COMMITTEE WORKING GROUP | DR. ERNEST MARTIN, CHAIR
Greenway Minutes 201
4

  • January 16, 2014
  • February 19, 2014
  • March 12, 2014
  • May 14, 2014

I. City of Miami Public Riverwalk Construction Updates –
Attendees reviewed aerial exhibits and a November 8, 2013 letter from the City of Miami to FDOT providing update on completion of previously awarded LAP, TEP, TAP grant funds to construct some of the following sections of the public Miami River Greenway, and City CIP Assistant Director Jeovanny Rodriguez recently provided the following updates:

1) B-30651

Geographic Area: South River Drive / NW 7 ST from 10-12 Ave
Status: Nearing completion – “Punch list was prepared and provided to the contractor on October 11.” Will check kiosk size.

2) B-40686

Geographic Area: South River Drive from NW 1 ST to NW 5 ST Bridge
Status: Nearing completion – needs benches, way-finding signs, informational kiosks, removal of old utility poles, replace destroyed one new decorative pole, palm tree and Speed Limit sign, which were hit by a vehicle after installation, etc. City taking construction Bond to finish.

3) B-30336

Geographic Area: A) South River Drive from NW 5 ST Bridge to NW 10 Ave
Status: Nearing completion – needs benches, correct informational kiosks, check specs on new tree type, removal of old utility poles, etc

4) B-30130

Geographic Area: South Shore Metro-Rail to South Miami Ave Bridge
Status: Nearing completion – needs benches aligned and secured, sidewalk colored mesa beige, check specs on tree size, removal of old utility poles, etc

5) B-40643A

Geographic Area: North River Drive from NW 7 Ave to NW 12 Ave
Status – Nearing completion – needs install informational kiosks, remove old wood light poles by FPL, etc. City taking construction Bond to finish.

6) B-30631

Geographic Area: South Shore from Miami Circle to South Miami Ave
Status = Hired Engineer to make construction documents – design commenced Feb. 2012 - complete Feb. 2013 – City submitted LAP to FDOT but still needs to submit executed easements from MDT, scheduled for approval by the Board of County Commissioners in March and south shore just east of South Miami Ave Bridge

7) B-30643

Geographic Area:

A. North River Drive small gap between the existing Greenway sections at the 5th Street Bridge and 6th Avenue (FPL DESIGN INVOICE NEEDED)
B. Lummus Landing (riverfront portion of Lummus Park)- City issued Purchase Order for Milian, Swain and Associates to update their previous design for this site; survey phase completed in March, and estimated design completed by Fall 2012. City intends to utilize original Milian, Swain plan/schematics for Lummus Landing, including the placement of boat slips, riverwalk, and decorative lighting. City provided additional $1,076,000 saved from another Miami River Greenway project, to finish the riverwalk in Lummus Landing, $661,007 of which was approved on City Commission’s January 27 agenda item RE. 3, and $414,993 approved at 2/24/11 City Commission meeting. (no Federal funding)
C. Awarded 50/50 matching FIND grant in September 2013

Design Status: 100% complete
Needed Action Items: request modification to ACOE permit, hire contractor, construct

8) Job Order Contract (JOC) with no Federal funds

Geographic Area: NW North River Drive, from NW 2 ST to NW 3 ST
Design Status: 90% complete
Needed Action Items:

1) First Complete B-30643 (Lummus Landing, #7)
2) FPL
3) Advertise for Construction Bids
4) City Commission
5) Execute Construction Contracts
6) Issue NTP
7) Construction

9) Health District Riverwalk / 82-70587 ($961,000 in City funds, FY ’12 – ‘13 $200,000 for design, followed by FY ’13 – ’14 $761,000 for construction)

Geographic Area: North shore, NW 12 Ave to Mahi Shrine
Design Status: City awaiting receipt of pledged MDC GOB funds
Needed Action Items:

1) Contract engineer – Design estimated March – July 1 , 2013
2) Apply for permits
3) execute paperwork with property owners Miami-Dade County and MDX

10) Improve Curtis Park Boat Ramp (no federal funding)

Design Status: City contracted engineer
Needed Action Items:
1) Obtain Permits
2) March 2013, City applied for a FIND 50% cost share grant (no Federal funds) – although scored high enough for funding lost FIND grant due to lack of permits by 9/25/13 deadline
3) Secure Permits
4) Reapply FIND grant in April 2014

Jeovanny Rodriguez recently informed the MRC the City of Miami will apply for a TAP grant in the upcoming cycle for a section of the public Miami River Greenway.

II. Miami-Dade County Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Tony Moreno, Miami-Dade County Public Works Department, provided the following update:

From: Gutierrez, Jose (PWWM)
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2014 12:13 PM
To: Moorey, Lana (PWWM); Moreno, Tony (PWWM)
Subject: RE: MRC Greenways Subcommittee Jan 16 Public Meeting Agenda
The Following Items are missing to complete the sites 1, 2, 3 and 6 for Miami River Greenway.

Site # 1.
- The power connection for lighting. Electrical final inspection is approved. FPL is waiting for the opening of the commercial account to connect the power.
- The water connection for irrigation. All fees are paid and WASD should do this work the current month of January.
- The replacement of the safety zone.
- The pressure cleaning.
- The replacement of the wrong mulch.
- The fixing of the exposed dripping hoses for irrigation.
- The holes in the bottom of the garbage can (west side) for water drain.
- The completion of the landscape.
- Reinstall arm on benches.

Site # 2.
- The power connection and the opening of commercial account to paid the service to FPL.
- The water connection for irrigation (WASD).
- The replacement of the colored concrete sidewalk to match the right color.
- The replacement of the safety zone.
- The replacement of the wrong mulch.
- The fixing of the exposed dripping hoses for irrigation.
- The pressure cleaning.
- Reinstall arm on benches

Site # 3.
- The power connection for lighting. And the commercial account to paid the service to FPL.
- The pressure cleaning.

Site # 6.
- The power for lighting and the commercial account to paid the service to FPL.
- The water connection for irrigation (WASD).
- Removal of the old FPL pole.
- Replacement of the buffer zone.
- Replacement of the colored concrete sidewalk areas that don’t match the right color.
- The completion of the landscape.
- The pressure cleaning.
- The fixing of the exposed dripping hoses.
- Reinstall arm on benches.

Jose Gutierrez, Road Construction Cost Estimator
Miami-Dade County, PWWM Department
Construction Division
www.miamidade.gov

"Delivering Excellence Every Day"
Site 4 & 5 (Metro-Rail North and South Shores)
Per BCC request, MDC PW obtained following needed adjacent small riverfront parcel dedications (with assistance from the MRC):

  • NW side of Metro-Rail
  • NE side of MetroRail

SW side of Metro Rail (Neo Vertika) – Condo Association Attorney opinion that transfer of ownership would require 75% of unit owners and 75% of respective bank mortgages to sign as well, making it essentially not feasible. Therefore Neo Vertika’s Condo Association executed and provided County a Perpetual Easement, which remains under consideration by the County. FIND has informed the County they may use FIND’s portion of the awarded 50/50 matching grant on the subject portion of the public riverwalk project. The Board of County Commissioner’s previously adopted a resolution (2011) directing the Mayor’s office to negotiate use of the subject land for this intended purpose. In October 2013 Public Works estimated Commissioner Barreiro’s sponsored amendment to the Board of County Commissioner’s previously approved item, in order to accept the perpetual easement, is scheduled to be considered at subcommittee in February 2014, followed by the Board of County Commissioner’s in March 2014.

The next TAP grant cycle is in early 2014. Greenway’s Chairman Martin and Director Bibeau recommended the County apply for the public riverwalk beneath Metro-Rail North and South Shores, because since it is already designed and partially permitted, the application would score very high. If awarded, the TAP grant funding would be matched by the previously awarded FIND grant, allowing the County’s GOB Bond “Miami River Greenway” to be used at other unfunded sections of the public riverwalk, for example Robert King High, 1401-1407 NW 7 ST, etc. In addition MDC may apply in the upcoming FIND grant cycle for design funding for the public riverwalk at County owned 1401-1407 NW 7 ST. Ms. Moorey stated she would discuss it with her supervisors.

A few months ago the County contractor reached “substantial completion” of the first 4 MDC owned sections of the public Miami River Greenway, located at WASD’s Pump Station #1 on North River Drive, beneath Metro Mover’s 5 ST Station, S. Miami Ave Bridge North shore, and 2 Ave Bridge South shore. These County owned sites include decorative garbage cans, which the Miami River Commission has been emptying, and picking up litter, generally three times per week, (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) since late December 2013, at the following rates:

  • $15 per hour x 2 workers = $30 per hour x 4 hours = $120 + $35 truck use fee = $155 per service day.
  • January 1 – September 30 = 39 weeks x 3 service days per week = 117 service days x $155 per service day = $18,135 + $2,720 (15%) administration, inspection, oversight fee = $20,855 Total

An agreement for MDC to fund these MRC services is under consideration at MDC PW and Law Departments.

The Greenway’s subcommittee thanked Miami-Dade County.

III. Volunteer Public Miami River Greenway Beautification Events
On January 11, 2014, the MRC hosted and funded plants and supplies for Hands on Miami volunteers to add plants in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and pick up garbage along the adjacent public Miami River Greenway. This will be a monthly activity with the next event scheduled 2/8/14, 9-11 AM

On January 25, 2014 from 9-11 AM, the MRC will host and fund supplies for estimated 20 volunteers from UM, which will remove garbage along the shoreline in Sewell Park.

IV. New Business – The next public MRC Greenways subcommittee meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

The meeting adjourned.

January 16, 2014 | THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT

The Miami River Commission’s (MRC) Greenways Subcommittee (GSC) conducted a public meeting on Wednesday, January 16, 2014, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 Street. Participants included Lana Moorey and Tony Moreno, Miami Dade County Public Works, Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director and Dr Ernie Martin, Chair of the MRC’s Greenways Subcommittee. The previously distributed draft November 13, 2013 MRC Greenways Subcommittee public meeting minutes were accepted.

Water Reports:

City of Miami

Q3 & 4- July - December 2012

Q1- January - March 2013

Miami-Dade County:

Q1-January-March 2012

Q2- April - June 2012

Q3 -July - September 2012

Q4 - October - December 2012

Q1- January - March 2013

Q2 - April - June 2013

Q3 - July - September 2013

Q4 - October -December 2013

 


 

Miami River Commission’s
Urban Infill & Greenways Subcommittee’s Combined Minutes

I. Review Proposed “Miami Mega Yacht Marina” Located at 1583 NW 24 Ave - Homero Meruelo, Owner of Miami Mega Yacht Club site for over a decade, Tony Rodriguez-Tellaheche Architect, HCD Developers, and Susan Engle Enviro Care, presented the plans for the “Miami Mega Yacht Club”. The presented project features 16 covered mega-yacht slips, clubhouse, with one Captain’s Quarters / Warehouse area per slip. The site is an existing marine related industrial facility, zoned D3, and the current DERM Marine Operating Permit includes 45 boat slips. In addition, separated by curtains, work on vessels will be allowed following DERM’s required Best Management Practices, including a little sanding, painting, etc. The project will require Board of County Commission approval for the private property owner to conduct needed maintenance dredging of the existing water slips to the 15 foot depth of the adjacent designated federal navigable channel. Ms. Engle, former President of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, noted the incredibly positive economic impacts and jobs generated by mega-yachts docking in Miami for several weeks, while filling provisions before long trips. Mr. Meruelo notes these Mega Yachts will often be towed to and from the facility, and do not have frequent short trips such as the smaller boats docked there now. Mr. Meruelo noted the Miami-Mega Yacht Club will be unique in the world, featuring adjacent quarters, clubhouse, etc.

Attendees noted MRC Greenways subcommittee Chairman Dr. Ernie Martin had RSVP’d to the originally scheduled and publicly noticed 2/12/14 MRC subcommittee date, which the developer team requested to cancel due to the architect being in the hospital. The rescheduled meeting time was the only opportunity for the development team and MRC Urban Infill subcommittee Chairman Murley, that kept the proposed project eligible per standard operating procedures to be on the MRC’s next monthly public meeting agenda, Monday, March 3, 2014, 1407 NW 7 ST.

MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Jim Murley asked MRC Managing Director Brett Bibeau for his review of the proposal in terms of the adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan. MRC Director Bibeau stated City of Miami Zoning Code (Miami 21) Section 3.11, a. Waterfront Setbacks 1.” states in part, “These requirements shall not apply to Marine Related Industrial Establishments along the Miami River.” and “b. Waterfront walkways Design Standards” states in part, “Waterfront walkways are not required within Transect Zones…D3 unless the site is a new Commercial retail, Office or restaurant use.” Therefore the Miami River Greenway Action Plan calls for an on-road Miami River Greenway on City of Miami owned streets adjacent to this subject site, featuring the 8-foot wide mesa-beige sidewalk, landscaping, decorative lighting, way-finding signage, historic markers, informational kiosks, benches, decorative garbage cans, etc. matching the several miles of on-road Miami River Greenway constructed on City owned streets thus far. MRC Managing Director therefore recommended the MRC find the “Miami River Yacht Basin” development proposal consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, as the City’s zoning code Section 3.11 does not require a public riverwalk or waterfront building setback on this site, which is a marine industrial marine facility operating in a site zoned D3.

MRC Managing Director Brett Bibeau provided a copy of Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan:

page 36, “Another asset is the former Florida Yacht Basin (subject site) site 30, a marine industrial site with deep-water slips and the potential to compliment the planned Watson Island Mega-Yacht marina as a mega yacht servicing facility. This site is one of only a few with the physical infrastructure and geographic proximity to Watson Island to serve this purpose. This is consistent with the City of Miami Comprehensive Plan which encourages the establishment and maintenance of water dependent and water relates uses along the banks of the Miami River.” In addition

page 37, “Florida Yacht Basin Redevelopment Case Study, “The concept for this (subject) site is a Mega-Yacht repair and mooring facility along the waterfront and residential community along the southwest side of the site.”.

page 43, “”Upper River Urban Infill Sites”, the subject site is “#30 Florida Yacht Basin”

MRC Urban Infill Chairman Jim Murley stated the project was exemplary and the best part of making the MRC’s adopted strategic plans, is watching them become implemented by positive projects. The Miami River Commission’s (MRC) Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman, Jim Murley recommended the MRC find the “Miami Mega-Yacht Basin” proposal consistent with the adopted Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, and therefore support it receiving all needed permits and approvals as required by various codes in order to come to fruition.

The item is scheduled to be presented at the full body of the MRC at its next public meeting March 3, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST, at which time the developer is confirmed to make a presentation to the entire MRC. At that time, the recommendations for approval from both MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Murley and MRC Greenways Subcommittee Chairman Dr. Martin will also be presented and any comment from the general public will also be heard prior to a formal and final vote of the MRC. MRC Managing Director Bibeau stated he provided the developer team the MRC’s Project Presentation Checklist and Standard Operating Procedures.

II. New Business
MRC Managing Director Bibeau stated Dr Ernie Martin indicated during the next MRC public meeting under his Greenways Subcommittee Chairman Report or New Business, Dr. Martin intends to ask the MRC to support the City of Miami Historic and Environmental Preservation (HEP) Board’s recent denial of a “Certificate of Appropriateness” for MDM Development’s proposed “Met Square” development across the street from the Miami River, located at 300 SE 3 ST, where several more pre-historic 2,000 year old “Miami Circle” like patterns were discovered during the required dig within the City of Miami’s designated archeological zone along the Miami River. The proposed developers have filed their appeal of the HEP Board’s denial, which will be considered by the City Commission, therefore Dr Martin intends to ask the MRC to recommend denial of the appeal. (back-up materials available at miamigov.com, “Legislative Hub” / Legistar, under Feb. 14., 2014).

The meeting adjourned.

February 19, 2014 | THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT

The Miami River Commission’s (MRC) Urban Infill and Greenways Subcommittee conducted a public meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 8:30 AM, 1407 NW 7 Street. The attendance sign in sheet is enclosed. MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Jim Murley ran the meeting.

Water Reports:

City of Miami

Q3 & 4- July - December 2012

Q1- January - March 2013

Miami-Dade County:

Q1-January-March 2012

Q2- April - June 2012

Q3 -July - September 2012

Q4 - October - December 2012

Q1- January - March 2013

Q2 - April - June 2013

Q3 - July - September 2013

Q4 - October -December 2013

 


 

Miami River Commission’s
Urban Infill & Greenways Subcommittee’s Combined Minutes

I. Review Appeal of City of Miami Historic and Environmental Preservation Board’s Denial of the “Action Plan, Met Square” - MRC Managing Director Brett Bibeau distributed the following materials used for this item during the City of Miami Historic Environmental Preservation Board’s February 14, 2014 public hearing (8 hours) on this item:

  • “Action Plan, Met Miami, February 6, 2014”
  • “Met Square” Plans
  • “Comparable Archaeological Sites and Development Plans”

Ms Becky Matkov, Dade Heritage Trust (DHT), stated she supports the City of Miami’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board’s (HEPB) denial of the current proposed “Action Plan, Met Square” because DHT wants the developer to preserve for the public more than the currently proposed 1 circle and remains of Flagler’s Royal Palm Hotel on the site, while allowing a slightly redesigned development on the site as well.

Mr. Tony Recio, Weiss, Serota, Helfman on behalf of MDM Retail / Met Square, stated he didn’t think the MRC had jurisdiction on the item as it is not a riverfront parcel. Mr. Recio stated the “Action Plan, Met Square” includes a 12,000 square foot public plaza with 1 “circle” and remains of Flagler’s Royal Palm Hotel. Mr. Recio stated the development includes retail, restaurant, Movie Theater, and preserves history. Mr. Recio stated preserving all the “circles” the cost for steel alone would be $50 million, therefore the owner asked the City and County for financial assistance and they refused. Mr. Recio concluded the developers want a fair compromise. Their 1st attempt was preserving one “circle” and Royal Palm Hotel remains, and now they will try to preserve even more, while developing the site as well

MRC Greenways Chairman Ernie Martin noted he requested this item be on today’s MRC subcommittee agenda. Dr. Martin stated DHT is the most appropriate group to be directly involved in this issue, and he was glad they attended this MRC subcommittee public meeting. Dr. Martin stated this item was heading towards mediation between the 2 sides, which the City Commission is expected to authorize on March 27, which is before the MRC’s next public meeting. Ms. Matkov and Mr. Recio stated they will both be participating in the upcoming mediation. Dr. Martin stated he was surprised the HEPB is unable to consider the Preliminary Historic Designation Report until after the City Commission authorizes the mediation on March 27. Dr. Martin stated he supported the HEPB denial of the “Action Plan, Met Square” and supports DHT’s advisory recommendation to preserve the ancient site’s artifacts and circles, while still allowing a slightly redesigned development on the site. Mr. Murley stated he personally hoped a better balance would be achieved between preserving the ancient site with public access, while allowing a development on the same site.

II. Presentation of Temporary Closure of Riverfront’s Curtis Park Due to Contamination, and Plans to Reopen
Mr. Wilbur Mayorga and Ms Lornce Buckner, Miami-Dade County DERM, and Mr. Harry James, City of Miami, stated the environmental assessment is ongoing and will be completed within 2 weeks. Then a “Corrective Action Plan” (CAP) will be created, followed by its implementation. Mr. James stated it may be possible to partially reopen portions of Curtis Park. Mr. James stated currently the entire riverfront portion of Curtis Park, including a public Riverwalk and public boat ramp, remain open and operational. Mr. Jeovanny Rodriguez, City of Miami Assistant Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Director, stated the City of Miami is finishing the process obtain a DERM permit to improve the Curtis Park public boat ramp, for which FIND provided a matching grant, and the project will be put out to bid in 30 days).

III. Review Definition of “Mean High Water Line” Location When Measuring Waterfront Building Setback in City of Miami Zoning Code Section 3.11 a. 1.

MRC Director Bibeau provided the following email exchange:

“From: Hefty, Lee (RER) [mailto:HeftyL@miamidade.gov]
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2014 10:43 AM
To: 'Brett Bibeau'; Jim Murley
Subject: RE: Mean High Water Line Definition

Brett,
Generally correct, but with one clarification. Mean High Water is not the average between high and low tide, but rather is the average of the high water heights.

Regards,

Lee N. Hefty Director of Environmental Resources Management (DERM),
Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources
701 NW 1st Court Suite 400 Miami, FL 33136 Tel 305-372-6754 Fax 305-372-6759

From: Brett Bibeau [mailto:miamiriver1@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 9:22 AM
To: Hefty, Lee (RER); Brett Bibeau; Jim Murley
Subject: Mean High Water Line Definition

Dear Director Hefty:
As you recall, during the last development cycle a couple times there was some confusion regarding where to measure the waterfront building setback from. City of Miami Zoning code 3.11 a. 1. “Waterfront setbacks shall be a minimum of fifty (50) measured from the mean high water line provided along any waterfront”. Please be so kind to confirm or clarify my understanding that if the “waterfront” is a seawall, the “mean high water line” would be the point where the water touches the face of the seawall, and when there is an unconsolidated shoreline or riprap, the “mean high water line” is the average (between high and low tides) point where the water touches the land.

I thought I recalled emails a few years ago confirming this, but when I searched my computer they didn’t come up. With the current development cycle well underway, we are trying to generally clarify this definition during the public meeting this Wednesday (Mr. Mayorga also on the agenda for Curtis Park, and looking forward to hearing from him).
Thanks for your time and assistance. Have a great weekend

Sincerely,
Brett Bibeau
Managing Director,
Miami River Commission”

IV. Review of Successional Zoning Chart in City of Miami Zoning Code Section 7.1.2.8
Attendees reviewed the Successional Zoning Chart in City of Miami Zoning Code Section 7.1.2.8 which features text and a chart, describing what an applicant may apply for in terms of potential zoning amendments. MRC Managing Director Bibeau stated the text states in part, “The City’s growth and evolution over time will inevitably require changes to the boundaries of certain Transect Zones. These changes shall occur successional, in which the zoning change may be made only to a lesser Transect Zone; within the same Transect Zone to a greater or lesser intensity; or to the next higher Transect Zone” which appears inconsistent with the chart which does not allow a D3 (most restrictive of the Marine Industrial categories) to even apply for a zoning amendment to become D2 or D1 (less restrictive Marine Industrial categories) which would keep them within the “Port of Miami River” sub-element of the Comp. Plan, rather forces them to only be allowed to apply for a zoning amendment from D3 to “T6-8L, T6-8 O, CI” which is a significantly increased density and use which would require a land use amendment as well to leave the “Port of Miami River” sub-element of the Comp Plan. Similarly currently this chart in zoning code section 7.1.2.8 does not allow a zoning amendment application to be submitted and considered (no guarantee for approval) for D1 to become D3, nor D2 to become D3, nor D3 to become D2 or D1, all of which would keep the existing “Port of Miami River” land use in the Comp. Plan. MRC Urban Infill Chairman asked MRC Director Bibeau to review this with City of Miami Planning Director Francisco Garcia.

V) City of Miami Public Riverwalk Construction Updates
I. City of Miami Public Riverwalk Construction Updates –

1) B-30651
Geographic Area: South River Drive / NW 7 ST from 10-12 Ave
Status: Recently completed

2) B-40686
Geographic Area: South River Drive from NW 1 ST to NW 5 ST Bridge
Status: Nearing completion – needs benches, way-finding signs, informational kiosks, removal of old utility poles, replace destroyed one new decorative pole, palm tree and Speed Limit sign, which were hit by a vehicle after installation, etc. City taking construction Bond to finish
.

3) B-30336
Geographic Area: A) South River Drive from NW 5 ST Bridge to NW 10 Ave
Status: Recently completed (FPL needs to remove old utility poles)

4) B-30130
Geographic Area: South Shore Metro-Rail to South Miami Ave Bridge
Status: Nearing completion – needs benches aligned and secured, sidewalk colored mesa beige, check specs on tree size, removal of old utility poles, etc.

5) B-40643A
Geographic Area: North River Drive from NW 7 Ave to NW 12 Ave
Status: – Nearing completion – needs install informational kiosks, remove old wood light poles by FPL, etc. City taking construction Bond to finish.

6) B-30631
Geographic Area: South Shore from Miami Circle to South Miami Ave
Status = MRC assisted City obtain County and private sector easements before FDOT’s awarded grant deadline. FDOT currently reviewing city’s submitted LAP documentation.

7) B-30643
Geographic Area: A. Lummus Landing (riverfront portion of Lummus Park)
B. North River Drive small gap between the existing Greenway sections at the 5th Street Bridge and 6th Avenue
Design Status: 100% complete
Needed Action Items: City needs to publicly advertise completed plans for construction bids

8) Job Order Contract (JOC) with no Federal funds
Geographic Area: NW North River Drive, from NW 2 ST to NW 3 ST
Design Status: 90% complete
Needed Action Items:

1) First Complete B-30643 (Lummus Landing, #7)
2) FPL
3) Advertise for Construction Bids
4) City Commission
5) Execute Construction Contracts
6) Issue NTP
7) Construction

9) Health District Riverwalk / 82-70587 ($961,000 in City funds, FY ’12 – ‘13 $200,000 for design, followed by FY ’13 – ’14 $761,000 for construction)
Geographic Area: North shore, NW 12 Ave to Mahi Shrine
Design Status: City awaiting receipt of pledged MDC GOB funds
Needed Action Items:

1) Contract engineer – Design estimated March – July 1 , 2013
2) Apply for permits
3) execute paperwork with property owners Miami-Dade County and MDX

10) Improve Curtis Park Boat Ramp (no federal funding)
Design Status: 100% complete
Needed Action Items:
1) Publicly advertise completed plans for construction bids
2) Award Contract
3) Issue NTP / Construct planned improvements

II. Miami-Dade County Riverwalk Construction Updates – Miami-Dade County recently provided the MRC their updated punch list to complete MDC sites 1, 2, 3 and 6.
The MRC assisted MDC in obtaining the MDC’s required paperwork from Neo Vertika and FPL. Therefore MDC will publicly advertise their completed and permitted construction plans for sites 4 & 5 (Metro-Rail north and south shores) in April, with construction bids due in May
The Greenway’s subcommittee thanked Miami-Dade County.

III. Volunteer Public Miami River Greenway Beautification Events
Since the last MRC Greenways subcommittee public meeting, volunteer Miami River Greenway beautification projects, coordinated and funded by the MRC, were held:

  • January 25, 2014 from 9-11 AM, the MRC hosted and funded supplies for estimated 10 volunteers from UM, which removed garbage along the shoreline in Sewell Park.
  • February 8, 2014, the MRC hosted and funded plants and supplies for Hands on Miami volunteers to add plants in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and pick up garbage along the adjacent public Miami River Greenway.
  • March 1, 2014, the MRC hosted and funded plants and supplies for Hands on Miami volunteers to add plants in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and pick up garbage along the adjacent public Miami River Greenway.

Upcoming volunteer Miami River Greenway beautification events include:

  • March 22, 2014, the MRC will host and fund plants and supplies for Miami-Dade College volunteers from Lummus Park to NW5 ST Bridge, whom will plant and remove litter along the Miami River Greenway
  • April 26, 2014, the MRC will host and fund plants and supplies for Hands on Miami volunteers to add plants in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and pick up garbage along the adjacent public Miami River Greenway.
  • May 24, 2014, the MRC will host and fund plants and supplies for Hands on Miami volunteers to add plants in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and pick up garbage along the adjacent public Miami River Greenway.

IV. New Business – The free 18th Annual Miami Riverday will be April 5, 2014, 1-6 PM, Lummus Park, 250 NW North River Drive, featuring live music, Miami River boat rides, environmental education, children activities, historic re-enactors, paddleboard and kayak races, food, drinks, etc.

The meeting adjourned.


 

March 12, 2014 | THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT

The Miami River Commission’s (MRC) Urban Infill and Greenways Subcommittee conducted a public meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 Street. The attendance sign in sheet is enclosed. MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Jim Murley and MRC Greenways Chairman Ernie Martin ran the meeting.

Water Reports:

City of Miami

Q3 & 4- July - December 2012

Q1- January - March 2013

Miami-Dade County:

Q1-January-March 2012

Q2- April - June 2012

Q3 -July - September 2012

Q4 - October - December 2012

Q1- January - March 2013

Q2 - April - June 2013

Q3 - July - September 2013

Q4 - October -December 2013

 


 

Miami River Commission’s
Urban Infill & Greenways Subcommittee’s Combined Minutes

I. Review Proposed “Miami Riverwalk” Mixed-Use Development (Special Area Plan) located on three blocks bordered on the north by the Miami River, on the south by SW 7 ST, on the west by SW 3 Ave, and on the east by SW 2 Ave
Ms. Melissa Tapanes, Berkow Radell Fernandez, Mr. Kobi Karp, Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, Mr. George Puig, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Ms. Christy Brush, Coastal Systems International, and Mr. Ari Pearl, Chetrit Group Florida Properties, presented “Miami Riverwalk”, including a PowerPoint. The proposed project is located on three blocks bordered on the north by the Miami River, on the south by SW 7 ST, on the west by SW 3 Ave, and on the east by SW 2 Ave. The development team stated the proposal features a 50-foot waterfront building setback (25 of the feet have a 15’ – 18’ foot tall awning over it, and the 25 feet closest to the River are open to the sky, and a public riverwalk. MRC Director Bibeau distributed copies of the City of Miami Zoning Code requirements regarding the public riverwalk contained in Section 3.11 and Appendix B, in addition to the City Charter section (mm)(ii). The developer team stated their proposed public riverwalk and waterfront building setbacks and side yards are consistent with these sections of the City of Miami Zoning Code and City Charter, and they were not seeking and reductions, waivers, exceptions, variances, etc. The public riverwalk will connect at grade with existing public riverwalks to the east at SW 2 Ave Bridge, Latitude on the River, Neo Vertika, etc., and to the west, into Jose Marti Park, etc. In addition to the public riverwalk, the riverfront block (between SW 3 and SW 2 Ave from River to SW 5 ST) contains a marina, 3-story building with restaurant, retail, and office space.

The developer team stated: The 2 upland blocks (between SW 2 Ave and SW 3 Ave from SW 7 ST to SW 5 ST) feature 4 buildings, 60-stories (650 feet tall) each, with 1,449 residential units plus a 300 room hotel (1,749 total units), and 8-5 story parking pedestals completely facaded with habitable liners on the first 3 floors and art screens on the remaining floors. The application includes a request to amend the Land Use (City of Miami’s adopted Neighborhood Comprehensive Plan) on the 2 upland blocks, from the current “Little Havana Target Area” Residential Density Increase Area, which allows an additional 200 units per acre, to become “River Quadrant” Residential Density Increase Area, which allows an additional 500 units per acre (above baseline zoning T6-36). The sites current Land Use and Zoning (without the requested land use amendment) allows 1,100 residential units. If the requested Land Use amendment is approved to allow the increased “River Quadrant” Residential Density Increase Area (500 units per acre), than the site’s maximum units would become 3,000, while a total of 1,749 units are proposed. The Land Use amendment application is tied to the plans.

In addition, the developer team stated the plans include a Zoning Amendment known as a Special Area Plan (SAP). Normally SAP has minimum 9 acres, and in this development plan the private properties (under various sale contracts) consist of 6 acres, therefore the remaining 3 acres to meet the required 9 acre SAP threshold are the south east portion of Jose Marti Park. The City of Miami will be a co-applicant on the SAP application, which is yet to be formally submitted to the City of Miami. The developer team stated they will provide the “working waterfront” notice required in the Comp. Plan.

The developer team stated they will be participating in the “Public Benefit” program under the City’s adopted zoning code, via paying into a City Fund, and constructing various public benefits in the area, in return for additional development density bonuses. MRC Director Bibeau asked what are the proposed public benefits, and the developer team stated they remained under consideration, but may include colored up-lighting of adjacent I-95 and 2 Ave Bridges over the Miami River. MRC Director Bibeau stated if the entire Jose Marti Park was included in the designated SAP boundary, than Public Benefit improvements would be feasible regardless of their specific location within the Park, and not be limited to only the south east 3 acres of the Park as the current boundary depicts. For example, Director Bibeau stated the Parks existing over 25-year old riverwalk could use ADA improvements / ramps on existing shallow steps, new surfaces, improved drainage, NW corner gazebo is fenced off and closed to the public because roof is collapsing, improved decorative lighting, new bathroom appliances (toilets, showers, tile, etc.) within the existing pool building, etc.

MRC Director Bibeau stated the City of Miami entered into a contract with FDOT when the City used $1,000,000 in Federal Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) Grant funding to construct the existing on-road Miami River Greenway (8 foot wide mesa beige sidewalk, landscaping, benches, way-finding signage, informational kiosk, street, stormwater drainage, decorative trans cans, decorative lights, etc., in a portion of the subject area, along SW 3 Ave from the Miami River to SW 6 ST, and along SW 6 ST from SW 3 Ave to SW 2 Ave. The Grant funding contract requires these improvements to be in place for 30 years. If a developer wants to remove the improvements, another option which may be considered consistent with the grant contract is for the developer to pay for an equal section of the on-road Miami River Greenway to be constructed at another needed location, which is yet to have secured funding. The developer team stated they were aware and intended to leave the existing on-road Miami River Greenway improvements in place, and or improve / restore them after construction as needed. The developer team added they will be making improvements to the other public streets in the area, including SW 5 ST’s riverfront dead-end, and make a new street running north south, in-between 2 Ave and 3 Ave, which will be used for loading, garbage trucks to access dumpsters, etc.

Ms. Christy Brush, Coastal (marine contractor) and Mr. George Puig, Kimley-Horn (landscape architect), stated they were recently contracted and are assessing the condition of the existing seawall which may need replacement, and are working on more detailed Riverwalk cross sections. Ms. Brush stated the existing slip has previous permits issued for filling, and they intend to maintain the “water transit” stop currently on the Miami River at this site (Finnegan’s River).

UIWG Chairman Murley thanked the developer team for their presentation. Chairman Murley stated SW 7 ST from SW 2 Ave to SW 3 Ave often gets backed up with cars taking a left onto SW 3 Ave in order to access the ramp to get on I-95 north bound. The developer team stated they will be conducting a Traffic Study. UIWG Chairman Murley and the developer team agreed that since the recently contracted landscape architect, marine contractor, and Traffic Study just started their work / designs, which are not ready yet for presentation and consideration yet, this project is not quite ready to be presented and considered by the full MRC on June 2.

II) City of Miami Public Riverwalk Construction Updates

1) B-30651
Geographic Area: South River Drive / NW 7 ST from 10-12 Ave
Status: Recently completed

2) B-40686
Geographic Area: South River Drive from NW 1 ST to NW 5 ST Bridge
Status: Nearing completion – needs benches, way-finding signs, informational kiosks, removal of old utility poles, replace destroyed one new decorative pole, palm tree and Speed Limit sign, which were hit by a vehicle after installation, etc. City taking construction Bond to finish.

3) B-30336
Geographic Area: A) South River Drive from NW 5 ST Bridge to NW 10 Ave
Status: Recently completed (FPL needs to remove old utility poles)

4) B-30130
Geographic Area: South Shore Metro-Rail to South Miami Ave Bridge
Status: Nearing completion – needs benches aligned and secured, sidewalk colored mesa beige, check specs on tree size, removal of old utility poles, etc.

5) B-40643A
Geographic Area: North River Drive from NW 7 Ave to NW 12 Ave
Status – Nearing completion – needs install informational kiosks, remove old wood light poles by FPL, etc. City taking construction Bond to finish.

6) B-30631
Geographic Area: South Shore from Miami Circle to South Miami Ave
Status = MRC assisted City obtain County and private sector easements before FDOT’s awarded grant deadline. FDOT currently reviewing city’s submitted LAP documentation.

7) B-30643
Geographic Area:
A. Lummus Landing (riverfront portion of Lummus Park)
B. North River Drive small gap between the existing Greenway sections at the 5th Street Bridge and 6th Avenue
Design Status: 100% complete
Needed Action Items: City needs to publicly advertise completed plans for construction bids

8) Job Order Contract (JOC) with no Federal funds
Geographic Area: NW North River Drive, from NW 2 ST to NW 3 ST
Design Status: 90% complete
Needed Action Items:
1) First Complete B-30643 (Lummus Landing, #7)
2) FPL
3) Advertise for Construction Bids
4) City Commission
5) Execute Construction Contracts
6) Issue NTP
7) Construction

9) Health District Riverwalk / 82-70587 ($961,000 in City funds, FY ’12 – ‘13 $200,000 for design, followed by FY ’13 – ’14 $761,000 for construction)
Geographic Area: North shore, NW 12 Ave to Mahi Shrine
Design Status: City awaiting receipt of pledged MDC GOB funds
Needed Action Items:
1) Contract engineer – Design estimated March – July 1 , 2013
2) Apply for permits
3) execute paperwork with property owners Miami-Dade County and MDX

10) Improve Curtis Park Boat Ramp (no federal funding)
Design Status: 100% complete
Needed Action Items:
1) Publicly advertise completed plans for construction bids
2) Award Contract
3) Issue NTP / Construct planned improvements

III. Miami-Dade County Riverwalk Construction Updates
Miami-Dade County has substantially completed construction of 3 sections of County owned public Riverwalk, and at a 4th County site next to Lummus Park the contractor needs to make the installed riverwalk color a consistent “mesa beige”, per the plans.

The MRC assisted MDC in obtaining the MDC’s required paperwork from Neo Vertika and FPL. Therefore MDC publicly advertised their completed and permitted construction plans for sites 4 & 5 (Metro-Rail north and south shores) in April, with construction bids due in May.
The Greenway’s subcommittee thanked Miami-Dade County.

IV. Volunteer Public Miami River Greenway Beautification Events
Since the last MRC Greenways subcommittee public meeting, volunteer Miami River Greenway beautification projects, coordinated and funded by the MRC, were held:

  • March 22, 2014, the MRC hosted and funded plants and supplies for Miami-Dade College volunteers from Lummus Park to NW5 ST Bridge, whom planted and remove litter along the Miami River Greenway
  • April 26, 2014, the MRC hosted and fund plants and supplies for Hands on Miami volunteers to add plants in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and pick up garbage along the adjacent public Miami River Greenway.

Upcoming volunteer Miami River Greenway beautification events include:

  • May 24, 2014, the MRC will host and fund plants and supplies for Hands on Miami volunteers to add plants in the community vegetable and fruit garden, and pick up garbage along the adjacent public Miami River Greenway.

V. New Business – The meeting adjourned.

May 14, 2014 | THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT

The Miami River Commission’s (MRC) Urban Infill and Greenways Subcommittee conducted a public meeting on May 14, 2014, 9 AM, 1407 NW 7 Street. The attendance sign in sheet is enclosed. MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee Chairman Jim Murley ran the meeting.

Water Reports:

City of Miami

Q3 & 4- July - December 2012

Q1- January - March 2013

Miami-Dade County:

Q1-January-March 2012

Q2- April - June 2012

Q3 -July - September 2012

Q4 - October - December 2012

Q1- January - March 2013

Q2 - April - June 2013

Q3 - July - September 2013

Q4 - October -December 2013

 


 

c/o Robert King High1407 NW 7 Street, Suite D, Miami, FL 33125 305-644-0544Fax: 305-642-1136Contact us email