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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Public Comments Submitted Online for the January 13, 2022 City Commission MeetingCommission Report - Final Public Comment for January 12, 2023, Regular City Commission Meeting As of January 13th, 2023, 9:16 a.m. EST Public Comment motero@miamigov.com First Name Last Street Address Name 114 NW 25th Abigail Fleming St, Miami, FL 33127 PZ. Use Agenda Item 15 #12858 Land - Various - Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove Public Comment January 12, 2023 Re: Assemblage A, PZ.15 (12858) Dear City of Miami Commission, The People's Economic and Environmental Resiliency (P.E.E.R.) Group advocates for economic and environmental sustainability in Miami through a community lawyering approach that shifts power back to marginalized communities. We partner and work side -by- side with community groups to advocate for our vision of justice, which recognizes the need for structural and systemic change that empowers vulnerable populations, provides equitable access to benefits, and advances restorative protection from harm. We write to you today to object to the inclusion of Assemblage A within PZ.15 (File ID 12858). I. WE NEED CORRECTIVE ACTION IN MIAMI. Over the last decade, Greater Miami has experienced exponential growth in its population and real-estate development. This growth is attributable to a myriad of factors including, but not limited to, an influx of foreign investors; a form - based planning and zoning code which favors high - density, mixed -use developments; and an emerging trend favoring transit -oriented development and walkable communities. These trends exacerbate the gentrification of low-income communities and, as a result, displace vulnerable communities. We know that the need for proactive and corrective action in Miami is particularly acute. Miami now has the most expensive housing market in the country with over 85% of median income going towards homeownership costs for the average city resident. In fact, 6 in 10 employed adult residents are housing cost -burdened, spending more than 30% of their incomes on housing. Cost -burdened households are incredibly susceptible to population displacement based on minor variations in the market price for rent. More specially, in the West Grove, "decades - long disinvestment and disenfranchisement have 13276 Submittal -Public Comments Submitted Online for the January 12, 2023 City Commission Meeting resulted in the reduction of its housing stock, the degradation of its character, and the displacement of its community." We know that access to stable housing disrupts the vicious cycle of poverty and mitigates vulnerability to natural disasters, making low-income communities more resilient in the face of socioeconomic and environmental challenges. As the world continues to face the interconnected crises of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and large-scale wealth inequality, the City of Miami has an opportunity to set a global example by adopting and implementing innovative solutions to housing challenges that foster true stability for all. We have an opportunity now to do better and write a different story. II. DISPLACEMENT VULNERABILITY AND MITIGATION TOOL The threat of displacement can be addressed by providing for meaningful participation in project development and approvals and by implementing anti -displacement strategies to protect historically disenfranchised communities. Thus, alongside community partners, the Environmental Justice Clinic ("EJC") at the University of Miami School of Law developed the Displacement Vulnerability and Mitigation Tool ("DVMT" or "Tool"). The Tool aims to forecast the risk of displacement that a proposed development will likely cause and to equip community stakeholders — including real-estate developers, municipalities, and local communities —with research -informed strategies to mitigate potential displacement. Part I of the DVMT utilizes mapping analysis software to aggregate data on the surrounding community and of a proposed development, capturing both a visual and numerical snapshot of the existing community composition. The demographic data is sourced via the American Community Survey, Miami -Dade GIS Data Hubs, and the USGS, and includes community - specific population data and community environmental data so that the Tool can accurately map the link between development and displacement. In Part II, an automated code analyzes this data using statistically based calculations of each population's susceptibility indicators to determine a community's vulnerability to displacement. Based on this vulnerability analysis, Part III identifies mitigation efforts that stakeholders can employ to address the potential displacement. For this comment, PEER Group partnered with the EJC to run an analysis on the proposed development for PZ.15 (File ID 12858). Our findings are below. III. DVMT ANALYSIS For a comprehensive analysis and description of the Tool, please visit our GIS Story Map here: https://arcg.is/08PzzK. West Coconut Grove is a historic Afro -Caribbean and African - American community, originally inhabited by Bahamian settlers. The West Grove's proximity to Downtown Miami and its central location between the highly desirable East Coconut Grove and Coral Gables has led to rapid gentrification in recent years. In Part I of the Tool, we aggregate specific Census Tract level data regarding the existing property upon which the new development is being proposed, the neighboring community and the anticipated property uses. For the proposed development in this case, Census Tract 00720 was selected. For the Census Tract, data shows that 85% of the population is Black, the Median Household Income is $32,206, which is well below the Area Median Income for Miami -Dade County, and the majority of residents are renters. Additionally, 17.7% of households fall below the poverty level. The proposed development is 9 feet above sea level and the area has been designated a "Minimal Flood Hazard" area by the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency. Based on the data, in Part II, we analyze the data to assess a populations susceptibility to displacement. The DVMT relies on a variety of indicators to assess a populations susceptibility (age, race, education, income, infrastructure, environment, etc.). This analysis produces a final susceptibility score that is then placed on a four -tier susceptibility spectrum: very susceptible, susceptible, moderately susceptible, and least susceptible. Calculations are based on a statistically - based assessment using the normal distribution curve. Normal distribution approximates many natural phenomena and is an excellent reference for probability problems such as the DVMT. Using these measurements, we were able to understand how each susceptibility factor translates into calculating the total percentage vulnerability of a population. The demographic characteristics were based on a scale of 0-8 'points' using the percentages of normal distribution statistics. This project scored a 57% which denotes a community that is "Susceptible" to displacement. In Part III, based on the susceptibility, the DVMT provides mitigation strategies. Because the West Grove community has already experienced gentrification and displacement, it is especially important that protections are in place for remaining residents. Therefore, it would be advisable that the community negotiate various mitigation strategies; for example, the construction of one-to-one affordable housing on -site or one -to -three affordable housing construction. The rapid development that the West Grove has already experienced is likely to transform the nature and fabric of the community and will likely price out existing residents. Thus, investments into Pathways to Homeownership Funds could allow displaced residents to become homeowners in other more affordable communities. The Afro -Bahamian residents of the West Grove played a profound role in the history and development of Miami, including the "Shotgun" homes that were common in the West Grove. To preserve this rich history, community members are likely to negotiate for the preservation of historical and cultural buildings in the West Grove. The community may negotiate that a certain number of construction and development fulltime employment opportunities are secured for the existing community residents. IV. OPPOSITION TO ORDINANCE The Commission should vote no on PZ.15 (File ID 12858). Specifically, File ID 12858's proposed rezoning of Assemblage A that will result in unnecessary loss of housing opportunities in the West Grove. Currently, five of the seven lots in Assemblage A are zoned as residential. File ID 12858 proposes that these five residential lots be rezoned to commercial. A commercial lot would directly conflict with the low -density residential nature of the neighborhood. Further, as shown by the above analysis, the West Grove neighborhood is susceptible to displacement, thus taking away potential housing opportunities will surely have adverse effects. It is vital to the long-term residents of the West Grove that these lots remain residential. These lots should be used to mitigate already existing housing shortages instead of creating further housing disparities. The best use of the lots between Washington and Thomas Avenue is affordable housing. The recent West Grove Affordable Housing Blueprint authored by Plusurbia Design sums up what the Commission should do - "Stop approval of developer requests to change land use from residential to commercial, in other words, keep residential land residential." Here, we have an opportunity to add affordable housing to a community that desperately needs it. This opportunity is completely lost if PZ.15 (File ID 12858) is approved in current form. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Abigail Fleming, Esq. Staff Attorney P.E.E.R. Group 114 NW 25th Street, Miami FL 33127 hello@the-peer-group.org www.the-peer-group.org 678-602-0509 Ilio Natasha Ulivi Kern CLARA GARCIA 900 Biscayne Blvd #5903 900 Biscayne Blvd 2307 S DOUGLAS RD SUITE 301 MIAMI 33145 31 SE 5 ST Aky Fernandez #2209, Miami, FL, 33131 FR. 7 #12929 Amend Code - Chapter 2 - Outdoor Signs - Bayfront Park - Maurice Ferre Park FR. 7 #12929 Amend Code - Chapter 2 - Outdoor Signs - Bayfront Park - Maurice Ferre Park PZ. 19 #13033 Rezoning - Charles Way Terrace & Mundy Street Properties PZ. 17 #12860 Zoning Text - Appendix A - Village West Island District and Charles Avenue (NCD-2) As a longtime resident of downtown Miami (over 14 years). I would like to voice my opposition to the installation of the Digital Billboards in the Maurice Ferre Park. I feel the installation of the screens will ruin our beautiful downtown skyline and the park where there should be tranquility, peace, and nature. Do not support signs, billboards, and/or advertisements in Maurice Ferre Park. Or any commercial endeavors. A park is meant to be a green space for enjoyment of the neighborhood. The trust funds are being mismanaged and should be used to upkeep the park, not commercialize it with eye sore billboards. Expand T5-O zoning designation to West Grand Avenue as part of Mixed -Use Cultural District to comply with the Vision for Coconut Grove Entrance. The proposed NCD2 amendments are said to include the Western most stretch of Grand Avenue in it's Mixed Use Cultural District, yet it's zoning is not part of the proposed zoning designation changes. I propose to expand the T5-O zoning designation to West Grand Avenue as part of Mixed -Use Cultural District to comply with the Vision for Coconut Grove Entrance. As the objectives of this cultural district are to give a distinctive cultural character to retail and commercial uses on Grand Avenue and Douglas Road, this zoning expansion and inclusion would help promote the culture of the community in this short corridor and acta s an entryway to the commercial main street. This zoning change will also help with the city's goals to help, promote continuity throughout cultural facades of culturally themed businesses, and establish critical mass of retail. Good Morning, My name is Aky Fernandez, 31 SE 5 ST #2209, Miami, FL, 33131 I'm an architect and local builder, Im wiriting to you in support of PZ-17. Our current housing crisis demands that we change the way we think about development. I'm a strong believer of parking reductions when appropriate to help incentivize construction. Those same incentives should be reinstated across all designated TOD areas as it was last year, before the code was changed to an exception process. I would urge this commission to revisit the issue, and incorporate in a comprehensive way the recommendations of the Miami 21 Task Force Report, which in fact go above and beyond what is currently allowed. Regarding PZ-17, I think this is a generally well written amendment, I support it in its current form. That being said, it can be improved. Some changes that could help incentive development in the west grove Janiece Davis Melissa Sturgis 1800 SW 18th Street Suite 205 Miami, FL 33129 CA. 5 #12972 Accept CDC Grant - Establish Spec. Rev. Proj. - LGBTQIA+ Programs 27101 SW 128 CA. 1 #12881 Est. Avenue Spec. Rev. Proj. - FY Homestead '22 - FEMA - State include: Allowing Market rate housing with conventional density in addition to affordable and mixed income housing with increased density - 2.5.1.e Increase the rent ceiling of the mixed income for 60% of the units from 100 AMI to 120 AMI - 2.5.1.e A 100% increase in density for all affordable and mixed income projects zoned T-4 and above, the current amendment provides only a 50% increase. - 2.5.1.e.2 Allow buildings up to 20,000 SF to forgo parking completely, larger buildings should be allowed a 50% by right reduction and any other reductions allowable for TOD. - 2.5.1.5 I commend you for bringing forth these amendments, they are much needed. I see that some task force recommendations are being implemented. But truth be told we should be rolling them out city wide across all transect zones. This would spread the density and affordability we need more evenly across Miami's urban core. Thank you Good morning Mayor Suarez, City Commission, and city employees in their respective roles. My name is Janiece Davis and I am the Age -Friendly and Health Equity Program Manager at Urban Health Partnerships, a nonprofit dedicated to co -designing sustainable change and promoting equity and well- being across the lifespan. I would like to thank the Council for hearing this agenda item pertaining to the CDC Social Determinants of Health grant funding to help understand the importance of addressing health disparities facing the LGBTQ+ population and provide solutions to close the gaps. This funding is important especially due to the lack of local information about chronic disease and social determinants of health across the intersection of gender and racial identities. This funding opportunity will make it possible for city government and organizations to create LGBTQ+ inclusive policies that address the social determinants of health and offer chronic disease reduction solutions within this population. We will convene local leaders to advise and coordinate the planning of a Health Accelerator Plan (akaSDoH Plan) to address Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) affecting the LGBTQIA+ population in the City. The funding will also use UHP' Community Liaison Framework to engage community members throughout the process. The mixed -methods evaluation plan includes process, outcomes, and impact measures to track project success and process outcomes. I need to know the out come of this Daniel Brian Beyer Kern Florida 33032. 900 Biscayne Blvd 900 Biscayne Blvd 2307 S DOUGLAS RD CLARA GARCIA SUITE 301 MIAMI FL 33145 May Mallouh 900 Biscayne Blvd Homeland Security Grant FR. 7 #12929 Amend Code - Chapter 2 - Outdoor Signs - Bayfront Park - Maurice Ferre Park FR. 7 #12929 Amend Code - Chapter 2 - Outdoor Signs - Bayfront Park - Maurice Ferre Park PZ. 18 #13032 Land Use - Charles Way Terrace & Mundy Street Properties FR. 7 #12929 Amend Code - Chapter 2 - Outdoor Signs - Bayfront Park - Maurice Ferre Park PLEASE VOTE NO ON THE SIGNS IN THE PARK! Please do not destroy the sanctity of our parks by forcing billboards on your constituents. We visit our parks for a respite from urban chaos. Billboards only add to it. Purpose: Expand T5-O zoning designation to West Grand Avenue as part of Mixed -Use Cultural District to comply with the Vision for Coconut Grove Entrance. The proposed NCD2 amendments are said to include the Western most stretch of Grand Avenue in it's Mixed Use Cultural District, yet it's zoning is not part of the proposed zoning designation changes. I propose to expand the T5-O zoning designation to West Grand Avenue as part of Mixed -Use Cultural District to comply with the Vision for Coconut Grove Entrance. As the objectives of this cultural district are to give a distinctive cultural character to retail and commercial uses on Grand Avenue and Douglas Road, this zoning expansion and inclusion would help promote the culture of the community in this short corridor and acta s an entryway to the commercial main street. This zoning change will also help with the city's goals to help, promote continuity throughout cultural facades of culturally themed businesses, and establish critical mass of retail. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend todays meeting regarding the placement of digital billboards in government owned properties, including in Miami city parks. As a local resident who has lived across from MAF park for over 10 years, I am sharing my concerns in the hope that you will give them serious consideration before making a decision. I moved to Miami from NY over 20 years ago and have lived, worked and travelled all over the world. I have been very fortunate to witness Miami's evolution from a tourist beach hotspot to one of the world's top ranked cities. When you think of major cities, usually you think of their parks and green spaces, from Central Park in NY, to Millennium Park in Chicago, to Golden State Park in San Francisco, to Regents Park in London, to Luxembourg Gardens in Aky Fernandez 31 SE 5th ST #2209 PZ. 4 #12840 Zoning Text - Opportunity Zone Parking Exemption Paris, etc. None of them are undermined by Billboards. I have always understood that your mandate has been to improve our green spaces as illustrated by the current sculpture installation in MAF. With this in mind, it is my belief that it will be a disservice to add Billboards to city parks. Furthermore, from a residential neighborhood perspective protecting the aesthetics of our water front parks is paramount, as is preserving property values. As you may know, the placement of digital billboards in other cities has proven to be detrimental to property values. City parks are meant to be a recreational refuge for residents and tourists alike and should not be littered with billboards that detract from their beauty and purpose. I thank you in advance for taking the time to consider my concerns. ood Morning, My name is Aky Fernandez, 31 SE 5 ST #2209, Miami, FL, 33131 I'm an architect and local builder, writing in support of PZ-4. Our current housing crisis demands that we change the way we think about development. I'm a strong believer of parking reductions when appropriate to help incentivize construction. Those same incentives should be reinstated across all designated TOD areas as it was last year, before the code was changed to an exception process. I would urge this commission to revisit the issue, and incorporate in a comprehensive way the recommendations of the Miami 21 Task Force Report, which in fact go above and beyond what is currently allowed.