HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-James Torres-Letter for Commissioners��JIIIN,I
Downtown Neighbors Alliance
December 11, 2024
Esteemed commissioners:
James Torres, President
Tel (602) 432-2593
MiamiDNAPresident@gmail.com
Submitted the ��blic
record for items) City Clerk
Cal
On behalf of the DNA, I am here to support and address FR.8, an important change to the
city code that re -affirms the city's public policy around the noise ordinance.
We want to thank Commissioner Pardo for introducing this item as it directly responds to
our concerns from last month, when we sent a letter to all of you specifically objecting to
the way a waiver of the noise ordinance had been granted administratively to an events
promoter for an outdoor concert at Watson Island. That administrative waiver granted last
month was an abuse of process that should have never happened, and in our view,
violated the City Code by being done behind closed doors, without legal authority, instead
of in a public hearing.
This proposed ordinance cements what's already in Section 36-5 of the City Code. Except
for a very narrow exception related to CITY SPONSORED EVENTS that get city funding
and use the City Seal, no waivers of the noise ordinance should be allowed without
coming to the city commission for public scrutiny, debate and vote.
Again, we support this ordinance but want to make clear that there should be no
loophole whatsoever where an events promoter in the future can get around the city's
noise ordinance without a public hearing. If more clarity is needed on this point, then we
suggest the commissioners make this explicit in the current legislation.
We also want to address FR.7. We understand the commissioner's intention here in
wanting to streamline the ordinance for special events permits. Unfortunately, there's a
few provisions that would seem to impose difficult requirements on small, community -
based event's organizers such as the DNA. We feel that these are unintended
consequences and look forward to working with the commissioner and staff to correct
them before this ordinance goes to final reading.
Thanks again for your time and attention.
James Torres on behalf of the Board of Direct
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of the DNA
Downtown Neighbors Alliance
November 25, 2024
Dear Downtown Neighbors,
James Torres, President
Tel (602) 432-2593
MiamiDNAPresident@gmail.com
Submitted :alto the ublic
record for item(s) •�1
on MIL 1.9 . City Clerk
The Miami Downtown Neighbors Alliance is deeply concerned about recent actions by Miami City Hall
to disregard the peace and well-being of our residential community, once again.
This week, we learned that the City of Miami, with the active consent of Mayor Francis Suarez and
Commissioner Damian Pardo, granted an administrative waiver of the noise ordinance for an event at
Island Gardens on Watson Island. This waiver permits a large concert to continue until 2 a.m. on
December 7. This decision bypassed the usual public process outlined in Chapter 36 of the City Code,
which requires noise ordinance waivers to be approved by a public vote of the City Commission,
providing an opportunity for community input.
As far as we know, this is an unprecedented abuse of power. Other promoters have sought waivers of the
sound ordinance in the past. But we have never seen one be granted without any involvement of the
community that will be affected and without an opportunity for the public to be heard.
The decision to quietly approve this waiver raises serious questions. By working behind the scenes to
accommodate unKommon Events —a promoter that has done prior work related to Formula One and
Saudi Arabia's foreign investment fund (through LIV Golf) —our city leaders are prioritizing corporate
interests over the sleep, health, and well-being of downtown residents. Previous late -night events at
Island Gardens have produced disruptive noise that impacts residents of both downtown Miami and the
Venetian Islands. Extending the allowed timeline for events at Island Gardens to 2 a.m. without public
input undermines the community's trust and sets a troubling precedent.
This action also disregards the City Code, which our leaders are sworn to uphold, and sends a message
that loopholes can always be found for well-connected friends. It's unfair to other event promoters and
entertainment venues who diligently follow the public hearing process to secure waivers and
extensions.
We urge all downtown residents to contact Mayor Suarez and Commissioner Pardo to demand answers
to the following questions:
1. How do you justify granting an administrative waiver for this event when the City Code requires
noise ordinance waivers to be approved by a public vote of the City Commission?
2. Why were residents not given an opportunity to voice their concerns about the extended event hours,
especially considering the noise impact on the Downtown and Venetian Islands neighborhoods?
3. Does this decision reflect a policy of favoritism for promoters connected to high -profile brands like
Formula One and LIV Golf?
4. What message does this send to other event organizers and tax -paying venue owners who follow the
proper channels for obtaining waivers?
5. Do you believe it is acceptable for Miami residents —your constituents —to be excluded from
decisions that directly impact their quality of life?
As a community, we must hold our elected officials accountable for decisions that impact our
neighborhoods. Let's ensure our voices are heard.
incerely,
President of the DNA and the Miami Downtown Neighbors Alliance Board of Directors
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) 1�. i rw • ?
oil 11. 11.� L'1 . City Clerk