I) Chair Report – MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre

MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:
The MRC’s draft November 3, 2018 public meeting minutes were amended by Sandy O’Neil and unanimously adopted by the MRC.

The Miami River Commission’s 2018 Annual Report is before you, highlighting numerous recent Miami River successes such as the referendum overwhelmingly approved by the voters, continued construction of the public Riverwalk, completion of the Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project, private sector mixed use developments such as RMK Merrill Stevens, River Landing, One River Point, and Aston Martin Residences. MRC Chairman Aguirre thanked MRC Director Bibeau for his excellent work.

Please note the 23nd Annual free Miami Riverday festival will be held April 6, 2019, Lummus Park, 1-6 PM, featuring free Miami River boat rides, live music, environmental education, paddleboard races, historic re-enactors, children activities, food and drinks and more. Everyone is invited to this free celebration of the Miami River, and sponsorships are available.

In addition, advertisements are available in the 16th Annual Miami River Map and Guide, which is released at Miami Riverday.

I thank MRC Vice Chairman Frank Balzebre, Sandy O’Neil, Philip Everingham, Patty Harris and John Michael Cornell for volunteering on the MRC’s Mission Steering Subcommittee. Thus far in individual conversations between MRC Managing Director Brett Bibeau and these MRC members, the following progress has been made to date:

1) The MRC will increase work related to Sea Level Rise within the Miami River District. Today’s agenda item is an example of this effort, in partnership with the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, State of Florida, Congress, the private sector, etc.

2) Now that maintenance dredging and environmental cleanup projects have been recently successfully completed in Wagner Creek, Seybold Canal, and the Miami River, the MRC will review the remaining Miami River tributaries and continue efforts for more needed maintenance dredging and environmental cleanup projects. Commissioner Higgins noted the need for maintenance dredging the Tamiami Canal where numerous marine industrial businesses are having navigational issues.

Philip Everingham suggested the MRC’s Mission Steering Subcommittee include continued support and advocacy for Port Miami River’s job generating marine industrial businesses, Miami River District Neighborhoods and public greenspaces.

MRC Managing Director Brett Bibeau provided the following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) update:

The Miami River Commission has been actively assisting the efforts of the City, County, State, and private sector to clean up the Miami River District.

The MRC thanks 12 volunteers from Hands on Miami whom on January 5 pulled weeds from the replanted community vegetable and fruit garden and picked up garbage along the public Riverwalk’s shoreline here at 1407 NW 7 ST.

The MRC’s next 3 coordinated and sponsored volunteer cleanup events are:

• January 16, 11-1, along the public Riverwalk in Curtis Park, with 30 volunteers from Lawton Childs School.
• January 31, 9:15-1:15, along the public Riverwalk featuring the community vegetable and fruit garden here at 1407 NW 7 ST, with 30 volunteers from Carrollton School.
  
• February 8, 11-1, in Sewell Park, with 30 volunteers from Lawton Childs School.

II. Consider MDX / FDOT Plans for I-836 Over the Miami River

On December 3, 2018 the MRC adopted a unanimous resolution recommending approval of the improvements to I-836 with the following conditions and design modifications:

• Include the City Code required public Riverwalks, featuring new elevated seawalls, and connecting with existing and future public Riverwalks.
• Maintain vessel navigation between the Bridge fenders in the Federal navigable channel while constructing
• Meet all requirements for drilling new proposed pilings without causing unintended damage
• Report Back to Miami River Commission’s January 4, 2019 public meeting, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST

Mr. Gil Portela, MDX/GEC/HNTB stated since then the MDX team conducted site visits with MRC Director Bibeau. Mr Portela distributed and presented plans for the public Riverwalk on the north shore, featuring a seawall, 15’ wide unobstructed Circulation Zone, 3’ wide Passive Zone, 4’ wide Safety Zone, varying Transition Zone, and 8’ wide existing and proposed columns. Mr. Portela stated the MD is yet to identify the funding needed for the presented public Riverwalk. Mr. Portela stated MDX will work on including the public Riverwalk beneath 836 on the south shore as well. Mr. Portela stated the project requires numerous environmental reviews, considerations and permitting which will limit turbidity, protect manatees, etc.

Director Bibeau noted MDX is an eligible applicant MDX is an eligible applicant for 50/50 matching grants from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) for both “Phase I” for design and permitting, followed by “Phase II” for construction. FIND has kindly awarded millions in grants for other sections of the public Riverwalk featuring new seawalls to the City of Miami and Miami Dade County, including beneath bridges i.e. South Miami Ave, Metro-Rail and Metro-Mover. This is an annual grant cycle which MDX still has enough time to submit an application this cycle.

MRC Chairman Aguirre noted the importance of the MRC’s recommendation to maintain vessel navigation between the bridge fenders in the Federal Navigable Channel while constructing the project.

The MRC thanked the MDX for the progress made over the past month, and continued to encourage them to implement the remaining MRC’s conditions if approval, for example including the public Riverwalk on the south shore as well.

III. Consider City of Miami’s Application to Amend Miami 21Zoning Code to Allow Freeboard to Address Sea Level Rise

Attendee’s discussed the City of Miami’s previously distributed zoning code amendment application to incorporate “freeboard in the floodplain and clarify language for raising structures (zoned T3, single family residential) within the floodplain”. In part the distributed draft ordinance creates a new definition, “Freeboard: The additional height above the Base Flood Elevation at which the lowest finished floor is built”. Currently the code requires 1 foot of freeboard, and this would create the option for up to 5 feet of free board. The proposal allows the raising of infrastructure, and the option for up to a 5’ increase in the current the height of ground floor retail, from 25’ to 30’. This item only applies to new construction, and the City of Miami’s Planning Zoning and Appeals Board unanimously recommended approval with a note that the drafted “optional” 5 feet of freeboard be revised to become “mandatory”. Mr. Shedd stated he expects the presented ordinance to be considered by the City Commission at 1st reading in either January or February. Mr. Bibeau stated the City Planning Department had confirmed their presentation, but surprisingly and unfortunately no City Representative was present.

The MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittee’s December 12, 2018 pubic meeting minutes were distributed, which state in part, “MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman suggested the MRC recommend approval of the item and that the City encourage future eligible applicants to exercise their new option to include up to 5 feet of freeboard.”

Sallye Jude suggested the MRC recommend approval with a condition to support the City of Miami Planning Zoning and Appeals Board’s note that the drafted “optional” 5 feet of freeboard be revised to become “mandatory”. Commissioner Eileen Higgins noted the City of Miami beach has a similar ordinance which includes the freeboard as an option and is not mandatory. Commissioner Eileen Higgins and additional MRC members stated a desire for the City to present their item to the MRC and provide the MRC additional data for consideration. The MRC unanimously deferred the item to their February 4 public meeting, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST.Riverwalk on the south shore as well.

IV. Update on Fort Dallas Park and Historic Flagler’s Workers House / Palm Cottage

The MRC’s previously distributed Urban Infill and Greenways December 12, 2018 public meeting minutes were distributed stating:
“MRC Director Bibeau stated the MRC previously unanimously approved a motion recommending the city issue a request for proposals for a restaurant in Fort Dallas Park subject to the following conditions:

1. Expedite completion of the city’s contracted structural analysis of the historic Flagler worker’s house, and expedite any time sensitive structural repairs potentially reported in the structural analysis.
2. No reduction of the size of the existing public riverwalk and public side yard, which provides access to the riverwalk.
3. If the Fort Dallas Park dock is not going to provide dockage for waterborne transportation (water taxis, commuter ferries, etc.), then provide dockage for waterborne transportation immediately east of Fort Dallas Park.
4. Expedite the process to re-open and re-activate this important and historic riverfront park.
5. If no bids or proposals are received again to this site’s third consecutive request for proposals, then restore the historic house, improve the property and re-open the entire Fort Dallas Park.

Mr. Bibeau stated the City of Miami designated the 1897 “Royal Palm Cottage” / Flagler’s Worker’s House a Historic Structure. The City of Miami thankfully contracted a Professional Engineer, whom recently submitted to the City the “General Assessment Report For The Existing Structural Systems and Feasibility of Rehabilitation & Restoration - Flagler Worker’s House (Palm Cottage) 60-64 SE 4 ST. September 5, 2018”, which states he following:

• “The existing structure should be considered to be in a state of ‘Substantial Structural Damage’ as defined in Section 202 of the Florida Building Code 2017- Existing Building. There are also a number of areas that should be classified as “Dangerous Conditions” as defined in Section 202.” (page 11)
• “Rehabilitation and restoration are feasible.” (page 11)
• “For general preliminary consideration, it might be assumed that the construction cost of the rehabilitation and restoration of the Flagler’s Workers House will be in the range of $600,000 - $900,000.” (page 12)

Mr. Bibeau stated Andrew Schimmel, City of Miami DREAM, stated on the record at the City of Miami’s Dec. 11, 2018 televised Waterfront Advisory Board meeting, that the City of Miami was looking for funding to restore the historically designated 1897 house.
MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley suggested the MRC make the following additional supplemental recommendations:

1) Transmit the City’s cited report to the City Manager
2) Stabilize and renovate the historically designated home, demolish the 2 non-historic structures in the small park, and improve the public park space
3) City of Miami apply to available historic preservation related grant programs
4) Evaluate merits of using Miami Forever Bond Funding for the subject Riverfront Fort Dallas Park
5) Repair the Fort Dallas Park Dock, which was destroyed in Hurricane Irma (September 2017) with City Requested FEMA Funds”

Mark Burns, City of Miami, stated the City of Miami was seeking funding to restore the designated historic Flagler Workers House, and demolish the 2 non-historic structures which are also in poor condition in Fort Dallas Park. Christine Rupp, Dade Heritage Trust, offered to partner with the City of Miami to assist.

The MRC adopted a unanimous resolution to add the following additional supplemental recommendations to the aforementioned list of related recommendations previously adopted by the MRC:

1) Transmit the City’s cited report to the City Manager
2) Stabilize and renovate the historically designated home, demolish the 2 non-historic structures in the small park, and improve the public park space
3) City of Miami apply to available historic preservation related grant programs
4) Evaluate merits of using Miami Forever Bond Funding for the subject Riverfront Fort Dallas Park
5) Repair the Fort Dallas Park Dock, which was destroyed in Hurricane Irma (September 2017) with City Requested FEMA Funds”

V. MRC Subcommittee Reports

A. Greenways Subcommittee –

Since the City and County’s adoption of the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, of the planned 10-mile public Miami River Greenway, 6.5 miles are complete. Currently the public Riverwalk is under construction at River Landing, Aston Martin, and One River Point. The MRC is continuing to advocate for funding to finish construction of the remaining 3.5 miles of the public Miami River Greenway from the following sources:

1. Voter approved “Miami Forever” City GO Bond Issue
2. State Sun Trail Grant (City submitted $1 million application)
3. Rails to Trails Application for a $2 million cost share Volkswagen Settlement Cost Share
4. New TPO Grant Funding Program
5. County GOB Bond Issue (expend remaining “Miami River Greenway” line item balance due plus additional pledged $1,000,000)
6. Spend the $1,000,000 2016 TAP grant awarded to the City of Miami
7. FIND 50/50 matching grants
8. Private sector developments

B. Stormwater Subcommittee - Chair Sallye Jude

The Miami River Commission’s Stormwater Subcommittee met December 5, and the public meeting minutes will be distributed. The increased services of the Scavenger Water Decontamination Vessel will provide significant needed improvements to water quality in the Miami River, and we look forward to DERM placing the budget approved agreement item on the County Commission agenda, which is required before services commence. Commissioner Higgins kindly asked for recent communications between MRC and DERM, and stated she would ask for the item to be placed on the County Commission agenda so it maybe approved and the services may commence.

C. Economic Development and Commerce Subcommittee – Chair Philip Everingham
The MRC’s Economic Development and Commerce Subcommittee is scheduled to meet on January 22, here at 10:30 AM. We will review the proposal for a new effort to improve water quality in Biscayne Bay and the Miami River.

VI. New Business

The meeting adjourned.

I) Chair Report – MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre

The Miami River Commission’s draft January 7, 2019 public meeting minutes, were previously sent to you via e-mail. Is there a motion?

The 23nd Annual free Miami Riverday festival will be held April 6, 2019, Lummus Park, 1-6 PM, featuring free Miami River boat rides, live music, environmental education, paddleboard races, historic re-enactors, children activities, food, drinks and more. Everyone is invited to this free celebration of the mixed-use Miami River District, and sponsorships are available.

In addition, advertisements are available in the 16th Annual Miami River Map and Guide, which is released at Miami Riverday.

Frank Balzebre, MRC Vice Chairman, provided the following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) update:

The Miami River Commission has been actively assisting the efforts of the City, County, State, and private sector to clean up the Miami River District.

The MRC thanks the 30 volunteers from Carrollton School, whom on January 31, picked up garbage along the public Riverwalk in Curtis Park

In addition, the MRC thanks the 30 volunteers from Lawton Childs School whom on February 1 pulled weeds in the community vegetable and fruit garden and picked up garbage along the public Riverwalk here at 1407 NW 7 ST

The MRC’s next 2 coordinated and sponsored volunteer cleanup events are:
February 8, 11-1, picking up garbage along the Sewell Park shoreline, with 30 volunteers from Lawton Childs School.

February 16, 9-11, pulling weeds in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and picking up garbage along the public Riverwalk, here at 1407 NW 7 ST with 10 volunteers from Hands on Miami.

II. Review of the “Biscayne Bay Restoration Task Force” and the “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership”

Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, distributed copies of the Miami-Dade County Commission’s approved “Biscayne Bay Restoration Task Force” where 9 appointed members will study and recommend to the County the best ways to restore Biscayne Bay for 220 days, and then deliver a report with their recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners within 180 days.

Spencer Crowley, Miami Dade County Commissioner to the Florida Inland Navigation District, distributed and presented a “Biscayne Bay Restoration Initiative” PowerPoint, and related draft “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership” Resolution. Mr. Crowley cited the successes of the “Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative”, which is a partnership of funding agencies which has completed 50 projects for $80 million to improve water quality in the Lake Worth Lagoon, including sediment traps, baffle boxes, and removing septic tanks. Mr. Crowley stated his distributed revised draft resolution to create a similar partnership was created with direct input from Pamela Sweeney DERM, County Commissioner Levine Cava, and Federico Fernandez, Chairman of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Mr. Crowley distributed resolutions from FIND and the SFWMD, supporting the draft “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership”. Mr. Crowley stated Chairman Fernandez and he supports the County’s creation of the “Biscayne Bay Task Force, which the proposed “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership” compliments.

Attendees noted the Miami River and its tributaries are part of the regulated Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. The Miami River has 150 storm water outfalls, which are the Miami River’s leading source of pollution from the densely populated Miami River District. The Miami River is a contamination source in the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve.

Commissioner Eileen Higgins stated she is co-sponsoring and supporting Commissioner Sosa’s “Biscayne Bay Task Force” item before the County Commission. Commissioner Higgins stated the “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership” is a potential outcome of the upcoming “Biscayne Bay Task Force”.

The MRC Economic Development and Commerce subcommittee’s January 22, 2019 public meeting minutes were distributed a week prior to the meeting, stating in part, “MRC EDC Chairman Everingham recommended the MRC support the County’s recently adopted “Biscayne Bay Restoration Task Force”, and suggested the new “Task Force” strongly consider recommending the County Commission adopt the revised draft “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership” Resolution. The MRC adopted a unanimous resolution supporting the County’s recently adopted “Biscayne Bay Restoration Task Force”, and suggested the new “Task Force” strongly consider recommending the County Commission adopt the “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership” Resolution.

III. Consider City of Miami’s Application to Amend Miami 21 Zoning Code to Allow Freeboard to Address Sea Level Rise
Ryan Shedd, City of Miami Planning Department, distributed and presented the City of Miami’s previously distributed zoning code amendment application to incorporate “freeboard in the floodplain and clarify language for raising structures (zoned T3, single family residential) within the floodplain”. Additional requested 5 items of backup materials and data were provided a week prior to the meeting, and printed copies were distributed. In part the distributed ordinance, which was adopted by the City Commission at the 1st of 2 readings, creates a new definition, “Freeboard: The additional height above the Base Flood Elevation at which the lowest finished floor is built”. Currently the code requires 1 foot of freeboard, and this would create the option for up to 5 feet of freeboard. The proposal allows the raising of infrastructure, and the option for up to a 5’ increase in the current the height of ground floor retail, from 25’ to 30’. This item only applies to new construction, and the City of Miami’s Planning Zoning and Appeals Board unanimously recommended approval with a note that the drafted “optional” 5 feet of freeboard be revised to become “mandatory”. Mr. Shedd, stated increased free board reduces insurance costs.

The MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittee’s December 12, 2018 pubic meeting minutes were distributed, which state in part, “MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman suggested the MRC recommend approval of the item and that the City encourage future eligible applicants to exercise their new option to include up to 5 feet of freeboard.”
Sandy O’Neil made a motion for the MRC to recommend approval of the subject City Ordinance, and that the City encourage future eligible applicants to exercise their new option to include up to 5 feet of freeboard. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Eileen Higgins and adopted by the MRC 12-1.

IV. Update Report on Miami-Dade County Owned 1407 NW 7 ST – County Commissioner Eileen Higgins

Commissioner Higgins stated in a public / private partnership with Urban Related Group, Miami-Dade County is redeveloping their large riverfront affordable housing site with an increased quantity of affordable housing units, and market rate residential, retail, and the public Riverwalk featuring a new seawall. The Phase I construction recently completed with the replacement of the former Martin Fine Villas with a new building facing NW 7 ST. Commissioner Higgins stated Phase III will be closest to the Miami River, and will include the public Riverwalk featuring a new seawall. Commissioner Higgins stated when the plans are ready, they will be presented to the MRC, in estimated 2-3 months. Commissioner Higgins stated she thinks the MRC will be pleased with the plans increase in activated greenspace and increased affordable housing.

V. New Business

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report

The Miami River Commission (MRC) unanimously adopted the distributed February 4, 2019 public meeting minutes.

23nd Annual free Miami Riverday festival will be held April 6, 2019, Lummus Park, 1-6 PM, featuring free Miami River boat rides, live music, environmental education, paddleboard races, historic re-enactors, children activities, food, drinks and more. Everyone is invited to this free celebration of the mixed-use Miami River District, so please take the bilingual flyers and help us distribute them to your families and friends. The MRC sincerely appreciates all of the generous sponsors whom kindly make this free festival possible.

In addition, the MRC thanks all of the advertisers in the 16th Annual Miami River Map and Guide, which will be released at Miami Riverday.

Frank Balzebre, MRC Vice Chairman, provided the following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) update:

• The Miami River Commission has been actively assisting the efforts of the City, County, State, and private sector to clean up the Miami River District.
  
• The MRC thanks the 30 volunteers from Lawton Childs School, whom on February 8 picked up garbage along the Sewell Park shoreline.
  
• The MRC thanks the 10 volunteers from Hands on Miami whom on February 16 pulled weeds in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and picked up garbage along the public Riverwalk, here at 1407 NW 7 ST.
  
• The MRC’s next 2 coordinated and sponsored volunteer cleanup events are:
  On March 16 - 40 volunteers will repaint the mural on the Miami River Greenway located beneath the Flagler Bridge on North River Drive
  On March 30 - 10 volunteers from Hands on Miami will pull weeds in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and pick up garbage along the public Riverwalk, here at 1407 NW 7 ST
  

II. Presentation of the “Miami River Watershed Plan” from the Nature Conservancy – Sonia Succar Rodriguez

III. New Business

The meeting adjourned.

I. Consideration of Pending Temporary Use Permit Application at 431-451 South Miami Ave

Bill Riley, Greenspoon Marder, presented draft plans for “Riverside Miami, a family oriented open-air culinary experience”. The presented draft plans feature 7 local restaurants, tap room, event space for “movie nights”, art installations, $200,000 of landscaping (90% native plants), and public Riverwalk. Mr. Riley stated there is an “off-site parking lease”, and the site will have many visitors from the adjacent 5TH ST Metro-Mover station, pedestrians and bicycles from the immediately surrounding densely populated Brickell and Central Business District areas. Mr. Riley stated the proposal is not a “party atmosphere”, and will not have late night events. Mr. Riley stated the draft plans include an enclosed structure which reduces noise, from “Event Star”, which is the same company that constructed the enclosed temporary structure at The Wharf. Mr. Riley explained the sound system will have localized speakers for ambient background music playing softer than a conversation, i.e. Disney Land. Mr. Riley stated the proposal requires the majority of sales to be for food (annual audits for minimum of 51% food sales, and a maximum of 49% liquor sales). Mr. Riley stated the proposal is seeking a “Temporary Use Permit” with annual potential renewals for a maximum of a total 3-years, and then any additional time extensions for the pending “Temporary Use Permit” would have to be approved by the City Commission. Mr. Riley offered the MRC future annual reviews. Mr. Riley stated since the MRC subcommittee public meeting they have widened the proposed public Riverwalk to the full 25’-width required by code, and agree to widen the western side-yard to 5’ wide. Mr. Riley added the public Riverwalk maximized trees and landscaping and includes a public drinking fountains and public real restrooms. Mr. Riley stated they have now included an onsite location for Uber pickups and drop offs and delivery trucks, so that they don’t block vehicular lanes on SE 5 ST. Mr. Riley distributed copies of new “Proffered Operational Restrictions”. Mr. Riley stated the Principal is Antonio Primo, Concept ID. Mr. Riley stated there will be no boat access, and they are not applying for a marine operating permit at this time, but if they ever decide to apply for a Marine Operating Permit in the future they would come first back to the MRC. Mr. Riley stated the proposer will provide 24 hour roaming security. Mr. Riley complimented MRC Managing Director Bibeau’s negotiations which lead to the applicant agreeing to widen their proposed public Riverwalk in order come into compliance with the minimum requirements of the City of Miami’s code.

County Commissioner Eileen Higgins cautioned the presenters to be extremely careful about noise and consider the numerous neighbor’s quality of life in adjacent Brickell on the River, Ivy, Mint, Wind, etc. Commissioner Higgins recommended noise mitigation, was glad they had included a uber drop off area off of the street, recommended grass not artificial turf, and stated she generally likes the proposal. Mr. Riley stated they are happy to revisit using real grass instead of the planned artificial turf.

Neal Schafers, Downtown Development Authority noted the proposal connects to the east with existing public Riverwalk, and to the west with existing on road Miami River Greenway. Mr. Riley confirmed the proposed public Riverwalk and public greenspace is for families.

The MRC adopted a unanimous resolution recommending approval of the Temporary Use Permit for Riverside Miami located at 431-451 South Miami Ave Urban with the following conditions:
1) The public Riverwalk and public western side-yard connector between the existing on-road Greenway (along SE 5 ST) and the public Riverwalk, be 100% consistent with the minimum requirements in the code and charter
2) Widen the western public bike / ped side yard connector
3) Use real grass not artificial turf

II. Consideration of Revised Plans and Pending Warrant Application for 1175 NW South River Drive, Naheem Khan Project

Ms. Rosario Kennedy, Rosario Kennedy and Associates, emailed MRC Chairman Aguirre and Managing Director Bibeau requesting a deferral of their presentation to the MRC’s June 3 public meeting, in order to first accept the invitation to present to the Spring Garden Civic Association.

III. Consideration of Florida Department of State Plans for Miami Circle Park, 401 Brickell Ave, and Pending Application to the City of Miami for a Ground Disturbing Activity Certificate

Timothy A. Parsons, Ph.D., Division Director, State Historic Preservation Officer, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, presented draft plans to improve Miami Circle Park, a designated National Historic Landmark. The plans include planting 1,466 new plants, needed re-sodding, covering bare dirt areas along the public Riverwalk with crushed shells, a decorative fence around the actual Miami Circle where they will replant the original design of landscaping as when Miami Circle Park was originally opened, fix irrigation and drainage, and fill in where eroded. Dr. Parsons stated after the presented draft set of improvements are constructed, the Department of State hopes to conduct a subsequent set of improvements 1-2 years in the future, which will then include museum quality exhibits. Dr Parsons stated the additional 3 hardscape “Living Room” areas are no longer being proposed in this phase. Dr Parsons complimented MRC Director Bibeau for his assistance in Miami Circle Park, and thanked the Miami Parking Authority for purchasing soon to be installed bollards along the vehicular loop to try and stop frequent illegal parking from Uber and Lyft drivers, etc. Dr Parsons also noted the Miami Parking Authority’s planned and funded future public paid parking lots on the vacant public right of way located beneath the adjacent Brickell Bridge, which will provide a legal parking option which is not located on the National Historic Landmark site. Dr Parsons stated in June he will present the plans to the City of Miami’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEP) for a Ground Disturbing Activity Certificate, followed by commencing the project in July.

The MRC adopted a unanimous resolution supporting the presented plans to improve Miami Circle Park, with a condition to postpone further consideration of constructing the additional 3 hardscape “Living Room” areas, until the next phase of site improvements to be designed in a public process featuring museum quality exhibits.

IV. Update Regarding Replacement of the 1 Street Bridge – Florida Department of Transportation

Sergies Duarte, Art Perez, Kevin Carrera, Hector Fung, and Andres Berisartu, Florida Department of Transportation distributed and presented the following documents:

1. FDOT Fact Sheet
2. FDOT One Street Bridge Detour Map
3. FDOT SW One Street to Flagler St. Detour
4. FDOT One Street Bridge Little Havana shore rendition
5. FDOT One Street Bridge Downtown shore rendition

In addition, the MRC's June 1, 2015 Public Meeting Minutes were distributed with this item.

The project’s detour will commence May 23. The estimated completion date is Summer of 2022, with a $4,200,000 bonus to the contractor if they finish earlier.

Mr. Perez, FDOT, indicated they would be applying to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for permission to close the Miami River’s federal navigable channel at the 1 ST Bridge to all boats for 4 separate 3-day consecutive periods (12 total days). Mark Bailey, Miami River Marine Group, stated Port Miami River’s job generating marine industrial businesses need to navigate vessels past the 1 ST Bridge location, and they will be meeting further with the FDOT and USCG about the proposed vessel closures in the Miami River.

V. New Business

The meeting adjourned.

I. Consideration of Revised Plans and Pending Warrant Application for 1175 NW South River Drive, Naheem Khan Project

Ms. Iris Escarra, Greenberg Traurig, Ms. Rosario Kennedy, Rosario Kennedy and Associates, and Mr. Alfonso Jurado, Alfonso Jurado Architecture, distributed and presented revised plans, letter of intent, “Warrant and Waiver Submittal” for the “Naeem Khan Studios”. The previous plans were presented to the MRC on March 6, 2017 and those public meeting minutes state in part:

I) “Consideration of “Naheem Kahn” Project, 1175 NW South River Drive
The MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittee’s January 21, 2016 public meeting minutes state:

“The Miami River Commission’s November 2, 2015 public meeting minutes were distributed stating, ‘The following documents were distributed prior to the meeting, presented and reviewed during the public meeting, regarding 1175 NW South River Drive:
• Board of County Commissioner’s Economic Prosperity Committee’s Agenda Item 2(B), a $1.5 million “Economic Development Fund” grant to fund a public Riverwalk and new seawall at the “Naeem Khan Project”.
• City of Miami’s adopted zoning code section 3.11 and Appendix B
• City of Miami’s adopted zoning code, “Article 4, Table 3, Building Function: Uses”
• Miami River Commission’s Greenways subcommittee’s 10/21/15 public meeting minutes
• 1st Draft Plans for Naeem Khan’s Proposed Development

Director Bibeau stated the distributed County Agenda item was approved at County subcommittee and will be considered by the full Board of County Commissioners on 11/3/15.

Mr. Naheem Khan, Ms. Rosario Kennedy and Mr. Alfonso Jurado, Architectonica, distributed and presented the 2nd draft plans and narrative. The 2nd draft plans now feature a vessel along the river, and the public Riverwalk connects to the west with the existing public Riverwalk beneath and adjacent to 12 Ave Bridge, and to the east along the side yard connecting with the existing on road Miami River Greenway on North River Drive at the south east corner of the site.

Mark Bailey, Miami River Marine Group, noted 1175 NW South River Drive, leased by the Board of County Commissioners to Naheem Kahn for his proposed project, is zoned the most restrictive “D3” and the currently designated Land Use is “Port of Miami River”. Therefore, Mr. Bailey questioned if the proposed project is consistent with the vacant site’s existing land use and zoning, or would it require a land use & zoning amendment, “warrant” or “exception”? Mr Kahn and Ms Kennedy stated the project will use a vessel to import and export containers carrying fabric, beads, etc, in addition to recreational yacht access, therefore is consistent with the existing land use and zoning. Manny Prieguez noted he has shipped containers of seafood from his Miami River Lobster and Stone Crab site on the Miami River. Bruno Barreiro noted this County owned site has been vacant for years, and was previously a County Carpentry shop.

The MRC unanimously recommended the Board of County Commissioners approve the grant for the site’s public Riverwalk and new needed seawall, and asked for the specifics of the development proposal to be considered by the MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittees in November, followed by the full MRC on December 7.’

Ms Rosario Kennedy, Mr Alfonso Jurado, Architectonica, and Ms Lucia Dougherty, Greenberg Traurig, distributed and presented the revised draft plans. The new plans increase the square footage by widening the west wall by 15’ on the site. Ms. Kennedy recommended relocating the City of Miami Fire Department’s storage of unused equipment adjacent to the site on South River Drive beneath the 12 Ave Bridge, which the City rents from FDOT.

MRC Director Bibeau distributed the City of Miami’s adopted zoning code, “Article 4, Table 3, Building Function: Uses”. Ms Dougherty noted the renditions still include a recreational yacht and an international shipping vessel transporting containers containing fabric, garments, and beads. Ms. Dougherty stated the plans will maintain the site’s current D3 zoning, Port of Miami River Land Use. Ms Dougherty stated the City of Miami’s Zoning Administrator classified this development on the table under “Industrial” as “Manufacturing and Processing” which requires a “Warrant” but requires less parking therefore the plans have sufficient parking spaces, or be classified as a “Marine Related Industrial Establishment” which would be “Allowed by Right”, but requires more parking spaces than the plans provide, therefore a reduction of required parking spaces would be required.

Mr. Mark Bailey, Miami River Marine Group, asked if the development team had met with the U.S. Coast Guard regarding Homeland Security and MTSA requirements for this new proposed international shipping location, and DERM regarding obtaining the required marine operating permit, and the team replied not yet.

Ms. Dougherty stated the developer is willing to design, permit, fund and construct the public Riverwalk connector on the west end to extend the additional estimated 35 feet on FDOT public ROW in order to connect with the existing public Riverwalk and sideyard connector at the 12 Ave Bridge. The site’s new public Riverwalk will feature a new seawall, maybe maintenance dredging along the shoreline, and a 6-foot wide dock. Chairman Aguirre noted the renditions for the dock need large bollards added, and the dock should be made of concrete to accommodate the depicted large shipping vessel.

MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley and Greenways Subcommittee Martin suggested the MRC find the proposed development consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan subject to the following conditions:

1) Securing all vessel requirements established by U.S. Coast Guard, DERM, etc
2) Securing FDOT permission to construct the public Riverwalk connector to the west on FDOT ROW at the 12 Ave Bridge and removing the storage lot beneath the Bridge”

During the MRC’s Feb. 1 meeting, Ms Rosario Kennedy stated since the MRC’s Jan. 21 public subcommittee meeting (quoted above) the development team met with the United States Coast Guard and will be working with them on compliance. Ms Kennedy stated the City of Miami Fire Department is willing to remove the junk yard beneath the 12 Ave Bridge on the south shore. Mr Jurado noted the revised plans now include a loading area, and a public sideyard connector from the sidewalk on South River Drive to this site’s public Riverwalk which will connect with the existing Riverwalk and sideyard connector at FDOT’S 12 Ave Bridge, and the color of the on-road Greenway is the required mesa beige. The public Riverwalk is 25 feet wide. Ms Lucia Dougherty stated consultant Christy Brush believes the site will be permitted for 3 boat slips.

MRC Director Bibeau distributed the City of Miami’s adopted zoning code, “Article 4, Table 3, Building Function: Uses”. Ms Dougherty noted the renditions still include a recreational yacht and an international shipping vessel transporting containers containing fabric, garments, and beads. Ms. Dougherty stated the plans will maintain the site’s current D3 zoning, Port of Miami River Land Use. Ms Dougherty stated the City of Miami’s Zoning Administrator classified this development on the table under “Industrial” as “Manufacturing and Processing” which requires a “Warrant”.

MRC Chairman Aguirre stated this is a mixed-use compromise and improvement on the existing vacant conditions.

Ernie Martin made a motion for the full MRC to support the subcommittee’s findings, “the MRC finds the proposed development consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan subject to the following conditions:

1) Securing all vessel requirements established by U.S. Coast Guard, DERM, etc
2) Securing FDOT permission to construct the public Riverwalk connector to the west on FDOT ROW at the 12 Ave Bridge and removing the storage lot beneath the Bridge

The motion was seconded by Manny Prieguez and unanimously adopted by the MRC.”

MRC Director Bibeau distributed emails from the development team and renditions of the previously presented project and the revised proposed project, with only the following changes:

1) Increase of 1 story on 1 of the 2 proposed buildings. Original 3 and 4 story structures now proposed to become 3 and 5 stories.
2) Different exterior wall materials / design

The developer team emails state, “the design was slightly modified but that the waterfront standards, Riverfront dimensions and overall program remain the same… As promised I have included the Riverwalk Details comparisons from 2015 and 2017 - the walk remains at 25 feet
wide. I have also included a site plan comparison ... you will see the 2017 site plan includes the off-site parking under the bridge”

The developer team indicated progress has been made on the MRC’s 2 previously recommended conditions of:
1) Securing all vessel requirements established by U.S. Coast Guard, DERM, etc
2) Securing FDOT permission to construct the public Riverwalk connector to the west on FDOT ROW at the 12 Ave Bridge and removing the storage lot beneath the Bridge

MRC Greenways subcommittee chairman Murley suggested the full MRC re-affirm their previous unanimous recommendation on this item and continue to find the proposed development consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan subject to the following conditions:
1) Securing all vessel requirements established by U.S. Coast Guard, DERM, etc
2) Securing FDOT permission to construct the public Riverwalk connector to the west on FDOT ROW at the 12 Ave Bridge and removing the storage lot beneath the Bridge”

Ms Rosario Kennedy distributed and presented the revised / updated plans:
1) Increase of 1 story on 1 of the 2 proposed buildings. Original 3 and 4 story structures now proposed to become 3 and 5 stories.
2) Different exterior wall materials / design
3) The proposed plans now include a vocational school
4) The proposal still incorporates vessels on the site to ship materials, and recreation yacht access for customers
5) Site still includes public Riverwalk consistent with Miami 21 Section 3.11, Appendix B, and will include construction of the Riverwalk connector on FDOT land connecting to the existing public Riverwalk to the west beneath the FDOT owned 12 Ave Bridge
6) Estimate completion of the proposed development in mid-2019.

The MRC adopted a unanimous resolution recommending finding the presented Naheem Khan project consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan subject to the following conditions:
1) Securing all vessel requirements established by U.S. Coast Guard, DERM, etc
2) Securing FDOT permission to construct the public Riverwalk connector to the west on FDOT ROW at the 12 Ave Bridge and removing the storage lot beneath the Bridge
3) The applicant submits presented / amended / updated plans presented to the MRC on 3/6/17 to the City of Miami for permitting
4) The project include the public Miami River Greenway signage required by Miami 21”

The MRC Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittee’s distributed March 20, 2019 public meeting minutes state:
“The applicants stated although they intend to comply with the MRC’s previously approved conditions of approval, it is a work in progress and they are yet to fully comply with the MRC’s conditions. For example, they are in the process of hiring EAC Engineering to create construction engineering documents for the new seawall, they executed a sub-lease with the City to replace the existing storage lot beneath the 12 Ave Bridge with their private parking lot, etc. The applicants stated differences between the plans presented to the MRC on March 6, 2017 and the revised plans are the 2 buildings were 3 and 5 stories, and now they are 4 and 5 stories, and the building’s façade has changed and are now using more glass. The applicants stated the pending warrant applications would permit the proposed vocational school component, off-site parking waiver, and a reduction of required parking spaces because they are close to Metro-Rail. The applicants stated they would consider putting some landscaping back in the plans in between the 2 buildings, similar to the previous plans which had landscaping between the 2 buildings which was removed in the current plans which only depict hardscape in between the 2 proposed buildings.

Carol Boynton, Spring Garden Civic Association, stated they were seeking a voluntary covenant and City conditions of the warrant to include compliance with the existing noise ordinance, no restaurant as depicted in the current plans, and no public venues as depicted in the current plans.

The applicants stated they would meet with their neighbors to the east at the Riverwalk Apartments which are currently under construction, to try and combine their side yard public connectors from the existing on-road Greenway along NW South River Drive and the public Riverwalk, in order to widen the Khan project’s currently proposed eastern side-yard connector’s unobstructed path, which is only 5’ wide and services public bicycle and pedestrian access in addition to cargo from the depicted shipping vessel to the loading docks.

MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley noted he works for Miami Dade County, whom owns the subject property and has an executed lease to Mr. Khan for the proposed project. Mr. Murley noted Miami-Dade County has the final decision on this item, for which a County Resolution requests a strictly advisory recommendation from the MRC for the County’s consideration.

Mr. Murley suggested the MRC recommend widening the eastern public sideyard connector / loading area, and reconfirm their following previous unanimous resolution finding the presented Naheem Khan project consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan subject to the following conditions:

1) Securing all vessel requirements established by U.S. Coast Guard, DERM, etc
2) Securing FDOT permission to construct the public Riverwalk connector to the west on FDOT ROW at the 12 Ave Bridge and removing the storage lot beneath the Bridge
3) The applicant submits presented / amended / updated plans presented to the MRC on 5/6/19 to the City of Miami for permitting
4) The project include the public Miami River Greenway signage required by Miami 21”

Ms. Escarra, noted the following additional change. The applicants are no longer proposing to meet the requirements of the site’s existing “Port Miami River” Land Use and Marine Industrial Zoning by using shipping vessels to transport beads, fabric etc. Ms. Escarra distributed the following letter:

????

Ms. Escarra stated Mr. Khan has a “land lease” with the City, and the County retains the rights to the shoreline and boat dockage. Attendees recalled the adjacent Merrill-Stevens boatyard’s long- standing desire to pay Miami-Dade County for the ability to simply dock boats at the subject site, consistent in part with an item previously approved by the County Commission. Either the County’s docking Marine Patrol and Fire Department vessels, and or dockage for Merrill Stevens Boatyard, would create consistency with the site’s existing “Port Miami River” Comp Plan designation and Marine Industrial zoning. Ms. Escarra stated the proposal has no outdoor dining. Ms. Escarra stated per the distributed plans, the site will be consistent with zoning code section 3.11 and appendix B’s requirements for a public Riverwalk featuring a new seawall, and they just hired a firm to design and construct the site’s new needed seawall. The Proposed Khan public Riverwalk will seamlessly continue and connect to the west with the existing public Riverwalk beneath 12 Ave Bridge, and to the east with the existing public Riverwalk at Mast Capital’s “Riverwalk Apartments” which are currently under construction. Mr. Jurado noted the eastern public sidewalk connector between South River Drive’s existing on-road Miami River Greenway, and the site’s proposed public Riverwalk, has been widened by combining and connecting with the adjacent side yard connector immediately east at Riverwalk Apartments.

Commissioner Gort noted the need for more marine patrol and water borne transportation on the Miami River.

Commissioner Higgins stated there is no intention for a restaurant on the County owned site being leased to Mr Khan, so perhaps the County will be willing to provide a covenant stating this project will not include a restaurant on this County owned site. Commissioner Higgins stated there maybe a few fashion shows at the site, therefore need to balance that use with not making loud noise which disturbs residents, but the subject will not have nightly noise from a restaurant, and the fashion shows will not be late at night. Ms Escarra noted only the property owner, Miami-Dade County, has the right to enter into covenants on the site, not the tenant, Mr Khan.

Carlos Salas, President of the Spring Garden Civic Association, read a statement in opposition to the project.

Theo Long stated parking under the 12 Ave bridge supposed to be for public use, and a private parking lot for he proposed Naheem Khan Design Studio and Vocational School.

Mark Bailey, Miami River Marne Group, stated concern that the depicted shipping vessel is no longer included in the proposal, and the site’s existing “Port Miami River” Land Use and marine industrial zoning requires a marine industrial business and use on the subject parcel.

Adam Gettinger, riverfront resident and homeowner, stated he supports the proposal.

The Miami River Commission passed a resolution (9-4) recommending the County execute a covenant confirming n outdoor dining as presented, widening the eastern public side-yard connector, and reconfirming the MRC’s following previous unanimous resolution finding the presented Naheem Khan project consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan subject to the following conditions:

1) Securing all vessel requirements established by U.S. Coast Guard, DERM, etc
2) Securing FDOT permission to construct the public Riverwalk connector to the west on FDOT ROW at the 12 Ave Bridge and removing the storage lot beneath the Bridge
3) The applicant submits presented / amended / updated plans presented to the MRC on 5/6/19 to the City of Miami for permitting
4) The project include the public Miami River Greenway signage required by Miami 21”
The applicants agreed to all the conditions of the MRC’s recommendation to approve the proposal.

II. Consideration of Land Use and Zoning Amendment Applications on South River Drive from 17 Ave to I-836

For reference this agenda item was previously presented to the Miami River Commission (MRC) and the MRC’s October 1, 2018 adopted public meeting minutes state in part:

“Mr. Shedd stated 1543, 1529, and 1515 NW North River Drive in the subject area were recently rezoned from T3 to T4 for a private sector development which provided a voluntary covenant to include a public Riverwalk, new seawall on 16 Ave and improvements to the 16 Ave public greenspace / median. Miami 21 requires new developments to include a public Riverwalk’s in T5 and T6. Attendees noted the subject existing single-family homes will never have to provide a public Riverwalk, yet the City and property owners agreed to requiring a future redevelopment in the proposed up zoned and amendment to the comprehensive plan parcels to include a public Riverwalk.

Attending subject property owners provided a statement of support for the land use and zoning amendments signed by all of the riverfront property owners.

MRC Urban Infill Working Group Chairman Jim Murley suggested the Miami River Commission recommend approval of the item with the condition that any future redevelopment include the public Riverwalk.”

Mr. Shedd stated since the MRC subcommittee meeting, the Planning Department did add on the few remaining T3 parcels in this connected subject stretch of riverfront. Mr. Shedd stated the City has not included changing the public park space to Parks (CS) zoning as recommended by the MRC subcommittee Chair Murley. Mr. Shedd stated instead of a voluntary covenant to require a public Riverwalk if the subject parcels are ever redeveloped in the future, the City will be doing a text amendment to Section 3.11 of the zoning code. Mr. Prieguez stated the potential text amendments to Zoning Code 3.11 should be considered first by the City Commission, and Mr. Shedd replied it hasn’t been drafted yet. The MRC adopted a unanimous resolution to defer this agenda item, and the potential amendments to Zoning Code 3.11, to the MRC’s November 5 public meeting, noon, Lummus Park, 250 NW North River Drive.”

Ryan Shedd, City of Miami, distributed and presented the City of Miami’s application to amend the land use from “Single Family Residential” to “Low Density Residential” and amend the zoning from T3-L to T4-R on riverfront parcels on the Miami River’s south shore depicted on maps essentially from I-836 to NW 17 Ave. In essentially the middle of the subject area several parcels were already approved for the same rezoning, and they offered a voluntary covenant to provide a 20’ wide public Riverwalk. Mr. Ryan stated the City of Miami emailed the subject property owners a voluntary covenant indicating not now, but if the existing houses are demolished and a new development constructed consistent with the new increased T4-R density, that they would voluntarily proffer the connecting 20’ wide public Riverwalk, which maybe closed at night. There is no development proposed at this time, and currently all the subject single-family houses are all separately individually owned. Mr. Shedd stated the most eastern parcel is owned by Miami Dade County, and currently has split zoning of T3-R in a small western portion of the site, and the majority of the site is currently zoned T6-8-L. Therefore, only the small portion of the County site currently zoned T3-R would become T4-R. Mr. Shedd stated he has communicated with Miami-Dade County about this City pending application to amend land use and zoning. Mr. Shedd noted in the future if the area is redeveloped, the City’s Comprehensive Plan requires all new developments on the Miami River to execute and record a Working River Disclosure / Covenant.

Adam Gettinger stated he owns one of the subject properties, thanked the City of Miami for applying to rezone his property, and stated he has already executed and submitted the voluntary covenant to provide the public Riverwalk in the future if his site is ever redeveloped to the density of the proposed increased T4 zoning density. Mr. Gettinger stated the neighbors support the item as well.

Theo Long, resident and homeowner in the Grove Park neighborhood, noted just east of I-836 a portion of a County parcel has a greenspace with large old oak trees which should be preserved to enhance an improved public Riverwalk. Commissioner Higgins stated she was sensitive to the recommendation to save the old oak trees on the County site, and the County’s current redevelopment plans do not include removal of the oak trees.

Attendees referenced an October 2018 email from Miami Dade County, which was forwarded to the City of Miami stating:
“the Department of Transportation and Public Work (PTPW) is taking the necessary steps to replace the NW 17th Avenue Bridge over the Miami River. The new bridge will have a wider typical section as well as wider approach roadway and intersections to the south and north of the bridge….The Department is certain that the (5) five parcels (west of 17 ave) will be required for the project.”

III. Consideration of Plans for 517 - 663 NW South River Drive

John Michael Cornell submitted an executed “Form 8B, Memorandum of Voting Conflict”, stated he will be recusing himself from this issue, and then immediately left the meeting room for this entire agenda item.

Ms. Lynn Summers distributed a letter dated June 3, in response to a letter from Matt Person, dated May 31, 2019. Ms. Summers stated she is not an employee or agent of the applicants, and as a volunteer assisted in the scheduling of a needed meeting between the applicants and the Spring Garden Civic Association on May 8, which she did not attend. Chairman Aguirre noted an email from the Miami-Dade Ethics Commission stating he does not have a conflict of interest on this item.

Iris Escarra, Greenberg Traurig, and developer Avra Jain distributed and presented revised / current plans (draft #3) for “555 River House”, letter of intent, and draft Working River / Public Riverwalk Covenant. Ms. Escarra noted this site had previously been considered by the MRC on November 1, 2004 and the public meeting minutes stated, “the MRC found the proposed project to be in the best interest of this particular site and area of the Miami River, by a vote of 10-3”. Therefore, in January 2005 the MRC recommended approval of the then presented “Nautica on the River” development Major Use Special Permit, land use amendment, and zoning amendment, which the City Commission approved to the current designations. The MRC’s adopted November 1, 2004 public meeting minutes state in part, “publicly accessible Riverwalk featuring a 6-foot-wide unobstructed pedestrian path and an additional 5-foot passive zone with landscaping, lighting, etc., which would be constructed and funded by the potential developer.” The previously approved “Nautica on the River” design for the site is being replaced with the applicants distributed plans for “555 River House”, and in comparison, the new public Riverwalk proposed width and waterfront building setback has increased in the current (draft #3) plans. Subsequently the MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittee considered “draft #2” of the “555 River House” plans on May 17, 2019 (public meeting minutes were distributed).

Ms. Escarra stated the presented plans are consistent with the current land use and zoning, and feature 175 hotel rooms, 39 residential units, offices, and 2 restaurants with no outdoor dining. The applicants stated in theory the existing zoning would allow 400 residential units, which is far greater density than is being proposed. Ms. Avra Jain stated they will retain a professional sound engineer, communicate and meet with the neighbors, and the 100% indoor restaurants will not be loud, and there will be no outside music, because they can’t disturb the immediate sites hotel rooms, residences and offices. The applicants distributed the Comprehensive Plans required “Working River Disclosure / Public Riverwalk Covenant”, they currently have an active Marine Operating Permit with 6 commercial boat slips and are asking for an amendment to have 10 boat slips, located outside of the federal navigable channel. The plans include an Uber drop off and pickup location located in the center round-about, off of the narrow NW South River Drive. Ms. Escarra stated consistent with the current zoning they are paying the City of Miami $1,000,000 to purchase additional height to 12 stories on a portion of the building.

Carlos Salas, President of the Spring Garden Civic Association (SGCA), and Matt Person, stated they met with the applicants on May 8 in Spring Garden. Mr. Salas stated the SGCA was concerned about the proposed developments height, noise from 3 restaurants, roof top pool and bar, and waiver requests to reduce parking, reduce loading bays, narrow the public Riverwalk and waterfront building setback. The SGCA is asking the applicants to enter into a voluntary covenant or agreement with them to reduce the proposed developments height, prohibit outdoor dining, limit noise, not reduce the minimum Riverwalk and waterfront building setback widths, and not reduce parking by 30% as proposed. Mr. Salas cited a news article reporting a 30% ridership reduction on Miami-Dade Transit. Attendees agreed more Marine Patrol and Police are needed on the Miami River. Mr. Salas read the following letter from Dr. Ernest Martin:
“I would like to express my opposition to the project, 555 River House, located at 516-663 NW South River Drive for the following reasons:

(1) The project is too close to the 8-story residential building to its immediate west which is already under construction
(2) The height of the project is overwhelming to its surroundings and specifically to the Spring Garden Historic District directly across the River. The proposed project will create a canyon effect and will carry noise up and down the River.
(3) It is inappropriate to allow outdoor dining on the ground floor level along the River with residences nearby. There should be no outdoor dining.
(4) The rooftop pool and bar are also problematic for the same reason. Noise is a huge concern for all nearby residents.
In conclusion, the project is simply too dense, too tall, and has amenities that are inappropriate and incompatible for this area of the Miami River.”

Spring Garden residents Charles & Priscilla Greenfield, Daeja Donahue, and Rick Veber, stated opposition to the current proposal.
Manny Prieguez noted the MRC’s standard operating procedure is for the MRC subcommittee Chair to provide a non-binding suggestion for the full MRC’s consideration, which didn’t happen in this case as noted in the MRC subcommittee’s distributed May 17, 2019 public meeting minutes. Mr. Prieguez stated the City is yet to answer the following three questions which the applicants, Spring Garden Civic Association and MRC have been asking:

1) Is the project eligible to ask for a 30% parking reduction?
2) Does the project require an outdoor dining warrant / waiver / permit?
3) Is the City bound to accept the applicant’s desire to purchase additional height through the public benefits program?

Attendees noted the applicants deferred their presentation to the MRC subcommittee in April and the full MRC in May, in order to 1st accept the Spring Garden Civic Association’s invitation to meet with them, which occurred on May 8, and again at the MRC’s May 17 subcommittee public meeting. The applicants stated they did not want the item to be deferred a 2nd time today.

The MRC voted 8-4 to defer the item, partially due to MRC awaiting final confirmed answers from the City to questions asked by the MRC, applicants, and Spring Garden Civic Association, before the MRC’s June 3 public meeting. Therefore, this agenda item will be presented again to the MRC subcommittee on Monday, 6/10, 3 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST, followed by the full MRC again on July 1, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST.

IV. Consideration of Plans for 710-760 NW North River Drive

Mr. Simon Ferro, Esq, Gunster, and Architect Hervin Romney, distributed and presented 20 copies of plans for 2 developments, 710-720 NW North River Drive and 750-760 NW North River Drive, which are separated by the vacant 730-740 NW North River Drive in the middle, which they do not own. One of the buildings has 8 residential units and the 2nd building features 10 residential units, with 4 parking spaces per unit. The proposal does not include any vessel dockage; therefore, they will remove the docked boat depicted in the plans. Mr. Ferro stated the proposal is 100% as of right, with no requested variances, waivers special exceptions, etc.
Mr. Ferro and Mr. Romney noted the following revisions in the distributed (2nd draft) plans which were amended to include recommendations from the MRC subcommittee Chairman Murley. The side yards now include closed sunbreak screens which will provide increased privacy, and increased native landscaping. Mr. Romney stated the buildings are setback 20’ from the river as required by code, and they would welcome a public Riverwalk if the City of Miami wants public access.

Charles and Priscilla Greenfield, Spring Garden residents and home owners, stated the Spring Garden Civic Association supports the presented and distributed plans.

The MRC unanimously recommended approval of the presented and distributed plans for 710-720 and 750-760 NW North River Drive.

V. New Business

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre

The rotating pictures are from the 23nd Annual free Miami Riverday festival, which was successfully held April 6, 2019, in Lummus Park, and featured free Miami River boat rides, live music, environmental education, historic re-enactors, children activities, food, drinks and more. County Commissioner Higgins and City Commissioners Russell and Gort joined us on stage at Miami Riverday to present plaques of appreciation to the generous sponsors. Today we are happy to present the remaining plaques of appreciation to the following generous sponsors whom were unable to be present to receive their plaques on stage at Riverday.

• Aston Martin Residences’, Arnold Ledesma – under construction featuring public Riverwalk
• Maria Galli on behalf of Lissette Calderon and Pier 19 - renovations under construction
• Riverfront Master Association’s – Troy Taylor and Allan Yepez
• Eli Stiers, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy – supporting completion of the 65% constructed public Riverwalk
• Ben Fernandez, Bercow Radell, Fernandez & Larkin
• Silvia Larrieu and Juliana Echavarria, The Miami Herald – discounted Riverday ads
• Southern Petroleum Resources, David Simpkins, Barbara Pimental, Jennifer Anyla, and Edgar Casaya

The Miami River Commission (MRC) unanimously adopted the draft February 4, March 4, May 6 and June 3, 2019 public meeting minutes, which were previously provided via e-mail.

I thank the Florida Department of Transportation for awarding a $1 million federal Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant to the City of Miami to construct another section of the public Miami River Greenway.

I thank the various MRC volunteer board members whom recently took extra time to provide direct input into the distributed “Miami River Commission Mission Steering” document.

Friendly reminder like City and County boards the MRC will not be hosting public meetings in August. The MRC’s regular 1st Monday of the month meeting date in September lands on Labor Day, therefore the next public MRC meeting is on September 9, here at noon.

On behalf of Frank Balzebre, MRC Vice Chairman and Chair of the Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP), Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director provided the following update:

The MRC Miami River Commission has been actively assisting the efforts of the City, County, State, and private sector to clean up the Miami River District. The MRC thanks the volunteers from the following 7 volunteer events since my last report:

• On March 16 - 40 volunteers repainted the mural on the Miami River Greenway located beneath the Flagler Bridge on North River Drive
• On March 30, April 27, May 25 and June 29 – a total of 40 volunteers from Hands on Miami pulled weeds in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and picked up garbage along the public Riverwalk, here at 1407 NW 7 ST
• On June 24 - 20 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins Special Teams youth program picked up garbage along the public Riverwalk here at 1407 NW 7 ST
• On June 27 – 40 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins Special Teams youth program picked up garbage along the Miami River in Sewell Park
  
  The MRC’s next 6 coordinated and sponsored volunteer Miami River cleanup events before our next meeting are:
• July 8 - 20 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins Special Teams youth program will pick up garbage along the public Riverwalk in Curtis Park
• July 11 – On June 24 - 20 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins Special Teams youth program will pick up garbage along the public Riverwalk here at 1407 NW 7 ST
• July 17 - 20 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins Special Teams youth program will pick up garbage along the River’s south shore from NW 27 Ave Bridge to NW 20 ST
• July 25 - 20 volunteers from Touch Miami with Love will pull weeds from the community vegetable and fruit garden and pick up garbage along the public Riverwalk here at 1407 NW 7 ST
• July 29 - 20 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins Special Teams youth program will pick up garbage along the public Riverwalk in Curtis Park
• August 2 – 20 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins will pull weeds from the community vegetable and fruit garden and pick up garbage along the public Riverwalk here at 1407 NW 7 ST

II. Consideration of Plans for 517 - 663 NW South River Drive

John Michael Cornell submitted an executed “Form 8B, Memorandum of Voting Conflict”, stated he will be recusing himself from this issue, and then immediately left the meeting room for the remainder of the public meeting.

Iris Escarra, Greenberg Traurig, and developer Avra Jain distributed and presented revised / current plans (draft #4) for “555 River House”, letter of intent, and draft Working River / Public Riverwalk Covenant. Ms. Escarra noted the distributed plans page G102a now depicts a 25’-32’ waterfront building setback featuring the public Riverwalk. Ms. Escarra stated they are no longer proposing a barbeque on the roof top. Ms. Escarra noted this site had previously been considered by the MRC on November 1, 2004 and the public meeting minutes stated, “the MRC found the proposed project to be in the best interest of this particular site and area of the Miami River, by a vote of 10-3”. Therefore, in January 2005 the MRC recommended approval of the then presented “Nautica on the River” development Major Use Special Permit, land use amendment, and zoning amendment, which the City Commission approved to the current designations. The MRC’s adopted November 1, 2004 public meeting minutes state in part, “publicly accessible Riverwalk featuring a 6-foot-wide unobstructed pedestrian path and an additional 5-foot passive zone with landscaping, lighting, etc., which would be constructed and funded by the potential developer.” The previously approved “Nautica on the River” design for the site is being replaced with the applicants distributed plans for “555 River House”, and in comparison, the new public Riverwalk proposed width and waterfront building setback has increased in the current (draft #4) plans.

The MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittee considered “draft #3” of the “555 River House” plans on June 10, 2019, and the distributed public meeting minutes state:

“The following emails were read into the record:

From: Calleros Gauger, Jeremy <JCallerosGauger@miamigov.com>
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2019 9:52 AM To: brettbibeau@miamirivercommission.org
Cc: Ruiz, Joseph A. <jaruiz@miamigov.com>

Subject: Re: 555 Riverhouse

Brett,

I communicated with staff from zoning and planning.
Summary is that staff has reviewed that the application is complete, but has not yet been reviewed for compliance.

Regarding specific issues:
1. As it is currently designed with a kitchen, tables and bar on the roof level, it would require a warrant for outdoor dining. However, the applicant has an opportunity to redesign in order to avoid this process.
2. Parking waiver may be applied for, but staff needs additional review before it is accepted.
3. Yes, the applicant may purchase additional FLR by right.
Due to the ability of the applicant to alter the application due to comments from staff, the application shouldn’t be considered finalized. I encourage the MRC to proceed with review so that applicable comments from the board can be incorporated with staff’s review.
Best regards,
Jeremy Calleros Gauger, AIA, LEED AP
Deputy Director
Planning Department”
_______

“From: Calleros Gauger, Jeremy <JCallerosGauger@miamigov.com>
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2019 2:36 PM
To: brettbibeau@miamirivercommission.org

Brett,
The version that I have seen still shows an enclosed area that appears to be a kitchen labelled “grill” on the pool level. If there is a later set of drawings with no kitchen nearby, a warrant would not be required. Please keep in mind that I am not the reviewer and that none of these versions is finalized until it is batch-stamped and officially noticed. This project may still be subject to change based on staff comments that are still forthcoming. It is difficult or impossible to speak speculatively on a non-finalized project, but as a rule: a warrant is required for outdoor dining on a rooftop. However, if a pool deck has some incidental food service but is not a dining area, it will not require a warrant.

As I said, this is all subject to change and in many cases, applicants change drawings and proposed projects based on the permits which may be required.

Best regards,
Jeremy Calleros Gauger, AIA, LEED AP
Deputy Director
Planning Department
Office: 305-416-1427
Visit us at www.miamigov.com/planning.’

Miami River Commission (MRC) Subcommittee Chairman Jim Murley suggested the MRC recommend approval of “555 River House” with the following conditions:

1) Provide the City of Miami Zoning Code’s required minimum 25’ wide public Riverwalk
2) Support ongoing conversation between the applicants and Spring Garden neighborhood, and support mutually agreeable consensus if possible
3) Marine Operating Permit required before City issues Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
4) Construct the public Riverwalk and execute /record the public Riverwalk / Working River Voluntary Covenant before City issues Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
5) Expend the $1,000,000 for “public benefits” within the impacted Miami River District
6) Designate a “Noise Complaint Person of Contact”, and become an operational solution model”

Ms. Escarra & Ms Jain stated they agreed to all 6 conditions of approval suggested by MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley. Ms. Escarra stated the presented plans are consistent with the current land use and zoning, and feature 175 hotel rooms, 39 hotel suites, offices, and 2 restaurants with no outdoor dining, and the pool with have standard limited hotel pool hours. The applicants stated in theory the existing zoning would allow 400 residential units, which is far greater density than is being proposed. Ms. Avra Jain stated they will retain a professional sound engineer, communicate and meet with the neighbors, and the 100% indoor restaurants will not be loud, and there will be no outside music, because they can’t disturb the immediate sites hotel rooms and offices. The applicants distributed the Comprehensive Plans required “Working River Disclosure / Public Riverwalk Covenant”, they currently have an active Marine Operating Permit with 6 commercial boat slips and are asking for an amendment to have 10 boat slips, located outside of the federal navigable channel. The plans include an Uber drop off and pickup location located in the center round-about, off of the narrow NW South River Drive. Ms. Escarra stated consistent with the current zoning they are paying the City of Miami $1,000,000 to purchase additional height to 12 stories on a portion of the building.

Carlos Salas, President of the Spring Garden Civic Association (SGCA), stated they met with the applicants on May 8 in Spring Garden. Mr. Salas stated the SGCA was concerned about the proposed developments height, noise from 3 restaurants, roof top pool and bar, and waiver requests to reduce parking, reduce loading bays, narrow the public Riverwalk and waterfront building setback. The SGCA is asking the applicants to enter into a voluntary covenant or agreement with them to reduce the proposed developments height, prohibit outdoor dining, limit noise, not reduce the minimum Riverwalk and waterfront building setback widths, and not reduce parking by 30% as proposed. Mr. Salas cited a news article reporting a 30% ridership reduction on Miami-Dade Transit. Attendees agreed more Marine Patrol and Police are needed on the Miami River. Mr. Salas read the following letter from Dr. Ernest Martin:

“I would like to express my opposition to the project, 555 River House, located at 516-663 NW South River Drive for the following reasons:

(1) The project is too close to the 8-story residential building to its immediate west which is already under construction
(2) The height of the project is overwhelming to its surroundings and specifically to the Spring Garden Historic District directly across the River. The proposed project will create a canyon effect and will carry noise up and down the River.
(3) It is inappropriate to allow outdoor dining on the ground floor level along the River with residences nearby. There should be no outdoor dining.
(4) The rooftop pool and bar are also problematic for the same reason. Noise is a huge concern for all nearby residents.

In conclusion, the project is simply too dense, too tall, and has amenities that are inappropriate and incompatible for this area of the Miami River.”
Spring Garden residents Finlay Matheson, Tamme Flood, Priscilla Greenfield, Daeja Donahue, Rick Veber, Becky Long, Judith Paul, Amanda Quirke Hand, Ben Miller, and Jo Winstead, stated opposition to the current proposal.

Troy Taylor, President of the Miami Riverfront Association (Ivy, Mint and Wind) expressed support for the subject development proposal.

Spring Garden Civic Association President Salas distributed a “Miami Neighborhoods United Resolution - requesting the Miami River Commission support Spring Gardens Neighborhood Association’s opposition to the 555 River House project”. Mr. Salas distributed the following document:

Manny Prieguez stated he feels the issues of the parking reduction and outdoor roof top dinning are still not settled. Mr. Prieguez stated the presented draft Voluntary Restrictive Covenant maybe broken by the City of Miami Planning Director alone, and perhaps the MRC should consider a motion recommending the voluntarily proffered draft restrictive covenant may only be broken by a super majority (4/5) vote of the City Commission.

Maggie Fernandez, designee for County Commission Eileen Higgins, noted this portion of the Miami River in Little Havana also includes the approved Naheem Khan project, “Residences at Riverwalk” which are under construction, Merrill Stevens renovations under construction, and numerous boatyards, therefore she is concerned about overdevelopment and suggested a traffic analysis.

Sandy O’Neil made a motion for the MRC to recommend approval of the presented 555 River House subject to complying with the following 6 conditions of approval suggested by MRC Subcommittee Chairman Jim Murley:

1) Provide the City of Miami Zoning Code’s required minimum 25’ wide public Riverwalk
2) Support ongoing conversation between the applicants and Spring Garden neighborhood, and support mutually agreeable consensus if possible
3) Marine Operating Permit required before City issues Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
4) Construct the public Riverwalk and execute /record the public Riverwalk / Working River Voluntary Covenant before City issues Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
5) Expend the $1,000,000 for “public benefits” within the impacted Miami River District
6) Designate a “Noise Complaint Person of Contact”, and become an operational solution model”
Plus, the following 2 additional conditions recommended by the Spring Garden Civic Association:
7) “Recommendation against waiver 4 for a 30% parking waiver which is prohibited within 500 feet of an ungated T3-Spring Garden.
8) Recommendation against Waiver 7 regarding loading: There are 175 hotel rooms and 150k sq ft of office and commercial with one commercial loading bay.”
The motion failed 11-1.

Manny Prieguez made a motion for the MRC to recommend denial of the presented 555 River House, and the motion was unanimously adopted.

V. New Business

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre

The Miami River Commission (MRC) unanimously adopted the draft July 1, 2019 public meeting minutes, which were previously provided via e-mail.

MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:

Although the Category 5 Hurricane Dorian missed Miami, it had tragic impacts to our immediate neighbors in the Bahamas. The Betty K Shipping Line has been shipping Cargo to the Bahamas for 60 years. On behalf of the MRC I thank the Betty K for distributing this informational flyer about their kind and generous offer to ship donated humanitarian supplies to the Bahamas free of charge. The Betty K vessel will be continuing departing from their Port Miami River international shipping terminal 3 times per week with donated humanitarian supplies for the next month. After Hurricane Dorian the first Betty K vessel departed Port Miami River last Thursday, and again yesterday, with the next departures tomorrow and Thursday, and then continuing every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday for the next month shipping more donated humanitarian supplies free of charge. As stated on Betty K’s distributed flyer, donations may be dropped off at the Betty K shipping terminal located, 3611 NW South River Drive, Monday – Friday 8AM – 5 PM or 3701 NW South River Drive, Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 7 PM and even on Sunday’s from noon-7 PM. Once the donations arrive in the Bahamas, the Betty K has a partnership with NIMA, which is the Bahamian Government’s version of FEMA, for distribution to the areas of greatest need.

In addition, I want to thank the City of Miami for delivering 70 full pallets of donated humanitarian supplies collected at City of Miami Fire Stations which are being shipped for free by the Betty K Line, and I thank our friends at the Antillean Shipping Line, which is assisting in Hurricane Dorian Relief efforts.

MRC Vice Chairman Frank Balzebre provided the following update on the MRC’s Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP):

The Miami River Commission has been actively assisting the efforts of the City, County, State, and private sector to clean up the Miami River District. The MRC thanks the volunteers from the following 6 MRC coordinated and sponsored volunteer Miami River cleanup events conducted since our last meeting:

July 8 - 20 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins Special Teams youth program picked up garbage along the public Riverwalk in Curtis Park

July 11 - 20 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins Special Teams youth program picked up garbage and pulled weeds from the community vegetable and fruit garden along the public Riverwalk here at 1407 NW 7 ST

July 17 - 20 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins Special Teams youth program picked up garbage along the River’s south shore from NW 27 Ave Bridge to NW 20 ST

July 25 - 20 volunteers from Touch Miami with Love pulled weeds from the community vegetable and fruit garden and pick up garbage along the public Riverwalk here at 1407 NW 7 ST

July 29 - 20 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins Special Teams youth program picked up garbage along the public Riverwalk in Curtis Park

August 2 – 20 volunteers from the Miami Dolphins pulled weeds from the community vegetable and fruit garden and picked up garbage along the public Riverwalk here at 1407 NW 7 ST

On September 28 the MRC is coordinating and sponsoring the spreading of 175 new bags of dirt and 76 bags of mulch in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and will pick up garbage along the public Riverwalk, here at 1407 NW 7 ST. The MRC thanks the estimated 70 volunteers from UM’s Gandhi Day and 10 volunteers from Hands on Miami. This will prepare the public Riverwalk’s community and vegetable fruit garden’s 19 raised planter beds for a replanting of over 200 new vegetable and fruit plants, with volunteers on October 12, from 9-11 am.

II) Informational Presentation Regarding RMK Merrill-Stevens, 881 NW 13 Ave (both shores of the Miami River west of 12 Ave Bridge)

Mr. Don MacRae, Chief Operating Officer, RMK Merrill- Stevens presented an informational PowerPoint. Mr. MacRae noted Merrill Stevens was established in 1885, 135 years ago. Mr. Macrae stated they are conducting a $35 million renovation and modernization of the boat yard, which will double their workforce in the next 12-24 months with lots of different types of skilled jobs such as electricians, engineers, estimators, service writers, quality control, etc. RMK Merrill Stevens is currently hiring and participated in the Miami Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) Summer STEM program. RMK Merrill Stevens is partnering with Miami-Dade County School Board, Broward School Board and MIASF on an apprentice program which is in the works. The modernization includes a new 2,700 ton, 72 meters long, Synchro Lift, capable of removing 235-foot world class mega yachts out of the Miami River for service on the “North Yard”. Therefore, RMK Merrill Stevens will have the largest haul out capability south of Jacksonville Florida, and may fit 3-4 Mega Yachts a time out of the water on the “North Yard”. In addition. the renovations include new seawalls and sheds, removed the top yard of dirt and replaced it with new clean dirt, and features an environmentally sensitive system for catching rain water, wash water, and water treatment. The South Yard has an additional 100 ton lift capable of removing vessels 80-100 feet. The renovations are estimated to be completed by April 2020.

Merrill Stevens Yachts is the exclusive South Florida dealer of Sealine Yachts, and is the Service and Warranty Center for Sealine, Fjord, and Maori Yachts. Arkup manufactured a floating boat house which has the ability to move and uses spuds as anchors. RMK Merrill Stevens sponsors “Fishing to Make a Difference” and the Miami River Commission.

Mr. MacRae stated within a 3-mile radius of RMK Merrill-Stevens there is:

• $8.8 billion in consumer buying power
• 200,000 residents
• $65,000 average annual income

Mr. MacRae stated the recreational boating industry in SE Florida produces $4 billion in annual wages, 136,000 jobs, and $23 million into the economy. Mr. Macrae stated a mega-yacht average stay in the boatyard is 3 months. Mr. MacRae stated the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show generates more than $800 million in economic activity, which is more than the NFL Super Bowl.

III) Informational Presentation Regarding Norseman Ship Building Corp., 437 NW South River Drive

Orin Black provided an informational presentation regarding Norseman Ship Building Corporation. Mr. Black stated Rick Herron sold the Norseman Building to the new owner / manager is Carlos “Marty” Martell, and they have a 20-year lease on the boatyard which is owned
by Orin Black. Mr. Martell was out of town, but will join Mr. Black to present this informational item to the full MRC on September 9, 2019. Dr. Fran Bohnsack, MARAD, stated this boatyard received a $225,000 Federal Small Shipyard Grant, and that program’s available funding pool has grown to $7 million. Dr. Bohnsack stated over the past 3 years 5 Federal Small Shipyard Grants have been awarded to job generating marine industrial businesses operating along Port Miami River. Dr. Bohnsack added the “Port Infrastructure Grants” annual cycle is focused on international trade with Coastal Ports therefore it has less competition and could possibly provide funding for a new needed seawall on the western portion of Antillean Shipping or P&L Towing. The site has been going through improvements such as a new boat lift which is 80 feet long, 28 feet wide, and capable of hauling out 90-foot boats, new paint, new lights, and new decking. Business is good.
Mr. Black stated in 2 weeks a new seawall will commence construction at his adjacent 5TH Street Marina, at the future “Gramps on the River” restaurant portion of the site, followed by construction of the restaurant featuring a section of the public Riverwalk. Mr. Black stated the 5th ST Marina’s 630 linear feet of dockage is currently full, with a waiting list.

IV. New Business

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report

MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre

The Miami River Commission

III. New Business

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report –

The Miami River Commission unanimously adopted the October 1, 2018 public meeting minutes.

MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report

The meeting was adjourned.