HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2017-11-16 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, November 16, 2017
2:00 PM
Planning and Zoning
City Hall
City Commission
Francis Suarez, Mayor
Keon Hardemon, Chair
Ken Russell, Vice Chair
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner, District One
Frank Carollo, Commissioner, District Three
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner, District Four
Daniel J. Alfonso, City Manager
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
City Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 2017
2:00 PM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ORDER OF THE DAY
Present. Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Russell, Commissioner Carollo and
Commissioner Reyes
Absent. Commissioner Gort
On the 16" day of November 2017, the City Commission of the City of Miami, Florida,
met at its regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami,
Florida, in regular session. The Commission Meeting was called to order by Chair
Hardemon at 3:17 p.m., recessed at 5:05 p.m., reconvened at 5:34 p.m., recessed at
7.32 p.m., reconvened at 7.41 p.m., and adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
ALSO PRESENT.
Daniel J. Alfonso, City Manager
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Chair, we're ready.
Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Thank you, Chairman. PZ (Planning & Zoning)
items shall proceed according to Section 7.1.4 of the Miami 21 Zoning Code. Before
any PZ item is heard, all those wishing to speak must be sworn in by the City Clerk.
Please note, Commissioners have been briefed by City staff and the City Attorney on
items on the agenda today. The members of the City Commission shall disclose any
ex parte communications to remove the presumption of prejudice, pursuant to
Florida Statute 2860115 and Section 7.1.4.5 of the Miami 21 Zoning Code. Any
person may be heard by the City Commission through the Chair for not more than
two minutes on any proposition before the City Commission, unless modified by the
Chair. If the proposition is being continued or rescheduled, the opportunity to be
heard may be at such later date before the City Commission takes action on such
proposition. The Chairman will advise the public when the public may have the
opportunity to address the City Commission during the public comment period.
When addressing the City Commission, the member of the public may first state his
or her name and his or her address, and what item will be spoken about. A copy of
the agenda item titles will be available at the City Clerk's Office and at the podium
for your ease of reference. Staff will briefly present each item to be heard for
applications requiring the City Commission approval. The applicant will present its
application or request to the City Commission. If the applicant agrees with the staff
recommendation, the City Commission may proceed to its deliberation and decision.
The applicant may also waive the right to an evidentiary hearing on the record. The
order of presentation shall be as set forth in Miami 21 and the City Code, providing
that the applicant shall present first. For appeals, the appellant will present its
appeal to the City Commission, followed by the appellee. Staff will be allowed to
make any recommendations they may have. All persons testifying must be sworn in.
The City of Miami requires that anyone requesting action by the City Commission
must disclose before the hearing anything provided to anyone for agreement to
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support or withhold objection to the requested action, pursuant to City Code Section
2-8. Any documents offered to the City Commissioners that have not been provided
seven days before the meeting as part of the agenda materials will be entered into
the record at the City Commission's discretion. Thank you.
Ms. Ewan: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. If you will be speaking on any of
today's Planning & Zoning items, may I please have you stand and raise your right
hand?
The City Clerk administered oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those
persons giving testimony on zoning items.
Ms. Ewan: Thank you, Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Later...
Chair Hardemon: I'm going to recess from this meeting and move back to our
regular agenda meeting.
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): Sir, did you want to entertain
continuances for three PZ (Planning & Zoning) items?
Chair Hardemon: Oh. Before we go back to the regular agenda meeting -- I'm
sorry -- I want to entertain some motions for continuance on the PZ agenda.
Commissioner Carollo: And Mr. Chairman, could then we take like a five-minute
recess? Five minutes?
Chair Hardemon: All right.
Mr. Garcia: For your consideration, Commissioners, there have been three
continuances requested, and they are for items PZ.4 and PZ.5 --
Chair Hardemon: One second. Please, everyone, if you're having a conversation
and you're in the dais, we're still in our meeting. Can you step outside? Sergeant -
at -arms, help us out. Mr. Garcia.
Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir. Thank you. Very briefly, there have been requested
continuances for items PZ.4 and PZ.S, which are companion items for a land use and
rezoning at 29 Northwest 42nd Street and adjoining areas. And the request there is
for the February Planning & Zoning meeting. I know there are representatives of
the site and other parties here to speak to that, should you wish to hear from them.
And it is also the case that this morning, there was a deferral requested for item
PZ.27; that would be the zoning text amendment for the underlying corridor
enhancements, and that would be for the month of December. The day is December
14.
Vice Chair Russell: 4, S, and 27?
Chair Hardemon: So 4, S, and 27, correct?
Mr. Garcia: That is correct, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
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Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair? Mr. Planning Director, would you also like
to address PZ. 6? It's my understanding that SR.1 was continued?
Mr. Garcia: You are correct. There was a wish expressed this morning that that be
continued, as well, alongside its companion regular agenda item. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: That's to the December meeting. Any further items that need to
be withdrawn -- I mean withdrawn, continued, deferred? Seeing none, is there a
motion to approve the list?
Commissioner Carollo: The listfor deferrals, right?
Chair Hardemon: Deferrals, correct.
Commissioner Carollo: Motion --yes. I make a motion for the deferrals.
Mr. Hannon: I'll read them again real quick. PZ.4 and S are be -- to be deferred to
the February 22, 2018 Planning & Zoning City Commission meeting; PZ.26 and
PZ. 7 -- 27 will be continued to the December 14 Planning & Zoning meeting.
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. And I make the motion, and I think Commissioner
Reyes seconded it.
Chair Hardemon: It has been properly moved and seconded. All in favor of the
motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. Five-minute break; come back on
the regular agenda. And I just want everyone to know if you are here -- PZ.21 and
22, what --
Vice Chair Russell: Actually, there was another one.
Chair Hardemon: Let's see. PZ.21 and 22, prepare yourselves; shortly after we
come back, I want to try to call those out of term. The -- one of the participants in
the -- in these cases has an emergency, so I want to ensure that we try to handle that
as soon as possible, okay?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: All right. Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: Chair --
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: -- but we're recessing --
Chair Hardemon: We're recessing.
Mr. Hannon: -- to go back to the regular meeting?
Chair Hardemon: We're going back into the regular.
Mr. Hannon: Okay. Yes, sir.
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PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR PLANNING AND WINING ITEM(S)
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Salvador Perez Palma: Good day. My name is Salvador Perez Palma, 400
Southwest 10th Avenue. I'm hereto speak in opposition of PZ.19. Changing from
medium -density commercial restricted to merely commercial restricted would
increase the demolition of historic Little Havana. These lots are being up -zoned as a
preemptive move to demolish these structures and replace them with structures that
are far larger and out of scale with the neighborhood. Little Havana has been
declared by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the most
endangered neighborhoods in the United States. Let us not contribute to the killing
of the history and culture of this neighborhood. In addition, changing the future use
would increase in density and infill of buildings that do not fit with the
neighborhood. We need to preserve the history and culture and neighborhood of the
area, and oppose PZ.19. Thank you very much for your time.
Debbie Stander: Good evening, Mr. Chairman and honorable Commissioners. My
name is Debbie Stander. I live at 830 Northeast 74th Street, and I'm here today on
behalf of the MiMo (Miami Modern) Biscayne Association to speak in support of
PZ. 7, the art in public places proposed legislation. We're in favor of the legislation,
and we'd like to ask the City Commission to recognize the importance of the
preservation of Miami's historic resources. One need look no further than South
Beach or Coral Gables to recognize the tremendous benefits to communities
involved, bringing new life to businesses in each area, and eventually resulting in
visitors from around the world who enjoy basking in the unique historic character of
these renovated neighborhoods. Demolition by neglect is a prevalent problem within
historic districts. Properties which speak to the character and history of our City
are torn down, because owners lack the funds to maintain them. It's my
understanding that the proposed legislation would help to address these cases, as
well as to serve the preservation community in many other ways. I ask the
Commission to please give as much importance and thoughts to the needs of the
preservation community as it does to new developments. Both are essential
components in ensuring Miami's future as a unique and beautiful city. Thank you.
Arthur Ackerman: Hello. My name's Arthur Ackerman. George Burns once said,
"If you're going to have a speech and you have something to say, have a short
beginning, a short ending, and keep both of them pretty close together," so that's
what I plan on doing. Okay, I won't be long. About 18 years ago, my mom passed
away, and amongst the things that she left was a bunch of costume jewelry, and I put
this in a shoebox and saved it. About three, four years later, her good friend passed
away, and she left a bunch of costume jewelry. So I had two boxes of costume
jewelry, wasn't sure what to do with it. A few friends said, "Why don't you donate
it?" So I started looking around, where to donate it, and the name, Miami Jewish
Health Systems popped up. I went there and I said, "I'd like to donate the costume
jewelry. " And they were happy to accept it; they gave me a receipt. And while I was
there, something magical happened. I just saw the residents, I saw the doctors, I saw
the nurses. Something there, the energy just hit me. And I had just recently retired,
and I said, "How do I go about volunteering here? I'd like to be a volunteer." And
shortly after that, I was signed up, and I've been a volunteer therefor years. I ended
up being the volunteer of the year once, as well. And what I do there as a volunteer,
I go and listen to the residents. I visit them, and in some cases, I'll hold their hand
and I'll walk with them. And amongst the places Igo is the dementia floor. And on
the dementia floor, I noticed it's a long hall. They go back and forth and back and
forth, and these people, that's their life. When I heard about this project called
"Pathocare [sic]," where they're building a village where the people with dementia
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can go there and have the freedom and have -- and feel like a whole person. Not
only is it a win-win for them, I think it'll encourage more volunteers. It'll also
encourage the filming business to come. Okay, I'm sorry. I guess it wasn't as short
as I thought it would be. Okay. Thank you for listening.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Anthony Alfieri: Professor Anthony V. Alfieri, director of the Center for Ethics and
Public Service at University of Miami School of Law, appearing here today on
behalf of the Coconut Grove Ministerial Alliance of Black Churches to seek a 30- to
60 -day deferment of the Day Avenue zoning -- up -zoning matters for the purposes of
maximizing community and citizen -wide participation of West Grove residents and
nonprofits, and civic associations to give notice and a full opportunity to be heard on
the final recently submitted proposal of the developer of the Day Avenue Eight
properties. As you know, in the past in this matter, the Center for Ethics and Public
Service has opposed up -zoning on the ground of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the
Fair Housing Act. In this case, we are making a very narrow, modest request for a
30-60 today -- a 30- to 60 -day deferment to allow the community a final opportunity
to review this matter in its final form, and we have extended an opportunity to
collaborate with the developer's counsel, and we welcome his participation. We also
welcome the City's participation. And at the end of that period, we will provide a
full report and recommendation of the community's views and all of its diversity,
including, if appropriate, dissenting views. And then, the Commission can be fully
satisfied and the developer can be fully satisfied, and the community can be fully
satisfied that they had full notice of the final proposal in its current final form, and
an opportunity to be heard and participate in this important process.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Is -- has the developer's attorney considered this
request for a continuance for 60 days?
Ethan Wasserman: Hi. Ethan Wasserman of Greenberg Traurig, 333 Southeast 2nd
Avenue, on behalf of the applicant. We have -- the professor and I have spoken
outside. I understand that the professor was recently informed that certain groups
that may have been monitoring this item were really not monitoring the item, but
there has been significant outreach to the community. We're fully ready to move
forward today. I understand the position he's in and what he's asking, but I believe
that there has been significant outreach to the community. The community is wide.
There are lots of different voices in the community. I understand that, we understand
that, but we are fully ready to proceed today.
Mr. Alfieri: Commissioner, we are not quarreling, for the record, with Mr.
Wasserman's good faith or the good faith of the developer in this case. We only
learned yesterday at the Center for Ethics and Public Service that no tenant at Day
Avenue Eight -- Contrary to our previous understanding, we learned yesterday that
no tenant of the Day Avenue Eight units and no stakeholder, whether church or civic
association, was represented by counsel. We had understood that both the
Community Justice Project and Legal Services of Greater Miami were, in fact,
representing stake -- both stakeholder and tenant interests, we learned yesterday.
This is --please note for the record, this has been our only request for a deferment.
We have not requested a deferment previously. We will not -- and go on the record,
and I made this representation to Mr. Wasserman -- we will not seek any further
deferments in this matter. We would like to bring it to a close, as well, so that the
community can move on. But given the fact that no stakeholder or tenant has legal
counsel in this matter; only the developer has very able legal counsel of Mr.
Wasserman; and given the fact that the final proposal that is before the Commission
has not been disseminated to the community in a way that would provide a full and
fair opportunity to -- on this final proposal, we will take responsibility at the Center
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for Ethics and Public Service and the Ministerial Alliance for facilitating this
process to make sure it comes to a close within the 30- to 60 -day period, and we only
ask for 60 days as an outside period because of the intervening holidays. And we
will -- and we commit to getting this process to a conclusion. But we believe that,
because of the absence of legal counsel in the community, and because of the fact
that the community has not had an opportunity to vet the final proposal of the
developer that it is the right thing to do in these circumstances, to seek a brief
deferment.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. You want to say something, or you want --? Well, what we
can do is we'll allow more public comment to come in, because people are waiting,
and we'll digest this information and --
Mr. Wasserman: And again, just for the record, there has been several continuances
of this item over the past several months. There's been significant outreach to the
community. I don't --
Chair Hardemon: Understood.
Mr. Wasserman: -- want to be mischaracterized that --
Chair Hardemon: We'll come back to the issue.
Mr. Wasserman: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: We'll come back to the issue.
Mr. Wasserman: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Alfieri: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Give you sometime to think about it.
Ileana Sroczynsky: Good afternoon. My name is Ileana Sroczynsky. I've been a
property owner at 3751 Southwest 29th Street since 1970. I'm hereon PZ.17 and 18,
the rezoning of 37th Avenue and 28th Street. I'm sure there's a construction project
coming up to follow this request. My purpose here today is to let you know that
when a construction permit is awarded, the construction crew descends on the
residential neighborhood, and it creates a great deal of hardship for the residents of
that area. If you have a home healthcare worker coming to your house, or if you
have to take your kid to school, when you come back, there is no place to park.
These people park everywhere. You cannot mow your grass, because they're there
every day. They empty their trash in, you know, in front of your property, and it's a
really -- a nightmare situation. In addition, I can tell you I wake up between 5 and
5:30 every morning, and it's because this crew, when they park there, they not just
park there and leave, they stay there. They converse, they have their radio on, they
click on their cars on and off. You know, I understand they have to have a place to
park, but I would re -- please ask you to consider when you're awarding these
permits for construction that the contractor either provides a place for these people
to park, or tell them where to park, because I see this everywhere. I see it at 37th
Avenue and 16th Street; everywhere, where there's a construction project, these
people just descend in the neighborhood. Thank you.
Jenny Ledig: Afternoon. My name is Jenny Ledig. I'm a third year law student at
the University of Miami, and a fellow with the Environmental Justice Clinic. I'm
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here on behalf of the Coconut Grove Ministerial Alliance of Black Churches. We'd
like to raise some concerns about due process provided for PZ.1 and 2. The
Supreme Court of Florida has established that quasi-judicial decisions demand due
process, competent substantial evidence to support the administrative findings and
judgment; and that, three, the essential requirements of the law have been observed.
The residents of the West Grove cannot say that they've received fair and timely
notice regarding the changes to PZJ and 2. The restrictive covenant in the agenda
packet is substantially different from what the applicant intends to propose to the
Commission today in terms of doubling the density. Florida APA (Association of
Prosecuting Attorneys) Statute 125.25(2) states that, "An agenda shall be prepared
by the agency at least seven days before the event; and the agenda, along with any
meeting materials, shall be made available and published on the agency's website."
Further, a binding of -- Florida Attorney General Opinion states that, "The purpose
of the notice requirement of the Sunshine Law is to apprise the public of the
pendency of matters that might affect their rights; afford them the opportunity to
appear and present their views; and afford them a reasonable time to make an
appearance, if they wish. In the spirit of the Sunshine Law, the City Commission
should be sensitive to the community's concerns that it be allowed advance notice;
therefore, meaningful participation on controversial issues coming before the
Commission." The community has not had meaningful participation, based on the
double density proposal that is not included in the agenda packet, and which the
applicant will submit today. Thank you.
Weddary Joseph: Good evening, everyone. My name is Weddary Joseph. I'm here -
- PZ.10 through 13, Miami Jewish Health Systems. There always seems to be a
battle when it comes to perception and what's reality. Is there such thing as a middle
ground there? Went to -- A couple weeks ago, I was watching a movie, and the
main character on the movie became so upset at his father, he said, "The first chance
that I get, I'm throwing you in a nursing home." My name is Weddary Joseph. I
work at Miami Jewish Health Systems; been working therefor the last five years. I
work in the engineering department. And we have a main goal over at Miami
Jewish, and it's called "enriching lives." We do it every single minute of every single
day. That's not a perception; that's a fact. But we're here more to speak about basic
future plans, what we're going to do in the future when it comes to our village and
things of that nature; touching lives that maybe we were not able to touch before;
things that we didn't think were possible that now may have become reality. I want
you guys to just think about what we're saying here, and make things that, like I said,
may not have been reality, help us make it become reality, because there are some
lives that are out there that are waiting to be touched, that are waiting to be kept,
waiting to be enhances, waiting to be enriched. I want you guys to see what we do. I
want you guys to touch what we do. I want you guys to be involved, make the adult
daycare -- or when it comes to adult care -- Miami the center of that entire thing.
What I do want, I want -- not only do I want you guys to do that, but I also want that
director that made that movie make a sequel to the movie. Let the movie be called
"Empathocare." Send his father into the show. Let's make a documentary and let
him see what happens then when he enters into our building. And I guarantee you,
the first -- last thing that he would say is, "The first chance that I get, I'm signing up
to become a resident in our Empathocare Village. " Thank you, guys.
(Applause)
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, ma'am.
Ana Gonzalez: Good afternoon. My name is Ana Gonzalez. I'm here representing
my family for the property at 740 Southwest 7th Street. PZs.19 and 20 is what's
being presented here tonight. I'm neither for or against it, to be honest with you. I
just didn't like the approach that was given to me by the person trying to buy
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properties, and made it seem to us like if we didn't go in with them, sell to them, that
our property value was going to go down, and the building going up is going to
become an eyesore to us. I don't see that as being right and fair and correct, and I
think there should be something -- a middle ground. You know, if we don't -- we
shouldn't have to sell, and if we don't sell, what can they do to make our property
value stay the same or better; not bring it down? That's it. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Joyita Garg: Good evening. My name is Joyita Garg. I'm a vice president at Miami
Jewish Health. I manage the PACE Program at the facility. "PACE" stands from --
for "Program of All -Inclusive Care for the Elderly. " The goal of this program is to
keep nursing home -eligible seniors in the community, at their home, safely, as long
as possible, through an interdisciplinary team. Currently, nationally, there are 122
organizations that are PACE Programs, and they serve over 42,000 eligible seniors
across the nation. Miami Jewish started the first PACE Program in the State of
Florida. We currently serve over 700 members in the community. We have three
locations in Miami -Dade County and one location in Broward County. January
2018, we will celebrate our 15 years of the PACE Program in this community, and
with the support services that PACE offers at Miami Jewish Services, like medical
services, transportation services, nutritional services, physical therapy services,
homecare services, we're able to keep -- improve the quality of life of these seniors
who want to live at home as long as possible. And all the services that are provided
at our campus support this PACE Program, and we hope to grow and continue to
maintain the services in the community. Thank you.
Williams Armbrister: Praise the Lord Jesus. My name is Williams Alfred
Armbrister, Sr., and I'm here to address the PZ.1 and 2; and I was asked, also, to
cover the PZ.19 and 20, with our concern in Coconut Grove, and it has to do with
up -zoning. Up -zoning is costing the price of real estate to escalate to the degree that
people in the community can't -- won't be able to afford to build homes and to stay in
the community. And in PZ. 19 and 20, in that case, there were thousands of residents
that had to be relocated from the Marlins area into Little Havana and in Homestead
and Florida City for the purpose of building that Marlins Stadium. When you -- I
was hoping to work closely with you guys, and I am going to continue to work
closely with you to assist you in understanding the need for not allowing up -zoning
and lot -splitting to take place in this City. And my concern is from County Line
Road to County Line Road, because we keep increasing density without the
transportation issue being addressed. And until we get the Metrorail going from
County Line Road Monroe to County Line Road Broward, we cannot afford to
increase density in these municipalities, because of what they're doing in South
Dade. They're not providing any jobs in South -- in -- near the Monroe County; and
so, everybody has to travel to -- towards Broward County for employment, and it's
bringing a hardship as far as transportation to all the municipalities from County
Line to County Line Road. I know that what we need, if -- for Coconut Grove
purposes -- I'm sorry -- Coconut Grove, what we need, the City of Miami to invest
whatever it takes to retool those apartment buildings on Grand Avenue, and couple
that with a covenant that would -- working with the owner of those buildings so that
they will not go -- they won't increase their rent for at least 50 years, such as what
happened over on the Gibson Plaza. They got a 75 year covenant with those
buildings there, where they won't increase their cost of renting for 75 years. We
need to couple a covenant along with investment from this City on those buildings on
Grand Avenue and anyplace else in the City of Miami that's going to keep
gentrification from -- the manifestation of gentrification, which is the reintroduction
of segregation. We don't want that. You guys are too young, and you haven't been
here long enough to know the impact that segregation has had on the entire United
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States. I'm willing and I'm available to fill you in on that, because no one in this
building has been involved in politics, City of Miami, as long as I have.
Chair Hardemon: Some people say segregation was the best thing that ever
happened to black people.
Mr. Armbrister: Well, some people said slavery was, too. Would you be my slave?
No.
Chair Hardemon: Yes, sir.
Mr. Armbrister: Segregation -- we went from slavery -- let me fill you in -- from
slavery to free slaves to segregation to integration, and now we're going back to
segregation, because of gentrification.
Chair Hardemon: Yes, sir.
Mr. Armbrister: We don't want to go backwards. And so --
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Mr. Armbrister: --what I'm asking on behalf of Day Avenue is that you do not --Mr.
Russell, we've been speaking to you. We want you to advocate for us in letting the
developer know that we do not desire any up -zoning in our community and --just
like they've up -zoned all over Coconut Grove. As a matter of fact, we like some of
the zoning to be reverted back from TR -- T3-0 to T3 -R, where it was originally.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Armbrister: We've never request [sic] increase in density in our community, and
anyone who has homestead exemption in our community qualifies to be apart of the
discussion.
Chair Hardemon: Thankyou, sir.
Mr. Armbrister: And so -- but we don't want that in our community.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Mr. Armbrister: And I'm speaking on behalf of the people that you never hear from.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
Mr. Armbrister: Amen. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. You're recognized, ma'am.
Cassandra Joseph: Good afternoon. My name is Cassandra Joseph, and I, too, am
a proud employee of Miami Jewish. Working at Miami Jewish is very surreal, as
well as rewarding for me; surreal, because I was born and raised in the
neighborhood commonly known as Little Haiti. I lived there with my family.
Chair Hardemon: It is -- "Little Haiti" is official.
Ms. Joseph: It is. A Couple years ago --
Chair Hardemon: So it's not "commonly" anymore.
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Ms. Joseph: Yeah, yeah.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Ms. Joseph: Well, when I was living there, it was unofficial. Now it's official. And I
was born and raised there, so going to work every day is just going home; it's like
going home to me. So it's rewarding, because I get to give back to the community in
which I call home. So it's a privilege for me to support the employees who provide
care to the employees who all -- to the residents and patients who also call Miami
Jewish home. So I ask you to go ahead and approve --give your approval for our
project. Thankyou very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, ma'am. Sir.
Jihad Rashid: Good evening, gentlemen. My name is J.S. Rashid. I am president of
the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowner and Tenants Association. I'm here to
comment on PZ.1 and 2. I'm asking as expeditiously as possible that we resolve the
matter. We have a critical, acute housing shortage. We cannot solve all the
problems on one project. I want to assure that there is some empowerment for our
community with respect to the covenant, and that some consideration be given that --
two prominent organizations in our community, the Ministerial Alliance, as well as
the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association be listed on
the covenant. The concern is that in the future, when this Commission has sunsetted,
this particular group here, 20 years from now, those things might get lost in the mix,
and we need empowerment for the community. And so, whatever ways that is
tenable and legal -- I understand there is precedent for that -- that they be also listed
on it. The other matter as ofpracticality is to try to create aspirationally the number
of ELI (extremely low income) units, with the proviso that organizations like the
Community Development Organization and the City of Miami Community
Development would come up with the subsidies to help support that additional ELI.
We have to address the critical needs without overburden [sic] one particular
project. So we want to effect a win-win, so that means that we need to work towards
the public-private partnership concept and make sure that we get a additional
amount of ELI. And we've had that problem -- even though we got 56 units at
Gibson, it's woefully low, and we have people on fixed income, but the clock is
against them. We can do this, so let's have some language in resolving this issue.
And I have no artificial timelines. I think it's in our best interest that we do it as
expeditiously as possible, and if we can expedite it, fine. And please give your due
consideration to that. Thankyou so much.
Chair Hardemon: Thankyou, sir.
David Polinsky: Thank you so much. My name's Dr. David Polinsky, 1040
Biscayne. I'm a member of the Wynwood BID (Business Improvement District)
board of directors, and I'm here to speak on behalf of the BID, in favor of a
amendment to the draft of PZ. 7 that you've seen, so the -- This amended language
was negotiated in the past 24 hours with Planning staff, and with the assistance of
the director of Planning that would allow for the continuation of the evolution of arts
in Wynwood and the use of the Wynwood Design Review Committee in lieu of the Art
in Public Places Board as we develop our own guidelines over the next year, and
would allow us to do so in a way that's not disruptive to the already successful art
programs in Wynwood. So I hope you have seen the language and will be able to
support it tonight. Thankyou.
Chair Hardemon: Thankyou, sir.
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Lisa Estime: Good evening. My name is Lisa Estime. I represent all my neighbors.
We came here for the past three -- four meetings. The first time, it was the
hurricane; the second time, there was no quorum; and the third one -- This is my
fourth time. And other neighbors, they came with me that time, because we are there
and the part of Little Haiti oppose the closing of the street that we have from Miami
Jewish to Miami Place, between Miami Jew -- 52nd and 53rd, Miami Place, because
that oppose for us to move on the car, because the street is very -- I mean, the streets
are a little bit narrow to move. We always turning on -- I was there 20 years ago
when they closed the 51st Street, without us knowing. And I don't understand. When
they want to close the street, they know to the City. It's only the City help us know
about those issues or nothing -- nobody send us any letter to know that we are going
to close the street. Since that time, my property went down. I been having a lot of
trouble for rental and everything. And then, when they close, the City, no one
advised us about the closing of the street and/or sit down with us, let us know your
project, what our part in the project and what is it. My brother used to be at Miami
Jewish Home. I know what they are doing. They started in front of me. I was right
there in the neighborhood. But when you are taking the decisions, nobody in the
neighborhood exactly know about what's going on except people who are not living
in the neighborhood, or who don't own a house in the neighborhood. Please
consider we don't want to close Miami Place and Miami -- 1st Avenue we don't
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) between the -- 51st and 52nd Street that they want to close, and
say that it was abandoned. No. That where I turn my car every day passing by, and
I know my -- all my neighbors, they upset about it; they don't like it. And the reason
that they not here today, because they not sure that the meeting is going to take place
again today; that's -- we miss about three meeting. We would come here all the way,
spend time to be here, come from far away. Please consider we don't want and we
oppose the closing of Miami Place, of I st Avenue, from 51 to 52nd. And whatever
you have to close the street, we do have -- oppose that. We understand what they are
doing. It's a big business, but they have to under -- consider us, also, who are living
in the neighborhood; not only we live in the neighborhood, we have -- own
properties in the neighborhood. They have to consider us, also, or come and sit
down with us. Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, ma'am. Sir.
Juan Mullerat: Good evening, Commissioners. Juan Mullerat, 2916 Southwest 27th
Avenue. Congratulations, Commissioner Reyes, on your appointment. I'm coming
here to speak on a few different items, but I'll stay short and I'll stay generic. The
first -- I would like to talk on all the items that are with regards to Little Havana. I'd
like to inform you that our ojfice is conducting a study. I'm not for or against any of
the projects that are coming before you, but I'd like for you to consider that any
introduction of new development in Little Havana needs to be contextual with what
we have there. There have been no comprehensive studies in Little Havana for the
last 10 years, in truth; whereas, for instance, in Coconut Grove, we've had over 15 in
the last 10 years. So our office is conducting a study in association with the National
Trust of Historic Preservation, and we are in conversations with the City of Miami
Planning Department to make sure that our study is consistent with their plans;
having also approached over 3, 000 people in the community in the last two years.
The next two items that I'd like to speak briefly are in support of item 23, which is
with regards to the pocket park in Shenandoah. We are sorely starved of open
space, and this is a -- sorely needed. In fact, I'd like to see that Commissioners like
you take -- as part of your goal is to add more open space to the communities. This
is the least pricey, I guess, for the taxpayers, and the most impactful, by providing
small open space throughout the community. And thirdly, with regard specifically to
item 19, which is with regards to the parking garage, the rezoning that you have
today in front of you, on 7th Street, we have -- I have been part of an advisory
committee to the Florida DOT (Department of Transportation) for the last -- over a
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year. We are over 15 advisors. We are still working with DOT to make sure that the
right-of-ways [sic] of both Southwest 7th and Southwest 8th are done -- again,
consistently and con -- with the character and the context of Little Havana. It's very
important to make sure that 8th Street remains the heart of Miami, and that it be -- it
continues to be, and to drive the character of the area. So any change in that, please
consider context. Please consider that there's more than just this single item
happening at the same time. Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Steven Hollis: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Steven Hollis, and I'm
with Grove United Environmental Health Coalition and the Center for Ethics and
Public Service, and I'd like to echo what Professor Alfieri and Ms. Ledig spoke about
regarding PZ.1 and 2. Within the Center for Ethics and Public Service, we do three
things: We focus on rights education, interdisciplinary research, and public policy
resources to the low-income community of the West Grove. In the West Grove, there
is a lack -- yes -- of affordable housing; however, these residents deserve the
opportunity to be heard. Many of them who attend -- over 25 to 30 residents attend
the Grove United Environmental Health Coalition meetings, and these are open
forum, educational conversations where we have invited the City. We have invited
so many members of the community so they can actively learn about many of -- the
jargon that they hear in this very City Commission meeting today. And with regards
to the Day Avenue issue, there are substantial changes to the covenant that the
residents and us -- the rights education portion of what we do is not -- due process is
not relegated just to the Center for Ethics. The community must receive fair and
timely notice, rather than just 24 hours to digest all of the double density language
changes that the develop -- that the applicant is proffering; and so, we ask that. And
I echo what Professor Alfieri and Ms. Ledig have said; that with regards to PZ.1 and
2, these residents need time to understand all the parameters of the issue; and also,
for 60 days with -- taking into account the holidays --for the community to really get
outreach, because we feel and the Grove United Environmental Health Coalition
feels that they have not been actively reached out to with regards to these specific
changes. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Sir, you're recognized. You're recognized
to speak.
Octavio Robles: Yes. Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Octavio Robles,
3109 Grand Avenue, here in the Grove. I'm an architect and a lawyer. I -- in-house
counsel and legal contributor to Art Districts Florida Magazine and Art Pulse,
which is a leading art magazine that is distributed in many parts of the free world.
I'm here in support of the PZ.7 item on the agenda, art in public places. I'm here in
my individual capacity -- not for the magazines -- as a friend of the City, and to
express the immense opportunity that you guys have before you to pass legislation
that would make -- give this City a leap in being a world-class art destination. I
encourage you to pass this. This will be a phenomenal opportunity for the City of
Miami. That's all I have to say.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Robles: Thank you. Have a good day.
Chair Hardemon: Ma'am.
Dolly McIntyre: Good evening. Dolly McIntyre, advocacy chair for Dade Heritage
Trust, 190 Southeast 12th Terrace. I would like to encourage you to support the art
in public places for all developments, new developments. I don't think the private
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field is suffering any hardship. When you see, you know, people donating $30
million a year and putting up multiple thousand glass monkeys there, I think they can
afford to support art in public places, which includes a little bit for historic
preservation. The second thing that I want to mention is Little Havana. Dade
Heritage Trust has been working with Plusurbia, the National Trust, Baptist Health
and other stakeholders for quite a while, developing a master plan. So please don't
make any movement in there until that master plan is revealed and thoroughly
studied, so we make the right choices this time.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: Who's paying for that master plan?
Ms. McIntyre: It's coming from the National Trust.
Commissioner Carollo: So they're funding everything?
Ms. McIntyre: I think they are. Juan, you can help me with that.
Chair Hardemon: Please.
Mr. Mullerat: Juan Mullerat, Plusurbia Design. That master plan is being paid by
the South Florida Health Foundation -- the Health Foundation for South Florida.
Commissioner Carollo: So the Health Foundation is paying for a master plan on --
which includes what? The master plan includes?
Mr. Mullerat: It includes -- you mean the area?
Commissioner Carollo: No, not the area. It includes what in that master plan?
What are you including in the master plan?
Mr. Mullerat: It includes community identity, historic preservation, mobility; it
includes everything from health in architecture to right-of-ways [sic] and how to
improve them. It also includes zoning recommendations, as well as open space, and
how to get that open space. Again, I was touching upon the pocket parks. So this is
a nonprofit -driven project.
Commissioner Carollo: Nonprofit driven?
Mr. Mullerat: I'm sorry?
Commissioner Carollo: You're saying, "nonprofit driven"?
Mr. Mullerat: Nonprofit driven; paid by nonprofits.
Ms. McIntyre: There's a really multi -disciplinary gathering; everything, as Juan
said, from health to historic buildings, so it's really exciting, so don't jump the gun
on us. Give us a chance to get that to you so you can make good decisions. Thank
you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Mr. Mullerat: Thank you.
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Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: I'd like to ask a question. Who asked for that and who was
the one that initiated it? I mean, it was asked by any governmental agency, or it was
just out of -- spontaneous from the --?
Mr. Mullerat: So the Health Foundation for South Florida has been working in
Little Havana for over 10 years indifferent programs for children. I mean, you're
all probably familiar with the good work that they have been doing. We have been
activists together with Dade Heritage Trust and the villagers, as well, in Little
Havana, and the two -- the three -- the four groups got together at one point. We
saw that there was an up -zoning happening a few years ago, and we thought this is a
good moment to look at Little Havana comprehensively, and not just about zoning,
and trying to see how both the public and the private realm can work together and
create a place that is not just little by little being up -zoned and turned into Brickell.
We felt that the reality of Little Havana was very different than Brickell, and we felt
that the National Trust coming in and designating it a national treasure was sign
enough that there was more interest there than just in Miami.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioners, do you mind? I'm going to move --
Commissioner Carollo: I don't mind.
Chair Hardemon: -- I'm going to keep moving.
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. I understand.
Chair Hardemon: I'm going to keep moving. Sir, you have --
Commissioner Carollo: Understood.
Chair Hardemon: -- something that you want to make a public comment? Thank
you very much, sir.
Mr. Mullerat: Thank you.
Ms. McIntyre: Before I sit down, can I just make one request?
Chair Hardemon: You can.
Ms. McIntyre: I'm getting old, I know, and my hearing is probably not as good as it
used to be. But I'm having a terrible time hearing some of you, and it's
disappointing, because I want to hear what you say. So please be conscious of
speaking into your microphone. I'm short, so I can get right up to it. Some of you
have trouble, but it would help --
Chair Hardemon: It's a big table that's in the way.
Ms. McIntyre: -- me at least if you could talk more into the microphone, and
encourage the people from the public to do the same. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: We've never had trouble hearing you, Dolly.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
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Steve Wernick Thank you, Mr. Chair. Steve Wernick; address, 98 Southeast 7th
Street; here on SR.2 and PZ. 7. One thing I noticed in the agenda, which is incorrect
and I just want to clarify, because I think it's material to the order in which things
have happened. It references the Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board as
recommending approval in March. In fact, in April, they did recommend approval,
but with an important condition, which is that the effective date of what is essentially
the art fee or the private -- art in public places applied to private development or
required for private development, that it be effective upon the creation of a public art
master plan so that we know with more certainty where the fees might be going, how
it might be helpful for communities. And I think that makes sense in the right order
of things, because you seem -- you know, usually, you plan before you kind of figure
out how you're going to implement policies and so forth, and it's effective
immediately. The way the ordinance is set up, it will be effective upon you passing it
today on second reading, and I know we have a Commissioner who wasn't here
before, and there have -- I don't know if there's going to be a full presentation, but
it's a pretty complicated set of ordinances, and I think it's something that needs a
little bit more work. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thankyou, sir. You're recognized, sir.
Mr. Wasserman: Hi. Ethan Wasserman again, for the record, just to close the loop
on the request for deferral now that I've heard some -- a little more comments on the
basis of the deferral. It's about the double density and the lack of, I guess, notice to
certain individuals. Commissioner, on the record, at the last hearing, you were
explicit on deferring it for this reason so that we can talk about the double density.
So -- had a public hearing; it's been advertised, it's on the internet. Everyone has
had an opportunity to know that that's what we would be adding to the discussion
tonight.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Wasserman: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: All right.
Mr. Alfieri: To close Mr. Wasserman's loop, everyone but the community has had an
opportunity to vet that particular point; and so, we would renew our request for the
deferment.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Public comment?
Francisco Herretes: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Herretes: Good evening, Chairman, Commissioners. I'm Francisco Herretes,
6234 Northeast 2nd Avenue. I'm here today as chairman of the newly created Art in
Public Places Board to support SR.2 and PZ. 7, the amendments on the -- for the Art
in Public Places Ordinance. Firstly, we would like to thank Efren Nunez, Francisco
Garcia, and the entire Planning & Zoning Department for their initiative and hard
work over the past two years to propose thoughtful and long overdue art in public
places legislation. As the ordinance reads, "The aesthetic diversity provided by art
within the City's built environment is vital to the quality of life of its residents and to
the economic success of its businesses, as it attracts visitors and potential residents,
fuels the local economy by creating job opportunities, and assists the City in
fulfilling its mission to make the City a premier world-class place in which to live,
work, and raise a family. " We would add from research that public art and property
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values are directly correlated, where relative increases in mean residential property
prices are significantly associated with higher proportions of art in a neighborhood.
Public art can then directly immeasurably improve property prices, even in the very
short term. Dollar for dollar, investments in public art may provide the highest
financial returns of any funds committed to a project. However, the real value of art
is so much more than the return on investment or revenue generated. From the
impact on our health to the way it makes us think or feel, the true value of art is, of
course, immeasurable. In January, the City Commission voted to bifurcate the
original AIPP (Art in Public Places) Ordinance, providing the creation of the Public
Art Program, the board fund the requirement for public development, which is phase
one, and suggested improvements to the requirement for private development to be
heard as a separate amendment, which is the reason we are here today. As some
Commissioners were concerned, phase two is essential for the funding of the AIPP
Program. Staff has estimated that phase one may contribute close to $400,000
annually to invest in new artwork, installation, maintenance, program
administration, historical preservation, education, and nonprofits. Phase two, on the
other hand, could contribute over $14 million per year, and ensure adequate
resources for the City. Without the requirement on private development, the reality
is that the AIPP Program would struggle to operate efficiently, and public art in
Miami would suffer as a result. This process has been longer than anticipated, but
that time has allowed staff to incorporate good suggestions from the Commissioners,
artistic community, Builders Association of South Florida, University of Miami,
Wynwood BID and others, which have resulted in a better ordinance. These changes
include a $3 million minimum threshold; a tiered approach; the art requirement is
now limited to hard costs only; longer vesting period; faster review and approval;
automatic exemptions for affordable and workforce housing; funds for historic
preservation, among many others.
Chair Hardemon: Can you come to a conclusion, sir, please?
Mr. Herretes: Yeah. Allow me to read this final paragraph, okay? Finally, the
board would like to address the preferential carve -out for the Wynwood ARD -1,
contained in Article 11.6(b) of the proposed amendment to Miami 21. While the
board acknowledges that the Wynwood Design Review Commission -- or Board -- is
experienced and more than qualified to determine criteria for review and placement
of public art, we strongly oppose that Wynwood or any other neighborhood in Miami
be afforded preferential financial treatment with regard to the public art requirement
for private development. These financial preferences create unfair economic
imbalances between communities that are very difficult to overcome. It also creates
a slippery slope, and if approved as proposed, we can surely expect other
communities to demand the same special treatment. We respectfully urge you to
support the proposed amendment, and we ask you consider our proposed language
for Article 11.6(b) of Miami 21, as included, I believe, and submitted to the record by
staff.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Mr. Herretes: Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: I'm going to close public hearing at this time.
PART B: PZ - PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
The following item(s) shall not be considered before 2:00 PM
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PZ.1
ORDINANCE Second Reading
1035
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
Planning and
AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
Zoning
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
ABSENT:
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION
163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND
USE DESIGNATION OF 1.07± ACRES OF THE REAL PROPERTIES
LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 3830, 3840, 3850, 3860, 3841, 3851,
3865, AND 3875 DAY AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM "DUPLEX
RESIDENTIAL" TO "LOW DENSITY RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL";
MAKING FINDINGS; DIRECTING TRANSMITTALS TO AFFECTED
AGENCIES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 13713
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Hardemon, Gort
Direction by Vice Chair Russell to the City Manager to create and implement a
system that tracts covenants that includes a GIS overlay.
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.1, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items" and Item PZ.14.
Chair Hardemon: Our first items that we have is PZ 1 and PZ.2.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: Vice Chairman?
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, and --
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): I'm sorry, Mr. Chair -- through
the Chair, please. I believe this particular application required both a land use
amendment and a zoning amendment. Only one has been heard. The companion
item should be heard, as well.
Chair Hardemon: That's on the regular agenda?
Mr. Garcia: No, sir; it's on the Planning & Zoning agenda. There was both a land
use change requested and a zoning change requested.
Commissioner Carollo: We did both.
Mr. Garcia: Both should be individually read into the record and voted separately.
Chair Hardemon: PZ 21 and PZ.22?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
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Mr. Garcia: PZs.21 and 22, yes.
Chair Hardemon: We heard both.
Commissioner Carollo: We did that.
Vice Chair Russell: We voted them separately.
Mr. Garcia: There was only one vote -- oh, my apologies.
Chair Hardemon: Two votes; no problem.
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Chair Hardemon: Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Like to address PZ.1 and PZ.2, the Day Avenue
properties. There's been a request for deferral until January. And Mr. Mullerat,
could you open the door? I know several of the stakeholders who were interested in
this item are -- I don't -- I want to make sure everybody who is -- been waiting all
day definitely hears what we're doing. Sorry, Mr. Mayor. I didn't mean to interrupt
your conversation. There was a request to defer this item to January, and I -- with
full respect to Professor Alfieri, this is not the first time that his office has requested
a deferral. It was actually requested to be deferred to January of 2016. Two years
ago, in my very first meeting here, we were hearing this item; that's how long we've
been working on the Day Avenue Eight, as it's been -- come to be known. And we
have been to churches; we have been to government buildings; we have been to
HOATA (Homeowners and Tenants Association) meetings; we have been to
Ministerial Alliance meetings, and I have -- sincerely have a full respect for the
delicate nature of this neighborhood and the difficulty with which to notes. It's one
of the reasons I added $75,000 to this year's budget, to come up with a new --
entirely new method of notification that's going to reach out to people who would
have interest in certain items, because I don't expect everybody to be reading every
agenda that comes out on a draft. I imagine what you saw yesterday was my
newsletter, but it has been publicly noticed by our requirements since the draft
agenda came out. The double density concept was brought up at the last public
meeting, which we did have, and I held the developer to that standard, and they said
they were going to do their numbers and see if it could be possible, and come back
by this meeting to have this. And so, I do want to hear this item today. I can't
promise we'll get through it completely, but what we will come through with this with
-- at the very least -- is a very clear and publicly recorded discussion on the
covenant that's being proffered. We may have a little back and forth on some of the
numbers in the items. I very much appreciate the stakeholders, Mr. Armbrister, Mr.
Martin, Ms. Parks, Professor Alfieri and your group. You guys have been coming
for two years now on this item, diligently watching the agendas, coming when you
can. And at the very least, though, I don't want us to just leave this with a deferral,
come back in two months, and say, "We haven't exactly talked it through," and
something new comes up. Sometimes there are developments, on the dais even, and
it's not to say that it's not public notice, that that decision wasn't publicly vetted, but I
don't know that we can hold up this until we know that the residents have legal
representation. In fact, I don't even know for sure that the original residents who
lived here when this zoning was applied for still live there, at all. What I can do as
your Commissioner is have as much of an ear to the public as possible; bring every
concept to the public, as much as possible, and make the best decision I can, within
my heart, to completely stave off the displacement that could happen, control the
development in a healthy way. It may not please everybody. It may not please
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everybody, Mr. Armbrister, because at some point, density sometimes -- I'm sorry,
Mr. Armbrister. I'm -- I don't want to have a back and forth at this point. We're
going to get into the item. But sometimes density is the option for affordability.
When someone owns something as of right, and what they are going to do is full
market rate, density sometimes is part of the solution. And when this first came
about, I called Professor Alfieri, and this is almost two years ago. And I said, "What
if within the up -zoning, every unit that was potentially displaced were replicated?"
And he said, "Well, that would be great, but how are you going to hold them to that?
I'd like to see that covenant." And we came up with a covenant at the time, and we
brought it to a church meeting. Then they said, "Well, how are you going to hold
them to that covenant? Covenants aren't worth the paper they're written on. " And I
understand that's where we are here today, so what I'm going to ask of the developer
-- the applicant -- in the covenant that they proffer that we look at what it takes to
undo a covenant a little bit. And not only will any application down the road within
the 30 years of this covenant to undo the covenant require public outreach to the
neighborhood groups in the area, including HOATA and the Ministerial Alliance,
but rather than a majority of the Commission to undo a covenant, rather than a
supermajority of the Commission to undo a covenant, you would need a unanimous
decision of the City Commission at a public hearing, after notification within the
neighborhood to undo a covenant; undo this particular covenant. And I hope is this
-- that this becomes a precedent and follows suit, because there's reason that people
have question on our covenants. Are we following them? Are we taking care of
them? With that being said, even if it's not me here in four, five, 10, 15 years when
someone tries to undo this covenant, they will have to go through these requirements.
They will have to publicly notes and reach out in meetings to those neighborhoods
before they even apply so that there's no way notification is skipped. And then, you
will need a unanimous -- and so what we're talking about here are eight lots, and
this is the amount of care that we've given to these eight lots over the last two years.
And on those eight lots are currently 14 units of affordable duplex. The developer
bought them; presumably, cheap. And as of right, he can take those eight lots and do
some very high-end, market rate, super luxury, crystal and chrome --
Unidentified Speaker: Projects.
Vice Chair Russell: --duplexes or single-family homes. What he applied for is an
up -zoning from T3 to T4 on the lots north and south. There's four on the -- there's --
let's say seven units on the south, seven units on the north on U.S. 1, and he wanted to
do commercial. We've held them now -- they've worked, they've negotiated. I
certainly have to give credit to the developer and their advocates for being at the
table. I really was worried we'd lose this many, many times, because at some point,
they just give up and do the market rate that they'd originally intended to do. But
they're still here; for how much longer, I don't know. But I would like to try to work
this out now. And where we are in this moment -- and Mr. Wasserman, if you could
help me in a moment here to understand exactly the covenant that's being proffered.
There's seven units on the south, seven units on the north; it's 14 total currently that
they were looking to up -zone. And we had said to them originally that, "If you up -
zone from T3 to T4, you'll be able to build up to 30 units. " They wanted to do market
rate. I said, "Okay. Well, of the 14 units you're going to displace, I want 14 units of
affordability. " Then there was a lot of negotiation -- Mr. Armbrister, if you don't
mind sitting, please.
Williams Armbrister: Okay. But you're missing an element in your discussion.
Vice Chair Russell: It's very --it's --
Mr. Armbrister: You're missing an element in your discussion.
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Vice Chair Russell: You don't know what I'm missing if I haven't finished. I
understand where your position is, and you had your time to speak. You are
completely not in favor of up -zoning and density. You do not want it in your
neighborhood, even at the sake of displacement and the values going up, and
gentrification.
Mr. Armbrister: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell: And I have to come to peace that I'm not going to be able to
make you happy, Mr. Armbrister, but what we have in this situation is the potential
to not only double, but nearly triple the affordability on this spot, because through
the up -zoning from T3 to T4, the applicant is willing -- is proffering a covenant to
replace those 14 units with a blend of affordability. But what we are asking within
this -- what they're proffering within the covenant is to activate Commissioner
Carollo's originally conceived Attainable Housing Ordinance, which will allow them
to have double density on the northern portion only; still requiring a replacement of
the displaced affordability on the southern portion only, in case they were to split the
units, sell them separately, or whatever. And this is unprecedented. We haven't
done this yet. This is a bit of an experiment, and it will be a little bit contingent on
the subsidies you're able to get, and I understand that, for the double-density
portion. But I will absolutely hold you to the covenant for the blend of affordability,
with or without subsidies that you're proffering with regard to the up -zoning itself,
and I just want to make sure that we're clear on that. And so, if you could clarify all
the terms of the covenant that you're proffering so it's publicly noticed here?
Ethan Wasserman: Sure.
Vice Chair Russell: Let's see if we can get through it.
Mr. Wasserman: Again, Ethan Wasserman, for the record; Greenberg Traurig, 333
Southeast 2nd Avenue. I was prepared to make a full presentation. I'm happy to
jump right into the covenant as long as the prior hearings are incorporated by
reference into the record; my prior presentations.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Francis Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair -- Mr. Vice Chair. You know, one
thing that we worked on together as a Commission was -- and I just spoke to the City
Attorney about was we need to know how many covenants are out there.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Mayor Suarez: We need a database of all the covenants, and we need a short
description of what all the covenants mean and what they stand for. I don't know
that anybody knows where the covenants are. There's no database that -- Certainly,
the residents don't have access to where the covenants are. And so, it's hard to
enforce something that you don't know it exists, you don't know where it exists, you
don't know how it exists, and I think that's part of the problem. I think the second
part is, obviously, I think this Commission, who presides over the City Attorney, like
we did with, if you recall, with fines and with liens, and the collection of fines and
liens, which is important, because it improves quality of life, we have to charge the
City Attorney with getting aggressive on enforcement of covenants when they're
violated, because if we don't send a message to the community that we're going to
enforce covenants and that we know where they are, and we know what's going on,
we're going to police this issue, then, you know, it's sort of a feel -good thing that
somebody comes and presents a covenant, it's nice and all that, but as you know,
Vice Chair, you know, oftentimes what'll happen is they're just -- there won't --
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there'll be an erosion of confidence on the issue. So I just -- you know, it's something
we worked on together before I left the dais as a Commissioner, and I think it's
something -- and I'd love for you to pick up on that, because I think you believe in it,
and I think it's good for the City, it's good for transparency, and, you know, it'll make
us more effective, and potentially restore confidence that a covenant can be
enforceable and should be enforced, and is enforceable.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I believe we have directed the
Management --
Mayor Suarez: We have.
Vice Chair Russell: -- and if we haven't, we're going to do it right now --
Mayor Suarez: We have.
Vice Chair Russell: -- to not only create that database of covenants, but also a GIS
(Geographic Information System) overlay --
Mayor Suarez: Absolutely.
Vice Chair Russell: -- which corresponds with that map where we can see visually
where there are covenants within the City, and someone could just click on that
covenant and see what that is; what is that property restricted to.
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): Mr. Chairman --
Mayor Suarez: And if I may, I would just say you had another good thing on the
agenda about putting -- that should be on a web page; on page I of our web page, of
the City's web page, so people can access it and get covenants and -- you know, that
it's right there, front and center, from a transparency perspective. So you've been a
champion of that, and I think that that's the way it should be done.
Mr. Min: Mr. Chairman --
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Min: -- there was previously a directive. The City Attorney's Office is working
very closely with the Planning Department and with IT (Information Technology) to
update the GIS system to ensure that all the covenants are in one spot, easily
locatable; both for the City's offices, for the residents and for pro -- more effective
enforcement, so we're continuing on the project to hopefully have it come to fruition.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Yes, Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And not only that; I mean, I
think it's a great idea to go back on all the covenants, but even from now on -- we
just had another covenant, you know; not the last item, but the previous item, we just
had another covenant. So I think, starting now, we need to start tracking them; and
then also, then follow up. But in the meantime, we're getting more and more in, and
I think we could definitely start tracking data and start putting it in some type of
database.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
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Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Wasserman: Okay. So I'll work backwards from the original cov -- from the
original proffered conditions, and bring it forward. So one of the earliest conditions
my client had proffered was to make this as seamless as possible for the residents,
the tenants and the property when this property is redeveloped. We agreed to a
couple things. Number one, $500 in tenant relocation expenses for when tenants are
relocated for redevelopment; assistance finding comparable housing at a price and
quality from what they're currently in. Commissioner, your office has agreed to also
assist in that process, which we know you would do anyways. We've also agreed to
utility hook -- connection charges. Once you relocate, within 90 days of coming out,
vacating the property, we will pay for the connection charges for the water service.
We also agreed that there would be no commercial uses on the north and south;
that's one of our older conditions. That's no longer really necessary, because the
rezoning will be to T4 -R, not T4-0. It's the same residential uses that are allowed; it
just eliminates the commercial use in its entirety. Turning to the affordable housing
restrictions, again, we have 14 -- we're proffering 14 units, and I'll read the breakup
into the record. Seven low to moderate affordable housing units; that's 40 to 80
percent of AMI (area median income), and that's ballpark 20,000 to $40,000 in
income. We have five workforce housing units; that's 65 percent to 140 percent
AMI, ballpark 33,000 to $72,000 in income. And you have two ELI units, extremely
low-income units; that's less than 30 percent AMI or, give or take, $15,500. Now
that has been the proffer for several months now. We are now, through discussions
with your office, through discussions with the Planning Department, intending to
seek the double density on the north lot. The way the double density works is if we
are approved, there's a warrant process, there's a separate zoning approval process
that we'll have to go through, but it will trigger a 100 percent affordable housing
requirement on the north lots. And as part of that 100 percent, we have to have a
minimum of four ELI units. That's by Code; that's not something we can deviate
from. It's in the Miami 21 Zoning Code, the percentages and --
Vice Chair Russell: 10 percent. -- how to allocate -- correct; 10 percent for ELI. If
you want the double density you have to do that. And so, we commit to -- we intend
to go down that process and to apply for that going forward, assuming this rezoning
is approved.
Vice Chair Russell: Is Mr. Mensah here? If he could be? So where we were looking
for a market and affordable blend on the north lots, we'd be talking 100 percent
affordable?
Mr. Wasserman: Yes. And then on the south -- sorry, I forgot to mention that. On
the south, we would agree to keep seven affordable housing units that'll include one
ELI unit, and we would distribute three workforce and three low to moderate. So in
total, if we had the double density approved on the north, you'd have four ELI and
one on the south. That's a total of five ELI units, compared to the original proffer,
which was two ELI units under the 14.
Vice Chair Russell: Right. And what we're doing is we're separating the north and
the south. Just in case you all split them up later up -- or whatever happens -- that
we're preserving --
Mr. Wasserman: At a minimum, on the south.
Vice Chair Russell: -- the seven on the south that are -- that would otherwise be
displaced --
Mr. Wasserman: Correct.
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Vice Chair Russell: -- so that if there's a market rate blend on what you do on the
south at the T4 level, at least those seven will still be there.
Mr. Wasserman: Correct.
Vice Chair Russell: Now, while we're thinking aspirationally, if you could get the
subsidies, if you're -- because we have potentials of subsidies coming here. We have
the general obligation bond, which just passed; $100 million for affordability in the
City, 14 million of which are dedicated to my district. There's help to be had there.
If the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) expansion does pass, there's help to
be had here. So I'd like to see that if the subsidies can be found that the blend on the
south is all seven ELI, which is what they originally were. They originally were ELI
lots. That was something that I did actually write to Professor Alfieri, because I
believe in July -- I have the email -- because I believe they had done the research
door to door, to see what the rates were at the time, but we just don't have a record
of it; we don't know what they were exactly. And so, conditional in that sense to
have -- to finding the subsidies, would your client be open to doing all seven on the
south lot at an ELI rate?
Mr. Wasserman: I'll say it this way: We've actually been in discussion with Rashid
about this, because Rashid has some familiarity with how to get the subsidies prior
to the general obligation bond, prior to funds --
Vice Chair Russell: CRA.
Mr. Wasserman: -- right -- funds that potentially could be made available, and my
client has always been open to the idea. If it can work -- I mean, we -- he's not
affordable housing developer.
Vice Chair Russell: I understand.
Mr. Wasserman: He's not one of those guys that has an analyst in his office that can
crunch the numbers and understand this quickly. But we are absolutely open to -- if
it works, if it can work, we are -- he is open to it.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Mensah, if you could help me and the public
understand. So we're talking within the spectrum of affordability; ELI, affordable
and workforce housing, and a blend within that. In this community, what would that
ELI translate to for a single unit in terms of dollars per month? What are we talking
about?
George Mensah: George Mensah, director, Community Development. I didn't bring
back my breakout, but we're talking about, like I said, 15,000 for 30 percent unit. If
you give me one minute, I'll bring you the breakout, if you give me one minute.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay. Thank you, because that's what I'm looking for. I would
be incredibly satisfied if we're able to achieve this. It would be seven units on the
south, 34 units on the north?
Mr. Wasserman: Give or take, yeah.
Vice Chair Russell: Of which, subsidies allowing, we'd have seven plus four; 11 ELI
units. And what is the rest of the blend on the north for the 30 -- up to the 30 --?
Mr. Wasserman: Well, on the north, it's a minimum of four ELI units.
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Vice Chair Russell: Right.
Mr. Wasserman: And then there's a -- Francis -- Mr. Garcia could probably explain
it better than I can. There's a couple different ways to do the next set of affordable.
It's either --I think 80 percent --I have the Code here. One second.
Vice Chair Russell: Because this is what I believe the neighborhood needs to hear
and understand, to know whether this is actually attainable housing; if this is
something that can be afforded.
Mr. Mensah: Yes, Commissioner. Like I said, for one person, 30 percent, which is
ELI, is 15,870 a year; would translate into about 1,100 or something a month.
Vice Chair Russell: Which is at
Mr. Mensah: The rent for zero units, which is a studio would be $396. The rent for
one bedroom would be $424. Typically, what they would do is that they would do a
pro forma based on the seven units that you discussed; at these rent levels, discuss --
see what the revenue would be, compared with the operational cost, and then there
would be a gap. That is a gap traditionally we provide subsidy for so that they will
still get a return that they need to get return on their project. And we usually do
RFPs (Request for Proposals) every March; therefore, they can definitely apply and
we will review the -- their project; and then, you know, if we have funds, be able to
help.
Vice Chair Russell: That's the ELI.
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: And so, at the affordable level --
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: -- what are we looking at?
Mr. Mensah: At the afford -- which is up to 80 percent. If it's 80 percent, it's 42,720
a year for one person; and obviously, it goes all the way up to -- if you have eight
people in the family, it goes to 79, 000. But the rent will be about a thousand for zero
bedroom; 1,100 for one bedroom, and 1, 300 for two bedrooms.
Vice Chair Russell: That's at the affordable level; not workforce.
Mr. Mensah: At 80 percent; not workforce.
Vice Chair Russell: And at workforce, what are we talking about?
Mr. Mensah: Workforce level is high. It's about eight -- 1,900 for one bedroom and
2,380 for two bedrooms.
Vice Chair Russell: So at workforce, we're already talking about market rate for the
neighborhood --
Mr. Mensah: Almost, yes.
Vice Chair Russell: -- if not more.
Mr. Mensah: Yes, yes, yes.
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Vice Chair Russell: And so, we really need to try to maximize on the side of ELI and
affordable; that's the goal here, so -- subsidies permitting. And Mr. Mensah, no
offence to the subsidies available through your department --
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: -- but the less we have to depend on HUD (Department of
Housing and Urban Development) funds, the better.
Mr. Mensah: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell: So that's why I'm really looking toward the bond --
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: -- and the potential CRA as options. We have a housing crisis
in Coconut Grove and the City of Miami.
Mr. Mensah: I agree.
Vice Chair Russell: And we have to have our finger on the scale. If left to the
market rate, this neighborhood does not have a chance.
Mr. Mensah: I agree.
Vice Chair Russell: And so, this is an opportunity. When a developer needs help
from the City and they're willing to proffer a covenant voluntarily, we have a
marriage here that can yield results, and it is a compromise. It is a compromise, but
I've asked for the City to create a master plan for Coconut Grove, to look at where
density, if any, would be appropriate. Grand Avenue already has an allowable
density that's not being taken advantage of at T5 -- U.S.1 potentially could be an
area of density -- to where we're not damaging the single-family neighborhoods
within --
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: -- but still utilizing the tools available to create affordability.
So, Mr. Wasserman, if I understand correctly, then, you've got all the terms that you
mentioned in the covenant that -- and the items that I brought up that this covenant
would -- could only be rescinded by unanimous vote of the City Commission at a
public meeting; after which, at least two public meetings where out -- physical
outreach to the community before application, to the Homeowners and Tenants
Association of Village West of Coconut Grove and the Ministerial Alliance.
Mr. Wasserman: What were the two that you --?
Vice Chair Russell: HOATA and Ministerial Alliance -- H -O A -T -A; and that,
subsidies provided, all seven units on the south side would be ELI; and then if not
attainable, you'll fall back on the blend that we had originally discussed, which is
offering the proff --
Mr. Wasserman: With just -- at least with respect to the subsidies, it's --
Vice Chair Russell: If there's no subsidy at all, if you can't find subsidies, then --
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Mr. Wasserman: So that's just -- I want to understand it. The subsidy is basically
market rate, and then there's ELI, and the subsidy would -- bridges the gap; that's
the idea.
Vice Chair Russell: No. There are various forms of subsidy.
Mr. Wasserman: I want some --
Vice Chair Russell: So we're trying to make you --
Mr. Wasserman: Yeah. I want to be able to have -- that my client has the
opportunity to sit down with George and understand it before I -- before -- if George
provides the subsidy and it's not what we exact -- not what he exactly understood.
Vice Chair Russell: I understand, because there is a gray --
Mr. Wasserman: There's a range to this.
Vice Chair Russell: -- it could be considered a gray area, what that subsidy is.
Mr. Wasserman: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Does it totally make him whole, up to market rate --
Mr. Wasserman: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: -- or does it only bring him up to where he was promising --
Mr. Wasserman: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: -- to be with the covenant he was proffering before, which is
where I'd like to see it, because he was already proffering -- he's -- Up -zoning is a
gift. Up -zoning is a value that you did not have before that you are not entitled to.
You're seeking that from the community, from the government, and if you were to flip
it tomorrow, you could double your money, per se, in -- depending on the case. So
the fact that he's proffering within his covenant a certain amount of affordability,
even without any subsidy --
Mr. Wasserman: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: -- that's what I'd like to make him whole up to. Now, if you need
to go back to your client to clear that, that's where I -- I'll take us to January.
Mr. Wasserman: Yeah, we're okay.
Vice Chair Russell: If that is sufficient for you at this point, I'd rather move forward
today and take a vote.
Mr. Wasserman: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: Where are you?
Mr. Wasserman: I'm okay with it. We're okay with it.
Vice Chair Russell: Which -- you'd rather move today?
Mr. Wasserman: I'd rather move today.
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Vice Chair Russell: Okay. So --
Mr. Min: And just to be clear, Mr. Wasserman, you and your client are voluntarily
proffering these amendments to the covenant?
Mr. Wasserman: Correct.
Mr. Min: Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Hearing no further discussion -- Well, I'd have to
pass the gavel. It's already over there, so I've passed the gavel and I'll make the
motion to accept, with amendments to the covenant.
Commissioner Carollo: There's a motion to accept. Is there a second?
Mr. Min: I'm sorry. To be clear, the covenant applies to PZ. 2, so PZ.1 can just be --
you can move to approve, as is.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Do you need them read separately?
Mr. Min: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay. So we'll -- if you would -- I'll move PZ. 1, please.
Commissioner Carollo: Move PZ. 1, and it's seconded by --
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Commissioner Carollo: -- Commissioner Reyes. Would you read it into the record?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney
Barnaby Min.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Clerk, roll call.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Roll call on item PZ. 1. Commissioner Reyes?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: Vice Chair Russell?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, as amended.
Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Carollo?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: The ordinance passes on second reading, 3-0.
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PZ.2
ORDINANCE Second Reading
1036
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Planning and
NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
"SUB
Zoning
CLASSIFICATION FROM T3-0 -URBAN TRANSECT ZONE -
ABSENT:
OPEN" WITH A NCD -2 COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD
CONSERVATION DISTRICT OVERLAY TO T4 -R "GENERAL URBAN
TRANSECT ZONE - RESTRICTED" WITH A NCD -2 COCONUT
GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT OVERLAY
FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 3860, 3850,
3840, AND 3830 DAY AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; AND FROM T3-0
"SUB -URBAN TRANSECT ZONE - OPEN" WITH A NCD -2 COCONUT
GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT OVERLAY TO
T4-0 "GENERAL URBAN TRANSECT ZONE - OPEN" WITH A NCD -2
COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT
OVERLAY FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY
3841, 3851, 3865, AND 3875 DAY AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA;
MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 13714
MOTION TO:
Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT:
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER:
Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Hardemon, Gort
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.2, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items" and Item PZJ.
Commissioner Carollo: PZ.2, Mr. City Attorney, can you read it into the record,
please?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney
Barnaby Min.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Is there a motion?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Motion by the Vice Chair.
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Commissioner Carollo: Second by Commissioner Reyes.
Mr. Min: That's with the amended covenant, correct?
Commissioner Carollo: With the amended covenant.
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Commissioner Reyes: With amendment.
Commissioner Carollo: And we're clear what the amendment covenant is?
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Mr. Min: Yes, sir. And I will work with Mr. Wasserman to draft it accordingly.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. City Clerk, it's an ordinance. Could you read it --
could you roll call, please?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Yes, sir. Roll call on item PZ.2.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Mr. Hannon: The ordinance passes on second reading, as amended, 3-0.
Commissioner Carollo: And I'll pass the gavel right back to you.
Commissioner Reyes: Right.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. And --
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): And just to clam, because I
know this is important, what was deleted from that ordinance for the rezoning is the
"O" component, which means there will be no commercial --
Vice Chair Russell: Correct.
Mr. Garcia: -- on either side.
Ethan Wasserman: Correct.
Vice Chair Russell: Correct. It'll be fully residential.
Mr. Wasserman: Thank you very much. Thank you for working with us.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. And thank you, everyone, for your advocacy.
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PZ.3
RESOLUTION
2508
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DENYING THE
Department of
APPEAL OF WARRANT NO. 2017-0004 ISSUED PURSUANT TO
Planning and
ARTICLE 4, TABLE 3 OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING
Zoning
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
ABSENT:
("MIAMI 21 CODE"), TO ALLOW A FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT
LOCATED WITHIN A D3 ("WATERFRONT INDUSTRIAL") TRANSECT
ZONE AND PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 6, SECTION 6.3.2 OF THE
MIAMI 21 CODE TO ALLOW AN OUTDOOR DINING AREA
INCLUDING A WAIVER PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 7, SECTION
7.2.8(8) OF THE MIAMI 21 CODE TO ALLOW THE ADAPTIVE USE TO
A RESTAURANT USE IN A D3 ("WATERFRONT INDUSTRIAL")
TRANSECT ZONE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 125,127
A/K/A 129, AND 131 NORTHWEST SOUTH RIVER DRIVE, MIAMI,
FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0573
MOTION TO:
Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT:
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES:
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.3, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Items" on the November 16, 2017 Regular
Commission Meeting Agenda.
Chair Hardemon: So what I'll do at this time, as I understand fi^om the City Clerk's
Office, item PZ. 3 is the time certain, and if item PZ. 3 is the time certain, what I'll do
is I'll open up the floor for public comment only on item PZ.3. If you're hereto speak
on item PZ.3, I ask that you approach any of the two lecterns. State your first name,
last name; and, of course, the item it is that you're speaking about, and you may state
your address. So I'll open up the floor for public hearing at this point. You're
recognized, sir.
Richard Dubin: Okay. Thank you, Chairman, Commissioner. PZ.3. My name is
Richard Dubin. My business is at 3630 Northwest North River Drive, Miami, on the
river. And my home address is in District 2, 4171 Woodridge Road. I've been in the
commercial marine industry since 1984 on the Miami River; involved civically as a
past board member of the Waterfront Advisory Board; immediate past president of
the Miami River Marine Group; and recently appointed to the Florida Freight
Advisory Council. For 25 years, the Miami River Marine Group presented the
working river identity of the Miami River. Today, the Miami River Marine Group
represents historic shipyards, marinas, boat repair facilities, marine construction,
marine supply, tug and tow operators, and cargo shipping terminals; all serving
shallow draft ports throughout the Caribbean. The Miami River Marine Group
would like to underscore our support for Biscayne Towing and Salvage, and our
opposition to allow a restaurant development on this adjacent waterfront industrial
zone site. Almost 10 years ago, a coalition of the Miami River marine industry,
marine business associations, alongside Miami residents throughout the community
took strong action to protect the Miami River's working waterfront. The resulting
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hard-fought Port of Miami River Section of the Miami Neighborhood Comprehensive
Plan and the related Zoning Code serves as the City's guiding development plan,
acknowledging, recognizing, encouraging, and protecting the Port of Miami River
marine industry from incompatible encroaching development. While the Miami
River marine industry struggled to recover after recession, it's now experiencing
strong growth. We have new cargo ships, new tug and tow operators, expanding
yacht and boat repair facilities; and the arrival of Apex Marine, a boat repair
facility that moved to the Miami River from Fort Lauderdale. All these in our
historic and longstanding marine businesses, such as Antillean Marine, Betty K,
Merrill Stevens and others, provide the economic diversity Miami continues to seek.
Protecting the limited number of designated water -dependent marine sites along the
Miami River is important to sustain Miami's working waterfront. This particular
location for this restaurant development at this marine industrial -zoned site is
incompatible with Biscayne Towing and Salvage; it's inconsistent with the City's
Comprehensive Plan, and appears to be circumventing the very Zoning Code you
have been entrusted to protect as our elected officials. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. I'll ask if other people are here --I see
people standing up with the car stickers. If you're trying to speak, can some of you
approach this lectern on this side, unless you're just standing there, looking like the
gang of eight? If not, you're recognized, sir.
Manny Prieguez: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and Commission. My name
is Manny Prieguez. The business address is 325 Northwest South River Drive. And I
come here wearing two different hats. I come here as a member of the Miami River
Commission; and I come here, also, as an owner and operator of a marine business
on the Miami River for the past 50 years or so, with my family. I, unfortunately, was
not at the Miami River Commission the day that this vote took place, because my
father was ill, and I needed to take him to the doctor. And -- but I remember it very,
very clearly, how -- the day that it occurred and so forth. I would have been a
supporter of the application, had I been at the Miami River Commission that day,
hearing this item. So I want to switch now to my other hat -- right? -- where my
family and I have operated a commercial fishing business on the Miami River for
close to 50 years, right around the area where this application is going to take place.
And what I want to impress upon the Commission -- and I think it's really, really
important to take note -- is that the Miami River is separated into different sections,
so to speak. And there's a very highly residential area where -- by downtown and
where -- Brickell; and then, of course, there's a very high area of marine -related
industrial businesses, which is by Northwest 27th Avenue, and so on and so forth.
There's a middle river; there's a middle river where there's a little bit of both, and
that's where this address is located, that's where my business is located, where
there's a little bit of both; where there's restaurants and entertainment areas, and
where there's commercial businesses taking place. So I think it's appropriate for this
particular location in this particular section of the river to have its application
approved by the Commission, and that's what I am here to ask you to do; and,
hopefully, that will happen. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Roselvic Noguera: Good afternoon, Chairman and Commissioners. My name is
Roselvic Noguera, and I'm here today in behalf of Antillean Marine, 3038 Northwest
North River Drive, 33142. Antillean Marine oppose this garant [sic], because
allowing the garant [sic] to move forward would detrimentally impact the working
river, which is essential for Antillean operate. Antillean Marine have been on the
river for more than 54 years, and today is the largest maritime shipping company in
the Miami River. Antillean offers weekly sailing to Haiti and Dominican Republic,
transport 30,000 of cargo every week. Our vessels are built for the navigation of
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shallow waters, like the Miami River, and ship cargo to islands and other
destinations where other big vessels are not capable to do it. Due to the recent
natural disasters in the Caribbean, our service is and will be essential to supply
these areas devastated by the hurricanes. Antillean generates about 200 full-time
long-term careers; no part-time or temporary jobs. We also use local providers and
serve the local clients, generating thousands of indirect jobs every year, making
possible the growth of the City of Miami and the social/economic growth of the
people. The proposal before you will be incompatible with the working river and
will create problems for the maritime industry in the proposed project. Mixed use is
not always the correct solution. The increased and in -controlled [sic] and negligent
recreational traffic promoted by these restaurants and nightclubs is serious [sic]
putting in risk the security of the operations of the maritime industry today. In
addition, we are facing the risky challenge every day when maneuvering through the
river, and the clients on these restaurants and nightclubs dock their boats in an
unsafe manner, and boats are rafted in such way that disturb the traffic, and makes
almost impossible the navigation. Our captain had been reporting this issue until
the point that we have been required to start a awareness campaign for the safety
and security in the river. We have create a brochure that we have been distributing,
and we have been starting advocating in the City and to the authorities in order to
please allocate resources for the security and the safety in the river.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, ma'am. Your time has expired.
Ms. Noguera: So as a local authority -- let me finish, please.
Chair Hardemon: Ma'am --
Ms. Noguera: We respectfully ask you --
Chair Hardemon: -- go ahead.
Ms. Noguera: -- to please deny the restaurant, and please promote and protect the
working industrial marina.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Ms. Noguera: Thank you, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Sir, you're recognized.
Troy Taylor: Good afternoon, Chairman Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, and Reyes.
My name is Troy Taylor, and I'm an avid boater. I've been living here in Miami for
quite a while. I'm also a customer of the marine and shipping industries on the
Miami River. I'm also the retired vice president -- worldwide vice president of
Johnson and Johnson. I appear before you today --
Vice Chair Russell: Can you bring the mike up?
Mr. Taylor: -- in a dual role: First, as the president of the Riverfront Master
Association, located at the corner of Miami Avenue and Southwest 3rd. We're the
largest residential complex on the Miami River. We have three existing towers, three
more to come; 1,600 condo owners, and over 5,000 residents. We also contribute
over $15 million to property tax revenues to the City of Miami. We fully support the
mixed-use development of the lower river by converting abandoned, rundown, and
derelict property into pedestrian friendly parks, restaurants and entertainment
venues. The River Arts Project fits perfectly into this plan, and we fully support and
welcome it to the Miami River. Secondly, and more importantly, to me, I'm here as
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the owner of City -- excuse me -- of City Center Yachts, a Florida company, at a
registered address of 92 Southwest 3rd. Currently, we're in the process of
negotiating exclusive dealerships with two Dutch manufacturers, and we're
competing against other dealerships in Fort Lauderdale. My plan and competitive
differentiator against the folks in Fort Lauderdale that will stick these yachts in
canals behind mega homes is to locate my yachts at the Miami River, utilizing the
docks, the existing docks and office space of a few restaurants that are on the higher
end. These restaurants will attract the types of clients that will purchase my boats.
If successful, these yachts will be serviced by marinas -- by the marine and -- by the
marinas, and retrofitted by boatyards, machine shops, and even the towboat
operators that are on the Miami River, providing jobs to skilled workers at places
like Norseman, Glasstek, Tri -County (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and several others. For
the past six months, I have been trying to -- yeah -- trying to enter into a letter of
intent with the River Arts Project to lease 120 feet, which is 60 percent of their
existing riverfront space, such that I can place my yachts. If -- In providing -- excuse
me -- If not provided this opportunity, this yachting industry will be -- excuse me --
the dealerships will be given to the individuals up in Fort Lauderdale; again, losing
out to Fort Lauderdale. In previous debates, my partners here on the other side of
the aisle viewed the yachting industry as an ancillary operation to the restaurants.
But in my world, the restaurant is an ancillary operation for me to sell yachts. So
let's not yet lose another dealership to the folks in Fort Lauderdale, and the
boatyards in Dania Beach. The River Arts Project is a prime example of a win-win
opportunity for everyone living, working, and playing on the Miami River. I thank
you for your time.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Is there anyone else that'd like to speak?
Miky Grendene: Good afternoon. My name is Miky Grendene. I'm the owner of
Casa Tua in Miami Beach; and I'm the owner, also, Casa Tua Cucina, that is a much
bigger place in Brickell City Centre. And I support the application, and I should not
support them, because it would be competition for me. But I think I been in Miami
for 27 years. Miami is a city that is changing. There is place in the river for the
marine industry, of which I'm a client; but, also, for high end(UNINTELLIGIBLE)
location, where we have restaurant, bars, and something more for the public that
create a great number of job. So thank you. I support the application.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir.
Mohammad Hajjar: Good afternoon. My name is Mohammad Hajjar, 45 Valencia
Avenue, Coral Gables. I own a property, 100 Northwest South River Drive, right
across the project. I've had it for 12 years. I've been trying to build some residential
unit, and for the last 12 years, we've been having a very hard time building it and
marketing it, because of all the eyesore that we have on the south side. The north
side is -- keep improving by new restaurant, new residential, new buildings. The
south side is not moving, and it -- I really support this project, because I think it
brings a lot of good things for the neighborhood, and we can build some nice
residential property on the south side, and not just looking at the north side and not
be able to do anything. So 12 years I think is good enough to proceed and do our
projects. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir.
Phil Everingham: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Phil Everingham,
6305 Southwest 58th Avenue, Miami 33143. I'm a current board director and past
president of the Marine Council, and I am the Marine Council's designee on the
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Miami River Commission. Three key points in my view that the Marine Council
wishes to bring to this board: Number one, the Marine Council obviously has a
number of members with long histories on the river, including Merrill Stevens, where
I worked for 35 years. We certainly recognize and support the concept of mixed use.
However, we do have a major concern and problem with what we have here, which
is conflicting use. Number two, the zoning that was brought about, the Miami 21
offers the option for the warrant for an alternative secondary use; alternative use,
which, of course, is the restaurant. However, the zoning does present a problem in
that there's no definition, clear or in any way defined as to what's primary, what's
secondary; and, clearly, the intent here is for the marine use to be primary, and we
don't believe that is necessarily going to be the case with the development, as
presented. And third, and certainly most important, the Comprehensive Plan, which
protects -- or looks to protect marine interest (UNINTELLIGIBLE) hinges on the
river; and clearly, this, in our view, puts a marine facility in peril for long-term
continuance on the river. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. If there's no other person -- You're recognized.
April Donelson: Good afternoon, Vice Chairman, Chairman, Commissioners. My
name's April Irene Donelson. I've worked in the media and tourism industry for
Miami and the Beaches for over 10 years. Taking a look at this area, it does nothing
but benefit our City, the promotion of our City, bringing about more revenues to our
City. When you look at any great city, worldwide, a river -- the river district is an
essential part of it. So I hope you take a look at this in making your decision today;
the benefit of our City, making us a world-class city. Thank you for your time.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Seeing no -- Oh, you have --
Mike Hatami: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Mike Hatami; Mirage
Yacht, 2215 Northwest 14th Street. I'm also -- I've been on the river for several
decades, and I'm a board member of the Miami River Marine Group. I'm a little
taken aback by what this developer is suggesting for this property, because I'm
hearing today that it's going to be a boat dealership, a boat brokerage site, a
restaurant, a place where charter boats are going to come, and a place where there's
going to be like an Uber for boats happening. I'd like to remind you, we're talking
about 120 feet of linear waterfront. It's literally impossible for them to do what
they're saying they're doing; but even if they could do it, what they're suggesting is in
direct -- what's -- what word am I looking for? It doesn't -- it contradicts the
Department of Environmental Resource Management Manatee Protection Plan, as
what they're suggesting is going to increase the vessel -to -manatee interaction.
Besides that, the one other thing I'd like to mention is that I look up and down the
river -- I mean, today we were labeled as "an eyesore. " We need this waterfront to
be able to do our business. I look around and I see a lot of new buildings going up
where the first floors that are prospective restaurant locations are all vacant. Once
this site becomes a restaurant, there's no going back to marine industrial. So I'd like
you to consider denying this application. And that's it. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir.
Andrew Dickman: Good afternoon, Mr. Chair, Commissioners. I am Andrew
Dickman. I am an attorney. My address is 809 Walkerbilt Road. I represent
Antillean Shipping, as well as Miami River Marine Group. You've heard from them
already. I have previously, since this was up on -- before you previously -- I have a
letter that I have sent to the Commission, dated September 27, also addressing this
issue. I'm going to put that into the record once I'm done, as well. Real quick
history. I am the attorney that represented the Miami River Marine Group, Durham
Park Neighborhood Association, and the late Captain Payne; three major cases that
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went up to the Third District Court of Appeals; and ultimately, in July of 2010,
resulted in a stipulated settlement between the City and my clients. At the -- that
stipulation ultimately ended up with this picture that I put in front of you. It's a map
that represents the Port of Miami River. This is your Port of Miami River. There
are "A" category properties and "B" category properties. This is a -- the property at
which this -- the subject property for this appeal is in the Port of Miami River, and
there are policies -- and this is part of your Comprehensive Plan -- and there are
supporting policies that go along with this. I have the actual strikethrough and
underline -- If I may, Mr. Chair, have a few --just a minute or two? I have the
actual strikethrough underlined of that settlement agreement, and I just want to read
into the record really quickly a couple of policies. "The City shall" --
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Mr. Dickman, I apologize. Do you have a copy of
the document you said that you gave everyone?
Mr. Dickman: Oh, that one?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Mr. Dickman: That's it.
Vice Chair Russell: Do you have one for the Attorney and one for the Clerk?
Mr. Dickman: I gave one to the Clerk and the Attorney.
Chair Hardemon: I think he gave one to the Clerk.
Vice Chair Russell: I have a question --
Mr. Dickman: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: If I may? A question on this map: You mentioned there's "A"
properties and "B" properties, and I can see in the fine print -- I must be losing my
eyes -- "A " properties are in pink; "B " properties are in blue. What is the difference
between them? Are they both industrial?
Mr. Dickman: They're both considered --
Unidentified Speaker: Working.
Mr. Dickman: -- they're both -- there's water, water -dependent, and water -related
properties; and so, these are water -dependent properties. All of these are category -
Vice Chair Russell: The pink and blue; "A" and "B" are both dependent?
Mr. Dickman: Related and dependent. There's a difference. So water -dependent is
-- actually, you need to be on the water. In this particular -- these particular
properties are dependent; they are on the water; they're not related. Like, water -
related might be something that would be a storing -- storage facility or a staging
facility. But these are the properties that the City agreed to that comprise the Port of
Miami River that ultimately reflect into your policies, your growth management
policies that are in there.
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Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. But my question was: What is the difference
between the 'A" and the "B?"
Mr. Dickman: Okay. So the -- okay. The "A" properties are considered of higher
value, and the "A" properties, among other things, is that in order for you to convert
those properties to something else, you'd have to go through a more significant
process, and this also addresses land use changes and other things. But the "B"
properties are considered water -related; and I don't want to say, "less valuable," but
they're not as important to the operation of the Port of Miami River.
Vice Chair Russell: So the "B" are related, but not dependent; the "A" are
dependent?
Mr. Dickman: "A" are dependent and "B" are related.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. That's what I needed to know.
Ms. Mendez: Mr. Chairman, but just to clarify, all this that Mr. Dickman is saying
has to do with re -zonings and land use changes; not because of a simple restaurant
use. But everything he's saying is true. There was a settlement and all, but it has to
do with re -zonings and land use changes, which is not what's before you here today;
it's just a use.
Chair Hardemon: I'll also remind the Board that this is public comment section, so.
Mr. Dickman: And let me actually clarify something to your question, if I could.
The categories actually relate -- and I had to blow it up, because you can see this
map's hard to read. "A" categories are industrial designated working waterfront
properties. "B" categories are other working waterfront properties. So I have to
correct myself,• that they're not officially water -related or water -dependent. They're
actually more significant, because Category "A" is industrially designated part of the
working waterfront properties; whereas Category "B" are other waterfront
properties. And I'd be happy to show you this; it's hard to read. But I just want to, if
I may, real quickly, Policy 314: "The City shall encourage the establishment and
maintenance of working waterfront uses along the banks of the Miami River, and
discourage encroachment by incompatible uses. " I also want to hit on two things
here: "City staff shall prepare or cause to be prepared an annual report of the status
of the planning and zoning, economic development, et cetera, of this type of use. " So
they were supposed to be presenting this to you once a year; don't know if they're
doing that. "City staff shall prepare or cause to be prepared an annual report on the
loss or gain of recreational and commercial working waterfront lands uses, which
shall be presented to the City Commission on duly noticed public hearing"; don't
know if that's been happening. Finally, in the Coastal Management Section: "The
Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations will encourage water -
dependent uses along the shoreline," which includes the particular -- the Miami
River. I want to -- I'll go ahead and put this into the record. I don't have multiple
copies of it, but it is what is in your Comprehensive Plan, but I want to make sure
that you have the strikethrough and underlined version of that. Very quickly -- I
know I'm on a -- so ultimately --
Chair Hardemon: Can you come to a conclusion, please?
Mr. Dickman: In conclusion, this is the Port of Miami River. You've pledged to
support it; you've pledged to uphold it. What you -- what is being asked today is a
dangerous situation. I'll pass around some photographs that were taken from
Antillean off the ships passing by this particular property that -- unfortunately, I only
have one copy, but I'll be happy to have everybody look at it. You'll see how the
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boats are rafting with each other and creating a very difficult situation for ships to
get by, especially when these boats have been drinking. So once again, my clients
ask that you support the appeal and not let this unusual interpretation of "ancillary
use" be used as a dangerous precedent. So thank you very much. I appreciate your
indulgence.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. Is there any other person from the public that'd
like to speak for public comment? Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing. This is
an appeal of a decision; and so, what I'll ask at this point is the appellant to step
before the lectern. I'm sure we have the appellant and the appellee here. I'll give
you an opportunity to make a two -minute opening statement; I'll give the appellee an
opportunity to do the same; and then, let's have your case in chief- and then, rebuttal
-- I'm sorry -- a response; and then, you'll have a chance to rebut. Okay?
Tucker Gibbs: My two -minute presentation --
Chair Hardemon: Opening statement; two -minute statement.
Mr. Gibbs: My opening statement will be very brief.
Chair Hardemon: Right.
Mr. Gibbs: Good afternoon. My name is Tucker Gibbs. I have law offices at 3835
Utopia Court, in Coconut Grove. I'm here today representing Biscayne Towing and
Salvage, at 151 South -- Northwest South River Drive; and Mr. Cory Offutt, who is
the owner of Biscayne Towing and Salvage. My client is appealing a warrant that
approves two indoor/outdoor restaurants next door to his towing and salvage
facility, in a protected marine industrial area on the Miami River. And what we're
going to talk about today is just several issues; that the proposed restaurants are
incompatible with his intense marine industrial use; they're incompatible -- they
don't follow the intent of the industrial transect requirements of the Comprehensive
Plan, and they're inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. And it also talks about
-- and in response to Mr. Prieguez' comments, I have some comments to respond to
that; as well as -- that's basically it, and that's what we're going to be presenting to
you today.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Mr. Gibbs: Thank you.
Iris Escarra: Good afternoon, Chair. Iris Escarra, with offices at 333 Southeast
2nd Avenue. Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak. Thank you very
much, Mr. Gibbs, for being here today. And I wanted to first congratulate
Commissioner Reyes for his first meeting, and this is an exciting item that I think he's
going to be -- learn a lot about the Miami River on this item. One of the things I
wanted to put as an introduction into this item: The City Code allows for us to apply
fora warrant. We are not re -zoning the property. We are not changing the comp
plan of the property. We are asking for a use that is permitted on the property, so
there is no impact or any change to the Comprehensive Plan, Port of Miami River,
or the Zoning Code that we are requesting to modify. We are simply asking for a
permitted use. We have mitigated the impacts of that use, and as you will see in our
case in chief, we will present all the evidence which supports such. Thank you very
much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Sir, I'll give you 15 minutes to present
your case in chief. Think you can handle that?
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Mr. Gibbs: Yeah. I-
-
Chair Hardemon: More than enough?
Mr. Gibbs: -- don't think I'm going to go 15.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Gibbs: Maybe. So as I told you, my client's appealing the warrant that
approves these restaurants in a protected marine industrial area along the Miami
River. And the proposed restaurants are incompatible with this -- his intense marine
industrial use. His business includes towing and the deconstruction of derelict
vessels. It operates 24 hours, seven days a week. It involves heavy industrial
activity, with heavy industrial impacts. It employs 15 people with an average income
of $50,000 per year, and it handles approximately 2,000 tows a year. This is the
classic definition of what a heavy marine industrial use is and what is wanted in the
past on the river. A restaurant use does not follow the intent of the industrial
transect requirements of the comprehensive -- and the Comprehensive Plan. Now,
Miami 21, yes, says that they can ask for a warrant. That does not mean they're
entitled to a warrant. According to Miami 21, the industrial transect is intended to
encompass -- and this is a direct quote -- "Is intended to encompass land use
functions connected with a business or activity involving manufacturing, fabrication,
assembly, distribution, disposal, warehousing, or bulk storage trucking and
equipment facilities, and other businesses serving a" -- 'primarily industrial needs";
doesn't include restaurant. "Uses in the industrial transect include marine -related
industrial establishments, " which my client operates, "and that is a facility
conducting activities associated with the construction, repair, operation, storage,
loading and unloading of boats, and other activities; the primary purpose of which is
to facilitate the maritime industry"; again, no restaurant use. And finally, it -- this
has as its basis the requirements in the Comprehensive Plan that state in industrial --
"In the industrial land use areas designated as industrial" -- which this is -- "allow
manufacturing, assembly, and storage activities. This designation generally involves
activities that would otherwise generate excessive amounts of noise, smoke fumes,
illumination, traffic, hazardous waste, or negative visual impacts, unless properly
controlled." This warrant is not seeking to approve a restaurant that serves these
industrial uses. The warrant approves restaurants better suited for a commercial
area. The approval is also contrary to the Comprehensive Plan's directive, which is
in Objective PA -3.1, the Comprehensive Plan's directive to protect and foster the
expansion -- the expansion -- of waterfront industrial uses within the Port of the
Miami River. The Port of the Miami River is the group of independently privately -
owned small shipping companies, fisheries, vessel repair facilities, marinas along
the Miami River, from Unincorporated Dade County to the mouth of the river. My
client, as Mr. Dickman has said, and the applicant are both in "A" -- the "A"
District; the heavy industry district -- industrial district. The properties of the appli -
- the Comprehensive Plan states in Objective PA -3.1 that "The City shall protect the
Miami River from encroachment from non -water -dependent and non -water -related
uses." And that's a directive. It says that you shall do this. The Comprehensive
Plan also requires the City to, as Mr. Dickman said, in Policy PA -3.1.4, "To
encourage and maintain the working waterfront uses and discourage incompatible
uses." Policy PA -3.1.5 specifically says, "The City should encourage the expansion
of the Miami" -- "Port of Miami River working waterfront. " A restaurant use does
not do this. PA -3.1.6 encour -- says, "The City should encourage development in the
Port of the Miami River that is compatible with the existing industrial use of the
property within the Port of the Miami River." The proposed warrant does not do
this. This type of restaurant use discourages the working waterfront industrial uses,
as described in the Comprehensive Plan. It discourages the expansion of the
working waterfront. It discourages development compatible with the existing marine
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industrial uses permitted on the Port of the Miami River. And this warrant
encourages the erosion of the industry -- marine industrial uses along the Miami
River. Now, the warrant says the restaurants are permitted, because they're
accessory water -dependent uses, by emphasizing local seafood, and providing dock
space for commercial fishing vessels to unload and sell their seafood. I want to
show you something. Can you all see this, or should I put it out here? I'm trying to
avoid blocking the audience.
Chair Hardemon: Speak into the microphone, please.
Mr. Gibbs: Okay. I'm trying to avoid blocking the audience. This is a -- this is the
site plan for the project. What is the green portion is the facility, the primary use,
which is the yacht brokerage, proposed yacht life lounge, has 410 square feet. The
orange is the restaurant, indoor and outdoor; that's the restaurants. So the Miami
River Infill Plan, as Mr. Prieguez talked to you about, the Miami River Infill Plan
says, "Restaurants are allowed only as an accessory use in this particular area. "
Chair Hardemon: What document is that?
Mr. Gibbs: The Miami River Infill Plan talks about this neighborhood in this area,
and they specifically say that this area can allow a restaurant use, but only as an
accessory use. But here's the interesting thing for the City of Miami: "Accessory
use" is not defined in Miami 21 or the Miami River Infill Plan. Now, Florida courts
define "accessory use" as a use which is incidental or subordinate to the principal
use permitted by the Zoning Code on the parcel. And what's interesting, the previous
Zoning Code in the City of Miami, Ordinance 11000, defines "accessory use" that
way. They had definition, and that was their definition. So according to the
applicant and the City, the public restaurants are accessory to the private yacht club.
Now, I -- they're accessory to the private yacht club and the private yacht brokerage
-- or the yacht brokerage business. But there's no showing that these public
restaurants are incidental or subordinate to a yacht club use, or a yacht club -- or
yacht brokerage business. There's no showing that the yacht club and brokerage
business are the principal uses on the parcel. The applicant has presented
absolutely no evidence, no evidence of the yacht club and brokerage showing how it
is physically a primary use at 410 square feet, nor has it presented any economic
analysis, including projected income, showing that it is the principal use from that
perspective. These restaurants -- and if you look at the space, you can see it. But I
want -- I -- it's measured, and it's from the measurements here. The restaurants total
6,192 square feet on this property; that's what they -- that's what it adds up to. All
that orange adds up to that. And yet --
Chair Hardemon: Counselor, before you move forward, the definition that -- which -
- Earlier, you said the Miami River Infill Plan says that the restaurant use has to be
incidental; that's the term you used?
Mr. Gibbs: Incidental.
Chair Hardemon: And then, I know you've been using --
Mr. Gibbs: "Accessory. "
Chair Hardemon: -- "accessory."
Mr. Gibbs: Because that's the term of art that's used in planning for an incidental
use.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
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Mr. Gibbs: If you all want to determine --
Chair Hardemon: Is there a requirement of -- for "accessory, " or is just -- is your
argument it's supposed to be "incidental, " or is it both?
Mr. Gibbs: It -- I think it -- I think an incidental use is an accessory use; however, I
would be interested to see how anybody can claim that a project with -- it has 6,192
square feet of restaurant use is incidental to a business or businesses that total 410
square feet of use.
Chair Hardemon: You mean square foot. You just wanted to -- you're describing
the building. So your argument is basically that the size of the square footage of the
building determines its intensity of use. So --
Mr. Gibbs: It may --
Chair Hardemon: -- for instance --
Mr. Garcia: -- I had two.
Chair Hardemon: -- if I had a -- if you had a business, could you, in fact, out of 350
square feet, run a law firm and generate millions of dollars of business?
Mr. Gibbs: Yes, you can. But that's the other one. I took -- there are two things. I
could --
Chair Hardemon: Could you sell millions of dollars of boats operating out of
350,000 -- or 350 square feet?
Mr. Gibbs: You certainly could. But what I'm saying is when you're claiming that
that use is the primary use, but you have a restaurant use that is incidental and
subordinate, that's the issue. If you can tell me that you're going to make millions of
dollars off of this, and you're going to make thousands of dollars off -- millions of
dollars off this 410 -- using 410 square feet, and you're going to only make hundreds
of thousands of dollars over all this restaurant, yes, I understand that. You had --
that's evidence. That's -- those are facts. But there are no facts that are on the
record when this was presented below. There's no facts in the record right now that
show it, and that's my concern. And also, to your point about when you buy a big
boat, okay, you buy a big boat and you sit down at a restaurant, and you make your
deal. How many car dealerships -- Maserati -- all these fancy cars that we see
rolling around in Miami, how many of them have restaurants that serve them? This
is --
Chair Hardemon: Well, they delivered my Maserati to my house.
Mr. Gibbs: I appreciate that. So all I can --
Chair Hardemon: Fully gassed, may I add?
Mr. Gibbs: Hey, I'm impressed. But my point is this is -- as I say here, if you look at
the plans, this is the tail wagging the dog. This is about restaurants; that's what this
is about, and that's the issue. So approving this warrant that allows two restaurants
-- and I say "two restaurants, " because there's a restaurant on the northwest side,
with a separate kitchen; and there's a restaurant on the southeast side that has a
separate kitchen, so I can only assume these are two separate restaurants. So
approving this warrant allows these restaurants shown on the plans. It's a thinly
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veiled principal use not allowed here under the Infill Plan or your Comprehensive
Plan. And don't forget, your Comprehensive Plan is your constitution of
development issues. You have to meet that; that's the law. And what Mr. Dickman
was talking about in his history with this City, on that Comprehensive Plan, on those
issues, the Third District Court of Appeal basically ordered -- This was a settlement
agreement that they wanted, because they were finding that the City misused and
misapplied their Comprehensive Plan as it related to the Port of the Miami River,
and it took the neighbors and Mr. Dickman to get the City to do it right. And what
the City did was adopt these provisions in the Comprehensive Plan that said, "You
have to protect it," and that's the key. So it accelerates this -- approval of this will
accelerate the physic -- the piecemeal removal of the industrial properties along the
river, contrary to the specific directive of the plan to protect existing waterfront
industrial properties, foster the expansion of the working industrial waterfront.
These are not water -dependent, they're not water -related, they're not accessory,
they're not incidental, and they're not subordinate to the yacht brokerage club or the
brokerage business. They're not compatible with the joint -- with the adjoining
industrial uses, and they discourage the expansion of the Port of Miami working
river -- working waterfront, contrary to the Comprehensive Plan. And for those
reasons, we urge you to deny the warrant. I would like my client to speak briefly to -
- so you see who he is; that he isn't just some name but -- Cory, would you come up
and speak?
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Gibbs, just a quick question --
Mr. Gibbs: Fine.
Vice Chair Russell: --just so I understand your position. You had said that if the
brokerage were to yield 10 times the revenue over the restaurant, you could consider
the restaurant incidental, but they didn't make that case before.
Mr. Gibbs: You could consider that as the decision -maker.
Vice Chair Russell: Right.
Mr. Gibbs: You could make that decision, but there's nothing on the record. And if
it's brought out right now, I would object to that.
Vice Chair Russell: But we're hearing this de novo, though; am I incorrect?
Mr. Gibbs: You may be hearing it de novo, but I've had no opportunity, representing
my client, to know that this was apart of the record that's going to be added into this
de novo hearing, because when I sit down, I have rebuttal; that's all I've got, is
rebuttal. If she want to bring that up and present that facts -- I would like the
opportunity to have my forensic accountant -- and Commissioner Carollo could
respect that -- have my forensic accountant review those documents before I would
say, "Yeah, you're absolutely right, " because I don't know what they're sending to
you. So, yeah, I think, theoretically, I think conceptually, yes. If I could -- if my
forensic accountant says, "Yeah, they -- this works, " it would work. That ain't going
to happen at this meeting. And I would still object very strenuously to bringing up
additional evidence that I have no right -- I have no ability to respond to, and that's
a quasi-judicial proceeding. Whether it's de novo or not, I have the right to be able
to look at the evidence, and be able to evaluate that evidence. I'm not going to have
that right if that stuff is brought up at this meeting.
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Chair Hardemon: You have --
Mr. Gibbs: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: -- one minute and 51 seconds left on your presentation.
Cory Offutt: A minute?
Mr. Gibbs: Yes.
Mr. Offutt: I've got a lot more than a minute, sir; and it's important to me, because
this --
Vice Chair Russell: Give him a couple minutes.
Chair Hardemon: I respect that. Listen, typically, counselor --
Mr. Offutt: Okay, because this --
Chair Hardemon: --typically --
Mr. Offutt: Right. My name is Cory Offutt.
Chair Hardemon: Sir, before you move forward --
Mr. Gibbs: No, it's not started yet.
Mr. Offutt: Oh, I'm sorry.
Chair Hardemon: -- typically, if you're presenting a witness, you would be directing
your witness. You typically, as you --
Mr. Gibbs: But that'll take a little more time.
Chair Hardemon: No. You -- I'm telling you how much time you have. But
typically, you would direct the witness. So what I'm saying to you is that you have
two minutes -- one minute and 51 seconds -- to complete this section. Then, we're
going to move on, because what happens is, if you have a witness that's presenting
facts, then you'll have an opportunity for --
Mr. Gibbs: Cross-examination.
Chair Hardemon: -- counsel to cross-examine him, and I don't -- I'm not sure if he's
prepared for that. So I just -- if you -- what you said tome was that you --your --
Mr. Gibbs: I said I'd be followed by my client.
Chair Hardemon: -- client had some things to put on the record.
Mr. Gibbs: Yeah. I said I'd be followed by my client, but I -- okay. And some of that
was a lot of questions back and forth, too; it wasn't just my presentation. So I would
like the opportunity to have a couple of extra minutes, please.
Mr. Offutt: Cory Offutt, Biscayne Towing and Salvage. The property is 151
Northwest South River Drive, in Miami, Florida. Before I get started, real quick,
what they were talking about here, one thing they forgot is that the primary use of
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the property has to be water -related; that's the key issue, okay? We're talking about
property on the river that only businesses that need water have to have these
properties, and that's what the 20 -- the Comprehensive Plan is supposed to do. It's
supposed to protect water -related businesses. I've been in business for 25 years; got
about 15 people here. I started from nothing. I have --I basically came here,
started in my car, okay? And built the business up. I got 15 employees. They all
make good money, and we are dependent on this property to make money, okay? We
have to -- our business will no longer be in business if we don't have these
properties. You guys saw all the work going back out, back in -- back there with the
crane and barges, and lifting boats. That's the kind of business I'm in. That's how --
it's very important business that we are doing. We're doing all the dirty work out
there.
Chair Hardemon: Excuse me, sir, one minute. Let me ask you a question.
Mr. Offutt: Yes, sir.
Chair Hardemon: When you say, "this property, " is the property that's subject today
to this hearing a property that you are currently renting or that you're --
Mr. Offutt:
-Mr.Offutt: No.
Chair Hardemon: -- using?
Mr. Offutt: I'm right next door to it.
Chair Hardemon: You're right next to it. Okay.
Mr. Offutt: That's correct. And the argument I have is how this is going to affect my
business, all right? There's a chain reaction that happens. When you guys do -- you
heard a couple other guys up here. They want to do restaurants on the river; that's
why they want this to go through. They're standing -- the old anchor marine
property, that's so important to the working waterfront. The boss -- Manny talked
about it -- that he's wanting to put a restaurant. These guys have made these big,
huge investments, like he has, for a restaurant. But this property -- on the other side
of this property is a tugboat company, too. I'm a tugboat company, and he's right in
the middle. These properties were reserved for water -related businesses. The --
When I bought the property, it was SD -4, industrial waterfront. I've been there 25
years. I have a lot invested. I have my life invested in this business. It's not
something you can do just like that. You say -- I -- How would you guys like to eat
in a restaurant right next to a construction site? It's no good. Loud noises,
compressors, cranes working, needle guns on a steel boat, it's not going to work.
That's what I do every day. You guys drive by and see where -- see what I'm doing.
I'm doing the type of work those properties reserved for. This property is not
abandoned. This guy that owned it before him bought it, and he -- okay. He had --
I'm sorry, guys, but it's real important. He had -- he wanted to put little apartments
in there, okay? He had no intention of doing any marine business. He held it for 10
years and flipped it, okay? But it's not abandoned. He had renters in there, but they
didn't affect my business, so I didn't complain. He had a plumber in there. That was
your responsibility to make sure he was using the property properly. I wasn't going
to complain. I'm here today because I know that a restaurant is incompatible with
this type of business. And these are good jobs, guy. Marine -related jobs are
excellent jobs. You know why? Because you can start with nothing; no college
education, nothing. If you walk in -- the only thing required to make a lot of money
in the marine business is hard work. And for you guys to not understand that there's
jobs that we're throwing away that entrepreneurs -- these guys are going to end up
being awesome entrepreneurs, like me. But without the waterfront, we have no place
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to do it. It's critical the -- God. Maritime business, maritime jobs are one of the best
jobs that you can get, and they serve people who don't go to college, don't have
special skills; they earn them there. And these properties must be reserved for
waterfront prop -- waterfront people. And remember, this is not abandoned.
Chair Hardemon: Yes, sir.
Mr. Offutt. Okay?
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Mr. Gibbs: Can I ask one question from my client?
Mr. Offutt: I'm sorry.
Mr. Gibbs: I have one examination question, if I could, very briefly.
Commissioner Reyes: Excuse me, sir.
Mr. Gibbs: Mr. Offutt, I'm going to show you this map. It's a map of the Miami
River, Port of the Miami River. And your property is colored what?
Mr. Offutt.- Red.
Mr. Gibbs: Okay. And red is right here. What is red saying down here?
Mr. Offutt: I can't read it.
Vice Chair Russell: It does show waterfront property.
Mr. Offutt: It does show --
Mr. Gibbs: It says, "Category."
Mr. Offutt: "A, " designated for industrial working waterfront. By the way, you're
going to hear about the properties on the other side. They have a different zoning.
There's no precedent of putting a restaurant in an industrial waterfront, no
precedent. Don't be fooled, okay?
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Offutt: Across the river, it's different zoning, where Garcia's and all that stuff is.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Mr. Gibbs: To really clarify this, I'm going to ask Mr. Dickman to hand out a list of
the parcels that are Parcel "A" --
Chair Hardemon: That's fine.
Mr. Gibbs: -- and Parcel "B. "
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chairman?
Mr. Offutt: I'm sorry if I got upset.
Commissioner Reyes: I'd like to question --
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Chair Hardemon: You have a question? Sure.
Commissioner Reyes: Let me ask him a question. Sir, sir, please.
Mr. Offutt: Yes, sir. I'm sorry. Go ahead.
Commissioner Reyes: Just for, I mean, for me to know what's going on. But I heard
you say constantly, and I want -- and many, many times that it's going to hurt your
business. Could you please be more specific, how it is going to affect your business,
since you are in a different business, and this is just a restaurant that is going to be
next to you?
Mr. Offutt: Okay. For --there's two answers to that question. Personally going to
hurt my business by the constant interfering of people calling when the noise is too
loud or the smell of the epoxy paint is too strong, or any other activities that I'm
doing there. They're incompatible. There's no way -- we've already had -- the last
owner here had a tenant there who's a marine -- a maritime attorney. He had a
girlfriend. When she moved in, we got calls every day. Every day, we had the City
down there, look -- she was calling and complaining. Now, when she wasn't there,
we didn't have any problem, because there wasn't any conflict. The other thing is
that when you approve this, you're approving these -- the change of these properties
down the river. We've got 30 percent of the river right now, from the mouth of the
river to 27th Avenue, 30 percent for maritime business, 30; 70 percent is something
else. I think we need to start saving this business for these jobs that we need. By the
way, these are good jobs; in South Florida, about $11 billion is used in --from West
Palm down, in the maritime business, all right? We got about 700 here. By the way,
something interesting about maritime business: Most of -- 60 percent of all the
business on Miami River are -- have four employees; that means they're all small
business, small entrepreneurs, make $700,000 a year. This is where you can start
from nothing and become something, like I did.
Chair Hardemon: Sir, we understand.
Mr. Offutt: It's very important; can't do that in any other business.
Mr. Gibbs: One last question and we'll be it; one last question, if I might. Mr.
Offutt, would -- is your insurance going to be going up because of this?
Mr. Offutt: I suppose. I don't know that for -- I don't know.
Mr. Gibbs: Okay.
Mr. Offutt: Sorry; I can't answer that directly.
Mr. Gibbs: Just wanted to know.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Vice Chair Russell: Sir, are you up river or down river?
Mr. Gibbs: Down river.
Mr. Offutt: We are at 151, which is just north of Flagler. If you re -- if you look on
that, what he just showed you, on South River Drive from Flagler up are all -- they
did that on purpose -- marine -related businesses. What their idea was, they wanted
res -- they wanted the restaurants on the other side. The argument is that, "Oh,
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we're going to come down to the restaurant and look at the boats and stuff. " Well,
that's what they did. The guys on the north side can look over at the south side, see
the fishing boats, the tugboats, and other type of industrial waterfront. But they're
separate; they are not side by side. Literally, I will be standing here on my property,
and there will be people eating right there, 10 feet from me. They're -- the purpose
of this plan was to separate them by the water. They're on the north side, perfect.
But this south side, you got to reserve it. Remember, when you make this decision --
Chair Hardemon: Sir --
Mr. Offutt: -- what's happening.
Chair Hardemon: -- we understand. You're kind of getting into more of an
argument now, but --
Mr. Offutt: Okay. I'm sorry.
Chair Hardemon: --we understand you.
Chair Hardemon: So you've exceeded the 15 minutes, and you're at 16 -- you're at
21 minutes now. So what I'll do is now I'll move -- unless you have a cross-
examination for this witness, I'll move on to your case in --
Ms. Escarra: I have no questions for Mr. Offutt.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir.
Mr. Offutt: You have a question for me?
Chair Hardemon: No questions for you. You can --you may have a seat.
Mr. Offutt: Okay. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. And I know staff may have a position, as well,
because you all had an opinion on this matter. Now, you can go first.
Ms. Escarra: Good afternoon, Chair, Commissioners. My name is Iris Escarra,
with offices at 333 Southeast 2nd Avenue. We appreciate the opportunity to be
presenting today. I'd like to give you a little bit of information regarding where the
site is and what it's composed of. The site is composed of three sites along the
Miami River. The most northern site right here is the one that abuts Mr. Offutt's
business. So Mr. Offutt's business is located right here. This is one site that the last
certificate of use that it had was in 2010; the center building, the last certificate of
use for office was 2011. And the third site was until 2005, it had a certificate of use
for pleasure craft. So one of the things that I want to emphasize is that there is no
existing marine use that is being displaced by our use. Currently, the site has been
vacant, it's been vacant for more than 10 years, so I want to make sure that that is
very clear on the record; that there is no existing marine use being displaced.
Secondly, I'd like to point to where we are along the Miami River and all the
different activities. So in yellow here, this is our site. This is the 5th Street Bridge.
As you all know, the City of Miami Charter includes a provision that south of the 5th
Street Bridge must have river walk unless you're an industrial use. So one of the
things that has always been a natural master planning component item was that the
river was divided into three; the lower river, the middle river, and the upper river.
Starting from the Charter, starting from every plan adopted from the Miami River
Commission, they have looked at the river in three phases. We are located here, east
of the 5th Street Bridge, and in the lower river. Our site is here. We have Mr.
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Offutt's site to the north, which is in green, Biscayne Towing. We are also located
across the river from Kiki on the River, Sea Spice, Casa Blanca's, Garcia's
Restaurant, and so forth, which I'd like to point out with regards to the zoning, our
site is here. The purple means "industrial"; D3 marine industrial. All the
restaurants here on this curve -- Garcia's, Kiki's, Sea Spice and so forth -- are
located in this DI curvature here of the river, which is this curvature here of the
river, so I want to make sure that the zoning for those restaurants are similar to the
zoning for our restaurants, in that they are industrial. Secondly -- and a very
important fact that I want to make sure is emphasized today -- we commonly refer to
the working waterfront as defined in the Florida Statute. The City of Miami
Comprehensive Plan specifically refers to "working waterfront. " So when you look
to Florida Statute 342.07, it defines the working waterfront as "recreational and
commercial working waterfront. " It is not only working waterfront; it is recreational
and commercial working waterfront. So it is a mixed [sic] of uses on the waterfront.
And it says, "The Legislature recognizes that there is an important State interest in
facilitating boating and other recreational access to the State's navigable waters."
In addition to that, it says that, "As used in this section, the term, 'recreational and
commercial working waterfront' means a parcel or parcels of real property which
provide access for water -dependent commercial activities, including" -- these are
what is defined in the Florida Statute -- "including hotels, motels, as defined in
Florida Statute 509, or provide access for the public to the navigable waters of the
State. Recreational and commercial working waterfronts require direct access to a
location over, adjacent, or to navigable water" -- "body of water. The term
includes" -- this is what the term -- So when you -- Every time somebody mentions
"water waterfront," we have to call it "recreational and commercial working
waterfront" -- "It includes water -dependent facilities that are open to the public and
offer public access by vessels to the waters of the State, or that support facilities, "
and so forth. It talks about dry marinas, boat ramps, boat hauling, so forth, and
talks about how you define "a vessel." So when we refer to working waterfront, it is
a variety of uses; it is not just an industrial use. This definition is adopted in the
Port of Miami sub -element. So one of the things that Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Dickman
were discussing about the importance of those river cases that they incorporated into
the Miami Comprehensive Plan was this definition. Says, "The City shall maintain a
working waterfront table, " which is the table that was distributed, "to guide future
development, and the description of all properties of recreational and commercial
working waterfront. " So it's a mix of uses along the water on the river, "as defined
in Florida Statute 342; hereafter, 'working waterfront. "' So the term, the defined
term of "working waterfront" includes recreational and commercial uses, and that's
a very important fact for our case, and that is why the City of Miami -- Miami 21,
Article 4, Table 3 specifically says, "ND -3, " which we are; that food service
establishment is allowed by warrant. And that is the permit was sought; that is the
permit we applied for, and that is the permit under appeal. I would like to
reemphasize, we are not asking for a rezoning. We are not asking for a
Comprehensive Plan change. We are asking for a special use. One of the things I
wanted to point out -- and if I may, Mr. Gibbs, if I can use your exhibit for a second?
Thank you, Mr. Gibbs.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Ms. Escarra: I know; both sides, actually. So one of the things that's important here
is Mr. Karmely, the developer of the site, could have built a restaurant anywhere in
the City; anywhere. He could have bought land, upland anywhere in the City. This
highlighted here forgets the most important part of this property. The whole reason
why he bought this property is the water. He did -- he could have built a restaurant
in Brickell and been perfectly fine and happy, but he is a believer, a true believer in
that river, and he's a true believer in activating that river. So this whole area here
where we're allowed to dock, where we are paying the State for the lease of that land
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is excluded in this exhibit, and that's the most important part of our exhibit. So once
you add that square footage, you will see that it is way more than the square footage
of the restaurant. Another important fact that I'd like to put on the record is Miami
21 does not require that the uses be accessory to each other. Miami 21 simply says
it's a permitted use. So Mr. Gibbs is referring to the Miami River Urban Infill Plan.
Correct, it is a plan that was adopted by the Miami River Commission in 2003. The
City, as part of the warrant process, the City staff conditioned our approval to
include these relative uses to each other. But the Miami 21 Code does not mandate
that they have to be accessory. We have proffered and agreed that, because of the
uses and the vision that Mr. Karmely has for this property -- We do have a water -
dependent use. We have, actually, a couple different water -dependent uses, and if
given the opportunity to pursue them and pull a permit, you will see that they will be
great water -dependent uses, as well as a great restaurant and fish market for the
area. Going back to the Comprehensive Plan sections that Mr. Gibbs mentioned, he
says that the City shall protect encroachment of non -water -dependent or non -water -
related uses. We have proffered a water -dependent use; we've actually proffered two
of them; not only the boats, but also, the fish market. Secondly, it says that in Comp.
Plan Policy 3.14 that the City shall encourage working waterfront. We agree with
that. We are -- we're supportive. We have nothing to say about Mr. Offutt's
business. He can continue his business. We exist -- we're coming in after. We
acknowledge his use that's there; that's why we are coming in and supporting the
river. In addition, we also have employees; we also have people in the area that will
be employed with our facilities. So the working waterfront, as defined in the Florida
Statute, and as defined in Miami 21, we fully comply with. In addition to that,
Comprehensive Plan 3.16, he says that the City shall encourage only those
developments, rezoning and land use amendments in the vicinity. Here, we're not
asking for a rezoning and we're not asking for any Comprehensive Plan change. We
are complying with the existing regulations. Furthermore, I'd like to put on the
record Land Use Policy 1.3.3. So the City's Comprehensive Plan says, "That the
City shall maintain regulatory incentives and criteria that encourage the
preservation of recreational and commercial working waterfront. " Secondly, Policy
CM -2.1 says, "Wherever feasible, increased physical and visual public access to the
Miami River. " The Miami River, on the south side of the river, we are providing as
part of our plan public access to the river. Currently, right now, these residents in
this area have no access to the river as part of our Comprehensive Plan. Because
we are promoting a use that is either retail or office, the City requires that we have
public access, which we have, on two sides of the site to access the waterfront, as
well as along the waterfront. So this neighborhood here is also going to be
benefiting from the public access, to be able to enjoy, which is in your
Comprehensive Plan as a requirement that the design elements encourage access to
the river. CM Policy 2.14 says that, "The City shall continue to implement river
walk guidelines." We comply with the river walk guidelines. We provided --we even
agreed to chop off a portion of a building, which is a triangle, almost going into the
water, in order to enhance the public river walk area. Policy CM -3.1.1, Comp. Plan
and land development regulations will encourage water -dependent uses for the
working waterfront, as defined in Section 3. -- 342.07. Now, one of the things that I
wanted to mention is that Tucker has the burden to establish that the project does not
meet the standards -- he has not done such; that it is adverse to the public interest --
he has not done such. In addition to that, Mr. Offutt's testimony is not fact based,
because we have not moved in. We have not started a restaurant next to him. So
while we understand that he may be fearful of another use next to him, we have done
nothing to impact his business. So they are all ideas or concerns that he is raising
that are premature. I would also like to read into the record the Planning, Zoning &
Appeals Board recommended denial of the appeal. At the Planning, Zoning &
Appeals Board, Andy Parrish, one of the board members who is friendly with Brett
Bibeau and the Miami River Commission director, asked him specifically the
following, and I'd like to put the following into the record: "Mr. Bibeau: My old
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buddy put me on the spot; the last speaker of the night. Brett Bibeau, managing
director of the Miami River Commission. " This was after Andy Parrish asked him
specifically, "What is your own opinion; not the Miami River Commission, but what
is your own opinion?" Mr. Bibeau said, "I support the position of the two
subcommittee chairs, Jim Murley and Ernie Martin, that recommend approval of this
project, because it's in the lower river, because of the public river walk, and because
the history of the site is not marine industry. We are not evicting a marine industrial
business. The site is built out, it is not vacant, it has structures. Those structures
cover the majority of the site. I don't think it is possible to attract a marine
industrial business to this site. I don't think it is -- a boatyard will fit at this
property, and I don't think that it will get the number of permits -- the number of
slips from DERM (Department of Environmental Resource Management) to support
a truly working waterfront marina boatyard, commercial fishing operation, et cetera.
This proposal brings an element of the Miami" -- "of the marine industry by bringing
in yacht charters and commercial fishing." This is his personal opinion that he put
on the record at the PZAB (Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board). That is included in
your backup, with the minutes of the Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board meeting. In
addition to that, I'd also like to read into the record -- there are various letters of
support, 38 emails, 41 letters, and a petition of 259 people that have supported the
project proceeding forward, including a letter from County Commissioner Bruno
Barreiro that have been included, amongst many other members of the community:
Finley Matheson, Arva Jain, River Master Association, Mint Condominium
Association, Mr. Andrew Frey, Arturo (UNINTELLIGIBLE), Kent [sic] Karpowicz,
and so on and so on, of other folks that were not able to be present today that would
like to speak in support of the item. The last item that I would like to put onto the
record is that we have made a commitment to the Miami River and Mr. Karmely has
made a commitment to the Miami River through various different developments that
he is doing. In addition to that, he wants to make sure that it is emphasized that his
commitment to the river is very important with regards to local preference and local
hiring; as such, we are proffering a covenant, which is going to require the
following: At the time of construction of our restaurant, 50 percent of those
employed for the construction will be City of Miami District 3 residents. During
construction, the owner shall provide independent reports to the City, confirming
that such folks are City of Miami and District 3 residents. In addition to that, once
the restaurant is open, we have agreed and proffered that we will be providing 30
percent of those employed to be City of Miami residents. In addition to that, we are
also providing discounts for those in the immediate area for the restaurant of 25
percent, as well as in the fish market. So our commitment to this community will be
recorded against the title of this property for the restaurant use. Again, I just want
to read this into the record, because this is part of the Miami River Greenway Action
Plan, where it talks specifically about Little Havana, it says that this section of the
river is best categorized by dense urban development comprised of high-rise
residential, commercial single-family, multi family housing, retail
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) and waterfront restaurants. This is in the Miami River's
Greenway Action Plan. So the Miami River Commission has adopted these two
plans as guiding principles for all development along the river. With that said, I
have our architect here, who can walk you through the site plan and the
development, and I'd also like to bring up Mr. Karmely to -- who is the developer of
the site -- to have a few words.
Chair Hardemon: Have about four minutes left.
Shahab Karmely: Honorable members of the Commission, thank you for your time
today. Obviously, all of us who stand up here, hear what has been said, and sit
there, and, you know, go through what's the cash vote of the day. Today there seems
to be fake news and hyperbole, and a lot of statements made that have no basis in
fact. I came across a property -- I came to a city in 2013, which I fell in love with. I
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discovered a city which is dynamic and vibrant and on the path of growth, and on its
way to becoming a world-class city. I have invested money, time, and resources in
the City, and the focus of that has been the Miami River. I'm a passionate believer,
supporter and advocate of the Miami River and the City of Miami, and I firmly
believe that despite the opposition coming from across the aisle, we all win together
and we all lose together. This site was abandoned. It has not been a marine use for
two decades, neither can it ever be. We've looked at it. You cannot get the DERM
permits. So I am just incredulous when I have people standing up on record and
making a case that by us putting a restaurant there, somehow, we're stealing marine
industry jobs. If anything, by activating a site, increasing boat traffic there, it will
benefit the marine industry by providing clients for them. One sector of the
opposition was concerned -- the gentleman over there was concerned, along with
Antillean that they don't want us there, because the increased traffic is dangerous.
Well, I'd like to posit that if this, in fact, could become a use, such as Mr. Offutt's, the
number of boats that would be going in and out of the site, the number of boats that
would be using this would be incrementally -- not only incre -- exponentially more
than the use that we would have. So I don't understand how we are creating a
dangerous traffic bottleneck, whereas marine use would not; if anything, in fact,
that's a difference. Second point here is that we go back to the nexus of where the
opposition to this started, and I have gone on record on two separate occasions, and
I will do so again today on the record. The opposition here started with Mr. Offutt
approaching myself and my broker.
Mr. Gibbs: Mr. Chair, I want to object to this. This has nothing to do with the
standards and with the issue -- the legal issues of approving a warrant. This is
nothing more than to try to sway you with an argument that has nothing to do with
your charge here today, which is to either grant my appeal or not grant my appeal.
What he's talking about has nothing to do with the appeal that I filed,• it's not a
response to the appeal I filed. What he's trying to do is go after my client, and I
don't think it's appropriate, and it's also absolutely unnecessary.
Chair Hardemon: I hear your objection, counselor. Do you --
Ms. Escarra: Chair --
Chair Hardemon: -- have a response to the objection?
Ms. Escarra: I do. It goes to the heart of why Mr. Offutt appealed. The statement
he is about --
Mr. Gibbs: That doesn't matter.
Ms. Escarra: Yes, it is. The whole reason why he appealed is why we're here.
Chair Hardemon: And I'll tell you, I mean, it's a statement by a party opponent, so
why shouldn't we hear it?
Mr. Gibbs: I will tell you why. If he's going to talk about the issues that he -- that I
believe he's going to talk about, again, it has -- the basis of this appeal -- whether
they want to argue that the basis is something else, I'm the appellant. I wrote the
appeal. The appellee has no right to edit what I have done for my appeal, what my
appeal is. My appeal, as I've made it to you all today, is based on the law. I have
not made any other arguments about anything else --
Chair Hardemon: But --
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Mr. Gibbs: -- about motivations -- I could make arguments about motivations on
this side, too. I won't. I don't think it's appropriate to bring up extraneous issues
that have no relationship to the issue at hand, which is my appeal of the warrant,
and whether you all grant it or deny it.
Chair Hardemon: But counselor, if your client made this statement --
Mr. Gibbs: I don't know what statement --
Chair Hardemon: -- besides --
Ms. Escarra: If I may, Chair?
Chair Hardemon: -- relevance, why should not this board hear his statement?
Mr. Gibbs: Because what you're doing is -- You have a record if this is challenged
on either side. You have a record. Do you really want to pollute the record with
non -relevant issues, and not issues that relate to the appeal, itse f?
Ms. Escarra: If I may? Mr. Offutt put testimony into the record regarding a
financial impact to his business because of this --
Mr. Gibbs: I'm sorry, I'm going to object again.
Ms. Escarra: -- I have not -- I did not interrupt you.
Chair Hardemon: Let her -- let --
Mr. Gibbs: This is --
Ms. Escarra: Mr. Offutt --
Mr. Gibbs: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) on the side.
Chair Hardemon: Calm down, counselor. Calm down.
Ms. Escarra: Mr. Offutt put testimony --
Mr. Gibbs: This is wrong.
Ms. Escarra: -- into the record regarding a financial impact to his business from
our use. What Mr. Karmely is about to say, which was a fact, and he was present at
these discussions with Mr. Offutt is critical to the -- and it's part of the reasoning for
the appeal.
Mr. Gibbs: It's not competent and substantial.
Ms. Escarra: Therefore, I ask that you please allow Mr. Karmely to continue with
his testimony.
Mr. Gibbs: Mr. Chairman, it's not competent and substantial evidence. I will object
to it. It is not competent and substantial; and therefore, you should not consider it.
Your role on this board, as a quasi-judicial officer, every single one of you, is to
review the record --
Chair Hardemon: Yeah, but counselor, I could --
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Mr. Gibbs: -- review competent and substantial evidence.
Chair Hardemon: No, no, no. We have to find that competent and substantial
evidence and --
Mr. Gibbs: Is it corroborated?
Chair Hardemon: Hear what I'm saying to you. We have to find that competent and
substantial evidence has guided us to our decision; that's what we make our decision
upon. But we are allowed to hear the facts, no matter how minute you may claim
them to be, and --
Mr. Gibbs: But if those -- but are they facts? Are the competent, substantial facts?
That's all I'm saying.
Chair Hardemon: What I'll tell you is that if there is a statement that goes to what
the counselor just stated, I'll allow that statement in. I'll overrule your objection.
The record is very clear that you objected to it, but we're going to hear the fact --
we're going to hear the statement that was made, and then we're going to move
forward with the two minutes and 51 seconds that you have left for your
presentation.
Ms. Escarra: Okay. So what I want to do is I want to make sure that we put the
financial reasons on the record that Mr. Offutt had raised, so this is rebutting his
statements on the record.
Mr. Karmely: So Mr. Offutt, which speaks very passionately and gives us history of
how he got to where he is, somehow brought up this topsy-turvy reasoning that, "I
don't want you there, because, Karmely, you're so stupid. You're going to go create
jobs, you're going to spend millions of dollars to build this restaurant, and your
restaurant is going to fail, because I am there making noise, creating pollution,
being a general nuisance," regardless if this is a residential neighborhood, right?
This is primarily a residential neighborhood. "Because of all that, your business is
going to fail. " Well, the onus is on me. If -- shame on me if I have not figured out
that I can't run a restaurant over there. So he claims his motivation somehow as
goodwill towards me, trying to dissuade me from opening a restaurant there,
because, clearly, my restaurant is not going to work, and I'm going to complain.
Now, we have a judiciary, we have Code, and if my complaint is baseless, I'm going
to be told, "Hey, too bad. It is what it is, you are where you are, get on with your
life." And we bought this restaurant knowing full well that there is a marine
operation next to us. If you like, I find it to be part of the charm of the working river,
and we have no intention in interfering with Mr. Offutt's business, as we have not in
the past year, as he has vigorously pursued his case against me. And it is a case that
is basically based simply and basically -- and I'm standing on record -- in blackmail.
This man stood and said, "If you don't pay for my property what I paid" -- "what you
paid for yours, I'm going to hold you up. " If Thomas Conway were here --
Chair Hardemon: Can you clam your statement, please?
Mr. Karmely: He's -- he told me and he told Thomas Conway, "You pay me for my
property next door. I want to sell to you. You pay me what you paid here;
otherwise, I'm going to hold you up." And I'm saying this on the record. And
Thomas Conway, who is my broker, is a well-known broker in the City of Miami.
He's very active on the river. He is willing to corroborate with me right now. Now,
why do I bring this up? And if you would like, I can have him stand up here.
Chair Hardemon: No. You finish your statement, please.
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Mr. Karmely: Okay. And why am I saying this? Because this goes to the heart of
why this opposition exists. Is it because there's too much traffic or not enough
traffic? We're creating jobs, or we're taking away job? We're not taking away any
jobs, we're not kicking anybody out, we're not shutting down any business. This site
was not offered to me because of some corrupt procedure in which I was the only
person who -- This site was widely marketed. It was on the market for a long time.
The gentlemen of the marine industry, Antillean, they could have come and bought
this. If they are so concerned -- There are lots of sites on the river that are
abandoned and are for sale. Well, for God's sake, if there are all these jobs out
there that are being held up because the sites are not available -- they're available.
They could have bought this. Anybody could have bought this. You know why
nobody from the marine industry bought this? It's because this site has not been in
marine use for decades; neither can it be; it never was. We have not closed down a
business, we have not kicked anybody out, we have not created unemployment. In
fact, we've taken a site that was an eyesore, filled with homeless people; we've
cleaned it up; we have guard service there; and we're looking to spend a substantial
amount of money to create jobs and activities on the river. Mr. Gibbs, who has a
penchant for never letting anybody finish anything -- so hold your thought, right?
Mr. Gibbs pointed at -- to my plan --
Chair Hardemon: Talk to me.
Mr. Karmely: -- and said -- he was about to do his usual, you know --
Chair Hardemon: I know; just talk tome. Stay focused.
Mr. Karmely: Sorry. So Mr. Gibbs pulled this up and said, "Oh, if my forensic
accountants go in" -- How do you send a forensic accountant when a business hasn't
even started? What are you looking at, this forensic accountant? On the other hand,
he says, "I looked at the square footage here. There are two kitchens. " He knows
very well why there are two kitchens there. One kitchen is for the restaurant and one
kitchen is for the bigger space, which is where fishermen bring in catch, and you do
fish and chips, you do real -- You cook it, you package it, and you sell it. It's takeout.
The very boats the marine industry services, they will go up and down the river, and
hopefully, stop by us and get provisions going to sea and coming back. Hopefully,
Mr. Offutt's workers come and have a nice fish and chips lunch at our place, or have
a steak at -- that's why there's two kitchens. As far as yacht sails and yacht charter
goes, it's not a car dealership, because in a car dealership, you have your inventory
sitting in a closed showroom. In the marine industry, it's about selling lifestyle. And
if you go to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show -- that's why these boat shows move
around. You don't have car shows that move all around. They don't sell at those car
shows; they just show them, but you go to the dealership. The idea is that you utilize
the whole site. You utilize the frontage of the site, itself- the restaurant, the lounge.
It's a combination of, "Hey, have a meal, have a drink"; it's all working together.
And by the way, if it was not our plan to utilize the river and have this element of it,
why would I want to go through all this and pay this number to have just a
restaurant? There are many sites available in Miami -- unfortunately, too many -- to
do this. And in conclusion, I would like to say, not just saying grandiose, but I say
this from the bottom of my heart: We, as a city, are growing; we, as a city, are
changing. And one of the messages I firmly believe -- I just came back from five
days in Shanghai, where I was a panel speaker at two different forums, and my point
was not about New York, was not about L.A. (Los Angeles); it was about Miami.
And as a city, for all of us -- everybody who is a resident here, everybody who is a
taxpayer here, everybody who's a politician, somebody who likes me or doesn't like
me, we're all in this together. And I think the message that we want to send to the
world and the message that we want to send locally, internationally, is that we are a
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city that is lifestyle -oriented,• we are a city that welcome outsiders; we are a city
that's growing. And we say that we pro businesses. We are pro businesses that
benefit our communities, don't pollute the environment.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Karmely: Thank you very much for your time.
Chair Hardemon: Counselor --
Mr. Gibbs: Excuse me.
(Applause)
Chair Hardemon: No, please, no --
Mr. Gibbs: Excuse me.
Chair Hardemon: -- no, no, everyone. Even some of our employees got beside
themselves with that one. No clapping.
Mr. Gibbs: I just want to ask Mr. Karmely a question.
Chair Hardemon: I would allow you to cross-examine for a moment. Sir, can you
please approach the lectern here? Approach the lectern. I think it was the accent
that got people.
Mr. Karmely: Oh, sorry.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, counselor.
Mr. Gibbs: One question.
Mr. Karmely: Yes, sir.
Mr. Gibbs: Have you ever met or spoken with my client?
Mr. Karmely: Yes, I have.
Mr.Offutt: Never.
Mr. Gibbs: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: You asked the question. You got an answer.
Mr. Gibbs: I asked the question. My client says, "no,"so I will leave it with that.
Mr. Karmely: I don't have to tell you where I met him?
Chair Hardemon: You can.
Mr. Karmely: On our site, as he was being very threatening.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Ms. Escarra: I need 30 seconds --
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Mr. Karmely: And by the way, and the Miami River Commission hearing. And the
last time we were here, I shook hands with him. I said, "It's good seeing you." I met
him on numerous occasions.
Mr. Gibbs: But that --
Mr. Karmely: In front of multiple witnesses right over there.
Mr. Gibbs: That's not what I meant. I meant --
Chair Hardemon: You asked a question.
Mr. Gibbs: Okay. I'll ask another question.
Chair Hardemon: He's a very good lawyer.
Mr. Gibbs: Did you ever meet with my client, and did my client ever tell you
anything about money or anything else --
Mr. Karmely: Yes, yes --
Mr. Gibbs: -- when you met with him?
Mr. Karmely: -- at the site. That's my number. That --
Mr. Gibbs: When did this happen?
Mr. Karmely: -- is my number --
Mr. Gibbs: When did this happen?
Mr. Karmely: When -- about a month after we bought the site.
Mr. Gibbs: And when was that? I don't know when you bought the site.
Mr. Karmely: 2016
Mr. Gibbs: In 2016?
Mr. Karmely: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, counselor. Thank you.
Ms. Escarra: If I may?
Mr. Karmely: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: Have -- sir, no, no, no. Have a seat.
Mr. Karmely: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: Have a seat, have a seat. You should be coming to a conclusion.
Ms. Escarra: And in conclusion --
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
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Ms. Escarra: -- I would just like to incorporate into the record the Planning, Zoning
& Appeals Board decision denying the appeal. I'd like to include into the record the
City staff report, which is competent and substantial evidence, which shows that we
are consistent, that we are relevant, and that reasonable minds would agree that our
application complies with the City's Zoning Code, the City's Comprehensive Plan.
With that said, I conclude my presentation.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Ms. Escarra: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: No, no, not yet. The City -- Mr. Francisco; I'm going to give him
an opportunity to speak.
Mr. Gibbs: Oh, okay.
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Garcia?
Francisco Garcia: Thank you, sir. For the record, Francisco Garcia, Planning &
Zoning director. And mindful of the time, I'll be very brief. As stipulated, you have
all of our information and all of our analysis on your record, so I'll stipulate to that.
And I'll mention simply two things: As stated previously, but worth emphasizing, the
uses applied for are allowable in the applicable zoning designation; that being D3,
which is waterfront industrial. The reason these uses require a warrant in this
particular zoning designation, unlike in all the other industrial zoning designations -
- namely, DI and D2 -- the reason they are required -- the warrant is required in D3
is to ensure that there is a continued presence of water -related uses along the
riverfront, as appropriate. And so, to ensure through the warrant that the water -
related uses on the subject site are protected -- and I think it bears repeating that
this site at various times has been vacant, which is clearly not conducive to a
waterfront environment -- we have added a condition to the warrant that I'd like to
read briefly into the record, and it says the following -- it's Condition Number 3 in
the warrant. It says, "To assure that a water -dependent is achieved on the subject
site, the marine operating permits shall be approved prior to the issuance of a
building permit for the site for any other uses "; those being the proposed restaurant,
outdoor dining area, et cetera. It is possible -- and I'll close with this -- that the
subject use that is applied for here, the restaurant and the open dining area, are not
incompatible, but actually accessory to the water -related uses. We believe that in
this particular application, they are, and we think it also is conducive to implement
other objectives and intents of the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive
Neighborhood Plan, which is to serve as a buffer to the other residential uses across
the street. So there is now a clear and effective transition between some residential
uses across -- south from the site, across the street; a restaurant, which is a perfect
merger between the industrial setting of the river and the residential to the south and
east; and also, the industrial uses, which will continue to, we hope, foster over the
years. We certainly approved the warrant originally; and therefore, we recommend
that you deny the appeal. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Counselor, do you have any questions that you have for Mr.
Garcia?
Mr. Gibbs: I do not.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Thank you very much. I'll give you an opportunity to rebut
any of the testimony that was provided here. I suggest, though, that you not focus
your time on --
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Mr. Gibbs: I'm not going to.
Chair Hardemon: Okay, good.
Mr. Gibbs: I knew what you were going to ask. I have two points I want to make
about the lower river. I want to submit this map into evidence; and, Iris, I will show
it to you -- or Andrew will show it to you. It shows that P&L Towing is immediately
to the south of this site. There is a substation and there's also P&L Towing, right --
okay. Right --
Ms. Escarra: Yes, you can use my exhibit, Mr. Gibbs. You're welcome to use it, of
course. Go right ahead. I highlighted it. I highlighted it over there.
Mr. Gibbs: On the record, on the record, I should have asked you. I apologize.
Okay, P&L Towing is immediately --
Commissioner Carollo: Courtesy first.
Mr. Gibbs: Pardon?
Commissioner Carollo: Courtesy first.
Mr. Gibbs: Hey, absolutely, I want to be. My -- the AT&T (American Telephone
and Telegraph) substation is here, and P&L Towing is right south of there. So --
and you have Biscayne Salvage, which is Biscayne Towing. So this is sandwiched in
between two very intense uses on the river. That's the issue; is to preserve it. This is
an "A" property; again, just so you all know, it's an "A" property. And -- oh, I
forgot, that's the one thing -- P&L Towing was the plaintiff -- was one of the major
plaintiffs; the late Captain Payne was. It's Payne versus City of Miami. And it was
to protect these uses in the lower river. Anybody who's going to talk about the lower
river, that is a non -issue, because in the Miami River Infill Plan, in the lower river, it
says restaurants are only to be used if they're accessory. I'm just going to leave you
with that. But I also want to talk to you about something else, and that is your
review criteria. Your review criteria specifically says when you're reviewing for a
warrant, the review shall consider -- "The application shall be reviewed for
compliance with the Code. It shall consider the intent of the transect." The intent of
the transect. When you look at the intent language, as I explained earlier, the intent
language talks about industrial uses and talks specifically about the kind of very
intense uses that are acceptable in that area, and it's -- in that zoning --
Chair Hardemon: I'm assume you're going -- you're closing your argument with
this. This is -- it sounds to be.
Mr. Gibbs: -- I am closing with this argument; that is correct. -- and the guiding
principles of the Miami 21 Code, and the manner in which the proposed use will
operate, given the specific location in proximity to less intense uses. So the question
is when you evaluate, when you make this decision, is this restaurant use? Does it
implement the intent of the industrial transect, the "D" transect; does it do that? And
does it do is in a manner in which the proposed use will operate? So you have an
operation that you know you're approving that is inconsistent with the operation
directly to the north and close by to the one to the south, and that's the issue. The
issue is, how is that protecting the marine industrial uses along that river? And I
understand the statute, I understand what that has said, but I don't think it says --
and you look at -- and if you look at the language in the statute, it's really
interesting. It talks about ports. It talks about ports, and it basically says, "I don't
think you're going to want to have it" -- "one of these recreational uses with selling
jet skis or renting jet skis in the Miami River while ships are going up and down that
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river. That's the point. They're trying to tell you, "Well, this is a mixed recreational
and industrial, and commercial use." No, it's not. This is a working river. And I
don't mean working by giving people jobs in restaurants or restaurants -- I'm talking
about real ship work; cleaning, painting, scraping, refurbishing ships and large
vessels. And what you're doing here is you're making a false equivalency. You're
saying, "Eh, it's a restaurant. They have a ship, they have a boat that comes in every
other day or everyday with fish. We're going to sell fish and we're going to put it on
the menu, and that's good enough." So you know what's going to happen? And this
will be your legacy. You're going to have beautiful restaurants all up and down this
river, and you're not going to have a single working concern on the Miami part of
that river, because everybody's going to bootstrap this. When I said it's the tail
wagging the dog, I meant it. It's the tail wagging the dog. This is about a
restaurant. This is not about a real marine industrial use. And I'm sorry, I am
passionate about this; I'm very passionate about this. Every community needs
industrial. And you know what? Industrial land is the one land, when you give it
away, you let it be used for something else, it will never ever be industrial again, and
you lose your balance as a city, because that's where you get your money.
Chair Hardemon: Thankyou very much, counselor. Ma'am, you're recognized.
Ms. Escarra: I just want to put one thing into the record. P&L Towing did not
appeal our warrant.
Chair Hardemon: Is that your closing?
Ms. Escarra: That -- I'm on rebuttal to his rebuttal --
Chair Hardemon: No, that's --
Ms. Escarra: -- unless I can say more. I'm happy to say more.
Chair Hardemon: He moved into his closing. It's your closing.
Mr. Gibbs: I didn't know --
Ms. Escarra: Oh.
Mr. Gibbs: -- that there was a rebuttal to the rebuttal. I --
Chair Hardemon: No, I didn't designate two rebuttals, no.
Mr. Gibbs: You want to have three? Because I'll rebut that.
Chair Hardemon: You may have a seat, counselor.
Ms. Escarra: So in closing, I would just like to summarize -- making me laugh. I
apologize. In closing, I would like to summarize that we went through the City's
process. The City has a warrant process which provided notice to neighbors in
abutting areas. We went through the Miami River Commission. The Miami River
Commission made a motion to approve this item, and the motion failed. They did not
make a motion to deny this item. We also went through the City's Planning, Zoning
& Appeals Board, and they -- after about an hour and a half hearing, they also
denied the appellant's appeal. I ask this of you. I expressed to you the Florida
Statute definition of "recreational and commercial working waterfront, " which is
extremely important to the item before you, because it is supposed to be a river of
many uses; not a river of one use. Furthermore, the Miami River Commission, in its
previous plans, have designated the lower river as an area for mixed uses. We have
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City Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 2017
no problem with Mr. Offutt's use. We understand that we are coming in second. We
have no problem with that use. This area has other restaurants. There's about four
or five other restaurants in this area, and we don't understand why our restaurant is
being targeted. Therefore, in that, I conclude. If there's any other questions, we
have our architect here to present, and I incorporate the record from the lower
boards and the City staff. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Mr. Gibbs: I have nothing -- I -- What can I say? I -- my under --
Chair Hardemon: Well, why--?
Mr. Gibbs: -- you know, a surrebuttal to their surrebuttal --
Chair Hardemon: No, no, it's a closing.
Mr. Gibbs: Wait a minute. Their closing? They're the appellee. I don't understand
how an appellee does a closing. All I can say is reiterate --
Chair Hardemon: I allowed her to come to a conclusion with her statements. She
provided a case in chief, the same way you did, and she's concluding it. So she's told
us what is final, what we should remember when we're moving forward. Now that
we've heard all the arguments, it's our time to talk about the issue. If we need you to
discuss the issue, we will call on you. But at this time, I'm going to take this
information that we've learned and we're going to ingest it as a Commission. You're
recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman, thank you. So I understand the arguments
very well. Actually, Commissioner Reyes hit it right on the head with his question,
"How does this restaurant hurt your business?" I did not hear a compelling
argument on how this restaurant hurts your business, other than, "They're going to
be eating 10 feet away from where I'm at." Besides that, this area is blighted. In all
fairness, this area would be very good to be considered as a CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency). As a matter of fact, the County is considering it as a CRA.
And here, you have someone that's not coming requesting monies from the City for
this blighted area; they're actually investing in this area. At the same time, I
understand about the marine jobs. You're hearing the Commissioner that teamed up
with Miami -Dade Public Schools and Bayside -- and the Bayside Foundation, and
created the first Marine Service Technology Program in the County. So all those
jobs, there was no training for the individuals to obtain those jobs. You had to go up
to Fort Lauderdale or up north, so I understand that. Here, once again, through a
voluntary covenant, they're committing to creating jobs and creating jobs within the
City of Miami, it states here in their covenant, and there will be some accountability,
because they have to hire an independent firm to certify that that is happening. And
at the same time, for the residents, they're providing a discount in the restaurants
and so forth. So I think this is good for the area, and I am going to make a motion
following the recommendation of our Planning Department and following the
recommendation of our Planning and Zoning Appeals Board [sic] to deny this
appeal, and that is my motion.
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): Mr. Chairman, if I can also inquire? I believe
the applicant had voluntarily proffered a covenant. Would the Commission be
accepting that covenant, as well, as part of the motion?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes; having the covenant, which I had mentioned, as part of
the motion, and that is my motion.
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Chair Hardemon: Is there a second to the motion?
Vice Chair Russell: I'll second it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly --
Vice Chair Russell: Discussion.
Chair Hardemon: -- moved and seconded. You're recognized, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Garcia and/or Mr. City Attorney, there was a lot of
different jurisdictions mentioned and a lot of different definitions from different parts
of our Code, the State Statute. Tell me, the Miami River Infill Plan, is that something
that we are bound to as a City Commission, as we make our decisions? Is that --?
Mr. Min: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Any further questions?
Commissioner Carollo: Call the question?
Chair Hardemon: Yeah. Just -- well, one quick question. Mr. Garcia, an incidental
use -- A statement that was made on the record was that the Miami River Infill Plan
required that the restaurant had to be an incidental use. How is it that your
department defined or -- and analyzed the term, "incidental use"?
Mr. Garcia: Thank you for the question, because I think it would help clarify a
couple of issues. There are no hard and fast criteria set forth in our Code or in the
Zoning Ordinance. Our Zoning Ordinance frequently speaks of ancillary uses, and
those are typically referred to as having to occur after and being supportive of a
precedent dominant use or principal use. In this case, we find that once the
proposed development is completed, there will be both a dominant water -related
commercial use -- not necessarily industrial, but certainly, water -related use, which
we find in compliance with the applicable regulations. And supportive of that, there
will also be a restaurant that happens to have an open air eating area. Because we
find the two complementary and because we have -- we find the two to be
companions in terms of facilitating the uses that the Code and the Comprehensive
Plan provide for and request, we deemed that the warrant would be worthy of
approving, with conditions, as we have set forth; always making certain that the
water -related use remains onsite. That goes -- that's Point I of 2, but 2 is very brief.
That goes to ensuring that the subject site, the site that is subject of the warrant is in
full compliance; and then, vis-a-vis protecting surrounding uses, which should be
allowed to be and should be fostered as water -related industrial, it doesn't affect
them adversely in any way that we have been able to discern. And because that is
the case, it neither detracts from or encroaches upon the acceptable and fosterable
industrial uses, but it also inserts a water -related use on the site, which is something
that wasn't there before.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Any further discussion or unreadiness? Hearing
none, all in favor of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
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Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): As amended
PZ.4
ORDINANCE First Reading
1032
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
Planning and
AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
Zoning
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
ABSENT:
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION
Note for the Record. Item PZ.4 was deferred to the February 22, 2018, Planning
163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND
Meeting.
USE DESIGNATION OF THE ACREAGE DESCRIBED HEREIN OF
REAL PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 29
NORTHWEST 42 STREET, 30 NORTHWEST 44 STREET AND 4202-
4330 NORTH MIAMI AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM " DUPLEX
RESIDENTIAL" AND "LOW DENSITY RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL"
TO "MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL, PUBLIC FACILITIES,
TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES"; MAKING FINDINGS;
DIRECTING TRANSMITTALS TO AFFECTED AGENCIES;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO:
Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort
Note for the Record. Item PZ.4 was deferred to the February 22, 2018, Planning
and Zoning Commission
Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ.4, please see "Order of the
Day. "
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PZ.5
ORDINANCE First Reading
1033
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Planning and
NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
Zoning
CLASSIFICATION OF THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT
ABSENT:
APPROXIMATELY 29 NORTHWEST 42ND STREET, 30 NORTHWEST
Note for the Record. Item PZ.5 was deferred to the February 22, 2018, Planning
44TH STREET AND 4202-4330 NORTH MIAMI AVENUE, MIAMI,
Meeting.
FLORIDA FROM T3 -L, "SUB -URBAN TRANSECT ZONE -LIMITED,"
AND, T4 -L, "GENERAL URBAN TRANSECT ZONE -LIMITED," TO CI,
"CIVIC INSTITUTION"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO:
Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort
Note for the Record. Item PZ.5 was deferred to the February 22, 2018, Planning
and Zoning Commission
Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ.S, please see "Order of the
Day. "
PZ.6 ORDINANCE Second Reading
1972 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Department of ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Planning OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1.2,
ENTITLED "DEFINITIONS OF TERMS," ARTICLE 4, TABLE 3,
ENTITLED "BUILDING FUNCTION: USES," AND ARTICLE 6, TABLE
13, ENTITLED "SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS"; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO:
Continue
RESULT:
CONTINUED
MOVER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort
Note for the Record. Item PZ.6 was continued to the December 14, 2017, Planning
and Zoning Commission
Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ.6, please see "Order of the
Day"' further, "Order of the Day" of the November 16, 2017 Regular Commission
Meeting Agenda.
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PZ.7
ORDINANCE Second Reading
1909
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Department of
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Planning
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING
"DEFINITIONS
ABSENT:
ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1.5, ENTITLED OF ART IN
PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM"; ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.17, ENTITLED
"PUBLIC ART REQUIREMENTS"; AND ARTICLE 11, ENTITLED "ART
IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM," TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLIC ART
REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT:
CONTINUED
MOVER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort
Note for the Record. Item PZ.7 was continued to the December 14, 2017, Planning
and Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ. 7, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items;" further, "Public
Comment Period for Regular Items" on the November 16, 2017 Regular
Commission Meeting Agenda.
Chair Hardemon: We can hear PZ. 7 first, correct? I believe we can.
Commissioner Carollo: PZ. 7?
Chair Hardemon: Yeah. We skipped PZ.7. It's the Zoning text.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): PZ. 7, may I read it into the record?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: The companion is SR.2, and we'll deal with it when we go to the
regular agenda.
Chair Hardemon: Correct. Any discussion?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: You are recognized, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: I have a question, and I think that it's -- it concerns me, the
cost of all that art, and we are charging -- we are making -- and just for
clarification, we are making developers spend all that money on art that they have to
have in front of the buildings, right?
Efren Nunez (Planner II, Department of Planning): So the ordinance would require
the --
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Chair Hardemon: Can you announce yourself for the record, sir?
Mr. Nunez: Efren Nunez, with the Department of Planning & Zoning. The way the
legislation is drafted would require that the developer incorporate an artistic
component to the developmentproject --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. But --
Mr. Nunez: -- to a percentage.
Commissioner Reyes: -- so, I mean, it's a set fee that they have to pay when they are
doing the development, or it is the cost of those pieces of art that they going to place
in front?
Mr. Nunez: The fee is based on the value of construction. The percentage that we
have is a lower percentage than that that is on standard nationwide in other cities.
Commissioner Reyes: What is "low"?
Mr. Nunez: So the average percentage nationwide is I percent, or what is normally
called a percent for the arts. In this particular case, we -- based on the
recommendation from the previous meeting that we had with the Commission was to
look at a tier process, which is what's being proposed. So we raised the applicability
before the legislation had projects a million and over, which is standard in -- with
other municipalities in Miami -Dade County to 3 percent -- I mean, to projects 3
million and over, we dropped the percentage from the I percent to a quarter percent,
and it's based on a tier process. Other cities -- for example, Doral, Coral Gables,
Palmetto Bay -- their standard percentage is the I percent.
Commissioner Reyes: So does these apply to low-income housing --
Mr. Nunez: It excludes --
Commissioner Reyes: -- or affordable housing?
Mr. Nunez: -- it ex -- the applicability requirement is excluded for workforce
housing, except those projects that are subject to the Miami -Dade County
Ordinance. Under the Miami -Dade County Ordinance, workforce housing or
affordable housing projects that receive subsidies from the County, such as SNP
(Safe Neighborhood Parks) or GOB (General Obligation Bond) funding are subject
to public art requirements under Miami -Dade County.
Commissioner Reyes: Another question, just for the sake of knowing: Who decides
what type of art is going to be placed in front of the building?
Mr. Nunez: So the City Commission adopted Phase One of the Public Art
Ordinance, which established the Public Art Board. The Public Art Board is
composed of 11 members of the community; each of them appointed by the City
Council. The Ordinance requires that the Art Board members have a background in
the world of art, with a degree that is from an accredited university that has either
an art, architecture, or fine arts, art history, urban design. In addition to those
requirements, there are other positions within the board that have a real estate
background, development background, to have a balanced board so the process is --
moves quickly.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. And let's say that the -- a building that cost $10
million, right? It will be $25,000 -- right? -- if it is quarter of a percent.
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Commissioner Carollo: Or 10 million -- it might be another tier. We have to look to
see what the tier is --
Commissioner Reyes: Oh, okay.
Commissioner Carollo: -- so it might be more.
Commissioner Reyes: No, my fear is that, I mean, you know, developers, they are
not going to lose money.
Mr. Nunez: Correct.
Commissioner Reyes: They are not going to lose money. What they're going to --
oh, that's the business.
Commissioner Carollo: Increase that --
Commissioner Reyes: And what they are going to do is they are going to either
increase the price or increase rent, you see? That's my problem with this ordinance.
That is my problem. We are make -- I mean, we have -- we are living in -- some
areas are rich and they have money that they would not affect them, but if you go to
the -- most part of Miami is low income. Most part of Miami is low income, and
what we doing is we are increasing the cost of rent and we increasing the cost of
apartments, you see? I mean, it's beautiful to have art and all of that; fantastic,
fantastic. But I don't know. I have certain problem with that.
Chair Hardemon: You know, and Commissioner Reyes --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: --one of the things that I- it's interesting. I feel like it could
potentially increase the initial cost of rental, but I'll tell you, if you don't have some
affordable housing that is mandated, rents increase. It's just like -- it's almost like
when a new building is built, yes. If there is an increase in cost for art, they're going
to increase how much, because they want to make a certain margin. But once that
first sale or once that first rent is set, everything after that is what the market will
pay.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, but initial rent could be maybe a hundred dollars --
Chair Hardemon: Could be $50 --
Commissioner Reyes: -- I mean, maybe $50 more.
Chair Hardemon: -- no, could be higher. You're absolutely -- that's my point.
Commissioner Reyes: And that hurts.
Chair Hardemon: You're right.
Commissioner Reyes: You see, that goes -- I mean, increased rent, that hurts. And
another concern that I have -- I mean, I like art, don't you think that I am a person
that hate art. But beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, you see. And I'm concerned
that here comes and they start placing certain things that are the -- I don't know,
that's -- I have a little concern about this. I don't know enough about it, you see? I
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don't know enough about it, and if we call, you see, defer it, I would really
appreciate so I can get more information about it.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: I could tell you that I have reservations on this, also. You
know, I'm not ready to vote in favor of it today; in December, maybe, you know, but
right now, I'm not in favor of voting for it today.
Chair Hardemon: You won't be here December.
Commissioner Carollo: That's what I'm saying. If I would --
Vice Chair Russell: He's right about December.
Commissioner Carollo: -- however, I won't be here. But right now, I'm not ready to;
I have reservations. You know, listen. I'll tell you, there was a lady that made a
compelling argument, I thought, when she said that, you know, we want to
incentivize people to actually put art; not necessarily make them or require them to.
So I do -- I would like to look at this further; and obviously, I won't be here in
December.
Chair Hardemon: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: But I'm not ready to make a -- I'm not ready to vote in favor
of this today.
Chair Hardemon: Well, as you know, the motion is made by the body, so I'll
entertain whatever motion this body wants to hear.
Commissioner Carollo: I'll make a motion to defer it to the December --
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Commissioner Carollo: -- meeting.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded to defer it to the
December meeting. Any discussion from the board members about that motion?
Hearing none, all in favor of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? That motion passes.
Commissioner Carollo: We're still in PZ (Planning & Zoning); correct, Mr. City
Clerk?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): We are still in the PZ agenda; yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Because then we will have to defer SR.2, but we're still in
the PZ --
Chair Hardemon: Well, I'm about to close, because we're finished with the PZ
agenda.
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Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Chair Hardemon: It's finished, so I'll close the PZ agenda; be opening back the
regular agenda.
Mr. Hannon: Chair, just need a minute to --
Chair Hardemon: I understand
Mr. Hannon: -- change the recording.
PZ.8
ORDINANCE Second Reading
1288
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Department of
ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE
Planning and
MAP OF THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN,
Zoning
PURSUANT TO SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES
ABSENT:
SUBJECT TO SECTION 163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY
CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION OF REAL
PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 20 SOUTHEAST 10
STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM "RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL"
WITH AN URBAN CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ("UCBD")
OVERLAY TO "PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATION" WITH AN "UCBD"
OVERLAY, THUS REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 13396, ADOPTED
ON JUNE 27,2013; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 13715
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER:
Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES:
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort
Vice Chair Russell: PZ (Planning & Zoning) -- Where are we, Clerk? If you could
help me, please?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Vice Chair, we can start with PZ.4 and 5. They're
companion items.
Commissioner Carollo: I thought they were supposed to be deferred.
Vice Chair Russell: They were deferred, I believe.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: PZ.4 and 5, I thought those were deferred.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes; as has PZ 6. I believe we're up to PZ. 7, art in public
places.
Mr. Hannon: Oh, my apologies. Yes.
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Commissioner Carollo: And PZ. 7, I think, has a companion. No? Or --
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): It does, and that would be SR.2,
sir.
Vice Chair Russell: PZ.7 and SR.2, we can hear that now. This is the second
reading?
Mr. Garcia: It is, sir.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Yes. I'll read both titles into the record.
Vice Chair Russell: Please.
Ms. Mendez: And ordinance of the Miami City Commission, with attachments,
amending Chapter 2, Article 11, Division 2, Section 2-892 of the Code of the City of
Miami, Florida, as amended, entitled "Administration, Boards, Committees,
Commissions, generally sunset review of boards" --
Mr. Hannon: Apologies. Are you reading the ordinance --? Are you reading from
the regular agenda or the Planning & Zoning?
Ms. Mendez: There are two companion items.
Mr. Hannon: Right.
Ms. Mendez: I am reading SR.2 --
Mr. Hannon: And we're on the Planning & Zoning agenda right now.
Ms. Mendez: I'm reading the companion item, so I'm reading both.
Mr. Hannon: Okay. We have --
Ms. Mendez: First SR.2, and then the Planning & Zoning item.
Mr. Hannon: -- two separate agendas today. So right now, we're on the Planning &
Zoning agenda, so we should be reading the -- PZ.7 into the record. And then once
we get to discussion on the second reading ordinance, we'll need to recess the
Planning & Zoning meeting to resume the regular agenda.
Chair Hardemon: Right; only PZ, only PZ stuff. So right now, instead of going to
PZ. 7, you have a -- you have PZ.8 and PZ. 9, right? Let's go there. PZ. 8.
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): Yes, sir. Briefly, by way of
introduction, items PZ.8 and PZ.9 are companion items. They are respectively the
land use change and the zoning change for a property at 20 Southeast 10th Street,
also known as Allen Morris Park South, and the request here is to have the present
zoning designation, which is T6 -48-B-0, which is also restricted commercial, with a
UCBD (Urban Central Business District) overlay, revert back to the public parks
and recreation or civic space zoning designation that it originally had. Our
recommendation is for approval, as was the recommendation of the Planning,
Zoning & Appeals Board; before you on second reading.
Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney, can you read it into the record?
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The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move the item.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved; seconded by the Chair. Is there any
further discussion regarding the item? Hearing none, all in favor of the item, say
aye. fl
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes
PZ.9
ORDINANCE Second Reading
1289
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Planning and
NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
Zoning
CLASSIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
ABSENT:
APPROXIMATELY 20 SOUTHEAST 10 STREET, MIAMI FLORIDA
FROM 76-4813-0", URBAN CORE TRANSECT ZONE -OPEN, TO "CS",
CIVIC SPACE TRANSECT ZONE, THUS REPEALING ORDINANCE
NO. 13397, ADOPTED ON JUNE 27,2013; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 13716
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER:
Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES:
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.9, please see
Item PZ. 8.
Vice Chair Russell: Just --
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): And the companion -- oh.
Vice Chair Russell: Go ahead
Ms. Mendez: I'm sorry. The companion item:
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Francis Suarez: No, go ahead and take vote right now.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved; seconded by the Chair. Any further
discussion on PZ.9? Hearing none, all in favor of the motion, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Vice Chair Russell: Now we just saved a park
PZ.10
RESOLUTION
2841
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), CLOSING, VACATING, ABANDONING, AND
Planning and
DISCONTINUING FOR PUBLIC USE PORTIONS OF PUBLIC
Zoning
STREETS GENERALLY KNOWN AS NORTHEAST 1 ST AVENUE
ABSENT:
(NORTHEAST MIAMI PLACE) AND NORTHEAST 52ND TERRACE
LOCATED WITHIN THE MIAMI JEWISH HEALTH SYSTEMS'
PROPERTIES, BOUNDED ON THE EAST BY NORTHEAST 2ND
AVENUE, ON THE SOUTH BY NORTHEAST 50TH TERRACE, ON
THE WEST BY NORTHEAST MIAMI PLACE AND NORTH MIAMI
AVENUE, AND ON THE NORTH BY NORTHEAST 53RD STREET, AS
MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
("PROPERTIES"); FURTHER RECOMMENDING THAT SEVEN (7)
EASEMENTS LOCATED WITHIN THE PROPERTIES BE VACATED;
MAKING FINDINGS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0574
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES:
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.10, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items. "
Chair Hardemon: We are at PZ 10. Is PZ.10 -- is that an ordinance? That's a
resolution. And is PZ (Planning & Zoning) -- let me see. PZ.10; PZ. 11, I'm sure, is
an ordinance; PZ. 12, PZ. 13.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): PZ. 11 is an ordinance; PZ. 12.
Chair Hardemon: PZ. 12 is an ordinance and PZ 13 is an ordinance. The Chair
would like to entertain a motion to approve PZ.10.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved; seconded by the Chair to approve PZ.10.
All in favor of the motion, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
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Mr. Garcia: With your indulgence, and just to address the comment of a lady who
asked a question, and I think she may have been slightly misinformed, as pertains to
PZ 10, she had objected -- or expressed some reservation about the partial closure of
51st Terrace. I wanted to clarify that that is not the portion of 51st Terrace that is
outside of the Miami Jewish Health Systems property, but the one that is inside;
therefore, it would have no impact, whatsoever, in her ability to access -- or the
neighbors' ability to access their respective homes, or circulate throughout the
neighborhood.
PZ.11
ORDINANCE First Reading
2842
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Department of
ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE
Planning
MAP OF THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
("MCNP") PURSUANT TO SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT
PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION 163.3187, FLORIDA
STATUTES BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION
OF APPROXIMATELY 62,593 SQUARE FEET OR 1.44 ACRES FROM
"LOW DENSITY MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL" TO "MAJOR
INSTITUTIONAL, PUBLIC FACILITIES, TRANSPORTATION AND
UTILITIES" FOR THE REAL PROPERTIES APPROXIMATELY
LOCATED AT 5265 NORTH MIAMI AVENUE, 10 NORTHEAST 53
STREET, 20 NORTHEAST 53 STREET, 32 NORTHEAST 53 STREET,
42 NORTHEAST 53 STREET, 58 NORTHEAST 53 TERRACE, 57
NORTHEAST 52 TERRACE, 43 NORTHEAST 52 TERRACE, 35
NORTHEAST 53 TERRACE, 25 NORTHEAST 52 TERRACE, 17
NORTHEAST 52 TERRACE, AND 11 NORTHEAST 52 TERRACE, AS
MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING
FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort, Russell
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.11, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items" and Item PZ.10.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Chairman, PZ. 11, 12 and 13 are companion items
for -- more or less to --
Chair Hardemon: I understand Read PZ. 11 into the record, please.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Each of these -- 11, 12, 13 -- have two
readings; is that -- that's correct? The --
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: -- all three ordinances? Is there a motion?
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Commissioner Carollo: For --?
Chair Hardemon: Its been properly moved by Commissioner --
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, hold on.
Chair Hardemon: Oh.
Commissioner Carollo: Motion for --?
Chair Hardemon: 11.
Commissioner Carollo: --just]]?
Chair Hardemon: That's correct.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded to approve PZ. IL Seeing
no discussion, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
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PZ.12 ORDINANCE First Reading
2843 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO ARTICLES 3 AND 7 OF
Planning ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), REZONING
CERTAIN PARCELS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
APPROXIMATELY 20.975 ACRES (913,683,200 SQUARE FEET) FOR
THE "MIAMI JEWISH HEALTH SYSTEMS SPECIAL AREA PLAN"
("SAP"), A MEDICAL CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 5060, 5200, AND 5246 NORTHEAST 2 AVENUE;
5201 AND 5265 NORTH MIAMI AVENUE; 95,145, AND 155
NORTHEAST 50 TERRACE; 71 AND 75 NORTHEAST 51 STREET; 10,
20, 32, 42, AND 58 NORTHEAST 53 STREET; AND 11, 17, 25, 35, 36,
43, 44, 57, AND 61 NORTHEAST 52 TERRACE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A" ("SELECTED
PARCELS"); THE SAP CONSISTING OF A PHASED PROJECT
DIVIDED INTO A MAXIMUM OF FOUR (4) PHASES WHICH
INCLUDES APPROXIMATELY 1,497,754 SQUARE FEET OF
STRUCTURES AFTER ALL PHASES OF THE SAP ARE COMPLETED
AND INCLUDING: A) PHASE I: EMPATHICARE BUILDING WITH
THREE-STORY GARAGE; B) PHASE II: INSTITUTE AND FIVE -STORY
GARAGE; C) PHASE III: CONFERENCE AND HOTEL CENTER; AND
D) PHASE IV: CYPEN TOWER CONNECTOR, WELCOME CENTER,
THERAPY CENTER, THERAPY VILLAGE, VILLAGE BISTRO,
CREATIVE ART CENTER, AND SUMMER GARDEN; THE SAP WILL
MODIFY THE TRANSECT ZONE REGULATIONS THAT ARE
APPLICABLE TO THE SELECTED PARCELS AND WHERE A
REGULATION IS NOT SPECIFICALLY MODIFIED BY THE SAP, THE
REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE MIAMI 21 CODE WILL
APPLY; THE SQUARE FOOTAGES ABOVE ARE APPROXIMATE AND
MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE AT TIME OF BUILDING PERMIT
BUT SHALL NOT EXCEED 1,497,754 SQUARE FEET OF
DEVELOPMENT AND SHALL CONTAIN A MINIMUM OF 63,277
SQUARE FEET OF CIVIC SPACE AND A MINIMUM OF 461,601
SQUARE FEET OF OPEN SPACE; MAKING FINDINGS OF FACT AND
STATING CONCLUSIONS OF LAW; PROVIDING FOR BINDING
EFFECT; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO:
Pass on First Reading
RESULT:
PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES:
Hardemon, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Russell, Gort
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.12, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items" and Items PZ.10 and
PZ. 11.
Chair Hardemon: PZ 12. Can you read it into the record?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
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Chair Hardemon: Thankyou very much. The Chair would like to entertain a motion
to approve on first reading.
Commissioner Reyes: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved, and seconded by the Chair.
Commissioner Carollo: Second; discussion though.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: The one thing I want to see if it's a possibility, something
that I've done quite a bit, quietly, in all these projects. Listen, we hear about jobs,
jobs, jobs. So I want to make sure that jobs, jobs, jobs happen in our City of Miami.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: So I would want to see if there could be a percentage in the
process of the different phases -- let's say, for each phase -- that those jobs be from
City residents, or a percentage of those jobs be from City residents. And then for the
accountability part, have an independent auditing firm be able to certify the
numbers, let's say bi-monthly.
Iris Escarra: Right. Well, I can tell you the development agreement that's included
includes our commitment to maintain -- currently, right now, we have almost 80
percent of our employees within a 10 -mile radius of the campus, and we've agreed to
maintain that percentage for all the future development of the site, because one of
the things that Miami Jewish Home does do is it employs a lot of people from the
surrounding communities, from Little Haiti, from the Design District, so that's
something that they're very happy to continue to do.
Commissioner Carollo: How about during the construction phase?
Ms. Escarra: I'd -- that language is not included currently on the construction.
Commissioner Carollo: Right. And that's where I'm going, because that's --
Ms. Escarra: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: -- because you're going to construct and you're going, you
know, create --
Ms. Escarra: Correct.
Commissioner Carollo: -- new jobs.
Ms. Escarra: And the construction is going to include, but it isn't on the employment
of the new facility.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, understood. So can we put language in the
construction phase?
Ms. Escarra: We're happy to, yes.
Commissioner Carollo: And then we have to work out what percentage, and I would
want to make sure that we have a third party that, you know, certifies that --
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Ms. Escarra: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- you're meeting those requirements. Would you be
amenable to 25 percent of those construction jobs being from City residents?
Ms. Escarra: Give me just one second.
Commissioner Carollo: City of Miami residents.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): And this would be amended in the development
agreement, which is --
Commissioner Carollo: Exactly.
Ms. Mendez: -- the next item, but they're all companions so --
Commissioner Carollo: Exactly.
Chair Hardemon: You're talking on the construction side of things?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Ms. Escarra: Exactly. Yes, we're happy to.
Commissioner Carollo: Because as it stands right now, it's not there. So
realistically, the jobs could come from anywhere --
Chair Hardemon: Listen.
Commissioner Carollo: -- so I want to make sure they're City residents.
Chair Hardemon: I know that this is first reading, right?
Ms. Escarra: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: The one thing I'm assured of is that this organization has
provided multiple jobs, long-term jobs, jobs that people retire from, and provides
services to people every single day, right there on that campus, so I'm proud of that.
You are a significant employer of the people that are from the area. I've walked
through the hospital, I've walked through the residential areas, I've walked through
the space that you have, and I've seen it firsthand. So I'm confident that this is going
to allow you to continue doing what you already do. I think it's part of the nature of
the industry and the type of people that we have here in South Florida that allows
you to do that. So, you know, we thank you for that. But, certainly, there may be
opportunities, because of the significant amount of construction, et cetera, that
there's another population of people that you can assist with those jobs.
Commissioner Carollo: Exactly.
Chair Hardemon: You know the language that we like to see.
Ms. Escarra: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: We don't want to make it onerous on you, because I realize this is
a governmental organization with, you know, definite dollars, et cetera, so we're not
trying to punish anyone for not meeting certain goals. But I think that with the
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understanding of what we're looking for, you should find someone who is -- who's in
-- Your contractor and your subs should also understand exactly what we're trying
to do. I mean, we have resources throughout our districts that could help you find
people to work; not going to find everyone, but we just want to ensure that -- and you
know why -- that people feel like people who are local to Miami have an opportunity
to work on that site.
Ms. Escarra: Understood. Thank you very much. And I just checked with the
president, and he said 'yes " to the 25 percent --
Commissioner Carollo: So you'll go with --
Ms. Escarra: --for the construction.
Commissioner Carollo: -- for -- during the construction phase, 25 percent of the
employees or the workers --
Ms. Escarra: Mm-hmm.
Commissioner Carollo: -- will be City of Miami residents?
Ms. Escarra: Correct.
Commissioner Carollo: And --
Commissioner Reyes: Excuse me. That is going to be written in the --
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: -- language?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. And the reason I'm doing it now, even though I know
it's first reading, is because I won't be here for second reading, so I want to make
sure that it's there already for all of you to take up, because I think -- and again, it's
something that, you know, I've done consistently, you know, because jobs, jobs, jobs.
And then, obviously, I want some accountability behind it, so I want to make sure
that, let's say, every two months, so bi-monthly, you have some -- you know -- an
auditing firm, certified accounting firm to be able to, you know, certify that those
numbers are correct.
Ms. Escarra: And we'll include that language, as well, in the development
agreement.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: That was the unreadiness. There was some discussion. Any
further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
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PZ.13 ORDINANCE First Reading
2844 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
Planning PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTES, WITH THE
MIAMI JEWISH HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. RELATING TO THE
REZONING OF CERTAIN PARCELS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
20.98 ± ACRES FOR THE MIAMI JEWISH HEALTH SYSTEMS
SPECIAL AREA PLAN ("MJHSAP") COMPRISED OF SELECTED
PARCELS LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 5060, 5200, AND 5246
NORTHEAST 2 AVENUE; 5201 AND 5265 NORTH MIAMI AVENUE;
95,145, AND 155 NORTHEAST 50 TERRACE; 71 AND 75
NORTHEAST 51 STREET; 36 AND 44 NORTHEAST 52 TERRACE; 10,
20, 32, 42, AND 58 NORTHEAST 53 STREET; AND 11, 17, 25, 35, 43,
57, AND 61 NORTHEAST 52 TERRACE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A", ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF REDEVELOPMENT OF
SUCH LAND FOR AN ENCLOSED HOSPITAL CAMPUS WITH A
RESEARCH INSTITUTE, HOTEL, AND MEMORY CARE FACILITY;
AUTHORIZING THE FOLLOWING USES, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, LODGING, CIVIC,
EDUCATIONAL AND CIVIL SUPPORT, PARKING GARAGE, AND ANY
OTHER USES AUTHORIZED BY THE MJHSAP AND PERMITTED BY
THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN — FUTURE
LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION, AND ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED; AUTHORIZING A DENSITY OF APPROXIMATELY SIXTY-
FIVE (65) DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE IN SOME AREAS AND ONE
HUNDRED FIFTY (150) DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE IN SOME
AREAS; AUTHORIZING A BUILDING HEIGHT BETWEEN FIVE (5)
AND TWELVE (12) STORIES BASED ON THE TRANSECT ZONE
INCLUSIVE OF AVAILABLE BONUSES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FOR SAID PURPOSE;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO:
Pass on First Reading with Modification(s)
RESULT:
PASSED ON FIRST READING WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES:
Hardemon, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort, Russell
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.13, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items" and Items PZ.10 and
PZ.11.
Chair Hardemon: PZ 13, may you read it into the record, please?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Madam City Attorney, because this is actually
the development agreement,- this is actually where it belongs. And --
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Iris Escarra: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: -- I have the one that we did for FPL (Florida Power &
Light). Like I said, this isn't the first time that we've done this, but -- you understand
the language. We just did it with a covenant with Ms. Escarra. She understands the
language, so I don't think I really need to read any more into the record. I think you
both understand, and just if that language could be provided.
Ms. Escarra: We accept it, and we will submit it to the City Attorney's Office for
review, and make sure it's incorporated before second reading.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Sounds like she said, "State Attorney's Office. " Yeah.
Ms. Escarra: No, no, no; City.
Chair Hardemon: Yeah. Got it, got it.
Ms. Escarra: I'm a City person. City.
Chair Hardemon: She used to work for the State Attorney, too, so.
Ms. Escarra: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion to approve?
Commissioner Reyes: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded, with those amendments
that were stated on the record. Any further discussion on the item? Hearing none,
all in favor of the item, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Ms. Escarra: Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
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PZ.14
ORDINANCE First Reading
3073
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
Planning
CLASSIFICATION FROM "75-0," URBAN CENTER - OPEN, TO "76-8-
0," URBAN CORE - OPEN, AND FROM "T6-12-0," URBAN CORE -
OPEN, TO "T6-8-0," URBAN CORE - OPEN, FOR THE
APPROXIMATELY .998 ACRES OF REAL PROPERTIES LOCATED
AT APPROXIMATELY 2850 TIGERTAIL AVENUE AND 2765 SOUTH
BAYSHORE DRIVE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
Chair Hardemon: PZ 14.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): An ordinance --
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): Thank you, sir. Item PZ.14 is in
District 2, and I'm not certain that Commissioner Russell is on the dais.
Chair Hardemon: I know he's listening, right? No, he might be listening, might
come out. See, told you. Listen, I want everyone to realize that when we walk away
from this dais, don't think that we're not listening to you. There are TVs (televisions)
in all of our rooms that we listen to, we have on blast; just like when you're in the
restroom and you can hear its talking, we're listening to you in those rooms, so that's
why you see its run in and run out, so I know he was listening to you. All right,
Madam, can you read it into the record, please?
Vice Chair Russell: PZ (Planning & Zoning) --
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): And ordinance of the -- PZ --
Chair Hardemon: 13 -- I'm sorry -- 14.
Ms. Mendez: -- 14, PZ.14.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Hardemon: Any discussion or motions, or --
Vice Chair Russell: I think they're going to present something.
Chair Hardemon: -- or presentation?
Iris Escarra: Would you like me to make a --
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Vice Chair Russell: I'd love a presentation, please.
Ms. Escarra: Okay. Thank you very much. Iris Escarra, with offices at 333
Southeast 2nd Avenue. To walk you through, this is a rezoning that's actually -- the
current site is a single platted lot that is bifurcated by its existing zoning. So this
particular site right here has T6-12, which allows 20 stories, and it has a TS, which
only allows five stories. What we are requesting to do is to unify the zoning for the
site. In the record, we have proffered two covenants. One covenant is that this site
here, the corner site at the intersection of Mary, Oak, and Tigertail shall remain a
plaza. This site will be limited to 123 feet, which is equivalent to a typical podium
under Miami 21, which is eight stories. The site currently is right at the rear of the
Park Grove residential development, which is going in. It is proposed to be an office
building of eight stories. Secondly, along Tigertail, interestingly enough, this
particular piece here was kind of like an anomaly, because over here, you have the
T6-12 going all the way to Tigertail; even over here, where you're allowed 20 stories
next to a T3. For whatever reason here, this strip was, under Miami 21, was rezoned
to have a T5, similar to across the street. So in this particular area, when this
rezoning came in as part of the Miami 21, this site, which is a single platted lot, was
bifurcated in zoning. So in order to develop a unified site, what we're asking to do is
that the T6-12 be down -zoned to a T6-8, and that the TS be up -zoned to a T5. So it's
kind of like an exchange, but at the same time, it would provide for us to be able to
have a unified development on the site, and not a bifurcated transect zone line within
the site. I have Ray Fort here from Arquitectonica, who can make a presentation
with regards to the volumes and the massing, and the consistency with the area
going from 20 stories down to eight and down to five, which is part of Miami 21's
purpose and goals and principles, with regards to transitional zoning.
Vice Chair Russell: I'm sorry. Do we have a quorum? We heard that we were
allowed to go watch TV (television) from our offices, and they left.
Commissioner Carollo: Doesn't count as a quorum.
Vice Chair Russell: Doesn't count as a quorum when you can't vote.
Commissioner Carollo: And I'm not the Attorney. Let's take a five-minute recess.
Vice Chair Russell: Do we need to? Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Let's take a five-minute recess.
Vice Chair Russell: Is he coming back? Okay. Do you need -- Commissioner, do
you need one? You want to break?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Let's take five minutes.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay. We'll take a five-minute recess, please. Thank you.
Ms. Escarra: Thank you very much.
Later...
Chair Hardemon: All right. 14 -- Did 14 pass, or are we on 14? We're still on 14.
Vice Chair Russell: On -- yes, but one clarification before -- as everyone's
gathering. On PZ.1 and 2, for the City Attorney and the Clerk, I just wanted to
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clam. When we said covenant reversal would need a unanimous, not unanimous of
those present; unanimous of the City Commission.
Ms. Mendez: Unanimous of the City Commission --
Vice Chair Russell: Of the City Commission. I just wanted to --
Ms. Mendez: Of five.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: Five.
Vice Chair Russell: Not a S/Sths of whoever is here --
Ms. Mendez: Right, right; it's five.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: Five.
Chair Hardemon: Well, what happens if we go to the strong Mayor system? I'm just
joking. I'm listening
Ms. Escarra: That concluded my presentation. We have Ray Fort here, who can do
a mass -- any questions you may have with regards to the transitional zoning and the
massing of the buildings; otherwise, we're here to answer any questions you may
have.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. I do have some questions.
Chair Hardemon: Please.
Vice Chair Russell: So as of right, on the T6-12 portion, how many floor -- what is -
- I want to see what you're basically leaving on the table, because I've -- you know, a
lot of Grovites are concerned that this is actually creating more -- additional density,
or Brickell -- "Brickellification, " as they were calling it. But the way I see this -- and
do I owe a Jennings disclosure on this, Madam City Attorney?
Ms. Mendez: Have you met with --?
Vice Chair Russell: I've heard from Iris and the developer, and they presented this
to me many months ago; but, of course, it doesn't sway my decision. I'm hearing this
de novo in this moment, and that didn't sway my decision, but I certainly was glad to
hear what was going on, and what was being presented. Is that sufficient?
Ms. Mendez: That's sujflcient, and I don't see any objection from anyone, so it's
okay.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. So I'd like to understand -- because I didn't at that
time -- exactly how -- what you can do as of right, because I understand we're going
from 12 down to eight, but five up to eight.
Ms. Escarra: Right.
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Vice Chair Russell: And I don't want people just to focus on the five up to eight; that
if this is making a reasonable project that can be accomplished, it's not -- well,
maybe you can help me with that. Thank you.
Ms. Escarra: Happy to do it. This is actually a massing of what we currently could
build today. It's five stories in the front, eight -story podium in the rear, and up to 20
stories, with bonus, because the T6-12 allows 12 stories by right, and 20 with bonus.
So it's similar in nature to the other towers around it with regards to the 20 stories;
however, it's a lot thinner, because the site is bifurcated with the zoning. So this here
is a section showing you today we could do the five stories; that we could go up to
eight stories and 20 stories ultimately, in the rear. Under the T6-8, we could go
eight stories, and then four more with bonus, so up to 12. And what we've proffered
a covenant for is for 123 feet, which is eight stories, so we're limiting this particular
site. Basically, it's almost like we're shifting some of the square footage, how we're -
- but we're leaving about 20, 000 square feet that we're losing by the down -zoning in
the rear.
Vice Chair Russell: And that includes -- that's the net of including the up -zoning in
the front?
Ms. Escarra: Correct.
Vice Chair Russell. So you're leaving about 20,000 square feet on the table with
this?
Ms. Escarra: Correct, correct, because what the program is for this building --for
this site is to build an eight -story building. So what we need is the eight stories
collectively, unified as one development site here, because you can't -- because of an
-- the site and the one entrance, you can't fit an efficient parking garage with five
stories only and eight stories in the rear, so the goal is to have an eight -story office
here.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Garcia, why was this -- If I'm not mistaken,
this application was denied by the City Administration; is that correct?
Mr. Garcia: That is correct, sir, and I'll state briefly the reason. We would have
preferred, actually, for the T6-8-0 zoning that exists -- or rather the T6-12 zoning
that exists on the other side of 27th Avenue to have been continued for the sake of
consistency. We always look for consistency, because in the end, it turns into
development predictability. Barring that, the T6-8 zoning extended all the way to the
Ritz Carlton would have surprised them. We pursued that. We spoke with the Ritz
Carlton folks. They weren't interested at present, and they are already a fully
developed site; and, certainly, we can't compel them to rezone, but we wanted to try
to incorporate as much land as possible. There is nothing inherently wrong, per se,
with the rezoning to T6-8-0, because it happens to be transitionally adequate
between TS and T6-12, which they have. But the one last note that I want to make on
the record is we would actually have a preference, again, to keep things as clear as
possible, if the line that presently separates T6 -12-O from TS -O be kept continuous,
and only the portion of the site that is zoned T5-0 be rezoned to T6-8-0. So what
you have on the map in front of you that shows the zoning, presently they -- because
of the configuration of the parcel, it straddles, as was described earlier, the zoning
line. If the zoning line could be kept in place as a straight line and the T6-8-0
component be -- take over the T5-0 part, that would suffice, I think, for their
interests. The covenant that they've proffered would take care of the massing of the
building, as shown, as described, and we would have the continuous zoning line that
we would prefer to have. I hope that was clear. I'm happy to answer questions.
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Vice Chair Russell: It sounds like you're just being crenulation averse, once again,
if I might say.
Mr. Garcia: All -- and certainly not my intent, but if I can summarize by saying
could we please keep the zoning line straight? I would appreciate that.
Vice Chair Russell: I had to look up "crenulation" earlier this evening after you
mentioned it, and I realized it has to do with zig-zagging lines.
Mr. Garcia: I am crenulation averse, yes.
Vice Chair Russell: You are crenulation averse. Yes. And so, apparently, the denial
was based on actually the request for the down -zoning portion. So the
Administration was happy with leaving it as 12; perhaps with a covenant, but not
necessarily based on the project itself. Could you tell me about the -- within the
covenant, there's an open space or a --
Ms. Escarra: It is two covenants.
Vice Chair Russell: -- community space, or something like that?
Ms. Escarra: This entire space here is going to remain a plaza. The office building
is only going on this lot right here, which is an existing office building today.
There's a two-story existing office building, with parking on the ground floor. So the
office is coming here, and this will remain an open plaza, which we will activate with
a (UNINTELLIGIBLE) restaurant that's coming in at Park Road Tower 3 that could
open up into there, as well as this, so it'll be an activated plaza right at this real nice
intersection in the Grove.
Vice Chair Russell: When you say, 'plaza, " is that -- is it -- it's paved or it's green
space?
Ms. Escarra: Paved.
Vice Chair Russell: It's paved. And would that be a -- like an open-air portion for
the restaurant, like a sidewalk cafe type of thing; is that the concept or --?
Ms. Escarra: We could -- yeah. We could have some outdoor seating area out
there, yes.
Vice Chair Russell: It's meant to be an open area for --
Ms. Escarra: It's a -- it's meant to be open.
Vice Chair Russell: -- opening into the restaurant, almost like an outdoor lobby for
the area; is that right?
Ms. Escarra: There's also a mix of green, as Ray suggested. It's not just --
Vice Chair Russell: It'd be landscaped?
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell: Right.
Ms. Escarra: Correct.
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Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Ms. Escarra: And it -- the covenant provides for no permanent structures to be built
there. So if we put some tables out, they have to come back in, and stuff like that.
Vice Chair Russell: I understand. Does anyone have any other questions for --?
Then I'll -- unless there's a motion. Is there a motion on the floor?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): No, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: I'll make a motion.
Vice Chair Russell: I don't mind, either way. You've moved it?
Commissioner Reyes: So move.
Vice Chair Russell: It's been moved by Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Carollo.
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): I'm sorry. The motion is to --?
Vice Chair Russell: To --
Commissioner Reyes: Approve.
Vice Chair Russell: -- approve the application.
Mr. Min: The entire application, or approving part, denying part?
Vice Chair Russell: No. Entire.
Commissioner Reyes: The entire.
Vice Chair Russell: Because I -- and the reason, I'll tell you why. I don't -- If
they're willing to down -zone and proffer a covenant, I don't see any difference of
what that accomplishes than leaving it at T6-12 and proffering a covenant, but a -- I
think the message is better. It's showing we're trying to find an average of the T6-8
versus leaving it at 12 and up -zoning from five to eight. I think it tells the story a
little bit better, which, hopefully, will help with the community buy -in of the concept
that it's not a straight up -zoning; that we're looking at an -- there's an averaging out
from what's done as of right, and that there's 20,000 square foot left on the table
that's not going to be developed. And I think --
Ms. Escarra: Correct.
Vice Chair Russell: -- Grovites would recognize that that's a plus for the community
if they're concerned about over -development and too much density in the area, so.
Commissioner Reyes: I do agree with Commissioner Russell. He's --
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: -- right.
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Vice Chair Russell: So there's been a motion and a second, Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor of the motion,
say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? The motion passes.
PZ.15
ORDINANCE First Reading
3076
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
Department of
AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
Planning
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION
163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND
USE DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY 1.096 ACRES OF REAL
PROPERTIES AT APPROXIMATELY 2222 AND 2260 NORTHWEST
NORTH RIVER DRIVE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," FROM "DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL" TO
"LOW DENSITY MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL"; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.15, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Items" on the November 16, 2017 Regular
Commission Meeting Agenda.
Chair Hardemon: PZ.15 and 16 I know affect Commissioner Gort's district. I'm
assuming that it's on there because he has no objection to its hearing it?
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): That is correct. Thank you for
asking, sir. And furthermore, he actually asked that we read --
Chair Hardemon: One second.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Mr. City Attorney, did we read the title for PZ. 14? I
just want to make sure.
Chair Hardemon: Did you read the title?
Mr. Hannon: Yes, we did. I see in my records, yes.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you.
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Mr. Garcia: My apologies. In response to your question, Mr. Chair, I wanted to
read a statement left behind by Commissioner Gort in support of moving forward,
and also in support of the project. It says as follows: "Commissioner Gort will be
out of town on November the 16. Commissioner Gort has no objection to the City
Commission hearing this item in his absence. He supports staff recommendations. "
This message was received from Frank Castaneda, his chief of staff.
Chair Hardemon: That guy right there.
Frank Castaneda (Chief of Staff, Office of Commissioner Wifredo "Willy" Gort):
I'm here. That's okay.
Chair Hardemon: Can you read it into the record?
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): Yes, sir.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney
Barnaby Min.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion to approve?
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: So moved and seconded Seeing no further discussion, all in
favor of the item say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
PZ.16
ORDINANCE First Reading
3077
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Department of
NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
Planning
CLASSIFICATION FROM 73-0," SUB -URBAN TRANSECT ZONE -
OPEN, TO 74-R," GENERAL URBAN TRANSECT ZONE -
RESTRICTED, FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 2222 AND 2260 NORTHWEST NORTH RIVER
DRIVE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN
EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
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Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ.16, please see Item PZ.I5;
further, "Public Comment Period for Regular Items" on the November 16, 2017
Regular Commission Meeting Agenda.
Chair Hardemon: Please read PZ. 16 into the record.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney
Barnaby Min.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion to approve?
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: Properly moved, and seconded by the Chair. Any further
discussion on the item? Hearing none, all in favor of the item say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Carlos Lago: Thank you, Mr. Chair, Commissioners. Good evening.
PZ.17
ORDINANCE First Reading
3111
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE
Department of
MAP OF THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
Planning and
PURSUANT TO SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES
Zoning
SUBJECT TO SECTION 163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY
CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM "LOW
DENSITY RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL" TO "MEDIUM DENSITY
RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL" OF THE REAL PROPERTIES
LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 2810, 2814, 2816, AND 2818
SOUTHWEST 37 AVENUE AND 3700 SOUTHWEST 28 STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN
EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort, Carollo
Note for the Record. Item PZ.17 was deferred to the January 25, 2018, Planning
and Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.17, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items" and Item PZ.19.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, we're ready to go.
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Chair Hardemon: All right. So at this time, I'll open the floor for public comment.
If you're a member of the public and you're here to speak on any of the Planning &
Zoning items that are your PZ (Planning & Zoning) items for the rest of the evening,
this is your opportunity to speak on those items. So I'm not asking for people who
are applicants or apart of any application or appeal, or anything of that nature to
necessarily come. I'm asking for those who are here from the public that want to
give their opinion about any of the applications or any item that is on the PZ agenda.
So at this time, I'm going to ask that you come before us, state your first name, your
last name; you may state your address, and what item it is that you're here to speak
about. You're recognized, Vice Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman, prior to public comment, I had forgotten one
item -- two items, actually -- that I'd asked to be deferred until January; that's PZ. 17
and PZ. 18, and it's a change of zoning on Douglas Road.
Chair Hardemon: I'll take that as a motion to --
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, please.
Chair Hardemon: -- continue?
Vice Chair Russell: No; defer until January -- the Planning & Zoning agenda of
January.
Mr. Hannon: January 25, 2018.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: 17 and 18?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes; PZ. 17, PZ. 18.
Chair Hardemon: The Chair seconds that motion. Any unreadiness? Hearing none,
all in favor of the motion, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: That motion passes. So PZ. 17 and 18 has been continued. If
you're any -- if anyone is here to hear that out.
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PZ.18
ORDINANCE First Reading
3112
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING THE
Department of
ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY
Planning and
CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM 74-L TRANSECT
AYES:
ZONE," GENERAL URBAN TRANSECT -LIMITED, TO 75-0Zoning
NAYS:
TRANSECT ZONE," URBAN CENTER TRANSECT -OPEN, FOR THE
ABSENT:
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 3700 SOUTHWEST 28 STREET AND
2810, 2814, 2816, AND 2818 SOUTHWEST 37 AVENUE, MIAMI,
FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort, Carollo
Note for the Record. Item PZ.18 was deferred to the January 25, 2018, Planning
and Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ.18, please see "Public
Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items" and Items PZ.17 and PZ.19.
PZ.19
ORDINANCE First Reading
3144
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
Planning
AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
AYES:
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
NAYS:
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION
ABSENT:
163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND
USE DESIGNATION FROM "MEDIUM DENSITY RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL" TO "RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL" OF
APPROXIMATELY .85 ACRES OF REAL PROPERTIES LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 704 SOUTHWEST 7 AVENUE AND 712, 716, 720,
AND 734 SOUTHWEST 7 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO:
Pass on First Reading
RESULT:
PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo
NAYS:
Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.19, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items. "
Citv ofMiami Page 89 Printed on 11412018
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Chair Hardemon: Can you please read PZ. 19 into the record?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney
Barnaby Min.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Well, PZ. 19 was read into the record. I meant to say PZ
(Planning & Zoning) -- I do have PZ. 19. We deferred PZ. 17 and 18. That's what
you don't have in your record? Didn't we defer PZ. 17 and 18?
Commissioner Reyes: 17 was deferred. 18 was deferred.
Chair Hardemon: 18, deferred. So I am correct. PZ.19.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. We're on 19.
Commissioner Reyes: We're on 19, okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Go ahead.
Melissa Tapanes-Llahues: Are you going to read in 20, as well?
Chair Hardemon: No. We're going to read 19. We only read one at a time.
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues: Good evening. Melissa Tapanes-Llahues, with the law firm
of Bercow Radell Fernandez and Larkin, at 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Miami.
I'm here this evening representing Seminole One Associates, LLC (Limited Liability
Company), Miami Automotive Retail; and their principal, Mario Murgado. The
subject property is 37,500 square feet, located at the south side of 7th Street,
between 7th and 8th Avenues. I have an aerial photograph before you. Consistent
with the Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board recommendation, we respectfully
request your approval of a land use plan amendment from medium density
residential to restricted commercial, and a rezoning from T5-0 to T6-8-0. Your
approval of this application is a first step in allowing the applicant to design a state-
of-the-art enclosed vertical automotive dealership, fronting Calle Ocho, that is
consistent with Miami 21's vision to create skilled jobs in close proximity to transit
corridors and workforce housing. The goals of this application is simply to create a
unified 1.5 -acre assemblage to allow for Brickell Motors to go through the design
process, which will include a warrant, and most likely, an exception. Everyone is
familiar with the Southwest 7th Street and Southwest 8th Street corridors. Mario
Murgado is a pioneer in the revitalization of Little Havana. Since opening his first
dealership on Southwest 8th Street in 2001, he envisioned a Calle Ocho where highly
skilled employees would work with pride at good paying jobs, like the ones offered at
Brickell Motors, and provide for their families, in close proximity to their homes. To
that end, he's assembled this 1.5 -acre assemblage one piece at a time over several
years, with the intent of propelling Brickell Motors into the 21st Century. As you
know, Southwest 7th and 8th Street is a commercial quadrant. This is the site before
you. You see the property in red and what is commercial surrounding it within the
two block of corridors. You can see that Brickell Motors -- If you go by Southwest
7th and 8th Street, it has several properties, and you'll notice that this corridor is
heavily commercial. The applicant is seeking a land use request in order to make
the site one land use category, restricted commercial, and is asking for the zoning to
be changed from T5-0 to T6-8-0 so that it matches the rest of the assemblage and is
consistent with the surrounding area.
Commissioner Carollo: Ms. Tapanes, hold on.
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Ms. Tapanes-Llahues: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Garcia, is this similar to earlier today, PZ.21 and
PZ.22, where you're recommending now, not because you don't believe in this
project, but you want to have it more of a whole corridor or --? Could you --?
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): Yes. Thank you for the question.
And it is also essentially identical to the conversation we were having a moment ago,
regarding the parcel on Tigertail Avenue. And as Vice Chair Russell stated, this is
another instance of us being crenulation averse; meaning that we prefer straight
lines. And the reasons, as you know, are captured in our Comprehensive Plan in our
Zoning Ordinance. However, in this particular case, what I will say is that, as the
applicant pointed out, there are other instances, legacies from the previous Zoning
Ordinance that have that same crenulation, or up or down, so it is more warranted
here than elsewhere in the City. And in addition to that, we are presently under
direction from this City Commission to study the entire 7th Street corridor,
Southwest 7th Street corridor to look at a possibility of realigning the zoning
designations. It is a major arterial; and so, we are studying that. That said, there is
no reason why this site should be singled out, if kept at T5-0. However, because the
application is on a case-by-case basis, it didn't comply with the continuity
requirement.
Commissioner Carollo: Exactly, and that was my point. So in other words, we're
going to continue with the study, but let's not penalize this company individual, you
know, and let -- make them waste time, because we're waiting on the other --
Mr. Garcia: The City. (UNINTELLIGIBLE), sir.
Commissioner Carollo: So with that, I make a motion to approve.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, second. But I have a question. Are there any -- all
those buildings, they are commercial? The whole section is commercial, what you
want to do? There -- is there any residents staying in there? It isn't.
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues: The property itself has vacant land, but it is zoned to allow
both residential and commercial.
Commissioner Reyes: But actually, is there any residences there?
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues: There are a couple that have not been demolished, correct.
Yes.
Commissioner Reyes:
They are being demolished --
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues:
Yes.
Commissioner Reyes:
-- because it was acquired by -- So some people will be
displaced from that area, right?
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues:
They've already been displaced.
Commissioner Reyes:
They already been displaced.
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues:
Correct.
Commissioner Reyes:
You see, what I don't want to start and what I'm afraid is --
You see, I grew up in that area, and I -- and what I'm afraid is that if we start making
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all 7th Street commercial, you see, the south side of 7th Street also commercial, you
see, we are going to go all the way until 27th Avenue, and then they're going to be
other requests, other and another -- other requests. So my fear here is that we start
in this parcel over here and start displacing people that it's going to continue all the
way to 27th Avenue; all the way to West -- where I live. I live on 7th Street and 23rd
Avenue. You see, that is my fear. We don't want to start that and set the precedent
that other developers are going to come and start -- keep on displacing people,
buying the homes and then coming to us in order to change the zoning then for
commercial. You see, that is my fear, and I don't know how we're going to address
that, but I'm afraid of that, you see.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: Please.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Very good point, Commissioner Reyes. As you could
see, most of it, it's already has that block up to 7th Street, so we're actually -- and I'm
seeing the actual picture here on your screen.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: So if you could see, all the green surrounding, it's already
commercial. So what they want to do is fill in the box. However, what the Planning
director is saying is that we should continue filling up the box completely, and that's
why they're doing the study. But right now, it is commercial all the way around so
it's like a --
Commissioner Reyes:
He wants to fill the block --
Commissioner Carollo: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Reyes:
--going east and everything will be commercial?
Commissioner Carollo: Well, that's what the study is for.
Commissioner Reyes:
Well that's --
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues:
If I may?
Commissioner Reyes:
-- very dangerous.
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues:
If I may? T5-0 is commercial --
Commissioner Reyes:
Okay.
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues:
-- as is T6-8. They both allow -- they're mixed uses and --
Commissioner Reyes:
Yes, they're mixed uses along there.
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues: -- these are commercial corridors. I grew up in this area, as
well, and between 7th and 8th Street, I mean, 7th and 8th Street work together as
one-way streets. So what ends up happening is what's in between becomes
something that becomes less and less effective for residential, because people are
using the actual avenues as commercial traffic going back and forth. So what I
envisioned -- and I -- the Planning director can speak for himself, as well -- is for
areas that are north of 7th Street -- and that's where there is a residential component
-- but that corridor between 7th and 8th Street, it's a highly traveled --
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Commissioner Reyes: I do not --
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues: -- transit -oriented development with three trolley systems --
Commissioner Reyes: -- I travel by that all the time, all the time. But I still am
afraid that if we keep on doing it and we going to have a lot of requests to start
building commercial and building on eight stories or seven stories, and I'm afraid of
that. You agree with that? I --
Commissioner Carollo: What? So I just want to point out one thing, and it's on the
screen.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Right now, this is what it is.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: And they want to fill this in.
Commissioner Reyes: They want to fill all of this in. Yes or no?
Commissioner Carollo: Now, the bigger question is, and I think to your point, is will
you continue west?
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Carollo: And that's what the study is for.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: And that's what the study is for --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: --so.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor of the motion,
say "aye. it
Vice Chair Russell: Aye.
Commissioner Carollo: Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Ms. Tapanes-Llahues: Thank you.
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PZ.20
ORDINANCE First Reading
3145
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
Planning
CLASSIFICATION FROM 75-0," URBAN CENTER -OPEN, TO 76-8-
0," URBAN CORE -OPEN, FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 704 SOUTHWEST 7 AVENUE AND 712, 716, 720,
AND 734 SOUTHWEST 7 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo
NAYS: Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.20, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items. "
Chair Hardemon: PZ 20, please read into the record, Madam.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved; seconded by the Chair. Any further
discussion on PZ.20? Hearing none, all in favor of the item, say "aye. "
Vice Chair Russell: Aye.
Commissioner Carollo: Aye.
Melissa Tapanes-Llahues: Thankyou.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
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PZ.21
ORDINANCE First Reading
3147
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
Planning
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION
163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND
USE DESIGNATION FROM "MEDIUM DENSITY MULTIFAMILY
RESIDENTIAL" TO "MEDIUM DENSITY RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL"
OF APPROXIMATELY 1.377 ACRES OF REAL PROPERTIES
LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 824, 826, 834, 842, 852, 860, 868,
AND 876 NORTHWEST 1 STREET AND 29 NORTHWEST 9 STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN
EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.21, please see
"Order of the Day," "Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items,"
and Item PZ. 19.
Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney, can you read into the record PZ.21; the
title, please?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Thank you, Chairman.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Garcia, do you have any comments that you'd like to make,
based off of your -- the recommendation that came from your body?
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): I would -- yes, a couple of
comments. We certainly met extensively with the applicants, and we understand that
the opportunity for redevelopment of the project is certainly worth considering. And
I would also like to stipulate that our recommendation for denial, at least on the
administrative side, through staff review, is based largely on the fact that they have
not amassed the entire block, and therefore, as a result of some parcels they do not
own, there would be a crenulation, or some gaps in the rezoning. What we'd like to
do is possibly accept direction from the Commission to attempt to fill those gaps by
submitting them to the proper rezoning, or otherwise look more comprehensively at
the entire area to once again reconcile the zoning that they are seeking with the
zoning that exists right now. That being said -- and I'll close with this -- we think,
again, the proposal is certainly worth considering, and depending on your action
today, we will take administrative recourse to heal the gaps that exist. I'd also like
to introduce into the record the fact that the Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board was
persuaded that the project was worth supporting, and they recommended approval
by a vote, I believe, of 9-1.
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Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, please.
Commissioner Carollo: So I want to understand -- I want to see if I understand this
correctly, Mr. Garcia. You're saying that the only reason that you did not -- or the
Planning Department did not rule to be in favor is because it should be more of a
comprehensive plan, but when we tried the comprehensive plan, you saw that we
went back, and we said that, "Okay, we'll take each property on an individual basis. "
And on an individual basis, you actually agree with it; however, you think it should
be in a comprehensive plan. So to a certain degree, I mean, we're doing exactly
what we stated we would do, once we didn't go forward with the comprehensive
plan. And I just --I mean, I feel that we shouldn't penalize them because we couldn't
get a comprehensive plan passed.
Mr. Garcia: Right. And thank you for the opportunity to clarify. We originally -- A
couple of years back, we took more of a macro approach to the area in general, and
that, as you put forth, did not move forward. There is sort of an interim stage
between the macro level that we looked at and the micro level at the -- basically,
application level that they are proposing. What we'd like to do is basically heal the
gaps that will result from this rezoning, if it is approved, on a parcel -by -parcel basis.
And that, we think we can do administratively, and bring back to the Commission.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner --
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: -- do -- after you clarify, you have a motion?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. After I clarify, I will make a motion. I agree with you -
- I agree with part of what you're saying, Mr. Garcia. I think that you should do
that; however, it should be done in the future. But in the meantime, we shouldn't
penalize this group that has come before us, because you're even -- in essence, if it
would have included the other properties, be in favor of it.
Mr. Garcia: That is correct.
Commissioner Carollo: So I agree with what you're saying. I'm saying, okay, let's
do it bi fold. Let's approve this, and then we go -- we continue with the rest. But
let's not hold them up for the rest. You understand what I'm saying?
Mr. Garcia: I do; and I don't disagree, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: I will make a motion, then, to approve.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved; seconded by the Chair to approve item
PZ.21. Is there any discussion regarding this from this board? Seeing none, all in
favor of that motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
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PZ.22
ORDINANCE First Reading
3148
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
Planning
CLASSIFICATION FROM 74-R," GENERAL URBAN TRANSECT -
RESTRICTED, TO 75-0," URBAN CENTER TRANSECT -OPEN, FOR
THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 824, 826, 834, 842, 852, 860, 868,
AND 876 NORTHWEST 1 STREET AND 29 NORTHWEST 9 AVENUE
AND BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM 76-8-0,"
URBAN CORE TRANSECT -OPEN TO 76-12-0," URBAN CORE
TRANSECT -OPEN, FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 36 AND 40
NORTHWEST 8 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; FURTHER WAIVER THE
18 -MONTH LIMITATION FOR REZONINGS; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.22, please see
"Order of the Day" and Item PZ. 19.
Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney, can you read into the record PZ. 22?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion on this item?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. I move the motion -- I mean I move the item.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved; seconded by the Chair to approve
PZ.22. Is there any further discussion from the board? Hearing none, all in favor of
the motion, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Unidentified Speaker: Thankyou, Commissioner. We --
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Unidentified Speaker: -- really appreciate it.
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PZ.23
ORDINANCE First Reading
3074
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
Planning
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION
163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND
USE DESIGNATION FROM "SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL" TO
"PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATION" OF 0.19 ± ACRES OF REAL
PROPERTY LOCATED APPROXIMATELY AT 1301 SOUTHWEST 21
AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
IN EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.23, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Items. "
Chair Hardemon: Call PZ 23. Read it into the record.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Hardemon: Is anyone from -- is the applicant here?
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): We are the applicant, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Garcia: This is a City application.
Chair Hardemon: I'm looking at the wrong number, that's why. I'm looking at
Carlos Lago, PZ. 1 S. I didn't flip the page. You're recognized.
Mr. Garcia: And so, very briefly, sir, this is to take what is -- or has been a single-
family residential lot at 1301 Southwest 21st Avenue and turn it into a mini park or a
neighborhood park. It is before you on first reading, and it has been recommended
favorably by all the lower boards.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Chair Hardemon: Properly moved.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Seconded by Commissioner Carollo. Any discussion? Hearing
none, all in favor of the item, say "aye. "
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The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
PZ.24
ORDINANCE First Reading
3075
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Department of
NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
Planning
CLASSIFICATION FROM 73-R," SUB -URBAN TRANSECT -
RESTRICTED, TO "CS," CIVIC SPACE ZONE, FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 1301 SOUTHWEST 21 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING
FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
Chair Hardemon: PZ 24. Please read it into the record.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved --
Commissioner Carollo: I'll second it.
Chair Hardemon: -- and seconded Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in
favor of the motion say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
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PZ.25
ORDINANCE First Reading
3003
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENTS, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING
Planning
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING
"PARKING
AYES:
ARTICLE 5, SECTION 5.5.4, ENTITLED STANDARDS
ABSENT:
(T5)," TO ALLOW FOR PARKING IN THE SECOND LAYER ABOVE
THE FIRST STORY BY WAIVER IN A T5 TRANSECT ZONE, AND BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 7, SECTION 7.1.2.5, ENTITLED "WAIVER," TO
LIST THE NEW WAIVER; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO:
Pass on First Reading
RESULT:
PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Hardemon, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Russell, Gort
Mayor Francis Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to be recognized on PZ.25.
PZ.25 has to do with T5s, an amendment for T5s. The T5 zoning classification has
not really created the kind of development that it was intended for, and this is, in
part, a fix of that. The Planning director had asked me when I was a Commissioner
to sponsor this item so that it could get beyond the 60 -day notice period, and I
agreed to do that. It was recommended for approval by the Planning Department,
and it was recommended for approval unanimously by the Planning & Zoning
Appeals Board, 11-0. So I'd just like him to explain it, because it is technical in
nature, but I would request the support of the Commission on this item.
Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney, can you read into the record PZ.25?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): PZ.25.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Garcia, can you give us a little context, please?
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): Happy to, sir. I'll say briefly this:
As the Mayor stated, there are some areas that are zoned T5 that are having
difficulty in developing, because the floor plate for the parking garages is rather
restrictive. Presently, there are prohibitions against having the parking encroach
into what we call the second layer, which is essentially the first 20 feet that front the
street of the building. Because some of those T5 -zoned parcels are rather narrow --
or shallow, I should say -- the parking floor plate then extends, and cannot be as
sufficient as having it on one story or two stories. It sometimes extends over to the
third story, and at that point in time, the project becomes unfeasible. What this
allows the applicant to do is to have parking in the first 20 feet of the building, but
also requires the architect to design a fagade that masks the parking; and so, we
think it's a good amendment. We recommend approval.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any discussion on PZ.25? Is there a motion to approve
PZ.25?
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
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Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved; seconded by Commissioner Reyes. Any
further discussion? Any unreadiness? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? The motion passes.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair.
PZ.26
ORDINANCE First Reading
3108
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Department of
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Planning
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
"DEFINITIONS
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
AMENDING ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1.2, ENTITLED OF
Gort
TERMS," ARTICLE 4, TABLE 4, ENTITLED "DENSITY, INTENSITY
AND PARKING," AND ARTICLE 6, TABLE 13, ENTITLED
"SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS," TO ESTABLISH THE MINIMUM
SIZE FOR MICRO DWELLING UNITS WITHIN TRANSIT -ORIENTED
DEVELOPMENT AREAS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT:
PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER:
Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES:
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.26, please see
"Order of the Day. "
Mayor Francis Suarez: The next item is PZ.26, and PZ.26 is an item that I think is
near and dear to all of our hearts, which is continuing on the trend of creating more
affordable housing in our community, and housing that will reduce the cost of
housing in our community. And what it does is it establishes for micro units, and it
establishes new parking requirements, depending on the "T" zone, whether it's a T5,
T6, or 150 -unit -per -acre zone, or 1, 000 -unit -per -acre zone. It creates a different set
of standards and requirements. I don't have to tell you -- I don't have to tell this
Commission how important it is for us to continue to be progressive when it comes to
legislation to promote units that can reduce the cost of rental units in our City. It's a
crisis at all levels. It's a crisis for affordable housing; it's a crisis for extremely low-
income housing; it's a crisis for workforce housing; and, to be frank, it's also a crisis
for millennial housing, and maintaining our students and our children having a
place where they can afford to live close to their parents. This also has protections
for T3 areas so that it does not infringe on single-family residential homes, many of
which are in my former district, or where I currently live, but also in your district
and in all the districts in the City of Miami. And I know that the residential
communities and the homeowner association communities are always making sure
that any kind of TOD, transit -oriented development type legislation protects abutting
single-family residential homes, and this legislation does that. So I would indulge
your support on PZ.26, as well.
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Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney, can you read it into the record?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Commissioner Reyes: I have a question.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Mayor, could you please define "micro"? How big is
micro unit?
Mayor Suarez: Yes. I'll have the Planning director do that. I can define it, but I
want to make sure I get it right.
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning & Zoning): Absolutely. And there are
probably two technical definitions that would satisfy your question. Number one: It
is a minimum of 275 square feet; that is a minimum; certainly can be a little bit
larger. And the range then would be from 275 to 400, because 400 is the present
floor, right? And -- but the other, of course, is that it has to have a kitchen and a
restroom, and a living space. And the reason I emphasize that is I don't want there
to be any misunderstanding that it could be confused with a lodging unit. It is not
that; it is a dwelling unit.
Commissioner Reyes: Didn't they try this in Japan?
Chair Hardemon: They use cages in some countries.
Commissioner Reyes: They did try it in Japan, you see?
Mayor Suarez: It may --
Commissioner Reyes: I know (UNINTELLIGIBLE) worked.
Mayor Suarez: -- and Mr. Chair, if I may? Commissioner, one of the things that
always -- I always admired in you, sir, was that you're an economist, and you
understand very well supply and demand. And so, when we increase the supply, we
reduce the price per square foot. And I think the objective here is making sure that
we can make units available to the public at the least expensive amount. If land
costs are fixed, which we know they are, and we know they're rising constantly, we
want to give developer and development community flexibility, so they can build
product that better serves the needs of our community. Right now, they're limited.
They can't build a product like this; and therefore, they will build to the best --
highest and best uses you can -- as you know -- to get a maximum return on
investment. So I'm not trying to teach an economics course.
Commissioner Reyes: No, no, I know you're not.
Mayor Suarez: But I think these -- all these --
Commissioner Reyes: That is fine. What --I wonder if we have the demand for such
small units.
Chair Hardemon: I think so --
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Commissioner Reyes: That's my wonder.
Chair Hardemon: -- especially in downtown corridors. Vice Chairman?
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman -- and thank you, Mr. Mayor. I would be
honored to co-sponsor this with you.
Mayor Suarez: Absolutely.
Vice Chair Russell: I thought of this for a while. And really, I do believe in the
market in this sense: There is a point where someone say, "I don't want to buy a unit
that small, " and a developer won't build it.
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Vice Chair Russell: But if somebody does want to buy it and that makes it more
affordable, all the better.
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Vice Chair Russell: However, there is a concern that this starts driving up the per -
foot cost in general in the City. And if a small unit in a market rate area suddenly
starts going for quite a high price, because they make a small unit, but they deck it to
the nines --
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Vice Chair Russell: -- with amenities, and then they start charging a really high rate
that that starts pushing everything up. And so, there's a little concern there on that.
I'd like to see somehow -- and it doesn't have to be incorporated into this legislation
-- but that we're incentivizing affordability within these micro units. I think there's
going to be an inherent affordability, depending on where it's built, but I think the
more we can encourage it across the board, it'll try to level the playing field so it
doesn't create a run -away inflation on the per -square foot price.
Mayor Suarez: Mr. Chair, if I may? I think that's a very valid concern. This is an
ordinance, so I believe it requires two readings. Thank you for co -sponsoring it; I
appreciate that. And I'd be more than happy to sit with you -- finally, I'm going to
have an opportunity now to sit with you -- and work on it to make sure, as you said,
that this doesn't just push up the per -square -foot unit price, whether -- either on
rental or sales to a point where it actually, you know, creates the opposite effect.
Chair Hardemon: Vice Chair --
Commissioner Reyes: I'm satisfied, and the price (UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
Chair Hardemon: -- Mr. Vice Chairman, I -- when I meet with developers and we
talk about micro units, the first thing they talk about is affordability of them. But the
second thing I talk about is sometimes, wherever you are with real estate -- for
instance, if you're in New York, Times Square -- I don't care how small that unit is,
it's going to cost you a lot of money, an awful lot of money. And so, I agree with you
that there's some people who want to live in certain places, and they'll pay top dollar
to be there, and it may be cheaper for them to have a smaller unit, but it's still quite a
lot of money when you're considering trying to buy into that area. But, certainly, I
mean, there are a number of people --young professionals, especially -- who want to
live in our urban cores --
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Mayor Suarez: Absolutely.
Chair Hardemon: -- in the downtown areas, and they are willing, because they're
used to living in smaller places.
Mayor Suarez: Absolutely.
Chair Hardemon: And they're -- I've been in units in New York City, where the units
are very small, they're tall, and they make the ultimate use of space. We, as people,
become very creative when we're limited in our space. So I support it in that sense.
But I do want to know something that -- Mr. Garcia, what areas or what categories
of housing or residential areas, ifyou will, would not allow micro units?
Commissioner Reyes: That was going to be my question.
Mr. Garcia: Thank you, sir. What we've done is we started by promoting this
particular type of unit in the transportation -oriented development areas. It is also of
great concern to us that this does not create a disproportionate amount of additional
parking. And so, we thought that those areas that are best served by public
transportation would benefit from these. So there are two requirements, to address
your question, specifically: One: That the property be within a transportation -
oriented development area -- and those are mapped out in the zoning atlas. And
two: That they be zoned either T5 or T6, which are the higher density, higher
intensity zoning designations; with an additional prohibition that they should take
place abutting T3 --
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Mr. Garcia: --because those are protected areas.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Any further questions?
Vice Chair Russell: I'd like to move the item and --
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Any further discussion
on the item? Hearing none, all in favor of the motion, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. I look forward to working
with you on it. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
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PZ.27
ORDINANCE First Reading
3109
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Department of
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Planning
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
"DEFINITIONS
AYES:
AMENDING ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1.2 ENTITLED OF
ABSENT:
TERMS," ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.6, ENTITLED "OFF-STREET
PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS," ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.14,
ENTITLED "PUBLIC BENEFITS PROGRAM," ARTICLE 4, TABLE 4,
ENTITLED "DENSITY, INTENSITY, AND PARKING," AND ARTICLE 4,
TABLE 7, ENTITLED "CIVIC SPACE TYPES," TO PROVIDE FOR
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENHANCEMENTS TO THE
UNDERLINE CORRIDOR; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO:
Continue
RESULT:
CONTINUED
MOVER:
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Gort
Note for the Record. Item PZ.27 was continued to the December 14, 2017,
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ.27, please see "Order of
the Day;" further, "Order of the Day" of the November 16, 2017 Regular
Commission Meeting Agenda.
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
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FL - FUTURE LEGISLATION
ADJORNMENT
A►axe] M1ljrI]:141Em619WiTAI P►I
The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
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