I. Presentations

A. Discussion of American Institute of Architects (AIA) June 2010 National Convention and Creation of the Miami River Catalyst Plan - Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated Mr. Joel Mills, American Institute of Architects (AIA), had recently emailed MRC staff noting that he was unable to participate in today’s meeting due to AIA’s participation in Haiti Relief efforts, and emailed the following update, “the AIA team had a good conference call last week to begin refinement of its scope and discussion about team members, and is working on developing dates for its next preliminary visit.” Mr. Subrata Basu, Assistant Director of Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning, stated he had recently followed up with Mr. Antonio DiMambro, AD & A, about the referenced conference call and noted he hoped to follow-up on the following items with Mr. DiMambro once he was back in the country next week: 1) scheduling meetings with consultants of the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC); 2) discussion of Palmer Lake and Miami Marlins Stadium; 3) exploring idea of getting an independent economic consultant “onboard” with the project, etc.  Mr. Basu reported that despite AIA’s current limited staff, he was confident the project would get back on track and move along as scheduled.

UIWG Chair Murley suggested reaching out to the Architecture Schools at the University of Miami and Florida Atlantic University to solicit their input and assistance, and Mr. Basu replied the AIA team would engage them after performing some more preliminary work. Mr. Basu stated he would like to schedule another Miami River field trip and meeting with the MRC’s Urban Infill Working Group in March-which he noted is when Mr. DiMambro hopes to return to Miami - and UIWG Chair Murley replied MRC staff would be happy to accommodate that request.

Mr. Basu stated he was currently reviewing Dr. Paul Lambert’s October 2008 economic study of the Miami River, which he noted he had recently received from Dr. Lambert himself. Mr. Bibeau thanked Mr. Basu for attending the Saturday, January 16 Miami River boat tour and asked him if he would be so kind to forward staff a copy of Dr. Lambert’s study. Mr. Basu stated he would forward MRC staff an electronic PDF of the 40 page document.  Mr. Bibeau reported the City of Miami had undergone an economic study of the Miami River a few years back, which had rendered an over 1,400 page draft report. Mr. Bibeau asked Mr. Basu if he had a copy of this report, and Mr. Basu replied no. Mr. Bibeau noted Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group had previously offered to provide it to the AIA team.  Mr. Basu noted he will continue to examine all economic studies and reports regarding the economic conditions of the Miami River.

B. Discussion and Update of City of Miami Evaluation Appraisal Report (EAR) - Mr. Bibeau reported that Miami City Commissioners unanimously voted last Thursday to abandon all three City of Miami appeals relating to the three specific cases in which they had approved land-use amendments, from marine-industrial to residential, along the Miami River at Coastal on the River, Hurricane Cove and Brisas del Rio.  In addition, Mr. Bibeau reported that City Commissioners had entered into discussion regarding the Evaluation Appraisal Report (EAR)-based, recommended amendments to the Port of Miami River Sub-Element, specifically the City’s 2008 proposal to delete the word “Port” from the Port of Miami River Sub-Element (definition) in the City of Miami’s Neighborhood Comprehensive Plan.  Mr. Bibeau noted the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) had denied the City’s request to delete current references to the “Port of Miami River” in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, to which the City was currently appealing. Mr. Bibeau noted during last Thursday’s City Commission meeting, the Commissioners had discussed abandoning the City’s appeal to overturn the State’s denial of the City’s previous desire to remove the word “port” from the Port of Miami River Sub-Element. Mr. Bibeau noted Commissioner Marc Sarnoff had suggested meeting with the Miami River Commission and the Miami River Marine Group (MRMG) and all River stakeholders to discuss the future of the Miami River, which had prompted City Attorney Julie Bru to reply that she would prefer-due to the ongoing mediation on the case between the MRMG and the City-conducting one-on-one meetings with each Commissioner to discuss the appeal. Mr. Bibeau reported a decision was finally reached to defer further discussion of the EAR to the City of Miami’s February 11, 2010 Miami City Commission meeting.

Mr. Bibeau explained that since the MRC was not meeting in February, today’s UIWG meeting would provide the only opportunity to discuss the EAR and any potential course of action prior to the February 11 Miami City Commission meeting. The UIWG reviewed the following distributed EAR-related documents:

• March 18, 2008 letter from MRC Chair Eric Buermann to Mayor Manny Diaz, copying Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Miami-Dade County Chairman Bruno Barreiro, City of Miami Chairman Joe Sanchez, City Manager Pete Hernandez and City of Miami Planning Director Ana Gelabert Sanchez, suggesting convening a meeting regarding the City Administration’s Draft Non-EAR recommended amendments to the Port of Miami River Sub-Element in the City’s Comprehensive Plan
• May 5, 2008 Miami River Commission adopted meeting minutes in which the MRC unanimously adopted a resolution (11-0) finding the Planning Advisory Board/Miami River Marine Group’s proposed EAR recommended amendments to the City of Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan with the following one remaining previous MRC condition: Not deleting Comp. Plan “Policy PR-1.5.8: Expand the existing Jose Marti Park to provide additional recreational opportunities for the area’s residents, workers and visitors.”
• May 8, 2008 letter from MRC Chair Eric Buermann to Miami City Commissioners recommending approval of the EAR-based amendments to the City of Miami Comp. Plan recommended by the Planning Advisory Board with one condition
• November 13, 2008 letter from MRC Chair Eric Buermann to Miami City Commissioners recommending approval of the EAR-based amendments to the City of Miami Comp. Plan recommended by the Planning Advisory Board with one remaining condition

The UIWG directed MRC staff to resubmit the MRC’s previous position to Miami City Commissioners on February 11 on behalf of Chairman Eric Buermann. UIWG Chair Murley noted staff could also provide a copy of the March 2008 letter from Chairman Buermann requesting a meeting with Mayor Manny Diaz to discuss the EAR.

II. New Business - The following items were discussed.

• Mr. Bibeau stated Mr. Orin Black, a Miami River property owner located adjacent to the NW 5th Street Bridge, had emailed Mr. Arturo Perez, Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) independent engineer for the NW 5 ST bridge construction project, and copied MRC staff on the following email:

“Last week we had Olin Hydrographic Solutions scuba dive and survey the water depths directly in front of our property from the 5th St. Bridge to our eastern border.  The survey goes out 30 ft into the river and is at 5ft increments starting at our seawall (see attached survey).  The survey shows that immediately in front of the bridge and sloping eastward along our wall are some of the shallowest depths along the entire frontage. 

Just 6 months ago,  Shoreline Foundations removed the pre-existing seawall and uplands down to -15ft NGVD.  I photographed this work taking place and included some of those photo's. They had surveyors check that the depths were -15ft while the work was taking place.   

We now have depths on average 5ft higher than we had six months ago.  I believe this directly attributable to the on-going construction of the 5th St. Bridge.  We have documented many times with you high turbidity from the construction. 

Will there be maintenance dredging performed to clean up this extra fill that has gotten into the river?  Deep water access is the most important element for our business and many others that traffic the river.  

Please advise.

Respectfully,
Orin Black
5th St. Marina LLC

Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Black’s report regarding the shallow depths is similar to comments made on the record at a pubic MRC meeting from Miami River commercial fishermen and resident about conditions located on the opposite side of the NW 5 ST Bridge.  Mr. Bibeau noted FDOT contractors had originally attributed the problem to a lunar low-tide, and the MRC suggested FDOT conduct a post Bridge construction waterway survey to determine the actual depth of the Miami River and Seybold Canal adjacent to the new NW 5 ST Bridge. Mr. Bibeau explained that if the potential post construction survey demonstrates that the area has gotten shallower than its depths before the NW 5 ST Bridge construction project as demonstrated in the Army Corps post dredge survey and the City’s pre-dredge survey in Seybold Canal as reported to the MRC by several area businesses and residents, then potentially FDOT would need to restore the waterway’s designated depths via maintenance dredging. UIWG Chair Murley directed staff to continue monitoring this situation.

• Mr. Bibeau reported Merrill Stevens Dry Dock Company is now seeking $14 million vs. the original over $40 million to conduct a smaller scale modernization and expansion at the boatyard
• UIWG Chair Murley suggested combining efforts with the City of Miami to create a new Miami River economic development plan for Coastal on the River, Hurricane Cove and Brisas del Rio
• UIWG Chair Murley suggested working with the Miami River Marine Group to create a press release highlighting the Miami River shipping terminals’ efforts to provide relief to Haiti
• Mr. Bibeau stated the MRC is hosting/sponsoring a Miami River volunteer beautification event on Saturday, February 6, 10 am to noon along North River Drive, from NW 3rd Street (Lummus Park) to NW 6th Avenue. Volunteers will meet at 398-400 NW North River Drive and will replenish plants and remove litter along the on-road greenway

The UIWG’s next meeting will be held on Friday, February 12, 9 am at the Robert King High New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 Street.

The meeting adjourned

I. Presentations

• Discussion of American Institute of Architects (AIA) June 2010 National Convention and Creation of the Miami River Catalyst Plan – Mr. Subrata Basu, Assistant Director of Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning and Mr. Joel Mills, American Institute of Architects (AIA) calling in from their offices in Washington DC, stated they had a conference call with and Mr. Antonio DiMambro, AD & A, two weeks ago and had established a “game plan” which includes 1) AIA finding sponsors for their National Convention in Miami, June 5-9, 2010 2) AIA finding a suitable venue to accommodate 150-200 people for their Miami River Catalyst Plan Charrette 3) Making the AIA Miami River Catalyst Plan Team.  Mr. Basu, Mr. Mills and Mr. Dimambro have a follow up call scheduled in a couple weeks.  Mr. Mills noted he spoke with a representative from the Knight Foundation whom seemed willing to help sponsor the event.  Mr. Basu noted the AIA team had planned to present an update to the MRC at their March 1 meeting, but unfortunately Mr. DiMambro had suffered a minor stroke, yet is recuperating well.  Therefore the AIA presentation would have to be deferred until the MRC’s next meeting on April 5.  Mr. Basu noted during the MRC’s April 5 meeting, the AIA will present a paper summarizing the AIA’s preliminary findings/investigations, project’s schedule, logistics, and provide a list of AIA Miami River Catalyst Plan team members.  UIWG Chair Murley asked if the AIA team could present the referenced document at the UIWG’s March meeting, prior to its presentation to the full MRC on April 5, and Mr. Basu replied yes and agreed to forward the report to staff before the March UIWG meeting. 

Mr. Basu stated he will schedule meetings with representatives from the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC), Palmer Lake, and the Miami Marlins Stadium in early April when Mr. Mills and Mr. DiMambro are in Miami for the MRC meeting on April 5.  Mr. Basu stated a second Miami River Boat Tour will not be needed during this April visit.

UIWG Chair Murley suggested reaching out to the various South Florida Universities’ Architecture Schools to solicit their input and assistance, and Mr. Mills stated he is willing to make those connections happen.

B. Discussion and Update of City of Miami Evaluation Appraisal Report (EAR) - Mr. Bibeau reported last month that “Miami City Commissioners had unanimously voted in January to abandon all three City of Miami appeals relating to the three specific cases in which they had approved land-use amendments, from marine-industrial to residential, along the Miami River at Coastal on the River, Hurricane Cove and Brisas del Rio.” Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, reported the City of Miami administration recently filed an action to carry out formally dismissing & abandoning the three aforementioned appeals as directed by the City Commission. 

Mr. Bibeau reported as reflected in the UIWG’s January 21, 2010 public meeting minutes that “City Commissioners had entered into discussion regarding the Evaluation Appraisal Report (EAR)-based amendments to the Port of Miami River Sub-Element, specifically the City’s 2008 proposal to delete the word “Port” from the current “Port of Miami River Sub-Element” in the City of Miami’s adopted Neighborhood Comprehensive Plan.  Mr. Bibeau noted the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) had denied the City’s request to delete current references to the “Port of Miami River” in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, to which the City was currently appealing. Mr. Bibeau noted during [the January] City Commission meeting, the Commissioners had discussed abandoning the City’s appeal to overturn the State’s denial of the City’s previous desire to remove the word “Port” from the “Port of Miami River” Sub-Element…a decision was finally reached to defer further discussion of the EAR to the February 11, 2010 Miami City Commission meeting.”  Dr. Bohnsack reported the Miami City Commission recently deferred further discussion of abandoning their appeal against the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to continue attempting to overrule DCA’s decision not to allow the City of Miami to delete the “Port of Miami River” from the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan, to the March 11 Commission meeting with a time certain at 11 AM.  UIWG Chair Murley stated as reflected in the UIWG’s January 21, 2010 public meeting minutes, on May 5, 2008 the MRC unanimously adopted a resolution (11-0) finding the Planning Advisory Board’s proposed EAR recommended amendments to the City of Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan, which does not delete the “Port of Miami River” from the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan (consistent with the FL DCA) to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, with the following one remaining previous MRC condition: Not deleting Comp. Plan “Policy PR-1.5.8: Expand the existing Jose Marti Park to provide additional recreational opportunities for the area’s residents, workers and visitors.”  When the original City Commission votes to delete the “Port of Miami River” from the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan were considered by the City Commission on May 8 and November 13, 2008, the MRC’s voted upon advisory recommendation was provided (as requested by the City Commission) in letters from MRC Chairman Buermann to the City Commissioners.  In early January 2010, before the UIWG conducted their public meeting on January 21, 2010, the City Commission had deferred further discussing abandoning their final remaining Miami River related appeal until February 11, 2010, which was before the next MRC meeting on March 1, 2010.  Therefore the UIWG’s January 21, 2010 public meeting minutes reflect UIWG Chair Murley’s recommendation for MRC Chairman Buermann to forward his previous March 2008 and May 8 letters, containing the MRC’s advisory recommendation (in support of the City of Miami’s Planning Advisory Board’s recommended EAR based amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, which did not delete the “Port of Miami River” from the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan) to the City Commission.  Consistent with UIWG Chair Murley’s recommendation, MRC Chairman Buermann forwarded those related letters to the City Commissioners just before this related item was scheduled to be considered by the City Commission on February 11, 2010.  MRC staff presented a copy of the recent letters.  UIWG Chair Murley stated he would include this update within his UIWG Chairman report on the MRC’s March 1, 2010 public meeting agenda.      

Dr. Bohnsack stated she would provide MRC staff with the Miami River Marine Group’s catalogue of all Marine Industrial properties along the Miami River, which they had prepared at the request of the DCA.  Dr. Bohnsack distributed a letter from the Miami River Marine Group to the City of Miami, attaching their recommended draft City Commission resolution stating in part:

“NOW, THEREFORE BE IT REOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MAIMI, FLORIDA:

Section 1.  The City Manager and City Attorney are directed to immediately notify DCA that the City shall cooperate with the Intervenor to

• Compile a comprehensive list of existing properties and or businesses on the Miami River that meet the definition of “recreational and commercial working waterfront” as expressed in FL Statute 342.07; and
• Craft goals, objectives and policies to preserve the working waterfront, consistent with the amendments recommended by the City of Miami’s Planning Advisory Board (PAB), including “Port of Miami River” sub-element, in order to amicably settle the law suit filed by the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Intervenor”

II. New Business - The following items were discussed.

• Mr. Bibeau provided a follow up on the first item of new business from the UIWG’s January 21, 2010 public meeting minutes.  Riverfront property owner Mr. Orin Black, FDOT, Kiewet Construction, United States Coast Guard, the South Florida Water Management District and the Miami-Dade Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) are emailing and communicating regarding Mr. Black’s recent emailed / letter suggesting FDOT conduct a shore to shore Miami River water bottom survey of the area within 200 feet in either direction from the 5 ST Bridge, and Seybold Canal.
• Mr. Bibeau stated he had attended the State of the Port luncheon where Port of Miami Director Bill Johnson presented a PowerPoint with a slide highlighting the need to create a Rail connection between the Port of Miami and an “inland port” facility potentially to be located on a site with proximity to the Miami River and Miami International Airport.  UIWG Chair Murley asked staff to obtain a copy of the map exhibit presented at the event showing the rail line and potential inland port site.

The UIWG’s next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 18, 9 am, at the Robert King High New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 Street.

I) Plans

A.  Presentation of Miami-Dade County’s Palmer Lake Charrette - Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro had appointed him to the Palmer Lake Planning Charrette Steering Committee, which had then elected him as Vice Chair.  UIWG Chair Murley welcomed Mr. Eric Silva, Miami-Dade County Planning & Zoning, whom provided a PowerPoint presentation of the study area generally bound on the south by the Tamiami Canal, on the east by the Miami River, on the west by Douglas Ave and on the north by the intersection of South River Drive and Douglas Ave.  Mr. Silva stated the next steering committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for mid-April.  Dr. Ernie Martin stated there has been insufficient public notice and participation in this public visioning / planning process.  Mr. Silva and Mr. Linn replied the three public Palmer Lake Planning Charrette steering committee meetings have been publicly noticed via newspaper advertisements, County’s website, and written notices distributed in the subject area.  UIWG Chair Murley, Dr. Martin and Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, suggested the County take their time in order to provide the best possible output from this planning effort.  UIWG Chair Murley recommended involving FDOT which is a major stakeholder in the subject area.  Dr. Martin recommended an Economic Analysis be conducted for the specific area for consideration, prior to the charrette.  Mr. Bibeau stated he had provided Mr. Silva and Mr. Linn Miami-Dade County’s December 2, 2005 letter agreeing to the suggestion to utilize the riverfront area’s they eminent domained adjacent and beneath the the new Metro-rail bridge under construction into the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) for marine industrial purposes upon completion of the construction project.  Mr. Bibeau stated the County’s exhibit depicting the flight paths may be missing a secondary flight path, which resulted in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reject the City’s approved Major Use Special Permit for “Miami Rivertown”, located on the Miami River’s north shore, west of I-836, because the proposed building’s height was in the airplane flight path leading into Miami International Airport. Mr. Bibeau stated at a Palmer Lake Planning charrette public Steering Committee meeting the County Planning Department had presented a powerpoint presentation regarding the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, Miami River Greenway Action Plan, and Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.  Dr. Martin and Dr. Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, noted on the County’s Existing Zoning and Future Land Use maps that the entire area is “Industrial Light” or “Industrial Heavy”.  Mr. Silva added the County’s adopted Comprehensive Plan’s “Port of Miami River” sub-element includes the waterfront parcels within the study area for Marine Industrial business uses.  Dr. Martin stated due to these conditions the Miami River Greenway Action Plan within the study area is planned to be an on-road Greenway along South River Drive’s public right of way featuring a wide sidewalk, landscaping, decorative lighting, wayfinding signage, benches, and trash receptacles.  The Greenway turns west on NW

25 ST and ends at the MIC Metro-Rail station at Douglas Avenue, across the street from Palmer Lake.  UIWG Chair Murley noted per the MRC’s adopted plan’s this would be an ideal location for a water bus station across the street in Palmer Lake, connecting to other waterfront attractions such as the Miami Marlins Baseball stadium under construction across the street from the Miami River, to the east of 17 Ave, downtown, South Beach, Coconut Grove, etc.  Mr. Silva and Linn stated they are accepting the MRC’s invitation to present the Palmer Lake Planning charrette process at the next MRC public meeting on April 12, 2010, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST. Mr. Bibeau stated per UIWG Chair Murley’s suggestion, he would provide copies of the County’s existing Industrial Land Use and Zoning Text to the attendees of the next Palmer Lake Planning Charrette public Steering Committee meeting.  UIWG Chair Murley stated Douglas Ave has significant opportunities.  UIWG Chair Murley noted between the recently completed Miami River Maintenance dredging and environmental clean-up project, and the Miami Intermodal Center, the subject area has received hundreds of millions of tax payer investments, which need to be capitalized upon.  UIWG Chair Murley stated the Miami River Commission will continue advocating for the implementation of the recommendations related to the subject Palmer Lake Study area, which is a small portion of the Industrial “Upper River” section, per the MRC’s adopted Plans, such as the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, Miami River Greenway Action Plan, and Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, created with over 10 years of public input, data and analysis.  UIWG Chair Murley recommended a theme of industrial / multi-modal transportation employment area, using the existing Miami-Dade County incentives for new and expanding businesses in the area.      

B. Discussion of American Institute of Architects (AIA) June 2010 National Convention and Creation of the Miami River Catalyst Plan - UIWG Chair Murley welcomed Mr. Subrata Basu, Assistant Director of Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning, whom presented an update of the project. Mr. Basu reported that due to health reasons Mr. Antonio DiMambro, had regrettably decided that it would not be possible for him to continue serving as the leader for this AIA Planning initiative.  Mr. Basu noted a replacement has been found for him, Mr. Harris Steinberg, whom is experienced in Philadelphia’s waterfront. Mr. Basu explained that with the addition of Mr. Steinberg, 60% of the AIA team is now in place, and within the next couple of weeks, he would have the names of all the AIA team members working to create the AIA Miami River Catalyst Plan.  Mr. Basu stated Mr. Steinberg is getting up to speed in regards to the project.

Mr. Basu reported the AIA had secured the Hyatt Hotel as a venue for the charrette and public meetings, and the Epic Hotel for the smaller team/member meetings (June 5-9, 2010). Mr. Basu noted the AIA team is continuing discussions with local companies, architects and engineers regarding participation, partnerships and securing supplies, such as computers, scanners, etc. Mr. Basu added the AIA team has reached out to the University of Miami and Florida Atlantic University, and is currently awaiting a response, though they have individually formerly expressed interest.

Mr. Basu provided the following tentative schedule in an email later that day:

“June 6th Boat ride: Fran will arrange for the boat ride for approximately 10-12 people on Sunday. Time to be determined. Preferable either early or at the late afternoon.

June 6th Driving tour: Brett/Fran would identify a number of key locations to visit and we will prepare a tour map.

June 7th: Stake holder meetings during the day. MRC meets that day, so we need to alert them about the stake holder meetings and that their presence is expected at the public session at the evening (Hyatt).”

The UIWG agreed to have UIWG Chair Murley provide a brief update on the item at the MRC’s April 12, noon meeting at Robert King High, 1407 NW 7 Street, and Mr. Basu agreed to be on-hand that day to answer and questions. Mr. Basu accepted the UIWG’s invitation to provide a full presentation with the AIA team at the MRC’s next scheduled meeting on May 3.

II) Projects
                                            
Required Florida Department of Transportation Free Public Purpose Lease for Volunteer-painted Artistic Mural on SE side of the 1st Street Bridge- Mr. Bibeau stated that, consistent with the Miami River Commission’s (MRC) strategic plan, the MRC continues to host volunteer beautification events along the Miami River. Mr. Bibeau added that some of the those projects include the creation of artistic murals beneath bridges (i.e 27th avenue, NE side of the 1st  Street Bridge, Flagler Bridge, etc.). Mr. Bibeau noted a new one was recently created on the SE side of 1st Street Bridge, yet had been informed that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) had changed its policy from a special permit to a general permit accompanied by a pubic purpose lease. Mr. Bibeau explained that FDOT was now requiring the MRC to request a free public purpose lease, and therefore, he was bringing the UIWG’s attention to this matter, so that UIWG Chair Murley can forward his recommendation to the MRC at the April 12 meeting. Dr. Ernie Martin expressed that the murals along the Miami Rive Greenway look nice.  Mr. Bibeau noted it has been and will continue to be the responsibility of the MRC to maintain the murals painted by volunteers beneath FDOT Bridges, consistent with the permits FDOT issued to the MRC.  UIWG Chair Murley recommend the MRC enter into the free public purpose lease as being requested from the Florida Department of Transportation for the new artistic mural on the SE side of the 1 ST Bridge, depicting trees and 2 parrots.

The meeting adjourned

I) Plans

A.  Discussion of American Institute of Architects (AIA) June 2010 National Convention and Creation of the Miami River Catalyst Plan - Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated Mr. Joel Mills, American Institute of Architects (AIA), had recently emailed MRC staff the following “Miami River Corridor Project” documents for review: 1) Catalyst Project Team-list of AIA team members; 2) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Sheet; 3) Media Advisory; 4) Draft invitation letter to the Honorable City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado; and 5) Agenda for June 5-June 9, 2010.

Mr. Bibeau suggested making the following revisions prior to forwarding these documents to the Miami River Commission (MRC) board as back-up material for the Monday, May 3, 2010 MRC meeting:

• Confirm receipt of final AIA distribution materials
• Inserting address of Hyatt Hotel (400 SE 2nd Avenue), which is the agreed upon venue for public charrettes and meetings
• Inserting the June 7, 2010 MRC meeting at noon on June 7 into the AIA team’s schedule
• Including mention of “working river” in Media Advisory. Thus far, the closest mention to encouraging the preservation of the working waterfront is the following, “Opportunities along the corridor include the potential development and economic impact of the Miami Intermodal Center, the development of the new Florida Marlin’s stadium, and other redevelopment and revitalization opportunities that might enhance livability in the area and provide additional amenities to local residents.”

UIWG Chair Murley stated he had recently received an email indicating the AIA team would be making a visit to Miami on May 13-14, and suggested that Mr. Bibeau contact the team to verify these dates and determine what activities they would like to plan during their visit. Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Subrata Basu, Assistant Director of Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning, will be presenting an update of the Catalyst Plan-as part of a self-standing agenda item-at the MRC’s May 3 board meeting, noon, Robert King High New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 Street, and asked Ms. Ashley Chase, MRC Assistant Managing Director, to forward him a copy of the MRC agenda and confirm his attendance.

II) Projects
                                            
A. Miami-Dade Transit’s Update Regarding Construction of a New/Additional Metro Rail Bridge over the Miami River - Mr. Bibeau reported the “Miami Intermodal Center (MIC)-Earlington Heights Connector MetroRail Extension” is currently under construction and is working its way towards the Miami River. Mr. Bibeau explained the property that the county imminent domains on the Miami River is featured on the Miami River Commission’s Voluntary Improvement Program (VIP) List, as its seawall has already fallen into the river (in the form of big concrete slabs). Mr. Bibeau stated Mr. Carmichael, VIP Chair, and he recently met with Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) and asked if-as a part of their $500 million MetroRail expansion project-they intended to remove the concrete slabs which had fallen into the dredged Miami River, and then construct a new seawall.  Mr. Bibeau noted MDT had indicated the removal of the concrete slabs was not in their current scope of services, nor did they have the money to perform a change-order to their scope of services in order to remove them and build a new seawall. Mr. Bibeau explained that as construction continues of the new/additional MetroRail Bridge, MDT runs the risk of having more of their broken seawall fall into the recently dredged  Miami River.

Mr. Bibeau reported he and VIP Chair Jay Carmichael had a very positive meeting with MDT last week, in which MDT had expressed a willingness to include the removal of the concrete slabs as a part of their scope of services, if they are able to identify money to perform this task. Mr. Bibeau stated he had suggested that they apply to Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) grant funding and/or using money from the existing Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) in order to help stabilize the shoreline and repair the seawall.  Mr. Bibeau explained that when the county was requesting the fixed bridge to have a waiver for only a 40-foot vertical clearance where 75 feet is required over the federal navigable channel, it was agreed that-upon construction completion-all the land the county imminent domains adjacent to and beneath the new bridge would be made available for marine-industrial business purposes.  Mr. Bibeau stated he provided MDT with copies of a letter written by former MDT Director Roosevelt Bradley, referencing the aforementioned agreement. Mr. Bibeau added it was therefore determined that shoreline stabilization would be better by replacing the seawall vs. installing rip-rap, etc. Mr. Bibeau stated construction of the bridge is scheduled to commence in Spring/Summer 2011 and be completed by April 2012. Mr. Bibeau noted MDT had requested to present an update of this item to the UIWG in May, and at the subsequent MRC board meeting on June 7.  

B. Miami-Dade Transit’s Update Regarding Improving the “M Path” (Pedestrian Walkway) to Connect Miami-Dade Public Works’ Planned Riverwalk Beneath Metro Rail’s North Shore to the Adjacent Southwest Third Street - Mr. Bibeau noted six county-owned parcels are currently under design by Miami-Dade County Public Works utilizing the voted-approved $7.5 million GOB Miami River Greenway line item. Mr. Bibeau noted the planned riverwalk on the south side is only 25 feet from the river to the upland site, and the existing M-Path proceeds one block to SW 7th Street before connecting perfectly to the riverwalk. Mr. Bibeau noted however, that the same can not be said for the north side, as the riverwalk does not connect to what’s left of the M-Path. Mr. Bibeau stated he has therefore requested that additional improvements/repairs be made to the M-Path so that the riverwalk can connect to the adjacent SW 3rd Street. Mr. Bibeau stated that when presented with this concept, MDT had indicated they did not have the money to perform these improvements. Mr. Bibeau stated he had recently performed a site visit with MDT and pointed out that the county had an agreement with the neighboring developments, allowing them to use this area for staging. Mr. Bibeau explained that agreements of this nature usually require that the area be returned to its original condition prior to staging, but in this case, all sorts of building materials and dirt had been left behind. Mr. Bibeau stated MDT had expressed concern over the condition of the site, and had agreed to look into it.  Mr. Bibeau stated he had reminded MDT that the property owner, Keyes International, had proffered two small donations of their land-free of charge- to the county so that a riverwalk connection could be established, and suggested that perhaps it would be best not to pursue any action with the developers at this time until the offered land donations have been formally accepted by Miami-Dade County.  UIWG Chair Murley suggested engaging FP & L and the AIA team regarding this item, whom could perhaps draft a sketch of the subject area.

C.  Discussion of Miami City Commission’s April 8 Agenda Item, Which if Approved, Would Authorize a New Billboard in Riverfront “Lummus Park” - Mr. Bibeau noted this item was corrected after four months of being included on the City Commission meeting agenda. Ms. Chase added the actual proposed installation location was “Lummus Park Apartments”, and not riverfront “Lummus Park,” as indicated in the inaccurate back-up materials. Ms. Chase added this correction was finally reflected on the record by the city administration at the April 8 City Commission meeting, but the revised legislation has yet to be posted online.

D.  Preliminary Discussion of 1st Street Bridge- Mr. Bibeau reported that numerous engineers are currently bidding the P D & E (Planning, Design and Engineering) for the 1st Street Bridge. UIWG Chair Murley noted this bridge is adjacent to MRC board member Sallye Jude’s business, the Miami River Inn. Ms. Chase noted Ms. Jude had formerly requested that this item be addressed at today’s UIWG meeting, yet she is regrettably out of town. Mr. Bibeau noted that as part of the PD & E phase, engineers will analyze many alternatives for the bridge, which can include: restoration of the existing bridge; construction of a tunnel; leave the bridge as-is; or multiple alternatives for replacement. The UIWG agreed to anticipate the award of the PD & E and continue keeping track of this item, as it is a bit premature to engage the Miami River Commission.

III) New Business - Mr. Bibeau reviewed the track-changed draft of the Miami-Dade County “Port of Miami River Subelement,” which had been previously provided by Ms. Helen Brown, Miami-Dade County Department of Planning & Zoning. Ms. Brown agreed to incorporate the following revisions:

• Insert recreational boatyards and other marine industrial businesses which utilize the Port of Miami River (tug boat basins, commercial fishing, etc.)-page 1
•  Inserting FIND as a cost-share partner of the Miami River Greenway-page 2
• Insert bicycle path-page 2
• Insert “Since 2000 over 7,000 new residential units have been constructed along the mixed use Miami River and an additional 7,000 residential units have been planned”-page 3
• Reflect that Sewell Park Canoe launch ramp was completed, and remove “proposed”-page4
• Replace references to previous “Miami River Coordinating Committee” with current “Miami River Commission”-page 6
• Reflect that 5th Street Bridge was recently replaced, and 1st Street Bridge is about to commence a PD & E study-page 7

Mr. Bibeau asked if Dr. Fran Bohnsack had commented on the draft document, and Ms. Brown replied she had provided it to her a few months ago, and agreed to provide her with an updated draft. UIWG Chair Murley recommended providing a revised copy as well to the City of Miami.

Per UIWG Chair Murley’s recommendation, MRC staff agreed to look into obtaining more information regarding a White House Initiative for land acquisition/properties suitable for outdoor recreation.

Ms. Brown provided a copy of an April 20, 2010 Miami Herald article entitled, “Waterfront Proposal at Crossroads.”

The meeting adjourned.

I) Plans
A. Review Current Draft Miami-Dade County Evaluation Appraisal Report (EAR) - The UIWG reviewed the revised draft Miami-Dade County “Port of Miami River Sub-element,” which had been previously provided by Ms. Helen Brown, Miami-Dade County Department of Planning & Zoning. UIWG Chairman Murley thanked Miami-Dade County’s Planning Department for incorporating several of his recommendations provided in April into the revised May draft EAR.  UIWG Chairman Murley recommended the MRC find the draft EAR consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, with the following 4 revisions (new text underlined and deleted text struck through):

• Page 1 – 1st sentence, “The material presented in this section of the EAR is focused on the marine industrial businesses including but not limited to shipping facilities, boatyards, tug boat basins, commercial fishing, marinas, etc, found along the Miami River in central Miami-Dade County and on the continued maritime business and traditional marine-related shoreline uses, as well as the protection of environmental resources on the Miami River.”
•  Page 2 – 2nd Paragraph, 2nd sentence, “In 2006, Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning presented an Ordinance to the Board of County Commissioners…The ordinance was deferred.”  Because the drafted ordinance is yet to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners.
• Page 4, last paragraph, 1st sentence, “Since the last EAR Florida voters adopted “Working Waterfronts” which allows for marine businesses to be tax assessed based on their existing uses, and not the highest and best use.”
• Page 5, last paragraph, delete the last sentence, “Currently, the properties along the Miami River in the County are not pursuing this grant.”

The EAR will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners in July.  Therefore UIWG Chair Murley stated he recommended MRC Chair Buermann place this item on the MRC’s June 7 agenda, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST.

B. Discussion of American Institute of Architects (AIA) June 2010 National Convention and Creation of the Miami River Catalyst Plan - The UIWG welcomed Mr. Joel Mills, American Institute of Architects (AIA), whom reported the AIA team would be conducting their first conference call this afternoon to discuss the scope of services and activities for the “Miami River Catalyst Plan”, and noted everything is proceeding on track. Mr. Mills noted the AIA team is continuing to put together all final logistics and thanked Mr. Bibeau for his support.  The new AIA Team Leader, Harris Steinberg, visited Miami for two days in May and was provided a Miami River Boat Tour, and had meetings with the following MRC board members: UIWG Chairman Murley, Honorable Mayor Alvarez’s designee Tim Riera-Gomez, Honorable Commissioner Bruno Barreiro, Honorable Governor Crist’s appointment Horacio Stuart Aguirre, Greenways Chairman Ernie Martin, and MRC Vice Chairman / Marine Council designee Phil Everingham.    

UIWG Chair Murley stated the Miami Herald recently published a front page article entitled, “Architecture Guidebooks Capture Flavor of Miami,” which mentioned the upcoming June AIA convention and seems to be generating some local buzz.  UIWG Chair noted Miami Herald reporter Andres Viglucci has been invited to participate in the AIA team’s Sunday, June 6 bus/land Miami River tour, and Mr. Mills replied he was more than welcome to attend. Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Viglucci plans to write an article about the AIA’s “Miami River Catalyst Plan” following the bus tour, that will run in the Miami Herald’s Monday edition and will mention the AIA public workshop/charrette which will be held on Monday, June 7, 6 pm, at the Downtown Hyatt Regency, 400 SE 2nd Avenue, which will hopefully increase interest and participation at the event. Mr. Mills noted the public presentation of the AIA’s Plan will be held on June 9, 6 pm, at the Downtown Hyatt Regency, 400 SE 2nd Avenue. Mr. Bibeau noted all arrangements have been made for the Sunday, June 6 Miami River boat tour with the AIA team, members of the Miami-Dade County Planning Department, stakeholders, etc.

Mr. Bibeau reported the AIA team is scheduled to provide a brief update of the project to the MRC on Monday, June 7, noon, Robert King High, 1407 NW 7 Street. Mr. Mills and Mr. Bibeau agreed to touch base regarding the possibility of organizing and conducting additional interviews for the additional team members with key Miami River stakeholders either before or after the MRC meeting that day.  

C. Palmer Lake Plan/Study - MRC Director Bibeau stated the MRC directed him to advocate for consistency with the MRC’s various plans while serving as the Vice Chair of the Palmer Lake Area Charrette Steering Committee.  Mr. Bibeau noted within this study boundary, the County’s adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan, calls for an on-road Greenway along South River Drive from Tamiami Canal to NW 25 ST, and then proceeding west along NW 25 ST to Douglas Ave where the Miami Intermodal Center’s Grand central station is under construction.  Director Bibeau noted consistent with the County’s adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan, the on-road Greenway sections, featuring a wide public sidewalk, landscaping, benches, trash receptacles, way-finding signage etc are located only on public right of way.  Greenways Chairman Martin stated he looked forward to participating in the upcoming public charrette.

II) Projects
                                            
A.  Big Fish Hotel & Restaurant, 55 SW Miami Avenue Road - UIWG Chair Murley welcomed Mr. Ben Fernandez, Bercow, Radell & Fernandez, and project architect D.B. Lewis, DB Lewis Architecture & Design, whom presented a proposal for a hotel and restaurant at the former site of Big Fish restaurant, 55 SW Miami Avenue Road, west of the South Miami Avenue Bridge on the south bank of the Miami River.

GSC Chair Ernie Martin noted Miami City Commissioner Richard Dunn had recently appointed him to the City of Miami’s new Planning & Zoning Appeals Board (quasi-judicial) which will consider the requested variance, yet since this MRC UIWG meeting was open and publicly noticed, he didn’t need to recuse himself from the presentation.  Mr. Fernandez and UIWG Chairman Murley agreed there was no need for Dr Martin to recuse himself or leave the meeting, as today’s MRC UIWG meeting is publicly noticed.

Mr. Fernandez stated the property at 55 SW Miami Avenue was the site of a restaurant, Big Fish, which recently closed.  Mr. Fernandez added a dispute with the former property owners has been settled, and his client now owns the site.  The one-acre site currently consists of the previous restaurant’s non-conforming structure, which has a 2’ front yard setback where 10’ is required.  Mr. Fernandez noted the goal of the proposed project is to redevelop the site into a new and modern, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and a 12-room luxury hotel with views of the Miami River.  Mr. Fernandez noted the difficulty in developing the site due to its narrowness, yet recognized both the City’s and the Miami River Commission’s publicly accessible greenway/riverwalk requirements.  Therefore, Mr. Fernandez stated he will be requesting a front yard setback variance to push the building forward to accommodate the publicly accessible riverwalk area.  Mr. Fernandez noted his client is not seeking a variance for the width of the riverwalk, which will be publicly accessible during operational hours and is consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan.   

UIWG Chair Murley explained the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County requests the Miami River Commission’s (MRC) advisory recommendation regarding river related agenda items. Chair Murley further explained the MRC’s process is for the UIWG and Greenways subcommittee chairman to advise the full MRC on whether any proposed development is consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and the Miami River Greenway Action Plan.  The MRC then places the item on their publicly noticed agenda and the presenters are provided an opportunity to address the MRC, which votes to determine if the proposal is consistent with the aforementioned plans.

UIWG Chair Murley noted the proposed project is not seeking a land use or zoning change, and is under review by the former City of Miami Zoning Code 110000.  UIWG Chair Murley stated activating this site for the public, vs. leaving it abandoned, is an integral component of what the MRC is trying to accomplish along the Miami River, and applauded the applicants for this effort.

Mr. Fernandez deferred to Mr. DB Lewis, project architect, to provide additional information on the proposed layout of the project.  Mr. Lewis noted the first quarter of the site, located adjacent to the South Miami Avenue Bridge, will feature a 2 story service building / parking structure. Mr. Lewis noted this will then transition into an open courtyard/dining area on the ground floor, while preserving the two existing fichus trees on the site. Mr. Lewis noted that the other side of the courtyard will transition into a four-story building that will primarily include a covered terrace on the ground floor to co-mingle with the adjacent exterior dining, and will feature a walkway that will connect to a second level upscale café/dining experience on top of the service (first) building.  Mr. Lewis noted the hotel will have 12 boutique suites and a stargazing roof top terrace.  Mr. Lewis noted each wall will be facaded properly with trellises and feature a playful articulation of wall and arch openings. Mr. Lewis noted he wished to maintain to the best of his ability the riverwalk, and noted its design will include palm trees, security pavers, decorative lighting and bollards. Mr. Lewis stated the proposed total riverwalk width is 13 feet, which he noted is not as wide as originally preferred given the narrow 53-foot-site (consistent with City Charter requirement of a 50’ waterfront building setback unless the property is less than 50 feet wide the waterfront building setback becomes 25% of the property width from sidewalk to shoreline).  Mr. Lewis noted there is still enough right of way available to accommodate parallel parking at the property line (at the front), and noted the street side/public right-of-way will also include additional landscaping and parking.  Mr. Lewis noted the center courtyard will be open to public passage to the riverwalk.

UIWG Chair Murley noted the design/drawings show the property line abutting the actual bridge structure, and wondered if there was a parcel located in between the bridge and proposed project. Mr. Bibeau illustrated the aforementioned parcel / “gap” on the Miami River aerial/map, which he noted is owned by the Florida Department of Transportation.  UIWG Chair Murley thanked Mr. Bibeau for the clarification and deferred to GSC Chair Martin to share his input.

GSC Chair Martin commended the proposal for maintaining the proper building scale, and noted the shared goal of activating the riverwalk and creating a major public amenity. GSC Chair Martin stated he understood the constraints regarding riverwalk access and narrowness of the site, but asked if it would be possible to modify the design in some way to have an egress and ingress on both sides–by utilizing either their subject property or neighboring public right of way on the east side, in order to increase public circulation along the riverwalk and increase access to the water’s edge. Mr. Fernandez noted the center courtyard will provide sufficient access to the water’s edge and noted the center courtyard would have a rolling gate at the main entrance which would be kept open during business hours. Mr. Lewis stated he preferred to have this gate closed at the end of business hours.

UIWG Chair Murley noted it is the goal of the MRC to bring people to the riverwalk, and this concept can be accomplished at this site via inserting lateral access.  Mr. Fernandez noted this will be difficult to accomplish, as the property’s side yard setback is 0.  Mr. Bibeau stated the project features a proposed riverwalk emerging through the middle of the subject property and essentially dead-ending onto both sides of the site (east and west). Mr. Bibeau explained this site is part of a much larger vision which is the creation of a 10-mile publicly accessible riverwalk along both shores of the Miami River, and would therefore like to entertain the concept of allowing the side yards to include narrow (5 foot minimum) sidewalks on both the eastern and westernmost sides, so that the public can access the “public” riverwalk on this site. Mr. Bibeau noted the idea of allowing side yards to include sidewalks in order to access publicly accessible riverwalks is not a new concept, as it has been applied when reviewing all proposed development projects along the Miami River-per standard operating procedure. Mr. Bibeau added a $1 million TEP grant had been awarded to construct an on-road greenway from the South Shore MetroRail to the South Miami Avenue Bridge which can easily connect to the publicly accessible riverwalk at the proposed new hotel and restaurant, if the requested connectors along both sides of the subject property are provided.  Mr. Bibeau recommended the developer establish a binding written agreement with FDOT to provide the adjacent surplus vacant public right of way for the free and public purpose of a publicly accessible sidewalk extension to connect to the publicly accessible riverwalk’s eastern side, and insert a 5 foot connector on the site’s west wide as well to tie it into the Miami River Greenway system.

Mr. Fernandez reiterated that the subject property does not require a side yard setback, and hoped the developer’s efforts to establish an urban point of entry at the center of the property would serve as sufficient access to the riverwalk vs. establishing an additional side yard setback in order to construct a 5-foot sidewalk which would require a significant building modification and ultimately reduce the financial return of the site.  GSC Chair Martin reiterated that establishing the side yard connector(s) would eliminate the currently proposed dead-ends on both sides of the riverwalk and increase public access, and Mr. Fernandez noted the developer is already providing public access and is complying with the city code (which requires no side yard setback), therefore the request is unreasonable.  GSC Chair Martin stated the goal is to bring the public to the water’s edge from both sides of the property. Mr. Fernandez noted he would consider reaching out to FDOT to discuss the possibility of providing a connector on the eastern side.  Mr. Bibeau noted in addition to requiring a Class II Special Permit-because it is a waterfront development-the application includes a variance of the front yard setback from 10’ to 0’ and a waiver of over 2,000 square feet of required open space.  Therefore, including the recommended side-yard public connectors from the sidewalk to the riverwalk, would reduce the square footage of the requested waiver of required open space.   

Mr. Lewis noted the developer is planning on performing seawall repairs at the site.  UIWG Chair Murley noted the construction of a five-foot cantilevered boardwalk would be feasible at this site, as it serves a public purpose. Mr. Bibeau explained the Florida Department of Environmental Protection may grant the developer a public submerged land lease in order to construct a publicly accessible five-foot wide cantilevered boardwalk/dock, making the total publicly accessible riverwalk width 18 feet (13 feet on land plus 5 foot cantilevered boardwalk) and increase the depth for vessels wishing to dock at the site.  Mr. Fernandez noted this would be a great amenity.

Mr. Bibeau asked what materials would be used for the riverwalk, specifically the use of pavers vs. all grass as shown in the renditions, and Mr. Lewis replied pavers have been integrated.

Mr. Bibeau asked if the developer is making any efforts to remove the derelict vessel at the site, and Mr. Fernandez noted the derelict vessel was gone, will be removed.  Mr. Fernandez added the City of Miami Marine Patrol cited the vessel as derelict and City of Miami Code Enforcement has cited the location with a code violation for having a derelict vessel tied to it.  Mr. Fernandez asked if the MRC had taken any action on the derelict prior to the application, and Director Bibeau replied yes, a meeting was conducted with DERM, FFW, and City of Miami Marine Patrol about this and two other derelict vessels on the Miami River prior to becoming aware of the proposed Big Fish Hotel and Restaurant development when the notice of the application was provided by the City of Miami to MRC staff.  Mr. Bibeau added during that meeting the City of Miami, DERM, and FFW stated they had no funding available at that time to remove the derelict vessel docked on the Big Fish site.  

Mr. Bibeau asked who currently owns the site, and Mr. Fernandez replied 39 SW Miami Avenue Road, LLC. Mr. Bibeau asked if the developer had established a construction timeline, and Mr. Fernandez added he was unsure about the timeline.

UIWG Chair Murley stated today’s meeting has discussed various ways to enhance access to and enjoyment of the publicly accessible riverwalk and encouraged Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Lewis to consider including their following recommendations in a revised application prior to the full MRC considering the item on June 7, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST.  UIWG Chair Murley and GSC Chair Martin recommended the MRC find the proposed Class II Special Permit consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan subject to the following 4 conditions:

• Include a 5-foot-wide cantilevered boardwalk to expand width of publicly accessible riverwalk to 18 feet wide, and increase depth for public temporary vessel dockage
• Include a minimum 5-foot wide connector on both side yards to connect the sidewalk to the public riverwalk and increase functionality of the Greenway system
• Incorporate more detail/develop a design solution for the center courtyard in order to help public understand that it is indeed open to the public and make it as inviting as possible
• Remove the derelict vessel prior to the issuance of the Class II Special Permit with variances and waivers

UIWG Chair Murley thanked Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Lewis for the presentation and asked him to email Ms. Ashley Chase, MRC Assistant Managing Director, any back-up material which she can forward to the board one week prior to the June 7 MRC board meeting.

Miami-Dade County Planning staff asked if the proposed lack of side-yard setbacks are consistent with the City Charter requirements for waterfront view corridors, and noted this project may also be reviewed by the County’s shoreline development review board.

B.  Proposed Zoning Change at Centro Español, 3615 South River Drive, from Heavy Industrial Manufacturing District (IU 2) to Light Industrial Manufacturing District (IU 1) -UIWG Chair Murley welcomed Mr. Jorge Navarro, whom presented a proposal for a zoning change from Heavy Industrial Manufacturing District (IU 2) to Light Industrial Manufacturing District (IU 1), on behalf of Centro Español, 3615 South River Drive. Mr. Navarro noted that the proposed plans for the site are currently being redesigned, and a zoning application has been filed with Miami-Dade County.

Mr. Navarro noted the following improvements will be made:

• Interior renovations to restaurant
• Renovations to outdoor Chiki Hut and Bar along the river (improve outdoor seating)
• Removal of some existing structures
• Additional parking on site
• Seawall repair
• Possibility to renew license for site-seeing and entertainment boat to promote recreational uses along the Miami River

UIWG Chair Murley asked why Mr. Navarro’s client was requesting a zoning change, and Mr. Navarro replied that the owner would like to have the option available in the future to provide adult entertainment at the site, and IU-1 allows for this use.  Mr. Navarro stated the previous owner / operator had been shut down for various incidents, but he represented a different / new owner and operator.

UIWG Chair Murley deferred to Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, to provide a brief overview of the proposed project. Mr. Bibeau noted while the site’s the current zoning (Heavy Industrial Manufacturing District (IU 2) does allow a restaurant, club, etc, the requested zoning change (to Light Industrial Manufacturing District (IU 1) is needed to allow/permit an adult entertainment venue at this site.  Mr. Navarro stated the requested zoning amendment will be considered by Community Council 8 near the end of the year, whose final decision is appealable to the Board of County Commission.  Ms. Helen Brown stated Miami-Dade County Planning Department will issue a recommendation on the proposed zoning amendment prior to its consideration by the Community Council.

UIWG Chair Murley suggested the MRC consider simply deferring this item to the Community Council.  UIWG Chairman Murley suggested since there is sufficient time before it is considered by the Community Council, and the MRC has a heavy agenda on June 7, deferring this item to the MRC’s July meeting.  The UIWG thanked Mr. Navarro for his presentation.

III) New Business- Mr. Bibeau noted construction of the Element Hotel, 2515 NW 36th Avenue, has begun in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and distributed the project’s architectural site plan. Mr. Bibeau explained the Miami River Greenway Action Plan- adopted by the County Commission in 2001-requires that all redeveloped (formerly vacant) waterfront parcels along the waterfront feature a publicly accessible riverwalk, yet the project does not feature a waterfront greenway/riverwalk behind the hotel along Palmer Lake. In addition, the Miami River Greenway Action Plan calls for the construction of an on-road greenway along the public right-of-way at NW 25th Street, yet the Element Hotel plans include the re-building of the county-owned public right-of-way at NW 25th Street from the center line to the hotel private property in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Mr. Bibeau explained that the subject area currently has two vehicular traffic lanes (one in both directions), no sidewalk, and a row of mature trees with a large canopy. The new development plans feature on additional traffic lane (now 3), no greenway, no sidewalk, and the removal of these trees.  Miami-Dade County Planning staff indicated the need to codify the adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan to avoid this set of circumstances in the future.  Miami-Dade County Planning staff added in the case of the Element Hotel’s plan to reconstruct NW 25 ST, the plans were reviewed by the County’s Public Works Department, and should have required an expansion of the public right of way from 50 to 70 feet wide.

Greenways Chairman Martin directed MRC staff to continue advocating for completing the ongoing implementation of the County and City adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan on this site by including the on-road Greenway on the waterfront (Palmer Lake) side of the County owned public right of way along NW 25 ST.

I) Plans
A. Review Current Draft City of Miami Comprehensive Plan Amendments – Mr. Brett Bibeau, Managing Director of the Miami River Commission (MRC), stated on May 27, 2010, the City Commission unanimously approved a new set of Miami River related EAR based amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan, which were submitted to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA).  Mr. Bibeau distributed copies of Miami River related amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan, based on the consensus reached during a June 21, 2010 DCA Conference Call between the three parties, DCA, City of Miami, and the Miami River Marine Group (MRMG).  UIWG attendees, including representatives from the City of Miami Planning Department and MRMG Director Fran Bohnsack concurred with MRC Director Bibeau’s summary, and indicated their mutual support and gratitude for the consensus which has been reached on the presented draft amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, which will be considered by the City Commission on July 22, 2010.  The City and MRMG thanked the MRC for its coordination and support, and UIWG Chairman Murley and Director Bibeau thanked all attendees.  UIWG Chairman Murley recommended the full MRC consider this item during their July 12, 2010 public meeting, in order to formalize their advisory recommendation on this Miami River related item as requested by City Commission resolution.  UIWG Chairman Murley recommended the MRC find the 6/21/10 draft Miami River related amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and the Miami River Greenway Action Plan.

B. Discussion of American Institute of Architects (AIA) June 2010 National Convention and Creation of the Miami River Catalyst Plan - UIWG Chairman Murley and Director Bibeau distributed copies of several pages of the AIA’s Miami River Catalyst Plan supporting completing the Miami River Greenway, continuing a mixed-use riverfront featuring downtown, historic neighborhoods, parks, marine industrial businesses, restaurants, etc, increasing multi-modal transportation linkages, increasing international shipping via almost complete Panama Canal deepening, establishing Water Bus / Water Taxi services, connecting Miami Marlins Baseball stadium (under construction south of NW 7 ST) to the Health District and the Miami River.

Mr. Subrata Basu stated it is not a detailed Master Plan, rather a fresh look at the Miami River, and should be taken into context with everything else and take advantage of the inertia created by the recent planning process.  Mr. Basu stated now that the AIA Miami River Catalyst Plan is done, a Committee, with representatives from the City, County and MRC, should track it.  MRC UIWG Chairman Murley stated he would be willing to continue it as an agenda item during the monthly public meetings.  Mr. Basu stated he will consider additional participants which should be invited to future meetings.  MRC Greenways subcommittee (GSC) Chairman Martin stated he has asked MRC staff to try and schedule a publicly noticed and open meeting with the Honorable Mayor Regalado, MRC Chairman Buermann, MRC Member Stuart-Aguirre, UIWG Chairman Murley and MRC staff, to discuss means of implementing portions of the AIA’s Miami River Catalyst Plan, including finishing the Miami River Greenway, which the AIA validated.  GSC Chair Martin restated although there are numerous new riverfront developments which the City Commission approved with publicly accessible riverwalks, often the as built riverwalks are problematic as they are inconsistent with the renditions and plans approved by the City Commission.  Mr. Basu stated Governance is also implementation (construction) of what we already have funded.  UIWG Chairman Murley agreed, adding the public sector should construct their previously grant awarded sections of the Miami River Greenway now, while the private sector fully recovers, citing the example of the Miami Marlins Stadium.  City Planing representatives indicted their support for having a water bus / water taxi system along the Miami River.  Ron Nelson, Chief of Staff for the Honorable Chairman Sarnoff, indicated the Chairman’s continued strong support for finishing the Miami River Greenway, and is beginning to work with a new administration in that regard, including having as built riverwalks consistent with dimensions approved by City Commission, unifying Department inspections of riverwalks prior to issuing TCO and CO, etc.  Mr. Nelson stated Chairman Sarnoff and the administration are scheduled for a follow up regarding the Miami River Greenway in September 2010.  Mr. Nelson stated CIP Director Bravo emailed his office the findings of research regarding some of the inconsistent riverwalks, and the research supports the MRC’s advisory recommendations and findings, therefore the question is becoming how do we enforce correcting the errors after the fact.  Mr. Nelson cited an example where his Office is still trying to push public riverfront access, as required under a Class II Special Permit for the new Day Care parking lot on the south shore of the Miami River just east of Metro-Rail.  GSC Chairman Martin, UIWG Chairman Murley, and Director Bibeau thanked Mr. Nelson and Chairman Sarnoff for their continued support.  GSC Chairman Martin stated he has met with some of the new administration, including the CIP Director Alice Bravo, and looks forward to meeting with Asst. Manager in Charge of Infrastructure, Johnny Martinez and Asst. Manager Tony Crapp, Jr.  Mr. Bibeau added Chairman Murley has asked to meet with the DDA on implementing the Riverwalk section of their recently adopted Downtown Miami Master Plan.  Mr. Bibeau recommended the City apply to Florida Communities Trust (FCT) state grant funding to purchase vacant sites to become parks along the Miami River, as the City did when awarded FCT grant funding to purchase the Police Benevolent Association site to become a public waterfront park on the North Shore of the River’s South Fork Tributary, several years ago.

UIWG Chair Murley stated he would provide the full MRC an update regarding the AIA’s Miami River Catalyst Plan during the UIWG Report on the MRC’s July 12, 2010 public meeting agenda, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST.

C.  Potential University “Miami River Design Studio” – UIWG Chairman Murley stated University of Miami (UM) Dean of Architecture, Liz Plater-Zyberk, had invited MRC Chairman Buermann, FIND member Spencer Crowley and MRC Director Bibeau to her office to discuss funding needed for UM to finish their Waterfront Promenade Study.  The meeting resulted in Director Bibeau authoring a $25,000 grant application, which was recently awarded by the MPO to UM to finish the “15 mile Waterfront Promenade”, which will include a parcel by parcel inventory with pictures of the entire 10 mile Miami River Greenway. 

Ms. Maria deLeon – Fleites and Ms. Natasha Alfonso stated they had recently met with UM Dean of Architecture Plater-Zyberk whom had agreed to have them teach a “Miami River Design Studio” (class) at the UM School of Architecture, starting in Spring 2011 (Jan-April 2011).  Ms. Fleites stated her Architecture and Planning Firm is located on the South shore of the Miami River, and her father has worked in a Miami River boatyard for years.  Ms. Fleites and Ms Alonso stated their class will include a one-week public Charette where representatives from the City, County, MRC, DDA, Miami River stakeholders, general public etc will be able to participate.  One of the focuses will be linking the Marlins Baseball stadium to the Health District, including water bus / water taxi service along the Miami River, etc.  Dr. Martin noted the large quantity of publicly owned land in the Miami River’s Health District area, including several surface parking lots, shorelines and public right of ways beneath MDX’s I-836, Miami-Dade’s Robert King High, 1401-1407 NW 7 ST, the stadium, etc.

Ron Nelson stated a lot is happening along the Miami River therefore the Office of the Honorable Chairman Marc Sarnoff has asked the City’s Waterfront Advisory Board to get more involved in discussing and supporting Miami River improvement initiatives.  

II) Projects
                                            
A - Miami Dade Transit’s Update Regarding Construction of a New/Additional Metro-Rail Bridge over the Miami River – Representatives from Miami-Dade Transit presented an informative Power Point presentation regarding the Metro-Rail’s “Airport Link” which is currently under construction.  The new fixed bridge portion over the Miami River, with a vertical clearance of 40’, is estimated to commence construction in the 4th quarter of 2010, and be completed in the 2nd quarter of 2012. 

Director Bibeau distributed copies of the September 21, 2005 letter from the Miami River Marine Group to Miami Dade transit, and the December 5, 2005 letter in reply from MDT to the MRMG.  The MDT Director’s letter states:
“I wish to address the specifics of the MRMG requests. As you are aware, certain flight path limitations imposed by the proximity to the Airport compels us to recommend the construction of a fixed-span bridge over the Miami River with a vertical clearance of approximately 40 feet (from the bottom of bridge structure to mean high water level). However, as mentioned in your letter, even though this clearance would make it unsafe, if not impossible, for larger/taller vessels to cross under, it does not preclude the use by lower height boats, such as barges and/or tugboats. MDT certainly has no objection to these uses.

In addition, in the area under the proposed structure on the landside of the River, it is possible to permit appropriate marine-related uses that do not conflict with the safe operations and maintenance of the transit system.  This applies also to areas that include surplus land or remnants created by the acquisition of larger parcels on both shores of the River. It appears that those suggested uses that include a truck staging depot or uses by mobile units of the Border Patrol or US Customs are equally acceptable to MDT.

Once construction of the Metrorail bridge is finalized, surplus parcels or remnants may remain under County ownership and be subject to long term leasing agreements, reserved for marine industrial use or, if appropriate, disposed following county guidelines and regulations.

Regarding the areas directly under the guideway it is critical that they be clear and not encumbered by any permanent structure or improvement that may impede access for emergency or routine maintenance or inspection of the bridge structure. The area surrounding the piers or columns that support the girders must also be free of any obstacles or improvements that may impede such access by the County or its designee. As indicated earlier, some limited activities may be permitted by the County in the area directly under the bridge /guideway, both on the river and on the land, as long as these activities comply with the safety and access requirements described above.

MDT acknowledges that continued marine industrial uses should be a priority and a desirable result of these infrastructure development activities proposed by Miami-Dade County in the areas affected by this project and immediately adjacent to the Miami River.”

Director Bibeau distributed copies of the 2007 Miami River Multi-Modal Transportation Plan excerpts regarding using this County owned riverfront area for Short-Sea-Shipping and Multi-Modal freight transportation uses.

MDT attendees noted the seawall at the site they eminent domained for construction of the Metro-Rail has collapsed into the Miami River, yet they do not have the $300,000 estimated to install rip-rap.  UIWG Chair Murley replied the recommended marine industrial uses on the excess County owned area, agreed upon in MDT’s December 5, 2005 letter, require a consolidated seawall like the rest of the site, because vessels can’t effectively dock to rip rap boulders.  UIWG Chair Murley recommended MDT include a 50% match in their upcoming FY ’11 Budget (starts October 1, 2010) and then apply for a FIND grant in April 2011 for a 50% cost share to replace the collapsed seawall.  In addition UIWG Chairman Murley recommended MDT seek funding to repair the collapsed seawall from DERM’s shoreline restoration trust fund.
MDT representatives noted the Betty K International Shipping Terminal, located immediately SE of the MDT site, currently leases some of the County’s vacant unused area.     

B - Miami Dade Transit’s Update Regarding Improving the “M-Path” (Pedestrian Walkway) to Connect Miami-Dade Public Work’s Planned Riverwalk beneath Metro-Rail’s North Shore to the Adjacent SW 3 ST – Director Bibeau showed the Miami-Dade Transit Representatives the Miami-Dade Public Works completed engineering documents for 25 foot wide riverwalks, featuring new sea-walls, beneath Metro-Rail on both the North and South Shores.  Mr. Bibeau noted on the South Shore the publicly accessible M-Path is in fair condition, connecting the adjacent SW 7 ST to the planned and funded riverwalk, and the same treatment should occur on the opposite north shore.  Director Bibeau distributed recent pictures of the remains of the M-Path, which is not currently publicly accessible on the North Shore, between the planned and funded riverwalk - to the adjacent SW 3 ST, featuring piles of debris, etc.  MDT indicated they didn’t have any funding to beautify this area, and would ask the adjacent developer, whom used the County’s public right of way, to return the area to its previous condition by removing the piles of debris, etc.  Mr. Bibeau noted perhaps the County should first finalize the agreements needed to accept the private property owner’s kindly offered donation of a small piece of their riverfront property in order to make these riverwalk sections connect.   

III) New Business – Director Bibeau stated the MRC’s advisory recommendation regarding Miami-Dade County’s draft EAR will be presented to the County’s Planning Advisory Board on July 19, followed by the full Board of County Commissioners on October 20, 2010.

Director Bibeau reported the City of Miami’s Zoning Administrator Lourdes Slazyk recently emailed that the Big Fish Class II Special Permit consideration is on hold until it is presented to the City Commission for a variance of the City Charter required side-yard / view corridor waterfront setback requirements, where 25% of the property width is required yet the application provides no side-yards. 

GSC Chairman Martin and UIWG Chair Murley recommended the City of Miami re-open the recently closed only free public boat ramp on the Miami River in Curtis Park, for which there is a huge need.

The meeting adjourned.

I) Plans
A. Public Hearings as a Part of the Process to Create the City of Miami’s 2010 Evaluation Appraisal Report (EAR) - UIWG Chairman Murley explained that every seven years, State and Law and the Florida Department of Community Affairs requires municipalities and counties to conduct an Evaluation Appraisal Report (EAR) of their Comprehensive Neighborhood Development Plan.  The EAR is adopted by the City or County and then submitted to DCA for approval.  The adopted EAR may recommend amendments to the City’s adopted Comprehensive Neighborhood Development Plan, which would be considered by the City Commission at a future date and any amendments again need to be approved by the DCA as well.  Mr. Bibeau stated the City submitted their last EAR 7 years ago, and therefore were commencing the process to create the new EAR.  The UIWG noted the DCA accepted the City’s previous 2003 EAR and EAR based amendments to the Comprehensive Plan with one exception, regarding the “Port of Miami River” sub-element.  Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Executive Director Miami River Marine Group, stated consensus had finally been reached with city administration regarding the Port of Miami River Sub-element at the July 26, 2010 Miami City Commission meeting, and added the Comprehensive Plan amendments were subsequently approved by the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) on August 11, 2010.  Mr. Bibeau stated the City of Miami will be soliciting public input at public hearings in October and therefore recommended the MRC establish its advisory recommendation.

UIWG Chairman Murley recommended the MRC:

• Assist City’s efforts to implement the Miami River related objectives in the City’s currently adopted Comprehensive Plan, including but not limited to City’s adoption of the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan
• Reiterate recent MRC recommendation in support of the recently adopted EAR based amendments to the Comprehensive Plan related to the Miami River (i.e. do not amend the language which was just adopted into the Comprehensive Plan)

In addition, Chair Murley directed MRC staff to continue monitoring Miami-Dade County’s EAR process. Mr. Bibeau noted the MRC recommended unconditional approval of Miami-Dade County’s EAR, as all MRC recommended revisions had been made to the draft presented to the MRC on June 7, 2010. Mr. Bibeau added the Board of County Commissioners a final hearing of the EAR will take place in October.

B. Potential to Increase Public Access to Marlins Stadium via Miami River - Chair Murley stated this item was a recommendation featured in the AIA Miami River Catalyst Plan. Mr. Bibeau explained the majority of the AIA’s report features initiatives/recommendations already being implemented by the MRC, such as advocating for the completion of the Miami River Greenway, supporting a mixed-use river, etc.

Dr. Bohnsack stated she had attended the September 13 MRC meeting in which an adjunct professor at the University of Miami’s School of Architecture had provided a presentation regarding a proposed Upper Level Undergraduate Design Studio class in the Spring which would primarily focus on creating a comprehensive master plan for the Health District/Marlins Stadium area and creating a transportation link via the Miami River. Dr. Bohnsack noted the Design Studio class also hopes to conduct a public charrette process to engage Miami River stakeholders and the general public and obtain ideas for this area.

The UIWG agreed on the following action plan:

• Examine and monitor access/connectivity to Health District/Marlins Stadium
• Miami River Greenway will allow safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access
• Waterborne transportation/connection
  • The Potomac Riverboat Company in Washington DC provides water bus service to the Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium recently constructed on a River
  •  Look into water taxis, water shuttles, or any sort of private operation that can shuttle people from Downtown Miami to the Marlins Stadium Captain Haley, Island Queen Cruises, and Mr. Michael Dudich, Floribbean Cruises, have expressed interest in providing waterborne transportation along Miami River
  • Identify vessel pick-up/drop off area; perhaps one on City owned public right of way where 13th Avenue dead ends into River’s south shore, State owned public right of way beneath 836 south shore and or county-owned Robert King High Towers, 1407 NW 7 Street, etc.
  • Obtain buy-in from Marlins in regards to offering waterborne transportation
  •  Possibility of having a kiosk at the Marlins site that can feature educational information about the Miami River
  •  Incorporate the Miami River in other ways. Perhaps one of the baseball innings can be called, “The Miami River Inning.”

The UIWG welcomed MCO Construction representatives Dudley Paul-Tienne and Karthikeyan Subramarian who are currently building the Marlins Stadium.  Ms. Tienne suggested charging a small fee to board the water shuttle or taxi to the stadium, which she noted the Marlins could benefit from.  Chair Murley asked when construction of the stadium is expected to be completed, and Ms. Tienne replied April 2012. Chair Murley asked MCO for assistance in reaching out to the appropriate Marlins staff in order to forward the aforementioned ideas and concepts, and Mr. Subramarian suggested contacting BNI.

C. Discussion of Future Public Hearings Regarding Miami Intermodal Center, Grand Central Station and Palmer Lake - Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Eric Silva, Miami-Dade County Planning Department, had attended the MRC’s September 13, 2010 meeting and had distributed fliers and posters for the Palmer Lake Public Charrette, which will be held on Saturday, October 16, 10 am at the Melreese Golf Club, 1802 NW 37th Avenue. Mr. Bibeau noted he had asked Mr. Silva if he would be so kind to email the invitation as a PDF so that MRC staff could distribute it to its database, but had yet to receive the invitation. Mr. Bibeau asked Ms. Chase to kindly follow-up.

Mr. Bibeau noted he had discussed Miami-Dade Transit’s collapsed seawall in this area with MDT Assistant Director Clinton Forbes and a Miami-Dade County consultant, and hoped to have these issues resolved before the items are considered at a future MRC meeting.

The UIWG agreed on the following action plan in preparation for the Palmer Lake Charrette:

• Conceptualize connection/access between Miami International Airport and the Miami River
• Construction of Miami River Greenway along South River Drive, from the Tamiami Canal to NW 25th Street, then taking a left and proceeding west along NW 25 ST to connect to Miami Intermodal Center (MIC)
• Transportation of people from airport to river via water shuttles or water buses (perhaps incorporate a shuttle that connects to the MIC)
• Replace Tamiami Swing Bridge with bascule bridge for increased boat access
• Dredging of the Tamiami Canal
• Protection of marine industrial areas
• Creation of centralized freight forwarding center (rail, water, truck, air, etc.)
• Repair collapsed County owned seawalls and then utilize riverfront properties which were eminent domained by the County for marine industrial uses

Chair Murley suggested scheduling a meeting next month prior to the Palmer Lake Charrette in order to refine scope and ideas.

D. Discussion of Potential Incentives to Support Marine Industrial Businesses along the Miami River - The UIWG discussed the following initiatives and agreed on the following action plan:

• Support FL Legislature adopting enabling legislation for voter-approved Working Waterfront Amendment
• Enterprise Zone
  • In 2000, State had designated only certain sections of the Miami River as an Enterprise Zone, making it possible for the City and County to provide incentives to attract new and expanding business to the area
  • Per MRC recommendation in 2002 State expanded the designated Enterprise Zone to include the entire Miami River
  • Enterprise Zone recently renewed at State level
  • The September 16, 2010 Miami City Commission meeting agenda included 12 enterprise zone line-related items, providing tax reductions for new and expanding businesses in the Enterprise Zone. 3 of the 12 businesses were located along the Miami River (Miami River Associates, LLC, Casablanca Fish Market and Casablanca Restaurant); City Administration withdrew presentation of these items without discussion. Basil Binns, City Manager’s Office, indicated the agenda items may be presented at a future City Commission meeting
  • Re-evaluate permitting process
  • Permitting process is expensive and permitting fees are expected to increase seems to curtail motivations to establish businesses along the Miami River
• Look into Federal Economic Stimulus Act to designate river a Recovery Zone
• City would need to designate river a Recovery Zone
• Properties located in Recovery Zone can be issued no more than $11.4 million in bonds to be repaid, with low interest over long term; city will decide on a case-by-case basis which properties can be issued low interest bond / loan
• Continue to monitor and explore different incentives
  • Dr. Bohnsack noted the Coast Guard recently initiated a Recovery Program, adding that Lisa Hollander, ACOE, is currently doing surveys at the 5th Street Bridge, examining sediments left behind as a result of the 5th Street Bridge Construction project

E. Status & Implementation of Adopted Miami Downtown Development Authority Master Plan - The UIWG discussed the following initiatives and agreed on the following action plan:

• Continue to participate and monitor progress of DDA Waterfront Committee
• Priorities include Completion of the publicly accessible Miami River Greenway
• waterborne transportation along the Miami River
• Schedule a meeting with Chair Murley, MRC staff and DDA representatives to address

      providing public access at private developments along the Miami River, as well as future     maintenance of the Miami River Greenway

II. New Business - Chair Jim Murley asked for the status of the creation of the MRC’s 2010 Annual Report, and Mr. Bibeau replied Wragg and Casas has been paid the 50% fee to commence the project, and staff has begun submitting information.  Chair Murley suggested incorporating the findings of the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) “Miami River Catalyst Plan.”  In addition, Chair Murley recommended mentioning the Miami City Commission unanimously approved a new set of Miami River related EAR based amendments to the City of Miami’s Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan.

Mr. Bibeau stated Mr. Francisco Garcia, the City of Miami’s new Planning Director, had offered to meet with him, as well as UIWG Chair Murley, to discuss the Miami River.

The UIWG confirmed its next publicly noticed meeting for Wednesday, October 13, 2010, 9 AM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

The meeting adjourned.

September 17, 2010 | THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT

The Miami River Commission’s (MRC) Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG) convened a public meeting on September 17, 2010, 9 AM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

UIWG Chairman Jim Murley chaired the meeting and attendees provided self-introductions. The attendance sheet is enclosed.  UIWG Chair Murley accepted the UIWG’s June 25, 2010 public meeting minutes.  Chair Murley stated the purpose of today’s meeting is to establish a “work plan” of initiatives for the upcoming year.

October 13, 2010 | THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT

The Miami River Commission’s (MRC) Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG) convened a public meeting on October 13, 2010, 9 AM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

UIWG Chairman Jim Murley chaired the meeting and attendees provided self-introductions. The attendance sheet is enclosed.  UIWG Chair Murley accepted the UIWG’s September 17, 2010 public meeting minutes.

November 9, 2010 | THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT

The Miami River Commission’s (MRC) Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG) convened a public meeting on November 9, 2010, 3 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST.  

UIWG Chairman Jim Murley chaired the meeting and attendees provided self-introductions. The attendance sheet is enclosed.  UIWG Chair Murley accepted the UIWG’s October 13, 2010 public meeting minutes. UIWG Chairman Murley stated the purpose of today’s meeting is to refine the UIWG’s “work plan” and discuss potential future items.

December 9, 2010 | THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT

The Miami River Commission’s (MRC) Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG) convened a public meeting on December 9, 2010, 10 AM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

UIWG Chairman Jim Murley chaired the meeting and attendees provided self-introductions. The attendance sheet is enclosed.