I. Update on “Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) Associated Development Area” Between the MIC/TriRail and Miami River - Ms. Chase noted Ms. Helen Brown, Miami-Dade County Planning & Zoning, had reported at the April Urban Infill Working Group meeting that the County will have a survey completed of the economic opportunities surrounding Miami International Airport within the next 6-8 weeks, and suggested contacting Mr. Robert Schwarzreich in her department to obtain additional information.  Ms. Chase stated she had invited Mr. Schwarzreich to today’s meeting, yet he had indicated, via an email dated April 22, 2009, that he has “not been able to proceed with work on the associated development area since last spoke with Brett [Bibeau]. I hope to be able to do so in the near future.” Ms. Chase therefore recommended deferring this item to the next EDC meeting.

II. Discussion of Future Plans for Palmer Lake - Ms. Avalo welcomed Mr. Eric Silva and Mr. Shailendra Singu of the Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning, whom she noted had met with Commissioner Bruno Barreiro recently to discuss the initiation of a charrette for Palmer Lake. Mr. Silva stated a resolution supporting the commencement of a charrette/planning process for Palmer Lake would be presented to the Board of County Commissioners in June. Mr. Silva distributed the documents: 1) Palmer Lake Area Plan Components; 2) Area Plan Summary; and 3) Palmer Lake Area Aerial, and provided the following information:

• Study boundary area: MIC to the west, Tamiami Canal to the south and the Miami River to the north
• Department of Planning and Zoning is currently compiling all studies/summaries previously conducted for the subject area
• Components to be examined include: land use, zoning, transportation, infrastructure, parks/open space, marine, environmental
• Short and long-term implementation steps
• Difficult to estimate costs of project as of now

Mr. Singu stated the purpose of the charrette process is to engage the public to create a vision plan for the Palmer Lake area. Mr. Singue noted the county envisions a one-day public workshop (probably held on a Saturday) to obtain feedback and recommendations for the area, which would then be consolidated and prioritized. Mr. Singu added the county would reach out beyond the 600 feet boundary area in an effort to seek sufficient public involvement. Following the charrette process, Mr. Silva noted the county would create a steering committee (in July or August) to help guide the entire process. Mr. Silva noted all meetings would be open to the public.

Mr. Gwin Tate, U.S. Coast Guard, reported the waterway located beneath the Tamiami Swing Bridge is privately owned by Jones Boat Yard, whom has blocked off access to boaters.  Mr. Tate noted the owners of Jones Boat Yard are planning to fill in this waterway in order to expand their property for mega-yacht repairs. Mr. Tate added that, to his knowledge, Jones Boat Yard is proposing a floating dock that would prevent access to Palmer Lake via that channel.  Ms. Chase suggested that the county reach out to the owner of Jones Boat Yard, Mr. Jose Bared, in order to engage him in the Palmer Lake charrette process, and provided Mr. Silva with Mr. Bared’s email address.  Ms. Avalo noted Commissioner Barreiro requested the Miami-Dade County Public Works Department research estimates to replace the Tamiami Swing Bridge.  Ms. Avalo added the Commissioner was also interested in creating a “nautical theme” for the subject area.  Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, stated the waterway beneath the bridge and surrounding area is a manatee habitat.

Dr. Bohnsack reported the Miami River Marine Group had worked with Odebrecht to create a vision for the MIC associated development area and offered to forward a CD presentation of this study to Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning staff.

Mr. Mark Bailey, stated Merrill-Stevens Shipyard applied to a $12 million Maritime Administration Small Shipyard Grant in order to purchase a ship lift for the boat yard, and expressed his sincere appreciation towards the Miami River Commission, the Miami River Marine Group, Beacon Council, Commissioner Bruno Barreiro and staff for their continued support.

III. New Business –No new business was discussed.

The meeting adjourned.