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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. Rich Jones, University of Miami (UM), presented a proposed UM Clinical Research Building development adjacent to Wagner Creek and NW 14^th Street.  The office building with parking garage development requires City Commission approval of a Major Use Special Permit (MUSP).  Mr. Jones stated the plans include a publicly accessible 8 foot-wide landscaped Greenway along the Wagner Creek shore, with a café and bookstore attached.  The Wagner Creek Greenway continues northwest of this site crossing NW 12^th Ave and passing through Cedars of Lebanon.  In order for the Wagner Creek Greenway to continue south east from this site, a pedestrian bridge crossing to the west side of Wagner Creek would be required, proceeding south on NW 12^th Ave beneath the I-395 overpass.  The MUSP application will contain two special exceptions: allowing for office use in GI zoning and waiving an upper floor (above 165 feet) setback requirement.  Bibeau noted the City of Miami’s October 22, 2002 Pre Application Design Review Comments recommended removing the vehicular ingress / egress from that area of the project, and creating a transitional space to allow for pedestrian or patron activity to view and relax next to the Wagner Creek waterway.  The developer revised the project and the City’s November 5, 2002 Pre Application Design Review Comments states, “The addition of the public gathering space and removing the access lane from the side of the project adjacent to Wagner Creek will enhance the site and that amenity greatly”.  The UIWG passed a unanimous resolution, recommending the MRC support the UM project and approval of the MUSP.  The project presentation was scheduled for the MRC’s March 3, 2003 meeting.

Dianne Johnson and Jorge Martinez Esteve provided the following timeline for commencing the Economic Analysis of the Miami River’s Maritime Industry:

• February 28 - Request for Proposals (RFP) submitted to City Law Dept. for approval
• 1^st Week of March 2003 - City advertises RFP Economic Study
• 1^st week of April 2003 - Proposal deadline
• 1^st Week of May 2003 – Evaluation Committee selection
• 2^nd City Commission meeting in May 2003 – City Commission consideration of selection

The study is estimated to take 6 months.  Jim Murley added Lamert Advisory to the potential provider list.  Dick Bunnell is the MRC’s designated representative on the Selection Committee.

Helen Brown stated she and Mark Woerner, Miami-Dade County Planning and Zoning Department, met with their Director, regarding bringing the Urban Infill Plan before the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.  Brown explained the Director wants to meet with Roman Gastesi, County Water Resources Manager, regarding the proposed Tax Increment Financing District.  David Miller requested the County Planning Director to consider approval of the Plan for the County section, so the MRC can m,ove forward with implementing steps within the County

The UIWG discussed the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Waterway Transportation Study.  The City is considering an additional $100,000 study to identify water-taxi, commuter vessel routes and steps.

Bibeau provided the UIWG with copies of the following Infill Plan related City Commission February 13, 2003 agenda items, resolutions, and back-up materials:

• Agenda item 5 – “Authorizing the City Manager to accept the conveyance  of approximately 4,769 square feet of County-owned property, located at 362 Northwest 11^th ST,…for the expansion and enhancement of Athalie Range Park”.  This item is pursuant to the following Urban Infill Plan Implementation Step, “Provide additional greenspace where feasible within the Urban Infill boundary.”
• Agenda item 7 – “Authorizing the City Manager to accept the conveyance  of the property located at 1431 Northwest 17^th ST…from the United States Dept. of Housing and Urban Development” for demolition and environmental remediation.  This site is adjacent to a contaminated site along Wagner Creek.
• Agenda item 10 – “Authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchase and sale agreement…for the purchase of the property located at 1405-07 NW 17^th ST….in the amount not to exceed $160,000” for demolition and environmental remediation.  This site is also adjacent to the contaminated site at Wagner Creek.
• District 1, Item A – “Discussion concerning direction for staff to review an abandoned City property located at 1390 NW 24^th Ave, for designation and future sale to Allapattah Community Action Inc. for the development of affordable housing through the section 202 program to house elderly residents”.  The UIWG noted the site is currently zoned Parks and Recreation and is surrounded with residential development.
• District 1, Item B – “Discussion concerning direction for staff to review the designation and lease of City Property at 1728 NW 22 PL to Allapattah Community Action, Inc. for expansion of the Allapattah Elderly Meals Program.”  Bibeau noted the existing facility was immediately adjacent to the site and the popular meals program was crowded.
• District 1, Item C – “Discussion concerning direction for staff to review the designation of City Vacant Property located at 2175 NW North River Drive, as available for disposition as an affordable housing site.”  The UIWG noted the site was on the upland side of North River Drive, adjacent to existing residential, and is currently zoned Parks and Recreation.

The meeting adjourned.

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