HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of IntentBilzin Sun7berg
A. Vicky Garcia -Toledo, Esq.
305.350.2409
305.351.2233
vgarcia-toledo@bilzin.com
January 17, 2013
Mr. An& Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant l6
Planning and Zoning Department, Hearing Boards Section
Miami Riverside Center, Third Floor
444 SW Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33130
Re: Special Area Application / River Landing Development LLC / 1500 NW north
River Drive, Miami, Florida
Dear Mr Rodriguez:
On behalf of our client River Landing Development, LLC, (the 'Applicant"), we respectfully
submit this letter in connection with our Special Area Plan Application, (the "Application"), for the
property located at 1500 NW North River Drive in Miami Florida, (the "Property"). The Application is
being filed pursuant to Section 3.9 of the City of Miami Zoning code known as Miami 21 and
proposes a mixed use project to service the Health District and its neighborhoods.
The Application proposes residential units with recreational amenities, commercial uses
comprised of both retail and restaurant space open and integrated with a lushly landscaped
riverwalk, parking, and various open space areas (the "Project")- The Project also proposes a
change to the zoning atlas to accommodate residential towers.
TheProject will consist of a full level of underground parking that will also accommodate the
loading area and service areas often referred to as "back of house". The retail is designed as
stacked gift boxes to provide for a unique articulation of the building. The retail use is separated by
an open air atrium space from a parking pedestal lined with commercial and residential uses. The
open air atrium will provide open plazas with various configurations for patrons to enjoy the Miami
River vistas.
The Project is designed with emphasis on the Miami River, providing a 50 foot setback with a
meandering riverwalk, lush landscaping. lighting and seating that will allow for use by not only the
residents and patrons of the Project but the general public as well.
The Project's unique location, visible and accessible by major modes of transportation, is
located in the Health District and will allow for much needed retail and residential uses in the central
core of the City. The Project will produce a substantial recurring fiscal benefit for the City of Miami's
tax base in addition to much needed job creation during the construction period and over a thousand
permanent jobs upon completion.
MIA 11 350-1232.2 79670/42063
BILZIN SUMBERG BAENA PRICE & AXELROD LLP
1450 Brickell Avenue, 23rd Floor. Miami, FL 33131-3456 1 I 305.374 7580
305.374.7593 www,ti Ii ri.cum
January 17, 20i3
Page
Consistent with the Special Area Plan, release from certain requirements of Miami 21 are
identified in order to design and build the Project. While we are aware of various releases that will
be needed based on the conceptual plans, as the Project is reviewed in detail by the various
departments within the City, additional releases from requirements of the Code may be required.
Documents submitted in draft form will be reviewed by City staff and other governmental agencies
as requested and revisions will be made with the final approvals pursuant to the Development
Agreement at public hearings.
Based on the foregoing, we respectfully request the City's processing and support of the
Application. Should you have any questions or seek any clarifications of the enclosed materials, do
not hesitate to contact me at 305-350-2409.
Si erel ,
y Garcia -Toledo
Enclosure
MIAMI 3504282.2 79670,42063
BILZIN SUMBERG BAENA PRICE & AXELROD LLP
1450 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2300, Miami. FL 33131-3456