Miami River Commission’s
Urban Infill Subcommittee’s Minutes

I. Update Regarding Fort Dallas Park

The MRC Urban Infill and Greenway’s October 19, 2017 public meeting minutes state in part:

“As recommended by the MRC for years, attendees thanked the City of Miami for recently fumigating / tenting the historic wooden Flagler’s Worker’s House / Palm Cottage for termites.

The MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittee’s 5/19/17 public meeting minutes state: “II. Discussion With City of Miami Regarding City Commission’s Adopted MOU To Potentially
Redevelop a City Owned Section Along Miami River’s North Shore (Currently Public Riverwalk, Hyatt, James L Knight Convention Center, etc.)
The subcommittee noted this item was requested by the MRC during their May 1 public meeting. Daniel Rotenberg, Director of the City of Miami’s Department of Real Estate and Asset Management (DREAM), stated this item will be considered by the City Commission on May 25. The item is to create a MOU to consider the potential demolition and redevelopment of the riverfront Hyatt Regency and James L Knight Convention Center, on the Miami River’s north shore from Brickell Bridge to the Miami River Park Hotel. In addition, a master plan will be created for the Miami River’s north shore from Brickell Bridge to FT Dallas Park. Any potential new long-term lease of the City owned riverfront would require approval by the public at referendum. Director Rotenberg stated the MRC and other agencies will be included in this planning process from beginning to end.”

Attendees noted the desire to commence this planning process.

The nearby Epic Hotel, Condominium and marina emailed the City about the standing water in the FT Dallas Park fountains, where mosquitos are breeding.

MRC Director Bibeau stated on September 15 he emailed DREAM director Rotenberg reporting that Hurricane Irma had destroyed the dock in FT Dallas Park, which is need of removal prior to floating away and becoming a public safety hazard and a hazard to navigation, followed by replacement of the dock which FEMA and FIND may assist in funding and expediting permits for the needed dock replacement.

The MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittee’s 5/19/17 public meeting minutes state:

“III Discussion with City of Miami Regarding Status of FT Dallas Park
Daniel Rotenberg, Director of the City of Miami’s Department of Real Estate and Asset Management (DREAM), stated the City will advertise a Request for Letters of Interest (RFLI) this week for a new restaurant at FT Dallas Park, including the restoration and preservation of the designated historic Flagler Workers house. Depending on responses, the City may then advertise a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a long-term lease which would require approval at a public referendum. Director Rotenberg stated the City of Miami contracted Douglas Wood and Associates to conduct a structural analysis of the historic Flagler’s Workers House, which is estimated to be complete within 60 days. Director Rotenberg stated the City of Miami has some funding set aside to conduct any time sensitive structural repairs to the Flagler Workers House, if deemed necessary by the assessment. Director Rotenberg stated the City of Miami has started a part time security guard at the site and he is asking for more coverage by an armed guard and more Police presence along this portion of the public Riverwalk. Attendees noted the City Commission’s previously adopted resolution asking for the administration to apply for a Marine Operating Permit in order for this site’s existing large dock facility to become a legal and permitted location for private sector water transportation companies to be able to pick-up and drop off passengers. MRC Greenways Subcommittee Chairman Martin thanked the City of Miami for not neglecting the designated historic Flagler’s Workers House.”

Attendees noted no bids were received to the 2 previously advertised RFLIs and the referenced needed “structural analysis” hasn’t been completed yet.

Christine Rupp, Dade Heritage Trust, stated they received a $25,000 grant from the Miami Foundation to create a bike rental operation in the historic Flagler’s Workers House in Fort Dallas Park.

Luis Esqueda and Ron Rick, Sanctus Spiritus LLC, presented their unsolicited proposal to privately fund the needed restoration and maintenance of the historic Flagler workers house / palm cottage, tear down the remaining vacant non-historic structures in Fort Dallas Park, develop structures to contain local small businesses which will be a “hip, young, vibrant business center”, and maintain the size of the site’s existing public Riverwalk and eastern side-yard connector. Mr. Esqueda and Mr. Rick stated the site will feature cultural activities, management office, restrooms, and salons with exhibitions. If approved, it would take 18-24 months to open Fort Dallas Park, and they have secured $3 million to fully fund their proposal. Tim Gomez stated the DDA is working in partnership with the MRC to advocate for increased waterborne transportation and temporary boat dockage. Mr. Esqueda stated they would like to have waterborne transportation / water taxi at the site, and a professional dockmaster where dockage will be available for a fee yet not required to be a customer of the proposed businesses in Fort Dallas Park. The City Commission deferred this item twice, and it will be considered again by the City Commission on October 26, 2017. If the City Commission approves this agenda item, the City would then advertise a Request for Proposals (RFP) for any additional “proposals for the same qualifying project”. In the future, the MRC will consider any and all private sector bids to provide needed renovations of the historic Flagler Workers House / Palm Cottage, and activations of the currently closed and fenced Fort Dallas Park.”

Mark Burns, City of Miami Dept. of Real Estate and Asset Development (DREAM), provided an update since the MRC Urban Infill and Greenways previously quoted October 19, 2017 and May 19, 2017 public meeting minutes. Mr Burns stated the City’s contracted consultant, Douglas Wood and Associates, is yet to commence the needed structural analysis of the historically designated Flagler Worker’s House / Palm Cottage structure in Fort Dallas Park. Mr Burns stated the City needs to conduct an “Asbestos Survey” prior to Douglas Wood and Associates commencing their structural analysis of the historically designated building. Mr Burns stated he had no estimate as to when the asbestos survey followed by the delayed structural analysis will be completed.

Mr. Burns asked what attendees thought about the City possibly changing the Land Use and Zoning at Fort Dallas Park, and attendees noted the MRC’s adopted strategic plans supports the preservation and improvements of the public Parks along the Miami River.

Mr. Burns asked what attendees thought about moving the historic structure. James Murley noted although the current location is not the original location, safely moving the historic structure is expensive and difficult.

Mr Burns stated the City is seeking FEMA support to rebuild the dock in Fort Dallas Park which was damaged in Hurricane Irma.

Mr Burns stated the City of Miami is trying to get the 40 years certificate on the historic structure.
Director Bibeau stated Jeremy Gauger, City of Miami Assistant Director of Planning Dept, indicated the site’s existing Parks zoning has a restriction that no more than 25% of the site maybe covered in structures.

MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley and Greenways Subcommittee Chairman Martin suggested the full MRC recommend the City issue an RFP for a restaurant in Fort Dallas Park subject to the following conditions:

• No reduction of the size of the existing public Riverwalk and public side yard
• If the Fort Dallas Park dock is not going to provide dockage for Waterborne Transportation, then provide dockage for Waterborne Transportation immediately east of Fort Dallas Park
• Expedite the process to re-open and re-activate this important and historic riverfront Fort Dallas Park
• If no bids are received again to this site’s third consecutive RFP, then restore the historic building, improve and re-open the entire Fort Dallas Park

II. Proposal for the Magic City Bicycle Collective, a non-profit organization (501c3), promoting cycling in Miami by providing the tools, knowledge and space to repair and maintain bikes, education, and assistance to those who want to ride bikes, seeking a month to month “license agreement” with the City of Miami at the vacant and unimproved 1 SW South River Drive, Ruben van Hooidonk

The Magic City Bicycle Collective, is a non-profit organization (501c3), promoting cycling in Miami by providing the tools, knowledge and space to repair and maintain bikes, education, and assistance to those who want to ride bikes. The Magic City Bicycle Collective is seeking a month to month “license agreement” with the City of Miami at the vacant, unimproved, currently publicly accessible City owned riverfront site at 1 SW South River Drive. MRC Director Bibeau stated Mr. Ruben van Hooidonk had confirmed to present at the meeting, and bring 10 copies of his written proposal, therefore he was surprised Mr Hooidonk wasn’t present. Attendees agreed the MRC will ask Mr Hooidonk to make a presentation at the full MRC’s next public meeting, 2/5/18, noon, ,1407 NW 7 ST, and his provided electronic proposal will be emailed to the MRC database one week in advance.

MRC Greenways Subcommittee Chairman Martin and Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley suggested the proposal is consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and activates this publicly accessible riverfront City owned parcel in support of bicycles, therefore suggested the MRC should recommend the City of Miami and the Magic City Bicycle Collective enter into a month to month “license agreement” at 1 SW South River Drive.

III. Proposed Improvements to Public Riverwalk Area on North Shore Beneath Metro-Rail, Michael Dubas, Riverfront Master Association
Mr Michael Dubas, Manager of the Riverfront Master Association (Ivy, Mint and Wind) and Mr Troy Taylor, President of the Riverfront Master Association, distributed copies of a PowerPoint featuring their proposal to fund, install, and maintain landscaping improvements along the public M-Path connecting the public Riverwalk on the north shore to SW 3 ST on Miami-Dade County owned Public Right of Way.

MRC Greenways Subcommittee Chairman Martin and MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley recommended Miami-Dade County accept the Riverfront Master Associations kind and generous donation to purchase, install and maintain landscaping improvements along the public M-Path on the north shore, connecting the public Riverwalk to SW 3 ST. Chairman Murley stated similar to the last time the Riverfront Master Association made a donation which the County accepted in this same area, this item will only be considered by the MRC’s Greenways and Urban Infill Subcommittees.

IV. County Evaluation Appraisal Report
Helen Brown, Miami-Dade County, distributed 10 copies of “2.2.4 Port of Miami River Sub element” from the County’s adopted Comprehensive Plan review in their 2010 Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). Ms Brown stated the County is preparing an updated EAR. MRC Director Bibeau stated he would provide factual data to update the 2010 EAR, for example the Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project is nearing completion, a new boatyard opened, new residential and restaurants have opened, County Tax Appraiser assessing properties with Marine Operating Permits as “working waterfronts”, County constructed 6 sections of public Riverwalk, etc. Ms Brown stated the County will conduct public outreach and communicate with the general public, marine industrial businesses, City of Melrose, etc.

V. New Business
The meeting adjourned.

Miami River Commission’s
Urban Infill and Greenway Subcommittee’s Minutes

I. Consider Potential Redevelopment of City of Miami Owned 300-400 SE 2 Ave, Hyatt Regency Hotel and James L. Knight Center
Tiffany Donato, Hyatt, Kobi Karp, Kobi Karp Architects, Jacky Lorenzo, City of Miami, Mike McShea and Lee Ann Korst, CBRE, distributed copies of illustrative drawings (subject to potential future changes) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The illustrative drawings depict the demolition of the current Hyatt Hotel and James L Knight Convention Center and the construction of three new high-rise towers, consisting of a new Hyatt Hotel and Residential units. The presenters stated their studies found the existing James L Knight Center is out of date. The property would remain owned by the City of Miami, with a long-term lease to Hyatt. The presenters stated the proposal is consistent with the public Riverwalk requirements from the zoning code (Section 3.11 and appendix B) and features a 50-foot building setback from the Miami River. The presenters stated this item will be considered by the City Commission on May 10, followed by a referendum on the August 28 ballot.

MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley recommended approval subject to the following conditions:
1. Lock in the 50-foot waterfront building setback with the public Riverwalk in the revised ballot language, covenant, and “Developer Guidelines”
2. Comply with requirements of the Archaeological Zone
3. Improve connection with metro-mover
4. Current plans force all exiting cars to proceed south over the Brickell Bridge, therefore allow cars to exit to the west as well
5. Include 2 public Bicycle / pedestrian side yard connectors between the street and Riverwalk
6. Have the elevation of the entire 50-foot waterfront setback at the same elevation
7. Have the elevation of the proposed new public Riverwalk match the connecting elevations of the public Riverwalk’s to the west at River Park Hotel and to the east proceeding beneath the Brickell Bridge
8. Provide a cross section of the proposed 50-foot setback, showing all the dimensions required in Zoning c ode 3.11 and Appendix B such as the unobstructed min. 15-foot-wide circulation zone, safety zone, passive zone, etc.
9. Insert the codes require public Riverwalk signage
10. Provide an illustrative drawing depicting the code and charter required “view corridor”
11. If the presented illustrative drawings are changed in the future, the new plans would be presented to the MRC for an advisory recommendation before being considered by the City of Miami
12. A publicly accessible Riverwalk must be accessible before Phase I receives a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, and this requirement must be included in the covenant, which will also include the Comp Plan’s required “Working River” disclosure
13. Conduct a pre-demolition and post-demolition survey of the Miami River, and if any material from demolition enters the Miami River, remove the material

The presenters agreed to all the conditions, and stated they would provide revised illustrative drawings, revised “Developer Guidelines”, revised ballot language, and the covenant by April 25, so that it maybe distributed to the MRC board and database prior to the MRC’s May 7 public meeting on this item, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST.

II. New Business
The meeting adjourned.

Miami River Commission’s
Urban Infill Subcommittee’s Minutes

I. Update Regarding Fort Dallas Park

The MRC Urban Infill and Greenway’s October 19, 2017 public meeting minutes state in part:

“As recommended by the MRC for years, attendees thanked the City of Miami for recently fumigating / tenting the historic wooden Flagler’s Worker’s House / Palm Cottage for termites.

The MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittee’s 5/19/17 public meeting minutes state: “II. Discussion With City of Miami Regarding City Commission’s Adopted MOU To Potentially
Redevelop a City Owned Section Along Miami River’s North Shore (Currently Public Riverwalk, Hyatt, James L Knight Convention Center, etc.)
The subcommittee noted this item was requested by the MRC during their May 1 public meeting. Daniel Rotenberg, Director of the City of Miami’s Department of Real Estate and Asset Management (DREAM), stated this item will be considered by the City Commission on May 25. The item is to create a MOU to consider the potential demolition and redevelopment of the riverfront Hyatt Regency and James L Knight Convention Center, on the Miami River’s north shore from Brickell Bridge to the Miami River Park Hotel. In addition, a master plan will be created for the Miami River’s north shore from Brickell Bridge to FT Dallas Park. Any potential new long-term lease of the City owned riverfront would require approval by the public at referendum. Director Rotenberg stated the MRC and other agencies will be included in this planning process from beginning to end.”

Attendees noted the desire to commence this planning process.

The nearby Epic Hotel, Condominium and marina emailed the City about the standing water in the FT Dallas Park fountains, where mosquitos are breeding.

MRC Director Bibeau stated on September 15 he emailed DREAM director Rotenberg reporting that Hurricane Irma had destroyed the dock in FT Dallas Park, which is need of removal prior to floating away and becoming a public safety hazard and a hazard to navigation, followed by replacement of the dock which FEMA and FIND may assist in funding and expediting permits for the needed dock replacement.

The MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittee’s 5/19/17 public meeting minutes state:

“III Discussion with City of Miami Regarding Status of FT Dallas Park
Daniel Rotenberg, Director of the City of Miami’s Department of Real Estate and Asset Management (DREAM), stated the City will advertise a Request for Letters of Interest (RFLI) this week for a new restaurant at FT Dallas Park, including the restoration and preservation of the designated historic Flagler Workers house. Depending on responses, the City may then advertise a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a long-term lease which would require approval at a public referendum. Director Rotenberg stated the City of Miami contracted Douglas Wood and Associates to conduct a structural analysis of the historic Flagler’s Workers House, which is estimated to be complete within 60 days. Director Rotenberg stated the City of Miami has some funding set aside to conduct any time sensitive structural repairs to the Flagler Workers House, if deemed necessary by the assessment. Director Rotenberg stated the City of Miami has started a part time security guard at the site and he is asking for more coverage by an armed guard and more Police presence along this portion of the public Riverwalk. Attendees noted the City Commission’s previously adopted resolution asking for the administration to apply for a Marine Operating Permit in order for this site’s existing large dock facility to become a legal and permitted location for private sector water transportation companies to be able to pick-up and drop off passengers. MRC Greenways Subcommittee Chairman Martin thanked the City of Miami for not neglecting the designated historic Flagler’s Workers House.”

Attendees noted no bids were received to the 2 previously advertised RFLIs and the referenced needed “structural analysis” hasn’t been completed yet.

Christine Rupp, Dade Heritage Trust, stated they received a $25,000 grant from the Miami Foundation to create a bike rental operation in the historic Flagler’s Workers House in Fort Dallas Park.

Luis Esqueda and Ron Rick, Sanctus Spiritus LLC, presented their unsolicited proposal to privately fund the needed restoration and maintenance of the historic Flagler workers house / palm cottage, tear down the remaining vacant non-historic structures in Fort Dallas Park, develop structures to contain local small businesses which will be a “hip, young, vibrant business center”, and maintain the size of the site’s existing public Riverwalk and eastern side-yard connector. Mr. Esqueda and Mr. Rick stated the site will feature cultural activities, management office, restrooms, and salons with exhibitions. If approved, it would take 18-24 months to open Fort Dallas Park, and they have secured $3 million to fully fund their proposal. Tim Gomez stated the DDA is working in partnership with the MRC to advocate for increased waterborne transportation and temporary boat dockage. Mr. Esqueda stated they would like to have waterborne transportation / water taxi at the site, and a professional dockmaster where dockage will be available for a fee yet not required to be a customer of the proposed businesses in Fort Dallas Park. The City Commission deferred this item twice, and it will be considered again by the City Commission on October 26, 2017. If the City Commission approves this agenda item, the City would then advertise a Request for Proposals (RFP) for any additional “proposals for the same qualifying project”. In the future, the MRC will consider any and all private sector bids to provide needed renovations of the historic Flagler Workers House / Palm Cottage, and activations of the currently closed and fenced Fort Dallas Park.”

Mark Burns, City of Miami Dept. of Real Estate and Asset Development (DREAM), provided an update since the MRC Urban Infill and Greenways previously quoted October 19, 2017 and May 19, 2017 public meeting minutes. Mr Burns stated the City’s contracted consultant, Douglas Wood and Associates, is yet to commence the needed structural analysis of the historically designated Flagler Worker’s House / Palm Cottage structure in Fort Dallas Park. Mr Burns stated the City needs to conduct an “Asbestos Survey” prior to Douglas Wood and Associates commencing their structural analysis of the historically designated building. Mr Burns stated he had no estimate as to when the asbestos survey followed by the delayed structural analysis will be completed.

Mr. Burns asked what attendees thought about the City possibly changing the Land Use and Zoning at Fort Dallas Park, and attendees noted the MRC’s adopted strategic plans supports the preservation and improvements of the public Parks along the Miami River.

Mr. Burns asked what attendees thought about moving the historic structure. James Murley noted although the current location is not the original location, safely moving the historic structure is expensive and difficult.

Mr Burns stated the City is seeking FEMA support to rebuild the dock in Fort Dallas Park which was damaged in Hurricane Irma.

Mr Burns stated the City of Miami is trying to get the 40 years certificate on the historic structure.
Director Bibeau stated Jeremy Gauger, City of Miami Assistant Director of Planning Dept, indicated the site’s existing Parks zoning has a restriction that no more than 25% of the site maybe covered in structures.

MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley and Greenways Subcommittee Chairman Martin suggested the full MRC recommend the City issue an RFP for a restaurant in Fort Dallas Park subject to the following conditions:

• No reduction of the size of the existing public Riverwalk and public side yard
• If the Fort Dallas Park dock is not going to provide dockage for Waterborne Transportation, then provide dockage for Waterborne Transportation immediately east of Fort Dallas Park
• Expedite the process to re-open and re-activate this important and historic riverfront Fort Dallas Park
• If no bids are received again to this site’s third consecutive RFP, then restore the historic building, improve and re-open the entire Fort Dallas Park

II. Proposal for the Magic City Bicycle Collective, a non-profit organization (501c3), promoting cycling in Miami by providing the tools, knowledge and space to repair and maintain bikes, education, and assistance to those who want to ride bikes, seeking a month to month “license agreement” with the City of Miami at the vacant and unimproved 1 SW South River Drive, Ruben van Hooidonk

The Magic City Bicycle Collective, is a non-profit organization (501c3), promoting cycling in Miami by providing the tools, knowledge and space to repair and maintain bikes, education, and assistance to those who want to ride bikes. The Magic City Bicycle Collective is seeking a month to month “license agreement” with the City of Miami at the vacant, unimproved, currently publicly accessible City owned riverfront site at 1 SW South River Drive. MRC Director Bibeau stated Mr. Ruben van Hooidonk had confirmed to present at the meeting, and bring 10 copies of his written proposal, therefore he was surprised Mr Hooidonk wasn’t present. Attendees agreed the MRC will ask Mr Hooidonk to make a presentation at the full MRC’s next public meeting, 2/5/18, noon, ,1407 NW 7 ST, and his provided electronic proposal will be emailed to the MRC database one week in advance.

MRC Greenways Subcommittee Chairman Martin and Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley suggested the proposal is consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and activates this publicly accessible riverfront City owned parcel in support of bicycles, therefore suggested the MRC should recommend the City of Miami and the Magic City Bicycle Collective enter into a month to month “license agreement” at 1 SW South River Drive.

III. Proposed Improvements to Public Riverwalk Area on North Shore Beneath Metro-Rail, Michael Dubas, Riverfront Master Association
Mr Michael Dubas, Manager of the Riverfront Master Association (Ivy, Mint and Wind) and Mr Troy Taylor, President of the Riverfront Master Association, distributed copies of a PowerPoint featuring their proposal to fund, install, and maintain landscaping improvements along the public M-Path connecting the public Riverwalk on the north shore to SW 3 ST on Miami-Dade County owned Public Right of Way.

MRC Greenways Subcommittee Chairman Martin and MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley recommended Miami-Dade County accept the Riverfront Master Associations kind and generous donation to purchase, install and maintain landscaping improvements along the public M-Path on the north shore, connecting the public Riverwalk to SW 3 ST. Chairman Murley stated similar to the last time the Riverfront Master Association made a donation which the County accepted in this same area, this item will only be considered by the MRC’s Greenways and Urban Infill Subcommittees.

IV. County Evaluation Appraisal Report
Helen Brown, Miami-Dade County, distributed 10 copies of “2.2.4 Port of Miami River Sub element” from the County’s adopted Comprehensive Plan review in their 2010 Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). Ms Brown stated the County is preparing an updated EAR. MRC Director Bibeau stated he would provide factual data to update the 2010 EAR, for example the Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project is nearing completion, a new boatyard opened, new residential and restaurants have opened, County Tax Appraiser assessing properties with Marine Operating Permits as “working waterfronts”, County constructed 6 sections of public Riverwalk, etc. Ms Brown stated the County will conduct public outreach and communicate with the general public, marine industrial businesses, City of Melrose, etc.

V. New Business
The meeting adjourned.

Miami River Commission’s
Urban Infill & Greenway Subcommittee’s Minutes

I. Consider City of Miami’s Application to Amend Land Use and Zoning at 1491, 1459, 1501, 1603, 1611, 1631, 1645, 1665, 1675, 1701 NW South River Drive, 1389 NW 7 ST and 1001, 1007, 1015 and 1111 NW 17 CT

The MRC's October 1, 2018 public meeting minutes state in part:

“The MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways Subcommittee’s distributed 9/11/18 public meeting minutes state:

Ryan Shedd, City of Miami Planning Department, presented the City of Miami’s Application to Amend the Land Use and Zoning at 1491, 1501, 1603, 1611, 1631, 1645, 1665, 1675, 1701 NW South River Drive and 1001, 1007, 1015 and 1111 NW 17 CT, from Single Family Residential, T3-L, to Low Density Multifamily Residential, T4-R. Mr. Shedd presented the following documents:

• Comprehensive Plan Amendment Staff Analysis
• City of Miami Analysis of Rezoning
• Future Land Use Map Proposed
• Future Land Use Map Existing
• Comprehensive Plan Amendment Aerial
• Miami 21 Existing
• Miami 21 Proposed

Mr. Shedd stated three parcels INSERT ADDRESS 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 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.”

The MRC’s draft 10/1/18 public meeting minutes state in part:

“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.”

Ms. Helen Brown, Miami-Dade County Planning Department, stated her Department recently forwarded the City’s application to rezone a County Housing Parcel to the County’s Housing Department, and Public Works Department to consider the future replacement of the adjacent NW 17 Ave Bridge, and they are awaiting replies. Mr. Shedd stated there have been no changes since the MRC’s meeting. MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley recommended the item be deferred until the County provides input, and his following conditions are met:

1) Include the City owned open public park space in the median of 16 Ave, a historic “muse” which is platted as a park, but is zoned T4 and TS, be rezoned to Parks (CS)
2) Require any future development of these parcels include the public Riverwalk
3) On all the subject parcels, recommend City exercise their full authority, Tree Protection Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code to provide maximum possible tree protection, including tree relocations if needed for potential future redevelopment

II. Consider City of Miami’s Application for 2nd Text Amendment to Zoning Code Section 3.11, “Waterfront Standards”
Ryan Shedd distributed the City’s 1st draft of a 2nd set of text amendments to City Zoning Code Section 3.11, “Waterfront Standards”, which would require a future public Riverwalk if the properties in agenda item I are redeveloped. The draft maybe amended, and was deferred.

III. Consider MDX / FDOT Plans for I-836 Over the Miami River
Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated he has been communicating with MDX, FDOT and their consultants regarding their proposal to add a 2nd / upper level of lanes on I-836 over the Miami River. Mr. Bibeau noted an email from the applicants stating the new Bridge fenders, to be constructed with better materials and more pilings, will be the same length as the existing fenders. The proposal includes drilling new pilings into the Miami River behind the bridge fenders, and new pilings on the adjacent Miami River shorelines. Attendees noted the long standing current poor conditions of the public rights of way on the Miami River beneath I-836, with unconsolidated shorelines crumbling into the Miami River, invasive plants taking over the shorelines, and significant garbage, with adjacent sections of the public Riverwalk currently open (SE), under construction (NW), and planned (SW). Mr. Bibeau stated he informed the applicants that the City Code and Comprehensive Plan requires new developments to include a public Riverwalk with a seawall, and they replied it is not included in their current scope of work.

MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley suggested the MRC recommend approval of the improvements to I-836 with the following conditions:

• 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

III. Proposed Improvements to Public Riverwalk Area on North Shore Beneath Metro-Rail, Michael Dubas, Riverfront Master Association
Mr Michael Dubas, Manager of the Riverfront Master Association (Ivy, Mint and Wind) and Mr Troy Taylor, President of the Riverfront Master Association, distributed copies of a PowerPoint featuring their proposal to fund, install, and maintain landscaping improvements along the public M-Path connecting the public Riverwalk on the north shore to SW 3 ST on Miami-Dade County owned Public Right of Way.

IV. Consider Proposed Development of 5-27 SW South River Drive
Mr. Levy Gomez Martinez and Mr. Marcos Corminas distributed a presentation regarding their proposed “The Shipyard on The River” development, located on the vacant 5-27 SW South River Drive. The site’s existing Land Use and Zoning allows a 12-story building with 102 hotel rooms, and the proposal is for a 7-story building with 50 hotel rooms. The 1st floor will feature a restaurant connecting with the public Riverwalk consistent with City Zoning Code 3.11, with no reductions to the waterfront building setback formula and public Riverwalk. The MRC previously considered a preliminary proposal for this site, and recommended approval of a side yard building setback adjacent to City Owned 1 SW South River Drive, and in return the developer would make park improvements to the public greenspace, including a needed new seawall and public Riverwalk, and maintain the public greenspace in the future. The proposal also includes a waiver of the building setback from the street, in order to not reduce the waterfront building setback. The proposers offered to provide future updates to the MRC as they further develop their conceptual plans.

MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley suggested the MRC recommend approval of the presented conceptual plans for “The Shipyard On The River”.

V. New Business
The meeting adjourned.