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GREENWAY SUBCOMMITTEE AND QUALITY OF LIFE JOINT MINUTES:
Minutes of meeting
2:00 PM
(THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT)
July 11 Review of Miami River Greenway Riverwalk Cross Sections
I. Discuss Future Miami River Greenway Governance – Ms. Ashley Chase, MRC Managing Director, noted Mr. Kevin Brown , Consul-Tech / City of Miami Capital Improvement , was unable to attend today's meeting to provide an update regarding the “Miami River Greenway Design Guidelines and Standards.” Dr. Martin and Mr. Bibeau noted the City of Miami had recently provided the revised and final “Miami River Greenway Design Guidelines and Standards,” which incorporates all 50 of the MRC's recommended revisions to the draft, including the following final two May 2, 2005 recommendations: replacing “encouraging” public access along the Miami River Greenway with “requiring” public access along the Miami River Greenway; and extending the current 50-foot building setback formula required for new developments along the Miami River to the east of the 5 ST Bridge throughout the Miami River, with the exemption of new low-density and marine industrial development, where the Greenway would proceed around the property as an “on-road” Greenway. Mr. Bibeau noted the MRC recommended the City formally adopt and enforce these standards.
Mr. Bibeau distributed “Actions Items Identified during Honorable Commissioner Sarnoff's Miami River Greenway Bicycle Tour within his Commission District on June 23, 2007 .” Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Jim Murley , Chair of the MRC's Urban Infill Working Group, Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, staff Mr. Ron Nelson and he participated in the Saturday afternoon bike ride. Along the way Commissioner Sarnoff expressed an interest in removing a City owned fence which was blocking public accessibility between the riverwalk sections in Fort Dallas Park and the “Riverwalk” Metro-mover station. Since the bike tour, Mr. Bibeau noted he had exchanged emails with Mr. Nelson regarding Mr. Dick Bunnell's, Bunnell Foundation, Inc., offer to remove the city-owned fence in Fort Dallas Park at no charge. Additional Action Items noted in the tour included but were not limited to confirming setbacks and riverwalk dimensions at Mind, Cima, Ivy, and Mint, Epic Sales Center, filling vacant first floor restaurant / retail spaces, $1 million FDOT greenway grant awarded to the City for south shore from Metro-Rail to S. Miami Ave, and the Miami Circle.
II. Status of Miami River Greenway Historic Markers – Mr. Bibeau noted that, per the request of the Greenways subcommittee during the May 2007 meeting, MRC staff had mailed the developer of “Latitude on the River” the Greenways historic marker specifications and guidelines, in order for them to fabricate and install their pledged historic marker entitled, “Miami Shipbuilding Corporation,” at the development site to commemorate the former location of Brickell Shipyard and Miami Ship Services. The developer confirmed receipt of the specs, and reconfirmed their former pledge to include the historic marker, therefore requested the MRC to provide them with the text and images for fabrication and installation. Ms. Ashley Chase, MRC Assistant Managing Director, noted the draft “Miami Shipbuilding Corporation” marker had been provided to the GSC and historians Dr. Paul George and Jim Broton prior to today's meeting for recommendations/revisions. Ms. Chase noted MRC staff and Dr. George had submitted comments, which have been incorporated into the current draft, which was distributed. MRC staff agreed to submit the revised final draft to a Spanish translator, and upon completion, the bi-lingual text and images would be provided to the developer of “Latitude on the River.”
III. Discuss Status of Miami River Greenway Development – Dr. Martin asked MRC staff to begin including “Status of the Merrill-Stevens / Related Group Project” and “Status of the Miami Circle ” as Item III subtopics in future GSC meeting agendas. Dr. Martin noted Ms. Kathleen Kauffman, City of Miami Director of Historic Preservation, continues to meet with Spring Garden residents to address concerns regarding the North Spring Garden Greenway project, which calls for the construction of an on-road greenway in Spring Garden along NW North River Drive from the west side of the Humpback Bridge on NW 7 th Street Road (east end) and connect to the NW 12 Ave Bridge Greenway. Dr. Martin stated the City of Miami 's Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEPB) deferred consideration of the project's “Certificate of Appropriateness” at the July 3, 2007 meeting, and had scheduled a second presentation in early September. Dr. Martin noted the Spring Garden Civic Association (SGCA) is meeting on Monday, July 16, at a yet-to-be-determined location, to continue discussing the project.
Mr. Bibeau re-distributed the “Miami River Greenway Sections B, C and G Previously Discussed Design Opportunities & Concerns Submitted by Dr. Ernie Martin April 23, 2007 .” Dr. Martin stated he didn't have an opportunity to discuss the document with TPL yet, whom would need to ask their consultant to revise the completed engineering documents, which are currently being constructed to address the identified issues outlined in the document.
Mr. Bibeau stated MRC staff had attended a meeting at the Historical Museum of South Florida (HMSF) with Miami Circle stakeholders on June 28, 2007 to discuss a remediation plan for the collapsed Miami Circle seawall. Mr. Bibeau noted the HMSF was close to signing an agreement with the Department of State (DOS) to oversee and maintain the site. Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Ryan Wheeler, DOS, had shared DOS's plan 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 stated during the meeting he learned that DOS had requested $2 million for the site the previous year, which was denied by the Legislature. Mr. Bibeau stated the Honorable Representative Luis Garcia unexpectedly showed a picture of the collapsed Miami Circle seawall during a July 9 press conference for a check presentation announcing the combined funding award to continue the Miami River Maintenance Dredging project. Mr. Bibeau noted the Honorable Congresswoman has also expressed her support to expedite the repair of the Miami Circle seawall by inviting local, state and federal officials and the media to a press conference at the site on Saturday, July 21, 2007, 1 pm. Mr. Bibeau added the HMSF has invited Miami Circle stakeholders to another meeting on Monday, July 23, noon , at the museum. GSC Chair Martin directed MRC staff to continue advocating 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.
Mr. Bibeau presented Dr. Martin with e-mails and reports provided by the City of Miami , regarding creating a publicly accessible riverwalk in Lummus Park . Mr. Bibeau noted Ms. Mary Conway , City of Miami Director of Capital Improvements, had yet to reply to his e-mailed follow up questions regarding which components of the incomplete project were accomplished with the expended over $1.1 million spent thus far.
IV. Review of Miami River Greenway Riverwalk Cross Section – Mr. Bibeau noted Miami City Commissioner Joe Sanchez had requested a meeting with Mr. Bibeau 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, as reviewed during the Greenway Subcommittee's June 11, 2007 meeting. 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 during the meeting Mr. Bibeau recommended a 16-foot wide (consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan) cantilevered bridge instead over the developer owned submerged land, Mr. Steve Gelb, E.A. Fish, indicated he would consider it, yet it maybe more difficult to obtain a permit for a wider bridge. Mr. Bibeau had suggested reducing the width of the retainer landscaping wall in order to maintain the City Commission approved 16-foot unobstructed pedestrian path where it narrows to 8 feet wide, which is only half of the approved width. The developer suggested doing so may impact the nearby ADA compliant ramp.
Mr. Bibeau noted the developer of “Neo Vertika” had removed the county-owned fence which blocked direct access to the M-Path, yet was not planning to perform shoreline repair, which may have incorporated some solutions to provide improved riverwalk connectivity with adjacent parcels.
Per the request of Dr. Martin and the Greenways subcommittee, MRC staff continues to present two reviews of approved Miami River Greenway cross sections during each Greenways subcommittee meeting. MRC staff therefore distributed the attached review of the “Riverfront East” (composed of “Wind” (Phase I), “Cima” (Phase II) and a yet-to-be-named third tower (Phase III)) and “Riverfront West” (composed of “Ivy” (Phase I), “Mint” (Phase II) and two yet-to-be-named towers (Phase III & IV) riverwalks approved by the MRC and the Miami City Commission vs. under construction dimensions. GSC Chair Dr. Martin directed MRC staff to advocate 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 by the City Commission. GSC Chair Martin asked Ms. Chase to obtain copies of Miami City Commission transcripts in which these projects were approved and directed Mr. Bibeau to set up a meeting with “the Riverfront East and West” developers and the City to confirm pledged and approved 50 foot building setback and 16 foot wide unobstructed publicly accessible riverwalk.
V. Discussion of Greenway Connectors Needed on County-Owned Property on North Shore Beneath the South Miami Avenue Bridge & Metro-Rail, South Shore Beneath the Metro-Rail, Metro-Mover, and NW 2 Ave Bridge – Mr. Bibeau distributed the “County Greenway Connectors June 25, 2007” document identifying locations including pictures of County owned riverfront sites which require riverwalk connector sections to be constructed in order to provide a continuous Greenway system from east to west.
Mr. Bibeau distributed an e-mail from Ms. Ana Finol, Senior Professional Engineer for Miami-Dade County 's Office of Capital Improvements, stating the County's Public Works Department will manage the approved $7.5 million Miami River Greenway line item in the County's General Obligation Bond issue to construct a publicly accessible riverwalk on county-owned riverfront parcels. Mr. Bibeau noted per the County's request, he had provided Ms. Finol with a CD version of the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, which Public Works will consider while creating the scope of work and hire a consultant to create engineering documents, followed by construction using the line item funding. Mr. Bibeau noted he had invited Ms. Priscilla Morales and several Miami-Dade County representatives to the July 26 American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Miami River boat tour.
VI. New Business – The following items were addressed/discussed:
- MRC staff distributed a 5/30/07 resolution of the Miami City Commission authorizing the City Manager to distribute funds, in an amount not to exceed $162, 171, from the Tree Trust Fund to various community based organizations (“CBOS”) for the purpose of planting trees on certain pubic rights-of-way in the City of Miami . Chair Martin directed MRC staff to inquire with Treemendous and Citizens to see if there is any potential for some of the trees to be planted within the Miami River corridor.
- Mr. Bibeau distributed a 6/22/07 resolution of the Miami City Commission authorizing the City Manager to exercise the City of Miami's option to renew twelve job order contracts to continue to provide maintenance and construction services citywide, on an as-needed basis for capital projects for an additional one-year period. Chair Martin directed MRC staff ask Mr. Kevin Brown, Conultech on behalf of City of Miami , if any of the extended job order contract maintenance services are for the City's recently completed sections of the Miami River Greenway.
- MRC staff distributed a link for two Office of Greenways & Trails “Bikes Belong” grant opportunities, and agreed to forward them to Mr. David Henderson, MPO, and the City of Miami .
The GSC noted it would not meet in August, and therefore confirmed their next regularly scheduled second Wednesday of the month meeting on September 12, 2007 , 2 PM .
The meeting adjourned.
Miami River Development Riverwalk Cross Sections
July 11, 2007 Review
Per the request of the Miami River Commission (MRC), the City of Miami Planning Department and the City of Miami Building Department are continuing to provide MRC staff with the approved plans, dimensions / cross sections for publicly accessible riverwalk sections proposed or already constructed at Miami River development projects. Per the direction of the MRC's Greenways Subcommittee (GSC), two sets of received approved publicly accessible riverwalk cross sections will be reviewed during each monthly public noticed GSC meeting. For your consideration during the July 11, 2007 GSC meeting, please find the following summaries of the approved plans for “ Riverfront East ,” which is composed of “Wind” (Phase I), “Cima” (Phase II) and a yet-to-be-named third tower (Phase III), and “ Riverfront West ” composed of “Ivy” (Phase I), “Mint” (Phase II) and two yet-to-be-named towers (Phase III & IV); “Wind” “Ivy” and “Mint” are currently under construction.
“Riverfront East” (formerly named “Miami River Renaissance” and “Miami River Village” in Major Use Special Permit, 24 SW 4 Street, on the north shore immediately west of the South Miami Ave Bridge)
“City of Miami Office of Hearing Boards” document signed by City of Miami Public Works Department on 9/28/04 , City of Miami Zoning Department on 10/4/04 and Building Department on 10/4/04 – Planning Department renditions include a riverwalk within a 50-foot setback. MRC staff is unable to determine if the pledged 16-foot unobstructed pedestrian path is provided within the riverwalk shown in the 50-foot setback.
Presented to MRC on July 22, 2002 and December 1, 2003, and the Urban Infill Working Group on November 18, 2003 ; Items of interest during both meetings:
- The UIWG recommended that the MRC support a requested side-yard setback waiver because the developer was 1) willing to fund and develop the Miami River Greenway as it continues from his property to the east on Miami-Dade County owned public right-of-way beneath the South Miami Avenue Bridge; 2)agreed to work with Miami-Dade County to make aesthetic improvements to the bridge including new grating to reduce noise; 3) install Miami River Greenway way-finding signage; and 4) provide cleats for recreational vessel access. (UIWG, November 18, 2003 )
- The developer agreed to widen the unobstructed 11-foot pedestrian path adjacent to the bridge tender tower to 16 feet. (UIWG 11/18/03 )
- The approved MRC July 22, 2002 meeting minutes state the MRC “recommended approval of the project subject to [the developer] increasing the riverwalk width near the Miami Avenue Bridge Tender Tower .”
- The approved MRC December 1, 2003 meeting minutes state, “Mr. Murley noted the MRC's July 2002 condition to widen the riverwalk's unobstructed path to 16 feet adjacent to the bridge tender tower has been met, and the UIWG recommended the MRC support the pending “Miami River Village's MUSP application. The UIWG further recommended that the developer continue to work with the MRC's Greenways Subcommittee on the Miami River Greenway way-finding signage installation.”
- The approved MRC December 1, 2003 meeting minutes state, “Dr. Ernie Martin made a motion to approve the recommendation of the UIWG and the “Development Technical Review Report” of November 18, 2003 ,” and was unanimously adopted.
Issues :
- A July 2002 rendering of the proposed development, distributed to the MRC, depicts a riverwalk connection proceeding east, beneath the South Miami Avenue Bridge . However, this connection is not shown in the 2004 City of Miami planning documents.
- Confirming approved riverwalk width adjacent to the bridge tender tower is 16 feet
- Confirming approved 50-foot riverfront building setback
“Riverfront West” (“Riverfront” in Major Use Special Permit, 55, 82, 92 and 95 SW 3 rd Street, on the north shore immediately west of the South Miami Ave Bridge, south of SW 3 rd Street and west of MetroRail)
“City of Miami Office of Hearing Boards Plans Review” document signed by City of Miami Public Works Department on 9/28/04 , City of Miami Zoning Department on 10/4/04 and City of Miami Planning Department on 10/4/04 – Planning Department renditions include a riverwalk within a 50-foot setback. MRC staff is unable to determine if the pledged 16-foot unobstructed pedestrian path is provided within the riverwalk shown in the 50-foot setback.
Presented to MRC on September 13, 2004 and the Urban Infill Working Group on August 24, 2004 ; Items of interest during both meetings:
- “Riverfront” consists of two adjacent Major Use Special Permit applications. The western half of “Riverfront” requires a zoning and land use amendment from Office to Commercial. The eastern half of “Riverfront requires a view corridor waiver, and a fifty foot set-back from the river at the S. Miami Ave Bridge tender tower. (UIWG 8/24/04 )
- The “Development Technical Review Report” of the approved August 24, 2004 UIWG meeting minutes state, “The “Riverfront” proposal was found to be consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan , subject to the following conditions: 1) Provide riverwalk connectivity to existing riverwalk sections located to the east (beneath the S. Miami Ave bridge) and to the west (beneath Metro-Rail); 2) Widen the setback and riverwalk at the S. Miami Ave Bridge tower to a minimum of 20-feet; 3) Maintain a minimum 16-foot wide unobstructed publicly accessible pedestrian path;” In addition, the UIWG recommended the riverwalk be developed in Phase I and noted a need to study traffic circulation at the S. Miami Ave and 3 rd ST intersection
- Mr. Steve Lefton, Kimley Horn and Associates, stated the riverwalk is consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, maintaining a 16-foot-wide publicly accessible unobstructed riverwalk. (MRC 9/13/04 )
- The September 13, 2004 approved MRC meeting minutes state, “Ms. Sallye Jude , MRC, asked if the developers would consider funding and developing the riverwalk connection beneath the South Miami Avenue Bridge , and Mr. Frank Guerra, NEO LLC, replied it was in their best interest for their project's retail component to assist in providing the riverwalk beneath the South Miami Avenue Bridge in order to connect with the existing riverwalk to the east. Mr. Guerra asked for the MRC's assistance in facilitating discussions on riverwalk connectivity with Miami-Dade County , which owns the public right-of-way beneath the South Miami Avenue Bridge and the MetroRail.
- The September 13, 2004 approved MRC meeting minutes state, “The “Riverfront” project is consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and the Miami River Greenway Action Plan , subject to the riverwalk being developed within five years…of the project's Major Use Special Permit.”
Issues :
- Developing the riverwalk connection to the west beneath the MetroRail and to the east beneath S. Miami Ave Bridge
- Ensure a 50-foot setback and 16-foot unobstructed publicly accessible riverwalk
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