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MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION 
c/o Robert King High
1407 NW 7 St., 
Suite D
Miami , FL   33125

  Phone 305 644 0544
Fax 305 642 1136
  e-mail: mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

Mr. Bibeau explained the MRC is going through the public process to create the “3rd Annual Update” of the MRC’s adopted awarding winning strategic plan, the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. Mr. Bibeau noted the Update tracks progress on implementing the plan, and provides the opportunity for the MRC to consider any potential amendments.

Mr. Bibeau provided copies of the draft “3^rd Annual Update,” noting more than three-fourths (58) of the plan’s 71 “implementation steps” (including MRC adopted amendments from the 1^st and 2^nd Annual Updates) have been “completed” or are classified as “ongoing with significant progress,” including but not limited to commencing dredging of the Miami River, developing the Miami River Greenway, retrofitting the antiquated storm water and sanitary sewer systems, creation of 6 new waterfront parks, increasing tree canopy, supporting Mayor Diaz’s “Clean-Up Miami” campaign, de-pollution vessel services, expansion of the Enterprise Zone business incentives, extending metro-mover operational hours, new market rate and affordable housing developments, and more.  Mr. Bibeau stated the “Introduction” of the 3^rd Annual Update featured 25 “implementation steps” that had been brought to fruition during 2005, including but not limited to: encouraging developments to include alternate sources of energy and water conservation, requesting the local government and the Marine Industry to explore the creation of a state-of-the-art Customs Inspections Station, requesting that the MRC assist the private sector with permit facilitation and proper development practices by providing staff assistance and the creation of an “Urban Design Center”.  In addition, Mr. Bibeau noted that approximately 76% (29 of 38) of the Infill Plan’s identified “Opportunity Sites” have either broken ground or are in permitting stages. 

On behalf of the Miami River ’s marine industries, Dr. Bohnsack, Executive Director of the Miami River Marine Group (MRMG), reviewed and discussed the following amendments to the Infill Plan:

•  Support the Merrill-Stevens expansion to accommodate future mega yacht market.

• Study means the public sector may assist the Miami River ’s Marine Industry in improving efficiencies of the Port of the Miami River .

No objections were stated regarding the two proposed amendments.

Mr. Bibeau noted that one of the Infill Plan’s ongoing implementation steps with significant progress included: “Request the Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning pursue a Water Industrial Overlay District.” Mr. Bibeau noted County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro has agreed to sponsor the legislation, which is expected to be considered by the Board of County Commissioners in early 2006. Completion of this amendment, noted Mr. Bibeau, would be followed by “Request the Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning to pursue a Water Related Industrial Overlay District in Melrose ”, which is listed in the update as an incomplete Implementation Step.

The UIWG noted the County’s Planning Department is recommending amendments to their Comprehensive Plan, via their Evaluation and Appraisal Report, consistent with the Infill Plan, efforts of the Miami River Safety and Security Committee and MRMG.  Therefore the following “Incomplete” Implementation Step will be switched to the “Ongoing Implementation Step with Significant Progress” section: “Request that the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County update the text language of their comprehensive plan that address the Port of Miami River, consistent with this Plan, if deemed applicable upon the completion of a “Comparative Economic Analysis and Market Study of the Marine Industry in the Miami River Corridor.”

The meeting adjourned.

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