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The Miami River Commission’s (MRC) Greenways Subcommittee (GSC) met on Monday, November 19, 2007, 2:00 PM, United Way Conference Room A, 3250 SW 3rd Avenue. Dr. Ernie Martin chaired the meeting.  The attendance sheet is enclosed.

I. Discuss Future Miami River Greenway Governance –Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, noted MRC staff had met with Mr. Roger Hernstadt, Assistant City Manager, Mr. Orlando Toledo and Ms. Ana Gelabert, City of Miami Planning Department, Mr. Robert Weinreb, Office of the City Manager and Mr. Ron Nelson, Office of Commissioner Sarnoff, on Tuesday, October 19, 9 am to address ongoing greenway governance issues (i.e. review of cross sections for publicly accessible riverwalks proposed or already constructed at Miami River development projects). Mr. Bibeau stated Mr. Hernstadt had directed the city administration to write Miami River developers regarding their proposed riverwalk dimensions, and requesting that any potential riverwalk inconsistencies be corrected to reflect the previously city-approved dimensions on file.  Mr. Bibeau noted MRC staff has yet to receive copies of the aforementioned draft letters, which the city had agreed to provide.  Mr. Bibeau added that Mr. Hernstadt has requested to conduct similar quarterly meetings regarding the Greenway with city and MRC staff, adding that the next quarterly meeting will most likely be held in January 2008.  Mr. Bibeau noted Ms. Lori Billberry requested a meeting with Dr. Ernie Martin and MRC staff on Monday, November 26.  Similarly, City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones has recently requested a meeting on Tuesday, November 27.

II. Status of Miami River Greenway Historic Markers – Dr. Martin noted the Spring Garden Civic Association (SGCA) had recently passed a resolution to convene a party/reception for former Wimbeldon tennis champion and long-time Spring Garden resident Gardner Malloy in celebration of his 94th birthday.  Dr. Martin noted the event is also aimed at raising money to crate an additional Spring Garden Greenway historic marker.  Ms. Ashley Chase, MRC Assistant Managing Director, agreed to email Dr. Martin the “Miami River Greenway Historical Marker Specifications,” so that he may forward the document to the SGCA. Mr. Bibeau noted the firm whom the MRC had contracted, Baron Sign Manufacturing, for the construction, permitting and installation of the 6 Miami River Greenway historical markers had charged over $4,000 per sign. Mr. Bibeau asked who would administer the Spring Garden Historical Marker project, and Dr. Martin replied the SGCA was looking into different possibilities.  Dr. Martin stated the residents would like to dedicate the Miami River Greenway section within Spring Garden to Gardner Malloy.  Ms. Chase noted she had shared with Spring Garden resident Eileen Broton the possibility of the MRC partnering with the SGCA to host a reception to not only celebrate Mr. Malloy’s birthday, but unveil the installed “Alligator Joe” historic marker at Point Park while commemorating Spring Garden’s colorful past and future. Ms. Chase noted Ms. Broton seemed open to the suggestion.

Mr. Bibeau noted he had contacted Mr. Chris Rogers, Yazi, to inspect and provide his opinion of the left vertical border of the frame for the “E.G. Sewell Memorial Park” historic marker at Sewell Park which had mysteriously fallen, leaving the porcelain enamel panel exposed. Mr. Bibeau Mr. Rogers had emailed MRC staff indicating that after conducting a first inspection of the sign, be believed its damage was a result of vandalism-though it was hard for him to be absolutely sure. In the email, Mr. Rogers noted his biggest concern “is that the porcelain panel is now unsecured. It can be slid out the side of the frame, there are no fasteners holding it in place,” and had recommended “the removal of the porcelain panel until the frame can be repaired.” Mr. Bibeau added Mr. Rogers had emailed photos of the damaged sign to Mr. Bryan Vasser, Baron Sign Manufacturing, and requested Mr. Vasser to contact him to discuss. Per the directive of Dr. Martin, Mr. Bibeau agreed to alert the City of Miami Parks and Public Works Department of the marker’s status. The GSC mentioned that the City of Miami Parks Department, to their knowledge, is responsible for the sign’s maintenance since it is located within a City of Miami park.

The GSC discussed the possibility of utilizing the City of Miami-owned kiosk along South River Drive as a community bulletin board, notifying residents of upcoming neighborhood meetings and events, such as the free 12th Annual Miami Riverday festival, which will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2008. Per the directive of Dr. Martin, Mr. Bibeau agreed to contact the City of Miami Public Works Department to share this suggestion, request that they place the 12th Annual Miami Riverday festival poster (to be printed in late February/early March) in the kiosk, and provide a copy of the future Spring Garden kiosk’s keys to the SGCA president.

Mr. Bibeau noted he had recently provided Mr. Kevin Brown, Consul-Tech / City of Miami Capital Improvement, pictures of a Miami River Greenway wayfinding sign on North River Drive and SW 1 ST that had been damaged by graffiti. Mr. Bibeau stated he had contacted the sign manufacturer to inquire how the graffiti could be removed, and the manufacturer noted that a “lacquer thinner” could be used to remove the graffiti. Ms. Chase suggested contacting the City of Miami “Graffiti Buster,” which operate under the city’s NET office, to request the removal of the graffiti. Mr. Bibeau noted he would contact Mr. Pablo Canton, Director of the East Little Havana NET office, to obtain more information regarding the “Graffiti Busters.”  The sign manufacturers informed Mr. Bibeau the subject wayfinding sign was one of the first phase, and didn’t have a clear protective coat therefore using the chemicals to remove the spray paint may damage the actual text, yet all future signs will have a protective clear coat.

Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Brown had taken him on a site visit to review signage within the Greenway sections currently under construction.  Mr. Brown noted all signs state “Miami River Greenway” therefore it is only necessary to point out other nearby attractions.  Dr. Martin noted a few of the first phase wayfinding markers need to be corrected to show the Greenway arrows in both directions.

III. Discuss Status of Miami River Greenway Development –Mr. Bibeau stated the Department of State had submitted their grant application to the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) 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 campaign to find the $750,000 match on behalf of the City of Miami. Per the directive of Dr. Martin, Mr. Bibeau agreed to arrange a meeting with Mr. Jorge Perez, president of the Related Group, to address the Related Group’s previous correspondence regarding the Miami Circle site which is adjacent to their Icon development currently under construction.

Mr. Bibeau stated the Department of State had received a letter from United States Coast Guard Captain Karl Schultz to Mr. Jere Lahey, State of Florida, stating, “The Coast Guard has received notice from the Army Corps of Engineers that they will be dredging in the vicinity of the collapsed seawall as early as August 2008…It is strongly recommended that the collapsed seawall be removed prior to the Army Corps dredging in the area.”

IV. Review of Miami River Greenway Riverwalk Cross Section – MRC staff distributed copies and reviewed the following:

Miami River Development Riverwalk Cross Sections
November 19, 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 November 19, 2007 GSC meeting, please find the following summaries of the approved plans for “Brickell on the River” and “River’s Edge.”

“Brickell on the River” (31 SE 5th Street, located on the Miami River’s south shore between Metro-Mover “Fifth Street” Station and west of U.S. Customs)

“City of Miami Office of Hearing Boards Plans Review” document signed by City of Miami Building Department and Public Works Department 12/02 and City of Miami Planning Department on 11/25/02; Landscape Site Plan submitted by Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, Inc. for the project entitled “Brickell on the River” on 5/8/95- Planning Department Renditions/Landscape Site Plan include a 50-foot building setback from the riverfront (50-foot setback is also depicted in 5/3/01 plans submitted to MRC and Building Department plans) entitled “Riverwalk Area” which is east – west.  In addition the rendition depicts 25-30 foot wide sideyards on both sides providing north south access to the east west riverwalk area.   

MRC May 7, 2001 minutes Agenda Item II “Brickell on the River”

• Ms. Lucia Dougherty, Greenberg Traurig noted “the development was to be 60 stories and it has been reduced to 42 stories with a much better orientation o the River and a 50 foot setback from the River.  There is a riverwalk, which is open to the public.”
• “Ms. Janet McAliley made a motion requesting that the developer enlarge the clear path riverwalk from 13 feet to 16 feet…Mr. Parks explained to Ms. Dougherty that the MRC’s support is conditioned on increasing the clear path of the riverwalk to 16 feet. The motion was amended by Jim Murley to include cleats for the boat tie-ups”  The motion was unanimously adopted

Issues for follow up:

• A 16-foot wide riverwalk running east/west was completed at the site (Phase I – need to confirm width), yet the pedestrian paths running north/south on both sides of the property (portion of Phase II) need to connect the sidewalk on SE 5th Street to the publicly accessible riverwalk as depicted in the City Commission MUSP renditions.
• 50 foot building setback should be confirmed.

“River’s Edge”, 243 NW South River Drive, approved MUSP is yet to break ground (currently “La Coloma Marina,” east of the 5th Street Bridge on the river’s south shore)

“City of Miami Office of Hearing Boards Plans Review” document signed by City of Miami Planning Department on 11/4/06 and Public Works Department on 11/6/06 –Planning Department renditions include a minimum 20-foot-wide (varied) riverwalk. MRC staff is unable to determine if the dimensions within the area marked as “riverwalk” contains the pledged 16-foot-wide unobstructed pedestrian path and additional min. 4 feet wide passive zone for landscaping, decorative lighting, benches, etc. 

Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG), October 20, 2006, minutes

• Mr. Robert Behar, Behar, Font & Associates, noted “4 shallow boat slips will be filled to accommodate a publicly accessible riverwalk/open space along the waterfront with no barriers/obstructions on either side of the property.”
• “The UIWG reviewed the presented rendition of the riverwalk cross section, depicting a total 15.5 foot wide riverwalk area, and inquired what the breakdown is between the unobstructed pedestrian path and passive zones.  Mr. Behar replied they would revise their proposal to accommodate the Miami River Greenway Action Plan’s recommended dimensions of a 20 foot wide publicly accessible riverwalk area, consisting of the 16-foot wide unobstructed pedestrian path and 4- foot passive zone, featuring the landscaping, decorative lighting, benches, etc.”
• “Mr. Bibeau noted the project rendition included the site’s adjacent Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department owned riverfront utility easement to the south, and depicting new landscaping in a publicly accessible green space. Mr. Bibeau stated in partnership with Miami-Dade County and “Hands on Miami Day” volunteers this site is scheduled to become a pocket park, with additional landscaping, on November 4, 2006, as recommended, coordinated and funded by the MRC. Mr. Bibeau asked since the County owned site was incorporated into the proposed project rendition, is the potential developer & following condo association considering providing ownership and/or maintenance of the newly created park. Mr. Ferro replied they would consider it.”
• “Dr. Martin asked if the riverwalk connected with the sidewalk  / on-road greenway area, and Mr. Behar showed on the rendition how the riverwalk connects on the south, middle and north with the sidewalk / on-road Greenway area.”
• “Dr. Martin, Chair of the MRC’s Greenways Subcommittee, stated if the land use and zoning amendments are approved, he recommended the MRC find the proposed development to be consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, subject to: widening the proposed [15.5- foot]  riverwalk to a minimum 20 feet, consisting of a 16-foot-wide unobstructed pedestrian path and a 4 feet wide passive zone featuring landscaping, decorative lighting, benches, etc. and providing a covenant guaranteeing the pledged public access to the riverwalk/pedestrian path in perpetuity.”
• “Mr. Ferro added in addition to the marina, customers of the proposed restaurants may arrive by recreational vessel and dock temporarily.” 

 
MRC November 6, 2006 minutes state:

• “Mr. Ferro added the developer intends to improve the current marina and 3 or 4 shallow boat slips will be filled to accommodate a publicly accessible riverwalk/open space along the waterfront with no barriers/obstructions on either side of the property.”
• “Mr. Behar noted the riverfront parcel will consist of a minimum 20 foot wide publicly accessible riverwalk, including a minimum 16 foot wide unobstructed pedestrian path..,”
• “Dr. Martin added if the land use and zoning are amended, then the revised 20-foot wide publicly accessible riverwalk, featuring a minimum 16-foot wide unobstructed pedestrian path greenway would be consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan.  Dr. Martin added he recommends a covenant guaranteeing the pledged public access to the riverwalk/ pedestrian path in perpetuity.”
• “Mr. Behar noted the 20-foot-wide publicly accessible riverwalk recommendation has since been incorporated.  Mr. Behar added that, in order to construct the recommended riverwalk, several boat slips along the riverfront would need to be filled.”
• “…Mr. Lofgren replied the Haul-out slip would be filled to accommodate the proposed riverwalk.”
• “Mr. Robert Ruano made a motion finding “River’s Edge” consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan’s intent for the “lower river”.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Dana Nottingham and passed 6-4.”

Additional Issues:

• Ensure that the pledged min. 20 foot wide riverwalk area consists of a min. 16-foot-wide unobstructed pedestrian path and additional min. 4 feet wide passive zone for landscaping, decorative lighting, benches, etc.
• Developer providing a covenant guaranteeing the pledged public access to the riverwalk / pedestrian path in perpetuity

Mr. Bibeau stated that upon his recent inspection of “Brickell on the River,” he noted a tiered 50-foot setback had been provided.  Mr. Bibeau added however, that the previously pledged 16-foot-wide unobstructed pedestrian path/riverwalk was actually only 13 feet wide, upon measurement.  Mr. Bibeau explained the pedestrian paths running north/south on both sides of the property (portion of Phase II of “Brickell on the River”) need to connect to the sidewalk on SE 5th Street to the publicly accessible riverwalk as depicted in the City Commission MUSP renditions. Mr. Bibeau noted the sidewalk needs to connect to the on-road 5th Street greenway along the east side of the property.  Mr. Bibeau added that the sidewalk is under construction along the west side of the property. Dr. Martin asked if the areas had been paved, and Mr. Bibeau replied that the area consisted of two paved travel lanes. Per the directive of Dr. Martin, Mr. Bibeau agreed to update the city on the status of this project at the next quarterly meeting.

Mr. Bibeau noted the issues pertaining to “River’s Edge,” include: Ensuring that the pledged min. 20 foot wide riverwalk area consists of a min. 16-foot-wide unobstructed pedestrian path and additional min. 4 feet wide passive zone for landscaping, decorative lighting, benches, etc.; and determining the status of the developer providing a covenant guaranteeing the pledged public access to the riverwalk / pedestrian path in perpetuity.

Mr. Bibeau noted that, per the request of Dr. Martin, he had attended a preliminary meeting with a sales representative from “River Oaks” to discuss the status of the previously pledged 16-foot-wide publicly accessible riverwalk (now under construction), on-road greenway connectors, and on-site ADA compliance.  Mr. Bibeau stated they had agreed to a follow up meeting to further review potentially non-ADA consistent public paths connecting the riverwalk with the on-road greenway.  In addition Mr. Bibeau is scheduleding a site visit with the developers of Terrazas Riverpark Village as directed by Greenways Chair Dr. Martin.

V. Discussion of Greenway Connectors Needed on County owned North Shore Beneath the South Miami Avenue Bridge, Metro-Rail, and WASD Pump Station and the South Shore Beneath the Metro-Rail, Metro-Mover, and SW 2 Ave Bridge – Mr. Bibeau noted the Miami-Dade Public Works Department had recently completed its survey of some of the county-owned parcels where publicly accessible riverwalks will be constructed with County bond funding. Mr. Bibeau added the survey was forwarded to EDAW for use in its riverwalk design competition for the shoreline at the pump station.  

Dr. Martin asked for the status of the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department (WASD) Pump Station parking site.  Mr. Bibeau noted the issue of allowing public parking on the currently vacant parking lot adjacent to the WASD pump station continues to make progress. Mr. Bibeau stated the County Attorney was assigned the responsibility of drafting an agreement between the WASD and GSA, which would most likely administer the public parking lot.

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

• Mr. Bibeau noted he had attended the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk Exchange on November 7, 2007, and was elected to be a Member-at-Large. Mr. Bibeau noted the Riverwalk Exchange representatives had expressed an interest in hosting their next meeting (November 2008) in Miami.
• Mr. Bibeau noted the City of Miami is moving towards utilizing an $80 million bond item for streetscape improvements. Ms. Chase noted she had recently met with City Commissioner Joe Sanchez whom is considering utilizing a portion of that money to fund on-road greenway construction in his district, along S. River Drive (to NW 5th Street).
• Mr. Bibeau noted that greenway construction is fully funded from: Biscayne Bay to 5th Street Bridge (south shore) and Biscayne Bay to 12th Avenue, including Merrill-Stevens and the SR-836 (north shore)
• Per the directive of Dr. Martin, Mr. Bibeau agreed to schedule a meeting with Mr. Frank Castaneda, Chief of Staff for City Commissioner Angel Gonzalez, to discuss greenway construction in his district
• The GSC authorized Ms. Chase to notify Mr. Robert Ruano, City of Miami Director of Grant Administration, of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Recreational Trails Program (RTP) potential grant opportunity for the construction of the Lummus Landing riverwalk

The GSC confirmed their next regularly scheduled second Wednesday of the month meeting on December 12, 2007, 2 PM.

The meeting adjourned.

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