I. CHAIRS REPORT:

Ms. Janet McAliley made a motion to approve the MRC’s February 2, 2004 minutes.  Mrs. Sallye Jude seconded the motion.  The minutes were unanimously approved.

Mr. Parks reminded all attendees that the Eighth Annual Miami Riverday is Saturday, April 10, 2004 , in José Martí Park ( SW 4^th ST and SW 4^th Ave ) from 11-5 PM . An invitation was provided to attend the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board reception, Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 6:30 PM on Watson Island .  Mr. Parks stated the Urban Environment League is planning a forum on the Miami River and invited the MRC and Trust for Public Land to co-host the event. Dr. Martin stated that Spring Garden bottled water was now available for sale from Spring Garden residents.

II.   Presentation from Isilio Arriaga,
         Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce President and CEO

Mr. Parks reported that Mr. Isilio Arriaga, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, was unable to attend.  Mr. Parks invited Mr. Arriaga to reschedule his presentation to the next regularly scheduled MRC meeting on Monday, April 5, 2004 .

III. “Hurricane Cove”, Mayor Use Special Permit (MUSP) Application Presentation

Mr. Alfredo Gonzalez and Mr. Steve Wright left the meeting for this agenda item.  Lucia Dougherty, Greenberg Traurig, presented the “Hurricane Cove” proposed Major Use Special Permit (MUSP) application (including zoning amendment from marine industrial to commercial).  Ms. Dougherty stated that the proposed project, located at 1884 NW North River Drive , was reduced from four to three buildings (two-28 stories and one-26 stories) with 1,072 residential units, and plans to improve the existing 130-slip marina.  The project will provide a 16-foot wide unobstructed riverwalk path, which will be opened to the public during the same hours as City of Miami Parks.  In addition, there will be a seafood restaurant and convenient store.  The proposal features an “on-road” greenway as well.  Ms. Dougherty noted that the project was presented and recommended for approval by the City of Miami ’s Urban Development Review Board, and Zoning Board.  Ed Llorca, Mouriz Salazar Architects, noted that the view corridor to the river was re-aligned in the new three building design. The parking garage will be facaded with residential units.   

Mr. Parks provided a comment period for individuals wishing to speak for or against the project.  Mr. Parks informed the public that the MRC has no regulatory authority on any development project in the City or County.  Parks further explained that the MRC simply provides an advisory recommendation, at the request of the City and County Commission ’s. Parks stated that the recommendations of the Miami River Commission are based on the award winning Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. 

Mr. Parks read the motion made at the September 8, 2003 MRC meeting with regards to the “Hurricane Cove” proposed project, which stated that “the publicly accessible greenway be moved to the riverfront and request the developer to come back to the MRC and submit revised plans that decrease density to be more in accordance with the density standards discussed in the Urban Infill Plan. The motioned passed 9 to 4.”  Ms. Lucia Dougherty read from her copy of the September 8, 2003 MRC meeting, which stated “…that the MRC ask for further building redesign to decrease the amount of density on that site.”  Ms. Dougherty stated that it was her understanding that the project was approved by the MRC.

Tucker Gibbs, attorney representing Durham Park Neighborhood Association, stated the proposal is inconsistent and contrary to the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.  Mr. Gibbs quoted from the plan’s “Vision for the River” section on Allapattah, “The appropriateness of high density residential located directly on the River is highly questionable and should be reconsidered.”  Gibbs cited the Infill Plan’s “Middle River Prototype”, which depict 5-6 story mid-rise developments, which are a significantly smaller scale than the high-density proposal.  Therefore, Gibb’s asked the MRC to recommend denial of the “Hurricane Cove” MUSP.  Janet McAliley asked Mr. Gibbs what is the definition for “mid-rise”, and Gibbs replied that the proposed 19-27 story project is larger than what is commonly defined as “mid-rise”, which is commonly known as 5-7 stories.  Parks asked what the height of the two residential buildings immediately east of the site are, and Gibbs responded 6 and 10 stories.     

 The following individuals spoke in opposition to the proposed project:

• Mr. Horacio Stuart-Aguirre, President of the Durham Park Neighborhood Association, 1910 NW 13^th ST , a 51-year resident of the area, stated the Association are opposed to the project because it’s density is inappropriate for the surrounding neighborhood, and should not replace the existing boat-yard.
• Ann Fremont, 2101 NW 14 ST, expressed the importance of maintaining the existing self-help boatyard, where she works on her sailboat.  Fremont noted one mile of Marine Industrial zoning along the Miami River has already been re-zoned to accommodate high-density developments. 
• Dr. Fran Bohnsack, representing herself and Captain Beau Payne, noted that 413,127 feet of marine industrial property along the Miami River have been lost due to rezoning and with the proposed development project would be an additional 379,230 feet.  Dr. Bohnsack opposed the development project because there is no other location along the river providing a self-help boatyard.  Bohnsack noted the Miami River Marine Group did not oppose the removal of marine industrial zoning for “Neo Vertika”, “Latitude on the River”, and “Royal Atlantic”.

• Tom Kieman, 2001 NW 14^th ST , stated he works on his boat in the self help boat yard, and is opposed to the rezoning.  Mr. Kieman stated he is speaking in opposition for Mr. Pedro Perez as well, a Durham Park homeowner and boat-owner, who uses “Hurricane Cove’s” existing self-help boatyard, and was unable to attend the MRC meeting.
• Mr. Stephen Lamp, 1909 NW 14^th ST , Durham Park resident since 1949, stated he opposed the “Hurricane Cove” Project, because it is too large. 

The following individuals spoke in favor of the proposed project:

• Mark Luis, River Run resident and Board member of the River Run Condo Association, is pleased with the increase in property values, tax base, and microeconomic growth that the proposed project will bring the area.  Mr. Luis supported the publicly accessible riverwalk, and stated the removal of the self-help boat-yard would improve the area’s natural environment. Mr. Luis provided a letter of support for the project from the adjacent “Miami River Yacht Club” Condominium Association and letters of support from 10 additional River Run residents, who were unable to attend the meeting.

• William Glasko, River Run resident, stated he favored the project. 
• Abdoradve Hammas, owner of a nearby “Kwik Stop” located at NW 17 Ave and NW 14 ST, noted the project would increase his business.  Hammas stated when the project is completed, he would extend his business operating hours from 12 to 24 hours per day, resulting in the hiring of additional employees.
• Mr. Alberto Alvarez, River Run resident, stated the project would benefit the neighborhood by resulting in increased property values and reduced pollution.
• Victor Rivera, River Run resident, stated the City of Miami approved the “Terraza’s de Miami River” project for construction, located at the former “ Dodge Hospital ” site, directly across the river from “Hurricane Cove”. In addition Mr. Rivera stated there is a sign located directly west of the “Hurricane Cove” site, advertising a new “do-it-yourself marina”.
• Edith Puyans, River Run resident, favors the project.
• David Lefebyre, River Run resident, is in favor of the project because it would increase safety and improve the neighborhood.
• Hernan Lazo, owner of a nearby Liquor Store located at 1449 NW 17 AVE, stated his support for the project.

• Alfredo Salazar Jr., River Run condominium resident, favors the project because of the pollution and noise generated from the existing marina.
• Dr. Christopher Vendryes, River Run resident, stated the project would benefit the area’s economy and natural environment.

• Mr. Mario Sanchez, owner of a nearby business located at 1047 NW 17^th Ave. , considers the project will create more business and job opportunities in the community.  

Mrs. Dougherty stated that the proposed “Hurricane Cove” project is in Allapattah, which needs this new economic revitalization and economic stimulus.  Dougherty noted the units would start at $167,000, which is affordable for nearby Civic Center employees.  In addition, Dougherty stated Malcolm Wisehart testified at the City of Miami ’s Zoning Board that he is opening a new boatyard at the nearby “Hardee’s” Marina , located to the west of Hurricane Cove.  Dougherty noted under the existing Marine Industrial zoning, a 10-story building without a riverwalk may be developed.

Mr. Brett Bibeau stated the referenced potential “Terraza’s de Miami River” developers may be re-presenting their project to the MRC, with two buildings instead of one, partially due to the Federal Aviation Administration requesting a reduction in the height of the larger building. 

Commissioner Barreiro asked about the dimensions of the proposed riverwalk.  The architect, Mr. Ed Llorca, replied that it consisted of a minimum12-foot wide unobstructed pedestrian path, with an additional 10-feet of landscaping, benches, lighting etc., for a total minimum width of 22-feet.  Llorca stated the widest point is 100-feet, at the publicly accessible greenspace area.  Barreiro inquired about the riverwalk’s public access, and Dougherty replied it would be publicly accessible during the same hours as parks in the City of Miami (sunrise to sunset).  

Mrs. Janet McAliley stated she visited the “Hurricane Cove” site recently and met a boat owner working on her boat.   McAliley stated in spite of the developers efforts to reduce the proposed development’s density, she would prefer for the self-help boatyard to remain, rather than amend the existing marine industrial zoning to allow three new high-rise buildings. McAliley noted the substantial number of high-rise residential developments currently under construction or planned along the Miami River , and the entire City of Miami .  McAliley recommended the MRC work with the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Protection to ensure the Hurricane Cove Boatyard is not polluting the Miami River .

Dr. Ernie Martin expressed concerned for the high-rise development projects being proposed along the “middle river”.  Martin noted the project’s density is being calculated including the property marina’s 3.23 acres of submerged land, plus an additional allowable bonus of a 70-foot radius of square footage into the Miami River ’s Federal Navigable Channel.  Therefore, if the project’s allowable density under the proposed new Commercial zoning was calculated only on the property’s 4.68 acres of upland, it would be significantly reduced in density.  Dr. Martin noted several City Commissioner’s recently expressed concern with how the City currently allows the density calculation to include a 70-foot bonus area, if the project site is adjacent to a water body or park.

Theo Long stated she believes the project would be an improvement to the Miami River area.  Long stated if this proposal is denied, the next proposal may be worse.  Long believes the proposal will benefit Sewell Park , by bringing more residents to the area.

Commissioner Bruno Barreiro stated the marina is in disrepair, and the potential developer would improve the facility.  Commissioner Barreiro recommended the proposed riverwalk’s unobstructed pedestrian path be widened to 16-feet, and Ms. Dougherty agreed to the revision. Commissioner Barreiro moved that the proposed “Hurricane Cove” project was consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, therefore the MRC recommends the City Commission approve the pending MUSP, subject to the proposal including a publicly accessible 16-foot wide unobstructed riverwalk.  Mr. Otto Boudet-Murias seconded the motion. The motion failed 6-4.  Mr. Charles Morton made a motion that the proposed “Hurricane Cove” project was inconsistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, therefore the MRC recommends the City Commission deny the pending MUSP.  Ms. Sallye Jude seconded the motion, which was approved by a vote of 6-4.

 IV. “Finnegan’s on the River”

Mr. Tony Karpawich, and his mother Virginia Karpawich, owners of the proposed “Finnegan’s on the River”, presented their proposed indoor-outdoor restaurant, featuring a bar and pool, located at 401 SW 3^rd Avenue (former “Atlantic Boatyard”).  Mr. Karpawich stated that the proposed project will consist of a small two-story restaurant and improve the existing recreational boat slips.  Mr. Karpawich is now in the process of applying for a Class II Special Permit.  Mr. Jim Murley noted that the proposed project was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG).  The UIWG’s Development Technical Review Form noted the project is being developed within the existing building footprint and exterior walls, therefore maintaining the existing setback.  The Miami River Greenway Action Plan provides for the “on-road” greenway to run parallel with the restaurant along SW 3 Ave.  Mr. Parks asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition to the project. Commissioner Barreiro moved that the proposed restaurant, including recreational boat slips, was consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, therefore the MRC recommends approval.  The motion was unanimously adopted.

IV. Committee Reports

a.                  Dredging Working Group - The Army Corps of Engineers continues to evaluate the submitted bids to their Request for Proposal (RFP) to dredge the Miami River .  An award is scheduled to be announced on Friday, March 12, 2004 , and the project is scheduled to commence this summer.  The MRC unanimously authorized Brett Bibeau to travel to Washington DC to attend meetings on the Miami River dredging project.

b.                 Public Safety and Security - no report

c.                   Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan - A written update on the City of Miami’s “Miami River Economic Study”, from Jorge Martinez Esteve, City of Miami Department of Economic Development, was provided.  The study, which was originally scheduled for completion by March 2003, is now scheduled for completion by September 2004.

d.                 Greenways Subcommittee - no report

e.                  Stormwater Subcommittee - On February 1, 2003 , the MRC authorized the Stormwater subcommittee to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Upper Wagner Creek Isolation Survey.  The survey is designed to search for the Ecoli pollution source contaminating Wagner Creek, and the project is funded by the South Florida Water Management’s 2004 grant to the MRC.  The draft RFP was distributed.  The RFP is scheduled for release to City of Miami pre-qualified engineering firms on Friday, March 5, 2004 .

f.                    Economic Development & Commerce - no report       

VI.       New Business

Commissioner Barreiro stated his current designee, Mr. Alfredo Gonzalez, has resigned as his Chief of Staff; therefore Barreiro has appointed Betty Gutierrez as his new designee.

Mr. Bibeau reported that the MRC was awarded a $7,500 grant from the Dade Community Foundation and a $5,000 grant from the Elizabeth Ordway Dunn Foundation.