HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Nancy Liebman-Letter read into the record by Francine MaderaForges, Sandra
From: Francine Madera [francine@fmadera.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 09, 2015 5:33 PM
To: Forges, Sandra
Subject: Fwd: APPEAL OF HEP BOARD DECISION TO REMOVE SOUTH RIVER DISTRICT
OVERLAY
Sandra,
Here is the letter from Nancy that I read into the record be she could not be here.
Francine Madera
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <Nanlieb(a-,aol.com>
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2015
Subject: APPEAL OF HEP BOARD DECISION TO REMOVE SOUTH RIVER DISTRICT OVERLAY
To: TRe alg ado(a),ci.miami.fl.us, khardemon@miamigov.com, fsuarez(i�miami ov.com,
fcarollo@miamigov.com, wgort(&rniami og v.corn
Cc: fgarcia@,miamigov.com, mschmitt@miami og v.com, avrajain(i ,gmail.com, francine(i�f nadera.com,
d c223 lgmail.com, sallyeiude@aol.com, arvamiamiabellsouth.net, k arlandna miami ov�.com_,
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July 5, 2015
City of Miami Mayor and Commission
Re: JULY 9 APPEAL OF A HEP BOARD DECISION TO REMOVE "SOUTH RIVER OVERLAY STANDARDS"
Dear Mayor and Commissioners,
I am writing as a long time preservationist in support of developer Avra Jain's appeal of a HEP Board's approval
to lift the "South River Historic District Overlay" for a single property across from the Miami River Inn, one of
the city's finest historic treasurers. The Overlay Guidelines were properly put in place years ago at the urging
of Sallye and Jim Jude, ardent preservationists and former owners, who brought attention to a blighted
neighborhood and at great expense restored the Inn many years ago.
The purpose of the Overlay was not merely to protect the Inn, but to protect the integrity of the historic
neighborhood surrounding it. Removal of the Standards for one developer who has since purchased the site
across the street from the Inn to specifically optimize his investment comes at the expense of a
neighborhood.
The lack of Overlay Guidelines will surely result in an insensitive development that will place the Inn in
constant shadows. Without the Overlay, there could be a parking garage facing the front of this historic place;
12 stories could be built if the developer attempts a "Unity of Title" for his abutting property; a lack of set-
backs and view corridors, will surely reduce the value of surrounding properties.
Allowing one property owner to opt out of this protective overlay is poor planning, and detrimental to other
preservation efforts in the city. It will set a dangerous precedent and place the Miami River Inn and all other
historic neighborhoods in jeopardy. Submitted into the public
record for item(s) 1!7-. 4
15'�Ui21hq-��brnl�t�ll- NUhLy ��brnGni- on T-9-2y1t . City Clerk
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In addition, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation holds a Conservation Easement on the opt -out property
in question. That is indeed a serious issue that should not be ignored as the developer sues the Trust to
remove the Easement.
I urge you to rectify this mistake made by the HEP Board and vote to protect the integrity of the MIAMI RIVER
INN and the surrounding historic character of a very important neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Nancy Liebman
Francine
Creative I Strategic I Marketing I Branding I Events
francine(iUmadera. com
305.632.8837
@cinera17
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) Z
on 7"6) - X I.S. City Clerk