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MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION 
c/o Robert King High
1407 NW 7 St., 
Suite D
Miami , FL   33125

  Phone 305 644 0544
Fax 305 642 1136
  e-mail: mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

The Miami River Commission ’s (MRC) Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG) convened on Friday, April 15, 2005 , 10:00 AM , in the Miami Riverside Center , 444 SW 2^nd Avenue , 8^th Floor, North Conference Room.  Mr. Jim Murley chaired the meeting.  The attendance sheet is enclosed.

I) Technical Project Reviews

A. Presentation of Revised “Brisas del Rio ” ( 1583 NW 24^th Ave ) Proposed Development – Mr. Murley stated Mr. Ben Fernandez, Berkow Radell, requested to present a modified, “Brisas del Rio ” (1583 NW 24 Ave., former “ Florida Yacht Basin ”) to the UIWG.  Murley reported on March 15, 2005 Mr. Fernandez deferred his requested UIWG presentation to April 15, 2005 .  Murley noted MRC staff distributed meeting minutes from the previous “Brisas del Rio ” presentations to the MRC on November 1, 2004 , and the UIWG on September 21, 2004 .  Murley noted the MRC Executive Committee sets the monthly MRC agenda, and Bibeau stated the next publicly noticed and open MRC Executive Committee meeting will be April 21, 2005 , 8 AM , Greenstreet’s Café, 3468 Main Highway .

Mr. Fernandez presented the modifications to the previously presented “Brias del Rio ” development proposal.  Mr. Fernandez stated the project’s developers redesigned the north-west corner of the site to plan a linear half-acre of green space and Greenway, known as “Parcel A”.  The open space, noted Mr. Fernandez, is considered a positive change, as it creates a view corridor from 24^th Avenue , and a pedestrian Greenway that will improve the publicly accessible pedestrian connectivity from the street to the planned riverwalk.  Ms. Helen Brown, Miami-Dade County , asked if the “Brisas del Rio ” developers are proffering a covenant that the publicly accessible greenspace and Greenway / Riverwalk would remain as presented, and Mr. Fernandez stated that the project developers are not opposed to proffering such a covenant.  

Mr. Fernandez noted the project’s planned 698 residential units remains unchanged, yet the  number of stories in the three larger buildings have been modified from 21 stories each, to one with 24 stories, the second with 20 stories, and the third with 16 stories. 

Mr. Everingham enquired about the planned filling of existing slips at the site, and Mr. Fernandez replied the project would totally fill some of the slips, partially fills other slips, and stated he would forward the confirmed linear dockage, and number of boats in the planned marina area, in the near future.

Mr. Everingham noted the MRC recently unanimously adopted the “Second Annual Update” to the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, which contained an amendment to, “Recommend preservation of all remaining marine industrial (SD-4) zoning and industrial land use within the Miami River Corridor”.  The UIWG decided to maintain its original September 21, 2004 recommendation / position, that the presented “Brisas del Rio ” 698 residential unit development,  

which requires the filling of boat slips in the Marine Industrial zoned section of the “Upper River” (South Shore, West of NW 22 Ave Bridge) is inconsistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. Mr. Murley asked for the April UIWG minutes to reflect the presented modification to the proposal, since it had previously been voted on by the MRC on November 1, 2004, and directed MRC staff to provide the UIWG minutes to the MRC Executive Committee to consider if the modification is substantial enough to warrant a second MRC hearing on the proposed development.

B. Presentation of Revised EF Builders Proposed Development (1622 NW 22 Avenue)- Mr. Murley stated Mr. Ben Fernandez, Berkow Radell, requested to present a modified, EF Builders proposed development requiring a rezoning from Duplex Residential (R-2) to High-Density Residential (R-4), at 1622 NW 22 Avenue 1622 - 1630 NW 22 Ave & 2210 NW North River Drive to the UIWG (deferred from UIWG March 17, 2005).  Murley noted MRC staff had distributed meeting minutes from the items previous presentations to the MRC on May 3, 2004 , and the UIWG on April 16, 2004 .  Murley again noted the MRC Executive Committee sets the monthly MRC agenda.

Mr. Fernandez stated that the potential developers do not have any site plans nor architectural renderings. Mr. Fernandez stated that renderings and plans would be prepared and presented to the MRC and City, if the City Commission approves the application to amend the existing R-2 Zoning and Land Use.   Fernandez explained the only modification to the application to amend the zoning and land use from R-2 to R-4, is the addition of a parcel located at 2210 NW North River Drive .  Fernandez explained the parcel was added in order to provide access and frontage to the site from North River Drive .

The UIWG concurred that although the modification to the EF Builders application to amend the land use and zoning at 1622 - 1630 NW 22 Ave & 2210 NW North River Drive from Duplex Residential (R-2) to High Density Residential (R-4) improves access to the site, the UIWG decided to maintain its original April 16, 2004 UIWG recommendation / position, that the proposed amendment to High-Density Residential in this low density / duplex (2 stories) “upper river” (to the west of 22^nd Ave) residential neighborhood is inconsistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.  Mr. Murley asked for the UIWG minutes to reflect the presented modifications made to the proposal, since it was voted on by the MRC on May 3, 2004 , and provide the minutes to the MRC Executive Committee, whom will decide if the modifications are sufficient to warrant another MRC hearing on the proposed development.

C. Discussion of Tamiami Swing Bridge Replacement - Mr. Enrique ‘Rick’ Crooks, EAC Consulting, Mr. Aslam Khan, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and Ms. Catherine Owens, FDOT, presented the UIWG with the “Tamiami Canal Historic Swing Bridge Project Development and Environment Study.” Mr. Crooks noted that the existing swing bridge was originally constructed as the Miami River ’s 27 Ave. River crossing in 1921, and subsequently relocated to its current Tamiami Canal crossing location in 1941.  Crooks stated the existing bridge is one of three Bob-Tailed Swing Spans in Florida , and is one of the oldest bridges on the Miami River . Mr. Crooks stated they are currently in Phase 2 of the Tamiami Swing Bridge “Project Development and Environment Study” (PD&E). The PD&E phase, noted Mr. Crooks, consists of two co-existent processes: environment and engineering aspects. During the PD&E phase, he added, FDOT compiles / analyzes all environmental and engineering data related to the Tamiami Swing Bridge, including documenting historic aspects, field review, corridor analysis, traffic analysis, roadway design alternatives, maintenance of traffic analysis, comparative analysis of alternatives (including no-build and tunnel alternatives), and cost analysis.

Mr. Crooks stated the existing bridge is being studied for possible replacement because it is structurally deficient and functionally obsolete, and will not be able to accommodate future high traffic demands. Mr. Crooks stated that FDOT was currently compiling a report concerning the cultural and historic standpoint of the bridge and its surrounding area. The UIWG asked for a copy of the historical analysis when completed, and Mr. Crooks agreed to provide a copy.

Mr. Bibeau noted that page 90 of the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, states, “ Request Miami-Dade County to replace the 1941 swing bridge on the Delaware Parkway ( South River Drive ) over the Tamiami Canal ”. In addition, Bibeau cited the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan page 90, “Request that all Transportation Agencies adopt a minimum height of 23 feet clearance for bascule bridges and 75 feet for fixed bridges”.  Bibeau noted the FDOT presentation includes a graph indicating the number of bridge openings based on the potential height of the NW 5 ST bridge, and twice as many openings are required if the vertical bridge clearance is 15 feet, compared to the recommended 23 foot vertical Bridge clearance.  The UIWG, noted a proposed “Miami River Rapids” Residential development includes 2,300 units immediately adjacent to the Tamiami Canal Swing Bridge , at 1851 Delaware Parkway , therefore the vertical clearance, and its direct connection to the number of required openings, should be considered.  Mr. Crooks noted a similar FDOT analysis of vertical clearances vs. bridge openings is being conducted for the Tamiami Bridge location, and would be taken into consideration in determining the potential replacement bridge’s vertical clearance.  In addition, Bibeau and FDOT noted the flooding which has occurred in the vicinity, partially due to the existing bridge being partially constructed within the canal, which blocks water flow, creating flooding conditions.  Therefore, any potential new Bridge should have a horizontal clearance wide enough to keep all structures out of the water body, and constructed entirely on land, in order to avoid limiting water conveyance capacity.  Mr. Crooks concurred that if the bridge replacement alternative is selected, no structures would constructed in the canal.  Furthermore, FDOT stated they were aware of the SFWMD plans to dredge within the Tamiami Canal .  Mr. Crooks indicated if the bridge replacement alternative is selected, the project would most likely commence construction around 2010, after the SFWMD dredging is completed in the area, therefore FDOT would be responsible to dredge the materials in the Tamiami Canal , which are left behind due to the existing Bridge obstruction, as a component to the Bridge replacement project.  

Mr. Murley stated if the bridge replacement alternative is selected, it was previously reported to the UIWG that the existing bridge might be relocated as a pedestrian Bridge to another location.  The UIWG recommended relocation sites along the Miami River Corridor be considered for Bridge relocation alternatives, including Seybold Canal (leading into Point Park), Miami River Rapids Park (over the rapids remains) or crossing the Lawrence Canal into Sewell Park.  Mr. Khan stated that FDOT would host public hearings in the future to address possible bridge relocation alternative sites.

The UIWG noted the Miami River Greenway Action Plan has an “on-road” Greenway section planned to proceed across the Tamiami Bridge, therefore the UIWG recommended the potential Bridge replacement to include a wide publicly accessible pedestrian sidewalk, which was omitted from the Bridge’s original design.

Mr. Crooks stated the FDOT would like to make this presentation, and seek input, at the MRC’s May 2, 2005 meeting.  Bibeau replied on April 21, 2005 the MRC’s Executive Board will set the MRC’s May 2, 2005 agenda, and believes they would agree to the FDOT Tamiami Bridge presentation, and noted the meeting would be held at noon, 1401 NW 7 ST, in the “New Board Room”.

II.  Planning Studies / Presentations

A. Status of Miami River Corridor Transportation Study-

Mr. Bibeau stated that he had spoken to Mr. Gary Dunn, FDOT, regarding the proposed, “Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Study”. Mr. Dunn expressed FDOT’s willingness to participate in the proposed study, yet indicated they may not have any funding to contribute.  Mr. Bibeau stated he continues to coordinate the MRC recommended Transportation Study with the MPO, County and City.

The UIWG reviewed the FDOT Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) Plan, and noted the Plan’s designated Transportation facilities are eligible for State Transportation funding.  Mr. Bibeau noted although several of the River Corridor’s Transportation facilities are included in the SIS, the Miami River Port was omitted from the “SIS Waterways” designation category.  Dr. Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, stated the State criteria for “SIS Waterways” designation is that the port facility transport at least 75,000 TEU’s per year, and Dr. Bohnsack stated she forwarded Miami River Cargo Piers Reports to the FDOT indicating the Miami River exceeds that criteria, yet the Miami River remained omitted from the “SIS Waterways” category.  Dr. Bohnsack stated the MRMG and MRC should work with State Senator “Rudy” Garcia on having the Miami River inserted as an “SIS Waterway”, as it exceeds the FDOT criteria in order to be designated as such, and the UIWG concurred.

B. Discussion of Revised Draft Miami-Dade County Marine Industrial Zoning Overlay- Ms. Helen Brown, Miami Dade-County, stated she had not seen the revised draft Marine Industrial Zoning Overlay ordinance, deleting Sections 33-278.8 and 33-278.9, as recommended by the MRC and United States Coast Guard.  Ms. Brown stated since Commissioner Barreiro is sponsoring the Ordinance, she would e-mail his office the draft ordinance, whom in turn may delete the sections and submit the revised draft to the County Attorney , prior to being scheduled before the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.

Mr. Jeffrey Hooper, AME Shipping, expressed concern over the impact of the outside chance that the Port of the Miami River is shut down due to a terrorist attack or act of God, the proposed Marine Industrial overlay district would limit the potential uses of his property.  Mr. Murley recommended inserting a “State of Emergency ” / “Force de Jeur” provision into the draft ordinance, to allow properties along the River to revert back to its original industrial zoning in case of such emergencies, which would potentially shut down the River’s Federal Navigable Channel. The UIWG unanimously concurred with Murley’s suggestion, and Mr. Hooper agreed it addressed his concern.

III. New Business- Mr. Murley stated he had reviewed a power point presentation outlining the commencing “ Miami 21” planning process, which will lead to City of Miami Zoning Code revisions.  Mr. Murley stated the slide presentation stated the Plan would be organized by corridors, and the selected corridors crossing the Miami River are Biscayne Boulevard , Miami Ave, 7^th  Ave , 17^th  Ave , 27^th Ave and 37^th Ave , and excludes 2^nd  Ave and 12^th Ave.   Each selected Avenue corridor includes 500 feet on both sides of the Avenue.  Murley noted one slide indicated “ Waterfront Parks and Civic Spaces” would be included in the planning effort, yet was unsure which Riverfront “Parks and Civic Spaces” have been selected.  Mr. Murley stated he would attend the “ Miami 21” commencement on Saturday, April 16, 8:00-12:30 pm , Miami -Dade College Wolfson Campus, Chapman Conference Center , 300 NE 2^nd Avenue , Building 3. The UIWG concurred that the MRC should continue to track and participate in the Miami 21 planning process, in an effort to have the Miami River Corridor components of the City-wide Plan be consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.

The meeting adjourned.

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