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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

Mr. Mitchell Friedman, Pinnacle Housing Group, provided the UIWG with a presentation regarding a proposed affordable housing development in the upper river, on the north shore, just west of the 27^th Ave Bridge, at a property otherwise known as the Orkin site.  The proposal is 180 residential units in 10 stories.  The site is currently under contract by the developer, zoned C-2 and has a current marine operating permit and sufficient waterfront for docking three cargo vessels.  Mr. Mitchell stated he is currently working with Miami-Dade County to determine the legal description as it relates to the properties western boundary, which is currently undetermined.  Murley and David Miller, MRC, explained why the development contradicted the upper river marine industrial goals set in the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.  Miller explained how the dredging, commencing in summer 2003, will improve the marine industry and make this site even more viable.  Miller explained the existing conflicts between adjacent marine industrial and residential uses, which we do not want to recreate.  Murley stated the only concern is the project’s site.   The UIWG unanimously recommended the MRC take appropriate action to encourage involved agencies to maintain the maritime use at the site, and determine the status of the environmental remediation required on the property.  The Pinnacle Housing Group will present their development proposal before the full MRC on February 3, 2003.

The UIWG reviewed the current Urban Infill Plan Implementation matrix.  The UIWG discussed the requirements necessary to create a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District to fund dredging outside the federal navigable channel, Greenways development and stormwater retrofitting.  The TIF process can commence upon the City and County’s adoption of a Comprehensive Plan Map amendment, designating the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill boundary.  The Army Corps of Engineers Request for Proposals to dredge the Federal Navigable Channel contains an option to dredge outside the federal navigable channel, and the proposed TIF is an excellent funding source for this highly recommended dredging option.

Helen Brown, M-D Planning and Zoning, stated the County’s Department of Planning and zoning has a new Urban Design section.  The UIWG discussed the possibility of allocating the $50,000 Design Center funding to the new Urban Design Group for design work within the Miami River’s Urban Infill Corridor.

The UIWG reviewed and discussed the Gatehouse / BAME development project, near the 5^th Street Bridge, that was originally presented to the UIWG on January 6, 2003.  As stated in the UIWG’s January 6, 2003 minutes, “although no setback is required, a 30-foot setback with the Greenway is planned, the development is stepped back as smaller town-homes front the Greenway and the larger 120 foot building is behind them.  The development includes a pool, exercise facility, and community center.  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 developer is seeking a special exception from the Zoning Advisory Board, which would allow the development to be 13 stories instead of the allowed 10.  This variance would allow for the current Greenway setback and step-back development.  Although the current zoning would allow for 60% Floor Area Ratio (FAR), the variance would permit the current design proposal, which only has 40% FAR, and include the Greenway setback.”  The developers architect stated on January 6, 2003 that if the special exception is denied, the development would proceed without the proposed Greenway setback or step back development, utilizing the allowed 60% F.A.R.  The UIWG unanimously recommended the MRC support the proposed development, and recommend approval of the special exception.

The meeting adjourned

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