HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Truly Burton-Letter Regarding Proposed Art Tax01111 EASF
BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA
BUILDING GREAT CITIES
WWW.BASFONLINE.ORG
November 15, 2017
Honorable Keon Hardemon, Chairman and City Conunissioners
City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
Submitted into the public
record foj iterp(s)
on
Re: Proposed Art Tax - Second reading: November 16, 2017 - Items SR 2 and PZ 7.
Dear Mr. Chairman and City Commissioners:
City Clerk
I write today to express the BASF's on -going concern about the above -referenced legislation, which would implement an Art Tax -an
impact fee on all privately -built projects and renovations to existing buildings above $3 million, under the name of Art in Public Places. It is
scheduled for second reading on Thursday, November 16, 2017.
For the past year, BASF has supported the public portion of the Art in Public Places ordinance, which was adopted by the City
Commission in January.
Since the beginning, however, the Association has recommended the development and adoption of an incentive -based program
for private developers to incorporate new or additional public art works in their projects. That is because for years, these works have
been installed — on a voluntary basis - into buildings and projects, addressing most goals outlined in the proposal for art in the public realm.
For a long time, the real estate development industry has been the biggest public arts patron within the City of Miami, voluntarily including
public works of art into their commercial and residential buildings. A simple survey could be instructive to show the Commission the
number and location of all existing, public works of art, donated voluntarily by industry, to date.
However, BASF respectfully reiterates its opposition to what amounts to a proposed Art Tax. The proposed Art Tax legislation before you
creates significant barriers to placing art on site, adds significant fees and administrative costs on top of already high construction costs, and
raises potential legal issues that have yet to be adequately considered. It would increase the price of most homes and apartments, and rents
paid by small and local businesses in commercial buildings. It would amount to up to a 100% increase in building permit fees.
Instead of adopting this new fee today, the Association respectfully asks the Commission to consider funding the City's long list of other
unfunded infrastructure needs, including
1. Pay for more City-wide flood -protection infrastructure, to reduce future hurricane -related and King Tide Street flooding.
2. Build new projects to improve City's long-term resiliency due to increased flooding events due to sea -level rise.
3. Fully fund much -needed Transit and Transportation needs, a top priority for the City.
4. Pay for Neighborhood and Streetscape Improvements, to help improve the City's overall appearance and to address the needs of
existing neighborhoods, not just enhance new developments.
Finally, weekly headlines remind us about the lack of affordably -priced housing for Miami's residents. This proposed fee only makes it
worse. Everyone needs an affordable place to live and BASF works hard, every day, to keep it that way. City efforts and dollars targeted
might be more appreciated to provide improved flood protection and more transit options, not to create a new bureaucracy where some
15%+ of the projected revenue (potentially $1-2 million) would be used to fund consultants, more staff and program overhead, with no
certainty of any public benefits in the years ahead.
BASF supports an Incentive -based program for public works of art, and respectfully asks the City to direct staff to return to them
with a proposal for such an incentive based program. BASF stands ready to provide its comment and input on such program, if
proposed. Thank you for your consideration of the Association's views.
Sincerely,
Truly Burton, Executive ice/T'resident and Government Affairs Director.
cc: Mayor Francis Suarez
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