know me, and Willie. I understand the emotion of Pierre. He is a distant relative of mine. But Coconut Grove can't survive with a man who has money to come in there in a partnership. We're going to die on the vine. Now there's no personality crisis. I go to Christ Episcopal Church. I've been there all my life. I've done what I can andl -- I can't find the adjective really to describe. And there are people know me very well. If this man project is not passed, we're going back in the Dark Ages because nobody's going to come in Coconut Grove and invest one dime. And believe me, may God be my secret judge, and believe me, I'll bet my money on this man. He's not arrogant andl think he is fair. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Mr. Clark: Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you. Okay. Andrea Ellison Honore: Good evening. My name is Andrea Ellison Honore, and I live at 3249 City ofMiami Page 36 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 William Avenue, in Coconut Grove. I also have family -- my relatives have -- are some of the first settlers in Coconut Grove. They are the (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I have lived in Coconut Grove now for about -- maybe about 15 years. However, I grew up in the Grove. I attend Christ church. I went to George Washington Carver Elementary, Carver Middle School until we branched out into Palmetto down south. I have had the pleasure of working with Peter on a contract, and l just wanted to say tonight that do believe him to be a very honorable man. He has done so with us in our project. He has shared his vision as to Coconut Grove. A lot of it makes sense. And based on the fact of since I was growing up in the Grove and what I've seen in how the Grove is now, we need the help, we need an improvement. We need something to make us strong again, how we used to be, as I've heard a lot of people say in the Grove. And we were a strong community, a very vibrant community that was working. Andl think that with this project, it's going to help to bring us back to that level. We just need to work out our differences and try to understand what it will take, and sometimes it may not take exactly what everyone would want. But if we come together and to help this project begin, I really believe that we can see a very prosperous future for the whole Grove, not just West. Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you, ma'am. Okay, is anyone else? Anyone else? Sue McConnell: Sue McConnell, 3090 Virginia Street, Coconut Grove. I've lived here over 25 years. I'm sorry to say, Pierre, but I don't feel safe driving down Grand Avenue. When I do, people wave me on 'cause I think they want to sell me drugs. We're not going to get a lot of Peter Gardners coming our way. Andl think if we miss this opportunity, it's going to be a long time before we see any improvement in Grand Avenue. Thankyou. Chair Gort: Thank you. Anyone else? Please, if you want to speak, come up. Go ahead. Daniel Felger: I'm sorry. Dan Felger. I live Palmetto Avenue, Coconut Grove. I just really want to quickly say that I've had the pleasure of knowing Peter for almost ten years. I know his wife. I know his kids. I knew his father before he passed and his mother. Andl don't think there's anyone I've ever met in my life that's more committed to his family and the community as Peter, and he is absolutely the right person to steer this project forward. So that's all wanted to say. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Mr. Felger: Thankyou. Chair Gort: Anyone else? Anyone else? Constantine Scurtis: How are you? My name's Constantine Scurtis. I'm a resident of Coconut Grove since 1978 and currently live at 3639 Park Lane, and my parents still live on Battersea Road where I grew up, and my sister also lives on Hardy on the Grove side. So we're a third generation from Miami. I attended St. Stephen's as a child. And was born and raised in the Grove. And I'll just tell you, it's really sad how all these other areas around Miami are thriving. This new Mary Brickell Village area and Brickell that didn't even exist; South Miami's really got their act together; Coral Gables on Miracle Mile, when I was growing up nobody even went over there and -- the Grove's been left behind and it's sad. And I've gotten to know Peter personally and become very good friends with him and his family and our kids are close. And I'll tell you, he's personally committed to this project. It's not a developer coming in from out of town or another area. He's very committed and couldn't imagine a better person to lead the Grove out of the rut that it's been in a long time. It's sad when I go with my wife to go out to dinner. You can only eat GreenStreet so many times. I mean, nothing's lasting in the Grove. We're going to all these different areas and design districts and all over town, and none of our dollars are going into the Grove except into the kids' school and there's just -- you know, that change is hard. I know the West Grove has got a lot of history and -- but change is also necessary. And you know, City ofMiami Page 37 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 I completely support the project and so does my whole family. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Next. Ozie Williams: My name is Ozie Williams. I live at 3021 New York Street. I've been in Miami since 1957 and I've lived in my home since 1965. But got a notice on a hearing. It says Wednesday, November 16. Andl called some of the homeowners and they know nothing about it andl didn't know until 1: 30 today. Chair Gort: Yeah. My understanding, that's -- I think that's for the -- yesterday's meeting. Yeah, that's for the Planning. That's Planning & Zoning meeting. Mr. Garcia: Madam, Commissioner, I'm sorry. IfI can -- Ms. Williams: Well, I have talked to about ten peoples [sic] and they know nothing about the meeting. Chair Gort: The question is that notification of this hearing today went out to the residents of the area. Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir. The meeting -- Ms. Williams: I didn't -- Chair Gort: Excuse me. Ms. Williams: Well -- Chair Gort: Excuse me. I asked staff the question. Yes, sir. Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir. The -- to clam a couple of questions. The meeting has been noticed properly. What may have created some confusion is the fact that this meeting, in particular, this hearing, has been continued, and when that happens and it is done so on the public record for everyone to witness, then there's no additional notification sent to the property owners and the original notification stands. In addition to that, however, there are postings all along Grand Avenue which indicate that the meeting is going to take place today. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So in other words, they just did not --? Right. So in other words, what she -- she's just communicating her issue. Mr. Garcia: Of course. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Her issue is she was confused or not con -- well, she's confused about this notice because that was yesterday. Ms. Williams: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But what she's saying is that because of I guess the process that we have now in place, the homeowners didn't -- 'cause there was a comment that was made earlier by somebody in the audience that if somebody really cared about their community, that would -- they would be here and that -- part of the reason why they may not be here is because that additional notice didn't go out -- Mr. Garcia: That's correct. I just want -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- because that's not the process. City ofMiami Page 38 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Chair Gort: That is correct. And l just wanted to -- exactly -- clam that in doing so, we'd simply will be following the process that we have established. But we do understand how the lack of additional notice may have created some confusion. I should also add just for the sake of clarity that this is one of two hearings, and so in the month of December, in particular -- for those of you who have been kind enough to attend today -- on December 15 there will be another meeting exactly like this one, and whether today this passes or not, it is required that in the next meeting it pass as well before this item goes forward. So you'd have the opportunity to speak today and the opportunity to come back on December 15 after 2 p.m. and speak again on the item and certainly advise everyone else to speak. One last thing, and it is that everyone who lives within the radius, everyone who is a neighbor in the area, will be notified again for the meeting in December. Chair Gort: Now let me ask you a question and clarify it even more. Does this notice go to property owner and rentees also? Commissioner Spence -Jones: No, just property owners. Mr. Garcia: It goes to the property owners, sir. Chair Gort: It only goes to the property owners. In other words, residents of the apartment buildings do not receive notice of this hearing? The property owner of the -- the owner of the building is the one that receives the notice. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But I think it's interesting -- Chair Gort: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. I think it's interesting so at least you know that and those that did come out tonight will have the opportunity to come back. If it passes tonight, you'll have the opportunity to let them know and to at least bring them back and at least, you know, voice your opinion or your -- their opinions about how they feel about the project, which I think is extremely important. Mr. Garcia: Certainly the case. And in addition to that, the postings will be placed up again all along Grand Avenue, so I think you will have every opportunity to be notified in exactly the same fashion as you have been before. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Was that your only comment? Did you want to put something on the record about how you feel about the project? You can. Ms. Williams: Well, when they start developing, sometime they go -- like they start on Grand, they go to Florida Avenue, Frow Avenue, and they just keep going. So it need to be something on record where it have to be stopped for commercial. Chair Gort: Thank you, ma'am. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you. Chair Gort: Next. Yes, sir. Joel Denaro: My name is Joel Denaro. I've lived in Miami for my whole life. I've lived in Coconut Grove since 2009. And I've listened tonight and there's a lot of emotion about all of this. Andl know Peter andl know his family very well. And if the Gardners have made a promise to the community, knowing Peter the way that I do, he's going to keep his promise. I'm City ofMiami Page 39 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 here because I support what Peter and the Pointe Group are doing. I think that this is going to benefit Coconut Grove. I think it's obviously going to bring jobs, number one. It's obviously going to bring tax dollars to a community which we desperately need. I think it'll raise property values in the West Grove, the South Grove, and the North Grove. And I've listened tonight to people who oppose this. And before I lived in the Grove, me and my family -- I live in the Grove with my wife and three kids who go to St. Stephen's. We lived in the Design District, your -- actually Buena Vista, and remember being at meetings where people were objecting to Midtown Miami. And what we've seen with Midtown Miami is it brought in restaurants; it's brought in tax dollars. There are now many jobs as a result of that. And this really is reminiscent of that and it's really what the Grove needs right now. And so I encourage the Commission to vote yes for this so that we can get this started, and it's what our community needs. And thank you for the time. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Anyone else? Okay, you got two minutes for rebuttal. There's some question what I'd like for you to -- couple of questions came up, most important Florida, about the residential, how is it going to be affected. Tucker Gibbs: Okay, I'm going to -- Ms. Thompson: Excuse me, Chair. I just -- Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Thompson: -- want to make sure. Have you closed the public hearing? Chair Gort: No, I didn't. It's rebuttal. Ms. Thompson: Okay. Just want to make sure. Chair Gort: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And also Thomas 'cause that came up in it as well. Mr. Gibbs: Yes. I'm going to ask -- and don't start my clock. Please don't start my clock yet. If I have two minutes, I'm going to try to use them to the best. Chair Gort: Go ahead. Mr. Gibbs: Good evening. My name is Tucker Gibbs. My offices are at 3835 Utopia Court, in Coconut Grove. And to start off I want -- I'd like you all to understand that this is about a set of rezonings that will be in place through a Major Use Special Permit. And understand tonight, we're not dealing with the Major Use Special Permit, but at least you all need to know that that is coming at the next meeting on second reading, and that literally says that we can't do anything other than what we're proposing tonight. We have residential on Thomas. We have residential on Florida Avenue. And on Florida Avenue, residential or buffer, and that's very important to understand because where you have residential on the north side of Florida Avenue, you have residential and buffering on the south side of Florida Avenue. Nowhere does a building butt up against somebody's house unless it does already. Ms. Chapman's house backs up on a property that is zoned for five stories today and five stories is what's behind her in general. But oddly enough, behindMs. Chapman's house is a breezeway. It's two -- there are two buildings, and this is the space between two buildings is directly behindMs. Chapman's house and that's my understanding, at least, from Ms. Nee -- Margaret. Hold on. I want to just verifi, that because I verified -- I thought I verified it before. Chair Gort: Come on, Tucker. You know better. City ofMiami Page 40 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Mr. Gibbs: Thank you. Ms. Dougherty: Her house is this empty lot right here, which is going to be adjacent to zoning for residential single family and zoning for T4, but in fact what -- this is not part of our property. It got rezoned, but it's not part of our property. And so what she's going to be having on both sides is -- and it's hard to tell 'cause this is an elevation. But on both sides of her property she's going to have landscaped buffers all the way back to the -- oh, okay. Mr. Cordoves: As you can see, there's landscape buffers extending throughout the entire property and even surrounding it and encircling the other properties around the buildings. Mr. Gibbs: The goal in creating this was to preserve and protect the residential neighborhood. And that was to make sure that residential would always face residential and that is what's happening here. Mr. Cummings talked about Grand Avenue, andl wanted to address Grand Avenue. And he asked a very important question: Is the Grand Avenue that exists today what we want? Andl don't think anybody in this room wants that. We're talking about the future and we're also talking about the past. The past of Coconut Grove was a divided community. Pierre Sands talked eloquently about the issues of what happened in Coconut Grove and what Coconut Grove was about. But what we're talking about here is a project that is going tojumpstart, revitalize this community. Nobody has ever come to this city about Coconut Grove and taken an area of this size and said want to redevelop it. This is an important issue in the Grove. If this issue is let go -- if this Commission says no to this project, what this Commission is saying no to is the future of Coconut Grove. This is a central point of development. It's a place where -- it's a revitalization focus for Coconut Grove. Commissioner Spence -Jones: We hear you. Go ahead. Mr. Gibbs: Okay. I just -- I wasn't sure, andl want to -- People have asked why is one section of Coconut Grove growing while the other section has stagnated. And it isn't just about property ownership. It's about investment. And investors want to invest in an area that they can make money in. That's the American way. What you have here is a critical mass. Six blocks in Coconut Grove that can be developed, that can help other areas develop. If this area is developed, it can jumpstart other development in other parts of Coconut Grove and that's important in this community. Mr. Gardner could come in and he could do one block, he could do one lot or he could do three lots or three blocks. He chose to do six blocks. Why? Because this is about revitalizing an area. This is what's going to make it work. I wanted to talk to you all about some of the comments that were made, so if you bear with me, I'd like to -- I need to address at least some of the comments 'cause this is rebuttal. Chair Gort: I think the comments and the questions that were asked by the public should be answered. Mr. Gibbs: And that's exactly what I want to do. Chair Gort: Okay. Mr. Gibbs: Ms. Cooper asked about respect for history and respect for what Coconut Grove is. That's exactly what this project is about. This project respects the heritage of Coconut Grove, the history of Coconut Grove, the architecture of Coconut Grove. You want to talk about commercial development in Coconut Grove. Everybody in this room knows where commercial development in the West Grove started. Where did it start? Charles Avenue. Charles Avenue was the historic commercial center of Coconut Grove. It was not Grand Avenue. Miles Jennings explained Grand Avenue was zoned office with an FAR of what, 1.72? That's a lot of development that could go on on Grand Avenue. It was -- and unlimited height. That was City ofMiami Page 41 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Grand Avenue up until several years ago when the SDs came in and the NCDs (Neighborhood Conservation Districts) came in. Miles Jennings was also right when he said "and then they tried to downzone it so it'd be shorter." No investors came. No investors came. Peter Gardner -- the only investor that came was affordable housing, as Andy Parrish brought up, that was going to be 10, 12 stories. And Chairman Gort, you were here when that issue came up before this board and it was incredibly contentious. This project is not that. This is a neighborhood project, a neighborhood project that meets the requirements of the NCD and also the zoning. Your own Planning Department, with no ax to grind -- these are your professionals who are trained to deal with these issues. They have looked at this plan and they have blessed this plan. Your Planning Advisory Board -- your Planning and Zoning Advisory Board, excuse me, unanimously voted to recommend this to you all. This project respects this community's future and its past. One of the issues was about retailing and jobs. One of the things that every retailer wants in any development is employees who can walk to work. That's what you all want to encourage is employees who want to walk to work. Why? Because no retail owner wants to have an employee take up parking spaces that can be used by customers, and that's what we were talking about. Patrick Range will come up here and talk to you about those issues. He's talked to you about it before; if you want to hear more about it. But Peter Gardner has made a commitment, the commitment that didn't start when his project is going to begin. His commitment began when he bought property in Coconut Grove. He has been to every single meeting he's been invited to. He has gone to over 50 meetings, all the public hearings. And in every meeting he says tell me -- give me a list of people who need jobs. I will help them get jobs. Give me a list of people who you think are being kicked out of Coconut Grove; I will help them find a place to stay in Coconut Grove. And yet, people don't want to hear that. I don't know why. But the fact remains that Peter Gardner has done more than any other developer that I have ever dealt with ine Coconut Grove to address the issues or I wouldn't be standing here in front of you. When he came to me in 2007, I asked him specifically, I said are you willing to listen to the people who are in the community. He said yes. That's why I want you on my team, and that's why I'm here. Pierre talks about Roy's Barbeque. That was the boundary line of the West Grove. Andl grew up in Coconut Grove. I'm born and raised here, andl went to -- I used to go to Roy's Barbeque. It was a place where east and west could meet, where you could go into the West Grove and you could meet people and you had friends there. And you know what, that is sorely lacking today for whatever reason. This project, this project is going to allow that. This project is going to encourage that. It's going to encourage communication. It's going to encourage people to live, work, eat, and shop in this location. I leave you with the Coconut Grove Planning Study of 1996. That planning study talked about what was going to happen in the Grove. The West Grove participated strongly. The NCD-3, the SD-28 all came out of that planning study that the Coconut Grove Village Council sponsored. And that planning study said what is going to happen to Grand Avenue. They didn't want office. The community didn't want office. They wanted retail. They wanted housing. And that's what we're doing. We're putting that here, and we want to help the community. This is going to be the critical mass that will allow the further development of this community. It's going to help it. Andl leave you with the last -- my last comment. I wanted to say it. And let me find my statement, ifI can, and probably can't. After many years of waiting for redevelopment in this area, I ask you: If not this project, then what project; if not this developer, then what developer? The time to decide is now. And somebody else said it here better than I. If you all say no to this project, what do we have left in Coconut Grove? What other developer is going to dare put his foot or her foot in Coconut Grove to try to do anything? The future is now and we have to grasp it. Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you. There's one question that I have. One of them mention -- that was the individual -- about relocating the individuals that losing their apartments. I understand you're working on that. Mr. Gibbs: Absolutely. Chair Gort: You will help -- to help those people? City ofMiami Page 42 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Mr. Gibbs: Yeah. And -- Chair Gort: Okay. Mr. Gibbs: -- Mr. Range will tell you about it as he did -- Chair Gort: So Mr. Range is the person to talk to if you need to be relocated. Mr. Gibbs: No. More importantly -- I'll tell you who to talk to. Margaret Nee -- Chair Gort: Okay. Mr. Gibbs: -- who is the project manager who has sat down with people -- Chair Gort: Okay. Make -- Mr. Gibbs: -- and dealt with personal relocation. She will talk to everybody. Chair Gort: Before you leave, make sure they get the phone numbers and so on. Thank you. Mr. Gibbs: Let me -- you want me to give the phone number on the public record, because I will? Chair Gort: Go right ahead. Mr. Gibbs: Okay, let me get it. The phone number is 305-913-5498. That is Margaret Nee's direct line, and that deals with jobs, that deals with relocation. We are asking people to tell us you want a job, you live in the Grove, come and talk to us. You feel you're being displaced, come and talk to us. Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you. I'll now close the public hearings [sic]. Comment among board members. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I thought, Patrick, you were going to -- you say you were going to address something? Mr. Range: I'm happy to. I think Tucker did it very eloquently. You know, throughout the course of this project, folks who've been affected have had the opportunity to be relocated. At the last PZAB meeting, at homeowners and tenants meetings we have said repeatedly, if you need a job, please let us know. You know, we will certainly get that ball rolling. If you need a house, if you were a former resident of Coconut Grove and you want to be back here, or if you live here now and you're being displaced you feel and you want to remain here, let us know. I've said directly to Pierre on a number of occasions -- at homeowners and tenants meetings and otherwise, and Pierre's an honorable person and we're goodfriends, and hope to remain so. But I've said to Pierre, provide me with the names of people who need housing here, provide me with the names. Others have come, given names. Others have been relocated right here in the Grove. Some of them are sitting in this room. Jobs. You've heard the persons that have come, that needed jobs that have come and gotten them. You have to give us the opportunity. You have to give us the opportunity. Give me the names. Tell me who the people are. Give us the opportunity. You say nothing has been done, Pierre. I disagree. There are people in this room who have been helped. There are people in this room right now. And if you know people who need to be helped, let me know, let me know. I can't say it any stronger than that. My family's business is here. I have to face this community every day. I don't intend to go anywhere. My family doesn't intend to go anywhere. We're being affected by this project, but we're going to City ofMiami Page 43 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 continue to be in this community. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So your family -- Mr. Range: And maybe perhaps you weren't here, Commissioner -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Range: -- but my family's business is on Grand Avenue -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, I know it. Mr. Range: -- and directly affected by this project. Commissioner Spence -Jones: No. I might not have been here for the last two years, but I -- Mr. Range: No. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- obviously know that Range -- Mr. Range: I meant earlier this -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- Funeral Home is on Grand. Mr. Range: -- meeting when I said that. That's what I meant. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. No, no. Of course I know Range is on -- Mr. Range: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- but you mentioned they are going to be there, meaning like is it your building going to stay there even with this development? Mr. Range: No, but our business will be here. Our business will be here. Commissioner Spence -Jones: In the Grove? Mr. Range: And that is thanks to Peter Gardner. Commissioner Spence -Jones: No. I'm saying in the Grove. Mr. Range: In the Grove. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Range: On Grand Avenue, the way we're planning it right now. On Grand Avenue. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Can you -- where here on Grand? Mr. Range: It's in the process. I can tell you exactly where. It's near the corner of Douglas and Grand. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So it's on the other side, on the --? Mr. Range: Near the corner of Douglas and Grand. And that's thanks to Peter. Other City ofMiami Page 44 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 developers that had come and told us they were building didn't care whether we stayed, could have cared less. Didn't even bother to come and sit and talk to us. So I'm saying to you the proof is in the pudding. There are people here who have been helped. We've said on the record that we want to be there to help those people that need it, whether it be with housing or jobs, but if you don't bring us the names, if we don't -- we can't reach everybody individually. We need the help of this entire community to make this work and we're committed to do that. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you. Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. All right, Peter, you're welcome in District 1. We have a lot of empty lots over there. Any time you want to come over and do a development, you're welcome and I'll work with you on that one. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes, Peter. Chair Gort: Thank you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Love to have you in D5 (District 5) any time, any time. Chair Gort: You got to diversify. Commissioner Spence -Jones: You definitely have to diversity. Chair Gort: Okay, public hearing is closed. And at this time we'll have comments from the board members -- Commissioners. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Commissioner Sarnoff -- Chair Gort: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I'm sure you got a lot, right? Chair Gort: It's your district, Commissioner Sarnoff. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So you're going to start first? Commissioner Sarnoff.. You want to go first? Commissioner Spence -Jones: No. I'll go after you. Commissioner Sarnoff.. I need to make a couple of Jennings' disclosures, Madam City Attorney. I have met with Miles Jennings. I have met with Ms. Lane. I have met with Pierre Sands. I have met with Mr. Bellinger. I have met with Peter Gardner. I have met with Margaret Nee. I have met with Patrick Range. I have met with Ms. Bennie Chapman. I have met with a number of residents as I walked up and down the Grove throughout this campaign, some of which I don't recall off the top of my head. Ms. Chiaro: If your disclosure relates to a Jennings' disclosure, you need to state the substance of the conversations that you had. The statement can be made in a general sense if it was about the project in general, but the disclosure requires that you state the substance of that which was discussed. Commissioner Sarnoff.. I had a meeting with Miles Jennings, Margaret Nee, Dr. Rick Holton, Pierre Sands. The nature of it was to show the models to get input into how he would like to see it -- what issues he had with the project, how he could frame his issues. No issues were framed at City ofMiami Page 45 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 that meeting, other than I told him constitutionally anyone could come in and make a zoning request for a change at any time on any piece of property in the United States of America. Ms. Bennie Chapman andl probably spoke mostly about her home and she walked me around showing me where the project was going to be. I had no substantive conversation because I didn't happen to have a map or a plat at that time. Mr. Jennings and Dr. Holton were speaking to Pierre at length about the fact that they both grew up in the Grove together, how they went to school together, and how Rick Holton said if this doesn't happen now, I'm leaving the Grove. And Mr. Jennings was saying under our watch, we've watched the Grove disintegrate. Those are the extent of what I recall of -- what I could tell you of my Jennings' disclosures. Mr. Sands: But you didn't say what I said. Commissioner Sarnoff. I -- what I could tell you is that there were no issues framed at that meeting. I asked him for specific issues that I could address with them as to the construction of the project because the model was there. What I am disclosing is there were no issues framed. Vice Chair Carollo: Are you going to continue, Mr. -- Commissioner Sarnoff? Commissioner Sarnoff. What's that? Vice Chair Carollo: Do you want to continue? Commissioner Sarnoff. I'll continue. Vice Chair Carollo: I just want to make sure that -- Commissioner Sarnoff. I just -- I'm waiting for her to say that's an adequate Jennings disclosure. Vice Chair Carollo: You got it. Madam City Attorney. Ms. Chiaro: That disclosure complies with the Jennings rule. Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. You know, let me start by saying a contract is merely evidence of an agreement between two people, but it is really nothing more than words on paper. What really matters in life is the handshake and the eye contact between two men or women or man and women, and that is the integrity of the two people shaking hands. Like I said, the words on the paper are nothing more than evidence of their agreement, but the integrity of their agreement are the two people. I don't usually talk about God andl don't talk about spirituality, maybe because I'm not well schooled in it. I've met two people in my life thatl consider godly andl consider spiritual. One of them sits on this dais, Commissioner Suarez. The second person is Peter Gardner. He may not know that. I've never known Peter before I became Commissioner. I think he's a spiritual man. I think he's a godly man. And I could not imagine him not upholding his word to this community, living in this community. So while the words on the paper mean something to me -- 'cause as a lawyer I'm trained to look at the words -- it is the integrity of the man and his spiritualness that tell me he'll do what he says he's going to do. Coconut Grove, in the words of Monty Trainer -- andl do like to use the three-legged stool analogy a great deal -- is broken. It's been broken probably for the better part of 10 or 15, maybe even 20 years. You could put something down Grand Avenue and put a median on there, it really doesn't change the fact that there's nothing on Grand Avenue to call it Grand. Just should be called the vacant avenue. And there's nothing really left on Grand Avenue of major substance. I've heard Commissioner Spence -Jones say to m let's extend the BID (Business Improvement District) down Grand Avenue. You can't extend a BID on vacant property. You can't extend a BID on nonvital, non fertile property. This particular property, which is part of a Bahamian community -- andl will tell you one thingl learned. Having walked this past election cycle, I really learned what a City ofMiami Page 46 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 pioneer meant, a pioneer family. This is an incredible, well -respected, well-thought-of community of pioneers from Bahamian descent, that they're proudly, verociously [sic], and very in touch with their Bahamian roots. There is a number of educators from the public health -- the public school system that have retired on Florida Avenue. It is an amazing sight to see. This is Ms. Lane. She's a retired school teacher. This is, you know, Mr. Rick Holton. He's retired, you know, police officer and now educator himself. And you can walk up and down and see the beautiful homes that exist there. And as they tried to explain to me, something happened: missed opportunity, drugs. But an entire generation has been lost from what I perceive to be 60-, 70 year -old people that somehow didn't have the same opportunities that their parents had. And to me, everything we do up here -- I've -- a couple of you have come to a couple of my -- when I got sworn in and said the mantra should be three things: jobs, jobs, jobs. I'm not the biggest believer in affordable housing because before you can afford a house, you have to have a job. You all have a different feeling on that up here, I know that, but there's a lot of affordable housing in context in this particular project. There are 19 affordable units right now. There will be 34 when they're done. So if you just add those together, you're at a significant amount of 53 affordable units. I really look at this project as an opportunity, as an opportunity to create that link between the Village West and the Central Grove. And in some respects, I think when this is all said and done, the Center Grove is actually going to be very jealous of the Village West because I think the newer and the more improved is going to exist on Grand Avenue. And, yes, you do want people to shop. Yes, you want people of all color, all take. But you know what people have to have in their pockets? They have to have dead presidents. They have to have money. And money is a universal unifier of people because you need people to consume and that is exactly what this project will do. It'll invite people to come into the neighborhood and consume. It can be consumption with food. It can be consumption with retail facilities. You're going to need obviously businesses. You're going to need commercial development. You're going to have probably law offices, CPA (Certified Public Accountant) offices. And those are the people that are going to be able to consume. You know, I said in the 2008 when we approved part of this, I said turn the page. Let's say no to Peter Gardner. Let's be bold. Let's just say no to Peter Gardner. Turn the page. What's next? Who's next? What's coming after that? What happens? What happens in five years? What happens in ten years? You know what happened in the previous five and you know what happened in the previous ten. Why does that change? Look at your competition. Everybody in the Grove goes to me: You're the Commissioner of District 2. You get to sit over Mary Brickell Village. You're going to be able to sit over Swire Properties. You may sit over Genting. You're going to be sitting there when Midtown completes. You're over there when the Design District and Craig Robbins and LVN goes in. How is the Grove going to compete? Even I don't have the answer to that question 'cause if the Grove doesn't get its act together and the Grove doesn't realize it's got a lot of refurbishment to do, the Grove will not compete. There's a couple of places will make it. You know, Silvano's will make it. Lalo Durazo's will make it. But it's not going to cohesively act as it should. And it -- there's a unique place for Coconut Grove. There's a very unique place for this village. This village needs to facilitate its own people. It's a great place for us. You know, I'll tell you a funny story. The highest median income in South Florida exists not in Coral Gables; in Coconut Grove. Ninety-seven thousand dollars a year is the geographic median income in Coconut Grove. I'll tell you a funnier story. There are 12 schools in Coconut Grove, you're absolutely right. You know what the average income of the people that drive their kids to the 12 schools is: $141,000 a year. Look at the demographic that is coming into Coconut Grove that is not spending its money in Coconut Grove. Look at the missed opportunities. You know, Coconut Grove for all too long was "what about the next beer, what about the next beer. " And yet, look at the think tank that has been created in Coconut Grove. You have Sony Music, Sony South America. You have Fort Brescia. If Fort Brescia does half of his projects -- I'm sorry, that's Arquitectonica. If he does half of his projects, he brings into Coconut Grove $2.5 billion. If he does a third of his projects, he brings into Coconut Grove $1.1 billion. You have Crispin Importer, one of the best advertising firms in the nation. You have Bruce Turkel. The Coconut Grove has become a think tank. You may not know it, but it has. And once it learns how to react and act like the think tank that it is, it will become the learning center for many, and it really is here already because I don't City ofMiami Page 47 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 know if you're aware of the 12 schools; eight of those schools are in the top 100 in all of the United States, but nobody tells that story. Nobody really tells the story Coconut Grove is the 26th safest city in the United States. Nobody tells the story Coconut Grove is the safest city in Miami -Dade County. That didn't come just because it just happened to happen, but there wasn't a lot of thought process in linking this entire story together and that's because the Grovites like to do what Grovites like to do. They all like to have their own opinion. You know, if you have a belly button in Coconut Grove, you have your own opinion. So how about this, how about we all get behind a project? How about we all get behind the bridge that links the two Groves together. I'm not going to tell you we're one Grove, but we could be one Grove and we should aspire to be one Grove and we should aspire to not care anything about the color of our skin, our national origin, but in the words of a great man, maybe we should all care about the content of our character, and that's all we should really care about. And you're right; it does take consumption to make a community do well. And the woman -- the lady -- I apologize; I don't remember your name. You're right; you have to shop in order for that community to benefit. And the shops that will be created in that community are what will rejuvenate that community. And you could throw your hands up and not like what I'm saying. That's your right. But I'm telling you that the Grove has a tremendous scar on it and that scar is Grand Avenue. And until you repair that scar, until you put a leg of that stool back together, it will always act like a two -legged stool and appear to be teetering. This is the chance -- because whatever we say in writing is evidence of a good plan. But what you have is Peter Gardner, a man -- if the words don't say exactly what they should, will come back and say my wife, my family, my community, my parents, we're all from here, andl will make it right. Andl really do believe that. I really and truly do believe that. And if not Peter Gardner, then who? The Marreros? If not Peter Gardner, then who? Goldman? I mean, I'll name the guys that owned the property before. So they owned it and they did what with it? You know, Miami better wake up. There are two kinds of people that own property in Miami, and forgive me, Lucia Dougherty, because you represent both. You represent the users, people who use their property, and you represent the holders, the people that hold their properties. And you know what, far too long, far too many years there have been a lot of holders of property in Miami and they've not used their property 'cause they're all waiting for that next building boom to happen. They're all waiting for that great next assemblage of property to happen. And they're all looking to get their score. And yeah, they're usually not from Miami. They're usually a long way from here. Downtown; we have a number of people from Iowa. And you want to know what? Those are the guys that were always complaining about and dealing with a lot of vacant land owners. You don't have a vacant land owner here. You have a man for the first time that I know in recorded history that actually owns the property and lives in Coconut Grove. That in and of itself is a stamp and impeter (phonetic) of somebody that really cares, 'cause he can't go run and hide. He can't -- you know, he drives that electric car. He puts his kids in it. He's not going to go run and hide. He's going to be out there. He's at GreenStreet's more than me, andl don't know how you could do that, Peter, because that's supposed to be the District 2 Commissioner's spot. But you're out there all the time. I just really believe in this man. I think this is a good project. I think this project has evolved. He survived Lehman Brothers. There aren't too many people who have survived Lehman Brothers. I certainly hope each and every one of these Commissioners sitting up here will respect the District 2 Commissioner, respect his district, and help me support this project, not because it's necessarily only good 'cause it's District 2, but think about it. Your dad shares this district with me. You know, your brother was a big proponent of Coconut Grove and lived here. Commissioner Gort's been here for a very long time. Commissioner Spence -Jones spends her time in Coconut Grove. So if you don't think this is the right project, I guess don't vote for it. But ask yourself when you turn that page, you go to Page 47, what happens on Page 48, 49, and 50? What are you going to write? What song are you going to write? What hymn are you going to write? Because if not Peter, where does it go from here? So I strongly urge each one of my fellow Commissioners to support this. It is the right project for the right time at the right moment at a critical juncture in Coconut Grove's life. Chair Gort: Is that a motion? City ofMiami Page 48 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Commissioner Sarnoff. It's a motion to approve. Chair Gort: Okay, there's a motion. Vice Chair Carollo: Second. Commissioner Suarez: Second. Chair Gort: And second. Further discussion. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Discussion. Chair Gort: Yes, ma'am. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Let me just say, the one thing that -- for me in the midst of listening to the hearing, I think the one thing that I can honestly say that there is -- whether or not both sides may not agree to what all the issues are regarding the project, I think there's at least a consensus in the room that something needs to be done. Andl really waited to hear the Grovites or the West Grove folks get up and really communicate something, you know, different outside of the fact that -- at least communicate that maybe perhaps they didn't want to have the project happen so that I at least could be fair and balanced in my judgment. And the one thing thatl did not hear clearly was that you did not want the project to happen. And I'm saying that to say, you know, I didn't hear the strong enough opposition in the room saying that we don't want it to happen. I just heard -- based upon what I've heard in this hearing, there were key things about the projects that you wanted to see change, and to me that's a beginning point. And I would like to further explore that, you know. Andl have some questions regarding some of these items so that I can have clarity from the applicant. The one thing that I did hear also, that -- the second thing heard that stood out very clear to me, even those that opposed perhaps or had some issues with the project I would say, is that Peter was a good man. And whether or not, you know, they were all the way happy with the project altogether, the one thing that did come out of this hearing to me loud and clearly is that you are a good person, and I think that's a great start as well because to me that shows that you really want to do something good and that you're really trying to do the necessary outreach to make sure that the residents, the people that are there that may feel that they're being displaced from the project, you're trying to find a way to engage them, so I felt good about that. My colleague that sits to my right -- what's the comment you made earlier? I'm trying -- Commissioner Sarnoff. Taken? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. That was taken with me today. I respect the fact that he's really trying to figure out a way to make something happen on Grand. You know, Grand -- or I can say at least the West Grove, when we start looking at development that's happening in, I would say, blighted areas -- andl know that we heard earlier that don't describe, you know, my area as a blighted area. I can tell you as a City Commissioner that sits on the dais that represents Liberty City, Overtown, Little Haiti, areas where I have rows and rows of vacant lots and abandoned properties, I die for development to happen there. I push very hard to work with as many people to see how I could transform it. But in the midst of that, the one thing that I try to do because a lot of times when we're talking about redeveloping our areas, it's very challenging a lot of times to get people to come in. But those that do have an interest in coming in, it becomes my responsibility as the elected official to figure out a way to make sure that the residents that are there that are a part of it are really engaged in the process. And that's one of the reason, Commissioner Sarnoff, thatl drive the City staffers crazy a lot of the times, is thatl try to build -- especially if it's me giving money, me giving land, me giving zoning changes, thatl try to put a community benefits agreement in it, that at least we can have some common ground. City ofMiami Page 49 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 And I think that some of the things I heard earlier -- I know that Patrick discussed earlier that the developer was looking at doing everything from minority subcontractors participating in the project to recruiting businesses in the area to actually participate to retail ownership. 'Cause honestly -- I'm going to be very clear, and this was our decision earlier on the Marlins stadium. A lot of times the jobs are great, but when you're talking about building a community, it really goes beyond just having a job. It's about having ownership to a certain extent. And for me, you know -- andl can say this because, you know, I represent a district that truly has many challenges. But I also realize how important it is in order for me to rebuild those communities; that have to empower if not the people that are living there, people that reflect the people that live there, empower them so that they begin to see people looking like them making their community work. Andl can say this -- I see some of the partnerships that Peter has really tried to do to make sure those small businesses are at least benefiting, you know, from the things that are actually happening. So I see the intentions. They're truly there. Andl see the fact that you are trying to make sure that it does have an affording housing mix in it, you know, and -- you know, to the tune of 53 units, I would like to see a little bit more than that, but again, that's the beginning of the discussion, you know. But I see the effort, which a lot of times you don't see that at all. So I start with a few questions that have for the team so that I have clarity. I know we have a motion and we have a second on the item. Andl can tell you this, I think that, you know, coming back to the dais after being gone for two years from the dais and just in general when we start talking about having discussions about other Commissioners' districts and weighing in, we generally support the Commissioner and their projects. You know, we had a hearty discussion earlier about the Marlins stadium, but again, we were able to find resolutions. And that's what this is all about. It's about -- yes, it's Commissioner Sarnoffs district and yes, you know, there are clear things that he wants to see done, but we all that sit on this dais have a responsibility to all the residents, whether or not it's my district or your district. And when you sit out and you look into the audience -- or you sit here and you look into the audience's -- audience and you see the faces of people that are being affected by the decision that you make, you have a responsibility. It doesn't matter whether or not they look like you or not. We just have a responsibility to try to do the right thing. Andl say that -- you know, Commissioner Sarnoff mentioned, you know, that it should not be based upon the color of your skin. You know, Dr. King came up a lot today in our discussions about our surtax. But the reality is -- and I'm just telling you whether or not you fully understand it or we fully understand that, most of the times, unfortunately, it is not judged upon the character -- the content of your character. It is a lot of times based upon other things. There is a perception that goes along with it. It may not be true in all instances, but some of the comments today that were made by people that presented today, I can see how people were offended by that because I, sitting up here, was offended, you know. So we have -- the first part of even having a good relationship with each other is respecting each other, and despite whether or not we have a drug issue, whether or not we're afraid to ride down Grand Avenue -- in some instances, some of these people were here and their ancestors were here before you were even thinking about being here. So there should be at least a level of respect when it comes to how you talk about where people are from. So I know that my colleagues up here would agree with me on that, andl know that we want to try to move in that direction, you know, to build a one Grove, because as Monty said earlier, it is a one Grove. But then you have another group of people in the room saying that it's not. Andl am pleased to hear from the district Commissioner that he's working to make sure it is a one Grove if it's not. So to me, that's a start. So I want to move on to really what my -- some of my issues and concerns are. Andl want to ask Lucia, or whoever's going to be talking, to address for me -- and hopefully, by the time we see each other again, whether or notl vote for it or not, that we begin to come back with real answers so that -- I'm assuming that hopefully the residents that live here have the opportunity to come back and participate so that they can really voice their opinions. Andl know that in listening to some of the individuals that, you know, came up that are from the Grove or the West Grove or that are Bahamian descent, you know, it's very difficult sometimes for me to hear you put something on the record when you have a direct benefit from it. You know, because for me a lot of times it's really about hearing the people that have nothing to gain from it. 'Cause when you have nothing to gain from it, you're doing it because it's the righteous thing to do. City ofMiami Page 50 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 There's no motivation behind it. But you just want it to be right. So I have to give respect to the fact that these are individuals that came out, sat out, spoke very eloquently. The sister with her hair wrapped up, you know, and -- that's the kind of leadership we need to begin to groom. We don't need to suppress it; we need to support it, because it's people like her that's going to be able to encourage other young Grovites or West Grove or West Village. I don't -- what do y'all call it, West Village, West Grove? Commissioner Sarnoff. Village West. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Village West. That -- individuals like that are going to try to encourage young people to feel good about where they live. So my question is first on the blocks that say Paradise Island block and Abaco block, right? Ms. Dougherty: Yes, ma'am. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Abaco is where the Publix is coming, correct? Ms. Dougherty: The grocery store, yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. So I'm glad to see that means jobs, jobs, jobs. That's awesome. My question is -- I know that we talked about Peter owning all -- this is his development. My question becomes does he own these two blocks outright? Because if it's Peter -- and Peter, you look like you have angel -- you must have wings or something on you because nobody -- I had not one person say anything bad about you, so you know, that means you're doing something right. So the question becomes -- because if that is the case and if it's Peter that's ultimately responsible for these four blocks, for me then I can trust and believe that what he's saying at least at this point is going to happen. But when we start diluting whether or not Peter actually has ownership in these two blocks, then that's when it becomes a concern for me. So, Lucia, does he own these two blocks? Ms. Dougherty: He has some of it under contract and some of it under ownership. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. When you say some of it under contract and some of it under ownership -- Ms. Dougherty: He owns some of it and some of it he has under contract. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Can you tell me the percentage that he owns? Ms. Dougherty: Of those two blocks? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. I mean -- Ms. Dougherty: Of Abaco and Paradise? Commissioner Spence -Jones: That -- does he own everything? Ms. Dougherty: No. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. So -- right. So I'm -- Nassau block and Grand Bahamas [sic] he owns? And there's a reason why I'm asking you this question. Iris Escarra: Out of Paradise, there's 23 lots, and he owns 16. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. City ofMiami Page 51 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Ms. Escarra: And you're asking -- the next one is Abaco. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Commissioner Suarez: Name for the record. Ms. Escarra: I'm sorry? Commissioner Suarez: Name for the record. Chair Gort: And you are? Ms. Escarra: Iris Escarra, with offices at 333 Avenue of the Americas. Chair Gort: Thank you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, while she's looking at that, I don't want to hold up -- I want to keep the process moving. So then my question becomes whatever deal that -- or partnership that he has on these two lots, lets -- whether or not he sells them or not, the question becomes -- the 16 that he does not own -- Ms. Dougherty: No, he owns 16 of them. Commissioner Spence -Jones: He owns 16. So of the -- Ms. Dougherty: Out of the 23, he owns 16. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- remaining, what, seven, is it? That would be seven? Commissioner Suarez: Eight. Chair Gort: Uh-huh. Commissioner Spence -Jones: If he does not -- if he's not able to sell them -- Commissioner Sarnoff.. Buy them. Ms. Dougherty: He's not able to buy them. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Buy them, buy them, then what happens? This project kind of changes a little bit? Ms. Dougherty: Well, I can't imagine why somebody wouldn't sell it to him. They have a contract to buy it. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Sarnoff.. No, I don't think you're explaining it well enough for her. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff.. What -- Ms. Dougherty: Oh, okay. City ofMiami Page 52 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Commissioner Sarnoff. He's a fee simple owner of 16 lots. He has a contract to purchase -- Ms. Dougherty: Correct. Commissioner Sarnoff. -- for the other lots, so he would then own 100 percent of that block. Ms. Dougherty: That's right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Sarnoff. That's what she's asking. Ms. Dougherty: Correct. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. So and the same thing applies for Abaco? Ms. Escarra: Out ofAbaco there's 14 lots and he owns 10, and he has the other four under contract. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Under contract. So that was one of my questions, because that came up as an issue, you know, whether or not he actually owns the property outright to even be able to make this kind of decision. Or if the owners of these lots decide, hey, I want to do something different after the zoning change has happened, does the residents get stuck with something that they don't want to see happen there? Ms. Dougherty: Well, that's a good -- very good question. The answer is no, the residents don't get stuck with something because they have to build that. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. So -- Ms. Dougherty: That is a requirement under the Major Use Special Permit. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. So part of my questions, Lucia -- Ms. Dougherty: Yes, ma'am. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- is not to -- I'm not trying to create an issue for you. I want the people of West Grove that are either watching this or that are sitting in here in this -- in the chambers, I want them to understand -- Ms. Dougherty: That's a very good question. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- they have to fully understand because there's a lot of misinformation out there about the project, and the only way that changes is communication and making sure we're clear on it. So -- Ms. Dougherty: So if somebody decided I want to keep my lot, I don't want to put it -- I don't want to sell it to you, there's nothing they can do with their property because they have to build this. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, okay, so that's great. So these two lots, I understand it, and if they -- if that doesn't happen, then it reverts back to whatever zoning it was. Chair Gort: Right. City ofMiami Page 53 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Correct? Ms. Dougherty: That's right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm seeing -- she's shaking her head. Ms. Dougherty: Well, no. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And you're saying yeah. Ms. Dougherty: Two things -- one thing. If it doesn't happen at all, they can't develop anything other than what this Major Use Special Permit is. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, all right. So that handles that question. Let me go down to Elizabeth Street, which is the block right behind it 'cause -- where you mentioned about the churches. I mean the church -- Ms. Dougherty: Yes. That's Paradise. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I don't know the name of -- what's the name of that church? Commissioner Sarnoff. Christ Episcopal. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Christ -- Commissioner Sarnoff. Episcopal. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- Episcopal. The question was on that -- there was a question around the block behind it. I think somebody lived on that Thomas Avenue -- as to whether or not -- and also Thomas Avenue on the opposite side -- them abutting actually a commercial -- the commercial project. The question is the Paradise Island block rear, what was -- just so I'm clear, what was going to happen with that lot? Because that's like -- that's basically in the heart of the residential area at that point. Ms. Dougherty: We -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thomas on -- Ms. Dougherty: The woman who spoke whose lot was affected, is that the one you're speaking of Commissioner Spence -Jones: No. It was another lady -- Ms. Dougherty: Or was on Thomas? Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- that spoke in reference to -- Ms. Dougherty: She's on Florida. Commissioner Spence -Jones: No, I'm not -- Florida, I haven't gotten to. Ms. Dougherty: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm speaking of -- let me show you what I'm talking about. City ofMiami Page 54 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Chair Gort: Thomas Avenue. The brown peninsula coming into Thomas Avenue being a dead end, that's what she's addressing. Commissioner Spence -Jones: It's called Paradise Island block rear. Is -- at this point you're saying you're losing -- using it as a parking lot, but it's zoned residential. Or it's being used as parking. Commissioner Sarnoff. It changed. Ms. Escarra: It's being used as a church. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Huh? Ms. Escarra: It's being used as a church. The church is a part of our application. They consented and signed with us on the application so they're part of the application. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So right now it's used for parking? Ms. Dougherty: It's used for parking and a church, both. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. So then my question becomes but it's zoned -- this zoning change will now make it -- Ms. Dougherty: It will make it residential. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And how high will that go? Ms. Dougherty: There will be nothing on this parcel at all. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. So it would just be -- houses could be put there? Ms. Dougherty: It'll be exactly what it is today. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So no houses will go there? Ms. Dougherty: That's correct. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Nothing goes there? Ms. Dougherty: That's correct. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So it's just going to be blank land? Ms. Dougherty: No. It's a church and parking lot, what it is right now. Commissioner Sarnoff. Parking lot. Ms. Dougherty: Nothing changes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, okay. So then why -- so I'm just trying to understand. Then why are you --? Ms. Dougherty: Well -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: 'Cause I just want to -- I'm -- explain it to me, Marc -- City ofMiami Page 55 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Ms. Dougherty: No. I -- let me -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- so I'm not -- Commissioner Sarnoff. Once they had a plan that was going to go back here -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Commissioner Sarnoff. -- what they did was, instead of going to this length, they decided to go up. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Commissioner Sarnoff. So I'm not even too sure why they show this any longer. It's going to stay the way it is. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh. Commissioner Sarnoff. So what they chose to do was as opposed to coming over to here, they're going to stay here and go up to 81 feet. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So there'll be space in between -- okay. So, Lucia, on -- has the -- so let me ask this question so I'm clear. So the zoning change we have happening today is keeping it what it is or you're now ask -- they're now asking -- Commissioner Sarnoff. They're going to make it residential. Commissioner Spence -Jones: They're going to make it residential. Commissioner Sarnoff. Right, so it doesn't have (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, all right. Cool. All right. Ms. Dougherty: Before, we -- our original application brought the zoning all the way past Thomas unto this area here. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I gotcha. Ms. Dougherty: So -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: So basically Thomas Avenue will not be really affected by --? Ms. Dougherty: That's correct. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Ms. Dougherty: All of this will remain exactly as it is today. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, so -- again, clarity. When you -- when I see this, I'm just telling you, it looks like -- Ms. Dougherty: Oh, yeah, exactly. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- another building is going right in front of other people 's homes City ofMiami Page 56 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 so I have a -- I had a concern about that. So thank you for answering that question. On Florida Avenue where the -- I don't remember what your names, but the lady in the pretty green shirt. Commissioner Sarnoff. Ms. Chapman. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Chapman, Ms. Chapman. She mentioned her house being somewhat in the middle of all of this, right? Ms. Dougherty: I'll show you where her house is. Now, on Florida Avenue, there are some cutouts you see there that are not rezoned. That's because we didn't purchase those. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Ms. Dougherty: These are people who didn't want to buy -- including hers, which is -- she is right -- let me see. She's right here. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Ms. Dougherty: Okay. So this is her lot. The lot next door is still going to be vacant and the lot next door next to that. So in the plan what's going to happen is that there'll be a landscape buffer all around, and the only place there's actually going to be a building is on Grand Avenue. So there will not be a building here. It's surface parking and surface parking that is surrounded by landscaping. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, all right. And, Ms. Chapman, was this the first day that you've seen this? Ms. Chapman: (UNINTET,T IGIBT ,F) Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. So you -- is that much better than what it -- what you had seeing earlier? Ms. Chapman: Yes, because what I'm seeing -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: I know you can't really talk, but -- Ms. Chapman: I just wanted to say that (UNINTET,TIGIBLE). Commissioner Spence -Jones: Are you okay with her saying she's okay with it? Ms. Dougherty: Yes. Ms. Chapman: Can l tell you what l thought I saw? Todd Hannon (Assistant City Clerk): Excuse me, Chair. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Chair Gort: It has to be on the mike if you're going to ask her -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Chair Gort: -- to spec. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. 'Cause it doesn't look bad the way that it see -- I'm seeing City ofMiami Page 57 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 that it's being proposed now. Ms. Chapman: What I first saw was that they were going to try to push me out -- Chair Gort: Block you in. Ms. Chapman: -- build all around me, and I'll be a little something like in between here with tall buildings around me and I'm squashed in here andl won't be able to see flowers or grass or nothing. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Are they giving you trees and --? Ms. Chapman: Yes. She said they're going to be landscaping. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. Ms. Chapman: Andl will be able to, you know, see around. That's whatl was asking them. I want to know what's what because I didn't understand. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. So I think we cleared up that question to that. Thank you. And then on the additional areas that are carved out, Lucia -- Ms. Dougherty: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- they're just going to become green spaces for now? Ms. Dougherty: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Or parking lots or parking --? Ms. Dougherty: Green spaces, parking lots, but remember -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Buffer. Ms. Dougherty: -- the buffer that the Planning Department made us approve or actually made a recommendation and you're going to approve is going to have a 25-foot single-family buffer here. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Ms. Dougherty: And all the rest of it's going to be landscaped all around it. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Chair Gort: That'll avoid the domino effect that people are scared of. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Unidentified Speaker: It stays residential. Chair Gort: So it stays residential. In that way it'll stay residential. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And again, it's just making sure that they understand it, because I'm sitting up here andl was confused. So -- City ofMiami Page 58 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Ms. Dougherty: Let me tell you something. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I know if I'm sitting -- Ms. Dougherty: It was a very complex -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- up here andl'm confused, I know they got to be confused. Ms. Dougherty: It was a very complex process and project, andl struggled with how to explain it the best way we could, andl understand your -- why you're saying that. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Really, quickly -- so that was the only issue I had on the map. You had another little small Freeport block, little square thing here. I don't know what -- what was that going to be used --? Ms. Dougherty: That one left -- was left out in the original rezonings -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, so you -- Ms. Dougherty: -- remember, a long time ago. So we're just cleaning this one up. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, great. All right, so I'm finished with the maps. So I have a couple other community benefits that -- andl guess this will be more of a Patrick Range part of it 'cause I'm assuming that his role becomes to make sure the community actually gets the benefits out of the development that's actually happening. My recommendation on the -- is there, first of all, a community benefits agreement included in Peter's agreement? Mr. Range: There are -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: I mean, not agreement, but is there a community benefits agreement just in general that goes along with this application? There is -- Mr. Range: We've outlined, you know, all those things in the presentation that, you know, we have committed to do, the partnerships that we have made, and actually many of those have been presented to the community already. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Range: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So when you say to me -- andl'm just asking, 'cause like for my district, for instance, I really try to make sure I put percentages in or I try to at least make sure the surrounding area benefits from it. Mr. Range: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: My question becomes -- I don't really like to add names to things, like when you say Bill Diggs, I think that there needs to be just language in the community -- I don't think you should tie people's names to -- Mr. Range: Right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I think that's a bad practice. Mr. Range: I would agree with that. City ofMiami Page 59 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Range: I would agree with that. I -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Not that I have a problem with Bill. I love Bill. Mr. Range: But I did want to show, you know, the outreach that we have actually done. You know -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Mr. Range: -- the folks that we have actually talked to. And mentioned the two names thatl did because I know that folks, particularly here in the City ofMiami, are familiar with the work that they do. So that was the only reason, not so much that we've got to be tied to them and so forth. And I understand exactly where you're coming from. Commissioner Spence -Jones: We don't want those headaches. Mr. Range: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm not telling you to choose or -- Mr. Range: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- do nothing. Mr. Range: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So that -- I would like to see, Commissioner Sarnoff, if we can -- as a part of the overall commitment to West Grove, is to make sure that definitely it's clear on what -- the partnership from the construction side of it that addresses the subcontractors and the contractors on it, whether or not it's 10 percent of the con -- whatever that is. I don't need to tell you what that is. I think that that's important to at least make sure it's clear so that at least they have something to keep you accountable on. Mr. Range: Sure. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I would like to definitely see that. Mr. Range: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: The other part of this, I love the idea that you're doing retail ownership so the retail ownership reflects, I'm assuming, the community. That's why you're doing it. Mr. Range: Correct. Commissioner Spence -Jones: The amount of retail space is how much -- how many square footage -- how much square footage? Mr. Range: I believe it's 705 -- I'm sorry. Oh, retail. I'm sorry. A hundred and seventy-three thousand on the retail square footage. Commissioner Spence -Jones: A hundred and seventy-three thousand? City ofMiami Page 60 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Mr. Range: Square feet, yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Wow. So -- Mr. Range: Again, this is amongst all six blocks. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I know. I mean, it just -- Mr. Range: And you know -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I look at the -- Mr. Range: -- we have retail on ground floor of every block. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. So just a suggestion, I really would like for you to -- when you look at that amount, for instance, in the garage that we're building now, I think it's only what, 50,000 square feet of retail. So you're doing 173,000? So I really would like to see that you guys kind of reach out a little bit more to go a little -- that's just my recommendation -- Mr. Range: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: --from an ownership standpoint. If we're talking about really building people, I think that's the first step and that -- to me, that -- what I saw you present seems a little weak, so I would like to see at least a greater effort on that end. The affordable housing part of it, the 53 units that Commissioner Sarnoff mentioned -- It is 53, right? Mr. Range: That's correct. Commissioner Sarnoff.. (UNINTET,T IGIBT,F) 19 -- Mr. Range: Nineteen that are already existing in an operation that are occupied right now -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Range: -- outside of the project, okay, and then an additional 34 that we hope to add -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Range: -- to the project. Commissioner Spence -Jones: This is 53 out of how many units being built? Mr. Range: Total of 257, so it actually amounts to over 20 percent affordable if you add the 50 -- you know, if you make that calculation. You'd like for me to work on that also. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah, if you can. Okay, all right. And, Commissioner Sarnoff, I just wanted to mention this to you. I know a -- like in a lot of the developments that I'm doing in my district now, I'm really trying to make sure that we're building into the people 'cause I think that we can build stuff but if the people aren't prepared for growth -- you could put this pretty building all day long. I'm just telling you. Is it going to be gorgeous and it's going to be gorgeous and push everybody out. So my question -- and I'm not really sure if you have built in some sort of -- Commissioner Sarnoff.. Job training. City ofMiami Page 61 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Well, do you have job training on it? Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, 'cause he didn't mention it. There's a job training? Mr. Range: Well actually -- absolutely, I did. I can -- we've already -- and won't mention names, but there is an existing job training program that's been going on for a number of years. We've contacted the director of that program. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Range: She's come out, met with us; said that she is absolutely on board. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Board. Mr. Range: They have an existing database, over 1,000 businesses here locally. Again, we are requiring that all of our tenants -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Range: -- in our retail become a part of that database so that they are accessible to receiving, you know, those persons who have been trained Commissioner Spence -Jones: If we can -- South Florida Workforce, they do a great job. I love them, but a lot of times we don't -- our residents don't get anything out of that. So I would like to make sure as a part of the community benefits agreement, we have a one -stop shop that we're going to be announcing next year. It would be great if whatever jobs that people have an interest in, that at least this becomes a project that people can get the construction work or the hospitality work or whatever is going to perhaps go there, that this -- there's a partnership with the City ofMiami from that perspective to make sure City ofMiami residents actually participate. Mr. Range: We'd be certainly happy to partner with you on that. Actually we have the office -- the closest office for the training program that we're working with is actually on -- is it 8th Street? -- 8th Street and 27th Avenue. We actually have asked them, and they have done so -- actually have a site in Shady Grove Baptist Church here in the West Grove where it's operating so people have easy access to go and apply and so forth. And we've also committed to provide space within our project. If for some reason, that space should go away, we've committed to provide space for that training program to be housed within our project. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. I have two more things, Mr. Chairman, and I'll be out of your way. On -- Patrick -- Chair Gort: You're never in my way. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- on the -- are there any partnerships with this development with any of the local CDCs (Community Development Corporations)? Mr. Range: I know that certainly there has been -- you know, we've worked with some of the -- most of the agencies that are here in the Grove, whether it be through volunteer support, through financial support, those that are appropriate, you know, to work with us -- I mean, obviously, some are not in this, you know, purview, but those that are appropriate, absolutely, we've tried to work with and we're open to working with. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. So the only reason I'm mentioning this -- and only -- again, City ofMiami Page 62 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 it's about building people. It's about making sure we're investing in the residents that are actually there now. Mr. Range: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So when I look at this project, I see how beautiful it is, but also see where it cuts off. I see where it stops. And know that there's other parts of Grand Avenue that still need redevelopment. And my question becomes, it seems as though there's resources that Peter has available that maybe could provide some sort of technical assistance or guidance so that the whole area is coming up at the same time. So my question becomes -- I mean, I'm glad this is happening, but only thing's going to happen is this is going to be beautiful, and then you're going to have what you have on Grand Avenue move down, so -- Commissioner Sarnoff.. Commissioner, just to the west -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Sure. Commissioner Sarnoff.. -- is the Thelma Gibson project that is partnering with the University of Miami, and that's going to have -- I've heard 60 and then I've heard 38, I don't know which, but either 60 or 38 affordable housing units that they received $8.5 million from Commissioner Suarez -- the dad, not him. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Sarnoff.. You usually don't have $8.5 million laying around. And then there's the Guts project, which is just further west of them, and they are in conversation about developing the very end of Grand Avenue by Douglas right there. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And then my question becomes, so that it's a unified approach, are they all working together? Mr. Range: Perhaps I can address that, Commissioner. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So you don't have this looking all beautiful. I'm just telling you. And then you get two blocks down and it's looking a hot mess so -- Commissioner Sarnoff.. Well, it's not going -- I think your question's a little different. I think your question is if those two projects go, are they going to look something like this. And the answer is we certainly hope so, but you can't force them to make it look Bahamian. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Well, no, it's not even that. Chair Gort: No, no. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I -- Commissioner Sarnoff.. Those projects -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- it's part of that, but what -- really, what I was trying to say, I think that if you're bringing major investment into an area, one would be interested in what's happening on the left side of it -- Mr. Range: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- or around it. City ofMiami Page 63 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Mr. Range: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And part of investing in that neighborhood is investing in the people. So the question becomes just like -- can't speak for any other district -- but any major development, like the developments I'm doing in Overtown, for instance, Block 25 and 36 abutting the Lyric Theater. Part of them being able to go there is that their -- some of the resources that they have coming from that project supports the Lyric's existence so they can continue to be around. So I'm not asking for you guys to do that, but is that kind of partnership in place already? Mr. Range: Two things I'd like to say. First of all, in fact, you are absolutely right. With the level of investment that's coming, you know, with this project, you know, there is an absolute concern for what's going to happen around it 'cause obviously that will affect the success of this. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Mr. Range: Andl won't, again, mention a name, but in fact, there is a group that Pointe is looking to partner with who owns property in the West Grove, not a part of this project -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Mr. Range: -- that we are looking to, again, partner with for development purposes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Range: Also, I'm not aware of a CDC in the Grove, but this particular group that I'm speaking of is a historic group that's been a part -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Range: -- of the Grove for many, many years. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So that is happening. So I'm assuming that when this item comes back to us again, then we'll have a better understanding about how the overall area is coming up? Mr. Range: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: 'Cause that -- I think that is important. Mr. Range: Very good. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And then I think that was it. I want to address my Wynwood person. Where is he? You mentioned -- not my Wynwood person; my Buena Vista person. Because it is so important when we put stuff out there, that we understand everything that's going on. You mentioned about Midtown and Wynwood. Actually, Commissioner Sarnoff andl share Wynwood. He has a piece of it and have a piece of it. And you are absolutely right; having Midtown there has done so much for the area from the standpoint of there being jobs and there being the vitality and just seeing things moving. It's been awesome. But I also can tell you there has been a flip side of it in Wynwood. The residents that live there, that were born and raised, like these raised -- I'm talking about my Puerto Ricans and Dominicans that are from the Wynwood area -- feel like the people feel right now in West Grove. Because part of all the stuff that's happened, which is great, it's wonderful, but many of them feel as though there's no place for them now. So on one end, yes, it's beautiful that's happening, but on the other end, we got to City ofMiami Page 64 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 figure out a way for both communities to work together. You know, it's -- when people have lived somewhere, their grandchildren, their mothers, their fathers have lived somewhere and made a development happens, we understand change has to come, but there also has to be a concerted effort to make sure the people that have been there for God knows how long feel as though they're included as well. So every development effort I have in my district that I have to include both, you know, 'cause change does have to come, I try to make sure I include the people in the decision -making process so that we don't ever have this issue. So while Wynwood, yes, is all of that, you have the residents that have been there for God knows how long that have a issue and a concern with what's happening all around them and them being pushed out. So all want to do is make sure that at the end of the day, the West Grove doesn't feel that way; they feel as though they were at the table. They know change has to come and it's here, but they were included and that's what I think -- nobody really here said anything negative. I don't think they said anything negative, andl'm glad that they spoke up. People have to have a voice in what's happening in their communities, and we shouldn't fault them for that and we shouldn't make them feel like they are wrong for that. And we shouldn't pit each other against each other because that's wrong. Because if it was where you was born and raised and lived, you wouldn't want it to happen to you, so -- and I'm not saying -- I'm not singling you out. I'm just giving you the point. The point is I understand their viewpoint 'cause I'm dealing with it right now in Wynwood, with how they feel about what's happening there. So I think that -- as far as I'm concerned, I think that as long as -- Patrick, when you come back for the next hearing and we address some of these main issues, you know, I think that at least the residents will at least feel engaged in the process andl think we're almost there. You know, I don't think that it's -- we are in a bad place. Andl commend Peter for hanging in there, you know, because, you know, a lot of people leave and you decided to stay, so you should be commended for that. I'm just asking that you just push a little harder to make sure that at least the people that are there now really feel like you have gone the extra mile to try to really help on that level, andl think these items will help us get there. And to my fellow colleague, Commissioner Sarnoff, I am so grateful to hear in your voice, you know, that you are really trying, really, really trying to really build that bridge. I think that's extremely important. Andl think that being a leader and even you putting it on the record about the Jennings, you know, andl'm glad you did that -- we all know what happens when you don't -- but the mere fact that you were even willing to step across the line to bring both sides together, even knowing that it may create an issue but you thought that it was important and you didn 't remove yourself from the situation, you took responsibility over it, needs to be commended too. I just would like to appeal to you to try to do as much as you can to make sure these two groups of people are at least working together. Commissioner Sarnoff.. You know, I -- you know what, I agree with you. And that's why during this election, I decided thatl would absolutely --I walked door to door. I walked that entire neighborhood. I saw another side of the equation. I tried to sit everybody down. I will continue to try to sit everybody down 'cause I do agree with you. I think a lot of this is -- you know, this is some misinformation out there. This is something that's being circulated in the Village West, great big stop sign, and it essentially says they're going to throw you out of your homes. You know, that's scare tactics. And scare tactics, you know, in my opinion, have no place in City Hall, and you really don't need to scare people so that they come here -- when, you know -- I said to Yvonne McDonald's mother, who I think is still back there, that there would be nobody in between me and the Village West in terms of reporting to my office; that that would be a direct issue between -- and nobody else has that. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff.. So I am primarily responsible for the West Grove. I say that on the record. I say it very clearly. There is nobody to go in between in my office. I go directly to the West Grove maybe out of a sense of I don't know, pride, a sense of yearning. I mean, I consider Alice Smith like my second mother and, you know, I'm not going to fail her. So Mary Alice, I know you're back there. City ofMiami Page 65 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Commissioner Spence -Jones: So -- Mr. Sands: For the record -- Chair Gort: Excuse me, excuse me. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Let -- Mr. Sands: (UNINTET,TIGIBT,F). Chair Gort: The public record's [sic] closed. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- me say -- just say this. Andl love your energy, Pierre. I mean, we need a hundred of you. Can I borrow you for my district as well? So -- Mr. Sands: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I get you. But I think that we have to recognize that there is an olive branch that's happening here, andl think that, you know, we have to operate from a place of wisdom and know that we can't stop Peter from, you know, investing -- first of all, he owns his -- he owns the land, and he could have chosen to go anywhere else and do anything else. Andl would like to at least see that the two groups can get together, and you do have a Commissioner now that at least, you know -- listen, out of all people, I'm sitting up here saying I'm just impressed to see the growth -- yes -- which is great, you know. So I think by the time we see each other on December 15, I think that we'll all be in the chambers singing Kumbaya and finding a way to make sure everybody's happy. So that's the only thing thatl want to say. Andl have to say that I'm very proud of you and proud to see that you're really trying to build that bridge. So I'm going to stop preaching right now because I know I'm going -- Chair Gort: Thank you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- to have two more hours of my colleague about this Marlins stadium -- Vice Chair Carollo: And me too. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- and we probably won't go home in the morning -- until the morning. Vice Chair Carollo: More like 3 or 4. Chair Gort: Thank you. Commissioner Suarez, you have the floor. Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I went to elementary school in the Grove. The Grove is very, very near and dear to my heart. Played basketball with a County Commissioner for that area for the first time when I was about 9 or 10 years old at V rrickPark, and the Grove has come a very, very long way from that. I don't think that the Grove is dangerous. In fact, I know the Grove is not dangerous so I agree with Pierre. I don't -- also, I don't think the Grove is blighted. If the Grove was blighted, it would be a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). It's beautiful. To me the Grove is beautiful. I think there's just a couple of things that wanted to address or specific things that were said by specific people that wanted to discuss. One of them was Ms. Cook, Lori. She spoke about the height, andl think that's a concern and that's a -- you know, obviously that's a concern for you and it's a -- you know, I look at Grand in -- very similarly to Coral Way in a lot of ways, and we had an issue in City ofMiami Page 66 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Coral Way because the buildings on Coral Way abut single-family residences. So the buildings, by the way, on Coral Way are twice the size of those buildings, easily twice the size. Under the current zoning code, a T5 or a five -story building has the exact same height as this eight -story building, so if it were -- it all depends on how you define it. Under the current zoning code that we have, a five -story building can go up to 82 feet, if I'm not -- if my math is right, or 81 feet, I'm sorry; 25 on the ground floor and 14 feet in every additional floor. This proposed building is what would be a five -story building in essence. The other buildings are actually smaller than that. That's the tallest building. Andl think -- my understanding was in my briefings with Francisco that that's what the community preferred. I kind of agreed with your thinking that, you know, it should all look kind of the same height and the, you know, lower height, but my understanding was that the community wanted it slightly higher and that's why -- that was my understanding so that's why it was chosen that way versus, you know, just doing it at six stories. But regardless, the eight stories is the same height as a five -story building under the current zoning code. That's what I'm trying to -- so even under the current zoning code, that would be actually -- I think maybe slightly less or about the same size as a five -story building. So -- and I'm sorry 'cause I jotted down a bunch of notes as you all were speaking. I am concerned about the displacement. Obviously, you know, one of the things that's amazing about the Grove is its historic character. And was asking Francisco what kind of historic preservation has happened there, and he says that it's a conservation district. So, you know, there is an opportunity to maintain the historic character of the neighborhood as development does arise. So that's something that I'm sure this Commission will strive for. You know, there's no way to make everyone happen on every issue, trust me. You know, I have been here for a little while andl have dealt with a lot of issues, and it is almost impossible to make everyone happy on every single issue. I think the applicant has demonstrated -- by the way, we've deferred them. We have -- you know, we've done a lot of things to them as well to put the pressure on them before, I think, Commissioner Spence -Jones got here. The first time we heard this before there was a vote that would have affected their ability to do something here. I said, you know, one of my big issues is affordable housing and the displacement issue. So I think, you know, obviously that's something that can be worked on as the Commissioner stated. I know that -- and to the extent that it's a Jennings issue -- I'll say it as a Jennings issue as well. I know that my father, who is a County Commissioner of that area, is very in support of these projects along Grand because, like Coral Way, we want to create next to a residential community, such as the ones that we have in my district, places where people can shop, places where people can --from -- you know, pedestrian -wise, from where they -- you know, Starbucks, whatever. So, you know, it's development that is sorely, sorely needed along that corridor. I know he's dedicated funds from his district -- a lot of funds actually from his district discretionary funds to make comprehensive development not just on this project, but comprehensive development throughout Grand Avenue to, I think, at least 32ndAvenue. By the way, that's how I get here every single day. Every single day I drive through the Grove. Every single day I come -- 37th Avenue, come down Grand, and I did see the red things on the -- I see them every day, the red notice -- notification papers on the lamp post. What I can understand also why it was confusing to some as to, you know, when this was happening or why wasn't this happening or why -- when was this happening and why was it happening today. I don't know. I think had -- I felt like at different moments in listening to the testimony that I had more things to say, and I think a lot of it is when you follow two people who care so much about the area and really want to see, you know, the area be everything that it can be, it kind of leaves less to be said, andl don't have any issues with that. I can tell you thatl love the Grove. I have friends in the Grove. I still have friends in the Grove. You know, I often go by Ms. Jackson's house to visit with her and joke around with her all the time. PJ, I went to high school with, who's her son; went to Miami High. I played basketball with him in Kiwanis and Miami High as well. But, you know, it's, you know, the Bo Leonards of the Grove. You know, people that love the Grove and have always been in the Grove are going to ensure that the Grove always remains the way that it is, and obviously, as a Commission, we have to do that. But I think that is not inconsistent with what we're seeing here today. So, you know, I'm in favor of that. I'm in favor of maintaining the integrity of the Grove the way that it is, but I'm also in favor of seeing things that will amplf the Grove, andl think this is one of those things. City ofMiami Page 67 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Chair Gort: Thank you. Vice Chairman. Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman, thank you. I think most of my colleagues said it all, and I echo a lot of their sentiments. Something that think is important, andl think it was stated also by my colleagues, is, you know, that we think Peter Gardner is acting in good faith. I think that's extremely important. You know, the revitalization that's shown here, I think, is very much needed. I think it speaks for itself. And in all fairness, I'm not going to give a long-winded speech because I have a feeling that I'm going to need to save it for another topic later on. Thank you. Chair Gort: Let me just say a little bit. First time I came in the Grove, I think it was -- and that's going to give you my age -- was in 1959, 1960 at Miami High, and every time we finished a football game, we used to come to 32ndAvenue to eat the barbecue. We would buy the barbeques in there (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I became very active with the Gibson Foundation over 20 years ago. We had a lot of studies coming in front of us, what to do on Grand Avenue. We had a lot of people coming in front of us telling us what they were going to do. Unfortunate, nothing has been taking place in 20 something years. Mrs. Gibson is a person that has worked in that area for a long time trying to create something. Now we're finally going to get the school. We finally had the school. Now she's going to build some housing in there. But I think it's very important also to understand that whenever you build a project where you're going to invest so much money, you also have to make sure that your neighbors are treated equally, 'cause if you don't take care of the neighbors, at first it's going to be very nice. Andl can talk to you about the Omni. We all know how -- the experience of the Omni. It was a beautiful project and everybody used to go there and then after, it went down. I think it's very important -- this is a first reading. I'm all for it. I think development is important. People don't like changes, especially when they don't have all the information. So I know we're spending a lot of time sitting here. We're asking a lot of questions. We answer a lot of those questions. But it's very important to be transferred; that people understand what's taking place. So this is a first reading. You've heard a lot of the comments. You got a lot of things you're going to address and you can have it ready for us in the second reading. I want to thank you all for being here and expressing your opinions. At this time, it's an ordinance. We have a motion and a second. Would you read it? The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro. Chair Gort: Thank you. Roll call. Ms. Thompson: Your roll call on your first reading ordinance. Commissioner Suar -- Mr. Garcia: I'm sorry to interject. May I request that the motion be made for approval with conditions as recommended by staff? Commissioner Sarnoff. Correct. Commissioner Suarez: Seconder, do you agree? Chair Gort: Accept. Vice Chair Carollo: Yes. Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Then wanting to make sure, are we showing this as a modified --? Mr. Garcia: No, ma'am. As set forth in the documents that the Commission has been given, and City ofMiami Page 68 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 I think the applicants are in agreement with this as well. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. First reading ordinance, your roll call. Commissioner Suarez? Commissioner Suarez: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Spence -Jones? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes, with amendments. Ms. Thompson: Suggestions, recommendations. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Suggestions -- with recommendations. Ms. Thompson: Okay, thank you. Vice Chair Carollo? Vice Chair Carollo: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff? Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes. Ms. Thompson: Chair Gort? Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5-0. Chair Gort: Thank you. Okay, at this time I'm being requested to go back to the regular agenda, so we're going to close the -- and most of those items, I think we should defer those items to next meeting in April [sic]. Commissioner Sarnoff. Let's just do the one item. Everybody agree, let's just do the one item (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry. Chair. Commissioner Sarnoff. Can we take two minutes for a break just to go to the bathroom? Chair Gort: Yeah, let's take two minutes. Yeah, five. Ms. Thompson: Chair. Unidentified Speaker: Five? Chair Gort: Five, five. Three zero five. PZ.6 ORDINANCE 08-00166zc1a First Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T3-R" SUB -URBAN AND "T4-R" GENERAL URBAN TRANSECT ZONES WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, ("R-1" SINGLE City ofMiami Page 69 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 FAMILY RESIDENTIAL WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT, "SD-12" SPECIAL BUFFER OVERLAY DISTRICT, AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED) TO "T5-O" URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONE WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT B", ("SD-2" COCONUT GROVE CENTRAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT C"), FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 3449 HIBISCUS STREET; 3460, 3452, 3440, AND 3430 THOMAS AVENUE; AND 3454 AND 3456 ELIZABETH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAININGASEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 08-00166zc1a CC 12-15-11 SR Fact Sheet.pdf 08-00166zc1 a Analysis. pdf 08-00166zc1 a PZAB Reso.pdf 08-00166zc1aApplication & Supporting Documents.pdf 08-00166zc1a CC Legislation (Version 5).pdf 08-00166zc1a Exhibits A-D (Legal & Graphics). pdf LOCATION: Approximately 3449 Hibiscus Street; 3460, 3452, 3440 and 3430 Thomas Avenue; and 3454 and 3456 Elizabeth Street (Paradise Island Block - Rear) [Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff - District 2] APPLICANT(S): Lucia A. Dougherty, Esquire, on behalf of Grove Village, LLC, Applicant/Developer, GV Paradise Island, LLC, Christ Episcopal Church, Inc., and Christ Protestant Episcopal Church, Inc., Collectively Owners FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval with conditions*. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval with conditions to City Commission on November 2, 2011 by a vote of 7-0. See companion File Ds 08-00166zc1, 08-00166zc2, 08-00166zc3, 08-00166zc4 and 08-00166zc5. *See supporting documentation. PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "T5-O" Urban Center Transect Zone with a "Village West Island and Charles Avenue NCD2" (Neighborhood Conservation District) Overlay, as depicted in "Exhibit B", for the proposed Grove Village Major Use Special Permit. NOTE(S): On October 28, 2010, the City Commission adopted the companion Land Use Change application. Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this matter be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Commissioner Sarnoff. Move PZ.7. City ofMiami Page 70 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second. Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): Isn't it --? Chair Gort: It's been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff -- Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): It's PZ (Planning & Zoning) -- I'm sorry. Chair Gort: -- second -- Ms. Chiaro: PZ.6. Ms. Thompson: 6. Chair Gort: 6. Commissioner Sarnoff. 6, sorry. Chair Gort: 6, 6. Commissioner Sarnoff. PZ. 6. Chair Gort: Second by Commissioner Spence -Jones. The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro. Ms. Thompson: Roll call on your first reading ordinance for PZ. 6. Vice Chair Carollo? Vice Chair Carollo: Yes for PZ. 6. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Suarez? Commissioner Suarez: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Spence -Jones? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes, with recommendations. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff? Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes. Ms. Thompson: Chair Gort? Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5-0. PZ.7 ORDINANCE First Reading 08-00166zc2 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T3-R" SUB -URBAN AND "T5-O" URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONES WITH City ofMiami Page 71 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, ("R-1" SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIALAND "0" OFFICE WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000) TO "T5-0" URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONE WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT B", ("SD-2" COCONUT GROVE CENTRAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT C"), FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 3380, 3370 AND 3340 FLORIDAAVENUE; AND 3301, 3355, 3375 AND 3395 GRAND AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAININGASEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 08-00166zc2 CC 12-15-11 SR Fact Sheet.pdf 08-00166zc2 Analysis.pdf 08-00166zc2 PZAB Reso.pdf 08-00166zc2 Application & Supporting Documents.pdf 08-00166zc2 CC Legislation (Version 5).pdf 08-00166zc2 Exhibits A-D (Legal & Graphics). pdf LOCATION: Approximately 3380, 3370 and 3340 Florida Avenue; and 3301, 3355, 3375 and 3395 Grand Avenue (Grand Bahama Block) [Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff - District 2] APPLICANT(S): Lucia A. Dougherty, Esquire, on behalf of Grove Village, LLC, Applicant/Developer, GV Grand Bahama, LLC, Twyman E. Bentley, Jr., Jarrette Bay Investments Corp., Grand Bahamas Dev of Village West Corp., Collectively Owners FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval with conditions*. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval with conditions to City Commission on November 2, 2011 by a vote of 7-0. See companion File IDs 08-00166zc1, 08-00166zc1 a, 08-00166zc3, 08-00166zc4 and 08-00166zc5. *See supporting documentation. PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "T5-0" Urban Center with a "Village West Island and Charles Avenue NCD-2" Overlay, as depicted in "Exhibit B", for the proposed Grove Village Major Use Special Permit. NOTE(S): On October 28, 2010, the City Commission adopted the companion Land Use Change application. Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones City ofMiami Page 72 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Chair Gort: PZ.7. Commissioner Sarnoff.. Move PZ.7. Vice Chair Carollo: Second. Chair Gort: Been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Vice Chairman Carollo. Read it. The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Roll call. Commissioner Suarez? Commissioner Suarez: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Spence -Jones? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes, with recommendations. Ms. Thompson: Vice Chair Carollo? Vice Chair Carollo: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff? Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes. Ms. Thompson: Chair Gort? Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5-0. PZ.8 ORDINANCE First Reading 08-00166zc3 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T3-R" SUB -URBAN AND "T5-0" URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONES WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, ("R-1" SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND "0" OFFICE WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000) TO "T5-0" URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONE WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT B", ("SD-2" COCONUT GROVE CENTRAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT C"), FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY3361 HIBISCUS STREET; 3440, 3422, 3400, 3412 AND 3472 FLORIDAAVENUE; 3415, 3441, 3461, 3485, 3495, 3475, 3401 AND 3471 GRAND AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; City ofMiami Page 73 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 08-00166zc3 CC 12-15-11 SR Fact Sheet.pdf 08-00166zc3 Analysis.pdf 08-00166zc3 PZAB Reso.pdf 08-00166zc3 Application & Supporting Documents.pdf 08-00166zc3 CC Legislation (Version 5).pdf 08-00166zc3 Exhibits A-D (Legal & Graphics). pdf LOCATION: Approximately 3361 Hibiscus Street; 3440, 3422, 3400, 3412 and 3472 Florida Avenue; 3415, 3441, 3461, 3485, 3495, 3475, 3401 and 3471 Grand Avenue (Nassau Block) [Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff - District 2] APPLICANT(S): Lucia A. Dougherty, Esquire, on behalf of Grove Village, LLC, Applicant/Developer, GC Nassau, LLC, Stirrup Properties, Inc., George A. & Dazelle Simpson, Paradise Island Dev. Corp., Nassau Development of Village West Corp. and Andros Development Corp., Collectively Owners FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval with conditions*. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval with conditions to City Commission on November 2, 2011 by a vote of 7-0. See companion File IDs 08-00166zc1, 08-00166zc1 a, 08-00166zc2, 08-00166zc4 and 08-00166zc5. *See supporting documentation. PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "T5-O" Urban Center Transect Zone with a "Village West Island and Charles Avenue NCD-2" Overlay, as depicted in "Exhibit B", for the proposed Grove Village Major Use Special Permit. NOTE(S): On October 28, 2010, the City Commission adopted the companion Land Use Change application. Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Chair Gort: PZ.8. Commissioner Sarnoff.. Move PZ.8. Vice Chair Carollo: Second. Chair Gort: Been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Vice Chairman Carollo. Read it. The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Before we do the roll call, just one correction. It was 3485; you said 3482. Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): 3485. Thank you. City ofMiami Page 74 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Your roll call. Commissioner Spence -Jones? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. Chair Gort: With recommendations. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Suarez? Commissioner Suarez: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Vice Chair Carollo? Vice Chair Carollo: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Commissioner Sarnoff? Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes. Ms. Thompson: Chair Gort? Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5-0. PZ.9 ORDINANCE 08-00166zc4 First Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T3-R" SUB -URBAN AND "T5-0" URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONES WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, ("R-1" SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND "0" OFFICE WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000) TO "T6-8-0" URBAN CORE TRANSECT ZONE WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT B", ("C-1" RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT C"), FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 3363, 3353, 3341, 3335, 3325 AND 3315 THOMAS AVENUE; AND 3384, 3364, 3354, 3340, 3330, 3324, 3320 AND 3310 GRAND AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 08-00166zc4 CC 12-15-11 SR Fact Sheet.pdf 08-00166zc4 Analysis. pdf 08-00166zc4 PZAB Reso.pdf 08-00166zc4 Application & Supporting Documents.pdf 08-00166zc4 CC Legislation (Version 5).pdf 08-00166zc4 Exhibits A-D (Legal & Graphics). pdf City ofMiami Page 75 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 LOCATION: Approximately 3363, 3353, 3341, 3335, 3325 and 3315 Thomas Avenue; and 3384, 3364, 3354, 3340, 3330, 3324, 3320 and 3310 Grand Avenue (Abaco Block) [Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff - District 2] APPLICANT(S): Lucia A. Dougherty, Esquire, on behalf of Grove Village, LLC, Applicant/Developer, GV Abaco, LLC, Grand Abaco Development of Village West Corp., 3354 Grand Inc., High Hopes, Inc., Grand Abaco Development II, Corp., George and Dazelle Simpson, Sheila Bullard and Stirrup Properties, Inc., Collectively Owners FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval with conditions*. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval with conditions to City Commission on November 2, 2011 by a vote of 7-0. See companion File IDs 08-00166zc1, 08-00166zc1 a, 08-00166zc2, 08-00166zc3 and 08-00166zc5. *See supporting documentation. PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "T6-8-O" Urban Core Transect Zone with a "Village West Island and Charles Avenue NCD-2" Overlay, as depicted in "Exhibit B", for the proposed Grove Village Major Use Special Permit. NOTE(S): On October 28, 2010, the City Commission adopted the companion Land Use Change application. Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Chair Gort: PZ.9. Commissioner Sarnoff.. Move PZ.9. Chair Gort: Been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff -- Commissioner Suarez: Second. Chair Gort: -- second by Commissioner Suarez. The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Roll call. Chair Gort: Thank you. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Spence -Jones? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes, with recommendations. Ms. Thompson: Vice Chair Carollo? City ofMiami Page 76 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Vice Chair Carollo: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Suarez? Commissioner Suarez: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff? Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes. Ms. Thompson: Chair Gort? Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5-0. City ofMiami Page 77 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 PZ.10 ORDINANCE First Reading 08-00166zc5 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T3-R" SUB -URBAN TRANSECT ZONE WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, ("R-1" SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000) TO "T5-O" URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONE WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT B", ("SD-2" COCONUT GROVE CENTRAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT WITH AN "SD-28" VILLAGE WEST ISLAND SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT AND "NCD-3" COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS DEPICTED IN "EXHIBIT C"), FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 3558 FLORIDAAVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 08-00166zc5 CC 12-15-11 SR Fact Sheet.pdf 08-00166zc5 Analysis.pdf 08-00166zc5 PZAB Reso.pdf 08-00166zc5 Application & Supporting Documents.pdf 08-00166zc5 CC Legislation (Version 5).pdf 08-00166zc5 Exhibits A-D (Legal & Graphics). pdf LOCATION: Approximately 3558 Florida Avenue (Freeport Block) [Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff - District 2] APPLICANT(S): Lucia A. Dougherty, Esquire, on behalf of Grove Village LLC, Applicant/Developer, GV Freeport LLC, Contract Purchaser and Edna and Thomas Dermeritte, Owners FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval with conditions*. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval with conditions to City Commission on November 2, 2011 by a vote of 7-0. See companion File IDs 08-00166zc1, 08-00166zc1 a, 08-00166zc2, 08-00166zc3 and 08-00166zc4. *See supporting documentation. PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "T5-O" Urban Center Transect Zone with a "Village West Island and Charles Avenue NCD-2" Overlay, as depicted in "Exhibit B", for the proposed Grove Village Major Use Special Permit. NOTE(S): On July 24, 2008, the City Commission adopted the companion City ofMiami Page 78 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Land Use Change application. Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Chair Gort: PZ.10. Commissioner Sarnoff.. Move PZ.10. Vice Chair Carollo: Second. Chair Gort: Moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Vice Chairman Carollo. The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Your roll call. Commissioner Suarez? Commissioner Suarez: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Spence -Jones? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes, with recommendations. Ms. Thompson: Vice Chair Carollo? Vice Chair Carollo: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff? Commissioner Sarnoff.. Yes. Ms. Thompson: Chair Gort? Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5-0. Chair Gort: Thank you. Okay, at this time I'm being requested to go back to the regular agenda, so we're going to close the -- and most of those items, I think we should defer those items to next meeting in April [sic]. Commissioner Sarnoff.. Let's just do the one item. Everybody agree, let's just do the one item (UNINTELLIGIBLE) 9: 44: 20 -- Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry. Chair. Commissioner Sarnoff.. Can we take two minutes for a break just to go to the bathroom? Chair Gort: Yeah, let's take two minutes. Yeah, five. Ms. Thompson: Chair. Unidentified Speaker: Five? Chair Gort: Five, five. Three zero five. City ofMiami Page 79 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 PZ.11 ORDINANCE First Reading 10-006671u AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO §163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF THE ACREAGE DESCRIBED HEREIN FOR THE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 212 NORTHWEST 25TH AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM "SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL" TO "DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL"; MAKING FINDINGS; DIRECTING TRANSMITTALS TO AFFECTED AGENCIES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 10-006671u CC 12-15-11 FR Fact Sheet.pdf 10-00667Iu Analysis, Maps, PZAB Reso & School Concurrency.pdf 10-00667Iu Application & Supporting Documents.pdf 10-006671u CC Legislation (Version 2) & Exhibit.pdf LOCATION: Approximately 212 NW 25th Avenue [Commissioner Frank Carollo - District 3] APPLICANT(S): Matthew Plonys, Vice President, on behalf of Boston Investors Group, Inc. FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends denial. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends denial to City Commission on October 5, 2011 by a vote of 7-0. See companion File ID 10-00667zc. PURPOSE: This will change the above property to "Duplex Residential". Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this matter be CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Chair Gort: (UNINTET,TIGIBT,F) to continue the PZ (Planning & Zoning) items -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: So -- second. Vice Chair Carollo: Continue all PZ items that are left over. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): That's PZ.11, PZ.12, PZ.13, and PZ.14. We're continuing them to the December 15 meeting. Is that correct? Chair Gort: That's correct. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Chair Gort: There's a motion and a second. There was a motion by Vice Chairman Carollo and second by Commissioner Suarez. All in favor, state it by saying "aye." City ofMiami Page 80 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 The Commission (Collectively): Aye. PZ.12 ORDINANCE First Reading 10-00667zc AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "R-1" SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (IN ORDINANCE 11000) TO "T3-O" SUB -URBAN ZONE (IN MIAMI 21), FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 212 NORTHWEST 25TH AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 10-00667zc CC 12-15-11 FR Fact Sheet.pdf 10-00667zcAnalysis, Maps & PZAB Reso.pdf 10-00667zc Application & Supporting Documents. pdf 10-00667zc CC Legislation (Version 2) & Exhibit.pdf LOCATION: Approximately 212 NW 25th Avenue [Commissioner Frank Carollo - District 3] APPLICANT(S): Matthew Plonys, Vice President, on behalf of Boston Investors Group, Inc. FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends denial. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends denial to City Commission on October 5, 2011 by a vote of 7-0. See companion File ID 10-006671u. PURPOSE: This will change the above property to "T3-O" Sub -Urban Zone -Open. Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this matter be CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Note for the Record: See PZ.11 for minutes related to PZ.12. PZ.13 ORDINANCE First Reading 11-006991u AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO §163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF THE ACREAGE DESCRIBED HEREIN FOR THE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 230 SOUTHWEST 3RD STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM "MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL, PUBLIC FACILITIES, TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES" City ofMiami Page 81 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 TO "RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL"; MAKING FINDINGS; DIRECTING TRANSMITTALS TO AFFECTED AGENCIES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11-006991u CC 12-15-11 FR Fact Sheet.pdf 11-006991u Analysis, Maps, School Concurrency & PZAB Reso.pdf 11-006991u Application & Supporting Documents.pdf 11-006991u CC Legislation (Version 2) & Exhibit.pdf LOCATION: Approximately 230 SW 3rd Street [Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones - District 5] APPLICANT(S): Javier F. Avino, Esquire, on behalf of 230 SW 3rd St LLC, Owner FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval to City Commission on October 5, 2011 by a vote of 8-0. See companion File ID 11-00699zc. PURPOSE: This will change the above property to "Restricted Commercial'. Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this matter be CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Note for the Record: See PZ.11 for minutes related to PZ.13. PZ.14 ORDINANCE First Reading 11-00699zc AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "Cl" CIVIC INSTITUTIONAL ZONE TO "T6-36B-O" URBAN CORE ZONE, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 230 SOUTHWEST 3RD STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11-00699zc CC 12-15-11 FR Fact Sheet.pdf 11-00699zcAnalysis, Maps & PZAB Reso.pdf 11-00699zcApplication & Supporting Documents.pdf 11-00699zc CC Legislation (Version 2) & Exhibit.pdf LOCATION: Approximately 230 SW 3rd Street [Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones - District 5] APPLICANT(S): Javier F. Avino, Esquire, on behalf of 230 SW 3rd St LLC, Owner FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval. City ofMiami Page 82 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval to City Commission on October 5, 2011 by a vote of 8-0. See companion File ID 11-006991u. PURPOSE: This will change the above property to "T6-36B-O" Urban Core Zone. Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this matter be CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Note for the Record: See PZ.11 for minutes related to PZ.14. PZ.15 ORDINANCE First Reading 11-007001u AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO §163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF THE ACREAGE DESCRIBED HEREIN OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 840 NORTHEAST 78TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM "MEDIUM DENSITY MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL" TO "MEDIUM DENSITY RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL"; MAKING FINDINGS; DIRECTING TRANSMITTALS TO AFFECTED AGENCIES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11-007001u CC 11-17-11 FR Fact Sheet.pdf 11-007001u Analysis, Maps, School Concurrency & PZAB Reso.pdf 11-007001u Application & Supporting Documents.pdf 11-007001u CC Legislation (Version 2) & Exhibit.pdf LOCATION: Approximately 840 NE 78th Street [Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff- District 2] APPLICANT(S): Lynn M. Summers, Authorized Representative, on behalf of Marine Max East, Inc., Owner FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval to City Commission on October 5, 2011 by a vote of 8-1. See companion File ID 11-00700zc. PURPOSE: This will change the above property to "Medium Density Restricted Commercial'. Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote. City ofMiami Page 83 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Carollo Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Suarez and Spence -Jones Note for the Record: Item PZ.15 was deferred to the January 26, 2012, City Commission meeting. PZ.16 ORDINANCE First Reading 11-00700zc PZ.17 11-00875zt AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T5-R" URBAN CENTER ZONE -RESTRICTED TO "T5-O" URBAN CENTER ZONE -OPEN, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 840 NORTHEAST 78TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11-00700zc CC 11-17-11 FR Fact Sheet.pdf 11-00700zcAnalysis, Maps & PZAB Reso.pdf 11-00700zcApplication & Supporting Documents.pdf 11-00700zc CC Legislation (Version 2) & Exhi bit. pdf LOCATION: Approximately 840 NE 78th Street [Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff- District 2] APPLICANT(S): Lynn M. Summers, Authorized Representative, on behalf of Marine Max East, Inc., Owner FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommends approval to City Commission on October 5, 2011 by a vote of 8-1. See companion File ID 11-007001u. PURPOSE: This will change the above property to "T5-O" Urban Center Zone -Open. Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Carollo Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Suarez and Spence -Jones Note for the Record: Item PZ.16 was deferred to the January 26, 2012, City Commission meeting. PZAB RESOLUTION AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 4, "STANDARDS AND TABLES" AND ARTICLE 6, "SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS", TO MODIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL STORAGE FACILITIES City ofMiami Page 84 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 ADJOURNMENT IN T5, T6, AND DISTRICT (D) ZONES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11-00875zt PZAB 12-14-11 Supporting Docs.pdf APPLICANT(S): Johnny Martinez, City Manager, on behalf of the City of Miami FINDING(S): PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Recommends approval. PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Pending recommendation on December 14, 2011. PURPOSE: This will modify requirements for public and commercial storage facilities in T5, T6, and District (D) Zones by providing additional flexibility to such use and remove distance separation requirements between such facilities. Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Carollo Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Suarez and Spence -Jones Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): And item PZ.17 is a City application. We would like to continue that item, if it pleases the Commission, to the meeting of December 15. Chair Gort: Thank you. Motion? Vice Chair Carollo: So move. Chair Gort: Moved by Vice Chairman -- Commissioner Sarnoff. Second. Chair Gort: -- second by Commissioner Sarnoff. All in favor, state it by saying aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Gort: Thank you. PZ.3. Mr. Garcia: Thank you, sir. END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS The meeting was adjourned at 10: 42 p.m. Chair Gort: Thank you very much. Have a good one. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Vice Chair Carollo: Meeting adjourned. Ms. Thompson: You're adjourning this meeting? Vice Chair Carollo: Meeting adjourned. City ofMiami Page 85 Printed on 12/8/2011 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2011 Ms. Thompson: Thank you. City ofMiami Page 86 Printed on 12/8/2011