I. Planning Studies/Presentations 

A. Status of the “MIC Associated Development” Planning Process – As requested in the UIWG’s December 2006 meeting, Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, distributed a draft one page summary of the MRC’s recommendation for the appropriate entities to create guidelines and specifications to guide the identified “MIC Associated Development” area’s development. The UIWG revised the draft, which will be provided per the request of Mr. Sabrata Basu, Assistant Director of the Miami-Dade County Planning and Zoning Department.

B. Status of the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan – Mr. Bibeau reported he is scheduled to do field work with the Plan’s consultants on January 12, 2007 . 

C. Review and Discuss Updated Draft of Miami 21 East Quadrant – Mr. Bibeau noted the City of Miami Planning Advisory Board is scheduling two public hearings regarding the draft “Miami 21 – Eastern Quadrant” in January. Therefore, the MRC is scheduled to formulate their advisory recommendation on the draft during the MRC’s February 5, 2007 meeting. .Mr. Murley suggested that MRC staff continue to monitor the Miami 21 public planning process, and advocate for the UIWG’s recommended creation of a “Riverside District” to address the specific issues related to riverfront properties, such as increasing the waterfront’s “rear” building setback, requiring publicly accessible riverwalks on new mixed-use and residential developments, creating a waterfront industrial district, etc. Mr. Murley stated although the UIWG has forwarded the creation of a “Riverfront District” to the Planning Department and consultants in the past, it hasn’t been incorporated into the draft yet, therefore the MRC should consider creating advisory recommendations based on the existing draft in order to address the aforementioned issues.

II. New Business – Mr. Bibeau distributed the Draft Downtown Development Authority (DDA) “Downtown Miami Economic / Master Plan Strategy: Policies, Programs, & Major Projects – Overview”. Mr. Bibeau noted he discussed the draft with Adam Lukin , DDA, whom informed him that although the summary PowerPoint presentation doesn’t mention the creation of a “Riverfront District”, the district is included in the draft Plan, which will be provided in the near future. The UIWG reviewed and discussed the following sections of the draft PowerPoint:

The UIWG confirmed its next regularly scheduled second Tuesday of the month meeting for February 13, 2007, 10 am, New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 ST.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Planning Studies/Presentations

A. Presentation of Flagler and 1st Street Reconstruction Options - Mr. Jeff Easley, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project development section, noted FDOT was currently conducting its alternative evaluation process of the PD&E (i.e. obtaining input from the community) in relation to the Flagler and 1st Street reconstruction options. After such input has been collected, Mr. Easley noted FDOT would host a public meeting in May 2007. Mr. Easley introduced Mr. Rene de Huebles, FDOT, and provided the following information regarding the engineering/environmental analysis of the project, which will examine different build alternatives and consist of location, design and concept approval. Mr. Easley presented an aerial of the subject area and typical cross sections for the two alternatives which remain under construction. Both of the two evaluated alternatives which remain under consideration maintain on-street parking, and one-way directions, while the “2A” alternative includes bike lanes and the “5B: alternative excludes bike lanes.

Mr. Murley asked if two-waying Flagler and 1st ST were being evaluated, consistent with smart growth and new urbanism principles. Mr. Easley replied that 2-waying would cause a lot of impacts. Mr. Easley explained that business owners in the area are concerned that expanding the right-of-way would eliminate on street parking in front of their businesses. Dr. Martin asked if there was an analysis that FDOT could refer to regarding the recent 2-waying of Flagler Street in Downtown Miami, and Mr. Easley replied that since the street was recently converted, more time was needed to study the subject area and its impacts. Mr. Easley stated construction is expected to commence between 2011-2012, since funding for the entire project is currently unavailable. Mr. Murley asked if the project would address both bridges (Flagler and 1st Street ), and Mr. Easley replied that bridge analysis is outside the project’s scope of services. 

Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, reviewed the following:

Mr. Easley noted a public hearing will be held on March 7, 4 pm at the Latin Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Jim Murley, Chair of the UIWG, stated the UIWG recommends the MRC support the alternative with Bike lanes and on street-parking, “2A”. Ms. Chase noted she would place the item on the March 5, 2007 agenda, and would forward the contact information of all MRC board members to FDOT at least one week prior to the meeting, so that they may submit copies of the project’s crosswalks/necessary materials in preparation for the presentation.

B. Presentation of Historic East Coast Fisheries - Mr. Bibeau reported he had been informed that Mr. Peter Schwartz, developer of the proposed Miami Riverhouse Lofts, had retracted his original plans for the site which the MRC had found to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. The new proposal for the area may include some dry-stack boat storage, therefore MRC staff invited the property owners to present their new plans to the UIWG, and they were unavailable to attend the meeting. Dr. Martin explained the historically designated site has remained an eyesore to the community for several years, and feared it could potentially face “demolition by neglect”. 

Mr. Weinreb, City of Miami , stated he would be serving as a liaison between the City and the MRC’s Urban Infill Working Group. Mr. Weinreb noted he had met with DERM to discuss dry slips vs. wet slips, because although dry slips have less impact than wet slips, the Manatee Protection plan regulations are the same for west and dry slips. Mr. Murley noted the city of Aventura was currently experiencing much success with dry stack storage. Mr. Bibeau explained the Manatee Protection Plan would affect the future of dry/wet slips, adding that the Board of County Commissioners is expected to create a committee which would review and update the current manatee protection plan. Mr. Weinreb offered to look into the status of the East Coast Fisheries site with relation to Code Enforcement violations, and provide any information to the UIWG. Mr. Bibeau thanked Mr. Robert Weinreb for his time and assistance.

C. Presentation by Team Metro Melrose - Mr. Bibeau noted Team Metro Melrose had requested to make a presentation before the UIWG regarding illegal dumping, but wasn’t able to attend the meeting. The UIWG agreed to place the item on any future agenda requested by Team Metro Melrose.

D. Status of the “MIC Associated Development” Planning Process – Mr. Bibeau distributed the revised draft “Upper River Area Plan” summary to the UIWG. The UIWG asked Mr. Bibeau to extend the boundary on the map depicting the study area to include Palmer Lake , and accepted the document with that revision. The UIWG directed staff to e-mail the revised final summary to Mr. Sabrata Basu, Assistant Director of the Miami-Dade County Planning and Zoning Department.

E. Status of the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan – Mr. Bibeau noted he had conducted field work with the Plan’s consultants on January 12, 2007 . Mr. Bibeau stated he had completed 75% of his preliminary comments on the first complete draft. Mr. Bibeau provided the attendees with the Plan’s draft executive summary, and his comments on the draft. The UIWG will be provided the full 2nd draft in early March, which will be reviewed during the UIWG’s mid-March meeting, and possibly full the full MRC on April 2, 2007 . Mr. Bibeau noted the item will be presented before the MRC board in April. Mr. Murley recommended that the plan include a timeline, concept map / rendering, and outline the need and purpose of the Plan earlier in the executive summary. Dr. Martin suggested each transportation improvement recommendation identify the responsible transportation agency to bring the each individual recommendation to fruition.

F. Review and Discuss Updated Draft of Miami 21 East Quadrant – Ms. Chase noted she had spoken to Ms. Luciana Gonzalez, City of Miami Planning Department, whom had informed her that the Miami 21 consultants had yet to schedule any meetings in the near future. Mr. Murley suggested that MRC staff continue to monitor the Miami 21 public planning process, and advocate for the UIWG’s recommended creation of a “Riverside District” to address the specific issues related to riverfront properties, such as increasing the waterfront’s “rear” building setback, requiring publicly accessible riverwalks on new mixed-use and residential developments, creating a waterfront industrial district, etc. Mr. Weinreb stated the City of Miami ’s legal department is reviewing the UIWG’s “Riverside District” idea, and confirmed that no public meetings have been scheduled. Ms. Chase stated Ms. Gonzalez has forwarded the UIWG’s suggestion to create a “Riverfront District” to the consultants, which she noted may be incorporated into the Miami 21 draft.

II. New Business –The UIWG reviewed and discussed the following items:

The meeting adjourned.

I. Planning Studies/Presentations

A. Presentation of Historic East Coast Fisheries - Mr. Bibeau reported he had been informed that Mr. Peter Schwartz, developer of the proposed Miami Riverhouse Lofts, had retracted his original plans for the site, which the MRC had found to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. The new proposal for the area may include some dry-stack boat storage, therefore MRC staff invited the property owners to present their new plans to the UIWG, and they were unavailable to attend the meeting, and asked to be placed on the April UIWG Agenda.

B. Status of the “MIC Associated Development” Planning Process – Mr. Bibeau reported the “Upper River Area Plan” summary, which the UIWG revised during their February meeting, was e-mailed to Sabrata Basu, Miami-Dade County Assistant Director of for the Department of Planning and Zoning. Mr. Murley stated he would follow up with Mr. Basu regarding the MRC’s submitted proposal.

C. Status of the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan – Mr. Greg Kyle and Ms. Ammie Rogers, Kimley-Horn and Associates (KHA), presented the revised draft Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan. Mr. Kyle noted KHA and the FDOT’s SIS consultant firm, Cambridge , both believe the Miami River corridor exceeds the State criteria to be included in the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) plan, therefore making the River Corridor eligible for significant transportation funding. Mr. Kyle invited Mr. Bibeau and Mr. Murley to attend a meeting with FDOT District 6 representatives on March 29, 1:30 , to discuss the Plan’s findings that the Miami River Corridor exceeds the criteria to be incorporated into the SIS. Mr. Kyle noted areas not included in the SIS are only eligible for the remaining 20% of the total available State transportation funding, therefore 80% of all ST transportation funding is provided for areas included in the SIS. Mr. Kyle stated KHA and MPO representatives are scheduled to review the draft River Transportation Plan with the City of Miami’s transportation administrators next week, the MPO TPC on April 9, 2PM, 18 FL, 111 1St ST, and the County’s Public Works Department on a date to be determined. Mr. Murley suggested KHA, MPO, and MRC individually brief Chairman Barreiro and staff as well.

Dr. Martin provided a couple revisions to the aerial depicting the Miami River Greenway route. Mr. Murley suggested the following:

Mr. Bailey inquired if it would be appropriate for the Merrill-Stevens expansion to be included in the Plan, and the UIWG encouraged Merrill-Stevens to suggest the multi-modal transportation components of their proposed expansion, including construction of a publicly accessible greenway section.

Mr. Bibeau stated MRC member Megan Kelly was unable to attend the meeting, and therefore directed MRC staff to forward her following recommendation: The Plan should include a recommendation to further explore linking freight transportation from Miami International Airport (MIA), to a secured rail line to bring it a few blocks east to a proposed riverfront state of the art shared customs freight forwarding center. Vessels would be loaded at their individual international shipping terminals, and then towed to the proposed customs center to pick up the final portion of their load, brought via rail from MIA, before heading out to sea.

Mr. Murley and Dr. Martin stated significant progress has been made on the draft Plan in the one year process of drafting and revising it, and they were extremely pleased with the documents which they described as another MRC classic worthy of additional awards. Mr. Murley stated due to the volume of the Plan, it would be nice if the April 2 MRC meeting would be a presentation of the final draft, followed by final MRC consideration / action at their subsequent May 7, 2007 meeting, and the KHA representatives agreed.

Mr. Murley noted the County has a new transportation related Assistant Manager, Gisella Yort, and directed MRC staff to invite her on a Miami River boat tour. 

D. Review and Discuss Updated Draft of Miami 21 East Quadrant – Mr. Bibeau cited an-e-mail from Ms. Luciana Gonzalez, City of Miami Planning Department, with the following draft Eastern Quadrant of Miami 21 approval timeline:

Therefore the UIWG noted the MRC’s final opportunity to create their advisory recommendation on the draft ordinance, which would amend all riverfront zoning on the north shore from the Bay to NW 12 Ave and the South Shore from the Bay to I-95, prior to the PAB taking action, would be during the MRC’s meeting on April 2. Mr. Murley stated the UIWG recommends the creation of a “Riverside District” to address the specific issues related to riverfront properties, such as increasing the waterfront’s “rear” building setback, requiring publicly accessible riverwalks on new mixed-use and residential developments, creating a waterfront industrial district, which allows marine industrial uses as of right etc. The UIWG noted this recommendation is consistent with the City of Miami ’s Comprehensive Plan, which requires publicly accessible riverwalks, increased riverfront setbacks, and the preservation of marine industrial uses.

II. New Business – The UIWG confirmed its next meeting for April 11, 2007, 10 am, New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 ST. The meeting adjourned.

I. Introductions and Presentations

Mr. Jim Murley , Chair of the MRC’s Urban Infill Working Group, welcomed meeting attendees to the public workshop and introduced Mr. David Henderson, Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Ms. Ammie Rogers, Kimley-Horn & Associates (KHA), the consulting firm selected by the MPO to perform the study. Mr. Murley noted both the MPO and the MRC have made a variety of material available to attendees for today’s meeting, such as an Executive Summary, a matrix of multi-modal transportation recommendations within the Lower, Middle & Upper River , printed copies of the entire draft for review, and CD’s of the final draft plan.

Mr. Henderson thanked attendees for their participation and provided a brief PowerPoint presentation highlighting the need to create new multi-modal forms of transportation along the Port of Miami River . Mr. Henderson noted the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan will assess transportation conditions along the Miami River, from NW 36 Street to the mouth of the river; summarize planned improvements; target traffic deficiencies; recommend new projects to improve access and mobility along the river. Mr. Henderson added the completion of the Plan will help position the Miami River corridor to be included in the State’s Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) Plan, which in turn will make the river corridor eligible for significant State transportation funding, which may be utilized towards implementing the study’s recommendations. Transportation modes that will be considered, noted Mr. Henderson, include surface transportation (vehicular, mass transit, pedestrian, rail, freight, etc.) and water-based transit (water buses/freight, etc).

Mr. Henderson stated the MPO and KHA had conducted presentations and provided updates of the plan’s progress to all related agencies, including but not limited to the City of Miami , Miami-Dade County, FDOT, MDX, MPO, MRC, the Miami River Marine Group, the Transportation Planning Technical Advisory Committee and the Transportation Planning Council. Mr. Henderson added the MRC’s Urban Infill Working Group had and will continue to place the “Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan” on the agenda of their regularly scheduled second Tuesday of the month, 10 am, publicly noticed meeting, at 1407 NW 7 ST. 

Questions/Comments:

Mr. Murley again thanked everyone for the attendance, and encouraged all agencies and the general public to continue participating in the MRC Urban Infill Working Group’s second Tuesday of every month 10 am meeting at 1407 NW 7 ST to receive updates on the progress and implementation of the “Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan”.

The meeting adjourned

I. Planning Studies/Presentations

A. Presentation of Historic East Coast Fisheries - Ms. Ashley Chase, MRC Assistant Managing Director, reported she had invited Mr. Peter Schwartz , developer of the proposed Miami Riverhouse Lofts, to present his new proposal to the UIWG, but he had yet to reply confirmation of his attendance. Mr. Bibeau noted that Mr. Schwartz had retracted his original residential / mixed-use plans for the site, which the MRC had found to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. The new proposal for the area, added Mr. Bibeau, may include some dry-stack boat storage. Mr. Weinreb, City of Miami , stated Mr. Swartz had met with Orlando Toledo, City of Miami Zoning , regarding having a dry-stack marina. Mr. Weinreb stated the Miami-Dade Manatee Protection Plan should be amended to have different restrictions for wet and dry boat slips. Mr. Murley stated the County was considering creating a committee to review the Manatee Protection Plan.

Mr. Weinreb stated Mr. Schwartz has been fined daily over the past year and a half for code violations on the East Coast Fisheries site, and the grand total is approximately $150,000. Mr. Weinreb explained that Mr. Schwartz’s building plan options are quite limited, considering that the original look/overall structure of the historically designated East Coast Fisheries building must be maintained. 

Per the request of Mr. Jim Murley, Ms. Chase agreed to continue encouraging Mr. Schwartz to attend the publicly-noticed monthly UIWG meeting and discuss any revised plans.

B. Status of the “Upper River/MIC Associated Development” Planning Process – Ms. Helen Brown , Miami-Dade County Planning Department, noted she would follow up with Mr. Subrata Basu, Planning Director, regarding future workshops, and suggested that the MRC reach out to him as well. Ms. Brown asked MRC staff to forward Mr. Basu a copy of the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan for his review. Mr. David Henderson, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), noted that a freight transportation study will be funded by the MPO. Mr. Murley suggested that the UIWG monitor the progress of this plan.

C. Status of the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan – After conducting an internal review of the plan and incorporating all MRC recommendations, Mr. Henderson noted the consultants will be ready to present the final draft Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan for adoption during the next regularly scheduled MRC meeting on June 4, 2007, noon, 1407 NW 7 Street.

Mr. Bibeau stated Greg Kyle, KHA, agreed to provide MRC a CD with the revised Plan by May 11. MRC staff will make copies of the final draft CD, which will be included in the MRC monthly mail-out on May 23. Per the request of Mr. Murley, Mr. Bibeau agreed to draft an adoption resolution for the plan, similar to the resolution adopting the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. The UIWG thanked Mr. Henderson.

D. Discussion Regarding the Status of the James L. Knight Center – MRC staff provided a copy of the Staubach analysis presented last to the Miami City Commission, regarding the possible sale/redevelopment of the riverfront James L. Knight (JLK) Convention Center and Hyatt Regency. The report concluded if the JLK ceased to exist, audiences could be absorbed into other city performance venues. Mr. Bibeau noted the JLK is the only convention center along the Miami River Greenway, and creating one in a different riverfront location would probably not be feasible. Mr. Bibeau noted during the presentation to the City Commission, Commissioner Spence Jones expressed support for the JLK, while Commissioner Sarnoff mentioned the DDA plan for the subject area. Mr. Murley directed MRC staff to seek a presentation from the DDA regarding their new draft Plan, including the rendition of the JLK riverfront area, during the UIWG’s June meeting. Mr. Murley added as Chair of the UIWG he encourages the MRC to recommend any potential redevelopment of the subject riverfront area be consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and include a public venue for performances either the existing JLK or a renovated / reconstructed venue.

E. Discussion of Miami City Commission Ordinance Amending City Code “Flood Damage Prevention/Development within Special Flood Hazard Areas” - The UIWG welcomed Mr. Richard “Dick” Bunnell, Bunnell Foundation, Inc., a professional in the field of dock and seawall construction for his input on a proposed City of Miami amendment to the ordinance regarding seawalls on waterfront property be constructed above the “official flood criteria.” Mr. Bibeau noted the ordinance was introduced and deferred in April, where City of Miami Chairman Angel Gonzalez expressed concern for waterfront residents and business owners in his district. MRC staff distributed copies of the draft amendment to the sea-wall ordinance. Mr. Bibeau shared an e-mail from a riverfront property owner outlining concerns regarding the unintended consequence of the proposed ordinance, including having to build tall sea walls, which may require leveling properties and building them up above the flood elevations, which would negatively impact riverwalk connectivity, etc. Mr. Bunnell stated the law wouldn’t be effective when implemented parcel by parcel along the river because the water will go around the elevated seawall to a lower section. 

Mr. Murley encouraged the MRC to find the proposed ordinance to be inconsistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, because of the negative impact it would have on creating a continuous riverwalk / greenway system. Ms. Chase agreed to invite a representative of the City of Miami Public Works Department to the June 4, 2007 MRC board meeting to review and discuss the ordinance.

II. New Business – The following items were addresses/discussed:

The UIWG confirmed its next meeting for June 12, 2007, 10 am, New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 ST. The meeting adjourned.

I. Planning Studies/Presentations

A. Discussion Regarding the Status of the James L. Knight Center - Mr. Jim Murley welcomed Mr. Daniel Newhoff and Ms. Mary Whitehead, City of Miami Public Facilities , whom distributed a “Staubach Analysis Summary” regarding the potential sale/redevelopment of the riverfront James L. Knight (JLK) Convention Center complex, including the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Mr. Newhoff noted that on October 11, 2006 , the City of Miami retained the Staubach Company as a real estate advisor to review the Knight Center assets and to provide real estate financial advisory services. Mr. Newhoff stated Staubach completed its analysis of the JLK complex (Phase I of its scope of services), and in April 2007 provided the following five scenarios for the City to review:

Mr. Newhoff noted that City Commissioners voted last month to proceed with an RFP, thereby allowing the City and Hyatt to administer negotiations for the JLK's south side assets. Mr. Newhoff stated the City of Miami Law Department is currently verifying if Miami-Dade voters would need to approve the property's potential redevelopment, as well as address procurement issues. Mr. Newhoff added the City is also looking into including a conference component at the JLK for educational forums, as well as adding more hotel rooms at the Hyatt.

MRC staff noted a Miami Today article entitled “Downtown Hyatt set for Renovation,” which noted that the city planned to sell the Knight Center property north of the I-95 ramp and explore the revamp of the Hyatt facilities. Mr. Murley asked if the article was accurate, and Mr. Newhoff replied yes. The UIWG encouraged the City to improve and maintain access to the river through the Hyatt, and continue to keep the Miami River Commission updated on the JLK's status. UIWG Chair Murley recommended that the City's potential redevelopment of the subject riverfront area be consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and include a public venue for performances. Mr. Newhoff stated the City was currently moving forward with the upland parcels, therefore the MRC will not finalize their advisory recommendation until the riverfront parcels are the subject matter.

B. Review of Draft DDA Downtown Master Plan - Mr. Dana Nottingham , Director of the Downtown Development Authority, noted the consultants had incorporated the MRC's recommendations into the draft “Downtown Miami Economic/Master Plan.” Mr. Nottingham distributed a revised draft “Downtown Miami Economic/Master Plan Strategy: Policies, Programs & Major Projects Overview,” a summary of DDA's draft vision. Mr. Nottingham noted the DDA board would review the draft on July 20. Mr. Nottingham noted he would eventually like to conduct a work session with key city departments and advocacy organizations, such as the Miami Parking Authority, the Bayfront Park Management Trust, the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Miami River Commission. Mr. Nottingham noted the draft emphasizes the publicly accessible greenway as a top priority and encourages a strong relationship to the river. Mr. Nottingham noted there were currently nearly 20 new or proposed restaurants along the waterfront within the Downtown area. Per Mr. Nottingham's request, the UIWG agreed to forward him their feedback/comments regarding the summary.

Mr. Nottingham distributed the draft “Major Projects” renditions, which include the proposed repositioning of the Hyatt and James L. Knight Center/I-95 and Dupont Plaza Ramps. Mr. Nottingham stated the draft vision includes the creation of a new “downtown gateway experience” that connects along the Miami River Greenway. Mr. Murley noted the importance of “branding” the river as a unique destination. Mr. Nottingham noted a team of marking/ Public Relations professionals were integrated in the creation of the draft, with the goal of developing a marketing plan and generate an ongoing revenue source.

Mr. Newhoff noted Ms. Laura Billberry, City of Miami Director of Public Facilities, had met with Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff last month, as well as the consultants of DDA's draft strategy, to review the DDA's proposed reposition of the JLK. Mr. Newhoff noted Commissioner Sarnoff expressed a favorable reaction to the DDA's vision and suggested incorporating more green space along the river.

Mr. Newhoff noted two concerns of the DDA's Downtown Vision: 1) access to the I-95/Dupont Plaza Ramp; 2) the potential displacement of the Riverwalk Hotel located adjacent to the Hyatt.

Mr. Nottingham stated the DDA planned to conduct a public information forum in September/October. Following the public forum, Mr. Nottingham noted the DDA would host the aforementioned work session. Mr. Murley asked MRC staff to inform the MRC's Executive Board that the UIWG would provide comments to the draft plan, yet it was not necessary at this time to take any action/formulate a recommendation.

Questions/Comments

C. Review of Miami 21 Draft Documents – Mr. Murley reported Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, and Dr, Martin, Chair of the MRC's Greenways subcommittee, recently met with City Manager Pete Hernandez. They discussed the fact that none of the proposed riverfront transect zones within the current draft Miami 21 Eastern Quadrant require a riverfront building setback, require publicly accessible riverwalks, nor incorporate the recently drafted and City funded “Miami River Greenway Regulatory Design Standards and Guidelines”. Mr. Murley stated Mr. Hernandez expressed support for the MRC's recommendations for inserting a requirement for publicly accessible riverwalks consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan . Mr. Murley noted the MRC, Miami River Greenway Action Plan , and the City of Miami 's “Miami River Greenway Regulatory Design Standards and Guidelines” provide an exception to the riverwalk and setback for incompatible low density residential and marine industrial uses. Mr. Bibeau noted the final draft Miami 21 “Eastern Quadrant” is scheduled to be presented to the Miami City Commission for adoption at First Reading on Thursday, June 28, 2007 . Mr. Murley reported that Dr. Martin noted Manager Hernandez suggested the revised and final Miami River Greenway Design Guidelines and Standards should be considered for adoption as a self standing ordinance, after the Miami 21 – Eastern Quadrant is adopted. Dr. Martin added Mr. Nunez, City of Miami Planning Department, has agreed to provide the revised and final Miami River Greenway Design Guidelines and Standards. Mr. Murley stated MRC staff will continue to advocate for the MRC's unanimous recommendation reflected in their approved April minutes, which state the draft Miami 21 – Eastern Quadrant is consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, subject to the following two remaining conditions:

“1) Requiring publicly accessible riverwalks consistent with the minimum adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan standards of a 20 foot-wide greenway, featuring a 16-foot wide unobstructed pedestrian path and a 4-foot wide passive zone with landscaping, decorative lighting, benches, etc.”

“2) Requiring a 50-foot building setback from the riverfront, with the exception of marine industrial and low-density residential uses and allowing the City Charter formula where properties less than 200 feet wide the setback would become 25% of the property width, and providing the City Commission authority to grant exceptions.”

Mr. Nottingham stated he agreed with the MRC's two conditions, and asked MRC staff to e-mail the recommendations to him.

Ms. Chase distributed Economic Research Associates' (ERA) “Little Haiti/Lemon City/Little River Industrial Priority Development Area (PDA) Analysis,” a project report prepared for the consultants of Miami 21 and the City of Miami . Mr. Murley suggested that an industrial based PDA be performed for the Miami River 's marine industry.

Ms. Chase noted Miami City Commissioners had adopted the Miami Parks & Public Spaces Master Plan on May 24. Ms. Chase distributed excerpts regarding the Miami River from the adopted plan. Mr. Murley suggested reviewing the plan and inviting the City's Parks Department to the July UIWG meeting to discuss implementing the River's “Action Items.”

D. Review of National Park Service Miami Circle Study - Ms. Chase noted Mr. Sussman, National Park Service, indicated that the draft Miami Circle Study is still under staff review and is not available to the public. Mr. Bibeau distributed a picture of the state-owned historic Miami Circle site seawall, which collapsed into the river several days ago, along with a significant quantity of cubic yards from the upland property. Mr. Bibeau provided a picture of the collapsed seawall and distributed copies of the following correspondence:

Mr. Bibeau reported a June 14, 2007 Miami Today article was entitled “Museum (Historical Museum of South Florida) to manage Circle site”. Mr. Bibeau stated Mr. McCannon, Director of the Historical Museum of South Florida, invited him to a meeting at the museum with the Miami Circle stakeholders at noon on June 28, 2007 . Mr. McCannon informed Mr. Bibeau that the DOS has indicated their plan is to provide temporary repair measures to stabilize the sites collapsed seawall, while the DOS submits a $2.5 million legislative budget request, which will be considered in May 2008, to potentially fund the final and long planned permanent repair of the Miami Circle seawall.

The UIWG noted the site has remained unimproved and unavailable to the public since the taxpayers purchased the site in 1999 for over $24 million. UIWG Chair Murley directed MRC staff to strongly advocate for the immediate execution of the long standing plans to permanently repair the Miami Circle sea-wall, followed by the State's acceptance of the Related Group's generous written commitment to fund and construct the riverwalk to finally provide public access to the Miami Circle site.

E. Status of the “Upper River/MIC Associated Development” Planning Process – The UIWG discussed the Miami Today article entitled “County to seek investors for land at airports,” in regards to Miami-Dade Commissioners granting the Miami-Dade Aviation Department the go-ahead to begin seeking developers for land it owns at Miami International airport. Mr. Bibeau stated that, according to the article, the airport is seeking public-private partnerships for 67 acres at the Miami airport. Mr. Bibeau asked Ms. Helen Brown , Miami-Dade County Planning Department, if she would identify the subject parcels during the UIWG's July meeting, and Ms. Brown agreed. MRC staff provided Ms. Brown with a CD of a potential U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration grant, which may provide funding for the County to create the UIWG recommended “Upper River/MIC Associated Development Plan”.

F. Status of the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan – Mr. Bibeau noted he had yet to receive the final revised draft Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan . Mr. Bibeau noted that after Mr. David Henderson, MPO, finishes reviewing and incorporating the MRC's suggested corrections submitted in writing on May 24, the consultants will hopefully be ready to present the final draft for adoption during the next regularly scheduled MRC meeting on July 9, 2007, noon, 1407 NW 7 Street. Mr. Bibeau stated Kimley-Horn had agreed to provide the MRC a CD with the revised Plan, so that MRC staff could make copies of the final draft CD for inclusion in the MRC's June 29, 2007 board member mailout.

II. Discussion Regarding the Status of the Historically Designated East Coast Fisheries - Mr. Bibeau noted he had recently spoken to Mr. Peter Swartz, potential developer of several riverfront parcels, whom had agreed to present his new proposal to the UIWG today. Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Swartz was not in attendance. Per the request of Mr. Jim Murley , MRC staff agreed to continue encouraging Mr. Swartz to attend the publicly-noticed monthly UIWG meeting and discuss any revised plans.

III. New Business – The meeting adjourned.

I. Planning Studies/Presentations

A. Discussion of Draft Miami 21 Eastern Quadrant – Mr. Jim Murley , Chair of the MRC's Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG), welcomed Ms. Luciana Gonzalez, Special Projects Coordinator for the City of Miami Planning Department. Per the direction of the MRC during the July 9 publicly noticed board meeting, Mr. Murley noted the UIWG had agreed to further examine the draft Miami 21-East Quadrant during today's meeting. Per Mr. Murley's direction, staff distributed copies of the MRC's July 9 recommended revisions to the draft Miami 21 – Eastern Quadrant. The MRC found the draft “Miami 21 - Eastern Quadrant” to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, subject to the following remaining conditions: revising the amendment to Article 6, Section 6.10 (a) by replacing the word “encouraged” with “required”, in (a) 2. replacing “12 feet” with “16 feet”, inserting the word “unobstructed” in front of “pedestrian walkway” and exempting D1 & D2 from the waterfront setback requirements.

Mr. Robert Ruano , MRC, noted he values the idea of public accessibility to the waterfront, and therefore did not wish to exempt all proposed D1 or D2 properties from the requested 20-foot waterfront setback, since he felt this would preclude potential developers from constructing a publicly accessible riverwalk. Mr. Ruano suggested that the property owner should be allowed to make a case as to why a riverwalk would not be feasible for their property.

Mr. Ruano asked if the principles of the Miami River Greenway Action Plan were “set in stone,” and Mr. Murley replied no. Mr. Ruano urged the MRC to consider “looking forward” from the Miami River Greenway Action Plan in an effort to increase public accessibility to the waterfront. Mr. Ruano warned that any requirements that are exempted from the draft Eastern Quadrant may also be exempted in the three remaining quadrants, and it was therefore necessary to examine property uses carefully.

Dr. Martin noted the City of Miami funded the creation of the “Miami River Greenway Design Guidelines and Standards,” which establishes a unified set of design standards for the future development of the Miami River Greenway Corridor. Dr. Martin noted the guidelines had yet to be presented to the Miami City Commission for adoption. MRC staff distributed copies of pages from the revised and final draft “Miami River Greenway Design Guidelines and Standards”, which proceed around SD-4 marine industrial and low density residential areas as an on-road greenway. Dr. Martin added he and MRC staff had recently met with City Manager Pete Hernandez whom had suggested that the revised and final “Miami River Greenway Design Guidelines and Standards” be considered for adoption as a self standing ordinance, after the Miami 21 – Eastern Quadrant is adopted. Mr. Ruano noted the City of Miami zoning code, rather than the aforementioned design guidelines and standards, dictated riverwalk and greenway requirements.

Mr. Murley suggested not requiring a setback and riverwalk for properties zoned SD-4, which will be designated D1/D2 in the proposed Miami 21 code. Mr. Murley recommended reviewing the existing SD-4 zoning code to establish consistent requirements for the proposed D1/D2. Mr. Murley noted that the provisions of the City of Miami Comprehensive Plan City of Miami, which overrules the zoning code, may incorporate language creating awareness among property owners wishing to redevelop their property of new, potential riverwalk requirements.

Ms. Gonzalez noted that under the proposed Miami 21 Code, D1 property owners requesting a zoning change will be converted to T5, which encourages a riverwalk. Mr. Ruano inquired into the intent of the MRC's recommendation to exempt D1 and D2 from riverwalk requirements. Mr. Murley explained the MRC wishes to remain consistent with the recommendations of the adopted strategic plans for the Miami River : The Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and the Miami River Greenway Action Plan. Mr. Murley noted the purpose of the Urban Infill Plan is to maintain a balance along the Miami River 's mixed-uses through differentiating between SD-4 properties or “employment zones,” and residential and commercial properties. The Plans are to be a riverwalk when feasible and proceed around SD-4 marine industrial and low density residential areas as an on-road greenway, and then return to the shoreline where possible. MRC staff distributed copies of the City Charter provision, which will remain in effect, for all riverfront buildings east of the NW 5 ST Bridge to have a 50 foot riverfront setback unless the property is less than 200 feet wide, the setback becomes 25% of the width from shoreline to property boundary.

Mr. Ruano noted riverfront restaurant “Finnegan's River”-currently zoned SD-4-could have created greater waterfront access if they would have incorporated a riverwalk at their site, instead of an on-road greenway. Mr. Murley explained that the owner of Finnegan's had decided to incorporate the original buildings at the site into their proposal, while working under the provisions of the existing zoning code, to “build out” their desired restaurant under a permissible use. Mr. Murley added that if the owner of Finnegan's wished to change the zoning and land use of their property to create their restaurant, the proposed Miami 21 Code would require them to include a larger riverfront setback and encourage a riverwalk.

Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, distributed copies of the “Miami River Corridor Restaurant List, July 2007,” which features a list of 27 restaurant / retail locations along the Miami River, which are either operating, under construction, or in final permitting/planning stages. Mr. Bibeau noted the current draft Miami 21 requires the 50-foot riverfront building setback formula and encourages a publicly accessible riverwalk in 24 of 27 restaurant/retail spaces along the River. Mr. Bibeau passed around a zoning atlas of the draft Miami 21-Eastern Quadrant, and noted there are currently three restaurants on North River Drive designated as D1/D2 in the proposed zoning atlas, Garcia's Seafood Grille, Casablanca (formerly Joe's) and a planned site owned by the Karpawich family. The current draft Miami 21 requires a 20-foot riverfront setback, yet does not encourage a publicly accessible riverwalk within these three D1 parcels.

Mr. Bibeau asked if the current draft states if 50% or more of a property is changed or reconstructed, then its owners are required to abide by the provisions set forth in the proposed Miami 21 code. Ms. Gonzalez noted that though this concept is contained in the current draft Miami 21 code, the section regarding nonconforming uses and structures is currently being revised and amended.

Mr. Ruano suggested allowing individual exceptions among marine industrial shipping terminals and dry stack storage facilities (from riverwalk requirements) due to security and safety concerns. Mr. Dubin stated he was opposed to putting pressure on SD-4 / D1, D2 property owners to incorporate riverwalks at their sites. Mr. Dubin explained that the Miami 21 Code should not require publicly accessible riverwalks in D1/D2 areas with limited space including marine industrial businesses, and noted liability, insurance, and safety concerns. Mr. Dubin stated perhaps only restaurants within D1 or D2 should not be automatically required to have a building setback and publicly accessible riverwalk, rather be considered on a case by case basis.

Mr. Bibeau noted the “Hurricane Cove,” precedent, which is an approved mixed-use riverfront development consisting of 3 residential buildings and a marina with a publicly accessible riverwalk. Mr. Dubin noted the construction of a riverwalk was feasible at the aforementioned site since it had been re-zoned from SD-4 to Commercial or C1. Ms. Alma Llinas, Keyes Realty, addressed the potential Homeland Security and insurance issues involved with constructing a riverwalk within a commercial boatyard. Mr. Murley noted there needed to be balance between what is feasible for each property vs. the need to provide waterfront access. Mr. Ruano noted the Dinner Key precedent of a marina and dry stack docking facility featuring a publicly accessible riverwalk. Mr. Dubin noted Dinner Key is a public sector facility, owned by the City of Miami , which is different than requiring a D1, D2 private property owner to have a publicly accessible riverwalk, regardless of increased insurance costs and liability.

Ms. Gonzalez noted a series of Miami 21 workshops would be held in August, and encouraged the MRC to participate. The UIWG agreed to attend the meetings and report back to the MRC board during its meeting on Monday, September 10, 2007 , noon , Robert King High, when the potentially revised draft Miami 21 – Eastern Quadrant will be on the public meeting agenda.

On behalf of the residents of the Spring Garden Civic Association (SGCA), Dr. Martin expressed a concern over the fact that within the historically designated Spring Garden's riverfront parcels, which currently have a 50 foot building height limitation under R3, may become a 70 foot maximum height because floors are defined as up to 14 feet each in the potential 5 floors in the proposed T5 district. Dr. Martin noted the SGCA would like to support Miami 21, yet would like to maintain the current 50-foot height limitation in their historically designated low density residential neighborhood. Mr. Murley concurred with Dr. Martin and the Spring Garden Civic Association's recommendation and suggested that Dr. Martin present this position before the MRC board on September 10, and mentioned that the Lummus Park historic district maybe affected by Miami 21's proposed allowable height as well. Mr. Ruano asked Dr. Martin if he had forwarded his concerns to Ms. Ana Gelabert-Sanchez, and Dr. Martin replied that the Spring Garden Civic Association had only recently approved the recommendation to not have Miami 21 allow the potential increase of building heights within their historically designated district.

B. Update on Miami Circle - Mr. Bibeau noted the temporary repair/shoreline excavation to stabilize the collapsed seawall at the Miami Circle had begun. Mr. Bibeau distributed copies of the following documents:

“ Miami Circle Timeline”

Mr. Bibeau noted the HMSF was close to signing a long term agreement with the Department of State (DOS) to oversee, protect and maintain the site. Mr. Bibeau cited the January 2003 bullet in the distributed “Miami Circle Timeline:”

“Any beach, park, or other public facility acquired, developed, rehabilitated or restored with funds for this act [Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Ordinance] shall be open and accessible to the public without discrimination as to race, color, gender, age, religious belief, residence, national origin, martial status or disability.”

Taking this into consideration, Mr. Bibeau stated he hoped the aforementioned draft lease agreement would remain consistent with the ordinance which governs the use of the public tax payers funds utilized to purchase the site in 1999. Dr. Ernie Martin , Chair of the MRC's Greenways Subcommittee, recommended that the MRC continue to advocate for the immediate, permanent replacement of the collapsed sea-wall at the Miami Circle , and the creation of a publicly accessible riverwalk and Miami Circle site, similar to the renditions depicted in the adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan.

Per the request of the Honorable Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Mr. Bibeau invited the UIWG to join her and the Honorable Representative Luis Garcia to a press conference at the Miami Circle site on Saturday, July 21, 2007, 1 pm, to call for the final repair of the Miami Circle seawall so that the historical site can be made available to the public as soon as possible via creation of the Miami River Greenway.

C. Status of the “Upper River/MIC Associated Development” Planning Process – Mr. Bibeau distributed copies of the “Location Map” of the county-owned parcels identified within the Miami-Dade Aviation Department's Request for Proposals (RFP), which is seeking public-private partnerships for 67 acres it owns at Miami International Airport. Mr. Bibeau added the subject parcels are located within the vicinity of the proposed “Upper River/Miami Intermodal Center-Associated Development” planning process, and hoped the county would consider the MIC's potential connection to the MRC's Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan . Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, noted Odebrecht had created an “Upper River Virtual Tour” in response to a great need in the western reaches of the Miami River Corridor for cargo facilities and warehouses, which would thereby create more efficient shipping terminals and alleviate traffic congestion. Dr. Bohnsack hoped Odebrecht's vision would be included in the Upper River planning process.

Mr. Bibeau noted MRC staff had provided Ms. Helen Brown , Miami-Dade Planning Department, at last month's meeting with a CD of a potential U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration grant, which may provide funding for the County to create the UIWG recommended “Upper River/MIC Associated Development Plan.”

D. Status of the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan – Mr. Bibeau noted he and Mr. Jim Murley , Chair of the MRC's Urban Infill Working Group, had recently met with Mr. David Henderson, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Mr. Greg Kyle , Kimley-Horn and Associates (KHA), to conduct a final review of the draft Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan. Mr. Bibeau noted all MRC-requested revisions have been incorporated into the final plan, including the following suggestion submitted by Mr. Ruano: “Advanced signage indicating not only that a bridge is opening, but which way a boat is heading; and, if possible, recommending alternate routes.” Dr. Bohnsack noted this was a good recommendation. Mr. Bibeau stated a CD of the final draft plan will be included in the MRC's September 1 board member mailout, prior to its adoption at the subsequent MRC meeting. Mr. Bibeau noted that since the first Monday of the month falls on Labor Day, the next MRC meeting will be held on Monday, September 10, 2007, noon, Robert King High New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 Street.

II. Projects

A. Discussion Regarding the Status of the Historically Designated East Coast Fisheries - Per the request of Mr. Murley, Ms. Chase noted she continues to encourage Mr. Peter Swartz, a potential developer of several riverfront parcels, to attend the publicly-noticed monthly UIWG meeting and discuss any revised plans. Ms. Chase added Mr. Swartz had formerly agreed to present his new proposal to the UIWG last month, but was not in attendance at today's meeting. Mr. Bibeau noted that Mr. Schwartz had retracted his original residential / mixed-use plans for the site, which the MRC had found to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. The new proposal for the area, added Mr. Bibeau, may include some dry-stack boat storage.

III. New Business – The following items were addressed/discussed:

Mr. Bibeau mentioned the ongoing email traffic regarding the seawall at Wind, Ivy, and Mint developments just west of the South Miami Avenue Bridge . Mr. Ruano stated that seawall/bulkhead issues should have been addressed by the MRC during their review of development proposals, and Mr. Murley concurred. Mr. Murley suggested incorporating seawall guidelines in the City Comprehensive Plan to promote consistency. Dr. Martin recommended strengthening riverwalk requirements in the City of Miami Comprehensive Plan , as well, and Mr. Ruano agreed to bring this suggestion up with the proper city staff. Mr. Ruano recommended the MRC build relationships and create dialogue with the City of Miami , and Mr. Murley agreed.

Mr. Bibeau noted Miami City Commissioner Joe Sanchez had requested a meeting with MRC staff and the developer of “Latitude on the River” last month to address inconsistent riverwalk dimensions and the site's lack of connectivity to the adjacent development “Neo Vertika” and the NW 2 nd Avenue Bridge. Mr. Bibeau noted the City Commission-approved riverwalk renditions for the aforementioned riverfront development are wider than the as-built riverwalk. Mr. Bibeau added that the approved plans also provided connectivity to adjacent riverwalk sections, but the as-built sections failed to connect. Mr. Bibeau noted the developer of “Latitude on the River” seemed somewhat willing to provide a riverwalk connection to the NW 2 nd Avenue Bridge by installing a 6-foot cantilevered bridge. When Mr. Bibeau recommended a 16-foot cantilevered bridge instead, the developer noted it maybe more difficult to obtain a permit for a wider bridge. Mr. Bibeau noted he had also suggested removing the retainer landscaping wall to widen the riverwalk, yet the developer stated this would negatively impact the ADA compliant ramp. Mr. Bibeau noted he, on behalf of the MRC, had been directed to continue advocating for the City to require the developers to make the necessary corrections to their riverwalks, in order to make them consistent with the Riverwalk dimensions unanimously approved in the MUSP's by the City Commission.

The Urban Infill Working Group noted it would not meet in August and confirmed its next meeting for September 11, 2007 , 10 am .

The Meeting adjourned.

I. Planning Studies/Presentations

A. Presentation of Draft Downtown Miami Master Plan - Mr. Jim Murley , Chair of the MRC's Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG), welcomed Mr. Adam Lukin , Downtown Development Authority, whom presented a Power Point of the draft “Downtown Miami Master Plan: Urban Design & Transportation” and distributed the “2007 Downtown Miami Master Plan Executive Summary.” Mr. Lukin apologized on behalf of DDA Executive Director Dana Nottingham whom had a recent scheduling conflict and was unable to attend. Mr. Lukin addressed the following items, pertaining to the Miami River :

Per the request of Mr. Murley, Mr. Lukin agreed to amend the proposed Miami River Sub-district to include the Epic and One Miami, which are located on the Miami River 's federal navigable channel. Mr. Murley addressed the challenges associated with activating riverwalks and open spaces (i.e. Wind, Cima, Mint and Ivy, riverfront mixed-use development projects located on the north shore, immediately west of the South Miami Avenue Bridge; and, One Riverview Square, an office building on the north shore, east of the South Miami Avenue Bridge with vacant ground floor). Mr. Lukin noted that the Downtown Miami Master Plan planned to create a business plan to identify gaps, provide maintenance and develop programming/activities along the Miami River Greenway.

Mr. Bibeau cited page 78 of the Executive Summary: “#4 Structured parking for FP &L and City of Miami ,” and asked where he could obtain more information on that line item. Mr. Lukin replied that information is available in the plan's “backup” material.

Mr. Lukin agreed to correct the plan titles on page 27 of the Executive Summary to read: “Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan…the Miami River Greenway Action Plan.” Mr. Bibeau noted the MRC had recommended approval of the draft Miami 21, subject to a few conditions including but not limited to replacing “encouraging” public access along the riverwalk with “requiring” public access.

Mr. Murley and Mr. Lukin agreed to invite the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the planning consultants of the “Downtown Miami Master Plan” for a follow-up presentation to the UIWG in October, prior to its subsequent presentation before the full Miami River Commission board during its regularly scheduled, publicly noticed meeting on Monday, November 5, 2007, Robert King High New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 Street.

B. Update on Miami Circle - Mr. Bibeau noted he continues to participate in conference calls with Miami Circle regulatory agencies regarding the status of the Miami Circle seawall. Mr. Bibeau noted State Representative Luis Garcia , whose district includes the Circle, received a letter from FIND stating its willingness to consider a grant application as soon as it is submitted to fund half of the estimated $1.5 million seawall repair, which would therefore require a $750,000 match.

Mr. Bibeau stated that the Department of State (DOS) indicated that their plan is to provide temporary repair measures to stabilize the site's collapsed seawall, while the DOS submits a $2.5 million legislative budget request, which will be considered in May 2008, to potentially fund the final and long planned permanent repair of the Miami Circle seawall. Mr. Bibeau added that

DOS recently submitted a pre-permit application for the final sea-wall replacement permits, yet has not agreed to submit the FIND grant application, partially because they do not have the $750,000 match. Chairman Murley directed MRC staff to continue advocating for the FIND application to be made, securing the $750,000 match for the seawall replacement, and have the State accept the Related Group's written commitment to fund an construct a publicly accessible riverwalk on the Miami Circle site.

C. Status of the “Upper River/MIC Associated Development” Planning Process – Mr. Bibeau asked Ms. Helen Brown , Miami-Dade Planning Department, for the status of the county's application to the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant, which may provide funding for the County to create the UIWG recommended “Upper River/MIC Associated Development Plan.” Mr. Bibeau noted MRC staff had provided Ms. Brown with a CD copy of the grant application at the July UIWG meeting. Ms. Brown stated she had spoken to her director, Mr. Subrata Basu, whom had suggested that the MRC apply. MRC staff agreed to review the grant eligibility requirements and report back to the UIWG in October. Mr. Murley reported the South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC) recently submitted their plan, which includes the Upper River Plan to the EDA, which makes it eligible to receive EDA funding. In addition the MRC staff will explore the federal NOAA Coastal Brownfields / Portfields potential funding opportunity for the plan.

D. Status of the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan – Mr. Bibeau noted MRC staff had mailed a CD of the revised draft final report, as well as an appendix of tables and maps of the plan's multi-modal transportation improvement recommendations along the Lower, Middle, and Upper River, to all MRC board members and designees one week prior to the Monday, September 10 MRC meeting, noon, Robert King High New Board Room. Per the request of Mr. Jim Murley , Mr. Bibeau agreed to forward a copy of the draft resolution adopting the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan to all MRC board members and designee prior to the September 10 meeting for their review.

MRC staff distributed copies of an article recently published in the Miami Herald regarding the Mississippi bridge collapse, which claimed the lives of 7 people. Mr. Bibeau noted that as a result of this tragedy, Governor Charlie Crist had asked for a report card of all bridges in the State of Florida . Mr. Bibeau reported that the NW 17 th Avenue Bridge was recently deemed structurally deficient, and was therefore shut down so that the county could initiate its immediate repair. MRC staff agreed to obtain a copy of the aforementioned bridge “report card.”

E. MRC Response to Governor Charles Crist's Executive Order Regarding Climate Change - Mr. Bibeau congratulated Chairman Murley on his recent appointment as the Vice Chair of Miami-Dade County's Council on Green Initiatives. Per Chairman Murley's direction, MRC staff distributed copies of the “State of Florida Office of the Governor Executive Order Number 07-126” regarding green initiatives. Mr. Murley recommended that the MRC, an agency created by the State of FL , encourage MRC staff, as well as hotels, restaurants, marine industries and developers along the Miami River , to work towards obtaining general consistency with the green initiatives contained in the Governor's Executive Orders, and report their findings at the next UIWG meeting.

II. Projects

A. Discussion Regarding the Status of the Historically Designated East Coast Fisheries- Mr. Bibeau noted he had received a call from Vicky Garcia Toledo, whom informed him that Mr. Peter Swartz had recently sold the property to new owners from California . Mr. Bibeau added that they would like to schedule a presentation of the developer's proposed project at the October UIWG meeting. 

III. New Business – Mr. Bibeau distributed an informational copy of the proposed “Wagner Square” mixed use and mixed income development adjacent to Wagner Creek, which is a project previously discussed by the UIWG on a recently remediated environmentally contaminated brownfields site. Mr. Bibeau and Mr. Murley agreed since the proposed development is located several blocks from the Miami River , the UIOWG nor MRC should formalize am advisory recommendation on the project.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Planning Studies/Presentations

A. Presentation of Draft Downtown Miami Master Plan - Mr. Jim Murley, Chair of the MRC's Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG), welcomed back Mr. Adam Lukin , Downtown Development Authority (DDA), whom provided an update of the draft “Downtown Miami Master Plan: Urban Design & Transportation.” Mr. Lukin noted the DDA is currently working towards getting the plan approved, while identifying priorities, costs and potential implementation funding sources. Mr. Lukin noted the DDA would be seeking City Commission approval of the plan in February 2008. Mr. Lukin stated the “Downtown Miami Master Plan: Urban Design & Transportation” is considered a “Special Project Area” within the draft Miami 21. Dr. Martin asked how the riverwalk would be included in the Plan, and Mr. Murley explained during the September 5, 2007 UIWG meeting, Mr. Lukin had noted that the Miami River is classified as one of twelve sub-districts, and the DDA supports riverwalk initiatives, such as requiring property owners on the river in Downtown to provide a publicly accessible riverwalk / baywalk, requiring them to build in accordance with City design guidelines (page 79), and creating a marketing / programming / business plan for the downtown portion of the Miami River (page 110). Mr. Lukin noted the draft 25-year vision plan focuses on the public realm, aims to improve waterfront connections to the Miami River and Biscayne Bay via the connecting publicly accessible riverwalk and baywalk. Mr. Lukin stated a revised draft Downtown Master Plan is estimated for consideration by the City of Miami 's Planning Advisory Board in December 2007 or January 2008, followed by the City Commission in February 2008.

UIWG Chair Murley directed attendees to focus specifically on the River related components of the broader draft Downtown Master Plan. The UIWG followed up on the following river related items originally discussed when the draft was presented to the MRC's UIWG on September 5, 2007 .

 Mr. Lukin noted the provided draft hasn't been amended since it was presented to the UIWG on September 5, 2007 . Mr. Lukin reaffirmed the DDA's commitment to amend the proposed Miami River Sub-district boundary to include the Epic and One Miami, which are located on the Miami River 's federal navigable channel.

UIWG Chair Murley stated the UIWG recommends that the MRC find the “Downtown Miami Master Plan: Urban Design & Transportation” consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and the Miami River Greenway Action Plan subject to the following three conditions:

1) draft page 78 create a new “#7” requiring completion of the publicly accessible riverwalk

2) extend the Miami River Sub-district boundary to include “One Miami ” and “Epic”

3) maintain the MRC's position that the p otential redevelopment of the James L. Knight Center be consistent with the MRC's strategic plans and maintain a public theater / convention center type uses.

Mr. Murley invited Mr. Lukin, DDA Director Nottingham and Mr. Bernard Zyscovich to present the “Downtown Miami Master Plan: Urban Design & Transportation” before the full Miami River Commission board during its regularly scheduled, publicly noticed meeting on Monday, November 5, 2007, Robert King High New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 Street, and Mr. Lukin agreed.

B. Update on Miami Circle – MRC Director Bibeau provided the following update:

“3. The design and development of the Miami River Greenway trail through the 2.2 acre Miami Circle property is also reflected in the Design Concept prepared by the Related Group of Florida and is consistent with the planned baywalk improvements within the Icon Brickell project and the adjacent Brickell Park permanent improvement plan. To date, the related group of Florida has funded the cost of this initial Design Concept and is committed to a continued financial support to implement the desired concept plan.”

• Mr. Bibeau noted he continues to participate in conference calls with regulatory agencies regarding the status of the Miami Circle seawall.
• Mr. Robert Weinreb, City of Miami , stated DOS wasn't going to apply to the FIND grant opportunity until he provided them the City of Miami 's awarded FIND grant application for the Bicentennial Park sea-wall replacement. Mr. Weinreb added the FIND grant application is short and simple. Mr. Weinreb stated the City of Miami is willing to front the potential FIND grant's required $750,000 match to replace the seawall with a guarantee of repayment, yet the DOS is unable to guarantee reimbursement.

UIWG Chair Murley directed MRC staff to continue advocating for 1) DOS apply to the $750,000 FIND grant for half of the DOS engineer's estimated $1.5 million needed to replace the site's collapsed seawall before dredging arrives 2) identify the $750,000 match for the FIND grant 3) accept the Related Group's written commitment for “financial support to implement the desired plan” which includes a publicly accessible riverwalk at the Miami Circle site.

C. Status of the “Upper River/MIC Associated Development” Planning Process – Ms. Helen Brown , Miami-Dade Planning Department, stated the County had not applied to the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant, which could have provided funding for the County to create the MRC recommended “Upper River / MIC Associated Development Plan.” Mr. Bibeau noted MRC staff would look into applying to the aforementioned funding opportunity. Mr. Bibeau noted MRC staff had also explored the federal EPA Brownfields potential funding opportunity for the plan, yet discovered that the applicant needed to own the subject property. Ms. Ashley Chase, MRC Assistant Managing Director, reported the Federal Portfield grant program doesn't currently have available funding. Mr. Bibeau noted during the October GMCC NWC Legislative Affairs Task Force meeting, Ms. Heidi Webb, Port of Miami Director of Business Development, warmly received the Upper River 's Short Sea Shipping recommended concepts, and offered to schedule a meeting to discuss them further with Port of Miami Director Bill Johnson . The UIWG noted the MRC's Economic Development and Commerce Working Group, Co-Chaired by Board of County Commission Chairman Bruno Barreiro and Megan Kelly, has this item on their October 15 agenda. Mr. Murley stated now that the Metropolitan Planning Organization's (MPO) co-sponsored Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan is complete and recommends Short Sea Shipping and improvements to the industrial Upper River, perhaps the MPO would be willing to fund contracting freight experts to create the MRC recommended “Upper River/MIC Associated Development” Plan.

II. Projects

A. Discussion Regarding the Status of the Historically Designated East Coast Fisheries - Ms. Vicky Garcia-Toledo, Bilzin Sumberg, presented new proposed plans for the historically designated East Coast Fisheries and adjacent waterfront properties located between the Flagler Bridge and the 1 st Street Bridge on North River Drive . Ms. Garcia-Toledo noted the proposed project will require a Class II Special Permit, adding that the developer planned to submit the proposed plans to the City of Miami Internal Design Review Board by the end of this week. Ms. Garcia-Toledo stated Mr. Peter Swartz recently sold the former historic restaurant and its adjacent property to her client, whom planned to refurbish the historic building and reinstate it as a waterfront restaurant. Ms. Garcia-Toledo introduced Mr. Omar Morales, project architect, whom provided an overview of the proposed project's plans:

UIWG Chair Murley explained the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County requested the MRC's advisory recommendation regarding river related agenda items. Murley further explained the MRC's process is for the UIWG to advise the full MRC on whether any proposed development is consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. The MRC then places the item on their publicly noticed agenda and the presenters are provided an opportunity to address the MRC, which votes to determine if the proposal is consistent with the aforementioned plans.

Mr. Murley stated the MRC has seen numerous proposals for cantilevered boardwalks rejected by the permitting authorities for various reasons, therefore asked the UIWG and MRC to consider and base their advisory recommendation solely on the proposed upland components of the project. Mr. Weinreb, City of Miami agreed with the approach, confirming the difficulty to obtain permits for cantilevered boardwalks along the Miami River .

Ms. Garcia-Toledo and Mr. Morales stated it may be possible to present a revised plan for the proposed “East Coast Fisheries” development to the MRC on November 5, 2007 , which would include the City Charter required riverfront building setback on the first floor only, with the elevated stories cantilevered over the setback above the shoreline. Ms. Garcia-Toledo and Mr. Morales stated the potential ground floor City Charter formula riverfront building setback area would be a publicly accessible riverwalk, in addition to any permitted cantilevered boardwalks.

MRC UIWG Chair Murley and MRC Greenways Subcommittee Chair Martin stated they recommend the MRC find the “East Coast Eateries” proposal to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and the Miami River Greenway Action Plan , subject to the following three conditions: 1) potential developer provides a riverfront building setback for new construction consistent with the City Charter required setback formula; 2) provide a publicly accessible riverwalk within the City Charter required setback area, connecting to the publicly accessible North River Drive on-road greenway, the proposed publicly accessible riverwalk section to the south beneath the 1 st Street Bridge on FDOT owned riverfront public right of way, and to the north connecting with the on-road greenway in front of the historic East Coast Fisheries. In addition, the MRC subcommittee chairs stated considering the site's extremely poor sea-wall conditions, the MRC should recommend the regulatory agencies expedite the lengthy permitting timeline for the site's sea-wall replacement. The UIWG Development Technical Review Form for the proposed “East Coast Eateries” is enclosed.

Mr. Bibeau stated the item will be placed on the MRC's November 5, 2007 publicly noticed meeting agenda, noon , Robert King High New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 Street.

III. New Business – The following items were addressed/discussed:

The UIWG confirmed their next meeting on November 14, 2007 , 9 AM .

The meeting adjourned.

I. Planning Studies/Presentations 

A. Update on Miami Circle – Mr. Bibeau stated the Florida Inland Navigational District (FIND) recently awarded the Department of State (DOS) submitted grant application to fund half of the estimated $1.5 million Miami Circle seawall repair. Mr. Bibeau added the grant requires a $750,000 match, which has yet to be identified. Ms. Chase noted City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff had mentioned during his October 26, 2007 Miami-Dade Cable-TAP Television “Miami River Greenway” interview that he would spearhead the efforts to find the $750,000 match on behalf of the City of Miami. Mr. Weinreb stated he doesn’t believe three City Commissioners would vote in favor of providing the FIND grant match to repair the ST owned collapsed seawall at the Miami Circle. Mr. Bibeau noted the DOS still needs to receive authority from the Legislature during the Spring 2008 session to spend the awarded funding, and Mr. Murley noted the potential to receive that authority from the “Budget Commission” prior to the 2008 session. The UIWG recommended investigating if the local tribes would be interested in providing the $750,000 FIND grant match to repair the seawall. Mr. Murley suggested approaching the issue by showing the connectivity the planned publicly accessible riverwalk at the Miami Circle will have with adjacent Baywalk sections, and to meet with stakeholders including the Downtown Development Authority and adjacent property owners Florida Department of Transportation and the Related Group. 

B. Status of the “Upper River/MIC Associated Development” Planning Process – Mr. Bibeau stated during the MRC’s October Economic Development and Commerce Working Group Meeting Ms. Lubby Navarro, designee for Chairman Barreiro, was briefed on the funding needs to create the MRC recommended “Upper River/MIC Associated Development” plan and the related Miami River Short Sea Shipping Plan. Ms. Navarro stated she would brief the Chairman and explore any potential funding opportunities for the MRC recommended plans with Miami-Dade County and or the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which funded the recently adopted Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan.

C. MRC Response to Governor Charles Crist’s Executive Order Regarding Climate Change
Per Chairman Murley’s direction at the September 9, 2007 UIWG meeting, MRC Assistant Managing Director Ashley Chase distributed updated copies of the “State of Florida Office of the Governor Executive Order Number 07-126” regarding green initiatives related to the MRC. Mr. Murley noted the Hotel Intercontinental, located in Downtown Miami, was recently designated a “green meeting facility/lodging.” Ms. Chase agreed to include the Hotel Intercontinental in section 4.3 of the report. Chair Murley recommended that the MRC work with the Miami-Dade Housing Agency at Robert King High Towers to establish a pilot “green/energy efficient meeting facility” within the New Board Room along the Miami River.

Chair Murley suggested that MRC staff highlight its personal efforts towards climate change in the 2008 Annual Report. Chair Murley encouraged MRC staff to consider applying Governor Charles Crist’s Executive Order Regarding Climate Change on a more holistic scale along the river, i.e. working with hotels, restaurants, marine industries and developers towards obtaining general consistency with the green initiatives.

II. New Business – The following items were addressed/discussed:

The UIWG confirmed their next meeting on December 12, 2007, 10 AM.

The meeting adjourned.