HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Robin Porter-Letter to Commissioners Re Appeal of Approved variance for Centner AcademyBUENA VI STA
P. A 3 T
H I. S T U R I C
NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION
To: City of Miami Commissioners
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S
on 10/24/2019 , City Clerk
September 12, 2019
RE: Appeal of approved variance for Centner Academy 4136 N. Miami Avenue and 20 NW 42nd Street
Dear esteemed Commissioners,
The Board of the Buena Vista Historic Neighborhood Association reviewed plans and the request for an
exception affiliated with the property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue and the residential lot at 20 NW 42"d Street.
We opposed the application for the below reasons, yet Planning and Zoning granted an approval. We ask that
you deny their approval and support the appeal filed by Ulysee Kemp and the Buena Vista Heights
Neighborhood Association. The planning department analysis, recommended DENIAL of the application, but
version 3 apparently has changed and the city now recommends with conditions. This project will seriously
impact surrounding communities regarding traffic and zoning, and is an improper fit with the design of the
building as built and zoned.
We are concerned with an increase in cut through traffic. We already see an increase in the amount of
cut through traffic, speeding, and accidents as the area around us has developed. A traffic study by a private
company and paid for by the applicant fails to take into account the burden on neighbors along N. Miami
Avenue and both NE and NW 42nd Street. CIP has not conducted a traffic study of the surrounding area, as they
did in Buena Vista Heights near Shadowlawn Elementary School. The applicant says that they will have private
security on premises directing traffic, and a contract with parents with consequences for turning left into the
residential neighborhood, but that provides no enforceable guarantee. There is no way to limit traffic that will
come through Buena Vista East on NE 42"d Street, and the impending railroad crossing at NE 42°d Street and
NE 0 Avenue will make the southernmost street in our historic neighborhood an increasingly heavily
trafficked road. The school anticipates a maximum of 195 students, but those students are dropped off and
picked up, which would generate upwards of 400 trips per day (including deliveries, maintenance, staff,
security, garbage, etc.). Additionally, the traffic study provided by the applicant was conducted on July 24,
2018, when public school is NOT in session, resulting in 20-30% less traffic per day according to general traffic
study websites. It also used data that is now over a year old. The comparison with KLA Brickell School has no
relation to our residential neighborhood as the student population would come from other neighborhoods,
especially with an admission cost of $24000 annually.
We object to the inappropriate use of zoning. The applicant wants to use the T31, lot to be used for
parking, intruding into a residential area for commercial use.. In Miami 21 T3, there is no discussion of parking
that is not affiliated with a structure on the same property; therefore, it should not have been permitted.
This property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue is zoned T-40, but currently is not in compliance with Miami
21 regarding open/green space and landscaping. The application has completely ignored this issue.
0) I ts" �v�����o`- ��D�4\ \o (ler - ltc� tj to 5 �e - Ca\ S 11 U Q\A � pr mLt I ( CeA,\J t,
Finally, the attorney for this project and for the Courtney Building at 4100 N. Miami Avenue currently
have application PZ -19-2801 requesting to up zone 4100N. Miami Avenue, 4128 N. Miami Avenue, and 4136
N. Miami Avenue, as well as two T3 -L properties due west. 4100 and 4128 are currently T-5 and they are
asking for T6-8, 4136 is T-40 and they are asking for T-5, and both 19 NW 41 Street and 20 NW 42 Street are
T3L, asking for T-4. That would also allow them to potentially add 4 bonus floors to the T6-8 properties, which
is grossly out of scale for the area. This is an example of what Miami 21 is designed to protect residential areas
from, and an insult to neighbors who spent valuable time listening to the owners, who said nothing about the
larger picture where they create a mini SAP that intrudes into a residential neighborhood.
We are disappointed in the Centners' blatant attempt to influence Commissioner Hardemon's office with
multiple donations totaling $10,000 at the end of July this year. The Buena Vista East board voted unanimously
to oppose this project. Buena Vista East Historic Neighborhood Association joins both Buena Vista Heights
and Buena Vista Stakeholders in opposing this application, and we ask you to support us in the appeal.
Respectfully,
Submitted into the public
Robin Porter, President record for item(s) PZ.S
Buena Vista East Neighborhood Association on 10/24/2019 , City Clerk
BUENA VISTA
r A S T
H 1 S T O R 1 C
i\EiGHRORHOOD
ASSOCIATION
To: City of Miami Commissioners
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5
on 10/24/2019. City Clerk
September 12, 2019
RE: Appeal of approved variance for Centner Academy 4136 N. Miami Avenue and 20 NW 42"d Street
Dear esteemed Commissioners,
The Board of the Buena Vista Historic Neighborhood Association reviewed plans and the request for an
exception affiliated with the property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue and the residential lot at 20 NW 42nd Street.
We opposed the application for the below reasons, yet Planning and Zoning granted an approval. We ask that
you deny their approval and support the appeal filed by Ulysee Kemp and the Buena Vista Heights
Neighborhood Association. The planning department analysis, recommended DENIAL of the application, but
version 3 apparently has changed and the city now recommends with conditions. This project will seriously
impact surrounding communities regarding traffic and zoning, and is an improper fit with the design of the
building as built and zoned.
We are concerned with an increase in cut through traffic. We already see an increase in the amount of
cut through traffic, speeding, and accidents as the area around us has developed. A traffic study by a private
company and paid for by the applicant fails to take into account the burden on neighbors along N. Miami
Avenue and both NE and NW 42"d Street. CIP has not conducted a traffic study of the surrounding area, as they
did in Buena Vista Heights near Shadowlawn Elementary School. The applicant says that they will have private
security on premises directing traffic, and a contract with parents with consequences for turning left into the
residential neighborhood, but that provides no enforceable guarantee. There is no way to limit traffic that will
come through Buena Vista East on NE 42"d Street, and the impending railroad crossing at NE 42"d Street and
NE 4d' Avenue will make the southernmost street in our historic neighborhood an increasingly heavily
trafficked road. The school anticipates a maximum of 195 students, but those students are dropped off and
picked up, which would generate upwards of 400 trips per day (including deliveries, maintenance, staff,
security, garbage, etc.). Additionally, the traffic study provided by the applicant was conducted on July 24,
2018, when public school is NOT in session, resulting in 20-30% less traffic per day according to general traffic
study websites. It also used data that is now over a y ear old. The comparison with KLA Brickell School has no
relation to our residential neighborhood as the student population would come from other neighborhoods,
especially with an admission cost of $24000 annually.
We object to the inappropriate use of zoning. The applicant wants to use the T31, lot to be used for
parking, intruding into a residential area for commercial use.. In Miami 21 T3, there is no discussion of parking
that is not affiliated with a structure on the same property; therefore, it should not have been permitted.
This property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue is zoned T-40, but currently is not in compliance with Miami
21 regarding open/green space and landscaping. The application has completely ignored this issue.
Finally, the attorney for this project and for the Courtney Building at 4100 N. Miami Avenue currently
have application PZ -19-2801 requesting to up zone 4100 N. Miami Avenue, 4128 N. Miami Avenue, and 4136
N. Miami Avenue, as well as two T3 -L properties due west. 4100 and 4128 are currently T-5 and they are
asking for T6-8, 4136 is T-40 and they are asking for T-5, and both 19 N W 41 Street and 20 N W 42nd Street are
T3L, asking for T-4. That would also allow them to potentially add 4 bonus floors to the T6-8 properties, which
is grossly out of scale for the area. This is an example of what Miami 21 is designed to protect residential areas
from, and an insult to neighbors who spent valuable time listening to the owners, who said nothing about the
larger picture where they create a mini SAP that intrudes into a residential neighborhood.
We are disappointed in the Centners' blatant attempt to influence Commissioner Hardemon's office with
multiple donations totaling $10,000 at the end of July this year. The Buena Vista East board voted unanimously
to oppose this project. Buena Vista East Historic Neighborhood Association joins both Buena Vista Heights
and Buena Vista Stakeholders in opposing this application, and we ask you to support us in the appeal.
Respectfully,
Submitted into the public
Robin Porter, President record for item(s) PZ.S
Buena Vista East Neighborhood Association on 10/24/2019 City Clerk
BUENA NISTA
F. A 5 i
H I S T O R I C
iNEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION
To: City of Miami Commissioners
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5
on 10/24/2019. City Clerk
September 12, 2019
RE: Appeal of approved variance for Centner Academy 4136 N. Miami Avenue and 20 NW 42"d Street
Dear esteemed Commissioners,
The Board of the Buena Vista Historic Neighborhood Association reviewed plans and the request for an
exception affiliated with the property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue and the residential lot at 20 NW 42"d Street.
We opposed the application for the below reasons, yet Planning and Zoning granted an approval. We ask that
you deny their approval and support the appeal filed by Ulysee Kemp and the Buena Vista Heights
Neighborhood Association. The planning department analysis, recommended DENIAL of the application, but
version 3 apparently has changed and the city now recommends with conditions. This project will seriously
impact surrounding communities regarding traffic and zoning, and is an improper fit with the design of the
building as built and zoned.
We are concerned with an increase in cut through traffic. We already see an increase in the amount of
cut through traffic, speeding, and accidents as the area around us has developed. A traffic study by a private
company and paid for by the applicant fails to take into account the burden on neighbors along N. Miami
Avenue and both NE and NW 42"d Street. CIP has not conducted a traffic study of the surrounding area, as they
did in Buena Vista Heights near Shadowlawn Elementary School. The applicant says that they will have private
security on premises directing traffic, and a contract with parents with consequences for turning left into the
residential neighborhood, but that provides no enforceable guarantee. There is no way to limit traffic that will
come through Buena Vista East on NE 42"d Street, and the impending railroad crossing at NE 42"d Street and
NE 4h Avenue will make the southernmost street in our historic neighborhood an increasingly heavily
trafficked road. The school anticipates a maximum of 195 students, but those students are dropped off and
picked up, which would generate upwards of 400 trips per day (including deliveries, maintenance, staff,
security, garbage, etc.). Additionally, the traffic study provided by the applicant was conducted on July 24,
2018, when public school is NOT in session, resulting in 20-30% less traffic per day according to general traffic
study websites. It also used data that is now over a year old. The comparison with KLA Brickell School has no
relation to our residential neighborhood as the student population would come from other neighborhoods,
especially with an admission cost of $24000 annually.
We object to the inappropriate use of zoning. The applicant wants to use the T31, lot to be used for
parking, intruding into a residential area for commercial use.. In Miami 21 T3, there is no discussion of parking
that is not affiliated with a structure on the same property; therefore, it should not have been permitted.
This property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue is zoned T-40, but currently is not in compliance with Miami
21 regarding open/green space and landscaping. The application has completely ignored this issue.
Finally, the attorney for this project and for the Courtney Building at 4100 N. Miami Avenue currently
have application PZ -19-2801 requesting to up zone 4100N. Miami Avenue, 4128 N. Miami Avenue, and 4136
N. Miami Avenue, as well as two T3 -L properties due west. 4100 and 4128 are currently T-5 and they are
asking for T6-8, 4136 is T-40 and they are asking for T-5, and both 19 NW 41 Street and 20 NW 42 Street are
T3L, asking for T-4. That would also allow them to potentially add 4 bonus floors to the T6-8 properties, which
is grossly out of scale for the area. This is an example of what Miami 21 is designed to protect residential areas
from, and an insult to neighbors who spent valuable time listening to the owners, who said nothing about the
larger picture where they create a mini SAP that intrudes into a residential neighborhood.
We are disappointed in the Centners' blatant attempt to influence Commissioner Hardemon's office with
multiple donations totaling $10,000 at the end of July this year. The Buena Vista East board voted unanimously
to oppose this project. Buena Vista East Historic Neighborhood Association joins both Buena Vista Heights
and Buena Vista Stakeholders in opposing this application, and we ask you to support us in the appeal.
Respectfully,
Robin Porter, President
Buena Vista East Neighborhood Association
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S
on 10/24/2019 , City Clerk
BUENA VISTA
F. A 5 T
H I S T 0 R I C
NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOC:TATTON
To: City of Miami Commissioners
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5
on 10/24/2019 City Clerk
September 12, 2019
RE: Appeal of approved variance for Centner Academy 4136 N. Miami Avenue and 20 NW 42"d Street
Dear esteemed Commissioners,
The Board of the Buena Vista Historic Neighborhood Association reviewed plans and the request for an
exception affiliated with the property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue and the residential lot at 20 NW 42nd Street.
We opposed the application for the below reasons, yet Planning and Zoning granted an approval. We ask that
you deny their approval and support the appeal filed by Ulysee Kemp and the Buena Vista Heights
Neighborhood Association. The planning department analysis, recommended DENIAL of the application, but
version 3 apparently has changed and the city now recommends with conditions. This project will seriously
impact surrounding communities regarding traffic and zoning, and is an improper fit with the design of the
building as built and zoned.
We are concerned with an increase in cut through traffic. We already see an increase in the amount of
cut through traffic, speeding, and accidents as the area around us has developed. A traffic study by a private
company and paid for by the applicant fails to take into account the burden on neighbors along N. Miami
Avenue and both NE and NW 42"d Street. CIP has not conducted a traffic study of the surrounding area, as they
did in Buena Vista Heights near Shadowlawn Elementary School. The applicant says that they will have private
security on premises directing traffic, and a contract with parents with consequences for turning left into the
residential neighborhood, but that provides no enforceable guarantee. There is no way to limit traffic that will
come through Buena Vista East on NE 42"d Street, and the impending railroad crossing at NE 42"d Street and
NE 4`h Avenue will make the southernmost street in our historic neighborhood an increasingly heavily
trafficked road. The school anticipates a maximum of 195 students, but those students are dropped off and
picked up, which would generate upwards of 400 trips per day (including deliveries, maintenance, staff,
security, garbage, etc.). Additionally, the traffic study provided by the applicant was conducted on July 24,
2018, when public school is NOT in session, resulting in 20-30% less traffic per day according to general traffic
study websites. It also used data that is now over a year old. The comparison with KLA Brickell School has no
relation to our residential neighborhood as the student population would come from other neighborhoods,
especially with an admission cost of $24000 annually.
We object to the inappropriate use of zoning. The applicant wants to use the T31, lot to be used for
parking, intruding into a residential area for commercial use.. In Miami 21 T3, there is no discussion of parking
that is not affiliated with a structure on the same property; therefore, it should not have been permitted.
This property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue is zoned T-40, but currently is not in compliance with Miami
21 regarding open/green space and landscaping. The application has completely ignored this issue.
Finally, the attorney for this project and for the Courtney Building at 4100 N. Miami Avenue currently
have application PZ -19-2801 requesting to up zone 4100 N. Miami Avenue, 4128 N. Miami Avenue, and 4136
N. Miami Avenue, as well as two T3 -L properties due west. 4100 and 4128 are currently T-5 and they are
asking for T6-8, 4136 is T-40 and they are asking for T-5, and both 19 NW 41 Street and 20 NW 42 Street are
T3L, asking for T-4. That would also allow them to potentially add 4 bonus floors to the T6-8 properties, which
is grossly out of scale for the area. This is an example of what Miami 21 is designed to protect residential areas
from, and an insult to neighbors who spent valuable time listening to the owners, who said nothing about the
larger picture where they create a mini SAP that intrudes into a residential neighborhood.
We are disappointed in the Centners' blatant attempt to influence Commissioner Hardemon's office with
multiple donations totaling $10,000 at the end of July this year. The Buena Vista East board voted unanimously
to oppose this project. Buena Vista East Historic Neighborhood Association joins both Buena Vista Heights
and Buena Vista Stakeholders in opposing this application, and we ask you to support us in the appeal.
Respectfully,
Z4�— Submitted into the public
Robin Porter, President record for item(s) PZ.S
Buena Vista East Neighborhood Association on 1012412019 . City Clerk
BUENA VISTA
E K $ T
H i S T 0 R I C
NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION
To: City of Miami Commissioners
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.5
on 10/24/2019 City Clerk
September 12, 2019
RE: Appeal of approved variance for Centner Academy 4136 N. Miami Avenue and 20 NW 42nd Street
Dear esteemed Commissioners,
The Board of the Buena Vista Historic Neighborhood Association reviewed plans and the request for an
exception affiliated with the property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue and the residential lot at 20 NW 42nd Street.
We opposed the application for the below reasons, yet Planning and Zoning granted an approval. We ask that
you deny their approval and support the appeal filed by Ulysee Kemp and the Buena Vista Heights
Neighborhood Association. The planning department analysis, recommended DENIAL of the application, but
version 3 apparently has changed and the city now recommends with conditions. This project will seriously
impact surrounding communities regarding traffic and zoning, and is an improper fit with the design of the
building as built and zoned.
We are concerned with an increase in cut through traffic. We already see an increase in the amount of
cut through traffic, speeding, and accidents as the area around us has developed. A traffic study by a private
company and paid for by the applicant fails to take into account the burden on neighbors along N. Miami
Avenue and both NE and NW 42"d Street. CIP has not conducted a traffic study of the surrounding area, as they
did in Buena Vista Heights near Shadowlawn Elementary School. The applicant says that they will have private
security on premises directing traffic, and a contract with parents with consequences for turning left into the
residential neighborhood, but that provides no enforceable guarantee. There is no way to limit traffic that will
come through Buena Vista East on NE 42nd Street, and the impending railroad crossing at NE 42nd Street and
NE 4d' Avenue will make the southernmost street in our historic neighborhood an increasingly heavily
trafficked road. The school anticipates a maximum of 195 students, but those students are dropped off and
picked up, which would generate upwards of 400 trips per day (including deliveries, maintenance, staff,
security, garbage, etc.). Additionally, the traffic study provided by the applicant was conducted on July 24,
2018, when public school is NOT in session, resulting in 20-30% less traffic per day according to general traffic
study websites. It also used data that is now over a year old. The comparison with KLA Brickell school has no
relation to our residential neighborhood as the student population would come from other neighborhoods,
especially with an admission cost of $24000 annually.
We object to the inappropriate use of zoning. The applicant wants to use the T31, lot to be used for
parking, intruding into a residential area for commercial use.. In Miami 21 T3, there is no discussion of parking
that is not affiliated with a structure on the same property; therefore, it should not have been permitted.
This property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue is zoned T-40, but currently is not in compliance with Miami
21 regarding open/green space and landscaping. The application has completely ignored this issue.
Finally, the attorney for this project and for the Courtney Building at 4100 N. Miami Avenue currently
have application PZ -19-2801 requesting to up zone 4100 N. Miami Avenue, 4128 N. Miami Avenue, and 4136
N. Miami Avenue, as well as two T3 -L properties due west. 4100 and 4128 are currently T-5 and they are
asking for T6-8, 4136 is T-40 and they are asking for T-5, and both 19 NW 41 Street and 20 NW 42nd Street are
T3L, asking for T-4. That would also allow them to potentially add 4 bonus floors to the T6-8 properties, which
is grossly out of scale for the area. This is an example of what Miami 21 is designed to protect residential areas
from, and an insult to neighbors who spent valuable time listening to the owners, who said nothing about the
larger picture where they create a mini SAP that intrudes into a residential neighborhood.
We are disappointed in the Centners' blatant attempt to influence Commissioner Hardemon's office with
multiple donations totaling $10,000 at the end of July this year. The Buena Vista East board voted unanimously
to oppose this project. Buena Vista East Historic Neighborhood Association joins both Buena Vista Heights
and Buena Vista Stakeholders in opposing this application, and we ask you to support us in the appeal.
Respectfully,
Submitted into the public
Robin Porter, President record for item(s) PZ.S
Buena Vista East Neighborhood Association on 10/24/2019 City Clerk
BUENA VISTA
R A S Y
H I S T U R I C
IN IGHBORHOOD
ASSOCTATTON
To: City of Miami Commissioners
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) P'7.5
on _ 10/24/2019, City Clerk
September 12, 2019
RE: Appeal of approved variance for Centner Academy 4136 N. Miami Avenue and 20 NW 42nd Street
Dear esteemed Commissioners,
The Board of the Buena Vista Historic Neighborhood Association reviewed plans and the request for an
exception affiliated with the property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue and the residential lot at 20 NW 42"d Street.
We opposed the application for the below reasons, yet Planning and Zoning granted an approval. We ask that
you deny their approval and support the appeal filed by Ulysee Kemp and the Buena Vista Heights
Neighborhood Association. The planning department analysis, recommended DENIAL of the application, but
version 3 apparently has changed and the city now recommends with conditions. This project will seriously
impact surrounding communities regarding traffic and zoning, and is an improper fit with the design of the
building as built and zoned.
We are concerned with an increase in cut through traffic. We already see an increase in the amount of
cut through traffic, speeding, and accidents as the area around us has developed. A traffic study by a private
company and paid for by the applicant fails to take into account the burden on neighbors along N. Miami
Avenue and both NE and NW 42nd Street. CIP has not conducted a traffic study of the surrounding area, as they
did in Buena Vista Heights near Shadowlawn Elementary School. The applicant says that they will have private
security on premises directing traffic, and a contract with parents with consequences for turning left into the
residential neighborhood, but that provides no enforceable guarantee. There is no way to limit traffic that will
come through Buena Vista East on NE 42nd Street, and the impending railroad crossing at NE 42nd Street and
NE 4fl' Avenue will make the southernmost street in our historic neighborhood an increasingly heavily
trafficked road. The school anticipates a maximum of 195 students, but those students are dropped off and
picked up, which would generate upwards of 400 trips per day (including deliveries, maintenance, staff,
security, garbage, etc.). Additionally, the traffic study provided by the applicant was conducted on July 24,
2018, when public school is NOT in session, resulting in 20-30% less traffic per day according to general traffic
study websites. It also used data that is now over a year old. The comparison with KLA Brickell School has no
relation to our residential neighborhood as the student population would come from other neighborhoods,
especially with an admission cost of $24000 annually.
We object to the inappropriate use of zoning. The applicant wants to use the T31, lot to be used for
parking, intruding into a residential area for commercial use.. In Miami 21 T3, there is no discussion of parking
that is not affiliated with a structure on the same property; therefore, it should not have been permitted.
This property at 4136 N. Miami Avenue is zoned T-40, but currently is not in compliance with Miami
21 regarding open/green space and landscaping. The application has completely ignored this issue.
Finally, the attorney for this project and for the Courtney Building at 4100 N. Miami Avenue currently
have application PZ -19-2801 requesting to up zone 4100 N. Miami Avenue, 4128 N. Miami Avenue, and 4136
N. Miami Avenue, as well as two T3 -L properties due west. 4100 and 4128 are currently T-5 and they are
asking for T6-8, 4136 is T-40 and they are asking for T-5, and both 19 NW 41 Street and 20 NW 42"d Street are
T3L, asking for T-4. That would also allow them to potentially add 4 bonus floors to the T6-8 properties, which
is grossly out of scale for the area. This is an example of what Miami 21 is designed to protect residential areas
from, and an insult to neighbors who spent valuable time listening to the owners, who said nothing about the
larger picture where they create a mini SAP that intrudes into a residential neighborhood.
We are disappointed in the Centners' blatant attempt to influence Commissioner Hardemon's office with
multiple donations totaling $10,000 at the end of July this year. The Buena Vista East board voted unanimously
to oppose this project. Buena Vista East Historic Neighborhood Association joins both Buena Vista Heights
and Buena Vista Stakeholders in opposing this application, and we ask you to support us in the appeal.
Respectfully,
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) PZ.S
Robin Porter, President on 10/24/2019 ,City Clerk
Buena Vista East Neighborhood Association