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   MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION
    GREENWAY SUBCOMMITTEE  AND QUALITY OF LIFE JOINT MINUTES:
  Minutes of meeting 		MAR. 8, 2000
10:00 AM
(THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT)

The Joint Quality of Life (QOL) Working Group and Greenway Subcommittee meeting was called to order at approximately 8:45am at the Miami River Inn, 118 South River Drive, City of Miami. Working members (or their representatives) attending were:

  • Lavinia Battle

  • Fran Bohnsack

  • Brenda Marshall

  • Ernie Martin

  • David Miller

  • Chuck Flink

  • Amy Kimball-Murley

  • Jim Murley

  • Diana Gonzalez

  • Greg Bush

  • Clark Turner

  • Doug Yoder

  • Pricilla Greenfield-Manning

  • Theo Long

  • Karla Edenbach

 

Chuck Flink introduced the initial draft of the Miami River Greenway Concept Plan (CP) and indicated that the Existing Conditions Report will be made available on the web. The objective in reviewing the CP plan is to form consensus on the fundamentals and move the process forward.

There are 5 River Greenway Themes in the Plan:

  • The Miami River is Our Home - As home to an estimated 250,000 residents, improved access, linkage of the neighborhoods to key landscapes, provision of gateways, and the celebration of cultural diversity are important elements to keep in mind while planning the system.

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  • The Miami River is a Working River - The Miami River is the 5th largest port carrying over 1 million tons of cargo with a diverse employment base.

  • The Miami River is a Destination Landscape - The Miami River is a destination landscape, however it has not been developed that way. It has the ability to be attractive and can become a focal point in the community. New investments are needed to blend scenic attraction with robust commerce. These resources linked will create a critical mass of activities.

  • The Miami River is an Important Environmental Resource at Risk - The Miami River is an important fresh water source and the manatee is a symbol of the river ecosystem. The Greenway can promote stewardship and can help with dredging and shoreline stabilization to prevent pollution in the future.

  • The Miami River is an Economic Resource - Travel and tourism is important to the economy. Land values in the corridor are on the rise. The Greenway can help create a landscape that is attractive for new economic investment and development.

At this point, Chuck asked for reactions from the committee. Greg Bush observed that there was no sense of history within the themes and recommended that it is emphasized more. Ernie Martin suggested the addition of a sixth theme titled The Miami River is a Historical Center.

David Miller suggested the economic resources theme be expanded to include the connection between the shipping industry and restaurant patrons who enjoy viewing the working river. In reference to environmental resource category, Dave asked Doug Yoder to check the facts regarding the river as a drinking water source.

Amy-Kimball Murley asked was it accurate to say the Miami River is the 5th largest port in the state. Fran Bohnsack stated it would be accurate to say that it is the busiest port in the state. Discussion ensued regarding the definition of the term "port" and the need to be clear and accurate. Technically, the Miami River is a Port-of-Call and is named the Port of Miami River. Fran stated that it is not one of the 14 ports in the state because it is private and is a shallow draft port. Chuck asked the group to review and revise the CP and email any comments to: flinkc@aol.com.

Chuck read the vision statement, which was developed from the themes, prior planning efforts and input obtained through the greenway master plan process. Doug stated that the elements of the vision statement are not in principal, mutually supported and the ongoing debate has been the balance between the elements. Chuck stated the action element is where the balance is achieved without overloading the vision statement. Greg Bush suggested adding as a part of the vision statement the goal of enhancing public parks and historical element of the river corridor. Amy Kimball-Murley stated the notion of stewardship should apply to all aspects of the river and not be limited to the ecology of the river.

Chuck continued the overview, next outlining the 3 Characterizations of the river:

  • Downtown to 5th Street Bridge

  • Residential / Mixed Use - 5th Street Bridge to 22nd Avenue

  • Shipping and Marine Industrial

Fran raised a question about the possible implications of the characteristics and stated that the marine industry is inflexible about the fact that the Miami River is a working river. Amy stated that the proposed titles create an image and suggested using the terms upper, middle and lower to emphasize the predominate uses in each segment of the river. Diana Gonzalez suggested moving the section on river characteristics to the beginning of the plan to disassociate them with the action plan. Doug Yoder stated tthat he characteristics matter in terms of recommendations and implementation and what would be considered appropriate use and location of a greenway.

Fran stated that the characteristics should be based on landuse. Brenda Marshall suggested that a blanket statement be developed to recognize the entire river corridor as a working river, but has predominant uses along the corridor. Amy stated that it is important to create a framework for future uses on the river.

Chuck distributed copies of an aerial map of the river corridor that was purchased from Aerials, Inc. The aerial was shot in February 1999. Once the map is refined, it will be used for planning and public discussion. Chuck stated that he and his staff are thinking about the trail and where it might go. The map will be layered later with other issues, i.e. public access. Chuck asked for ideas on the route of the greenway, particularly for the westernmost section of the river. Chuck stated the map will be modified prior to being presented to the public. Ernie stated that the county makes a distinction between recreational trails and commuter trails and suggested that they are delineated on the map.

In closing, the group looked at the action elements of the plan. Chuck asked for input and said this will be discussed further at the next meeting.

Miami River Tax Increment Finance District
Jim Murley made a motion to have the Executive Committee hire an expert to develop a position paper on the benefits of a Tax Increment Financing District. Theo Long seconded the motion

Miami River Economic Analysis
Diana Gonzalez stated that a meeting was scheduled at the Beacon Council to get an update on the Miami River's economic data. Phase I of the process involved a brief survey (developed by consultant John Cordray) of the top 50 businesses, including marine related businesses, restaurants and hotels. Phase II will be more extensive and will involve the compilation of the data gathered.

The group was reminded that Miami River Day will be held on Saturday, April 1. The next meeting will be held on April 5 at 7:00pm. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:30am.

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