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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-75-01212 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 MEA 1/28/75 RESOLUTION NO A RESOLUTION GRANTING PERMISSION, AS PROVIDED IN ORDINANCE NO, 6871, ARTICLE XVIII-1, SECTION 4(1), TO CONSTRUCT NEW TENNIS COURTS WITH 12' FENCING ON LOTS 1 THRU 6 AND 19 THRU 24, BLOCK 1, CHARLES H, PROW SUB (13-53), AT APPROXIMATELY 3150 OAK AVENUE, SUBJECT TO PROVIDING A 5' LAND= SCAPED AREA ALONG 12' FENCING AND MASONRY WALL, AND SUBJECT TO ESTABLISHING ADEQUATE SUPERVISION FOR THE NEW TENNIS COURTS; ZONED P-R (PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATION) AND R-1 (ONE FAMILY), PROPOSED TO BE REZONED P-R. WHEREAS, the Miami Planning Advisory Board, at its meeting of January 8, 1975, Item #4(b), following an advertised Hearing, adopted Resolution No. PAB 3-75 by a 7 to 0 vote recommending approval as per Ordinance No. 6871, ARTICLE XVIII-1 Section 4(1) for permission as hereinafter set forth; and WHERAS, the Commission deems it advisable in the interest of the general welfare of the City of Miami to grant this permission requested; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION "DOCUMENT INDEX �) OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA: ITEM NO Section 1. That the application for permission, as provided in Ordinance No. 6871, Article XVIII-1, Section 4(1), ►► to construct new Tennis Courts with 12' fencing on Lots 1 thru 6 and 19 thru 24, Block 1, CHARLES H. FROW SUB (13-53), at approximately 3150 Oak Avenue, subject to providing a 5' landscaped area along 12' fencing and masonry wall and subject to establishing adequate supervision for the new Tennis Courts; zoned P-R (Public Park and Recreation) and R-1 (One Family) proposed to be rezoned P-R, be and the same is hereby granted. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 12 day of FEBRUARY r 1975. r' _ . is f1, D, SOUTHERN CITY CLERK AU_RI EF A.__ R.$E- MAYOR C.: CITY CLERK PREPARED AND APPROVED BY: MICHEL E. ANDERSON ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY APPROVED, AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: ';r ,,r / JOHN S. LLOYD CITY ATTORNEY Q:lifu Honorable City Commission Attention: Mt, P. W, Andrews City of Miami, Florida Gentlemen: toriba .7anUary 16, 1975 Re: CHANGE OF ZONING - RECOMMENDED Approximately 3150 Oak Avenue Lots 5, 6, 19 & 20, Block 1, CHARLES H. FROW SUB (13-53) Initiated by Planning Department The Miami Planning Advisory Board, at its meeting of January 8, 1975, Item #4(a), following an advertised Hearing, adopted Resolution No. PAB 2-75 by a 7 to 0 vote Recommending Change of Zoning Classification of Lots 5, 6, 19 & 20, Block 1, CHARLES H. FROW SUB (13-53), at approximately 3150 Oak Avenue, from R-1 (One Family) to P-R (Public Park and Recreation). Two objections were received in the mail. An ORDINANCE to provide for this Change of Zoning has been prepared by the City Attorney's office and submitted for consideration of the City Commission. cm Z. M. 46 Attached: �c i �' ! :� a i �f -r �' �.,.% i� t r i i� 1, 1 S Minutes cc: Law Department NOTE: ACi,AA 42.th% David Simpson,() Jr., 'rector Department of Administration Planning and Zoning Boards Planning Department recommendation: "APPROVAL". Tentative City Commission date: February 12, 1975. Honorable City Commission Attention: Mr. P. W. Andrews City of Miami, Florida Gentlemen: January 16, 1975 Re RECREATIONAL FACILITY- RECOMMENDED Approximately 3158 Oak Avenue Lots 1 thru 6 and 19 thru 24, Block 1, CHARLES H. FROW SUB (13-53) Initiated by Planning Department The Miami Planning Advisory Board,• at its meeting of January 8, 1975, Item #4(b), following an advertised Hearing, adopted Resolution No. PAB 3-75 by a 7 to 0 vote Recommending permission as per Ordinance 6871, ARTICLE XVIII-1, Section 4 (1), to construct new Tennis Courts with 12' fencing on Lots 1 thru 6 and 19 thru 24, Block 1, CHARLES H. FROW SUB (13-53), at approximately 3150 Oak Avenue, subject to providing a 5' landscaped area along 12' fencing and masonry wall, and subject to establishing adequate supervision for the new Tennis Courts; zoned P-R (Public Park and Recreation) and R-1 (One Family), proposed to be rezoned P-R. Two objections were received in the mail. A RESOLUTION to provide for the above has been prepared by the City Attorney's office and submitted for consideration of the City Commission. 1ncere y, J � ,Cis-7 David Simpson, Jr.,lDirector Department of Administration Planning ard Zoning Boards cm Z. M. 46 Attached: Minutes cc: Law Department NOTE: Planning Department recommendation: "APPROVAL". Tentative City Commission date: February 12, 1975. AFFROXIMATELY 3150, OAK AVENUE Tots 5, 6, 19 & 20, Bloek 1, C}iARLES H. FROW SUS (13-53) City of Miami Planning Department's proposal to Change the Zoning Classification oh above site from R-1 (One -Family) to F-R (Public Park and Recreation). t Secretary filed proof of publication of Legal Notice of fearin/, and administered oath to all persons testifying at this hearing. (b) (a) AND Lots 1 thru 6 and 19 thru 24, CHARLES H. FROW SUB (13-53). Request as per Ordinance 6871, ARTICLE Section 4 (1), permission to construct new Tennis Courts with 12' fencing on above site: zoned P-R (Public Park and Recreation) and R-1 (One -Family), proposed to be rezoned P-R. Block 1, "SUPPORTIVE IVE DOCUMENTS F XVIII-1OLLOW", PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION: "APPROVAL" (See Memorandum of January 2, 1975) The rezoning of the subject properties from R-1 to P-R is in accordance with the provisions of ARTICLE XVIII (Public Park and Recreational Use - PR District) of the City of Miami Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance which is intended to be applied to all City- owned lands that are used for park and recreational purposes. (b) The proposed deve. pment is congruent with the surroundinj land use and will affor i reasonable protection for the surrounding neighborhood. The proposed fencing of the went property line will aid to alleviate many of the problems that have in the past disturbed the abutting property owners (noise, debris, invasion of pr4vacy.) The expansion of recreational facilities will fulfill a need of the Central Grove area. 4. W. Mr. McManus: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Planning Advisory Bcird this is a proposal to rezone, actually, four lots in Coconut Grove for P-R (Public Park and Recreation) use. I will briefly describe the Planning Department's recommendations which you already have in front of you in your folder. The subject site is vacant and is contiguous to existing Kirk Monroe Park. Kirk Monroe Park is located to the east of the four lots. The proposal is to extend Kirk Monroe Park westerly. This Park is a 1.5 acre Park, located in the centrol portion of Coconut Grove. The City recently purchased this additional site through funds in 1972 for "PARKS FOR PEOPLE" bond issue. Existing facilities at Kirk Monroe Park include three lighted tennis courts, handball and basketball courts, a play area and a comfort station. The neighborhood land use pattern is predominately low density residential with some single family and duplex development. To the east of the Park is located the Coconut Grove Elementary School. -4- January 8, 1975 Item 4(a) FAB ,A{ (a) OP fiOXiMATELY _ 3.15.0 OAK AVENUE Dots 5, 6, 19 & 20., Block 1, Cp'ARLES Ho PROW SUB (13.-5 3 ) City of Miami Planning Department's proposal to Change the Zoning Classification on above site from R-1 (One -Family) to P-R (Public Park and Recreation). Secretary filed proof of publication of Legal Notice of Hearing, 1 and administered oath to all persons testifying at this Hearing. �j "SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENS I (b) Lots 1 thru 6 and 19 thru 24, Block 1, ,nr�� CHARLES H. PROW SUB (13-53) Request as per Ordinance 6871, ARTICLE XVIII-1FOLLOvv , Section 4 (1), permission to construct new Tennis Courts with 12' fencing on above site: zoned P-R (Public Park and Recreation) and R-1 (One -Family), proposed to be rezoned P-R. AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION: "APPROVAL" (See Memorandum of January 2, 1975) (a) The rezoning of the subject properties from R-1 to P-R is in accordance with the provisions of ARTICLE XVIII (Public Park and Recreational Use - PR District) of the City of Miami Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance which is intended to be applied to all City - owned lands that are used for park and recreational purposes. (b) The proposed deve:npm;nt: is congruent with the surrounding land use and will affo r t reasonable protection for the surrounding neighborhood. The proposed fencing of the west property line will aid to alleviate many of the problems that have in the past disturbed the abutting property owners (noise, debris, invasion of pr4vacy.) The expansion of recreational facilities will fulfill a need of the Central Grove area. 4. (a) Mr. McManus: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Planning Advisory Bttrd this is a proposal to rezone, actually, four lots in Coconut Grove for P-R (Public Park and Recreation) use. I will briefly describe the Planning Department's recommendations which you already have in front of you in your folder. The subject site is vacant and is contiguous to existing Kirk Monroe Park. Kirk Monroe Park is located to the east of the four lots. The proposal is to extend Kirk Monroe Park westerly. This Park is a 1.5 acre Park, located in the centrol portion of Coconut Grove. The City recently purchased this additional site through funds in 1972 for "PARKS FOR PEOPLE" bond issue. Existing facilities at Kirk Monroe Park include three lighted tennis courts, handball and basketball courts, a play area and a comfort station. The neighborhood land use pattern is predominately low density residential with some single family and duplex development. To the east of the Park is located the Coconut Grove Elementary School. -4- January 8, 1975 Item 4(a) PAa cause Of the gehodl's limited site area, extensive use of the Park for physieal education program odctlts throughout the sehooi day. ift di&teiy abutting the Park on the west ere Ideated two single family residences. the existing Park is adequately landscaped. Additional landscaping will be added to the four lots designated for Park expansion. Traffic volumes are well within the capacity range of the adjacent local street system vehicular movement patterns are not expected to be altered. Area Plans: The expansion and development of Kirk Monroe Park is in accord with the Coconut Grove Master Plan and recommendations of the Parks for People Task Force District #9. Planning Department Recommendations - APPROVAL see previous page. Mr. McManus: We have here a site plan; we also have a development plan which I will circulate to the Board Members. Additionally, Mr. Roger Chewning of the Miami Parks and Recreation Department is available for questions. You may direct any questions to him. Mrs. Elizabeth Bettner, 3189 Florida Avenue: In 1954 I was responsible for having that area changed to an R-1 zoning through there; but now, I'm very much in accord with having this Park changed; this area here put into Park and Recreation. For the last si;r or seven years I think we've had investors coming in there trying to put in a high rise apartment. It really wouldn't be in keeping with the rest of the area because it's all single family, low density and your School. Your School provides a buffer zone between the high rise and the other side to the west where we have the single family. Now the people in our block, all through there have all requested that this go through as a tennis park. We have a lot of tenrs players in our Grove area; not only from the Grove area, but we have them from South Grove and we have them from various places come there to play. So I'm very much in accord with having new tennis courts there. Theonly thing I would like to have - I wish we had another handball court there. So many people have said, just a certain single person coming in and saying "gee, the courts are all occupied - if we could have an extra one for practicing with the handball". Another thing I'm wondering about is the picnic area. Is the parking going to be a problem on the street? I mean with more courts we will have to have more parking. Now this is a narrow street, and the people, of course, do not want these people parking on their spaces there. Is it possible to take part of that picnic area and make that a parking place? And as far as the tennis courts and the handball thing there our youngsters from the Coconut Grove School they all play tennis and that's one of the latest things that they have been putting through the School, and that would be a wonderful addition for them to work with; give them more courts to play with too there. But the parking is what I was wondering about. Is it possible to take part of that picnic area to make parking there? "SUPPORTIVE DOCU M NT6 FOLLOW" -5- January 8, 1975 Item 4 (fit) PAD Mt, Acton: 1 would suggest you hold your questions Until the Item (b) 4 YOU have already spoken in favor of part (a) which is a change of zoning. The next ::tem will be the recOMMendations doneerning fending and the actual facilities within the Park. go if you will hold your comments, we will answer them at that tifte. Mrs. Bettnert O.K. fine. But we are a little group there in our neighborhood have all gone along with this, We do want the tennis courts there. Mrs. 1ockafellar: Thank you Mrs. Bettner. is there anyone else who wishes to speak for this proposal? Being none, is there anyone who wishes to speak against this proposal? Mr. Daw: Thank you Mrs..Rockafellar. My name is John Daw and 1 live at 3155 Florida Avenue. The reason for my opposition is that I, unfortunately, live right next to the Park. Now, in a sense, I find myself divided here. I am pro -parks and 1 am pro public development but I have lived in this area, not as long as Mrs. Bettner or some of the other people, I have lived here for four years and I've seen progressively the way in which the present Park has been handled. Unfortunately, when you discuss something(in vacuo); when you sit in an office and you make plans and you put your little trees down on a map and so forth, it looks great. When you hear, for an example, somebody suggest that all of the people in an area are in favor of tennis courts. This also sounds good too. But let me place the situation in perspective as it actually is now. As I say, I've lived on this street for four years so I know something about the street in depth. You take the houses opposite from where I live and we start at the house nearest the School. The first house now, is rental, purely and simply; it has bars at all of the windows. The second house is owner -occupied and has bars at all of the windows. O.K . The third house has bars at all of the windows except one where he has a Bahama Shutter. Thr other day somebody who obviously found out he has Bahama Shutters went in through the Bahama Shutters and took his television set. Tlie next house to that has bars at all of the windows. The next house to that has no bars. It's occupied by a lady and a gentleman who have lived here for thirty years. They've been ripped - off twice I suppose in the last year; the lady herself was mugged on her way past the Park; the other day her handbag was stolen. Next to them, now I'm only going down a small street opposite me. Next, is a house which is guarded by two dogs. Next to that are two houses, which just recently, were sold and the transaction was handled by Magruder Realty, and the heading in the newspaper was "backing on to commercial property"; a clear invitation to speculation; a clear invitation to the buyer that this was an area which was about to be re -zoned to commercial property. Those two houses are now rented. The next house is occupied by a lady who has been there about thirty years. I myself, now live in a house where I have a primary, secondary and tertiary defense system. The people next to me live in a house where it's also bricked up and they also have a dog. The other day, I think last week sometime, a junkie broke into their house; took some of their property and got away with it. About six months ago they had their lawnmower - what I'm trying to say is this, is that we live in an area- it sounds wonderful, the term "Coconut Grove" like a pleasant place with coconut palm trees and so forth waving, but we do have a lot of social problems of which you're all aware, ".SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS FOLLOW" January 8, 1975 Item 4(a) PAD Mow my deep eondern is thief is that any time that we take an adtioh oan be a public development, can be anything else, we also produce certain changes in the area, now where the biggest problems in our area, in my opinion, is the lack of or is the loss of defensive spade which we have suffered. Initially, these houses were built about thirty years ago; they were designed for suburban living with four foot fences et cetera. Now, under the progressive urbanization and the increasing load of people which are pulled into that area, that is, people who are not residents who have a raison d'etre for being in the streets, we are suffering more and more break-ins, more trouble in this way. So I find myself, as I say, of two minds; one, I'm in favor of public park development but on the other hand, I'm extremely concerned that if you put in this public park, if we put in this public park let's make sure that the park itself does not deteriorate an area even further. I don't think the area in which we live can stand the social disruption of an increase in bringing people into the area who are non-residents. I mean, I have nothing against non-residents; I'm just saying - now this does not necessarily apply to all parks everywhere but it just may well apply to the park where we are. Now, there was also another point which was made here with reference to the fact of the School - already makes use of this Park on a daily basis; this is true. Now I believe the reason for this is, the School started to use the Park during the days when the School had no property at the back of the School; in other words, they needed somewhere for the children to play, so they took over the Park and it was used on a daily basis; which is fine. Later on, the School acquired property behind the School wt,ich was available for the children to play. However, the fact that they took over the Park on a daily basis was not rescinded. They still continued to do this. Now, I myself, have suffered considerably as a result of this; not just as a result of noise, but as a result of actual attacks on our house. I didn't bring them this evening but that particular property there is covered with large stones; even the Park too. We've had windows broken; 'e've had a patio table broken and so forth. Now, we've been involved. I've written to Dr. Wbigham I've been to see people in the school authority and so forth. So again, what I'm saying is this: if you're going to have a park there, that's fine, that's one thing; but make sure that the park is under control; that it is policed correctly even whether it's school children there or the other people. If you're going to extend it, remember that we are extending a park in a situation that is already extremely sensitive. We have a nascent urban decay situation there. I myself, find myself placed under considerable pressure. Immediately that I heard that the Park was going to be extended, naturally my thought was because of all of the trouble we've had; the break-ins; four attempted break-ins in four years; luckily my burglar alarm system has held so far. But, I immediately found myself faced with this problem of "what do I do?" "Do I fight it or do I leave?" "Where am I going to go?" Pick up my traps and go to Kendall with my wife and child? What do we do; we add two more cars to the urban traffic problem; we add another child and myself to the social situation in Kendall. We require schools and so on and so forth. No, 1 decided to stay in this particular area if I could. However, I did write to Mayor Ferre and suggested to him that if I, and others and there are many in that area, several in that area, that are deciding to stay and face out these urban problems and do something about them; stay theref maintain their houses as owner -occupiers; we "SUPPORTIVE D CUMENT FOLLO V" • January 8,. 1.975 Item 4(a) PAD need help; we need assistance from the pudic authorities which are resporisibie for planning and so forth. Suet one other thing t'd like tO say about the School; 1 wrote to Mr. Andrews and l went to see the assistant City Manager. The problem with the School using the Park is this; there are several problems concerned but number one; if you have, any of you who have had anything to do with the control of children will know that there are two prime areas in which you have to deal with children; one is structured activity; the other is unstructured activity, If you have children playing football where they answer to a whistle, that's one thing; if you have them in a classroom where they're doing what you're telling them to do, that is also one thing. If you have them in an open park where there are thirty children running helter and ekelter and climbing up on the swings and so on and so forth, that's unstructured activity; it's another situation entirely. I wrote to Dr.Whigham on the occasion of the last tithe that our house was attacked by a salvo of stones. I suggested to him the following things: 1) that the children in the Park were simply out of control; when I say that they're out of control, it depends of course, to some extent, on the quality of the Principal in the school. The present Principal is excellent and she has tried very much - and she has done a great deal; when you drive past the School and you see two children chasing each other over the roof of a school, you begin to get the idea that maybe things are not all that they should be. When I go past the Park, for example, and I see a child - we hear about the practice - the tennis practice wall - which is a concrete slab about twenty feet high - when I see a child going up the wire netting of the side of that concrete practice slab, and inching his way across the top - remember this is a twenty foot drop onto a concrete slab. You have to admire his courage; but you also have to wonder at the degree of control which is being exercised over the children in this particular Park; he's really going to fall off there and break his neck or a leg at the least; that means that the City itself is going to have a Suit on its hands. The second thing is the destruction of property there. Now the third thing as far as the Park is concerned is the question of the parking. Now again, I called the Department of Roads and asked them how it could be that the School Board could block off an entire section of road all day and every day? Which is what they do. The section of road opposite the School; they block off; and this incenses people to an extent where I have seen some local citizen drive through the barriers there. Now I called up the Road Department, and I asked them, and I said "why are they blocking this off?" and they said well the School needs to get across to the Park, which I understand; they also said that the road is not very much used which seems to be a totally . . . argument because if you block off a road, it stands to reason that it's not going to be much used. They mentioned parking just now. There is a question, as far as parking is concerned; that area of the Park opposite the School there; it is quite possible to get about forty or fifty cars parked in that area between the School and the present Park on angle parking; but it's blocked off every day! Nobody can use it! Now Coconut Grove is not plastered with parking spaces available for people and yet every day we have this situation where in that particular area the road is blocked off- the parking is blocked off! " P 0 TI` E DOCUMENI. FOLLOW' January 8, 1975 Item 4(a) PAB MW MW MW MW There is also the danger to the school children themselves and the feet that the use of the Park itself das►troya my particular environment. If you wait just one second toll find the reference. The final point which 1 want to make, and which made to Mr. e question of one public authority usurping landathief t hichisallocatedfor another purpose. l assume that the public park is funded by the public, and paid for by the public, for use by the public, for playing tennis; for practicing handbell or what have you; or even eating sandwiches during the lunch hour; now if you have thirty children charging back and forth across the tennis pradtice wail it's extremely difficult to understand how the public can ::eally make use of this Park? O.K. Thank you very much. Mrs. Rockefeller: Anyone else wishing to speak? Mr. Polve, 3290 Gifford Lane: I am for this. I own properties Lots 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 on Gifford Lane. I am for the Park to put in tennis courts. However, 1 would like to see off-street parking and also that Matilda is not blocked off during the daytime so that people could park on Matilda. Thank you very much. Mrs. Bettner: I think in favor of the School; I've been there since 1937. My daughter attended the Grove school; that has always been the present grounds that they have and they have always used the Park as a playground regardless of any space they had because it's the only place where there were trees where the children could play under; and the other ground there they used for football or baseball or any real rough athletic sport. So the smaller children are brought into the Park where there's trees where they do have shade to be under. Often times classes are held there; as I say, this gentleman has only been here four years; he knew what the situation was when he bought his place; and we have been there since 1937 and we are in accord for this Park. We need it; and of course Coconut Grove does not have the amount of park that we should have for the amount of people we have. So I think this is an addition; and it has been passed by the bond issue; we all worked for that bond issue for that purpose. Thank you. Mrs. Rockefeller: Thank you Mrs. Bettner. Any other speakers? If not, we'll close the public hearing and go into discussion among the Board members. Any questions from the Board? Discussion? Mr. Rolle? PLEASE NOTE: Mr. Dannenberg left the meeting at 7:10 P.M. and Mr. Rolle, Alternate Board Member, replaced him. Mr. Rolle: I would like to ask about the traffic element around that new situation with the additional courts because we have a school there and the grades, I believe, are one through six . . . what about the traffic involved here? Mrs. Rockefeller: Who is Board? answering these questions for the Mr. Jim+p, Department Public Works, City of Miami replies: We have not anticipated any great traffic generation I forget the number of courts exactly one or two tennis courts there, handball courts - you couldn't generate maybe more than a dozen people Or su . . . "SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS FOLLOW" W" January 8, 1975 Item 4(e) PAB IIiIN�nNNii uiiiiiI�INIINNNN II A Mr. Rollo: one more question. is Matilda a factor here/ The blocking of Matilda? Two people mentioned it. Mr. Kay: Mr. Daw did address himself to the blocking of Matilda Street by the school Board during the day; during clams tiMet and the School toard does block off this street and this problem is not unique to this particular School because this happens in a great number of schools in the County. One comes to my mind, Miami Senior High School; they blocked off S. W. 1st Street all day and partly. during the evening hours for the evening classes. Mr. Rolle: Would it be a factor in this matter with the nm tennis courts? Two speakers mentioned the blocking of Matilda here. Mr. Kay: r think we have the greatest number of people coming after school hours to these courts to play tennis. Mr. Rolle: You're not answering my question. Will it be a factor in approving this site? Mr. Kay: No, no it won't be a factor. Mrs. Alexander: Mme. Chairman, I'll ask a question then I'll ask Mr. Daw to ask a question. Presently, there exists three tennis courts,is that correct? Mr. Chewning: That is correct. Mrs. Alexander: And you're thinking to add to that, two tennis courts and presently this is used by the School and has been in the past? Not the tennis courts; that's not open to the School? Well, thank you, that was what I wanted to know. Mr. Daw, I'll ask you a question. Mr. Daw: I would just like to ask if it would be possible; I don't know whether this is being done: whether the Planning Board or some other public authority can look at the whole area around where we live; you're talking about traffic. Again, you're going to say I'm getting away from the subject; the specific subject of this Park but if you walk around where we are, McDonald for example, as far as traffic is concerned is literally ridiculous; the children can't walk on McDonald. I saw a lady the other day pushing her child in her push -chair there - the garbage is thrown'out into the street; there are no sidewalks so the people are forced into the streets. The traffic on McDonald is now getting very heavy . . . Mrs. Alexander: Excuse me, Mr. Daw, you wanted to ask a question? Mr. Daw: My question is this. Could we, or is it possible to institute a planning study, if you like for the whole area, that is including Florida Avenue, McDonald and so forth out there; has that been done? Mrs. Alexander: 1 think the Department can answer that question. I can too, but I'm sure that the Department can answer that very adequately. Mr. Daw: I've read the planning study for Coconut Grove, and as far as it goes, it's very good; but I'd like to see it extended to cover our area too, if possible. "SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS FOL.LQW" -10- January 8, 1975 Item 4(a) PAB Mr. Acton: All of Coconut drnve is the planning study for Coconut drove. , Davit oh re ►liy? O.X. It didn't appear that way. Thank you. Mr. Actont And to your question about the traffic on McDonald, it MO been addrea ted in the study. Mrs. Alexander: I want to know what kind of supervisory personnel is there when the school children are there? Mr. Chewning: The supervisory personnel would be the school personnel; teachers or whatever. There's no recreation or such people in attendance. Mrs. Alexander: There are no recreation people in attendance? In other words, it's relatively unstructured activity? Which they need, but it is unstructured: but there is supervisory personnel there; they're not let loose alone without somebody? Mr. Chewning: In the past, this has happened that the School personnel did not take care of the children, or oversee them properly but, as Mr. Daw mentioned, they have a different Principal now that is taking care of these problems. Mrs. Alexander: So this problem has been addressed? Mr. Chewning: Right. Mrs. Alexander: The second question I had is who is in charge of the tennis courts, handball court, and will be in charge of the picnic area? Will there be Park personnel on duty at all times? Mr. Chewning: There is a Parktender that is on duty five days a week anyway but he isn't a Recreation Supervisor. He takes care of the park and makes sure that people don't abuse it too much. Mrs. Alexander: Parks are for abuse. No, well my question was addressed to whether there would be any recreational personnel; tennis pro? Mr. Chewning: Not in this budget year. Mra. Alexander: Not in this budget year? I see, thank you. Mrs. Rockefeller: Any other questions? Being none, the Chair will entertain a motion for Part(a) of Item #4. Mra. Fernandez: I want to move for approval by the Planning Advisory Board, the Planning Department's proposal to change the zoning classification on 3150 Oak Avenue, Lots 5, 6, 19 & 20, Block 1 from R-1 (One Family) to P-R (Public Park and Recreation). Mr. Smith: Second Mrs. Rockefeller: We have a motion by Mrs. Fernandez, seconded by Mr. Smith. Will, you call the roll please? (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) "SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS • F LLOW'1 -11- January 0, 1975 Item 4(a) PAS Mrs. Peen&nd ►s dossed the toll igrolution, and moved its adoptions 1tES0LtTioN NO . .PAR 2.45 RESOLUTION RECOMMEND/NO CITE OP MIAMI PLANNING DEPARTMENT'S PROPOSAL TO CHANGE THE tONINO CLASSIPICATION ON APPROXIMATELY 1150 OAK AVENUE, LOTS 5, 6, 19 & 20, BLOCK 1, CHARLES H,. PROW SUB (11 53) PROM R-1 (ONE-PAMILY) TO P-R (PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATION). Upon being seconded by Mr. Smith this resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: * AYES: Mines.*Alexander,*Fernandez, Lichtenstein, Rockafellar Messrs. Borja, Rolle, Smith NAYES: None Mr. Acton: Motion passes 7 - 0. * At Roll Call: Mrs. Alexander: I vote "yes" and I want to explain that the reason I'm voting "yes" is while I'm cognizant of the fact that people are concerned about the additional traffic that parks brings that break-ins and high crime rates are not indigenous to Coconut Grove and to parks; that it happens all over the community and it's a problem that we have to address ourselves to in another manner and that perhaps more parks will help the situation. So I vote "yes". ** Mr. Fernandez: I also vote "yes" and I want to express that I hope the neighborhood will find ways to see that the park has proper supervision. This is a matter of administration and public awareness of the neighborhood. 113UP.,�,4'��'1�IE D'.' � ' .,t J �„ra V L O V -12- January 8, 1.975 Item 4(a) PAS 4(b) LOTS 1 ' HRH 6 AM) 19 TAM 24, laLOCK 1 CHARL2S ft. PROW St (11-51) Het ueet As per Ordinunce 6Ag1, APTICt;E i'11t i, Section 4 0, permission to contrudt new Tennis Courts with 12 ' fencing on above site: zoned P-R (Public Park and Recreation) and i -i (One niftily), proposed to be rezoned P-R. Secretary filed proof of publication of Legal Notice of Hearing, and administered oath to all persons testifying at this Hearing. PLANNING DEPARTMENT_ RECOMMENDATION:__ "APPROVAL" (See memorandum of JAnuary 2, 1975) .Page 4 of these Minutes. Mr. McManus: I will continue on with two excerpts from the Planning Department recommendation which you have in front of you. Park Plan: The proposed park plan provides for two additional lighted tennis courts along Oak Avenue, development of a picnic area along Florida Avenue; and fencing and landscaping along the western boundary of the Park which adjoins single family residential structures. Plan specifications include: a 12-foot high chain link fence along tennis court area and an 8-foot high masonry all along the picnic area. No provisions for parking have been considered since its service area is limited and curb -side parking is available. Again, you have the Development Plan in front of you. Mr. Chewning from the Parks and Recreation Department is available to answer any of your questions. Mrs. Bettner: 1 believe Mr. Daw has a fence hasn't he? Mr. Daw, do you have a fence on your property there? I think you came before the Commission not long ago and requested a high fence there; so I think that takes care his and we don't have any objections I don't believe. What we would like would be if we could have some nice landscaping along Oak Avenue; a few little bushes and things like that; that's one of ':he main things I think could be done because it would make it look nicer than just a plain fence there. Mrs. Rockafellar: You had a question when we were on the first part of this Item? Mrs. Bettner: Well, one of my questions was, I believe the name was Daw or Dawson, that someone said they lived on Lot 15, Block 1; I'd like to know who that was; there was an objector to that. Do you have that George? Mr. Acton: Mr. Simpson has that in his file. "SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS Mrs. Bettner: Well I called today and someone said t LLQ W on lot 15, Block 1; well I lived there since 1937, and objecting. I just wanted to clear that part up there. sound good to me. I don't know whether Mr. Daw agrees I do . . . 11 I'm not But this does with that, but Mrs. Rockafellar: We'll let Mr. Daw speak for himself. Mrs. Bettner: And 1 think the rest of the people agree with this. Thank you. Mac's. Rockafellar: Anyone else wishing to speak for it? Those opposing, please use the microphone to my left and please keep your remarks brief. Thank you. -1.3s- January B, 1975 Item 4(b) PAD Mr.►aw: 1 understand your remarks about keeping these rat atka short, but 1 'm Mortgaged with First Federal and First Federal assures Me that thin type of development means a depreciation on My house Of around $4,000, so it has some interest to me. 1 just want to stress that one thing, 1 want to ask, and I've talked with Mr, chewning, in fact I've talked with Croat people here. This question of supervision; I'm really not opposed to public parka but 1 hate to see my tax money squandered; 1 want to see that Park supervised properly. Someone mentioned just now, and again, we're talking (in vacuo); we're sitting in this nice building here and we're talking about something which is going on down there; that there -ere supervisory personnel its the Park. Well let me tell you, there has been two supervisory personnel in that Park during the period that I've been there and it sounds like something out of a novel by . . . both of them were mutes. Now I can well understand that the City wants to employ people with handicaps, but to put a person that can't talk into a Park like that and ask them to control the kids that are there, is tantamount to asking them to do something which absolutely is impossible. So, it's not a joke! Believe me. These poor people; I spoke to them inasmuch as you can speak to them because they just write their remarks. If we're going to develop this Park; if you're going to put in a picnic area next to me - it sounds nice - crinolines and so forth sitting down and having their lunch and all the rest of it; but I don't want a bunch of fifty kids throwing stones at my house, if you don't mind. That is my immediate concern; and if I may, let me just stress this one point: if sufficient pressure is placed upon the people in this area by a public park or whatever, say upon me, if I think fight or flight, move; what do I do? Will I sell my house? No. I'll retain my house for. rental. If I retain my house for rental, I'm in the iron grip cf economics; this means that I allow the house to deteriorate; I put as many people in that house as I can, and take the money during the time that the house depreciates. That is what I'm concerned with in this particular area. Not so much the immediate problems for me, but for the whole area. Thank you. Mrs. Rockafellar: Thank you Mr. Daw. Anyone else wishing to speak? If not, we'll close the public hearing and have discussion among the Board members. Mrs. Fernandez: Mme. Chairman, landscaping has been mentioned here, "the existing park is adequately landscaped. Additional landscaping will be added to the four lots designated for park expansion." But I don't see any particular reference to landscaping the 12-foot fence on the side of the gentleman's property, and in all the other changes in zoning, et cetera, we have always recommended that those fences be properly and abundantly landscaped. Could it be possible to add it here? That this fence be adequately landscaped for the benefit of the gentleman? ( A reply is made at this point by someone not at microphone) Mrs. Fernandez: I'm also referring next to this gentleman's property; I'm not referring only to Oak Avenue. They show landscaping but the recommendation doesn't mention anything particularly about the landscaping along the wall next to this gentleman's property. That is what I'm saying; that the Department should add that a special type of landscaping should be provided next to this wall which separates this gentleman's property. DC;CUMENTS FOLLOW;, -14- aanuary 8, 1975 Item 4(b) FAB "SUPPORTWE DOCUMEN -1-(‘ FQLt (win Mt. thewningt 1 think I can answer that for you► That will be property landscaped, It we prat it in such fine detail on that plan, you couldn't see anything ele4 but the landscaping. Mrs. tichtenstein: 'That's my question about the landscaping; and I'd like to ark you if you intend to solidly landscape the new addition? Mr. Dew spoke about the rocks; do you intend to put it in gates; and do you lust intend to landscape along the picnic area and along the chain link fence? or do you intend to go down Oak Avenue and Florida Avenue? Mr. Chewning: What the plan doesn't show is the playground apparatus that is there right now; in a portion of the Park which we're going to remove and move it around; we'll take that stuff out; we've got some new equipment that's coming in, and the picnic area will be landscaped; we're not going to leave the rocks there; we'll have shrubbery and trees Mrs. Lichtenstein: Grass? Mr. Chewning: We may have a little grass if we can get it to grow. Mrs. Alexander: Mme. Chairman, I too would like to address myself to this landscape detail. In every instance where commercial property or R-3A or any kind of development higher than R-1 abuts to R-1, there are pretty stringent requirements and just because the City owns this for a park doesn't mean that the City doesn't have to abide by the same stringent requirements that applies to other properties; and I would like to see this spelled out a little more distinctly in terms of either a 5' strip with solid landscaping and so many trees, so many feet apart just as we've done in protecting R-1 property from either commercial development or high rise or middle rise, or whatever. I think in all fairness that some relief must be given to R-1 property owners. Mrs. Lichtenstein: How far do you intend to build those tennis courts to the adje,ining property line? They will be lighted tennis courts so they could be a disturbance to the neighbors. Mr. Chewning: That question I can't answer because I don't happen to have a scale with me and Public Works Department drew this plan up. Mrs. Lichtenstein: Could they answer? Mr. Kay: You're talking about the location of the tennis court adjacent to private property? Mrs. Lichtenstein: Yes, to the 12-foot chain link fence. Mr. Kay: The fence is on the property line - the 12-foot fence - just give me a moment and I'll check these plans - there is an existing fence on the property line; a new fence will be five feet off the property line and then 11-3/4 feet beyond that fence will be the tennis court; the edge of the tennis court. Mrs. Lichtenstein: So you're saying it's 16 feet then? From the property line? Mr, Kay: Yes. Approximately 16 feet. Mrs. Fernandez: Mme. Chairman, if 4 motion is in order? -15- January 8, 1975 Item 4(b) PAB Mrs. Alexander: l have one mote question please. l want to know shout these lighted tannis courts. 1 want to know until what hour they are lit: until what hour is this Park open to the public? Mr. Chewning: 'lien o'clock at night. Mr. Borja: Mme. Chairman, are there any gumbo -limbo or special rmumbo-jumbo trees on that property that will have to be removed? Mr. Acton: No. Mr. Borja: Very good. In regards to Park Attendant, you .said there is no regular Park Attendant at the present time? Mr. Chewning: There is a Park Attendant, but this man is a Groundskeeper; this is not a recreation supervisor. Mr. Borja: In other words, who handles the administration of the tennis courts, and who schedules who is to play and so on and so forth? Mr. Chewning: The people that play there schedule themselves because there's no supervisory personnel. There are signs stating 'One Hour Time Limit' so you don't need any personnel there to stand with a clipboard and make a list of peoples names. Mr. Borja: So you don't think that six tennis courts, one handball court and all that area needs someone that should take care of all that property while the Park is open and defend the interests of the taxpayers? Mr. Chewning: We'd like to have you come to our budget hearings for Parks and Recreation Department. We could use some additional personnel. Mr. Borja: Well, you're putting more money into this; you're increasing your .acilities and no one to take care of the parks! It doesn't make sense to me. Mr. Chewning: That's exactly the thing that my Department says. Mr. Borja: Well, I wouldn't bother to increase the parks until we can take good care of them! Mr. Chewning: We can take good care of it; if you'll take a look at any City park, they are in very excellent shape as far as greenery, shrubbery, the general facilities. We do have some facilities that are in need of repair and this is why we have a Park and Recreation Bond Program for 39.8 million so that we can put everything back into proper condition. Mr. Rolle: I am sort of in accord with Mr. Borja here with the Recreation Instruction Director. Since we are putting in these tennis courts I think it should be used for some instruction in this area; augmenting that situation, we need to offer some instruction with the Instructor -Director. I like the programming bit just like I do the environmental situation because this is a livelihood if you know what happens to tennis this day in time. We can teach children to sort of ;Hake this a profession, a vocation, and we would not like to waste it just for the leisure time or recreation type thing; this gives instruction and in another ten or fifteen years we might have people off the welfare here. Good tennis players. "SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS FOLL W" • January 1975 Item 4(b) PAP Mt. Chewningt As part of the bond program, we're increasing the number of tennis courts in the City to approkirately 60, and dontraetii are out right n'w for renovations of quite a few tennis courts; the contracts should be awarded in the nett few weeks for these two courts; and also, all the other courts that are being made are new construction and also rebuilding of the old oneat and we are in the process of hiring, or trying to find professional tennis instructors we can put in these areas; that when we had three courts, which is what exists now, you don't really need an instructors you're sort of being a dead horse because you've got personnel there that you don't need. Now that we have five courts, and people asking "'how about putting two ;More on the other side where the picnic area it?" but I'm sure Mr, Daw wouldn't like that. Butwe are in the process of offering, or planning to offer let's say, tennis instruction at the parks that have an extraordinary amount of tennis courts; let's put it that way. Mr. Smith: I don't think all this discussion about whether we need additional personnel at the Park is in order here because we've already approved the addition to the Park so we shouldn't be talking about whether we need the Park or not because we have just voted that we recommend the addition; so what we should be deciding is whether or not we are going to approve the fence; not whether we're going to get additional personnel to work in the Park, that's something for budget to take care of. Mrs. Alexander: Mme. Chairman, I beg to disagree with the previous speaker on the basis that we're here in a recommending capacity to the City Commission and if, in our dubious wisdom, we think the tennis courts should be attended by supervisory personnel, be it in the person of an instructor or some kind of recrea£ion'director, we can attach that to our recommendation for the Park. I think we certainly are in favor of the Park. I would like to know what the break-even point is when you say "an extraordinary amount of tennis courts" to demand an instructor is my question number one; and my question number two: how do you handle it; I know there are other parks where you have instructors and people pay and doesn't that sort of wash out somewhat, couldn't that be handled in that way? To take care of the cost et cetera? Mr. Chewning: Well, to answer the first question, I just happened to use that word for the want of a better one at the moment, but say, four courts or better or more courts - and the second question as to the teaching pro, or what have you, this is being done and right now we are in the process of, as I mentioned before, of expanding this program in the City; but at the moment we don't have the necessary amount of parks - or a set of tennis courts that's under construction - it's kind of hard to put an instructor out there. Mrs. Fernandez: Are you ready for a motion? Mrs. Rockafellar: Any more discussion? Being none, the Chair will entertain a motion on Item (b). Mrs. Fernandez: Mme. Chairman, I move for approval the request of the Planning Department for permission to construct new tennis courts with 12' fencing on above site provided: that a 5' landscaped area shall be provided along the property line in accordance with the landscaping provision for R-CC District when R-CC District is next to an R-I zoned area. "SUPPORTIVE DOCU M E NT: FOLLOW" -17- January 8, 1975 Item 4(b) Pab Mts, Rockafeliar: We haVe a Motion. Mr. terja: 1 would like to amend the *Alen. Mrs, 1oekafellar: We have a *Option, is there a seeond? Mra. Lichtenstein: I second it. Mrs. Rockafellar: We have a motion by Mrs. Fernandez, and a second by Mrs, Lichtenstein. Now you wish to amend the motion Mr. Soria/ Mr. Borja: Yes. In view of the fact that parks are centers of activity and in view of the fact that you should, if you want to make a center of activity good for the community, you must supervise it, and you must manage it in the :roper way. I would like to amend the motion and recommend to the city Commission that approval be given to build all these facilities provided: proper supervision, an Attendant or manager, is supplied by the City Commission, and not until then should the facilities be extended there. Mrs. Rockafellar: We have a motion to the amendment by Mr. Borja, seconded by Mrs. Alexander. Will you call the roll on the amendment first, Mr. Acton? AYES: Mmes. Alexander, Fernandez, Lichtenstein, Rockafellar Messrs. Borja, Rolle, Smith NAYES: None Mr. Acton: Motion passes 7 - 0. (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) "S -18 - January 8, 1975 Item 4(b) FOLLOW" Mra. Rookafelier: We have & Motion. r. Sorjet 1 would like to &Mend the motion. Mrs. Rockafellar: We have a motion, is there a aetond Mrs. Lichtenstein: I second it. Mrs. Rockefeller: We have a motion by Mrs. t ernandet, and a second by Mrs. Lichtenstein. Now you wish to amend the Motion Mr. Sonja? Mr. Borja: Yes. In view of the fact that parks are centers of activity and in view of the fact that you should, if you want to make a center of activity good for the community, you must supervise it, and you must manage it in the roper way. I would like to amend the motion and recommend to the City Commission that approval be given to build all these facilities provided: proper supervision, an Attendant or manager, is supplied by the City Commission, and not until then should the facilities be extended there. Mrs. Rockafellar: We have a motion to the amendment by Mr. Borja, seconded by Mrs. Alexander. Will you call the roll on the amendment first, Mr. Acton? AYES: Mmes. Alexander, Fernandez, Lichtenstein, Rockafellar Messrs. Borja, Rolle, Smith NAYES: None Mr. Acton: Motion passes 7 - 0. (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) "SUPP RTJ\IE J Ls L; : r'- rlq FOLLOW" - ,8- January 8, 1975 Item 4 (b) PAS Mrs. Alexander: Me. Chairman, would you restate the motion is amended please? The amendment has been passed, it►a my under- standing that ife approved this "in principle" and recommended to the City Commission that this be done subject to . • Mrs. Pernandez: Mmiie. Chairman, if I r'ay, 1 will restate the whole motion. I mope to approve the request for permission to construct new tennis courts with 12' fencing provided: 1, there is a 5' landscaped along this i2' fencing 2. that adequate supervision is established for these new tennis courts. Mrs. Lichtenstein: along the one lot, as I you speaking of all the Excuse me Mrs. Fernandez, the fencing runs only understand it, along the tennis courts 4- are way along the masonry wall there as well? Mrs. Fernandez: Next to the property owner. Mrs. Lichtenstein: Yes, you're saying th'a entire strip. Mrs. which has Mrs. motion. Rockefeller: We have a motion; we have an amended motion been seconded and passed. May we have a roll call please? Alexander: Point of order. We are voting on the amended (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) "SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS FOLLOW" -19- 3anuary 8, 1975 Item 400 PAP 111 411 Two t bjeotiona were redeiued in the mail. Mrs. Fernandez offered the following resolution, end moved ite adoption: naotortott NO. PAN,_, 3-.7S RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING PERMISSION AS PER ORDINANCE 6871, ARTICLE III-1, SECTION 4 (1) , TO CONSTRUCT NEW TENNIS COURTS WITH 12 FOOT FENCING ON APPROXIMATELY 3150 OAK AVENUE, LOTS 1 THROUGH F .AND 19 THROUGH 24, BLOCK 1, CHARLES H. PROW SUB (13-53) SUBJECT TO PROVIDING A 5 FOOT LANDSCAPED AREA ALONG 12 FOOT FENCING AND MASONRY WALL; AND SUBJECT TO ESTABLISHING ADEQUATE SUPERVISION FOR rHF NEW TENNIS COURTS, ZONED P-R (PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATION. Upon being seconded by Mrs. Lichtenstein, this resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Mmes. Alexander, Fernandez, Lichtenstein, Rockafellar Messrs. Borja, Rolle, Smith NAYES: None Mr. Acton: Resolution passes 7 - 0. Mrs. Rockafellar: I wish to thank all those who came here tonight to testify. We appreciate it greatly. Thank you. .20m January 8, 1975 Item 4( ) PAS