HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1977-03-23 MinutesT f - S��i
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SECOND READING ORDINANCE - CHANGE ZONING -2665 8,W.
37 AVENUE, FROM R -2 TO 0-2:
SECOND READING ORDINANCE.. AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE
`TO INCLUDE OVERLAY DISTRICTI TO LIMIT BUILDING
HEIGHT TO 4 STORIES IN CERTAIN AREAS:
SECOND READING ORDINANCE - APPLY OVERLAY DISTRICT TO
CERTAIN AREAS OF COCONUT GROVE:
SECOND READING ORDINANCE -AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE TO
PERMIT HELIPORTS AND HELISTOPS IN R -C,
R -CB and R -C-1 DISTRICTS AS CONDITIONAL USES
BRIEF DISCUSSION AND DEFERRAL OF CONSIDERATION OF
SECOND READING ORDINANCE TO PERMIT PROFESSIONAL
OFFICES IN R -5 DISTRICTS AS CONDITIONAL USE:
GRANT CONDITIONAL USE FOR PARKING LOT AT 500
BISCAYNE WITHOUT DEDICATION OF 10 FT.
RIGHT -OF WAY
FIRST READING ORDINANCE- CHANGE ZONING CLASSIFICATIO
900 -960 S.W. 1ST ST. FROM C-1 AND R -4 TO GU;
GRANT PERMISSION TO OPERATE COMMUNITY CENTER
AT APPROXIMATELY 900 -960 SW. 1ST ST:
FIRST READING ORDINANCE- CHANGE IN ZONING CLASSI-
FICATION PORT1(N OF 2250 N.W. 11TH STREET
FROM P -R TO GU; AND DEFERRAL OF CONSIDERATION
FOR AUTO PCUND TO BE LOCATED ON ABOVE SITE:
CONTINUED DISCUSSION : PROFESSIONAL OFFICES IN
R -5 DISTRICT, AS CONDITIONAL USE. DISCUSSED
AND SENT BACK TO PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD:
FIRST READING ORDINANCE - INCREASE PERCEKTAGE OF
REQUIRED SPACES FOR COMPACT CARS FOR LOW-
INCOME AND ELDERLY HOUSING:
FIRST READING ORDINANCE - PROVIDING NO CONTINUANCE
OF AN ADULT ENTERTAINMENT USE IF SUCH IS DIS-
CONTINUED OR ABANPCNED:
EXTEND CONDITIONAL USE BEYOND ORIGINAL 6 MONTHS
FOR PARKING 1.0. LOCATED AT 44 $,W, 14 STREET;
LITTLE HAVANA COMMUNITY CENTER- EISCUSSION OF
VARIOUS ASPECTS OF RENOVATIONS;
ORDINANCE OR
REsoLU11 oN Noi PAGE NO
5626
8627
8628
8629
R -77 -256
(lst reading)
R-77-257
(1st reading)
(1st reading)
FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND THE CITY OF MIAMI
CODE LY EJITABLISHING STANDARDS FOR ABSENCES
OF PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD - ZONING BOARD MBE (1st reading)
FIRST READING ORDINANCE- PERMIT AUTO SALES AND
SERVICE IN C -1 DISTRICTS, AS A CONDITIONAL USE: (1st reading)
FIRST READING ORDINANCE- AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE
REVISE SIGN REGULATIONS IN C -1A (lst reading)
(1st rearing)
R -77 -258
H =77 =259
6
2
10--20
20 - 22
22 - 23
23 - 24
23 24
24 - 25
25 26
26
27.. 47
i
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI) FLORIDA
* * * ft *
ON THE 23RD DAY OF MARCH, 1977, THE CITY COMMISSION OF
p3IAMI) 601111DA MET AT In REGULAR MEETING PLACE IN THE CITY
ALL) UU FAN AMERICAN DRIVE) MIAMI, FLORIDA IN REGULAR SS!ON
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 2:15 O'CLOCK P.M. BY
MAYOR MAURICE A. 1-ERRE WITH THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OF THE
COMMISSION FOUND TO BE PRESENT:
A COMMISSIONER MANOLO REBOSO
COMMISSIONER J, L. FLUMMER) JRI
COMMISSIONO ROSE ODON
VICE -MAYOR IHEODOEbIBSON
MAYOR MAURICE Al FERRE
ALSO PRESENT:
JosEEH R. GRASSIE, CITYMANAGER
R, L. MSMOEN4 ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
bEORGE F. KNOX) CITY ATTORNEY
W RALPH G. OE) LITY LERKA
MATTY HIRAI) ASSISTANT ,ITY CLERK
AN INVOCATION WAS DELIVERED BY REVEREND GIBSON WHO THEN
LED THOSE PRESENT IN A PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG,
A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE MINUTES WAS INTRODUCED
AND SECONDED AND WAS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY,
1. StCOND WADING ORDINANCE: CHANGE ZONING CLASSIFICATION 2665 S.W.
37 AVENUE, FROM R-2 TO C-2,
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6871, THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION OF THE WEST 10' OF LOT 6, BLOCK 2, MOTTL PARK
(39-60) AND THE WEST 20' OF LOT 11, W.D. SANFORD'S SUB (4-26),
BEING EAST OF 2665 S.W: 37TH AVENUE, FROM R-2(TWO FAMILY) TO
C-2.(COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL); AND BY MAKING THE NECESSARY CHANGES
IN THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP MADE A PART OF THE SAID ORDINANCE
NO. 6871 BY REFERENCE AND DESCRIPTION IN ARTICLE III, SECTION
2 THEREOF; BY REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES, CODE SECTIONS, OR PARTS
THEREOF IN CONFLICT; AND CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY PROVISION.
Passed on its first reading by title at the meeting of February 23, 1977, was
taken up for its second and final reading by title and adoption. On motion of
Commissioner P1uumer, seconded by Commissioner Reboso, the Ordinance was
thereupon given its second and final reading by title and passed and adopted
by the following vote;
AYES; Commissioner Manolo Reboso
Commissioner Rose Gordon
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Vice -Mayor (Rev.) Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. Ferre,
NOES; None,
THE ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO, 8626,
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and announced
that •copies were available to the members of the City Commission and to the
public,
MAR
sta Ifiu O tNAN b mut ottN,Atte 1O INCLUDE OVERLAY
DISTRICT 1O OMIT I UILDING HEIGHT TO 4 STORIES
IN CERTAIN leA
Mayor Petrel t think t was not present when this was passed the first time and
t want to make sure... Is this Overlay District the overlay district in th
Coconut Grove area/
Mr. Davis: Yes, sir.
Mayor Perre: And this is where we agreed to have restrictions...
Mr. Davis: Of height levitation, four stories.
Mayor Ferre: And that was that we talked about that time when everybody came/
Mr. Davie: Yes, this is a compromise.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED .
Passed on its first reading by title at the meeting of February 23, 1977, was
taken up for its second and final reading by title and adoption. On motion of
Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Plummer, the Ordinance was
thereupon given its second and final reading by title and passed and adopted
by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Manolo Reboso
Commissioner Rose Gordon
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Vice -Mayor (Rev.) Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. Ferre.
NOES: None.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6871, THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI, BY INSERTING A MEV
ARTICLE XXI -4, COCONUT GROVE OVERLAY DISTRICT (SPD -2);
PROVIDING FOR INTENT, EFFECT OF THE SPECIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT,
SITE AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEWS AND HEIGHT; REPEALING ALL
ORDINANCES, CODE SECTIONS OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT INSOFAR
AS THEY ARE IN CONFLICT; AND CONTAINING A SEVERARILITY PROVISION.
THE ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 8627.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and announced
that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and to the
public.
3. SECOND READING ORDINANCE: APPLY OVERLAY DISTRICT TO CERTAIN
AREAS OF COCONUT GROVE.
Mr, Davis; This was amended in your new ordinance that is before you to exclude
Dr. Robertson's property as you had requested, Mr. Plummer on the application
of the overlay district.
Mayor Terre; Alright, Mr. Plummer made the motion and Mrs. Gordon seconded it.
Iv that still the same?
Mr. Pavia: Yea.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
2
AN ORDINANCE RENDING ORDINANCE NO. 687I., THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF MCI, DY ' APPLYING ARTICLE
XXI-4, COCONUT GROVE OVERLAY DISTRICT (SPD -2) TO THE FOLLOWING
AREAS IN COCO= GROVE; (a) ON BOTH SIDES OF S,W, 27TH AVENUE
FROM SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY TO TIGERTAII. AVENUE; CO THE SOUTH
SIDE OF SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY FROM S.% 22ND AVENVE TO S.W. 30TH
GOUT; (c) THE SOUTH SIDE 47 TIGERTAIL AVENUE FROM 1,0' EAST OF
AVIATION STREET TO CORNELIA DRIVE; AND (4) POUNDED BY DAY
AVENUE,* VIRGINIA STREET, OAR MINCE AND TIGDRTAIL AVENVE AS
FDA MAP ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF; AND BY
BAR 231977
HARING THE NECESSARY CHANGES IN THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP
NAM A PART OP THE SAtb ORDINANCE No 6871 EY REFERENCE
Al bEtCRIPTION IN AtcL ItT SECTION 2 THEREOF; tY
REPEALING ALL ORMANCE8 cObt tECTIONt, OR PAkIt THEREOP
IN CONFLICT; AN1 CONTAINTNG A tEVERARILITY PROVISION.
Passed tot its first reading by title at the meting of February 2, 1077, was
taken up for its second and final reading by title and adoption. on motion of
Commissioner Plummet, seconded by COMISSicitier Gordon, the Ordinance teas
thereupon given its second and final reading by title and passed and adopted
by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Manolo Reboso
Commisaiftet Rose Gordon
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, 3t.
Vice-Mayor (Rev.) Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. Ferre.
NOES: Nofte.
THE ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO 8628.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and announced
that copies Were available to the members of the City Commission and to the
public.
AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE TO PERMIT HELIPORTS
4, SECOND READING ORDINANCE: AND HELISTOPS IN R-CJ R-C R-C-1
DISTRICTS AS CONDITIONAL USES6
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
NOES; None,
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO 6871, THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI, BY AMENDING ARTICLE
II, DEFINITIONS, BY ADDING NEW SUB-SECTIONS (36-A) AMD (36-8)
TO SECTION 2 TO DEFINE HELISTOPS AND HELIPORTS; BY AMENDING
ARTICLE XI, RESIDENTIAL-OFFICE R-C DISTRICT, BY ADDING A NEW
SUB-SECTION (5) PARAGRAPH (e) TO SECTION 1,13Y AMENDING
ARTICLE XI-2, RESIDENTIAL-OFFICE R-CB DISTRICT, BY ADDING
A NEW SUB-SECTION (7), PARAGRAPH (f) TO SECTION 1 AND BY
AMENDING ARTICLE XI-3, RESIDENTIAL-OFFICE-COMMERCIAL R-C-1
DISTRICT, BY ADDING A NEW SUB-SECTION (7) PARAGRAPH (j)
TO SECTION 1, ALL TO ALLOW HELISTOPS, AS CONDITIONAL USES
WITH APPROPRIATE CRITERIA AND RESTRICTIONS; REPEALING ALL
ORDINANCES, CODE SECTIONS OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT
INSOFAR AS THEY ARE IN CONFLICT; AND CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY PROVISION.
Passed on its first reading by title at the meeting of February 23, 1977, was
taken up for its second and final reading by title and adoption. On motion of
commissioner Plummer, seconded by Commissioner Gordon, the Ordinance was
thereupon given its second and final reading by title and passed and adopted
by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Manolo Reboso
Commissioner Rose Gordon
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, jr.
Vice-Mayor (Rev.) Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. Ferre,
THE ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 8629.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and announced
that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and to the
PC,
DISCUSSION:
mayor Fevre; Under discussion, 1 like to ask the Adstration... You know,
we have, over the years, had this problem over and over again with the Palm Bay
Club, What does this do for that? They're not coned R44 are they?
3
23 1917
Mr. bavist No they are hot, Mt. Mayor, they ere toned ita4, t belieVe.
Mayor Petrel 86, it other Words, they're not at all coVered by any Of thit.
Mr. Davis! That's COrrect, it would still not be a permitted use bt A canditiOnal
uSe in any of the other multiple filthily districts.
Si BRIEF DISCUSSION AND DEFERRAL OF CONSIDERATION OF SECOND READING ORDINANCE
TO PERMIT PROFESSIONAL OFFICES IN R-5 DISTRICTS) AS CONDITIONAL USEI
Mayor Perre: Are there any objectors?
Mr, Alan Green: Yes, I'd like to speak on that, Mr. Mayor. I'm Alan Green and
I'm a lawyer under the lawfiria of truckher, Green and Manes. We own some property
at the corner of North Bayshore and 20th terrace, N.E. 20th Terrace, which is in
an R-.5 district. The property we own, actually ve own three lots that are adjacent
to each other, one of which contains and old house that we wish to refurbish and
put a law office in. Ute attended the October-November planning workshop on this
in which the present language was considered by the Planning Workshop. We left
that workshop with the impression that the language would allow us to move our'.
law office into there and to refurbish this old house if we could satisfy the 25Z
requiretent in the lack of impact on traffic requirements. In order to satisfy
that 25% and make sure we did, we bought the two adjacent properties and t can /
pass out pictures of all of this, it would take it clearer. We learned last week
that this was at the stage where a second reading was to be had and we were told
that the language in 5A of the proposed amendment wherein it says that office
development in residential structures shall only be permitted when the site fronts
on a major or secondary arterial, it might preclude our using that old house as a
law office. We went to the highway section to try to get a definition of secondary
arterial and no one is quite sure what it meant but the thought was that neither
North Bayshore nor N.E. 20th, which leads directly into Biscayne Boulevard, would
satisfy that requirement so we're very much concerned that our attempts to reha-
bilitate one of these old mansions is at the eleventh hour, we find, going to be
for naught. Accordingly, I would propose either that the matter be deferred to
be sent back to the Planning Board or that a change in position of the amendments
be had here so that the present 5A would have incorporated into it the clause under
5E-1 which has to do with the necessity of showing that there's no adverse impact
on traffic in order to have an office in an R-5 residence so that the proposal that
I would suggest to you is that 5A, by incorporating 5E into it, read as follows:
"Office development in residential structures shall only be permitted when the site
fronts on a major or secondary arterial," and here comes the amendment, "or,"
here's the language of 5E-1, "the office development will not impair traffic
circulation in the residential area in which it is located based upon an anticipated
office activity and existing codditions of surrounding streets and thoroughfares."
I think that that language will accomplish what the Planning Board and the Commission
is trying to do and that is, as I understand it, to prevent a rush of offices into
the old houses, some of which are quite rundown in that area, because most pro-
fessional offices, of course, will result in an increase in traffic. Our particular
kind of specialized practice, being a labor relations practice, does not have much
of an office practice. Instead, we leave and go out to our client's place of business
instead of vice-versa so our impact on traffic will be no or negative but sensly,
what it is is this is a grand old building that we would not like to see torn down
and have a high-rise condominium put there, ighiCh is what is happening in there,
and this particular section of North Bayshore from N.E. 20th to 21st including the
Margaret Face Park, which is where our property faces, is the last, to my knowledge,
section of residential streets facing the Bay that has not been built up by high-
rise condominiums or the numerous small motels and things of that nature. Right
now, the buildings which we purchased are run down wrecks that have been divided
up into rooming houses. We propose to put a lot of money to restore these structures
to their original grandeur and 1 submit that no one is going to do that with after-
tax dollars. The only alternative, unless this kind of language is put in there,
is that somebody is going to tear them down and build another high-rise there and
that's the last part of the Bay front there,
Mr, Plummer; Mr, Green, did you road the ordinance as proposed, sir?
Mt. Croon; Yes, sir,
Mr. P/nmor= The second lino, everything that you have said is SUCOMP4SO411 in two
words, Any aPPlicattou would -come to this COMMitiSiOn 44 4 conditional use. When
it 40#06 before this COMMiOgiO4 413. of those things which you're &skins for protection
idAR 23 19747
would be done by the depattiiettt in taking their r'ecotendation for a conditional
nee for or agattat so you ate protected with a conditional use.
Mr. tireett: tf that's so, and this is the fist I've heard of it and what you say,
fine, I'm satisfied and I'll sit dawn, the problem.,
firi pj.0 ner: taut air, don't go away thinking that this Cot flidsion, in its wisdom,
doesn't go sometitces against the Planning Department. I. want you to understand
conditional use so that this Com ission can in isolated and individual applications,
judge for itself whether �t tot that particular is a good application or a bad
application, whether there's too much traffic, we don't have anywhere where there
is too little traffic and it is good for the surrounding area so that's why it is
under a conditional use It doesn't mean a person, tottorrow, any person, can go
and file for an application and it will be granted, tt has to have a public hearing.
Mr. Green; 1 understand that but what I'm aftaid of is that the wording of the
proposed amendment, as it not' stands, precludes us from any effective application
because, as 1 understand it there is no way we can qualify as being on a major
or secondary arterial so they never get that far because we can't fulfill the
condition precedent of being on a secondary arterial, whatever that means.
Mr. Plummer: If the people of Bay Heights and Natoma Manor realize that there was
a difference, sir, there wouldn't have been all the controversy in the paper there
has been about stop signs in the last couple of months.
Mr. Postnoen Commissioner, may I interrupt for a moment. The ordinance does
provide for a conditional use based on two criteria. One of those criteria is
that not more than 25% of the floor area of the structure or not an area to exceed
four floors could be used for office development, that's the first condition that
has to be met before we even consider a conditional use. The second, by this
ordinance, is that the property must be located on either a major or secondary
arterial. Both of those conditions have to be met before the Zoning Board is
permitted to consider a conditional use. Now this property, under the terms of
this proposed amendment, does not meet either of those preceeding conditions.
What the gentleman is asking for is a loosening, if you will, of the language
requiring access or frontage on a major or secondary arterial. I think there's
another problem with the particular building and that is that he is proposing to
convert the entire structure to office use and he is proposing to try and meet
the 25% requirement by lumping in other now - separated structures. I guess I would
have to respond in this way. I sympathize with what is being attempted. The
building that he is proposing to convert is, in fact, a fine old structure and
from my position, I would not like to see it torn down. However, in order to
accomplish that, we may have to do substantial damage to the entire R -5 district.
I'm not sure at this point. There may be a way that we can work out his problem
but this ordinance has been under consideration for over a year by the Planning
Advisory Board and by this Commission. When we first made the presentation to
the Planning Advisory Board, our language on street frontage was looser than is
currently in this ordinance. The Planning Advisory Board, with several members
from the N.E. section of the City, recommended tightening that language and
requiring properties where there's going to be office use in a residential area
to front on a major or secondary arterial. I don't want to tell you that we can
work his problem out but what I'm saying is that I am sympathetic to what he is
attempting and that we would recommend adoption of this ordinance as it stands
today and referring the question back to the Planning Advisory Board for possible
amendments or a re -look at the conditional use provisions.
Mr. Reboso: Do you have a map or a plan where we can see what areas we are
talking about?
Mr. Fosmoen; I believe this gentleman has an area... Do you have an area photo
with you?
Mr. Green: I have a large area photo. I have a picture of the particular property,
it's in the 3 or 4th page of this little package that's being passed Out,
Mr. Pavia; Mr, iteboso, this is a property that used to be the City's tii.storical
and Art Museutu if you will remetaber it, on Bayshore Drive,
Mr, Reboso; What about the rest of the areas that we are talking about in the
ordinance today?
Mr, Green; All our 5 .areas are ail over the City.
tam 23197
Mr, WNW: Is thete any tap here today that tah show Us What ar ea we are talking
about?
RESOLUTION NO, 77-256
6
Mt, Davit: The entire City map Would have t� be diaplayed.
Mrs &MUM We Mt have one here in minutes if you want it
Mr, keboao: Okay, 1 would like tO see it
Mr. Oreeft! There is a phOtOgraph of the building on the next to the last page in
that package and immediately in front of that photograph is the Eitetiai of the
areal showing the particular corner that were talking about,
Mayor Perret Alright, Ve had A request by a number of the COMMisSidhets that
we wait on this until we get a photograph so that we can see this so if you
We'll leave this in abeyance theft until we have that
GRANT CONDITIONAL USE FOR PARKING LOT AT 500 BISCAYNE WITHOUT DEDICATION
OF 10 FEtT RIGHT-OF -WAY'
Mr. Davis: May 1 explain this item, Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Perre: Sure, go ahead.
Mr. Davis: The Zoning Board heard the application of this applicant for a parking
1ot in the downtown area which requires conditional use approval. The Zoning Board
granted this conditional use unanimously but attached a condition to the conditional
use as per the request of the Public Works Department that 10 feet of right-of-way
be dedicated to the City. The applicant is petitioning before you today appealing
only that dedication of the 10 feet of right-of-way. The Public Works Department
informs me at this point that the conditions that they have required of that 10
foot dedication have been achieved in different ways without the dedication and
that they no longer need the right-of-way dedication. Is that correct, Mr. Campbell?
Mr. Campbell: That's correct.
Mr. Grassie: Was there a question that we didn't hear. Did you ask something,
Commissioner?
Mrs. Gordon: Mr. Davis made a statement and clarified the Zoning Board's position
and said the Public Works Department, who made the request of the Zoning Board,
removed the condition themselves requiring it and I moved approval without the
request which the department removed.
Rev. Gibson: And I seconded it.
Mayor Ferre: Is there anybody here who wishes to speak on this? Are there any
objectors present on item number 6? If not, call the roll.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Gordon, who moved
its adoption:
A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE GRANT OF CONDITIONAL USE AS LISTED
IN ORDINANCE 6871, ARTICLE XV, SECTION 2 (8) (a), GRANTED BY
THE ZONING BOARD, TO PERMIT CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A
PARKING LOT ON LOT 14, BLOCK 61N, MIAMI (B-41), BEING 500
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, AND INCLUDING ATTENDANT PARKING, AS PER
PLANS ON FILE, PROVIDING, HOWEVER, THAT THE AFORESIAD CONDI-
TIONAL USE SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO A DEDICATION OF A 10'
RIGHT-OF-WAY; ZONED C-3 (CENTRAL COMMERCIAL)
MAR 2,l971
(Here follows body of resoutiott, omitted het e and of► file
in the Office of the City Clerk,)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Gibson, the resolution was passed and
adopted by the following vote-
AYES! Cossiortet Manolo Reboso
Commissioner Rose Cordon
Commissioner J. L. Fluter, Jr.
Vice -Mayor (Rev.) Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. Terre NOES: None,
Mayor Ferret Mr. Manager, I watit to repeat to you that As soon as we have the
Pictures requested by Commissioner keboso on item 5, we'll take that up.
7► FIRST READING ORDINANCE': CHANGE ZONING CLA SIPICATION S,W► 1sT ST
FROM C -1 AND R-4 TO GUI GRANT PERMISSION TO OPERATE
COOT'ItJNITY CENTtR AT APPROXIMATELY 90040 SA 1ST ST.
Mayor Terre: You want to explain that.
Mr. Fosmoen: Since Mr. Davis is tied up, Mr. Mayor, were proposing t� rezone
the property which has been purchased for the Little Havana Center. This item is
also on for further discussion at 4 :00. I think at that point we're going to be
looking at a major review of all the steps that have been involved and the uses
of that building. At this point, we're talking about rezoning the property which
we, in conjunction with the County, have acquired...
Mayor Ferre: This is item 7A.
Mr. Fosmoen: ...for Little Havana to prevent us to move ahead with the various
activities and also to provide the appropriate zoning for construction of an
elderly housing project on that site.
Mayor Ferre: What does GU stand for?
Mr. Fosmoen: Governmental use.
Mayor Ferre: Governmental use and we have to do it regardless of what we end up
doing in Little Havana, right?
Mr. Fosmoen: That's correct.
Mayor Terre: Alright, are there any objectors to item 7A?
Mr. Fosmoen: I think you'll also see this site plan back later in the day.
Mayor Ferre: The Administration recommends it, the Zoning Board moves 7 , -0
recommending it. It was moved by Father Gibson. Is there a second?
Mr. Reboso: Second.
Mayor Ferre: Seconded by Commissioner Reboso. Further discussion?
Mrs. Gordon: I want some information from Mr. Fosmoen, The westerly portion of
that property, is that where Luria is presently parsing cars or is Luria's parking
lot west of the R property?
(INAUDIBLE)
Mrs. Gordon; Yes, I know that's where Luria is located but they're parking cars
easterly of that part. Are they using our property?
(INAUDIBLE)
Hrs. Gordon; Well that's what I "m talking about but...
(INAUDIBLE)
Mrs. Gordon; What did y ou say, Dick?
(INAUDIELE)
Mrs. Gordon: Yes, tut they're using it for parking, aren't they?
Mr POOMben: They could be
mra, Gordon: t just wanted to make sure that I have the tight property.
Mr. Plummer! What it is, Dick, on the immediate east of the building, for approxi.-
mately 40 or 50 feet, they have a few parking spaces and that has also been their
receiving area, there's a fence. Now east Of that fence is what she is talking
about which they have been using for, well them ae well as others in the neighbor-
hood have been using it for parking what is now City property.
Mr. Posmoent It may well be, yes.
Mrs. Gordon: I just tatted to mike sure that that was in our title and that they
know they're going to have to remove their eats.
Mr. Posmoent The reason for bringing this to you, and I suspect the question can
be asked why wasn't this property rezoned before, and we recently gotten our-
selves in a position of having received title or are about to receive title for
the entire parcel so that's why we're bringing this to you We didn't watt to
get into the position of rezoning it to Governmental Use before we had acquired...
Mr, Plummer: "B" says much of the same?
Mr. Fosmoen: Yes.
Mr. Plummer: I'll move
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED-
Was introduced by Commissioner Gibson and seconded by Commissioner Reboso
and passed on its first reading by title by the following vote-
AYES: Commissioner Manolo Reboso
Commissioner Rose Gordon
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Vice-Mayor Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. Ferre
NOES: None.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO 6871, THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION Or LOTS 1 THRU 7 AND 14 THRU 20, BLOCK K,
RIVERVIEW (5-43), BEING APPROXIMATELY 900-960 S.W. 1ST STREET,
FROM C-1 (LOCAL COMMERCIAL) AND R-4 (MEDIUM DENSITY MULTIPLE)
TO GU (GOVERNMENTAL USE); AND BY MAKING THE NECESSARY CHANGES
IN THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP MADE A PART OF SAID ORDINANCE NO.
6871 BY REFERENCE AND DESCRIPTION IN ARTICLE III, SECTION 2
THEREOF; BY REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES, CODE SECTIONS, OR PARTS
THEREOF IN CONFLICT; AND CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY PROVISION.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and announced
that copies were available to the members of the city commission and to the public.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved
its adoption;
RESOLUTION 140. 77-257
A RESOLUTION GRANTING PERMISSION TO OPERATE A COMMUNITY CENTER
AND RESIDENCE FACILITIES PER ARTICLE XXI-2, GU (GOVERNMENTAL
USE), SECTION 3 (1), ON APPROXIMATELY 900-960 S.W. 1ST STREET,
LOTS 1 THROUGH 7 AND 14 THROUGH 20, BLOCK X, RIVERVIEW (5'43)
ZONED C-1 (LOCAL COMMERCIAL) AND R-4 (MEDIUM DENSITY MULTIPLE)
PROPOSED TO BE REZONED GU (GOVERNMENTAL US1), AS PER PLAN ON
FILE AO SUDJECT TO SITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVAL
EY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, AND, FURTHER, SVgJECT TO THE YOLLOWLNG
CONDITIONS;
I =MUM OF 75 DWELLING UNITS
2, A MINIMUM OF 23 PARKING SPACES, ALLOCATED FOR Mg
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPICNT,
1, SEtBACKS to tt GEtit ALLY tt4 ACCOb WITH 11C E0NING
btslittct HEOtittttMENts ANb
4, 3,At SSOAi'1NG tO MET dttY ANIVI)Nts.
(Here fellow body of resolution, omitted here and oft file
in the' Offiee of the City Clerk.)
1J on being seconded by Commissioner Gibson, the tesoiution Was passed and
adopted by the following vote-
Vint Commissioner Mattolo Eeboso
Commissioner Rose Gordon
Commissioner J, t. Plummer Jr.
Vice - Mayor (Rev.) Theodore Gibson
Moor Mautice A, Fette NOES: None,
FD T EWING ORDINANal CHAwt ZONtN6 CLASSIFICATION PORT1 NA
11ON FCA AUTO e' ie TO tE LOCATED ON MOVE St y
Mayor Parret Take up it $A, Pint Reading Ordinate, Planning Department appii=
cation, change of caning of a portion of Pern tole South Park Park iodated at 2250
t4,W, l th Street from PR to 0V Planning Advisory toad nomads 744,
Mr, Plum Bart This io the one that the gentleman wanted to speak en.
Mayor Perret Which property is this now?
Mr. Posmoent This is property located at Pern tale Park and the retorting to C0
would permit the City, if necessary, to relocate the auto pound from the proposed
location of the heavy equipment garage,
Mayor Ferret This is right off the Expressway right behind one of those parks and
right in front of the Police tenevoient Park, isn't it?
Mr, Poshoent With the river running it yes,
Mrs. Cordons There's water furnished there, isn't there?
Mayor Ferret Yes, the water frontage is mud when it rains and right now when it
doesn't rain, it's absolutely dry and it stinks to high heaven, There's not an
inch of water in there and that's a fictitious river. All that is really is a
drainage canal which is sometimes wet and sometimes dry.
Mr. Grassier I'm sure the property is currently being used basically as a storage
area for Public Works materials.
Mayor Perre: Public Works material. They have soil, they mix soil and things like
that. Isn't that right?
Mr. Fosmoent Yes, and there is pipe storage, some sand storage...
Mr. Plummer: Has this man, who is in objection, seen the berm with the trees there?
Has he had the opportunity to look at that?
Mrs. Gordon: Do you have objection to this item?
Mr. Frank Silver: I do. 1 have objection to it because if you'll notice, it's all
surrounded by residents. It's right in the middle of a residential neighborhood and
up there on 22nd avenue you spent, I guess, a half million dollars on that park
already and now you want to move an auto pound in there and you know, if you've been
over on 20th street and see what that auto pound looks like, I don't think anybody
in that neighborhood would want to see them kind of automobiles the way they're in
there. Another thing, that canal that comes up there, boats coming up in there and
they can come into that auto pound over that canal anytime. This here is a resi-
dential neighborhood and in the last year there have been numerous bulldozers coming
in there and they flaten out the old homes that have been in there 10 and 20 years
and they built some new houses in there and I think it would be a shame to destroy
this neighborhood. The only businesses are on 22nd Avenue, 27th Avenue, 4th Street
and the rest of this property is neighborhood and it's a residential neighborhood
and it's been upgraded in the last 3 or 4 years.
Mrs. Gordon: 1 want to say how I feel about putting an auto pound on the waterfront.
I don't care if you call it a drainage ditch or not, Mr. Mayor, it's still water.
Mayor Ferre; There is no water there but 1 happen to agree with what you're going
to say, that's a terrible place to have an auto pound.
Mrs. Gordon; And I think that if we have a park next door to it, ae we do, and
with the need for additional recreational facilities, as we do need, we need more
bail fields for the youngsters to play, why in God's name would we take this property
and hake sn auto pound out of it is incredible.
Mr. Plummer; In defense, let me say that i happen to agree that this is the wrong
place but I think that the answer is this, that the City derives from the auto pound
approximately $75,000 to $100,000 4 year in revenue, It's got to be coved from
where it is and based upon that, we've got to put it somewhere else. I think that
was the reason that motivated. I happen to agree that this is probably not the
proper place, It's the $100,000 revenue that I think is 4 greet concern,
Mayor Ferre: Let be add to that, if 1 may, I haven't said anything yet and 1'd
like to express my opinion. Anybody who has evet been ott that property knows that
there is no water there, that's just a marsh property that breeds mosquitoes and
at worse, it's not more than tut and a half feet deep when there's water there.
Usually it's dry and it's just Laud. l4ow, that happens to be, however, a greed
area and God knows We need green areas. it also happens t� be right fekt to a Ajar
park where ve have spent substantial amounts of money upgrading it Now, number
three, it happens to be right off of an expressway which is probably the most used
expressway in the City of Miami, the most used street. 1 don't are how big that
berm is and I don't cate how Many trees you put there. You would have to put 50
foot high trees on a 25 foot berm to be able to just block out the View in that and
you're not going to put up those site trees and in my opinion, from that height ott
the expressway, and as you know, that expressway is about 25 feet above ground level,
there's no way that you're going to be able to, and I know it's 25 feet above ground
level because right there at 22nd street there's a bridge ott the expressway and the
clearance on it is 18 feet and I know that the eye level at that point has got to
be well over 20 feet over ground level and what I'm saying is that we're trying to
beautify this City and certainly that's not the place for an auto pound. Now I know
that we're hard pressed for, and from a strictly numerical point of view, Mr. Grassie,
since this is a rather nice neighborhood and you won't be worried about children and
people coming in and stripping tires or taking off radios and all that kind of stuff,
that it's a nice isolated place in a rather nice neighborhood right next to an express-
way but I think we've got to have other considerations besides that and I just feel
that it is not the place for an auto pound.
Mr. Grassie: I think that we need to help you with two or three general considerations
so that you know why this is even being brought up. One, this is in the nature of
a security nature so that you are not faced with an embarrassing situation a couple
of months from now It is our expectation that it's going to be very unlikely that
this particular location will ever be used as an auto pound because you may know that
the location that is being discussed and that has been proposed to the Federal Govern-
ment is a location under the expressway and that's where the auto pound is likely to
go.
Mrs. Gordon: Which expressway? Where at?
Mr. Grassie: If you know where the new Police Station is, in the three blocks
immediately north of the Police Station, under that expressway.
Mrs. Gordon: Oh, you're kidding.
Mr. Grassie: No, we're not kidding, Commissioner.
Mrs. Gordon: Well 1 think ou've got to be kidding. An auto
y g g. pound is not an
ordinary parking lot and you're talking about the Culmer area again.
Mr. Grassie: Commissioner...
Mrs. Gordon: Okay, go ahead, you finish.
Mr. Grassie: This is basically an attempt to make sure that there is an alternative
and it is unlikely that this will ever be used for an auto pound but one of the
things that we asked the staff to do when this was first brought up was that they
actually go out to the site and take a look at it. Now there are several things
that you should know about the site. One, that while it can be seen somewhat, it
can be seen from the expressway, it can only be seen from the third story of some
multi- family units in the neighborhood. Maybe there are 6 or 8 apartments which
actually can see this location and there are no single - family homes that can actually
see this location. It has never been used for a park, it is now used as a public
Works gravel dump, it would be landscaped and look better than it now does if we
were to use it for this purpose, and all this, keeping in mind that it's not likely
to ever be used for this purpose, but we don't want, as we normally do, to get down
to the last minute and to the last emergency and it turns out that we have no place
to put the auto pound and you have 3.2 million dollars at stake and you're about to
lose theta and it's another crisis.
(INAUDIBLE)
Mr. Grassie: beeause the auto pound has to be mound so that we can build the heavy
equipment maintenance garage on the location of where the auto pound now is.
. plug; Well let me ask yon this, Mr. Grassie, what you're telling ue is, if
I understand, that this, at beat, is temporary,
it
MAR 3 977
Mr. Grassier Yes. The big thing that has to be done is that it has to be fenced.
Mr. Posnoen: Mayor, I wonder if it would help if the Commission understood the
recommendations from the Planning Advisory Board.
Mayor Ferret Alright, let's hear it.
Mr. Fosmoen: The Planning Advisory Board was not terribly anxious to make this
recommendation. They put four provisos on their recommendation to you. The first
is that the Fern Isle site be considered as an interim location and that it be subject
to semi-annual review by the Planning Advisory Board. The second is that a 35 foot
wide river-walk along the south bank be developed and screened from the auto pound
through a landscape firm. The third is extensive landscaping of the embankment of
the East-West expressway on the eastern perimeter and the fourth is for us to initiate
action to determine a permanent location for the auto pound and secure funding before
its proper development.
Mr. Plummer: I agree with everything but number 2.
Mr. Silver: Mr. Mayor, will you have him point out 23rd Court there?
Mayor Fevre: Sir, we need your name for the record.
Mr, Silver: Frank Silver.
Mayor Ferre; Frank Silver?
Mr. Silver; Yes.
Mayor Verve: Alright, Mr. Silver,
Mr, Silver; N.W. 23rd Court right off of 14th Street. Right up near the canal
land.
Mayor Ferro; Is that it? Is that red lot your property?
Mr, Silver; Mine is way down off the canal there, right off the end. The City
Manger said that nobody could see that, Everybody on 23rd Court can see that.
tf you look rtght down that street you can see clean across there and clea germ
the expressway and all them homes alms there can eve all them care, That', a nice
neighborhood and on the other aide of the City Nursery, there are all them homes in
there and them are new homes, they've been there maybe 15 years but that's a ws11.
Mr. atasaiet it'a kind of a long Mot, tea really a back•up alternative to make
sure that you're not emharraaaed two months from now at the last minute, really'
Mayor Pellet Okay, but /Id be worried about being embartaaaed with that thing going
up AR a back-up because the other one didn't work out and therefore we end up with
this one.
tin Davis: Mr. Mayor, the Planning •Advisory Board finally recommended this with the
proviao that it would be reviewed in Sic writhe.
Mayor Perm it would be reviewed in sit month?
Mr. Davis: Yea, air.
Mayor Perm And we wouldn't be doing anything between now and then, is that it?
Mr. Davie: Well, sir, we would go ahead now but with the review of the situation
in aix months to make sure that it would come back.
Mayor Perret We're going to go spend the money to
outlined and berm it and put the trees up?
Mrs. Gordon: You've got to remove those cars, you
Isn't that what you said or didn't you say that?
Mr. Grassie: Yes, from the present pound location
course.
Mrs, Gordon: And to move it onto this location or
to be prepared for the receiving of the vehicles.
12
asphalt that the way you have it
said, ift order to start construction.
they would have to be moved, o f
any other location, a site has
MAR 23 Ian
kept neighborhood and on 14th Street they've put in sole new residence there and
otter between 7th Street and llth Street there's been quite a lot of nets buildings
put in there and 1 think it's a shame to tette that pouted ovet theca right in the
middle of that residential neighborhood,
Mrs. Gordon: 1 agree with you, sir, l think it's a very bad mope ott the City's part
even if it is an interim move and, as the Manager said, that he has other plans in
mind, 1 still think it's poor planning to even propose that we go here even Oft an
interim basis. 1 wonder why we haven't thought about going out best where there's
a lot of laird area that is sub marginal and possible utilize that It night not be
in the City limits but it could possibly be obtained for a minor amount of money or
as a second alternative, perhaps the land that Was acquired by the tort Authority
which no longer could be used for residential development because of the prokietity
to the airport, If that were a possibility that the County would permit the pound
to be placed there. At least there are no residents as close by and it's vacant
land and it has no usage for the standpoint of plating people or businesses there.
Mr. Grimmt Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, if I ;night add something, 1
think you should keep primarily in your mind the Manager's assurances that our plan
is not to put the auto pound at this location. As a matter of fact, plans and
specifications have been drawn, they are to be advertised tomorrow for the auto pound
to go underneath 1 -95 between 6th and 8th Street. We have met with all of the people
in the neighborhood, we have their approval with the provision that adequate security
and more densley landscaping than we now have provided at the Police, the parking
lots be met and this is part of our plan.
Mayor Ferre: Well, what bothers me about that idea to take it to Culmer is whether
or not the neighbors have been consulted on that.
Mr. Grimm: Yes, sir, they have
Mayor Ferre: They have? The neighbors have been consulted.
Mr. Grimm: The neighbors have been consulted on this and we have their agreement.
Mayor Ferre: You had neighborhood meetings?
Mr. Grimm: Yes, sir.
Mrs. Gordon: What neighbors are you talking about, sir?
Mr. Fosmoen: The Culmer's Target Area Community Development Committee.
Mrs. Gordon: How many people were present at that meeting?
Mr. Fosmoen: I can't answer you.
Mrs. Gordon: Were you there?
Mr. Fosmoen: No, I was not there, one of my staff people was there. We have a
letter on file.
Mrs. Gordon: I want to know who was there, how many people were there, I want to
know all about it because 1 can't imagine that they fully understood the impact on
their area by putting a pound in the middle of it.
Mr. Grimm: Well, Mrs. Gordon, 1 realize that it has some psychological objections
but we intend to fully screen it and landscape it. There are about 13 or 14 trips
a day to come into this auto pound. We have a 2.7 million dollar Federal grant at
stake and this is one of the reasons why we took this insurance policy, so that we
could work both of these sites together.
Mr, Plummer; Mr. Mayor, can we stick to the item before us?
Miayor Ferre; Well 1 think the item before us, J. L,, is much more extensive than
just that triangular piece at Fern Isle Park. 1 think what we have at stake here
is a major Federal. $Pant, number one. Number two, how it impacts this general, area
of Fern Isle; and number three, what happens to the Culver area, if that's where we
are going.
Mr, Plummer; But you see, then
an alternative.
Mayor Ferre; But they're all tied together, This alternative they're talking about,
landscaped and all, I guarantee that's got to costa.1 stow much will thet cost?
13
MAR 23 977
Mr. draasie We.i, Mr, Mayor, a general co testa first. It's so Muth easier
to point out what Cur problems are than to find ablutions. Now the first thing we
baked the staff to do, when this came up as a problem, was to look at the whole City
and see what our alternatives were and it's not an alternative to talk about going
outside eomepiaee and putting it somewhere ufess you're willing to buy the land
and nobody has told me yet who has the golden money tree that provides all that
money.
Mt. Plummer: t'11 tell you where the land is.
Mr. Grassie: Now, you know, 1 have to try to present to you solutions that have as
much aceeptattce by an many people as possible that costs you as little money as
possible within what's available to me and get the job done. Now we've thought of
some of the problems, we've consulted the neighbors on this, we thought of the
Planning Board, we've gone to the bowntown Chamber Committee, we've gone to the
neighbors in the area and we're simply trying to give you a solution which doesn't
embarrass you a month from now and it's riot perfeet. There is no perfect place to
put an auto pound, nobody wants an auto pound.
Mayor Petrel' Let us ask you a question. You know where the old police Station is,
there is a strip of land that's not where the Police Station is but a little bit of
to the side, do you know the strip I Bean?
Mr. Grassie: Yes, sit, it is being used.
Mayor Ferret By who and for what purpose?
Mr. Grassie: By the Miami -bade Water and Sewer Authority, they have asked permission
to park their employee autos on it and we have granted permission for them to do that
Mayor Ferret I'd rather have them park here then.
Mr. Plummer: But that's a long way from where they work.
Mr. Grassie: They work immediately adjacent to it
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Grassie, what would be wrong with just putting a fence around the
Police property. The property is not being utilized, I would assume it would be at
least a year before it would be.
Mayor Ferre: And you've already got a...
Mr. Grassie: You instructed us, three weeks ago, to get expressions of interest on
the purchase or lease...
Mayor Ferre: I thought you said this was a temporary solution.
Mrs. Gordon: The problem is, when you try to conceal things, other things come out
and I think we ought to start leveling everything out on the table. Not, we're
going to put it here temporarily so we can go under the expressway later on and
that's no good either because something else is going to happen. Come on, let's
put all out on the table, let's not try to make...
Mr. Grassie: Yes, let's put it all out on the table!
Mrs. Gordon: It's sickening, absolutely sickening.
Mr. Grassie: Now what you heard was that where we intend to put the pound is under
the expressway. What the Planning Board said was that they would rezone this area
on a temporary basis. It was not our stated intention. That is a restriction that
was put on this rezoning by the Planning Board and that's very clear. We ought to
be able to understand that
Rev, Gibson; Out of fairness, I just can sit and not say this. I wad told just
what you've heard. My first and immediate reaction Was that I was opposed to going
under the expressway but when I was told that the people who always come down here
are raising hell, before I said, well look now, Gibson, you better keep your mouth
shut. The other thing is that r always been opposed to having all that land under
the expressway set up doing nothing and therefore since I found out that the people
who always coma down raise hell and I reacted just like you did. Before I said, well
now, you know I would not be opposed to it providing you fence that property oft like
you did the property for the police and landscape sad keep that place up because I
had just care back from a trip and I saw what the other, it was out in Minneapolie,
14
•
ldAR 23
77
out in that area, keep up those expressways and we let they build expressways in out
city and leave them like dumps and it just disturbs the attd I the tucked ey tail be-
tween my legs and said nothing because the people who ate always deft here raising
their fidget ttow Rose, f want you to stake sure you hear the call the ttaae, that they
said alright:
Mrs, Gordon: When, Father, when was all this kind of conversation about that under
the expressway ever discussed? I have never heard it. This is the first I'm hearing
of it today.
Mayor Ferret Mt. Fosmoen, excuse me, on the record now, would you repeat stow, Did
you have a public meeting of the neighbors and the people interested in the Culmer
area,
Mr. Fosmoen:
Force.
Mayor, we had a meeting with the Culmer Commutiityi Development Task
Mayor Verret :,Vas Mr. Dean there?
Mr, Fosmoen: Mr. Alvin Dean was there, Jackie Bell...
Mayor Verret Was Jackie Bell there?
Mr. Fosmoen: That's correct.
Mayor Ferret Who else was there?
Mr. Fosmoen: Those were the only two... There were 30 people, approximately 30
people in attendance at that meeting.
Mrs. Gordon: Were you there?
Mr. Fosmoen: I said earlier that I was not there, I just called one of my staff
people who was in attendance and I got the information. There were 30 people in
attendance, Jackie Bell was there, Alvin Dean was there, and they supported the
concept of putting the pound under the expressway.
Mayor Ferre: Alright, Mr. Manager, you are confident that the staff has looked at
every other possible alternative and you find, number one, that under the 1 -95
expressway is your number one choice and that this is strictly a back -up and that
in your opinion this is never going to be done but you need this so that we don't
lose that grant. Is that correct?
Mr. Grassie: That's correct and if the City Commission wishes, we can assure you
that if it comes necessary to do this, we would still come back to you before we
actually ...
Mrs. Gordon: Well I want to ask if Mr. Plummer knew about the under - expressway pound .
Did you know about it, Mr. Plummer ?
Mr. Plummer: Rose, directly, no, but you might recall that a year ago it was my
proposal when Florida Power & Light was trying to put in a sub station, that we
petition the State of Florida because that from 7th to 8th Street under the express-
way, in my idea, was the ideal place, especially the way they landscaped, and that
we could utilize under - expressways if we could get the State to get off of their
dead duff and I would have to say that under this proposed plan... Let me tell you.
Rose, one of the things that you have a problem with. Thank God neither you nor I,
Mr. Reboso came very close, have had our cars towed and it is a damn side inconvenience
to have to go to the Police Station to get it approved and go over to wherever the
site is to get it released, It's only natural that that should be in walking distance
of the Police Station and that, to me, is an ideal place for it but to *newer your
question directly, no, i was not aware that the Administration was contemplating
putting it here, I was only aware that not this Administration but the previous
Administration was trying to eliminate the City from the auto pound business when
they were going out for new wrecker contracts and I raised holy hell then because
it was $100,000, roughly, of revenue a year, But to answer your queetion, no, I
was not aware,
Rev, Gibson; I must also tell this that before they had the meeting. I need to eay
this, I was fully informed and aware end it was said to me, you know, you want to go
to the meeting, we want to make sure that you know that the meeting is on. They were
not satisfied with having talked with Jackie Sell and those and they wanted to make
sure that all of them were there and when I found again that this was their reactions
15 gas 2 3 1977
t couldn't believe it but t said "okay" and when t gat their 48eUtAritel and make aura
the record reflects it, the landacaping and all this fencing and all that, 1 said
well, alright, at leaat that mama that we don't have all this land under the express..
way eating here doing nothing and we have this protection, they're going to look
it off and all of that, theft t juat...
Mra. Cordon: Commissioner, did you or do you know whether representative Owen Sherry
wta at that meeting or has been informed about this action?
Rev. Cibson: No, I do not but I'll tell you this. That grapevine of theirs would
have eertainly told them,
Mrs. Gordon: Well I'm terribly eoncerned, That family owns the property directly
east of this under-expressway property and Mr. POSIbbefti ean you tell 5e if the
adjacent property owners Were notified?
Mto rdeloeft: commissioner, we held a meeting with the Culmer Community Development
Citizen's COMMittee6,6 No, for that meeting, the adjacent property owners were not.
Mrs, Gordon: Alright I move this whole item be deferred.
Mayor Ferret There's a motion on the floor, Is there a second to the motion.
Mrs. Gordon: Defer the item because if this is a subterfuge for something else, it's
better that you get to the people who are going to be directly affetted, the adjacent
property owners of the under-expressway property, if that's your ultimate intention,
and let those people know what you're about to do.
Mayor Ferret There's a motion on the floor. Is there a second to the motion for
deferral?
Rev. Gibson: Mr. Mayor, I'm going to second the motion only because I want to make
sure that those people are brought down here and they have to tell me that they did
not because I've got to understand that they are in accord.
Mr. Plummer: Well, you know, I would rather do it the other way around, Father.
Maybe I'm a dirty guy but I'd rather do it the other way.
Rev. Gibson: Alright, what's the other way?
Mr. Plummer: I'd rather approve this with the Administration...
Mrs. Gordon: There's a motion and a second, Mr. Plummer.
Mr. Plummer: May I finish, please?
Rev. Gibson: Yes, I'd like to hear Plummer's position. Go ahead, Plummer.
Mr. Plummer: You sure you want to hear it?
Rev. Gibson: Sure.
Mr. Plummer: Okay. I would like to approve this with the Administration's guaran
tee that before it would be put into action that the Commission would be notified,
this gentleman who is the objector would be notified, that we go ahead and approve
it on a temporary basis so we don't put this funding in jeopardy, number one.
Number two, I'd rather reverse and put the monkey on the Administration's back that
if we find out that, in fact, what they say is not true, then we handle and deal
with the Administration very sternly but I'm going to take them at their word that
they're honest people and what they have told me is correct, If I find out to the
contrary, then I will deal with those people accordingly.
Rev, Gibson; I'll buy that,
Mayor Farm You removing your second then?
Rev. Gibson; Yea, I'll buy that.
Mayor Fevre; Alright, back to the motion. Is there a second to the motion before
it dies for tack of a second? Okay, it dies for lack of a second, Alright, now
Commissioner Plummer, as 1 understand now at this stage of the $456 since we dtin't
get a second on the other motion, you motion, tot as repeat it and make sure 1 hive
heard it right, SD. Dumber one, that the Administration be authoriaed to proceed
16
tiAR 23 1977
with the development of the auto pound under 195, if necessary, and that we further
agree to use this propetty at Petit Isle Park fot the purposes of a backup site
should it be necessary to do so on ist temporary basis, provided, however, that before
that happens it trust notae bank to the Commission for final approval, is that it'
Mr. Piuminet t And that this gentleman be notified.
Mayor Pettet And that Mr. Silver be notified and the other neighbors.
Mr. Plummer: The neighborhood, sure. The other stipulations, with the exception
of number two, I don't feel that anybody would want to put a scenic walkway on the
north side of that property to look at a muddy creek, I think that would be a total
waste of money, Now all I'm saying is let's deal with today's problems today attd
that's really what I'm saying. We can't put three and a half or three million dollars
in jeopardy. We can deal tomorrow with the problem of wider the expressway but
this, at this point, is...
Mayor Ferret Excuse me, is there anything else to your motion, Mr. Plummer? Does
that cover it?
Mr. Plummer: No the other was just a spontaneous combustion that could erupt at
a later time.
Mayor Ferret Mr. Plummer, please, I'm trying to get a second otherwise this will
die and we'll go onto something else.
Mr. Plummer: That is my motion.
Mayor Ferre: Is there further discussion on the motion?
Mr. Fosmoen: Mr. Mayor, if I may suggest, since this use, whether it's temporary
or not, requires both change of zoning and the resolution that are in the agenda,
it is a suggestion that you pass this ordinance on first reading for the change of
zoning and then wait for the second reading and the resolution to come up whenever
you would wish it.
Mayor Ferre: That is exactly the intention that I understood Mr. Plummer was
travelling on. In other words, first we pass this motion and then we would pass
8A and 8B which would be bound to this motion as I understand.
Mr. Plummer: Now I would like to make a suggestion, Mr. Mayor, that the Administra-
tion, whether you proceed at any time with an auto pound there, that you take and
put that thing of the berm and landscaping now. It's not going to hurt the area,
just the landscaping. A suggestion.
Mayor Ferre: Where are we going to get the money, J. L.? We've got a lot of other
things that we need to do. That will cost you $50,000 just to do...
Mr. Plummer: I withdraw the suggestion.
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Silver, nothing will be done there without letting you know first.
Mr. Silver: Mr. Mayor, I'd just like to say this. I invite all of you Commissioners
over there on 23rd Court to see that piece of property and everybody else on this
street can see that and I think that if you could come over there, it might wake some
of you people up on this Commission to what is taking place in this City. The City
Manager said that nobody can see that, Every person that lives on 14th Street can
see that so I think that you should come over there and see for yourself, get the
facts, and maybe it would wake all of you Commissioners up.
Mayor Ferre; Mr, Silver, the Manager has said that he does not think that an auto
pound is going to be built on that location and before we move in that direction,
we will notify you and your neighbors and this is not a final decision,
Mr, Silver; 1 thank you, Mayor.
Mr. Plummer: Just for the record, Mr, Mayor, l want it understood that in no way
does uy motion that 1 have presently made speak to the auto pound under the express -
way, l am only speaking to this piece of property and the application before us,
Ws, Cordon: Will you repeat your motion, there has bean an awful lot of convex.
sation round and round,
17
MAR 2 3 1911
Mrs PlUMMer! Yee, We approve 8A and 81.
Maw il@rre: Well you jut lost me.
Mr. Plummer: Excuse me, Why did I lode you?
Mayor Pare: I think I pretty well underatand...
Mr. Plummer: On first reading.
Mrs Felatheetit ...is a resolution, Mr. Plummer, which would pa s§ upon your...
Mr. Plummer: A resolution would pass on first reading?
Mr, Poemaent Yes, sit.
Mr, Plummer: Well then we would just hold these.
Mayor Ferret Look, what he's asking is that 8A and 8B be passed on first reading
and as I understood where we were going is that fir at you were going to pasa a
resolution saying to Mr. Silver and the other neighbors that it is our intention,
we understand, on the record, that the Administration is pursuing the auto pound
under the expressway* I want to make sure that, so we don't Otile back and say that
we're doing something without knowing what's going on Number two, that the Fern
Isle Park is strictly a back-up park and number three, that it is not our intention
to build or use this except maybe on a temporary basis, if at all, and before doing
that we're going to let Mr, Silver and the neighborhood know before we finalize it.
Mr. Plummer: That's all on the record. Now if you want me to incorporate that in
there,.
Mayor Ferret I think you've got to make that into a separate motion, pass that and
if that passes, then go to 8B.
Mr. Plummer: Let me then take up the time of this illustrious Board and say that
move 8A with the stipulations of the Zoning Board with the exception of number two.
With the further stipulations that this property is a back-up position. Number two,
that there will be no further movement to pursue this matter until another public
hearing is held for second reading. Number three... Was there a third? That this
gentleman, Mr. Silver, no, that all people, be notified. You can notify one so we
will spend a few more postage stamps. That would be incorporated in the public
hearing. Now have I incorporated everything, Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Ferre: I think so.
Mr. Plummer: Okay, I move 8A thusly.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED-
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6871, THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION OF THAT PORTION OF TRACT "A", FERN ISLE SOUTH
FORK PARK (103-79) LOCATED 595' WEST OF THE CENTER LINE OF N.W.
22ND AVENUE, BEING APPROXIMATELY 2250 N.W. IITH STREET, AS SHOWN
ON THE MAP ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF, FROM P-R
(PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATION) TO GU (GOVERNMENTAL USE) AND BY
MAKING THE NECESSARY CHANGES IN THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP MADE A
PART OF SAID ORDINANCE NO, 6871 BY REFERENCE AND DESCRIPTION
IN ARTICLE III, SECTION 2 THEREOF; BY REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES,
CODE SECTIONS, OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT; AND CONTAINING
A SEVERABILITY PROVISION,
18
1411111 23 iffil
Was introduced by Coimblssioner Plu fitter and seconded by ColithiSSidft et Eeboso
and passed ott its first reading by title by the foi otitg vote
AYES: Comissioter Manolo lteboso
Commiasionet J. b. Pluffinat, Jr.
Vice (Rev.) Theodore Gibsott
Mayor Maurice A. Perte
NOES: Coissiottet ttoae Gordott
ABSENT: Nolte.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the record and stated that
had been furnished to the commissioners and that copies were available to
public.
blSee8SiONt
Mayor Ferre: Now let me understand this right. Pk is Public Recteation?
Mr. Davis: Parks and Recreationt.
Mayor Ferre: Parks and Recreation and then GU is Governmental Use
Mr. Davis: Yes, sir.
Mayor Ferre: Can you build a park on GU?
Mr. Davis: Alright, sir.
Mrs. Gordon: On discussion relative to the
of an auto pound under the expressway, will
owners to that under - expressway property be
mine whether or not they want an auto pound
copies
the
Mr. Davis: You could but it would take another hearing to do it. Any use that
goes in GU takes a separate resolution. This is why, under this situation, it won't
be zoned GU unless you come back for second reading.
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Davis, what I think I'm trying to say is that we all know that this
is probably not going to be used for an auto pound and once that has gone by, are
we going to then have to come back?
Mr. Davis: As long as it doesn't go to second reading it just reverts to PR.
Mr. Plummer: Well but let me say this so we don't misunderstand each other. If it
is not used, I would want to come back and nullify this of today.
Mayor Ferre: And I think that ought to be part of the record.
motion which incorporated the intention
the people who are abutting property
notified and given a hearing to deter
there?
Mr. Plummer: Rose, that's not speaking to the motion.
Mrs. Gordon: Yes, you had that in part of your discussion.
Mr. Plummer: Fine. If they don't do it, they're damn fools but this motion does
not speak to under the expressway, that's what I've been trying to get everybody
on the right track. This motion speaks, I said before that my motion of today in
no way addresses itself to the auto pound under the expressway, I am speaking to
today's motion only and I think if we could do that, we could move and if we don't,
we're going to be here all night.
(CONCLUSION OF DISCUSSION ON ITEM 8A),
Mr. Plummer: I move 813 to be deferred.
Mayor Ferre by do you want to defer 8B?
Mr, Plummer: Because I don't want to move it today. It's a resolution that only
takes one reading,
Mr. Pavis; If you come back, Mr, Mayor, with a second reading,,,
Mr. Plummer if necessary, Thetis our ace in the hole, that's also our insurance,
our protection that these guys over here will be good to us,
Mayor Ferro; W. Grassie do you agree with that?
Mrs piu. He can't disagree.
Mayor perret Well were not going to lose our Federal Grant, are we?
Mr. trasaie: No, we've already said that we would 662e beck to you voluntarily and
this simply means that we will also carne back with an agenda item if we ever need it
Mayor Perrot 1 just want to make sute that 1 don't read in the newspapers three
weeks from now, which is sotnetitnes the way we are informed around here, that we've
loot 2 ?' miliott dollars to the Federal Government on public Worke, So there is no
problem, is that right?
Thereupon, a motion for deferral was introduced by Commissioner Plummer,
seconded by Commissioner Reboso and passed and adopted by the following vote
AYES! Commissioner Mattolo Reboeo
Commissioner Rose Cordon
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Vice =Mayor (Rev.) Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. Fevre NOES: None.
CONTINUED DISQJSSIOJN: PROFESSIONAL OFFICES IN 145 DISTRICT AS CONDITIONAL
uSE i DISCUSSED AND SENT BACK TO PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD
Mayor Ferret Now we'll comeback to item 5 which Commissioner Reboso requested
that a map be brought and a map is now before us.
Mr. Posmoen: 1 think the question was, how much property in the City is zoned R -5. '
The areas indicated in red on that bottom map are those that are zoned R -5. Dick,
you might point out the property in question on the top map.
Mr. Reboso: Let me ask you one question. It says here structures fronting of major
or secondary arterials. Which ones are those?
Mr. Whipple: These are determined by traffic volume and their contribution to the
local streets leading into the arterials. These are not designated on this map but
were talking, Biscayne Boulevard is a major arterial. 36th Street is a major
arterial. 7th Street.
Mr. Reboso: My question is, are they facing those...
Mr. Whipple: You're talking about the gentleman that was speaking, their property?
Mr. Reboso: The R -5 property that is painted on the map. They say, facing, fronting
of major or secondary arterials.
Mr. Fosmoen: That is correct. Not all the area would face a secondary or major
arterial.
Mr, Reboso: Which are the ones that would be affected by this Ordinance? That's
a lot, one lot.
(INAUDIBLE)
Mr. Reboot): You don't have anything there.
(INAUDIBLE)
Mr. Fosmoen, This s is there is a particular piece of property
that percipitated this but we're not opposed to the idea.
(INAUDIBLE)
Mr, Robotic): Yes, because nobody J. qualifying unde this,
INOPIDLE)
Mrs Whipple: It does not a €teet it, of course, that Was objective concern of
the departtts.
20
M 3 1917
Mt. Fostnoent Coftnissionet, let be be as clear as t cart. Out original redo endation
to the planning Advisory Board was not as sttict as this tohidh is before you. The
Planning Advisory hoard asked us to tighten up on the area or the properties in which
this can be done and the way that we tightened up on that was to put it there to
require property to be fronting on a major or secondary arterial.
Mr. Reboso: I would like to see it ,tore liberal �t not at all because its only
affecting one lot, in my opinion, one tot facing 36th Street and no other will
comply with the requirements,
Mr. Fosmoen: 1 don't think that that's a major concern. The recommendation from
Mr. Green, and I think he has a proposal for an amendment to the ordinance, is not
our major concern. Our major concern is that Mr. Creep is talking about converting
the entire building to office use and I think we need to separate the issues, okay?
Mr. Rebosot I understand.
Mt. Fosmoen: I think, also, that Mr. Green's situation is somewhat unique in that
his particular business does not have much drive -in traffic but if we're talking
about, for instance, a physician's office and we have them located on side streets,
then we're talking about generating a lot more traffic into what would otherwise
be a residential neighborhood.
Mr. Green: Mr. Mayor, did you address a question to me?
Mayor Ferre: You see, Mr. Fosmoen, I think what Commissioner Reboso is pointing out
is that that sentence, under the explanation it says, "And to those structures fronting
on major or secondary arterials," now there are no other structures there that ate
facing major or secondary arterials. Fair Isle is not on major or secondary, the
15th Avenue property there is not on major or secondary. All the properties up north
with the exception of the one up on 36th Street is not on a major or secondary arterial
so I would imagine that the one next to the expressway would qualify. That one...
(INAUDIBLE)
Mayor Ferre: What we're doing here is we're really zoning this whole thing for one
problem that we have and is that in the best interest of the City? I think it's
important that we know what we're doing here
(INAUDIBLE)
Mayor Ferre: Well the ones that would qualify, I would imagine, are the ones off
of the expressway but you see, the point that 1 think Commissioner Reboso is pointing
out is that we're not really getting full information here. This is how we end up
getting in trouble.
Mr. Reboso: I would like to see a map painted in red with the properties that
qualify from this ordinance. The ones that are painted there do not qualify.
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Fosmoen, I see that you frowned when I said that. I just want to
explain to you that that map in front of us does not specifically clarify what is
being done with this and I stand on my statement. This and that (POINTING TO MAPS)
does not fully clarify the posture that the staff is taking. Now I'm not against
it, I just want to make sure that we don't end up being in a situation a couple of
months or a year from now where we end up saying that we didn't know that's what
it was, that's all, Now what properties, specifically, in particular, are affected
on that map? Would you point them out, please,
Mr. Fosmoen: (INDICATING ON MAPS) This shows all R -5 zoning, it did not address
itself to this particular matter, The request was, where the R -5 zoning was and
if that's what we need I'd be glad to point them out.
Mayor Ferro; That's precisely where we get mixed-up is that that map is well - intentioned,
I'm sure, it shows the R-5, but it is misleading because this does not affect all
of the property that is marked out in red there so would you point them out?
( INAUDIBLB)
Mr, Reboso, Who did you say is requesting this ordinance ?.
Mr. Whipple; This camp tD light in response to the Charter Club Apartment structure.
I believe this Commission, when they heard another request was made by them, it wee
brought to their attention that there were certain difficulties with the yenta/ of
21
NAIR 2 3 1977
the building and they wondered if it night be possible for the City to topsider a
mixed use on the development such as theirs. The departfettt has had sate reserve
tieing to opening all of the k =$ ateas for off .ee use ao the restriCtiofs that inpfted
by the Planning Advisory hoard do licit the amount of the h =4 area that would be
affected by this amendment.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Vioem.Mayor, f'in going to move that this be deferred to take it
back let's look at the whole picture, let the CoMit:aloft be better informed, it
this gentleman give his input into it if he doesn't feel comfortable with the
conditional use, let's just go back and rehash it and t'll Move that it be deferred
and it come back before this Commission at the earliest possible convenience.
Mayor Perre: Alright, there's a motion and a second. Purther discussion?
Mr. Plummer: And that also Mr. Postaoeti carries with it sir, that you notify this
gentleman and any other interested parties so that they can sit and talk with you
ott this matter.
Thereupon, a motion to defer the item was introduced by Commissioner Plummer,
seconded by Commissioner Reboso and passed and adopted by the following vote -
AYES Commissioner Hanoi() Reboso
Commissioner Rose Cordon
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Vice -Mayor (Rev.) Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. Perre
NOES: None.
10, FIRST READING ORDINANCE: INCREASE PERCENTAGE OF REQUIRED SPACES FOR
COMPACT CARS FOR LOW-INCOME AND ELDERLY HOUSING,
Mayor Perre: First reading ordinance, Planning Department application amending
zoning ordinance to increase the percentage of the required parking spaces for
compact cars from 25 to 30% and to establish minimum parking rate requirements for
low income and elderly housing. The Planning Advisory Board voted 7 -0. Would you
explain that a little bit, please.
Mr. Whipple: Over a period of time that has come before the Zoning Board, Planning
Advisory Board and this Commission regarding the providing of parking for housing
for the elderly and also parking requirements for low cost housing has been determined .
by our own observations within the department and also the Department of Housing
and Urban Development of Dade County that the parking needs and requirements for
these two types of occupancies...
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Whipple, is there anybody opposed to it?
Mr. Whipple: Not to my knowledge, sir.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED-
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6871, THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI, BY AMENDING ARTICLE
XXIII, OFF - STREET PARKING AND LOADING, BY REVISING SECTION
2, SUB - SECTION (2) TO CHANGE THE MAXIMUM PERCENTAGE OF REQUIRED
PARKING SPACES ALLOWED FOR COMPACT CARS, AND BY ADDING NEW
SUB- SECTIONS (2A) AND (28) TO SECTION 4 TO ESTABLISH MINIMUM
OFF- STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR HOUSING FOR LOW- INCOME
FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY; REPEALING
ALL ORDINANCES, CODE SECTIONS OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT
INSOFAR AS THEY ARE IN CONFLICT; AND CONTAINING A SEVERAEILITY
PROVISION,
22
MAR 2 UV
Was introduced by Coth►iasianer Plater and seconded by Coissiotiar Gibe ft
and passed Ott its first reading by title by the following vote
A' ES : Cataiaaiotter Manolo Reboso
Cotlisaianet Rosa Oatdan
Commissioner I, to Piuer, fir,
Vice -Mayor Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A, Pare
NOES t None,
Mr. Fosmoen: Mr, Mayor, this establishes a point system for absence for the
Planting Advisory Board and the Zoning Board.
Mr. Plummer: Anybody opposed to it?
Mr. Fosmoen: No.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
NOES: None.
12, FIRST READING ORDINANCE: PERMIT AUTO SALES AND SERVICE IN C -1
DISTRICTS, AS A CONDITIONAL. USE.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 62 -22 OF THE CITY CODE ENTITLED
"REMOVAL" CONCERNING REMOVAL OF MEMBERS AND ALTERNATE MEMBERS
OF THE PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD AND ZONING BOARD BY DELETING
SUB- SECTION b. THEREOF AND BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION b. TO
PROVIDE A POINT SYSTEM FOR ABSENCES AND TARDINESS OF MEMBERS
AND ALTERNATE MEMBERS;'REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES, CODE SECTIONS
OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT INSOFAR AS THEY ARE IN CONFLICT;
AND CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY PROVISION.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED-
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO, 6871, THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, BY ADDING A NEW
SUBSECTION (33) (h) TO SECTION 1, ARTICLE XII, LOCAL
COMMERCIAL, C -1 DISTRICT, TO ALLOW AUTO SERVICING WITH
LIMITATIONS AS A CONDITIONAL, USE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH
AUTOMOBILE SALES AND DISPLAY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES,
COPE SECTIONS OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT; AND
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY PROVISION'
23
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and announced
that copies were available to the members of the city coission and to the publics
11. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND THE CITY OF MIAMI CODE BY ESTABLISHING
STANDARDS FOR AI3SENCES OF PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD-
ZONING BOARD MEMBERS,
Was introduced by Commissioner Plummer and seconded by Commissioner Gibson
and passed on its first reading by title by the following vote-
AYES: Commissioner Manolo Reboso
Commissioner Rose Gordon
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Vice -Mayor Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. Ferre
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and announced
that copies were available to the members of the city commission and to the public.
Mr. Fosmoen: Mr. Mayor, you may recall Raymond Motors had a problem in servicing
new cars in their present zoning and after several months, this amendment permitting
servicing cars as a conditional• use has been worked out and recommended to you by
the Planning Advisory Board,
AR 2 3 1977
Was inttoduced by Cotntissionet 1ltittilet and seconded by Commissionet
Gibson and passed on its fitst reading by title by the following Vote:
AYES: Commissioner Mano o kebdso
COMMissionet Rase GcStdon
Cot issioner J. L. Plummer, ,Ir.
ViceMayor Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. Ferte
NOES: None,
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that collies were available to the members of the City Coto
t►ission and to the public.
Mayor Ferre Alright, take up item 12, Planning Advisory Board retommetds 7-0,
This is amending the zoning ordinance by revising a sign regulation in C -1A. Do
you want to speak to that?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: No, Mayor, I'd like to speak on number 11 if I•could, it went
kind of fast before I could get over there. I just have one question. Is that used
cars or new cars or either?
Mayor Ferrel New.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Alright, it doesn't state that here, it just says permit auto
sales.
Mr. Fosmoen: It's in conjunction with new car sales.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Okay, there are no used cars involved.
Mr. Plummer: Does it stipulate that in the resolution? If not, it should.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I agree. Thank you very much.
Mr. Plummer: Any problem with incorporating that terminology in there?
Mr. Whipple: In conjunction with new automobile sales and display facilities as
follows, that's the way it's written.
Mr. Plummer: Fine, that covers it.
13. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE - REVISE SIGN
REGULATIONS IN C-1A.
Mr. Plummer: Let me ask a question. Would this take care of the problems that we
had formerly like with the Holiday Inn on 12th Avenue?
Mr. Whipple: No, sir, this is only applicable to the C -1A zoning district planned
shopping centers.
Mrs. Gordon: Dick, would this be applicable to the Zayre Shopping Center up there
on Bird and the Highway?
Mt. Whipple; Well their sign conforms, to the best of my knowledge, but this would
affect, for instance, the Central. Shopping Plaza sign,
Mrs, Gordon; Well would it permit a larger sign than they presently have or would
it restrict it to a smaller sign than they were permitted?
Mr, Whipple; Basically the same site, Commissioner Gordon,
Mayor Terre; Well what it does, it limits flat signs to two rather than three,
Mr, Whipple; Yes, it does cut numbers individually on the but the main con-
cern has been that of the identification of the centers such AS you are pointing out
with Zayre's. The Central Shopping sign, for instance, is s 1141Ch larger one than
what the ordinance would permit. 'They, for instance, want to do something about
24
MAR 1977
it as they ate being asked to bring their sign into cohp iance, This sets up
specific tegulations whith don ekist in the otdiftande flow fot shopping centers
and with this, it would Make those such as the gayre Shopping Center alga a legal
sigtt, if you will.
Mrs. Gotditnt Altight, theft, it other words, what this does is legitithite what has
already been there,
Mr, Whipple. That's right. Now most of these instances or on several of the instances,
we have been approving the sigh area as the C -1A districts have been approved and
the plan approved, This actually sets forth guidelines of standards for any future
and also guidelines fat non - conformities.
Mrs, Gordon: In other words, there's to new regulations that are being permitted
by this regulation that will allow more sighs, larger signs, rooftop signs or any
other type of signs. Okay,
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED=
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 6871, THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI, BY DELETING "C-1A"
FROM THE TITLE OF SECTION 4, ARTICLE XXIV - SIGNS; AND BY
ADDING A NEW SECTION 4:1 TO ARTICLE XXIV To PROVIDE FOR
SIGNS IN THE "C -1A" DISTRICT; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES, CODE
SECTIONS, OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT; AND CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY PROVISION:
Was introduced by Commissioner Plummer and seconded by commissioner Gibson
and passed on its first reading by title by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Manolo Reboso
Commissioner Rose Gordon
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Vice -Mayor Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. Ferre
NOES: None.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Com-
mission and to the public.
14. FIRST READING ORUINAf•1t : PROVIDING NO CONTINUANCE OF AN ADULT
ENTERTAINMENT USE IF SUCH IS DISCONTINUED OR
ABANDONED
Mr. Plummer: I want to hear from the City Attorney on this one. Are we rewriting
the Grandfather Clause? I'm all in favor of the motion but 1 question the legality
of it.. As I understand it, like with the filling stations, if they abandon for six
months and one day, they lose their Grandfather Clause.
Mr. Knox: That's correct.
Mr. Plummer; Now, does that only apply to filling stations on Grandfather Clause?
I thought it applied to everyone under Grandfather,
Mr. Knox; It applies to everybody and what this ordinance proposes to, do is to not
allow that to apply to adult entertainment centers.
Mr. Plummer; How would you ever defend that in court?
Mr, Knox; Vigorously,
Mayor Ferre; That's a good answer, too, by the way, that's a very, very good answer.
Mr, Plummer; We've got all those lawyers sitting around there with nothing to do
so we might as well put them to work,
Mayor Ferro; That's right, That's what Supreme Courts and courts are all about,
We've got to have the courage of our convictions to stiel1 with these things,
25
MAR 23 1977
Mr, Pluitiner Alright, 1 have no objections,
Mayor Ferret I Want to remind you that that's exactly what the City of Dettoit did
artd 'everybody said, you're tram, you'll never get it through, Well they got it
through:
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED=
AN ORDINANCE ANEMDING ORDINANCE NO, 6871, THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI, BY ADDING A NEW
SUBSECTION (5) To SECTION 44, ARTICLE IV, GENERAL PROVISIONS,
TO PROVIDE THAT NO REGULATED IJSE SHALL RESUME OPERATION,
ONCE DISCONTINUED OR ABANDONED, UNTIL IT MEETS THE PROVISIONS
OP SECTION 44 AND OTHER APPLICABLE REGULATIONS OP THE
ZONING ORDINANCE; REPEALING ALT. ORDINANCES, CODE SECTIONS,
OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT: AND CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
PROVISION.
Was introduced by Commissioner Plummer and seconded by Commissioner
Gibson and passed on its first reading by title by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Manolo Reboso
Commissioner Rose Gordon
Commissioner J. t. Plummer, Jr.
Vice -Mayor Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A. perre
NOES: None.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Com-
mission and to the public.
154. EXTEND CONDITIONAL USE BEYOND ORIGINAL 6 MONTHS FOR PARKING LOT
LOCATED AT 44 S,W. 14 STREET
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved
its adoption:
NOES; None,
RESOLUTION NO. 77-258
A RESOLUTION GRANTING A ONE -YEAR EXTENSION OF THE CONDITIONAL USE
AS LISTED IN ORDINANCE NO. 6871, ARTICLE XI - 2, SECTION 1(7) (a),
TO PERMIT EXPANSION OF CONDITIONAL USE PARKING LOT, TO INCLUDE LOT
6, BLOCK 96S, MIAMI (B -41), BEING APPROXIMATELY 44 S.W. 14TH STREET,
ALL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OFFICE BUILDING LOCATED AT 75 S.W. 14TH
STREET, ZONED R -CB (RESIDENTIAL OFFICE), GRANTED BY CITY COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 72 -838.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file
in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Gibson, the resolution was passed and
adopted by the following vote-
AYES: Commissioner Manolo Reboso
Commissioner J. L, Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Rose Gordon
Vice -Mayor Theodore Gibson
Mayor Maurice A, f'erre
Mayor Ferre; At this time we will recess for 15 minutes and we will be back here
at OM sharp. Is there anything else that you want to take up today, Mr. Grassie?
Mr, plumper; There is one thing that l would like to bring up. Mr. Mayer, Mr.
crassie, prior to your coming aboard and 4r, Fosmoen, l asked the department to
look into the possibility in multi -use residential that it be written into the
ordinance requiring visitor parking as part of the requirements, 1. am once agein
requesting that this item be giv€n consideration and be brought back before the
mmission. l don't think you need a ;notion for that, it's just a request.
26 *AR is on
16. LIB HAVANA COM4JNITY CLNTLR DISCUSSION OP AMIOUS AS Pt C
RENOVATIONS
27
F
Mayor Ferret Alright, Mr, Grassie.
Mr, 0rassiet Mr, Mayor, that we want to do today is to respond to a request by the
City Co ttiasion that we give you an updated report on what has happened so far at
the tittle Havana Community Center and what is anticipated for the future, NOW the
staff has a tedium -long presentation for you. 1 think that it is necessary that
they go through the process, covet all of that material with your indulgence and
then be prepared to answer your questions. So I'd like to have Rob Parkins start
the presentation,
Mayor Ferret Alright, Mr. Parkins.
Mr. Rob Parkins: Thank you. On February 24, 1977, a summary report of the tittle
Havana Community Center was provided to the City of Miami Commission. We will be,
today, providing a more detailed presentation related to that facility. As we noted
in that February 24th report, the Office of Community Affairs accepted the respell.
sibility for operational management on June 10, 1576.
Mayor Ferret May I ask this? I see that you are reading. Will you have copies
of what you're reading later on to pass out?
Mr, Parkins: We sure will, yes, sir.
Mayor Ferret Fine, sir, go ahead.
Mr. Parkins: As a consequence, we became one of three units of our government having
a current direct involvement with the development of the center. The Office of
Community Affairs, operational program responsibility, Community Development pro-
viding renovation funding and monitoring the fund's implementation, and the Department
of Public Works responsible for supervising the renovation work, from planning to
recommending bid awards and monitoring the complete construction process. We will
be, then, describing for you today the process of purchasing the center buildings
and the cost breakdown attended thereto. The process related to agency selection,
the funding currently available for renovation as well as the Public Works Act Grant
Application funds applied for, where we are today, where we propose to be, operationally,
in the near future. When Community Affairs became responsible for the center's
operation, Luisa Calderin was appointed the coordinator for the center. Luisa.
Ms. Luisa Calderin: The Riverside Baptist Church, located at 900 S.W. 1st Street,
was purchased in 1975 for the purpose of creating a multi - purpose facility to serve
the population of the Little Havana area. On February 7, 1975, a task force, made
up by Mr. George Acton, Director of the Planning Department, Mr. Robert Shunning,
Parks and Recreation, Mr. Burl Haven, Constructural Engineer, Mr. Albert Howard,
Director of Parks and Recreation, Mr. Robert Jennings, Director of Public Facilities,
Mr. Joel Lankin, Labor Relations, Mr. Joseph Paredes, then Director of the Office
of Community Affairs, Mr. William Parks, Assistant Director of Public Works and
Mr. Donal Stewart, Property Manager, evaluated the feasibility of purchasing the
property converted into a multi - purpose recreational facility. They concluded that
the building, at replacement cost added to the estimated land value, was approximately
$5,170,000. They noted that the asking price was $1,750,000 for the property and
that community - oriented facilities had been identified as the number one priority
for development in Little Havana. The task force recommended the acquisition on
subsequent conversions of the Riverside Baptist Church property into a multi- purpose
recreational facility. Dade County and the City of Miami Community Development
Agencies agreed to purchase the facility for $1,511,500 in order to house social
services, recreational and cultural programs. In those pressing needs previously
determined by citizen participation and various studies were child care, services
for the elderly, legal services, counselling, employment, transportation, housing,
services for the handicapped and cultural awareness. Community Development shoos-
tions from first, second and third year have been utilized for the purchase and
renovation purposes. The following describes the total of all the City funding.
As you will notice, (USING MAPS) most of the monies provided by Community Development
during the first and second years were utilized for purchasing the facility, Third
year monies will be used for rehabilitation purposes, providing a total of $793,300,
On October 1975, Community Development began the process of selection of agencies
by placing the ads in newspapers, soliciting occupants, A questionaire was distributed,
agencies were interviewed and an analysis was conducted of request for occupancy,
The process of selection was handled based on the following criteria developed by
the City and County Community Development organizations,
MAR A 3 1977
1
•
Mayor Vette:
(natant)
Mayor Petret
Beffite you turn that, let the see the bottom. Thank you.
Okay, I apologite, I just wanted to see it,
Caiderint This Is the criteria for selection of agencies, %4e took into ��tst
detation eligibility under fetal ranks, non-duplication, stability of funding,
taxitum services to moderate and low income people, consider high priority by citi2SM,
previous studies, space requirements, past records of ago providng services
and special and needed services to the community. The selection process yielded the
recommendations that include the following agencies: Centro
American Legal Services, Riverside Baptist Church, Youth Counselling °Mee,
, . Cuban Museum of Arts and Culture, _
Spanish-American League Against Discrimination, Catholic se.tvice
Dade County Accion, Plorida Spiny
Lobster Program, Action Community Center, Little Havana Development Authority, Pood
Stamps Office, the City of Miami Fire Department. Of those listed, Centro _Mater__
has withdrawn in for of Catholic charities, presently developing a day care program
at the facility. The Florida Spitty Lobster program, the City of Miami Pire Department
and the Latin American Legal Services Agency have either withdrawn their applications
for space or concluded their programs. The preliminary renovation schedule calls
for renovation to be completed January 1977. The present schedule predicts January
1978. This and other factors have created a number of constraints. First, funding
limitations. Although Community Development has provided $793,300, this will only
provide sufficient funds to renovate building "C", leaving "A" and "B" untenovated .
in addition, staffing limits hours of operation and the development of City programs.
Second, Code compliance. According to the Fire Department, the sanctuary cannot be
used as a theater, only as an assembly hall with a maximum of 999 seats. Sections
307.1 and 104 require changes for the use of the facility as a church to a community
center. This also has reduced our rental space in the back of the present stage
since it can only be leased to those who do not require licensing. In addition, we
have been advised that the use of the area behind the auditorium, currently office
space, is also in violation of the Code which has severely reduced our usable space.
Building "B" faces similar constraints. We will be discussing these constraints and
their overall impact during our review of the operational budget. Now in order to
place the renovation program and ultimate complete development in perspective, I'd
like to review the proposed site plan with you. The site plan was developed in
concept with the Public Works application. As you can see on the extreme left, there
is Building "A", or the main sanctuary. In the back of Building "A" there are pre-
sently two structures that will be demolished to provide parking spaces. Then the
existing playground will become a mini-park for use by the children and the elderly.
To the right, there is more parking and downtown towards S.W. 1st Street
and adjacent , a public housing unit will be erected on a platform
over the parking area. The building will have 75 units of elderly housing according
to Public Works and ads for bids will occur on July 1977. $75,000 has been earmarked
from Dade County Community Development Funds for the mini-park. Note that this is
the amount available for renovation, it's a total of $793,229.29. As I mentioned
earlier, C.D. has $793,230 for renovation purposes that are being directed to
Building "C" at a cost of $27.45 per square foot. On November 30, 1976, the City
of Miami prepared an application for a grant under the Public Works Act. These
potential grants, as you know, were to be labor intensive and to be such that labor
could be on site within 90 days. We viewed this grant opportunity as a means to
accomplish not only the renovation of Building "C" but also the renovation of
Building "A" including certain modifications designed to provide a theater-auditorium
that will meet the requirements of the Fire Code. In addition, if we receive the
grant award, we could reasonably expect labor to begin within 90 days. The estimates
for renovation developed for the Public Works application were, to a large extent,
to be the optimum so that we might renovate the center to the ultimate possible use.
This desire, then, provided an estimate of $720,000 for the theater development in
Building "A", Failing to receive the grant still permitted use as an auditorium
meeting hall but we felt we could be reins r if we didn't attempt to attract funding
for all of the full theater development so an application for the Public Works grant
was prepared and submitted for a total of $2,736,550 plus $298,000 of local fu040.
The average potential grant award by square foot was $28.43. Please note that the
amount estimated for Building "D" is $30,000. This amount was determined to be for
demolition purposes and not for renovation. Whether the demolition of Building "B"
is appropriate or not, it will be discussed during our review •of the operational
budget, Building "A's" remodeling included a stage, $600,000; theater liptint,
$120,000; partitions ceilings, etc" $140,000; air-conditioning $90000; now rest
rooms, $50 Building "C's" remodeling included; lighting, $140,000; partitions,
ceilings, etc., $170,000; eir-conditicning, $70,000; elevetors and rest rooms,
$300,000; new rest rooms, $50000. You will also note "Added Other". These added
1
IIAlt 2 1977
other costs include: profit and overhead, $440,000; equipment, $54,250; administra .
tion ekpenset, $110,000; engineering and inspection Cost, $242,0001 and tontingentiet,
$116,100, tf these costs are pro by square foot, they Will raise the total
average ddst fred to $44,21 pet square foot* ty the Way, if we have ben
successful in reteiving this grant, the total amount of funds ditedted to this
facility would have been $4,546,050, $623,050 below the original teak fade titillated
value, toe have asked members of the Public Works Department and rite Wart-tient to
be present today, If you should desire any futthet details hete At the dOndltibiOn
of this presentation,,, Now we will review with you the proposed budget and staffing
required to conduct operations,
Mrs, Gordon: May / ask if we may have a copy of the material that you have been
reading from?
Mr. Parkins: Yes, immediately following the presentation welte going to pass it out,
Mrs, Cordon: Thank you,
Mr, Parkins: We have reviewed with you, thus far, then the acquisition process,
selection of agencies, site plan and renovation estimates, We mentioned during
our discussion of the renovation estimates certain constraints that will now be
reviewed in the context of their impact on operational costs and anticipated revenues.
In order to put both the revenue operational cost picture and the constraint problem
in proper perspective, we need to first review the total areas, by building, that
we can anticipate, renting or leasing, in order to create revenues, As you can
see, the total area for all three buildings equals 61 square feet. We have,
within that 61,900 square feet, 16,400 square feet of unrentable spate, halls,
restaurants, closets, so on, 18,700 square feet that will be designated as common
areas, and finally, 716 square feet directed toward our own administrative use.
This provides us a net rentable office area of 26,084 square feet. If we look at
this from the standpoint of anticipated revenues, you can see that based upon $3.50
per square foot and 1007. occupancy, we could anticipate a net total revenue of
$91,294. This, however, includes the 4,000 square feet of net leasable space in
building "B". If we add to this net total leasable revenue of $91,294, the antici-
pated revenues from the rental of common areas, we should be able to anticipate a
minimum of $4,500 from the rental of the main auditorium and $1,200 from the small
auditorium and incidentally, we calculated these projected revenues on a very con-
servative basis; only 5 days per month usage, 3 hours per day, $25.00 per hour in
the main auditorium. The small auditorium was calculated on the basis of 5 days
per month, 2 hours per day at a total of $10.00 per hour. The grand total, then,
would be $96,994 in anticipated revenues. Again I must emphasize that the antici-
pated revenue projection for the leasable space is calculated at 100% occupancy
4i p and the common area rental provides no allowance for free usage into the projected
days I have just discussed. Experience thus far has shown a gradual increase in
the main auditorium usage primarily due to the recently activated cultural experience
program, wing to the University of Miami low art museum. Now let's contrast antici-
pated revenues with projected costs. This chart shows the distribution of admini-
strative and operational costs based upon various levels of occupancy. That is, we
projected costs based upon 25%, 50%, 757. and 100% occupancy. The differences that
we increased to 100% are our costs created by the additional demand upon personnel
and supplies as we increase the number of tenants in the facility. For the purposes
of this presentation, we would want to further discuss the 507. occupancy cost and
the 1007. occupancy cost so that we might contrast this with a net anticipated rental
income. As you can see in the 50% column, the total costs are comprised of $88,284
in personnel and $25,650 in operational overhead. In the case of 100% occupancy,
these figures changed to $113,508 and $27,200 respectively. From these anticipated
costs we have deducted the currently provided revenues from the Manpower program in
order that we might note the impact on operational costs should C.B.T.A. money no
longer be available. The use of these funds does, however, I must point, create.a
center personnel environment largely comprised of trainees. Now directly comparing
anticipated revenues with administrative operational costs, we can see that based
on 507. occupancy, we can estimate a total cost over revenue picture of $62,587
without C.B,T,A, funds, $5,697 revenues over cost with C.B,T,A.. Contrasting this
with 100% occupancy, our net cost over revenues equals $43,714 without Manpower,
$49,794 revenues over cost with the Manpower program, Now if we carry this a step
or two further and match those constraints we discussed before related to anticipated
revenues and costs, we can see that 100% occupancy the loss of building "B" and the
restrictions on the use of building "A" have reduced our total anticipated revenues
to $58,100, Our total anticipated costs would remain at $140,708. This provide for
total cost over revenue of $82,608. As you can see, the demolition of building "I"
plus the loss of "Ala" usable space represents approximately a 407. reduction in total
anticipated revenues, We have concluded that the constraints and revenue cost rela-
tionship would provide optimum, currently feasible usage based on currently available
29
MAR 23 in
Spate. We know that we will have available 16,600 square feet in building "C" that
will provide a potential revenue of $58 The addition of out anticipated tevertues
front the main auditorium and the stall auditorium provides a total of $63,800, When
we relate these potential tevenues to out probable costs, we have a cost over revenue
of $76,908 prior to r .P.T,A. teirbursemettte. 'if we keep building ''g" and have it
converted into a common area classroom facility, we night still have at unleseab e
area but we would be providing a greater cotton area service tor the titigete of
the tittle Havana Community. tt 18 our position that we should seriously consider
retaining building "B ". Once fuhdihg is available in order to accttodate changes
in building "A ", we theta would find ourselves attracting an additional potential of
$19,194 for total anticipated revenue of $82,994, Now as a recap, the financial
summary shows that the 1975 replacement value by the City of Miami task force was
$5,170,0006 The 1975 appraised value by an independent appraiser hired by the City
was $1,400,000. The Church's independent appraiser placed a value of $1,897,500.
The 1974 assessment value was $1,396,066. The 1974 asking price was $1,750,000,
The 1975 purchase price was $1,511,500. Funds available for renovation from
Community Development are $793,300 and we were advised by Public Works that this
should be sufficient for building "C's" renovation, The Public Works Grath
application was prepared so that we might renovate the entire structure including
a top flight theater for $2,736,550. If we were successful in receiving that grant,
we included within that grant application approximately three-quarters of a million
dollars for the development of the theater itself. We have determined that at 25%
occupancy, the total costs over revenues after C.t,T.A. funds are deducted would be
$44,300. We have a total of $50,000 currently available for operations - $25,000
from Community Development and $25,000 for 1976-1977 Revenue: Sharing Funds.
Community Development estimated a total of 15,847 square feet of office space that
would be required for agencies still desiring space and we have a total of 16,600
square feet in building "C" alone. Our position then is, basically, first we do
the entire complex; second, building "C" can be renovated; third, we only have
sufficient funds to renovate building "C "; and fourth, building "A" is useful to us
as an assembly hall and it can currently be used as such. Finally, we recommend
not demolishing building "B" if it can be used for a common area We believe that
the benefit to the community can still be child care, services for the elderly,
legal services, counselling, employment, transportation, housing, services for the
handicap and cultural awareness without placing too great a burden on general funds.
We are now going to provide you with copies of the data we just discussed..
Mayor Ferre: Well, Rob, I certainly think that the numbers, obviously somebody has
put a lot of work into it and I want to congratulate Miss Calderin and yourself and
the other people that have been involved in making the study. Nola, are you ready to
answer questions?
Mr. Parkins: Yes, and again, we do have members of the Fire Department and Public
Works available.
Mayor Ferre: I'd like to start off by asking this question. How much money would
it cost to put a bulldozer and knock down all three buildings? That's the first
question.
Mrs. Gordon: I think that's a good idea — start from scratch.
Mayor Ferre: And then the second question is... You know, it's awfully good, as
you say, to criticize. Anybody can destroy, that's easy, to criticize and destroy,
destroy, destroy, that's the easy thing. I want to see how much it would cost to
do that. How much would it cost for us to duplicate what we have in a finished form?
Let me couch it this way. We were lucky enough to get Gusman Hall. Gusman Hall is
a theater that sits how many people? 1,500 or 1,600? 1,600. Mr. Gusman spent close
to $5,000,000 it that whole operation, We're talking about a theater here to serve
the Little Havana Community that today will. seat 900 people without any additional
expense and that with another million dollars would be a first class theater that
would seat 1,200 people, Is that correct?
Mr, Parkins; That's correct,
Mayor Ferre: Well., Let's get back to the question, The first question is, how
much would it cost to bulldoze this whole thing down; second question is, how much
would it cost to completely rebuild what we would destroy?
Mr Parkins; We're advised that the demolition would be somewhere in the neighborhood
of $90,000 to $100,400 to remove the existing structures and a probable, I'm going
to put it this way and this may be a problem but the probable guess has been that
to replicate the existing structures wotald be in excess of $2,000,000, 1 believe,
if I'm not incorrect, Z,4 million dollars is what we have been sdvi.sed
30
Mrs, Gordont to elarfieation Mr, Mayor may t aak Mr. Parking
a queotiof?
Mayor Petro: Please
Mts. Gordon: You wouldn't duplicate the same design that you
have. Consequently, are you giving at anst4er based upon the kind of
architectural design you have now, or are you saying that t� produce
an auditorium cultural center and at office building would be what you
are estimating and how tarty square feet of office space then Would
you be determining?
Mr. Parkins: What 1 at saying, we were talking about similar
floor space as 1 recall.
Mayor Perret Let's do one at at time. Take the auditoriums and
let's sitttplify it. For a thousanda.seat auditorium, with seats, air
conditioning, proper stage and proper public area, as I understand the
figures that are running it the United States, they cost from 1500 to
2000 dollars a seat for a first class auditorium.
Mr. Parkins: We had asked that we be provided with a comparison
some time in the past, precisely the questions that were raised by
Commissioner Gordon. And the facility that was provided to us,' - --
the rendering, contained about the same amount of floor space, different
types of buildings, but it was in the neighborhood of 2.4 million as
I recall.
Mayor Perre: Would that include the office space?
Mr. Parkins: It did include an office building.
Mayor Ferre: How big would the office building be? Would the
be the same square footage?
Mr. Parkins: Comparable.
Mayor Ferre: 60,000 sq. ft.
Mrs. Gordon: 40,000 useable.
Mayor Ferre: I think you have to distinguish now Mr. Grassie,
between the auditorium theater and the office space. Let's separate
them. They are really different things.
What is the gross square footage of office space available right
now in buildings B and C?
Mr. Grassie: My recollection of what they said there are 63,000
useable, rentable square feet in the structure.
Mayor Ferre: Is that net or gross?
Mr. Parkins; Rentable.
Mayor Ferre: That is net and this is not included in the
auditorium?
Mr, Parkins. Mo. 61,900 sq. ft. net, does not include the
auditorium.
Mayor Ferro I a.m going to tell you on the record, pciut• blank,
that there is not one builder in Miami or the state of Florida that could
build office space anywhere for less than 30.00 a square foot and that
is cheap, cheap, cheap, When you are talking about the kind of square
focta$e that is being built today around this community you are talking
,about a net of $40.00 a square foot for a decent office apace building,
As 1 multiply 30 x 60 you .are talking about 1,6 million right there,
l am telling you right now that if you are talking about an auditorium,
the-cheapest auditorium that anybody could build, that is cheap,cheap,
cheap, would be one-thousand dollars per seat, and you aret.alking for
31
UR 2 7
A million dollars. go i disagree with your figures. 1 think if you
are talking about a rockbottom duplication of this you Are talking
of close to 1 millions dollars, and to be reaiiatic, you are probably
talking over 4 Million dollars.
Mt. Parkins: 1 would point out again that we Went through this
process of viewing the alternatives as it related primarily to the
public works grant application. We had looked at the figure of $5,3 70,000.
as a replacement value based upon the original task forte recommendations.
Mayor Perre All right, Mr. Plummer.
Mr. Plummer: What has the $20,300. been used for?
Mr. Parkins: We had to defer to Community developments, -®
Ms. Dena Spillman: That was used for initial securing of the
building by the Public Properties division. We also built a temporary
stage. if you have been there lately you will see there is a stage
there. We paid for that, and initially some of the operating expenses
for the building were being charged to community development, which
is not eligible, so we had to stop that. That is what that money is
for.
Mr. Plummer: Page
ate there now?
how many of those agencies in fact,
Mr. Parkins :Centro Mater as we indicated,was withdrawn in
favor of Catholic charities, and we are presently working with them
in getting a daycare facility.
Mr. Plummer: How many of them are presently there now?
Unidentified person: Six.
Mr. Plummer: How many square feet are they using? Approximately?
20X,10% or 50%,-------
Mr. Parkins: We could make the exact available, but it is
somewhere in the neighborhood I think 30%, - --
Mr. Plummer: Have you got to make the rehabilitation before
additional space could be used, or can additional space be used today?
Or made available today?
Mr. Parkins: We can provide additional space for agencies, but
everytime we do that, we are faced with a problem that when we begin
renovating, see, we have to have somewhere to put them during that
period of time.
Mr. Plummer; Are any of these agencies presently there or
proposed, paying rent?
Mr. Parkins; Starting April 1st.
1
Mr. Plummer; That is next week, They have been there free so
far. Is it written into their lease that during a period of rehabili-
tation that they will have to be relocated,
Mr. Parkins; I can't say that we have included that in the
lease. We consider that sort of a moral question.
Mr, Plummer; I hope you didn't write the lease,
Mr, Parkins; No, we didn't.
Mr, Plummeri - mthe 'sunshine boys ',»' » Next page, Oo ahead.
How does profit become a cost?
idr, Parkins; That was listed is the publte worko gran ap plication
32 MAR 23 1117
that you have now, 1 believe.
Mt. Plumffier: What you are saying, if 1 understand correctly,
rhead it $446,066. Or is that overhead leas the profit?
Mr. Patkiha: 1 asked a similar question, and I Was advised
that they were going to be dhhtradtifig ObVidUsly vith oontraetora,
and they had to build into it the amount for profit and overhead for
this eontract.
Mayor Verret 1 am confuted. Is this the request for public works/
Mr, Parkins: Yes,
Mayor Ferre: Isn't it true, and 1 know this is touchy and 1
apologize, because I know we tight get into trouble Oh this. Not here
but with the federal government. 1 am not trying to imply that we
go around padding things, trying to get more money, but wouldn't
it be safe to say that in your application, you were very generous
in trying to get as much money as Ve could reasonably convince the
federal government, under,--.
• Mr. Grassie:---emergency public works,'--was being asked for
i n this ease.
Mayor FErre: This is a straight public works grant. 1 think
we were really trying to cover ourselves to get as much as we possibly
could. I am sure the federal government might be upset if they knew
that you were doing something like that.
Mr. Plummer: $50,000. for bathroom facilities is very comfortable.
Next page.
Okay. C.E.T.A. revenues. Until what time are we guaranteed that
CETA will not go out of existence?
Mr. Parkins: Virtually guaranteed 2 years. The probability if
great for 4.
33
Mr. Plummer: You are talking about to 1979?
Mr. Grassie: Precisely.
Mayor Ferre: Four years?
Mr. Parkins: Two we are guaranteed.
Mr. Plummer: I want the bird in the hand, not the'bitd in the
bush.'
What are the manpower, is it just the program that is existing
there in which you are able to divert rents or is in fact there are
is training program going on there? What is going on? Why are we able
to take CETA money and divert it to paying of rent, I assume is what it
is.
Mr. Parkins; We approach this somewhat the same way that we did
when you had asked this question. We want to give you the total picture
that included all of our costs, and it would be unfair for us to have
said that we had a cost for personnel, when part of that coat is deferred
by Manpower reimbursement. The gentleman with the flipi-charto is a
CETA trainee, who is working for UP as an administrative aid to MsoCalderin,
One of our accountant clerk is also here.
Mr. Grassie; The answer to the question is that that is not a revenue. That le an
off-set against operating cost.
Mr. Plummer; but it doesn't appear on two pages back as far as salaries of operation
is concerned, Now 1 get back to those minor things which become major,
tiAR 3 177
Mr. Plummer: That one,' do the next page, In other wdtds,what we'fe saying theft
in fact, let's use the 75% occupancy, $98,028 of salaries. Now, is that figure
that you're using (Wet on the other page of $97,000 from C.R.'D.A. is that art Otto
set �t is that an addition?
Mr, Grassier It's an offset . In other words. the $78,000 is included :Within
the $98,000 Rob?
Mt. Parking: The only figure that is not included is the $20,00 for the Coordittator
the bitector of the Center. Everybody else is a C.R.T.A. trainee.
Mr, Plummer: in other words, the office staff is being paid ftotn C.R.' ,A.) the
Social Service Aides, Custodian and everything is being paid from C.R.`I.A.
Mr. Grassiet Precisely.
Mr. Plummer: So then it's an off -set, it is not an addition. Ok. Continue.
Go ahead, There's one figure that you addressed in there that's not oh the chart
I think it appeared between items 2 and 3, Orally you gave and you gave it kind
of fast and I wasn't able to pick it up. There's one figure that you gave orally
that's not there which tells me that you didn't want it to be there.
Mr. Parkins: Well let's see it's on page 8 on the information given to you It's
on page 8,. Recap the Financial Summary, the one that we did not discuss. The 19 75
appraised value by an independent appraisal hired by the city was 1.4 million,
The church's independent appraisal placed a value of $1,089,500 on the facility.
We had had available to us, we've been making some modifications of this.aa.we've
going along the last few days. We had available to us the city's appraisal
we got today the appraisal from the church and we did want to include in the text
that you would see the difference between the two truth the lower was the one that
we had already entered on the chart.
Mr. Plummer: Ok. ... that answers that question. My big concern is there 18
a move in the State of Florida to tax ad valorem taxes to facilities which are not
really used 100% for city operation such as,stadiums, many types of facilities
that would come under ad valorem. Where do we stand or have you evaluated this
particular structure? Possibly, if that is put into law and there are three test
cases going on right now, where would we be #1 if we , are taxed? #2. Is it assumed
in the leases that if we are taxed, a prorate share would towards the clients, and
No. 3, have you given an overall consideration to this coming a reality?
Mr. Grassie: Commissioner, as a general proposition, which affects many city
properties, my understanding of what is happening in the state of Florida is
that that new approach, does not apply to the use of City facilities as that
use is made by non - profit organizations. I think that when you go down the list,
you will find that all of the organizations in this center fall into the non- profit
category. The basic problem that cities have had around the state, when there is a
profit use of the facility, I don't think that would be a problem with this particular
center. It may be with some other city properties, but not with this one, we expect.
Mr.Plummer: I would like to contragulate you on a welldone presentation.
Rev. Gibson: Give him a hand.
Mrs. Gordon: In you analysis sheet which I have in my hand, on page 6, on the
center of the page, you have here a statement 'if these costs are prorated by
sq. ft. they raise the total cost from 28 to 43, to 44 to 21 per sq. ft.' Would
you explain that please?
Mr, Parkins: That was a total I think, close to 1 million dollars worth of
added other costs. We had calculated the cost per square ft. based on the
total amount, -- -- --
Mrs, Gordon ; - -and other costs?
Mr, Parkins: No, those added other costs are part of the public works grant
application and they included things that we are advised were to be added to
the total request that was directed specifically to construction activities
and that these added other costs are those things that were essentially,.!
in contract.
Mrs. Gordon;- =but they are not going to be done now that we don't have the
public works grant. Is that right?
34
fiAR Z 3 197
Ott. Parkins: That is correct. As of now we don't have the grant.
Mrs. Gordon: You have nothing in here for the tenovation of building B yet
you recommend that we do that 'How much will that cost?
Mr. Parkins: As of this moment, we don't frankly know.
Mrs. Gordon: I don't understand how you can go about making such a fide
presentation and then saying 1 recommend that we keep building B and 1 don't
know how much it is going to cost.
Mr. Parkins: We have had estimates given to us that ranged from 30 thousand
which was the demo figure.
Mrs. Gordon: That doesn't count does it?
Mt. Parkins: Up to - ---- around 50 thousand. There are some specific unanswered
questions on building B, that really need to be addressed first. We have been
discussing this with the fire department. 1 think we are going to have to wait
until we can come to a determination of what is the maximum use that we can put
building B to, at the minimum cost renovation.
Mrs. Gordon: tow many sq. ft. are in building B Mr.Parkins?
Mr Parkins: I am going to get the sq. footage on all three of these. 4,000 net.
Mrs. Gordon: There is 4,000 sq. ft. in building B.net useable.
Mr. Parkins: That is correct.
Mrs. Gordon: I read from your report that net useable total sq. footage is
26,000. Correct?
Mr. Parkins: 4,000 sq. ft. of net leaseable space in building B.
Mrs. Gordon: The Mayor made a real strong point about stressing the cost of
reproduction based upon 60,000.sq. ft. at 40.00 a sq. ft. of something of that
nature. Would you agree, or disagree that if you are reproducing this rentable
square space, you wouldn't construct the building, that would lose 16,400 sq.
ft. would you, in halls and restrooms and closets of the amount you are losing
here, would you?
Mr. Parkins: That was for A,B & C together.
Mrs. Gordon: That is an obsolete structure. Some parts of it are 40 years old.
Is that correct? That wasn't a fair evaluation of cost for reproduction of useable
sq. ft. It would be more to the target to say that 40,000 sq. ft. would produce
the same amount of net rentable area, you have rentable area here.
Mayor Ferre: Accept it.
Mrs. Gordon; Therefore what I am trying to bring out, and what I think is a
fair evaluation of the situation we find ourselves in, is whether of not we should
proceed to put up a modern new structure, providing an auditorium and providing
more open space because we could go up higher, or whether we should pour more
good money after bad. In other words, by pouring almost 1 million into the "C"
another million in "A" and really not designing it the best use of the community.
That is the real question in front of us today,
Mr. Parkins; We took the position that we did on page 9, that there were certain
things that we could say were facts. We do own the complex. We do have money to
do building C.
Mrs, Gordon; We do not want to sell the land, We own that, We are talking about
the first question they asked you, what would it cost to remove the atrucruree
in order to start from scratch,
, Parkins; We do have roughly 993 thousand to renovate building C, and we do
have building C, and we are ready to do that,'We don't have 2 minion plug to
do what you are suggesting, That is the only way I can answer,
35
MM 23 1977
Mr, Plummer: toilet about the 8793000, for the terminology, rehabilitation, trust
say we have 001,000. in the bank, the question is, if you tote down uttdin$ C
how touch in addition to the money that we have set aside of $13,0001 would it
cost to put up the sate number of ;square feet of brand new building. isn't that
what you ate trying to get at?
Mrs. Gordon: Sure.
Mayor ferret We are not talking about A, we are talking about C. I have a very
strong feeling and I respectfully disagree with Commissioner Gordon about the
value of the theater. I have spent some time calling architects, including the
architect for Gustnan Hall and others. The estimate for a auditorium is from
$1500, to $2000. per seat. There is no way in the world that you could duplicate
that auditorium for any less than 2 million dollars for what we have presently.
$uilding C is office space. Office space in building C would be approximately
40 to 50 thousand sq. ft. 1 am saying that that would cost approximately 2 million
dollars to put up an office building with 40 thousand sq. ft. or 50 thousand sq, ft,
and so therefore, what I am saying is, that what you are looking at is spending
800 thousand dollars, or whatever it was, vs, spending 2 million dollars. And
1 respectfully submit to you, that it is much better at this juncture to include
building C for S00 thousand dollars and end up with an acceptable office space
than to tear it down, which would cost you 50 thousand dollars to tear down, then
spend 2 million dollars rebuilding it In the first place we don't have 2 million
dollars. In the second place I think we can find better ways of using people's
money than to spend 2 million dollars in an office building.
Mrs. Gordont How much money did we have from the first allocation of CD funds?
In other words, we have spent $150,000 $163,000 for renovations the first two years.
Mayor Ferre: That is available?
Mrs. Gordon; No, we have spent that.
Mayor Ferre: Has that been spent? I didn't think so.
Mr, Plummer: Only 20 thousand has been spent.
Mayor Ferre: We have 793 thousand dollars available. Is that correct? This is
not a public hearing, but I am going to see if anybody in the public wants to
speak, but before doing that, I want to just take a few minutes to trace the
history a little bit of what this is all about, In the first place, the city
of Miami, after discussion, public discussion, before this body, on the part
of Paul Andrews, and myself, this matter was openly discussed at the commission
and the commission passed a resolution instructing Paul Andrews to investigate
the possibilities of buying this property, We requested appraisals to be made.
Appraisals were made. The church had appraisals made. The negotiation was carried
out by Paul Andrews, the City Manager. He came back with a possitive recommendation
that the property was worth buying, that in his opinion, and recommendation of
management, that this was a good buy and I completely concurred with that, I think
this commission at this time concurred with it and voted. I don't remember what
the vote was, whether it was unanimous or not, but as I recall I think there was
a unanimous vote. There was excitement on the part of the commission for purchasing
this very valuable piece of property,
Secondly I would like to point out, that this matter went before Metro and
that the Metro Board advised op recommendation of the community board headed by
Mr, La Casa who also recommended enthusiastically at that time, the purchase, So
I want to point that it was a recommendation of the management of the City, the
recommendation of the City Commission, the recommendation of the Community Developaent
of the Little Havana Community Board. It was was the recommendation of the staff
of Metro and finally it was the recommendation of the Metropolitan Dade County
Commission, that we purchase this property, Let me say as far as the square footage
is concerned, in my opinion and the opinion evidently of more than one person, the
land a lone is worth what we paid for it, Now, the theater we have there, it is
1500 seater, we can only sit 900. At 900 seats, to replace that you are talking
about 1,5 pillion dollars. That is a good buy, There is no question about that,In
my personal opinion Bob, I think building B should be torn down, I think is an old
building, it is not in good condition, It is only 4,010 sq, ft, and I think that
should be torn down, I think building C should be kept and if we can do it for
$800 and make it into a good building, I also think that one of the reaeoma
36 MAR 23 977
we purchased this is because the site was an appropriate site, fa f the
building of housing. We passed a 25 ;trillion dollar bond issue, this property
is perfect, in ioeatiott, site, it has all the qualifications for it. Therefore
it seems to the What tie ought to do is keep building A, and wait fot honey in the
future to ittprove it demolish building B, spend 800 thousand dollars to imptove C
and get going itediately with the housing project oft the temaining propetty. 1
think if we do that, we will be moving ahead. It is a progressive move. This city
is very wick and there are eletitents itt this community that at very easy attd quick
to ctiticite. They ate destructive in nature. They can give you all the reasons why
you shouldn't do this. Doti t do Watson Island, don't do Interama, don't do this,
don't put up the university, attd thank God we have people around like Mitchell
Wolfson,who had the courage and guts to pass and stick with it, despite all the
people who were against the downtown college. Oh, that was going to be a ffiottsttrosity
attd what a horrible thing that was going to be, and we got that one through. 1 think
we need a little bit more of that possitive thinking, and hopefully we will get
going on some of these. It is no secret that at least the majority on this cottisaion
felt that way about the convention center, and we feel that way about Dinner Key
Auditorium, and improvements in the Dinner Key area, and we certainly feel that way
about improvements in the park and I certainly think we feel the same way about Little
Havana. It isn't just enough to get green area along Biscayne toulevard. We have to
do a lot more things in this community. The first place we have to begin is out in the
neighborhoods where people need these type of facilities. I think it is time for us to
stop all the bickering and get on with the job.
Mrs. Gordon: Now that you made a nice speech Maurice I will remind you that I made
the motion in 1975 to purchase this property based upon facts that I received which
are entirely different from the facts that are being presented here today. That is
exactly what the Minutes of the meeting of July 31, 1975 will reveal, at which time
Mr. Crouch said we anticipate about 300 thousand dollars in alterations. If anyone
can tell tre. that 1.9 million or 1.8 million, is 300 thousand dollars, then I will
be willing to accept that as a reason for your very beautiful negative speech.
Mayor Perre: Does anyone in the public wish to speak at this time? We have 3 people?
All right. All right, Mr. Parker Thompson, Mrs. and Mr. La Casa if you
would step forward please.
Mr. Parker Thompson: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, my name is Parker
Thompson, I am Chairman of the Dade County Council of the Arts and Sciences.
I am appearing in that capacity to give a short report to this commission. We
met last fall with the Latin groups, cultural groups. Essentially those groups
are performing in visual arts groups. We recommended to'them the formation of an
Hispanic - American alliance so they could speak with a unified force to the City
management and the City Commission. They have commenced the formation of that
alliance. It is about completed. We have met with them earlier this month at the
church. The conclusions of the people that were represented at the church were
uniform. The first is that they need these facilities and they can use these facilities.
The second is, at present it is a church and they can't use the facilities. They need
rehabilitation. Particularly, they can be used for performing arts. In addition
the Cuban Museum would like to use building B. They need to have input however into
the planning of the rehabilitation of these facilities. Earlier this year we met
with another group, the black groups, at the Model City Cultural. Arts Center, and
the uniform statements sounded so much like the groups here in the Latin area. We
have a facility; we can't use it There was no input, it turned out, of the black
groups into the formation of that facility, how it was to be designed, how it was
to be used. I urged this commission to work,(and the City Manager) to work with those
groups in any rehabilitation of the facility so it is truly useable by the community
that it is being designed for. The Hispanic American Alliance, is in the process of
being formed. I do think that it will be able to speak as a unified voice for those
groups to give the necessary input that this commission requires. It does, essentially
speak for all the visual and performing arts, Latin cultural organizations.
Mrs, Gordon; Are you saying that with the cost factors for the rehabilitation
of both buildings and possibly the third building, being what it is, that the
investment is a good investment as compares to building , new structure for
practically the same amount of money,
Mr, Thompson; I was not attempting to appraise that Commissioner Gordon as to the
relative cost, I tend to suspect that the building of a new structure will test s
devil of a lot more than the rehabilitation of that structure although at this
moment it is a ehereh and it needs a lot of work to make it n center. 1 nsnnot
speak to the validity either of these rehabilitation eosts,or of the tearing it
3
mAg 3 W7
down, and reconstruction of a taw building, I tend to suspect that both are
16w coats for both rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Mrs, Gordon: I appreciate you feelings about the heed for services. There la
do 4uestion in anybody's mend that there is a need and there should be a building
suitable to be able to occupy for the uses that are desired by the community, I
have no quarrel with that
Mr. Thompson: The uniform feeling was that the building was bought in part
for that purpose. They need it They need it not They are very disappointed
that they don't have it
Mrs.Gordon: It is true. And the reason they don't have it, is because at the
time of the purchase, the facts were not given to this commission accurately.
And that is where the real problem lies and we are getting inaccurate facts today
again.
Ms. Minon- Medrano: I am Minon Medrano, president of the Cuban Museum of Arts
and Culture. So far we have the Cuban Museum a museum without walls because
we have been using the walls libraries, theaters and banks and institutions
who have lent us their walls. However, after Mayor Ferro's statements, about
demolishing building B, and he didn't say anything about building in the future. I
really think we are going to be a museum without walls forever. I am very concerned
about that It was in building B that we were granted approximately 2000 sq. ft►
however nothing has been done. We keep using other walls. We want to be in that
area.` We want to stay in the Little Havana community center and I really would like
to know in addition to the questions expressed by Parker Thompson, I would like
in the name of the Cuban Museum of Arts and Culture to know where we stand.
Mayor Ferre: Let me ask this question if I may, Mr. Manager through you to who
ever the appropriate person to answer might be How much would it cost, to renovate
building B strictly for the purposes of the Cuban Museum?
Mr. Grassie: 1 think Mr. Mayor that Parker Thompson's suggestion is a very good
one, and one we should take to heart. Basically as I understand what he is saying
to us is this. That before we give you an estimate, which depends on a plan for
the use of the building, what we should do is ask the potential users how they
would like to see the facility developed. If we can do that, and I would hope we
could do that in very short order. If we can do that, then if we can get some arch -
itectural estimate of what the cost of translating those ideas into reality would be,
I think we could give you a responsible answer to your question. I would hope we
would have a brief period of time to get that accomplished.
MayorFerre: Yes, Mr. Thompson.
Mr. Thompson: Mr. Mayor I would point out that two of the principles in the Cuban
Museum are Hilario Candela and Raul Alvarez, both architects and I am sure they
can be very helpful to you in planning.
Mayor Ferre; I might say for the record, that one of the persons I relied on
a great deal, when this whole purchase came about, was precisely Hilario Candela
and Mr. Raul Alvarez, who went there and inspected the church and came back with
a glowing report that that was an absolute tremendous buy, that we ought to proceed
with it immediately, and that the theater, that the church, really be turned into
a theater, It was going to cost money, but it depended on exactly what we wanted.
obviously we want a stage with curtains and all of that. That is expensive. If we
needed to to that, it all depends what type of a theater we wanted, I want to tell
you, that at worst, that hall is a good community meeting hall.. At worst, And what
we should do is go for something better than than. I hope we will be able to do that.
I think that is a vary valid suggestion.
Dr, Armando l•a Casa: Mr. Mayor, members of the commission, my name is Armando
le Casa, chairman of Community Task Farce of Little Havana, I want to address the
overall picture of this situation. A mouth ago, I raised the question before this
commission about the problem with the community center. I must say that I an extremely
satisfied by the fact that the commission has acted so quickly and by the excellent
report presented by the community affairs department of the city. However, I am extremely
alarmed as well as the people I am representing here today, by the possibility that these
buildings be demolished, When this property was offered to the Community Development
Task Force, as a possibility for what was then, identified by the area es the fimcet
38
Mn
priority, a community tenter, We went there atd we quite frankly loved the place,
The location is eteellent, it is itt the core, the tenter, the heart of tittle Havana,
ateemible to the people it intends to serve, We were also very pleased with the
facilities offered by the church it order to be cotvetted into a theater. We feel
it is a very nice auditorium. An Otdelleht hall, as the Mayor put it.We were of
course tognitant of the fact that there were a lot of renovations to be done as •
far as the office building is cotcetted,
buring the second year of community Developmett futda, we were requested
by the staff of the City of Miami to pass a resolution or suggestion to allocate
S400,000 to fund the remodeling of this property. And that was suppoaed to do the
job. We gladly went along with it and $400,000, was allotated for that purpose,
Still ho action Was taken. Not even at the planting stage. My understanding is
that Public Works was responsible for carrying out this phase of itpletenting
and planning the retnodeling of the building.
bring the third year of funding, another $50M00, were requested by
the staff of theCity of Miami to complete the remodeling. Here again our neighborhood
went along with this proposition and suggested the allocation of funds.
tet me remind the commission, that when we are allocating more and more
and more funds for this particular purpose, we are taking monies from our community
development funds that could be used and applied to other very needed areas of
needs in our community. Still this is our first priority, so here again we went
along with it Now we have allocated out of cothunity development funds the amount
of $900,000. Still nothing has been done. And now to our surprise we face a situation
4 11 0 where to put this building to work according to the estimates we have heard here
today,--we are talking about, and cost of in excess of 5 million dollars.
We at Little Havana, we are not expecting a luxurious office building, or
a model auditorium. We were satisfied with having a functional community center
including an auditorium which to the extent ve have been allowed to use has been
very satisfactory to me, at this point. To entertain the idea of demolishing the
existing structures, and start from scratch, will be a tremendous blow and dis-
appointment. One of the major areas of concern was the fact, the element of time.
We have a tremendous amount of elderly people who hope to use this building while
they can. In other words, time for them is essential. To start tearing these buildings
down, and start building from scratches , and looking for the money to do it, will
take us into a situation, will last according to what I have seen, with the building
already there, and nothing being done, years to come. I urge this commission to leave
the things, the structure standing, and try to get to the serious building,---
that serious business, of having the plans that are being drawn, implemented,
put building C to work, which I think can be done easily, with the money we have
a allocated. I am not an architect so I don't know about the structure feasibility,
of building B. I hate to see building B go down. I hate to see building B go down
on two accounts. First the request for rental space by agencies of the community,
exceeds the existing availability of square footage. So if we turn down building B,
we will be faced with less availability of office space. On the second hand, we also
have the problem of the rental income for the property. If you take x number of
sq. ft. from the rental availability, then you will end up with less money to come
from that particular item.
So if building B were possible to be saved, we will also recommend that
building B be left alone. As far as the auditorium is concerned, I am completely
opposed to entertain the idea of tearing down the auditorium. We feel it is a
beautiful piece of property. If you have been inside that building, I think with
the adequate renovation, we can have a tremendous auditorium. The workmanship
inside the building is tremendous. I don't think that can be duplicated nowadays,
not even for the money that has been discussed here.
In summary, the step taken by the commission in addressing this question
as seriously as was done today, gives me hope that we can see finally some move
here. But we want to go on record, by saying that the Little Havana Community
Development Task Force to 100X opposed to tearing aown this structure. We want
to see them remodel. and we want to see them remodel now on a schedule, which ie
supposed to have our building ready by January 1978.This I understand is the reepon-
sibility of the Public Works Department of the City of Miami and what we hope to
have is this COMMiSSAOU making sure that this responsibility be carried out, efficiently
and on schedule,
Thank you very much,
Mrs, Gordon; Mr, 144 Casa, you are then satisfied with an auditorium and not
A ;heater p because that is the crux of the renovation, in ohanging that into
a theater, is enormous, I don't even thinli it would be possible to rovert
that to a theater, per se, An auditorium, yes. It says so here, in the forms
that we received, code oompliance, amoording to the fire department, the aamotuary
cannot be used as a theater, You are satisfied then with that Only as au aasomhty
39
MAR :3
hall, With a tnaximutt of 990 aeata a thousand seats, is that aatiafactory to you?
ht. La Casa: It is not that l am satisfied with any kind of limitationa.Whatever
use we can put the existing facilities at this time. We have two problaas here
The fire department code has beer: a problem that we have been living with to
put this auditorium or theater or whatever way we want to call it, to Work.
Now this is the responsibility of the evaluation task force, that recommended
to this commission, the buying of this property and the use,ot possible useage
of this particular part of the building for that purpose. The City of Miami,
Fire Department is a department of the City of Miami and 1 believe that in good
faith and keeping as paramount consideration, the safety of the people who ate
going to use this facility, 1 think that this could be worked out it a satisfactory
manner so we can have the auditorium used as quickly as possible and with as many
limitations as possible. I at all for having a first degree establishment there, but
we are willing live with whatever limitations, economically we have to live. There
is another consideration here. We have kept a beautiful balance in our community
----in the City of Miami specifically,- -1 am on the 8 target areas. Evidence of
this was the last hearing on the 3rd-year- funding. I remember the Mayor made this
remark at this time, no problems, no hassles. The 8 target areas of the City of
Miami are working together in cooperation with the community Development
Department and we came out without hassles or problems of any kind, to
a very good understanding this year This has been done because we`have "kept the
balance. I think that to go for a 5 million dollar situation in the tittle Havana
Community Center will upset that balance. Even though 1 am representing here,- --
Mayor Eerre:- --very good point.
Dr. La Casa: -- -the Little Havana area I take a look at the overall community
here and the benefits of one particular area over the others don't serve the
purpose we are looking for. An example of this, we had very recently with Dade
County. It was proposed that the legal services of Dade County, that had been
spread before, and we had offices in Wyndwood, we had offices in Little Havana,
etc. we are concentrated in Little Havana. This was to the advantage of Little
Havana, however, we back and we support the claim of Wyndwood, that they have to
have their facilities there, and we couldn't go along with this, even though of
course it has increased the services in Little Havana. Here we have a city, and
we have to keep that balance. We don't spend 5 million dollars in this situation
here, if that is going to upset that balance.
Mayor Ferre: You are not going to have that chance.
Mrs. Gordon: Where did he get 5 million?
Dr. La Casa: Easy. Very easy. If you get the figures that have been discussed
here today, you will see that we have -, -that the property was bought by 1.5,
Mrs. Gordon: You are going back to the purchase price?
Dr. La Casa: Of course. Then you add the $ 900,000. allocated for this, on top
of that, this public work funds of over 2 million, and on top of that, $298,000.
in local funds and we come out with a figure,--- -
Mrs. Gordon: We are not getting that.
Dr. La Casa; Mrs. Gordon, 5,359,000.00,-- --
Mrs. Gordon: Armando, we are not getting that public works,- -- -I wish we were
Dr, La Casa; We are not getting that?
Mrs, Gordon; l wish we were.
Dr. La Casa; If we are not getting that, then the discussion of about the
turning down of the building is academic, because then we don't have the money to
build from scratch , We get the money, the 2,7 million dollars, and we build from
scratch, a beautiful facility. We have to go for whatever we have, and improve it.
Mrs, Gordon; Armando. l agree with you, We don't have it, but the application
that was presented, and what was requested in the application was turned down,
that doesn't mean that the application as presented Was a good one. Decmmee the
age of the properties we included in that application, 40 year old properties. Mid
40
MAR 2 3 1977
probably those people who made those decisions based that decision upon the facts
there were given to them, l ate hot 4uarreiing with you. If you like the property
renovated, you ate the ones that are going to use am not going to 4uarre
with you I just don't think it is a good business investment, but this is trot
a business. This is only government. We don't do things businesses ike.
Dr. ta Casa: I won't quarrel with statement. My point is this 1 think that we
have a location which is excellent. We have facilities that e,Cist there, that could
be renovated. The only thing that I am asking this commission stow, it to put the
pressure where it has to be put, so we have public works doing their job, and have
our building ready by January 78 and we will wait until then,
Mayor Terre: Thank you very much Mr. ta Casa. Ms. Torano?
Ms. Torano: Very briefly,because 1 want to clarify the name 'auditorium' and the
name 'theater.'
As a member of the council of Arts and Sciences, and the only Latin in the
group, and the person that called a meeting, a public hearing, at the church, the
Community Center two weeks ago, I want to express for the record that the interest
and desire of the people, is for a theater, and I would go ahead and express that
it•is a theater for the performing arts. We want it, and if it is there, we don't
want a hall, we don't want an auditorium, we want a theater.
i Mrs. Gordon: Will you agree that the proper thing to do is make sure that you can
get that, that that is what can be built, and funds will be available for it?
Ms. Torano: I have always trusted the City Commission to act on behalf of the
people, and I haven't lost confidence and I trust all of you So I think that by
being here, I asked Parker Thompson to come here, as Chairman,
Mrs. Gordon: You are the first person that said what you mean regarding 'you
want a performing arts theater', nobody else has stated it, just exactly like
that
Ms. Torano:Hopefully, a performing arts theater.
Mrs. Gordon: And you would not be satisfied with anything other than that Mr.
Manager. You had better get figures that will clarify how much that is going to
cost.
r
Mayor Ferre: Maria Elena, I want to address myself to the point that you just made.
In the first place I agree with you. So let me start by saying the idea always was
that we were going to end up with a theater out of that church. I want to tell you
that before we moved we had three architects go down and look at that structure,
and it was the consensus. And I am talking specifically about Hilario Candella,
and Alvarez, two of the architects that looked at it. It was their consensus
that this auditorium, this church, was had, in its shell, because of the size of
it, the depth of it, the air conditioning system, the public access areas, that
the only basic thing that was missing, was the stage and some other things, and
it was their opinion that perhaps with about a half million dollars, to a million
dollar expenditure, you could have a first class theater out of that church. I
want to correct the record. That is not a 40 year old building. That building
isn't even 10 years old, T am talking about the auditorium, - - -it was build within
the last 10 years - -- -the church, the sanctuary, the main building, building A, is
a new building, It is in perfect, mint - condition.
Now, I challenge anybody, - -it is easy to throw out figures, especially
if you are destroying, and knocking down things, but you cannot build a theater
for 1000 seats, today, or 1200, for anything less than 2 million dollars. We do
not have 2 million dollars, and if we did have 2 million dollars, 1 want to tell
you with all due respects, that I would be strongly opposed to spending 2 million
dollars for one more theater anywhere, in Little Havana, Culmer Center, downtown -
anywhere, Coconut Grove. We have Gusman Hall, Dade County Auditorium, and even Gusman
Hall isn't fully used, as you know, So 1 would be opposed to spending 2 million dollars
for a brand new theater, 1 feel differently however about spending as much as a million
dollars to end up with a 1200 seat theater which 1 think can be accomplished and 1
think that is the concurrence of most people who have looked at it, who have any
cope sense, and who know what they are talking about, and 1 a91 including in that
two prominent architects in this community,
Mrs, Cordon; Mr. Grassie, anybody hero from your public works department,
41 MAR 2 3 1977
Ms. %oranot in support of what Mayor 1`erre Is stating l would like to add that
Oh dune 0, if my memory serves me right, the Cuban Museum and Ite�ettouentro ..eubatlo
which was an event sponsored by the City of Miami and the University of Miami. We
were charged with the responsibility of an exhibition retrospective of Cuban painting.
We brought the Cuban collection from the Museum of Daytona, and we had to insure all
the paintings we had, baytona's and local paintings in an amount which exceeded
a half million dollar, in order for the insurance company to provide us with the
necessary support for that we had to make a very thorough inspection of the
facilities of building A, because this retrospective exhibit was presented in
back park behind the auditorium, It met all the requirements that the insurance
company demanded.
Mayor Terre :There is one thing I wanted to add and I started and went off. To
Mt. La Casa's point. You see, you are here representing, Ms. Medrano, the arts,
theater, performing arts, visual arts. There is another thing we have to Consider
and with all due respects, and you know, there is no bigger supporter of the
arts thati myself. You know how I feel about them. There is something more important.
The more important thing, is the people, the community. Yes, we want a theater there.
We also need a place where all of the hundreds of community groups can meet and
we don't have any other facility like that. tet me put it to you this way. I hope
we can get a theater there soon, whenever we find the money. But if two or three
years go by, - -- -where are we going to get the money. We don't have the money
in hand right now, and if a year or two, or three go by, if it serves the purpose,
of the community for meetings, it is money well spent. This is the way I look at it
We spend a 1.5 million for a piece of property. The land is worth it That theater,
that auditoriums is for free. We got that for free, because the land is worth
1.5 million dollars. So what we got, whatever we have there, in my opinion, the
value of it is zero. So if we go and spend a million dollars, that is what we
will have in there, a million dollars for a first -class theater. I defy anybody
to build a thousand -seat theater for less than 2 million dollars.
Mrs. Gordon: Can we get some professional assistance, somebody from the Public
Works department.
Mr. Grassie: What would you like Commissioner?
Mrs. Gordon: I would like to speak to somebody from Public Works.
Mr. Grassie: Well, as soon as you tell me what the question is, then I'll try
to get a staff person,---- -
Mrs. Gordon: The question is, 1 want to ask him regarding the building, what
costs he figures it would take to bring it up to code. You have objections to
hearing comments?
Mr. Grassie: I am trying to get the right person so we can answer your question.
Mr. Sill Parkes: If we are still talking about building A, we have not got into
that building at all as far as estimates of renovation. We know there are certain
things that have to be done, but getting to pricing, we have not done that as yet.
Mrs. Gordon: As it stands now,(you are Mr. Parkes ?),
Mr. Parkes; Yes,
Mrs. Gordon: Okay. AS it stands now, is it in compliance, is it permissible for
us to use it as an assembly hall until the day comes that we have money to make
it into a performing theater.
Mr. Parkes; As far as 1 know right now. it is. It is being used as hall.
Mrs. Gordon; It is being used? Is it in code compliance now?
Mr. Parkes; For an auditorium? No.
Mrs. Gordon; No? What 40 you hove to do to put it in compliance.
Mr. Parkas; There at` a certain fire r eguiations we have not mat. using
an suditoriuua, but we have bean allowed to do thus far.
42
MAR 1977
Chief McCullough: Using fire-protective materials, such as gypsum, spray-on type
materials that would give it fire resistivity.
Mrs. Gordon: Mr. Parkes, can you answer the cost factor of doing what Chief
McCullough is saying we must do? I am concerned with the safety of the people
that go there. I want to know if we are going to use it as an auditorium, even
if cannot have a theater because of fire code, what will it cost to fireproof this
410 building so we can continue using it.
Mr. Parkes: As I said before, we are not prepared to make an estimate on,----
Mrs. Gordon: How long have you been work on this project?
Mr. Parkes: On building C, we have been working since January, really.
Mrs. Gordon: How long have you been working on the whole project?
Mr. Parkes; Since January, on building C,-..---
Mrs. Gordon: And we have owned this for almost 2 years prior to that. There has
been nc estimate, no consideration, at all of what it would cost to bring this
up to code.
M. Parkes; Not on building A.
Mrs. Gordon: 1 said something before, and I say it again, we are certainly working
backwards'
Mrs, dordon: YOU man you are using it, but it is not it compliance and you have
things you mutt do in order to make it meet the code for
Mr, Parkes: Correct,
Mrs, Gordon: YOU don't have a cast for renovating it, so all the figures we have
been talking about are hypothetical figures, There is no reality to theta at this
time Who Can answer us oft the fire compliance? Sate here, oft fire code compliance?
Chief i].�ugh 1 am Chief McCullough, fire Marshall,
Mrs, Gordon: t know, Chief. 1 at sorry,-----in regard to the fire compliance,
and regard to the safety of the community, who will be visiting the structure,
are you confident, do you feel secure, that the safety of the people who visit
this structure, is sufficient at the present time, without any renovations of
any kind?
Chief McCullough: No, ma'am, we don't agree with that
Mrs, Gordon: What do you require be done at this time, to make it safe for the
people to go to that structure.
Chief McCullough: There are area number of things that teed to be done. One of them,
the building being built as a church, was never intended to be a theater or an
auditorium to be used in a manner in which it is proposed to be used novo The
seating should be reduced to less than one thousand and it could be used as an
auditorium, and the structure should be protected to be more fire resistant. The
ceiling is all wood. It should be protected.
Mrs. Gordon: How should it be protected, Chief. What should we do to protect it?
How should it be done.
Mr, Plummer; Mr, Grassie, through you to these two gentlemen, to both of you,-
you heard figures quoted here for building C. Po you concur that those figures are
appropriate, as far as public works is concerned, Chief Mautlough, is building C
a safe structure as presently being used? Will the rehabilitation as proposed
bring it up to full compliance, because basically as 1 ses it today, we can only
do those things that are do-able. We have money for building C. Don't all speak
at once, but let's speak •to building C, Po you feel that the figure of $800,000,
is realistic? Did you look into these figures, Where do we stand with building 1C?
Mr. Fares 1 believe the cost estimate for building C is good, We are talking in
terms more of $900 that has ham rovtacd. It will moot the voile when we are
43
NAR 3 197/
through with it
Mrs, Gordon: How much will it be then it is teviSed7
Mr. Parkes: $900,000. is our latest estimate, This is subject td revision, When
we receive bids that is the final line,
Mr, Plummer: Chief McCullough, do you feel that building C presently for
what it is being used for or proposed for more acquisition of prole into that
building is presently within the code? If it is not will the proposed rehabilitation
bring it within the code?
McCullough:
Chief Presently it should not be used for what it is being used We have
only had proposals as to that it tight be used for, such as a Day Care Center
where the rules are very restrictive, The proposals to bring it up to tode,-----
we don't care what it is used for as long as it is brought up to code and meets
fire safety regulations.
Mr. Plummer: I am speaking only to section C.
Chief McCullough: t understand. That is what 1 at speaking to We have no
objections to what it is used for, only that it be brought up to code. We
are speaking of the South Florida Building Code and we are only part of the
system.
Mr. Grassie: Further clarification on that Mr. Mayor , becuase 1 don't want
anybody to go away with the impression that it is being used unsafely. I
think Mr. Grimm should report on a conversation that he has had,----
Mayor Ferre: I think that is important to clarify.
Mr. Grassie:---and the actions taken.
Mrs. Gordon: Also Mr. Grimm answer to the flood criteria and the flood insurance
while you are addressing us, please.
Mayor Ferre:----and the fire insurance, and the sewer, and after that we are
going to talk about termite inspection. Have you inspected it for termites?
That is a very serious problem around here.
Mr. Grimm: I don't know the answer to that question Mr. Mayor. I think the flood
insurance question would be applicable if we were starting from scratch and building
a new building. Yes, you would get insurance if your building was built to whatever
elevation that was established in that area. My memory of the elevation in that
vicinity is such that we probably would not have to change because it is pretty high.
Mt. Plummer: What?
Mr, Grimm: The elevation of that particular area of town, is probably above
what you would have to meet,---
Mr, Plummer; Where the church is?
Mr. Grimm; The church is on top of the hill from 12th Avenue.
Mr. Plummer; I rode a boat from my funeral home to that church, in the street,
Don't tell me that is a high point,
Mr, Grimm; Commissioner, you may have ridden a boat because you had inadequate
drainage, That has relatively little to do with elevation. 1 am sure the elevation
In that area is close to plus 10, and all we have to meet at the bay is #12, I
really didn't went to get into speculation on that,
Mr, Grassie; Get back to the safety question,
mt, Grimm; The question on the safety Chief, if I understand this correctly,
40 we don make people think that people are attending meeting in that auditorium
unsafely,
44
MAR 23 1977
Chief McCullough: We are talking about buiidittg C i thought,
Mr. Grimm NO, We are talking about the church.
Chief McCullough: The queation that was asked of use, wee building C and that
is whet 1 responded to
Mrs. Gordon: Mr. Plummet asked hit about building C.
Mt. Grim ma believe the atmosphere about the ehutch was the one that we are
primarily concerted about, that people vere coming here to a resits in att auditorium
that has beets used( 1 don't want to correct the Mayor, but 1 think the church is
About 20 years old), 1 remember it being built in the late 50's, Twelve -hundred or
more people on Sundays for church services and certain at the time that they were
attending services, %e didn't consider that they sere in at unsafe structure.
Mayor Perre: That was the next question 1 vitas going to ask. slow did that church
hold services on Sunday?
Mr. Grimm: 1 think now that with fact that the code maybe is more strict, that
if we use this facility for less than 1000, 999 people, 1 understand has been the
number that has been quoted, and if we have a fire marshal its attendance during
any scheduled events, that we are in perfect compliance with the''City's requirements.
Is that not correct?
Chief McCullough: Not totally
Mr. Grimm: In other words you
that auditorium provided they
people.
Chief McCullough :That is correct.
Cdr. Plummer; POOP that make it safe or unsafe?
correct. It is generally correct.
have not stopped them from having any meetings in
had a fire marshal, and provided they had less 1000
Mr. Graimm: You would have stopped them if it had been unsafe, would you not?
Chief McCullough: Yes, we would have. There has been only one event last week.
We had a fire marshal there in attendance at that time.
Mayor Ferre: We have had more than one event there.
Chief McCullough: There has been only one that we have been notified of.
Mr. Plummer: Let me ask this question?
Mrs. Gordon: You do an awful lot covering up around here.
Mayor Ferre: Nobody is trying to cover anything Mrs. Gordon. You are fast with
the accusations, you are fast and fancy with them. The fact is. I think it is
common knowledge as we advertise in the newspapers, that we continually have
meetings in that place. The accusation now, that we are trying to cover up having
meetings, they are so absurd that it doesn't even warrant answer.
Mr. Plummer; Chief McCullough, educate me, why is 1200 people in a structure for
a church service safe, and 999 people in for an auditorium not safe?
Chief McCullough: It is a different type of use,
Mr, Plummer; I understand there is a different type of use, but why,.- people
are people. I don't understand.
Chief McCullough; For one thing, churches are not held nightly. They held generally
on Sunday, maybe 1 or 2 nights a week for short periods of time, The use is usually
in the daytime on Sunday morning, They are specifically amended out of the code in
that they are amended from emptying with some of these other very strict requirements,
,like emergency lighting, that they must be a type 1 building or a building that is
incombustible.
MAR 4 3 1977 �
•
Mayor Pette: We are not going to get in here And statt arguing about-....
fite marshal is the fire marshal, and he is telling ut About the code and
tee nothing wtong,--we ate getting off on tangents, The fact is Mt, Pite MAtthal,
ehief you say that if we have 900 peoplt in there, the building as it
exists as long as there is a fire tarahall ptesent, it is within the code,
Chief McCullough: With some modification, yes,
Mayor Petro: And the modifications, are they extensive in your opinion/
Chief McCullough: Considerable, but not necessarily extensive,
Mayor Pierre: Considerable, does that teat we have to spend a half-million dollata,
Chief McCullough: I can't estimate the cost 1 suspect you may be spending several
hundred thousand, yes.
Rev. Gibson: Mr. Mayor, may I ask, 1 want to serve notice,----this is Lent for
me and 1 have to get to a service, so 1 hope we are not going to argue all night.
It would appear to me, that the people involved want the building. The people
involved say they want this building. The fire marshal says if you do certain things
you will comply. We say that we have this money,---whatever it is, ----why don't
we get down to the business of determining,--you have some professionals over here,
who say this building is good. Why don't we go to the point of getting the building
ready, so that the people could use it, and get on with the business.
Mayor Ferre: In that vein, I will pass you the gavel, for the purpose of making a
motion.
Mr. Plummer: Father, don't worry. The inspectors won't to your church until after
Easter.
Rev. Gibson: I am grandfathered in. I know that much too.
Mayor Ferre: I move that the City of Miami Commission at this time go on record
of backing the administration's recommendation and proceed as recommended in the
memorandum presented to us today, which on page 9 specifically recommends,
1. that we renovate building C, based on the fact that do have sufficient
money to renovate building C, that we immediately pursue the improvements
of building A, and that the Manager come back with a specific recommendation
and detail report as to what it will cost to upgrade building A, first as
an auditorium, and eventually as a theater, that we have estimate cost for
both of those items, and that he come back with the specific recommendation
on the 5th point which is not to demolish Building B, and that in all 3
buildings, A,B & C that the staff work in conjunction with the community
such as the Cuban Museum, and the other groups, that are interested in
this general area I so move.
Rev. Gibson: Any discussion?
Mr. Plummer; To make the record clear, of how I feel, automatically I want to
vote against the motion, but let me tell you what is on my mind, then I will vote
for the motion,
No. 1, I hope Mr. Mayor that what you are saying to that we will do building
C not to exceed the money that we have.
Mayor Ferreaes. I accept that as part of the motion, that we not exceed $793,300,
unless of course the P.enager comes back, with specific information and gets the
approval of this commission.
Mr, Kummer; Any improvements beyond that would have to be approved by the
Commission
Mayor Ferro; That is part and paxcel of the motion.
W. Plummer; if 1 understand building A. nothing is going to happen until we
get prices.
Mayor Form That is right.
46 MAR 2 19 7
to
Mt► Plummer: That 1 can vote for.
Revs Gibsont I art not ad sure, before 1 call the question, I like the statement
about demolishing the building, or not demolishing.
Mayor Ferro: You are talking about building R.
'rev. dibson: I hope we would not say that. I would hope if we have the staff
Mayor Terre: That was the motion, that we haven't concluded that. Part of the
motion is, on item 5, page 9, the recommendation is, that it not be demolished,
and the motion that was made includes that the staff come back with specific
recommendations, as to what to do on building B. I said 1 am in favoring demolishing
that particular building. I will wait and see what you recommend.
Rev. Gibson: Call the roll please.
The following motion was introduced by Mayor•Ferre who moved its
adoption:
NOES: None.
MOTION NO. 77
A MOTION THAT THE CITY COMMISSION GO ON RECORD AS BACKING THE
ADMINISTRATION'S RECOMMENDATION REGARDING THE LITTLE HAVANA `COM
MUNITY CENTER AND PROCEED AS RECOMMENDED IN THE MEMORANDUM PRESENTED
MARCH 23, 1977, WHICH ON PAGE 9 SPECIFICALLY RECOMMENDS: (1) THAT
BUILDING "C" BE RENOVATED IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $793,300. BASED
ON THE FACT THAT THERE ARE SUFFICIENT MONIES; THAT THE CITY MANAGER
IMMEDIATELY PURSUE THE IMPROVEMENTS OF BUILDING "A" AND COMB BACK
WITH A SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATION AND DETAILED REPORT AS TO WHAT IT
WILL COST TO UP -GRADE BUILDING "A" AS AN AUDITORIUM AND AS A THEATER;
THAT THE COMMISSION BE PROVIDED WITH COST ESTIMATES FOR BOTH THOSE
ITEMS AND THAT THE MANAGER COME BACK WITH THE SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATION
ON THE 5TH POINT WHICH IS NOT TO DEMOLISH BUILDING "B" AND THAT
IN ALL 3 BLILDINGS - A,B, AND C, — THAT THE STAFF WORK IN CONJUNCTION
WITH ALL INTERESTED COMMUNITY GROUPS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROPOSALS
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Reboso, the motion was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Manolo Reboso
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Rose Gordon
Vice -Mayor Theodore Gibson
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission
at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 5:57 o'clock P.M.
ATTEST; RALPH G. ONGIE
CITY CLERK
NAM HIRAI
ASSISTANT CITY CLEW
Mayor Maurice A. Ferre
47
MAURICE A. FERRE.
MAYOR
7977
MEETING DATE
March 2S 1977
COMMISSION
ACTION - - --
ITEM NOi
CI�iY OF NaIAMI
DOCUMENT
DOCUMENT IDENTIFICATION
INDE
COMMISSION AGENDA AND CITY CLERK REPORT
AFFIRMING THE GRANT OF CONDITIONAL USE AS
LISTED IN ORDINANCE 6871, ARTICLE XV, SECTION
2(8)(a), GRANTED BY THE ZONING BOARD
GRANTING PERMISSION TO OPERATE A COMMUNITY
CENTER AND RESIDENCE FACILITIES PER ARTICLE
XXI -2, GU (GOVERNMENT USE), SECTION 3(1), ON
APPROXIMATELY 900-960 S.W. 1ST STREET
GRANTING A ONE -YEAR EXTENSION OF THE CONDITON-
AL USE AS LISTED IN ORDINANCE NO. 6871, ARTI-
CLE XI-2, SECTION 1(7)(a), TO PERMIT EXPANSION
OF CONDITIONAL USE PARKING LOT, TO INCLUDE LOT
6, BLOCK 96S.
0017
77 -256
77-257
77 -258