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MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION 
c/o Rosenstiel School
4600 Rickenbacker Cswy,
Miami, Fl. 33149
305-361-4850
Fax: 305-361-4755
  e-mail: mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

Mike Spetko, Gatehouse Group, Bill Mauzy, BAME and Adoufo Albaisa, Albasia Architects, presented a proposed 199 affordable housing unit development located on the Miami River’s North bank.  The currently vacant site, bordered on the west by NW 7^th Ave, on the north by NW 6^th Street, on the east by NW 6^th Ave and on the south by NW 5^th Street (immediately adjacent to the 5^th Street Bridge) is currently zoned C2.  The site previously came before the MRC in 2002 when the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department proposed a heavy equipment storage facility and Sewer Pump Station be located there.  Mr. Spetko stated the Gatehouse Group / Bame proposed affordable housing development is compliant with the concepts of the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.  Specifically, although no setback is required, a 30-foot setback with the Greenway is planned, the development is stepped back as smaller townhomes front the Greenway and the larger 120 foot building is behind them.  The development includes a pool, exercise facility, and community center.  The Board of County Commissioners has already approved a $1 million subsidy for the project.  Spetko reminded the Infill Working Group that the Gatehouse group developed the Miami Riverpark Apartments two blocks away, which were praised for their sensitive design and renovation of adjacent historic homes.  The developers explained that the City of Miami Zoning Advisory Board is considering a variance for the project on January 6, 2003.  The site’s current zoning allows residential development not to exceed 120 feet or 10 stories.  Although the proposed development would remain at the allowed 120 feet tall, the proposed variance would allow the development to be 13 stories instead of the allowed 10.  The architect explained this variance would allow for the current Greenway setback and step back development.  Although the C2 zoning would allow for 60% Floor Area Ratio (FAR), the variance would permit the current design proposal which only has 40% FAR, due to the Greenway setback.  The UIWG discussed the possible Right of Way impact from the new 5^th Street Bridge replacement, and the developers noted that is why they have left the portion of the parcel adjacent to the Bridge vacant until the Bridge (ROW) is determined.  The developers stated they supported the concept of two-waying 5^th Street, and re-routing North River Drive in the area, pursuant to a recommendation of the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.  Mr. Spetko stated he would like the opportunity to make this presentation before the full MRC, and Brett Bibeau stated he would follow up on the request.

Bibeau stated that the UIWG Chair, Jim Murley, was unable to attend the meeting at the last moment.  Bibeau explained that Mr. Murley would like to turn his UIWG Chairmanship over to a Tri-Chair structure, consisting of one City, one County and one MRC Chair.  The proposal will be further considered at the next UIWG meeting.

The UIWG was provided a revised “Implementation Step Matrix” and asked to forward any revisions or additional information to MRC staff for inclusion in the next update.

The meeting adjourned.

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