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>> Good morning and welcome to the November 20th meeting of the City of Miami Beach Design Review Board. Um should we start with attendance? >> Let's do that. Um good morning everybody. Um I'm going to do a roll call for attendance. Uh, Miss Bhutakavoli
>> here, >> Mr. Defender >> here, >> Miss Gil Nelson >> here, >> Mr. Lester >> here, >> Miss Leuen is absent, Mr. Meshber >> here, >> and Mr. Pis is absent. So, we have five members present. We do have a quorum.
Um, for any applicants that are here that are requesting variances, just so that you are aware, you will need a unanimous decision for the variance to be approved. They require five votes. Anything that does not require a variance, a design review approval, a waiver only requires four votes. Um, so
just keep that in mind. Um, with that, I turn it back to you, Mr. Madam Chairman. >> Thank you. Um, do we have any city attorney updates or? >> Uh, no. No. >> And how about approval of the minutes or do you want to swear on the public first? >> It's up to you. Uh, we can do approval
of the minutes. I make a motion to approve the minutes of um October 23rd, 2025. >> Do you have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. >> L. All right. All those in favor?
>> I >> I thank you. Uh motion passes. >> What about the swearing in? >> Yeah. And um madam chair, I also let members of the public know how to appear virtually uh for today's meeting. So good morning all. Today's meeting of the
design review board has been scheduled in a hybrid format with a quorum of the board physically present in the commission chambers and applicant staff and members of the public appearing either in person or virtually via the Zoom uh platform webinar. Those who wish to participate in today's meeting via
Zoom may dial 888-475-4499 which is a toll-free number and enter the webinar ID which is 82273941924 or log into the Zoom app and enter the webinar ID which again is 82273941924. Any individual wishing to speak on an
item must click the raise hand icon if they are using the Zoom app or dial star9 if they are participating by phone. Before I swear in those that will be testifying today, I'd like to remind all of the city's uh no uh lobbyist registration requirements. If you are appearing on behalf of a business, a
corporation, or another person, you need to register as a lobbyist with the city clerk's office. If you haven't registered yet, you should register before you speak to the board. You do not have to register as a lobbyist if you are speaking only on behalf of yourself and not any other party or if
you are testifying as an expert witness providing only scientific, technical, or other specialized information or testimony in this public meeting. Or if you are appearing as a representative of a neighborhood association without any compensation or reimbursement for your
appearance to express support of or opposition to any item. Expert witnesses and representatives of neighborhood associations shall prior to appearing disclose in writing to the city clerk their name, address, and the principal on whose behalf they are communicating.
If you are an architect, attorney, or employee representing an applicant or objector, you must register as a lobbyist. These rules apply whether you are appearing in favor of or against any item or encouraging or arguing against its passage, defeat, modification, or
continuence. So, at this time, I'd like to swear in those members of the public that are here in chambers. If you are appearing virtually, I will swear you in as you speak, as you are called. So, uh, if everyone in chambers who will be testifying today can please stand up,
raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony that you'll be giving in this proceeding is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? >> Thank you. And please be seated. And with that, Madam Chair, just one introduction. This is Justin Alexander from the city attorney's office. He'll
be helping both Nick and myself on future hearings. So, I'd like to welcome you and welcome Justin here today. >> Thank you. And welcome, Justin. Thank you. >> And with that, I'll turn it back to you, Madam Chair. >> Okay. Um, do we have any other business
to discuss or should we move on to the continuences? >> We have no discussion items, so we can unless any other board members >> Excuse me. Yes, I have one. My understanding is that the um September item on the Lagorse item is going before
commission for appeal. When is that commission meeting in case any of the board members wish to attend? >> Um I don't think the date has been scheduled yet. They submitted all their appeal documents. Um so that's currently being processed, but I don't believe the date has been set. We can we can advise
you when that is set. >> Thank you. >> Because we also would have um the city attorney's office briefing it. So it may not be for several months. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. With that, we can we can move on to uh um request for continuences.
>> Okay. >> Okay. Um so we have two requests for continuences on the agenda. Uh the first one is a city application. It is for the 28 Venetian Way right ofway. Um the city
is still working on the plans for this document. They had they had a preliminary set of plans that they were uh going to bring to the board, but they're still revising. They're going to revise those plans again. So they requested another continuence to the December meeting. Um that would be December 11th, I believe. December 11th.
>> Um that's DRB25-1100. Um if I can if anybody would like to make a motion then >> make a motion to >> make a motion to continue for a future meeting DRB25-1100
28 Venetian way right ofway. >> I'll second by Mr. All right. All those in favor >> I >> All right. Thank you. Um the next item that's being requested for continuence um is um it's item six on the agenda um
on the online agenda. It's already been moved to request for continuences. That's uh DRB25-1088 6945 Abbott Avenue. That's an item that was discussed last month. There were some operational uh concerns that were raised by the board. The transportation
department and parking departments are currently working with the applicant on uh finalizing those recommendations and making adjustments to what came before the board last month. Um so they are requesting that the item be continued for those uh for those issues to be uh to be uh finalized and for the
transportation memo to be finalized. >> So when so um it would be December 11th. >> Okay. City's requesting that the city's requesting that it be continued and the applicants um okay with that. make a motion to continue DRB25-10886945 API Avenue. I also request that you give
us as a board uh direction as to what um was approved in the referendum for North Beach as far as the code so that when we get future projects in the North Beach area, we know what to >> what to what pertains to us and what
does not what can Okay. >> Okay. We'll give you an update on that. I'll second the other second. >> I apologize. The second came from who? >> Me. >> Okay. >> All right. Um, all those in favor? >> I >> I >> All right. The motion passes. Thank you.
>> Okay. >> So, now we're going to move on to uh continued items. DRB 251087 94 Palm Avenue. This application has been filed requesting modifications to a previously approved design review approval for the
construction of a new two-story residence with an understory. Specifically, the applicant is requesting a variance variances to provide an enclosed air conditioned storage area within the understory to provide concrete areas within the understory to exceed the maximum
permitted load coverage for height and interior side setback for an increase in height of the mechanical equipment with a screening with the interior side setback and to increase the allowable height for an elevator bulkhead including one or more waiverss to
replace an existing residence. >> Okay. So, this um this is an item that was um discussed by the board originally in uh on June 12th, 2025. At that meeting, the the uh the DRB
um approved one of the variances that was requested by the applicant. That was a variance related to the height and of uh screening and mechan mechanical equipment in the sideyard. Um so, the the board has already approved that variance. Um the rest of the application, the design review approval
um um which includes some waiverss and there were several other variances was continued um to a future meeting um to the September meeting. The applicant requested a continuence at the September meeting because they wanted to make some revisions pursuant to some of the comments that they heard at the uh June
meeting from the DRB and they wanted to revise their variance requests. Um so the applicant um so the item was renoticed um with an additional variance request. That variance request that uh that is being added was to increase the allowable height for an elevator
bulkhead. Um so as an update the applicant submitted some revised plans. Um the revised plans include the removal of the variance request that was already approved. Um the um applicant has made some revisions. Um so for variance
number one regarding the enclosed air conditioned space in the understory um they have uh clarified their request to identify the utilities that will be located in the understory area. That includes a water heater, a water purification system, sistns and air
conditioning equipment. The board requested some additional details on what would be uh located in the understory area. So they have provided that and they'll be they'll be demonstrating that in the plans. um regards to variance number two that was related to allowing for concrete um in
the understory area. Last month the board had a discussion uh and recommended that uh the code be amended to um to allow for those types of situations for concrete grids in the understory area provided that permeability is maintained. Um that is
being transmitted to the city commission but but that has that that that will take some time before it can be adopted. Um but the variance number two has been revised. So originally they were just proposing a full concrete slab in the understory area um where paper set and stand are required. The applicant has
revised that request um to utilize a reinforced concrete grid system um which maintains the stability that they are seeking um to ensure that the ground doesn't uh sag and that there's no movement. However, it still continues to allow permeability. So there will be
concrete strips essentially with openings in between that allows um maintaining those pavers but still allow water to percolate underneath. So the applicant has revised the request uh consistent with one of the variances that was approved um at the last meeting um with with allowing the water to
percolate but still maintaining the stability. Um and then the second uh the third change is a new variance request um which is to increase the height of the elevator bulkhead uh to allow for a larger elevator to be installed. Um given the scale of the home um the
applicant is requesting a 3ft variance which is the most that that the board could approve is 3 ft. Um in order to allow for a little bit of a higher elevator bulkhead, the code currently allows elevator bulkheads of 10 ft. Um the elevator system that would be required for a house of this scale um is
a little bit taller than that. Um given the scale of the home um and the needs to have an elevator for for a home of this scale. Uh staff is supportive of the granting of that variance. Um so with that staff uh recommends that the application be approved including the proposed uh variances.
>> And before we start are there any exarty uh disclosures uh from the board? Okay. Thank you. Good morning. Madame Amster the Laugh Burke Howard Del Fernandez Larkin and Tapeness office is at 200 South Miscane Boulevard in Miami. Here today
representing Palm Island Residence Trust the applicant and owner of this property at 94 Palm Avenue. Uh with me today, Ronaldo Boures um architect um from his firm Amelia Garcia. And we have uh three experts to uh that have given us
assistance to help us um flesh out these details uh of this home. Um I have uh Caitlyn Suarez for the awning system. Uh Saju Varhees um is our project engineer and Marco Osorio um is our civil
engineer um helping us with our uh comprehensive storm water system. Uh this is an already approved project and it's already underway. And these are just items that uh have come up in needing to flesh out the final designs of the home. And with that, I'll turn it
over to Ronaldo. >> Thank you. Good morning, board. Ronaldo Bourens with Bour Architects at 237 South Dixie Highway representing the owners here. And um I'll give you a brief uh reminder of of the project.
Wait a second. What's going on here? >> Cancel. Oh, okay. There we go. >> If you could call up the presentation, please. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. So, yes, uh, as um noted, the project was presented to the DRB um many months ago, and we got uh
approval basically for what was presented at the time, um, with with very few conditions. It's a waterfront understory design, uh, taking full benefit of Biscane Bay and the beauty of the context. You can see here the house is raised up to 16 ft with an understory
condition which is as you know designed to flood and allow for the the water to to be absorbed into the ground into the system of drainage that we have. Um you know a lot of amenities. I mean really this home is is full of uh features and and exciting amenities for the owners.
You can see here from the understory the kind of view that you get of Biscane Bay. We're fully utilizing, you know, all the things that um the zoning and and um Miami Beach allows us to bring in sunken areas, you know, uh treatment pools um in the context of Palm Island
at 94 Palm. So, this is a representation of the original site plan as as it was approved. Um and then you'll see new variations of these site plans with the minor conditions. You know, we as architects, you know, really looking at resiliency and sustainability in these
homes. And this is kind of state-of-the-art because it's lead gold certified is what we're aiming for. We have a fully integrated solar system that is generating solar power integrated with very sophisticated battery system. Um so I mean it really has everything that you could possibly
do to uh bring sustainability and resiliency to a home of this scale in this context. So the first item is really uh to allow us to air condition these spaces under the house which is one primarily an equipment area with
sensible um electronics and our engineers here to represent the concern there. The only way to control the humidity in these spaces is to really air condition them and it's the only reason that we're doing it. Um and then of course uh my client has a car collection. So on the parking area we
would also like to air condition that environment. So those cars are in a happy air conditioned environment removing you know humidity and the salty environment. I want to say there there's a calculation here in red that reminds us that we are allowed up to 3% uh of
enclosed area in the understory which would be over 3,000 square ft. The area noted here is only about 1,500 square ft. Um, but it's a utilitarian space. It's really not part of that, um, vestibule that we have in the understory that allows you then to travel up to the
house. But, um, this is not really increasing any of the areas. It's just allowing us to have equipment that is better protected. This exhibit here kind of shows you worldclass water filtration system that is really state-of-the-art, has a lot of sensitive equipment and
electronics. We have pumps and we have you know control systems for the um the smart home integration uh in the house. So you know this space is primarily for that right. Uh we may store a few bicycles as you can see here. They do have young children but primarily it's
an equipment mechanical space that we're asking to air condition. Uh just to remind you the Florida building code allows us to air condition this space. is primarily a zoning sensibility because you know we want to avoid these spaces becoming habitable in the future and I think that's the main concern that zoning has with air conditioning these
spaces. Um so that is this item and I do have Saju here with us who's our worldass engineer that has helped us engineer and integrate all the systems. If you have any questions we could do it now or we could do it after um we we finished the four items. I think it's
probably easiest as we go through and have a discussion to answer questions. >> So then we move on to the next item. So all this area in pink is an area that is paved with the pvious paver system. But we were concerned that when that paving
system comes up to hard structure that's engineered with piles and very very stable that there would be some distortion of those pavers in a house of this value, we wanted to install those pavers in a structured slab. um that has evolved you know through the learning because we're always paying attention
and and looking at great ideas. This is the concern right that that this paper even if it's well compact and so on it tends to distort and fail. This is actually an image at the worldass Paris Museum that you can see the the paving system is failing already. So that's
that's that's the concern, right? Uh so what we did uh in the learning here and evolving this idea is that that slab that we're structuring is also perforated up to 25% of the slab. So it still behaves and acts as a filtration
system for the water that you know could accumulate. Uh the site is designed with um a 35,000galon system that you see here in orange. that system is capturing all the water in on the site to irrigate
the entirety of the site and that's how we came up with 35,000gallon capacity. Uh in red you see two rectangles that represent deep wells and in these sites we always have to go to deep wells so that really we could absorb all this water and make sure it doesn't accumulate on site. Uh Marco, our civil
engineer is here to answer any questions you may have. But really the drainage system is very robust and very redundant and and splendid. You know, we don't anticipate a lot of water accumulation here at all because there's a lot of green, there's a lot of absorption. The site really um takes care of all of
that. Um so from a resiliency point of view, the only kind of uh you know, I think flooding we'll have here if we have a storm surge in a category 6 event or something like that that kind of brings a storm surge event into this. Otherwise, the typical rain events are going to be captured by the system
pretty well. Um, and there's no concern on our side from a drainage point of view that that structure slab that I'm showing here with the perforations would cause any issue, but it will allow us to stabilize those pavers and avoid any kind of distortion and any uh paving
failure in the house in the future. It's just better performance. It's a better design. Um, and again, it doesn't compromise the drainage uh solutions. The third variance is kind of interesting because the house uh these house on the edge of water always become
a place where having you know family and friends um and they do a lot of fundraising for different community um organizations could come and enjoy this terrace that is parallel to the um the spaces inside the house that are common area and and sort of festive living
areas have this layered trellis system. this trellis system is already over a canopy that is protecting the understory. So in in a way the code um is kind of redundant the way it looks at lot coverage. This diagram here if you look at this portion over here where the
canopy is the red lines represent the area that we accounted for in the uh calculations and the blue area is the area that you know is in question here. And what brings it in question is that um the planning director has determined that if we use a system like this, which
is an aluminum folding system that is very durable and very resilient, it has a a sort of a more permanent nature to it. And if we use one like this, you can kind of see the difference, which is a canvas softer element that we wouldn't have an issue. So it's it's primarily
the materiality of the portion of the trellis that retracts that is in question, right? It's not the structuring. It's not the shading system. It's primarily the nature of this as aluminum versus the fabric. The detail concern that we have is this,
right? This is a project here down Collins Avenue. You see have the fabric system and you see the the concern of durability and and the way it wears long term. We want to avoid that in a house of this value, you know. So, we really um I tried to change the planning director's mind, but he was pretty
persistent that, you know, he's going to keep his position that only the fabric would not count and the aluminum would count. This is a detail here of both conditions. On the left, you know, you see the uh retractable aluminum system. On the right, you see the fabric. You can see that the collection is more or
less the same. It behaves the same. It looks the same, except one is more durable and I think will perform better in a house of this quality than the other. So that is this item. I think it's pretty straightforward. You know, staff is agreeing with us. This will make a
better project, a more durable project, uh more resilient project, and a happier client for me as well. So, um as we venture into the bulkhead issue and these homes, when we try to fit in a world-class uh residential elevator, none of them really have the right size,
right? They're very, very tight, very compressed. So the only way to kind of enlarge the cab and the elevator experience is to go to this type of elevator that requires this bulkhead that is a three-foot bulkhead and you kind of see it here in the section you
see it's we centered it on the mass of the house really to pre prevent you know being perceived uh from the street and so on. So even in this image here, you can see that we have a palm tree right around here that is strategically placed to kind of eliminate any perception of
that um volutric, you know. And then here without the the the palm tree, you see that the bulkhead is minimal, the impact, the visual impact is minimal. And and this has become something that most of these larger homes are requiring now. So I I think that the code may be
uh allowing this as of right in the future. Um you kind of see here in this threedimensional view it's a minor you know bulkhead element um and we request that as a variance. Um in terms of overall progress you know we have 16
different specialty consultants in this project. This has a lot of different specialty items and we're about to submit for permits just waiting for hopefully these variants being approved today so that we could start construction as soon as possible. I mean, they have urgency. They have a contractor on board. Um, and we're ready
to move forward with this. So, with that, I'll leave it for questions from the board. >> Thank you very much. Very thorough. >> Yes. Just a few um for more remarks. Uh, you know, the nature of this again, as you move forward towards permit, which
we're on the cusp of putting in, you you get all these disciplines and engineers uh looking at the fine details. uh and that's where uh you know a a strict application of the code uh is we're now requiring these variances but I think as as Ronaldo and our plans are showing um
there are practical difficulties with uh providing you know that again strict adherence to the code where these essentially are alternative means of meeting the intent of the code that we have uh extensive storm water drainage throughout uh that is um you know
achieved through the pvious uh system. Uh even with the sistern which also you know helps from the standpoint of even the lot coverage you know we have an extensive there's no requirement to have a sistern we are uh adding that uh to assist with our storm water system um
and uh therefore being very effective uh the entirety of this understory is all uh wet floodproofed and uh extends even though we're enclosing areas as Ronaldo said we have uh basically the we're within the maximum that you could have
for access. We're just using it for these uh select uh equipment protection for the long term. Uh and this is a very large lot. It's a basically a double lot uh in RS1. Uh and so from a standpoint certainly for the elevator uh a number
of other uh single family homes on RS1 lots uh have uh been granted that same elevator uh variance for the height. It's very centrally located, hardly visible from the street. So, with that, um, we're here to answer any questions. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. Um, are there any other members of the public wishing to speak? >> Anybody online? >> If anybody online who would like to speak, please raise your hands. >> Nobody online with their hand raised. >> Excellent. So, I'm now going to close the public portion, open it up to the board members to discuss um who would
like or do you have any questions about the variances for staff? >> Adam, do you want to start? >> Sure. Um um at the papavers, what material is your paver
again? >> Well, it's a concrete um pvious paver system. So typical concrete. >> Yes. And it's neutral color, you know, it's a very uh light color scheme. Um >> not a big 4 inch thick slab of stone or something like that. >> No, no, no.
>> Okay. Um why are there this is something I noticed. Why are you putting the PA supports under the storage area if that's pvious? But but but we want to we want to air condition it. So the concern
uh Adam is that when that pvious paver comes up to the edge of all the structured pools that kind of come into the underside which is structured on piles and all that right the pavers could distort they could settle and create that kind of distortion that are represented in these images. So by
putting that slab right which is >> no no no sorry let me clear my question in the storage area the mechanical room that we're talking about that we want to air condition you're showing the same grid structure under that. >> Yeah because that area also has to have pvious pavers.
>> Um so we want to stabilize them over the pvious slab uh to to make more stable that installation of of the pvious system. So the the the mechanical room that we want to air condition, which I am all for to keep
the equipment, is going to be pvious or will let humidity up. >> Yes, absolutely. That entire understory is allowed to flood, right, in an extreme event. So that's why everything is sort of intended to be pvious to absorb that water. >> Okay. It just seems like you're letting moisture up. Why why wouldn't that be a
slab? But if it's not allowed to have then it's not allowed to be a slab underneath there is what you're saying. >> Yeah. Everything there is required to be a pvious paving system. >> Sorry, I just noticed that. It seemed a little bit >> Yeah. Look, I mean the code that's why we're having these conversations. The code is not perfect and this is the way that we perfect the code by having these
minor variances. >> Yeah. >> I had a question about the putting this what what do you do in a flood? Is this equipment all going to be ruined if it fl if the water comes up? >> No. All the equipment that uh cannot flood is raised at FEMA plus one on
pedestals inside the room. So that's the the the the level of the room itself, the paving is below FEMA, but all the equipment is all above FEMA. So even if it gets flooded, the equipment is safe.
>> Okay. It's weird to me. I just I'm trying to I'm trying to um I'm trying to justify this enclosed room that's air conditioning yet it's not watertight with this expensive equipment in it and it's not humidity free either.
Right. Like what do you >> Right. So if I don't air condition it then I'm not controlling the humidity and I got a corrosive environment. So that's >> No, I understand all that but >> but follow me through for a minute. I mean, if you're doing pvious pavers under it, isn't humidity going to come into that room anyway?
>> Well, there'll be flooding events that may compromise, you know, that paving system inside that room, right? Uh, >> but the room's not insul. What I'm saying is like you don't air conditioning, you don't air condition a room without insulating it and not making it drafty to the outside cuz
otherwise you create humidity and >> you have an issue anyway. You have condensation. So, like it should either be like to me it should be either be like an interior room airproof uh and waterproof and and insulated or it's got
to be like an outside garage kind of deal. So, like >> I mean this is interrupt. This is for me why I have a problem with this variance because and and um Railio, you know, h happy to have you cracked, but I was
always under the impression that these understories are designed specifically to not be habitable areas so that the homes so that we're not creating all of these threetory homes within our community, that they are just for um flooding protection. And for me, my
issue with this is you're working with a 29,000 square ft house. I'm questioning why you couldn't find space in the air conditioned part of the structure to not have this equipment. Why do you need
additional air conditioned space that's not necessarily that that it goes against the code? I think we're having trouble wrapping our head around this condition that you're creating because this isn't really what the code is specifying. So, I might be
wrong, but I mean it seems like that's why that's why these areas aren't air conditioned. They're not supposed to be habitable. And my concern, too, I mean, you're saying, okay, you're creating this air conditioned room for this equipment, but it seems like it's a large space. There's nothing stopping
that room from becoming habitable at any point. Maybe not even with this um resident, but maybe the next one or the next one. For me, this is a precedent that I don't really want to set. I I don't think it's appropriate. I think we need to stick to the intent of the code.
>> Let me clarify a few things here, Sarah, because >> I think there's a perception um issue here, right? >> So, that room, as I stated before, is allowed to exist as a storage room. >> Yes. >> If I'm not air conditioning, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Okay. Yes.
>> Just remove the air conditioning. Yes. >> Now, what we learned because we're architects in the tropics, right? Um that even if I don't have sensitive uh equipment in there, if I just store bikes and um things to take out on the boat and things like that that people do in these understories, that's allowed,
right? There's no no question about that. I could put a canoe in there. I could put all kinds of stuff. I could put my life jackets for my jet skis, all that stuff. If all that stored in an environment like this is not an air conditioned space, eventually it gets mold. Yes. Now I think all to your point
I think all of us have homes with unairconditioned garages. >> So that's the reason why these spaces the Florida building code allows me to air condition. In fact I spoke to Seahas our building official and he's like I would applaud that being air conditioned because it removes that concern of a humid moldy environment.
>> By the way the house that is there now is primarily getting demolished because it had a crawl area that got invaded by mold significantly and was making our clients sick. So mold is a big concern in this project, right? Because you know when you have those kind of experiences in South Florida, you never forget,
right? And mold is very persistent, but what makes it thrive is sort of unconditioned, hot, humid environments like this. >> So the only way that I eliminate that is by putting a simple wall-mounted air conditioning system. The system and
every other equipment inside inside this room is all elevated. So the room does flood because the Florida building code requires that that room is floodable. Right. >> I need to allow the flood waters to get in there and not resist the flooding of that space. >> It's not anticipated to be anything more
than uh a few inches of flood waters getting in there, but it's engineered so all the equipment is a FEMA plus one. So everything is raised on pedestals. So none of the equipment will be damaged if I do get a flood event that invades that space. And that's really an extreme event. That would probably be a storm
surge event. Um, but nothing is going to be damaged, which is, >> you know, for the sake of of time, I'm going to interrupt you because I think that this is all very clear and that everybody everybody who lives in South Florida wants more air conditioned storage space to protect their
valuables. My concern and I'd like um you know maybe city staff to address it is to review why you know the code says that these can't be air conditioned and I'd like to go back to that because what you're asking for is an exception to a very
clear in my mind rule. Why are we granting it to you? What's so special about your project that that's my question? You know, I for me when you have a home that's 29,000 square ft that doesn't constitute a
hardship. Mold and humidity is something that everybody who lives here has to navigate around. So that's So if if you could explain, you know, why what the intent is there? the the intent is just that that we do not get habitable spaces
um in the understory area where people are hanging out inside in their comfortable air conditioning. The the idea is that this be an outdoor space for for residents to enjoy. So when that uh requirement for no air conditioning was put in place, it was in intended for
that purpose to ensure that there's no places where people are going to be hanging out indoors in air conditioning in the understory area with the exception of the entrance vestibule uh for the for the home. That area is specifically allowed to be air conditioned. Um, in this case, staff is
supportive of it because they are going to be including a lot of equipment that uh your typical home won't have, such as the uh water purification system and these these other types of equipment that you generally don't include in a in your typical home. >> And and to be clear, those are choices
that the homeowner is making to add. >> They they are that is true. That is true. I I would say like my biggest concern is precedent. And I hate when people tell us we can't talk about president in this case. I have no doubt what you're doing is for why you're doing it.
>> But in somebody that doesn't have 29,000 ft² and someone that's doing a 2,000 ft house with an understory and says, "Well, I want to do a 800 ft enclosure and put equipment in there and air conditioning it." We all know like in
the Keys for the last 30 years, you're not allowed to have it that understory, but everybody walls it in and air conditions it. And what's to stop people from making that another room? So of course when you build an unders story with a garage you're like or a storage
area you're going to make it I think people will forward go this is going to be room. That's what the that's what the intent of the code is when we're talking about a house so insanely enormous to regular people. We realize that the code
is not keeping up with the fact that we're allowing these huge houses. So that that's the same issue we're having with the papavers underneath the code's allowing certain things, but then it's not being practical in saying, you know,
>> so so I have kind of an issue with not not what you're doing, Ronaldo. I I have an issue with the interpretation of the code going forward and and maybe clarifying this because so >> if you were to go back to the drawing board, I'm just throwing this out and
made like a hanging room that doesn't have uh it's not clearly not able to be turned into a bedroom. Um that would be something I think that might be a little different. And and I guess everyone is you got to we got to ask the question, why can't you fit sense equipment
inside? somewhere. This place is huge. >> Okay. >> Can I ask a couple of questions and maybe you can address all our questions at the same time. Your first variance, which is the one that's being discussed, the air conditioning of the storage area
and the understory. Um I understand you have a water purifier, a water heater, and the AC units. Um the water heater is electric, I assume. >> Yes. And the AC units that you have there, are they the condensing units or
the blowers? >> No, the air handlers themselves. >> Okay. >> Yeah, the condensing normally are inside an air conditioned home. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Okay. And do you also have a generator down there? >> The generator is in the mechanical form
that we got the v the first variance that we got that was to kind of >> So that's not in that room. >> It's not in that room. Yeah. >> Okay. Um, so I the AC system that you are proposing to put in, what is the type? Is it a uh what is the tonnage? Is it a
>> I mean I forgot what they call it. >> I don't have that in memory. >> It's it's a mini split unit on the wall. It's a simple unit. >> Okay. >> Um the big concern here again is humidity. >> I understand. Um so I am in agreement with my other two board members that uh
with a home this size and even smaller the um blowers are usually kept inside the home. Um the water heaters and the water purification systems are normally outside the home. Although because it's
electric, the water heater you can put it inside the home as well. Um you can put it in their garage, you can put it in the understory. You don't have to close the understory for the AC unit. If you're afraid of mold and mildew and and so forth, keep it open so that the cross
ventilation will assist with that. Um it's just that it I'm not going to repeat what they've said. I think it's well said and and no sense in repeating it. Um the um third variance you're
requesting um is for the um exterior wall uh the exterior trellis that you want to put in where you want it to be aluminum. The planning director is asking that it be of canvas. >> Yes.
>> Um and you explained why it needs to be aluminum so that there's less maintenance required. uh something that we all go through when we two uh are canopy outside the garage uh of canvas so that a car can be parked and not be u
exposed to the sun. Um, will this trellis that is protruding on the back of the home with either the aluminum or the canvas, does it um interfere with the peripheral view of any of the neighbors to the sides? Because there
are are being problems expressed by other neighbors on Palm and Palm Island is the one I heard it from where neighbors are protruding so much into the backyard and then putting in yachts, not boats, yachts that exceed the width
of the property. Um, and so there's concerns being raised with peripheral view. Will this extend so far out that it will compromise the peripheral view of any man neighbor? You're saying no? >> No, I don't think so. I mean,
>> after the pro uh the trellis is is built, what is the um depth between the trellis and the water line? >> So, >> or the property line. >> Do you have a an image that you know could show us?
>> If we could go back, we can bring up put the images on the screen please um for the board to see. >> Okay. So, uh, what you see here is this sort of white, um, uh, fabric that comes down in the event of wanting to shade the terrace more. So, they're basically
shades that come up and they roll up again. But usually, this is open like this and it's totally see-through. So, there's no opacity or blockage of views from the neighbors. The neighbor's house is further um towards the water than this terrace is. And actually there's
like a jungle of vegetation that is going to create privacy for both properties that is not going to really allow um >> so what is the depth between the pole the last pole and the >> Okay, that shows a better >> um picture. Where is the trellis in
this? >> I mean the setback to that to that trellis is uh probably >> the light blue >> almost 100 ft you know from the center >> from the bulkhead you know of the seaw wall right. >> Okay. So it's 100 ft from the end of the trellis to the water. Okay.
>> Exactly. >> And and the trellis is on essentially the second I mean I know it's not the it's the first habitable floor but it's it's not on the ground level. >> Yeah. It's on the primary living level. >> And then if you were to if you were to do canvas like I could Would you also
have this aluminum the column the the the the grid? Would you you would need that as well? >> Yeah of course. That's what structures the canopy >> the structure is going to be there >> that's sort of engineered to withstand hurricane winds very durable very resilient
>> right so it's just a matter of the material on the top >> fabric versus aluminum >> right yeah the the structure is going to be there regardless >> the coat is only permitting canvas and >> how do we treat restaurants where there's a hard ceiling because I this
space is not going to be enclosed and so I think I I I I thought about this one from the last time and I think this is if you afford the system, this is the one you want. Um, and I think it's just the way the code is written because they didn't have the technology probably of these aluminum blades before. Um, so
this one, to be honest, the the the sight lines are important, but they're not going to air condition this >> space. They have enough room inside. So I I was this one I was all right with. >> I agree. Raelio, can you give us a little bit of direction why the that
there was such a strong feeling about maintaining the canvas? >> It's it's not that we have a feeling about maintaining a canvas. It's the issue is by making it an aluminum structure, it becomes it falls under the definition of a terrace that uh or a
sorry a projection where the code exempts the first 5T of the projection, everything from lot coverage. Everything beyond the 5 ft of the projection counts towards the lot coverage. >> When it's canvas, it's not a structure. It's it's it's uh it's something that's clearly removable, something that's not
going to provide you 100% protection from the rain. When it's a solid aluminum material that can be fully closed, it's no different uh from the code perspective than than if it were just a permanent covered uh terrace because it could be permanently covered. So, how much will the lot coverage
increase if it's allowed to be of aluminum and not canvas? >> 4%. >> Four 4.15%. Yep. >> Which then would go to, let's see, is it included in the lot coverage that's listed here?
>> It would go for Yes, it would go from 600 square. >> It would go to 34.15 um of lot coverage versus 30%. Mhm. >> It would go to 34.15. Okay. Yeah. So, it's it's not that the code says you can't do this. It's that
because it's aluminum, it can be permanently covered and therefore um it should be treated as a as a as if it is permanently covered. >> If Could I clarify something else uh on the uh storage issue of that that space? >> You know what? Yeah, let's we'll get
>> one second. >> I I'm sorry. If I can just finish my question on the last one with the variance number four which is the bulkhead for the elevator. What is the size of that elevator that you need to include in this home? >> That size is
>> what's the cab height >> is uh 8 12 by 59 is sort of the shaft of the elevator. >> What what is the cab height? >> The cab height >> the height of the cab. >> Yeah, you guys are really testing my memory here. It's it's about probably
seven 7 8 ft. Yeah. It's just the way the mechanism work. It's more like a commercial elevator. That's why they require the bulkhead. Yeah. >> Right. So instead of using a Lula, you're going with a with a a hoist way. >> Yeah. It's a more sophisticated elevator. Yeah. >> And you didn't want to use a machineless
elevator. >> This is machineless, but still because of the way that it works, it requires that additional 3 ft of of bulkhead, >> right? But there are other types of elevators that don't need a hoist. >> We've looked at I mean anything of this
size requires u this this bulkhead. >> Right. So that elevator cab size is larger than your your smaller elevators that don't need the hoist way. I'm just clarifying this with my group here. >> Yeah, it's a unfortunately those residential elevators are super tight
and very claustrophobic. And um >> so what is the size of this elevator when you're inside? The cab itself is 69 by 44. I mean, it's not huge, but it's about 20% larger than the typical residential elevator.
>> It also has a little bit more travel speed. Yeah, cuz the the residential ones are like >> And it's quieter. >> A lot slower, >> little quicker. >> Yeah. I do have one question regarding the mechanical room. >> Yes. >> All the equipment in the uh water fluction systems, can they be sealant
mounted? Well, they're going to be um some are ceiling mounted, some are wall mounted up above FEMA plus one, and those that need a pedestal have an aluminum pedestal to elevate them. >> I was just wondering like if a mezzanine type level could be created for this equipment so that that could be
conditioned. >> See, we have about 10 ft of space inside that room, you know, so we're raising everything above FEMA >> so everything is safe. I will also say, and I think Sarah, this is to your concern, >> the code allows us to put all this equipment there. The code allows us to have an equipment room there. We're not
asking for this to be an equipment room as a variance. The only aspect of variance here is that it's air conditioned, which means it's being dehumidified, >> which to me is logical for these spaces. You know, we if we could protect them, let's protect them. Let's build a better house. To build a better house, we need
to put an air conditioning system. And that's the only thing we're asking for. To me, if you understand the way this uh room is designed and all the abundance of equipment, we're not going to put grandma to sleep in that room. Okay? This room is totally in the shadow of the house. It has no windows, is in the
darkness of of the house, you know? I mean, we know in South Florida, people do everything that you think is not possible in in other worlds. But in this case, the intention is it's a mechanical room. The amount of space that we have here to bring it upstairs, if I do an
analysis, it destroys everything that we're doing upstairs. It is a large home. There's no denying that it's a large home. They have the right to have the large home. We're not asking for anything that the code does not allow. But we do prefer like we do like in mega ships, you know, we put all the
mechanical stuff in the lower level of the ship. We don't put it up in the main deck. You know what I mean? It's like it's illogical, right? So again, this is sensible. is rational. It makes sense. We have Saju here to explain the dynamics of air conditioning spaces and removing the humid humidity concern if
you like. He's here. >> Now, I understand all this. My issue and I don't know if the other board members, but my issue is this that there is a difference between a need and a want and a hardship and a choice. and the variance regarding the air conditioning,
the variance in my personal opinion regarding the elevator, these are all for me, I don't agree, sorry, I don't agree with staff that these are hardships and therefore these variances should be granted. And really, that's what that's what we're here to listen to
you to make the argument that this is a hardship. I feel like you haven't met the burden of proof that these are actual hardships that you know your your client is choosing to create such a large home and then creating a hardship for themselves to then say, "Oh, we need
a bigger elevator because our home is so large." We're saying we're choosing to to create all these things. We would like these areas underneath to be aironditioned. It makes sense. all of those wonderful reasons that you're giving, but it's my it's it's our duty
to look at the code, uphold the code, look at what is the greatest good for the greatest people in the city that we are >> representing. And I just think that I if the variance is based on a hardship for me and this is I don't see that these
are hardships. >> That that that that's my point and I'm happy I would like to hear from other members of the board. on any more of the other variances. I don't know if there is any other questions or discussions. Um, I know Adam, we sort of cut you off
a little, so feel free to um add or >> I I just um Roelio, when the understory idea came about, um it was meant to be a non-airconditioned area except in the area where you maybe enter, you know, to
go into the house, the home, but it's meant to be an non-airconditioned area, pvious to allow water to go through um in case of a horrific uh flood. Um that being said, it still allowed for storage
underneath there, cars to be parked, um a ten um a ping pong table to be placed, any of that type of stuff. Um and of course there is humidity down there. There's shade um but there could also be cross ventilation because it has to
remain open on both at least on two sides. Um, anything that becomes enclosed would increase the unit size. Um, so I in the application that is before us, the unit size actually went down. Did it include that air
conditioned area in the understory? >> The storage areas are required to be included in the understory regardless of whether they're air conditioned. >> Air conditioned or not. Okay. >> Thank you. >> They they do get an exemption of 600 ft for the parking the garage area. So that
that is exempt, but this type of a storage area would always count whe regardless of the >> regardless. Okay, >> thank you. >> So I'll give you my I'll just wind it up. Um I believe this is a storage unit. I believe code needs to be changed to
address a storage area under there with air conditioning because I agree with you that there's nothing worse than having a storage area with ruined stuff. M >> um in a case like this, again, the code needs to address this because people with smaller homes are
going to make this a room. I I I clearly realize with all the stuff you're doing, this is going to be plumbed and wired for this equipment and it's not going to be changed into a room. So, for that, I kind of would I I'm kind of okay with it. But again, I think the code should
be addressing this. This is why we're, you know, they they try to make understories not be in front of us anymore. It should all be clear and it's never clear. They always are behind the curve in what they're No, we're allowing these gigantic houses. They're trying to do
what they can do. So, for that case, a I would allow the elevator because of the size of the house. And I know those elevators that are pneumatic that are so noisy and slow and stupid. So, I'd be okay with that based on the size of the lot and the ne and no neighbors having issues with this cuz it's so big. Um the
pavers underneath again, when you have such a sophisticated draining system, and your points are valid and the code should start addressing sinking pavers and stuff and allow something like that. I think that's a really smart solution and I applaud that. So, I would allow in
this case again that they're doing such a sophisticated drainage and wells that this that the purpose of this is being met as far as the trellis. Back to I think the code should address this. They're clearly not going to enclose this room and put
somebody out there or make it a ballroom. It's it's clearly a temporary space and it makes no sense that we are concerned that they're going to permanently enclose it and that's why the material is what it is. I think the code once again is defective on that. It
should be addressed. Um rather than just keep kicking it down the road and having this come back every time. The walls are not permanent. There's no sighteline implications. And again, the there's no neighbors complaining about this. And when you have such a huge lot, I would hate to see as a realtor and as we're
building something so gigantic to not like let it meet its full potential. I mean by by limiting these silly things I they are silly when you have such a big thing. I I think u code needs to code needs to be we need to start addressing
these things of the code and and and stop this waste of time and money for everybody. I think so that's where I am. Okay. Thank you. >> And I um in continuation of Scott's uh comments, I do not favor the um air
conditioning of the understory for storage, which is your variance number one, or your variance number three, which is uh switching from canvas to aluminum for the trellis. Um I'm all right with the other two. I commend you
for the sistern. I think uh you can now start competing with Istanbul and the uh the system that they have. It is very nice. Thank you. >> Okay. Um >> Adam, did you want to >> I think you guys brought up the point which is the the space.
>> Make sure to speak into the house. Sorry. >> The space we know it's not going to be a a bedroom down there and it is equipment and it will die if it's not air conditioned, but the precedent is is true. And so I don't know how to rewrite the code what it is, but it's it should
be addressed. Um, and the same thing with the aluminum blades. I think like it's obviously not going to be a conditioned space. So I don't see a difference between the the canvas and the and the aluminum besides it's a better product. Um, so I was I was okay
with those. I do agree with all of what everybody says about precedent and and and it will be the case when someone has a water filter in a corner and it's a small room and they they do then convert that into a a bedroom or something like that and and that that we should discuss
as a as a board. Um, the elevator I think it's, you know, that's a nice luxury. If if we've if we've approved the three feet for elevator bulkheads, I'm I'm okay with that. I as long as you don't tell me you've got a a 9 ft elevator cab that you need this type of
overrun for because I think a 7 and 1/2t cab is plenty fine for for residents, you're not moving furniture up in it. So, I'm okay with everything. And the drainage, I do think you guys satisfied that very well. uh you know on the I'm
I'm sorry just to add to it. I understand that you want to air condition or you want to air condition the storage area, but the equipment you're air conditioning such as the water purifier, the water heaters do not need to be air conditioned. They typically are in a garage or on the
outside of a home. And in this case, you have an understory where you can keep them without them being uh air conditioned. The blowers, yes, I agree. They need to be air conditioned, but you have sufficient unit size, sufficient size of a home, I believe, to be able to
have put those blowers in the home without compromising its luxury and ability to do whatever they wanted to do within the space of their air conditioned home. >> With the 29,000, let me actually, can I ask you, I wanted
to follow up with the um >> the the trellis. Why are you not in support of that of that fair variance? Why do you want them to stick to the canvas one? Everyone else is putting in a
canvas um throughout the city when they do canopies outside their homes. Um >> those are not $40 million homes. >> This is not a carport in front of, you know, a small home. >> I mean, >> some of them are $20 million homes and
some of them are not. So that's one reason. That's not the only reason. Um obviously um it's going to be maintained whether it's a aluminum or a canvas. Um because the person that owns this home has the means. But even though putting
the means aside, he wants to maintain that. The code is asking for it to be at this point for it to be canvas. And so unless the code is changed um then you do have to like everyone else include
that extra area that is beyond the 5 ft into your unit size which then brings you to more than the 34 um.15 I think that you currently have. Uh no I'm sorry the um uh 47.38
that you have but that is the code. I you know I can understand that maybe if the code is changed and it's a discussion to be had because I think there's a lot a lot of other issues to discuss between canvas and aluminum. I don't blame you for wanting aluminum and
not having to deal with with um maintenance in the future. >> But right now that's what the code requires. But you allow variance if in the future it the code is changed and it says go ahead you can put in aluminums I
think you can still do so instead of replacing the canvas in 10 years when it starts to tear or fade or >> show signs of >> if I may yes >> is the concern as I think some have brought up about um that it could possibly be enclosed and air conditioned
in the future becomes a closed uh space >> uh I don't think that that is not my concern in in going against it. My personally I don't think you're going to use it as an enclosed airond conditioned area. >> Just making sure I don't think that
that's going to be the case. >> Definitely not the intention and I don't don't see that being able to happen either. >> Yes, I don't see the need for that happening. I think um >> it's that's not the issue. >> What is the issue? >> The ones I just stated.
>> Okay. and the ones stated by the entire board. I don't think we need to go ahead and repeat them. We just the code is asking for canvas. >> The planning director has looked at it and says it should be canvas. Yes, you can ask for a variance. Variances are
meant to address these issues. >> Right? >> If the board feels that it should be aluminum, then so be it. But I'm just giving you my opinion and some others have given you their opinion >> that aluminum is not part of the code. It does not
>> it doesn't specify canvas directly. >> It's I think it's just an interpretation of >> the unit size and the additional >> when uh the canvas or aluminum is you know in the fully uh expanded position
you have a a covered area. >> So this is all subject to interpretation. I do not think that the code says anything about the type of material. Um, and so it's an interpretation that obviously certain some types of materials
>> are leaning towards more covered as in uh more >> structurally looking like covered as opposed to um, you know, looser covered material. Obviously, when it's canvas, there's more openings to it, making it
less enclosed, whereas >> the canvas is opaque. When it's closed off, it basically looks the same as aluminum pretty much. It's just that it weathers differently. It ages differently. So, may I make a statement, uh, Madam Chair? >> Sure. Actually, I was going to say
something actually that I I think you're going to want me to say. I'm happy to have how you say it, but I I want to to to respond. Okay. Um, the I'm as you could see from my other comments I'm generally like let's stick to the code but in this case it seems
like because of the structure that is abled and permitted and they are going to put on this terrace that that sort of makes it what am I trying to say I don't think that the material
that's being used for the top of the trellis is going to make it seem any less impermanent. You know what I'm saying? That the structure that they're proposing that I guess we did we we approved the the trellis. We already this trellis it the for me the thing
that makes it look more stable and permanent is the trellis itself, not the material on the top. So whether it's aluminum or canvas or whatever or even open, I think you're still going to have the same effect. And that's why I am in
favor of the variance because it doesn't it doesn't really make it I if the intent of the code is to make it not seem so permanent or not an enclosed room. You already have the structure the structure is is contributing more to that than the top of it. And the
aluminum you're proposing is for the top not the sides or >> Exactly. Yeah. Just the top of the canopy >> in the front and on the sides. I I definitely in the front from what I saw in the pictures what you have is a shade that's not opaque. It allows visibility
allowed. There's no variation. >> Is that shade not available? Can that shade be used on the top instead of the aluminum? And would that comply with the current code interpretation? >> Well, that shade is not watertight. So, it wouldn't be uh protecting the space.
You know, they want to make sure if they have an event there and it starts to rain, which happens frequently in our beautiful tropical climate, >> that the party continues. All they have to do is sort of close >> the system. Again, it aesthetically >> I'm sorry. I I wanted um Roelio, is the
shade >> I I presume the shade is a canvas type material. So, that would not count towards the uh the uh >> it just maintains better. It's a um it's not a cotton type material. It's >> Yeah. Did we have >> Can I just ask did we He you showed
something from South of Fifth. That was the old Italian restaurant space on the roof with the canvas. Didn't >> Didn't this come in front of the board at some point to then change that material to an aluminum instead of that canvas? I'm I'm not certain if that project came
to the board, but what I could what I can say is in in if you're using an aluminum covered structure such as that, we would count it um as F. >> It would count against their >> F. And I guess that that's the issue here that it's it seems more enclosed,
right? Because it's hard and it's not permeable. >> If so, if you have a a grided trellis system, you know, we wouldn't count that against your F. We wouldn't count that necessarily against your lot coverage because it's it's open. It's pvious. >> Okay. Um Akil, do you have any any other
comments about >> Okay. Okay. You're ready to vote. Okay. Okay. Um any anybody any other board members? Should we do >> take a vote? >> Could I make a statement before >> Oh, sure. Sorry. >> Okay. So, I've been practicing over 40
years, right? Many, many of those years here in this beautiful city. I've shared resiliency task force for the chamber for many years. This comes from an area of sensibility and responsibility as a licensed architect. You're a licensed architect. You come from a heritage of architectural design excellence, right?
I share the design review board in B Harbor. And the way I manage that is like look, if it's the will of the client and it it really doesn't kill anybody, let it be, right? And I sometimes question, you know, why it becomes so difficult, you know, for some basic things to just get approved. I
mean, this is what people complain about this city. Okay? not a politician, never will be, thank God. But your duty is to look at things for the facts and to allow me to have a house that has more quality, more permanence, more
resiliency, and not less. If you deny me the air conditioning in those spaces, the house is a lesser house in quality. Okay? And the air conditioning doesn't hurt anybody. It cannot be perceived by anybody. And it's not going to be habitable space. I assure you that 100%.
this canvas thing. Look, Tom Mooney is, oh, we know he's he's he's looking forward to retirement day. I've known him for over 30 years. And I sat with him and I said, "Hey, what is the silliness between canvas and aluminum? Come on. You know, are you serious?" Well, he's took his ground. He doesn't want to change anything. He doesn't want
to get in trouble. You know, this becomes controversial. You know how the city is. So, here we are asking for a variance for something that is so silly that if I explain it to my grandchildren, they'll say, "Really? Is that the world we're living in? You know, so again, none of these are, you
know, irrational. They're not allowing us to build more house. They're just allowing us to build a better house, a more quality house. Um, so I mean, I think we need all of your votes today. That's why I'm being a little bit passionate. We need five votes here
today, okay? And we're going to do whatever you guys want us to do. I just feel it's wrong. And and I think that you know uh as an architect you should know our duty is to design the best possible house otherwise our license should be revoked. Okay. And that's all
I'm trying to do here. I'm representing my client with as much carefulness, professionalism, and passion as I can in front of a board that sometimes is informed by non-experts. So if you're not an expert on air conditioning, if you're not an expert on material science, how could you have such passion
about canvas versus aluminum? You know, it's like so that is frustrating for me, right? Because I'm a professional, okay? I'm here representing everything that I do every day of my life for my clients. This is a huge house. Yes, it is. We're not here about the size of the house. The house was approved unanimously when
I came in front of this board. Now, we're trying to perfect it. And this is a process that the code allows to perfect projects. That's why variances exist. Okay? Variances are not bad words. They're not really evil things. you should feel a little more relaxed
about variances because it's a way for us to get to a better final product. So, I urge you to please be rational, be sensible. Um, I'm here representing my client as best as I can, but we're going to move forward whichever way you want to decide on these things, but it's kind
of tragic for us not to be allowed to do certain things in a free society. It should be a no-brainer. Okay? If this project were in Havana, I probably don't have to go anywhere and Havana is not a democratic place last time I checked. So, you know, this board has a lot of
power and you're feeling that, right? But I I I just want you to understand that this is not in any way related to hardship or any the way that we typically think about variances. This is not a hardship. It's about designing a better house. So, it's a different mindset than hardship, right? The
bulkhead in the elevator is a no-brainer. You know, all these houses that are coming in front of you because we we have all these wealthy, beautiful families that want to be in this environment, they all want a larger elevator. So, this is going to come up. This needs to be codified. You know, I don't want to waste my time or anybody else's time asking for a three-foot
bulkhead in the middle of the house that nobody's ever going to see. Okay? It's not a big deal. Air conditioning is just basic. Okay? Whether you like it or not, people eventually air condition their garages in this city without a permit because of this. because it requires so much pain to do the right thing. Okay.
When it's just logical. So I rest my case. >> Hey, Mr. Bourhees, I agree with you 100%. It is very difficult in this city and more so in other cities to get a permit and to build a home. That being
said, um I'm not an expert. I'm not an architect. I'm not an engineer. However, I do have some common sense and I understand that it is far less maintenance with an aluminum shutter. I don't know if the corrosion will allow
it to open and close as well as we would think it would um than using a canvas awning. Um so I understand all of that and I commend you for your design expertise.
Use your design expertise to put like everyone else a blower for air conditions systems of a home inside the home where it is already air conditioned. Certainly, you had enough space within the 29,000 square ft. I
agree. Again, I'm going to close by saying it is difficult. We have a code that sometimes makes sense and other portions of the code that do not make sense and they need to be addressed and we hope to address them as the year goes
forward in 26. However, um if you think this is bad, I know you've done business elsewhere, it is just as bad, if not worse. There are some cities that issue a permit once a week.
We issue them every day. doing. Oh yeah. So I understand your frustration as well, but I think you know you sort of said it yourself. This isn't about a hardship. And that's I mean that's the question that's in my mind or not in my mind. It's it's very clear in what we're supposed to do here
is a DRB grant variances based on hardships. Now, we've seen projects where the lot the lot size is so small and the code says something about minimum habitabil minimum square footage for habitability. That's a hardship and
we've granted that. This again, a 29,000t house, an architect that's been practicing for decades that obviously knows how to build a beautiful home. That's my issue with the air conditioned spaces that it seems like it there's so
much space already airond conditioned. I do not see why this is this is more a design issue, not a hardship issue. So that's all I'm going to say about that. I'm supportive of the other variances everyone has convinced me. Um, I also
happen to believe in the regulations and in the zoning and in the variances and I can't think of a more perfect example of direct democracy and action than a panel of resonance and experts that are able to discuss the structures that are going
to positively or negatively affect the city that they live in. So, we'll have to agree to disagree on that. But I think we're unless anybody has anything else to say, maybe we should take a vote. >> Okay. I think you know, variance one, two, however,
>> Madam Chair, >> yes. >> Um, hearing the the the wonderful voices of the board and uh concerns about some of the requests. Uh, I think perhaps
we we can agree to withdraw the air conditioning variants, >> but we wait until we see how the vote is going to go >> or at least well, we maybe we can get some straw polling, but I think I think we need all five votes. I think Ronaldo, I think we're already seeing that. >> So, we withdraw the air conditioning, right?
>> We withdraw variance number one to allow the air conditioned of that storage space >> reluctantly. But but we would >> have the votes for number two. >> Sorry. I I believe you have the votes for
>> I mean is there a difference between withdrawing the variance or just voting against it? >> I mean we can just vote. >> He's trying to give some compromise here. I think it doesn't flexibility is what it seems to me. heard. We go ahead
and vote on every one of them and it'll be >> it'll be or it won't be. I mean, >> okay. I mean, I I don't I don't know. I feel like if that's >> unless me ask you this. If if tomorrow
aluminum um shutters are allowed, Roelio, would and they want to change from canvas to aluminum, would they have to come back to the board? If if the code were changed, I would say that's probably an an a non-substantial modification that wouldn't have to come
back. >> It would not. Even if we were to vote it no today, >> they don't have >> unless you were to approve a include a condition that says no aluminum at any point in the future, I think it would be a non-substantial modification. It's similar to number two where in a
previous example just I think in September there was great discussion about how to have the pvious type of perforated system where you that the fleshing out these details being basically trying to be creative to meet
the I know you kept saying hardship there is practical difficulty and the adherence to the intent of the code and there are many ways to do that the code not intentionally but at times s uh guides people to one
>> type of material, design, etc. And so the this is actually the the the best part of the variance um system is to point out when there are opportunities to reinterpret, see things different, and go forward with code amendments.
Single family homeowners aren't going to go and battle uh the process to get the code amended. very rare circumstances, but um when you see things that come up and make sense and there are other opportunities like the perforated variance number two, the perforated type
of paver system that you all um had great discussion on and urge the city to move forward on that. We're here and because of the timing of our project, we just ask that the variance be uh granted now hopefully that nobody will need to
do that in the future because the code will will be modified to address that. Similarly, having aluminum as being an appropriate material. It may come in the future. I think that that seems to be some of the uh if not unanimous will of this board. We just don't have that
available right now. And let me ask you if it does come in the future and maybe more a question for you. Is it possible is it based on the um trellis structure >> um to change it from canvas to aluminum?
>> Yeah, >> I assume there's electrical there to bring the c the um system open and close. >> Almost a four-year construction project, right? So there's a lot of future here for things to evolve beyond this moment. >> Mhm. and allow these
>> but as it is designed now is it possible in the future let's say five 10 years from now after construction is finished >> to change it from canvas to aluminum >> I mean it is basically possible to change the aluminum to to canvas this is
our can canopy expert >> technically >> state your name for the record >> oh Caitlyn Suarez from Smart Shade Structures um technically no the fabric system is a different system So you would in case in a few years you allow
it, that fabric system would have to be removed and you would be putting an entirely different system. It's not just swapping. >> No, I understand. You'd have to build um a railings for that aluminum to roll back and forth and to open and to do whatever. >> Yeah. But the structure is there of the
trellis structure, you know, the framing is there to be able to put in an aluminum canopy if the code were to change. >> The details for aluminum are different than canvas. So, it would be a substantial. I I understand as long as
the Yeah, you put in canvas now, but as long as the >> um trellis frame remains, you're not changing it now to go to aluminum. You're going to use it either for aluminum or canvas. >> So,
>> I I just w was wondering I I think I know the answer. This is going to be one of those things where a politician takes this board and and goes back and forth with this absurdity to be honest with you. This the intent of this is a permanent structure and adding square
footage to the house. This is clearly not that for me after six years on this board and I want you've se you've heard my frustrations with some of the decisions that I I'm just completely perplexed by that come from above and
often times hardship places should not be built on certain places and we allow it because of a hardship. Then we allow these enormous houses and we're sitting here with this what seems ridiculous to me talking the difference between canvas and aluminum. If your neighbor wanted to
put up a carport, you would beg that it be aluminum because the canvas fades and it looks like crap within a year. So I'm like I think this is silly. I just do. I'm so I know what your point is, but I think we got to look at the purpose of the code and use these meetings so that
this board does not get abolished, which is what some of the people running for commission wanted to do, and make it more sensible. We shouldn't have this stuff. This should be this should not be a 20-minut discussion. This is absurdity. I think >> it's only a 20minut discussion cuz we're
allowing it to be. >> Yeah. But again, back to >> We can take a vote. I think everyone has a different I I I think we need to use these opportunities are the biggest thing we're doing wrong is we're not >> we're not here to change the code has to be done with the discussion and
with the planning >> but it's a big deal it needs to be put forward of problems we see with the code because we see it all the time and nothing's done just like the people that go to the building department and have frustration after frustration after frustration and I would tell you we are the worst from what I've heard as far as
getting permits I'm dealing with 40-year reertification now. So, I'm just telling you we should use these opportunities to >> letter to commission to say here's where we see a problem with the code. Well, and I think I think you were at the meeting when we said, "Let's each of us
as board members send a item Roelio for us as a board to discuss items that we feel are code items that don't make sense or that need to be further discussed and looked at possibly for change.
>> Okay. So, should we take a vote?" >> Yep. >> Okay. Does anybody >> removing one? Do should each variance be a different motion? >> For each variance, there should be a motion and a second. Um there's if the applicant is withdrawing the vote the mo
uh the variance request, then there's nothing to vote on. >> Okay. Did you want >> that on that particular >> variance? Yeah. Variance number one. Withdraw. >> Withdraw. Okay. Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> I would make a motion to approve variance number two.
>> Second the motion. Okay. All right. Uh, we have a motion by Mr. Defender. We have a second by Mr. Buhakavali. All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> And because of the >> explanation that I that I gave
previously, I would make a motion to approve variance number three to allow the trellis covering to be aluminum versus canvas. >> I second. Motion by Mr. Defender, second by Mr. Meshber. All those in favor? >> Any opposed?
>> Nay. >> Motion fails. >> Okay. What about the third or variance number four? >> Four. I make a motion to approve variance number four, maximum height for the cab elevator. I'll second
>> a motion by Mr. Bavoli, second by Mr. Diffender. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? No. Motion passes. >> Okay. Thank you. Appreciate your service. >> Thank you very much. >> See you next time.
>> Um, okay. Uh, we're now calling up DRB21101 1140 Alton Road. This application have been filed requesting design review approval for modification to the facade of an existing religious institution. Specifically, the applicant is
requesting to recladding the north and east facads with new materials including one or more waiverss. >> Okay. So, this is uh an application that came before the board uh at the at the September 11th meeting uh in uh earlier
this year. Um the application is to recclad the uh corner the chamered corner of a religious institution. I apologize I'm getting my documents here of a religious institution. The bo the board
had several discussion items and had several concerns that were raised and the board continued the item. Uh specifically, uh the board wanted the applicant to consider modifications to the design to make make the building more compatible with the surrounding architecture and add vis uh visual interest along the
pedestrian level. Uh the applicant has since submitted some revised plans. They're dated November 20, 2025. They include adding a brick veneer across an additional section of the eastern and northern elevations. Uh the plans were also updated to reflect that the woods that the roof uh structure would be made
of slate as opposed to asphalt shingles since asphalt shingles are prohibited by the code. Um the applicant um um last week submitted a presentation and has a few other design considerations for the board to consider uh for your discussion
um to see if you have any any preference as to one option or the other. Um so I'll leave it to the to the applicant to to present those options to the board. Um but staff does recommend that the application be approved subject to the conditions in the attached order.
>> Thank you very much. >> Before we start, have there been any uh ex party disclosures, any ex party communications? >> I met with the applicants to discuss the design and everything that we spoke about is going to be discussed here. >> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else?
>> Okay, with that, um we'll set the clock at 10 minutes if that's okay. >> Do you need more time, sir? as a rabbi, 10 minutes is not enough. No, I'm just >> I I'll be short. Um, first of all, good morning. Thank you for seeing this a
second time. Really appreciate it. Um, as part of our 40-year reertification, we were required to change the existing Chattahuchi that was on the facade, and we are requesting an approval to redesign the facade in a style that is
modeled after 770 Eastern Parkway in New York. That's the world headquarters of the Kabad Lobic movement. So, I wanted to take a moment to explain. and I wasn't able to be here last year because I was actually there. Why this design is appropriate,
meaningful, and deserving of approval, and why we respectfully request that it be accepted without any further modifications. We did do modifications, but we would like it to be the way it is. The building is the headquarters of
Kabad in the state of Florida. Our institution is the central headquarters for this state, supporting over 300 kabad centers and institutions statewide. These institutions were actually built
uh founded by my father, a blessed memory, who passed away four and a half months ago. And um I have stepped into his shoes. Not that I feel that I'm worthy, but I was told to take over. And um the center
of the institution statewide, the the architectural model of 770 is internationally recognized and is immediately associated with the Kabad movement. It's a unifying and iconic symbol. As the statewide headquarters, it's both
natural and appropriate that our building reflect that identity. Around the world, more than 41 Kabad centers have been built with this exact design in order to represent their connection to the global movement. Kabad has a
movement around the world. I just last week was at the annual convention with over 7,000 rabbis from around the world who attended um all around the globe. The Rebi led the movement from that building starting
in 1940 with millions of visitors from all around the world. Its design has become a sacred and unifying unifying emblem for the Kabad communities worldwide. Importantly, the Revy explicitly encouraged building
replicas with precise dimensions so that centers around the world could reflect that connection and continuity. Approving this facade will allow us to fulfill that vision. My father had that vision.
He wanted to build that and I'm trying to fulfill that legacy to make sure that the community which he actually came here in 1960 and built the Jewish community in as we know it today in Miami Beach and around the state of Florida and I feel that
he's deserving in his memory that this honor be afforded to him. We are not asking that you approve something that would be a blight to the neighborhood or so out of character. We're not in the historic district
preservation district. And the facade would add add color, vibrancy, architectural interest, and cultural value to the area. It's consistent with the diverse aesthetic of the
neighborhood and will become an uplifting landmark for the residents and visitors to Miami Beach. In response to comments from the previous hearing, we made substantial revisions where we felt we could without
compromising the design that we're trying to replicate. We extended, as you heard before, the brick to the sides, which was one suggestion. We created a more continuous integrated appearance with the rest of the walls so it does not look like an artificial facade like
a movie set. And these changes should address many of your concerns. Staff have recommended approval which doesn't mean it's as I see automatic approval but they did recommend it.
Which leads me to another point. When it comes to religious institutions, there's a federal law called Ar Lupa. I'm not an attorney. I cannot tell you a legal opinion. However, I have
personally been involved with a number of cases with other cities who have put restrictions on synagogues and the courts overturned those restrictions at great cost to the cities. I'm not saying that this is the case.
I'm not trying to be adversarial either. God forbid in any way. But the code which was designed to protect religious institutions from being overburdened reads as follows somewhat to this. It's not an exact
quote. But un the the the government should not place any burden on an institution of religious exercise unless the government can show a compelling interest that the regulation is the least restrictive way to achieve it.
Staff have approved it which is an indication that it's not the worst thing that can happen. I think it's the best thing, but definitely not something that would be a tremendous uh difficulty for the city. Denying or altering a design
that is religiously meaningful to our congregation should require a clear, compelling, and material justification. Without such justification, imposing changes on a synagogue's religiously significant facade may conflict with
federal standards requiring the least restrictive means. This is this facade is essential to our identity as Florida's Kabad headquarters is deeply meaningful to our community, spiritually significant, and it's an
enhancement to the neighborhood. We have responded to your concerns, demonstrated flexibility wherever possible. I now respectfully request that the board approve the proposed design without any further alterations. Thank you for your
time, consideration, and partnership in helping us complete this important and meaningful project. >> Thank you. Did you want to speak towards the design changes? >> Hi, Mapiro. I'm the architect for the project. Um
>> do you want us to bring up a slide? >> Yeah. >> Okay, there you go. >> You know I will go directly, you know, to the issue of the facade and I'm going to show the different proposal we have
rather than going through the presentation. >> That's perfect. Thank you. >> Show the one that we want to do. Show the one that we want to do the wrong. >> But yeah, I think we should get directly to the one that I told you we want to do. Okay. Upper. Next.
>> Yeah. >> Next one. Next one. >> That's the one. >> Let me see. >> This one. >> Okay. This happens to be the facade you know which the rabbi and uh and the the board
of kabat likes the best. What we have done is number one the most important change is the color of the brick. What we're using now is a Chicago brick.
the lightest color, you know, the manufacturer. And also, you know, I know that it was a request. I brought and we I have here a sample of the brick.
Basically the building itself which is the replica it has that brick and it has application which will be done with cast stone you know we we won't be able to manufacture
that in in real stone but the cast stone you know it's h it has the quality and the color I have also samples who want example of the color of the cast stone. Now what we are proposing is
on both sides by the way the facade that uh we're showing there it shows as a full facade. As a matter of fact the two elements on the sides they go in 45°
but in order to show the facade itself I'm showing it in in the real dimensions. The first module, sorry. The first module is
the same brick, same color and the scoring of those panels. They have that peak or that 45 uh degree element on the top. What we are
proposing is to in the first module we will fill both sides with with the same slate the same color. The
next one they will keep the scoring and they have a banding which is it comes from the main building but it goes all the way through in two points which
makes it integrates the rest of the facade to the main facade in the corner In those cases, they are going to be painted. The color of the paint is going
to be similar, maybe a little a shade lighter than the brick itself. I have also some samples for that. And uh in uh where the staco is going, we're going to
be painting the two triangles on the side uh with the same color as the the roof laid.
Basically, that's the proposal and that's the what uh the rabbi would like to see. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Um I do you have the the samples here? I think it'd be helpful to see we can pass them around.
>> Yeah. >> And I think also for the public if we can put on the um >> the presentation that shows the facade. >> Um is it this wide >> on on the east side on alter?
>> I'm sorry. Could you start again? I didn't hear the question. >> Okay. Is this the actual facade or is it or are you replicating or are you putting in the one from New York? >> This is No, this would be what we're proposing. >> Oh, you're proposing on the east side.
And does it show what it would be like on the north side? >> You're on the corner. >> What they were showing is both the east and the west side. The the replicated facade is only the corner. >> That's what he said on 45°. It's the 45° that rendering is showing the first
panel >> being covered in brick is a little bit darker you know because is on shade and you you can see the little triangle which will be the same material as the roof
>> and this facade continues on >> the facade continues on the east and on the north on the west and south you're just doing stuckco and paint. Correct. >> Similar to the color of the east and north.
>> So it looks continuous. >> And the roof is a shingles roof. >> The no is a um slate roof. >> Slate. Okay. Cuz um Roelio >> actually the original building in New
York. It has a slate roof. Yes. No. And we're going to go with the same color >> in page three of seven of our program of our item. Um, letter D, the ver very first paragraph, it says that it does
not satisfy because the applicant is proposing asphalt shingle roof, but it's late. >> The the original proposal that came before the board had an asphalt shingle roof, so we included that as part of the update that that no longer applies. So,
so that that we can consider >> stricken. Okay. >> We typically when we have changes we like to we just include those in an update section. We don't we don't like to so that you can see the progression of the project
>> and and so the the lighter stone what is how is this going to be used? >> That will be the cast stone. You know, if you see around the windows or the B window, you have the arch around the
main door is all in the building is all real stone. And what we're doing here, we are imitating the color, the texture, and the shape, the form, the design of the
original building. And where does this one >> that that's the brick from the the color of the actual brick in the front. We made it a little lighter than it was originally proposed. >> So this is what is covering the entire front and front
>> the north side and the >> the two beginning sides. >> Right. Okay. And then this is exactly where right above the door. >> All the banding all the banding is going to be out of that. So you have that around the windows around the doors. We have a band and uh the peaks have that
on there as well. >> Okay. >> Um Oh, okay. >> Is there any more in your presentation? >> No. >> Or do you just want to leave it to questions? >> Yeah, questions. >> Okay. Thank you. Are there any other members of the public wishing to speak?
>> Is there anybody available online? >> Anybody online? If you'd like to speak, please raise your hand. Okay, great. >> Nope, nobody nobody online. >> I'm now closing it the public portion, opening up to the board for comment. We've seen the samples. Um, so so you're
not going to So with the cast, you're not going to actually be casting stone. You're just going to be making alum using this to carve to recreate the shape. >> Correct. Correct. >> Right. Okay. Does that make sense? >> The coral stone. >> Yes. Okay. So it's not concrete. It will
be coral stone. >> Yes. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Mhm. >> And then did you see that the sides are not brick? They're painted >> stuckco with paint. >> Yeah. With that color. >> Yeah. >> What is the material? The section that's sort of on the facade that's sticking
out. Is that made of wood or is that painted as well? >> The center on the second story, the the window, >> the material, the brown portion is wood. >> Okay. >> And the the building has >> coral. The real building is a little bit
darker. What we did, you know, we did the full building much much lighter. Same thing with the door. The original door is darker but is wood. >> Okay. >> And then and you showed two different
versions of um the rest of the facade to to get an opinion of us but you prefer the one that the triangles are more visible. >> Right. Right. >> Okay. So, Roelio, what is before us today is to vote on the project, but it seems to
be in compliance now with the roofing materials, which was the only section that was not compliant. >> That's that's correct. >> Okay, that's correct. >> So, when we take the vote, when we make the motion, we just make a motion
approving the design of the structure. >> Correct? >> Okay. I don't know if you all are ready. Um, okay. >> Comments. >> Okay. I think I think that's a >> I'll make a motion to approve the design
of the um religious institution at 1140 Alton Road. >> And >> as presented here today, >> so you're okay. Okay. So, I I just want that clarified that it would be the version that was presented in the PowerPoint um >> with the the the
>> sides that are both the the light color peach and then >> right >> the fake slate. Um I'd like to have a friendly amendment that it's indeed these materials and these colors that we're seeing >> that that's part of the appro that that's part of the approval.
>> May May I ask for one more clarification? They had an option where the first section was stone and then they had another option where the first section was just the stucco after the chamfer corner. >> Would you would you prefer that first
section to be of the of the brick material or of the stucco material? I personally I would prepare a prefer obviously of the brick material but I think cost is playing into um effect here and I don't know if the
institution can afford it obviously if they can continue in my opinion the brick and the uh coral on the sides um it would make it for a much nicer um >> that's slide 9.6
>> but yeah but that that I don't think if they find the means to be able to do it >> then it doesn't need to come back to this board. >> My my next thing is going to make an appeal here for >> we're approving it with the design as
presented here today which is with this just on the center of >> one one section. >> Yeah, not all of it. I think that if you were to put brick on I I really like I really like this combination of brick and then painted stucco. Um
>> I agree. Y >> I I I think it's >> Yeah. And I did notice too that you're extending the stone, >> you know, around which I think also the the >> I really like these changes because it feels cohesive >> and I think that was one of the things
that the biggest thing that we were concerned about last time. So, you know, >> so can we make an amendment to the motion I just made to >> I just want I apologize when I heard you the the brick going around. I think that was the question >> around to the
>> No, I meant the that there's there's um a line of >> limestone. Oh, the band. Oh, perfect. Okay. >> You have to sort of zoom in to see it. >> Yes. >> But it continues the line. >> Okay. >> Yeah. But only so >> on the north side and on the entire east
side. >> Yeah. it continues. >> Correct. >> Um >> and so then the design that we're approving is where the brick is on the main corner facade and then one section on each side. >> We do that's what I want. That's what I
want. >> So we're improving aspect. >> Can you bring up the Can you bring up the design again? The one that was previously on the I want to just verify we're all on the same page. >> Yeah. on page 13. >> And I I thank you guys for taking our comments and making these changes. I
hope you like the way it looks. >> I think it >> they were very constructive >> and using the coral stone instead of a concrete recast. >> Makes a big difference. >> Yeah, I think that'll be a nice featur. >> This is the design that we're approving today. >> So there's amendment
>> page 13. Can you bring up page 13 of the presentation? So, so here what I'm saying, the first panel has the the brick the brick veneer the first panel um that is next to the next to the corner
that brick veneer on both sides. They had they they showed another option that did not have that that it was the the the the brick facade on the corner and then the rest of the panels were all stuckco with the with the with the banding. >> So >> So that's what I want to that's what I want to clarify
>> clarify. Um, how come you decided to add to keep it there? Or was there any sort of >> What do you mean >> design intent to just have one panel with the brick and have and not have it painted? We figured that that would be the continuation
>> because actually you know that will complete the facade you know will give the third dimension to the facade and then the rest you know it's it has the same idea the same criteria in terms of
design. The color is going to be basically the same is connected you know with that band which is the cast uh cast stone then I think it integrates. Now I feel
that if we do that you know in the rest of the building that part of the building really connects and is within um the design language of the rest of the rest of uh
of the surrounding which is a a bit more modernistic and the the the beauty is that it works. You know, it's they relate. >> Yeah. And then I'm seeing on the on the painted sections there's scoring. Is
that what's there already? Is that why? Okay. >> Yes. That that scoring already exist, you know, >> and you're just painting over it. >> Yeah. >> Right. So, it's probably not going to show as much. doing now is to repaint that with the color that I'm showing
which is within the color of the of the brick. >> Okay. And the band you're referring to is on the north side and then further on the east side past the three panels. >> Yes. >> Where you're saying instead of using
paint, use the brick that is propo that is being used in the front. >> Which bed were you referring? No, I was referring to there's a horizontal band. It's hard to see in this picture. >> Yes. >> It's horizontal and that's what's going to be made of the stone. >> Yes.
>> That that goes around. >> Would you mind going to page A9.4 and and then again and then showing after that A9.6. I think that shows clearly the two >> and 9.6 is what I assume is what I assume the board is is agreeing upon.
>> So here you here you could see the band on this that going on both sides on 12th Street and on Alton Road. You can see the band of the coral that travels the whole way across. That's the band we're referring to. >> And then here you see that that first panel also has the the the brick.
Whereas if you go to then page A9.4. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Um the that one there's no there's no break in that option >> on the on that first panel. So that's what I want to clarify if the board has any preference as to either of those
two. My preference for the motion >> you'll be able to see. >> Oh, thank you. >> It's not this one. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. That >> is the one. >> That's your preference. >> You see a continuation of the band and that band
continues all the way. >> And you can see too to the left of the section that has >> the sorry the brick that that sort of scoring it. You're probably not going to see it as much. This is just rendering. >> In reality, it's on there. It's less
than a quarter of an inch. >> You're not really gonna notice it. >> Okay. The motion was to approve this design as >> we're fine with the brick on each side. Either one. I mean, obviously, if >> you prefer not to have the brick on the sides, we're fine with it. That's not the for us to make it or break it. We
did the brick to to make it more continuous. We felt that would be better was one of the suggestions. >> Obviously less expensive if they don't do those extra two panels. But the band we would continue either way. >> Yeah. No, I I agree with your architect. I think having one and then it's sort of tapering off,
>> right? >> So, the motion is to accept the design as listed right now with um an additional side of brick on the north and on the east I guess uh beyond the
three the beyond the main entrance and continuing the band as well. Is that clear? >> Yes. So that was slide 9.6. >> 9.6. >> That would be as depicted on page A9.6. >> Second that motion.
All right. We have a motion by Miss Ba Cavali, second by Mr. Meshber. Uh, all those in favor? >> I >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you so much and God bless you and you should all be well, healthy, happy and wealthy. >> Hope to see you all by the grand
opening. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Uh moving on to uh DRB251178101 Collins Avenue. This application has been filed requesting design review approval for the construction of a new sing
singlestory community information center Miami Beach lo cabin building with an exterior patio to be located in a vacant area within North Beach Oceanside Park. Okay, so this is uh an application that was previously discussed by the board on
September 19th. Um the board um had several uh recommendations and and um and recommended to the applicant several things including uh further examining the design narrative to consider more traditional design elements or
alternatively go for a more contemporary approach to reference the uh to reference the original log cabin design. They requested that the applicant evaluate the proposed stone wall. They uh requested that uh the board requested that um the applicant explore window
styles that are more reflective of the design approach whether they decide to go more traditional or more contemporary. Uh recommended using more eco-friendly materials and recommended providing a water fountain. Um so the applicant has um this is the applicant
is the city has uh updated the plans and made several modifications. Um, so the applicant, the design team has recommended repurposing the original log cabin wood for custom mill work and furniture such as bookshelves and reception desk. The existing fireplace
from the log cabin will be retained to preserve a sense of history in place. Um, so they've clarified that uh most of the heavy stone wall on the front of the facade will be replaced with an aluminum railing to modernize the space. um coral stone native to Florida um and already
featured in this fireplace will be used on the retaining wall sections on on certain retaining wall sections to create a lighter, more open atmosphere. Uh windows will be updated to a double hung style aligning with a more traditional log cabin aesthetic. Uh the
door has been redesigned as a single entry with two side windows. Um they've provide detailed assembly drawings. The board, I believe, requested some more details on on on that. Um, the monument sign has been removed and replaced with a wall-mounted sign above the entry
porch, and the applicant has incorporated a water fountain. Um, so the the the applicant will also be providing some material samples for the board's review, and staff recommends that the application be approved. >> Thank you very much. >> Any disclosures from the board?
>> Okay. Thank you. Good morning, Colette Satchel, Office of Capital Improvement Projects. Um, we really welcomed your comments um during the last meeting and I think the resulting design is much improved. It's
a lot more airy and it it almost seems more Florida, more Miami Beach. I hope you agree. Um, I'll let our team be BEA go ahead and run you through the changes we've made. Thanks. >> Thanks, Colin. Morning members of the board. My name is Sophia Ramos. I'm with
BEA Architects. I'm joined with Robert Draper, who's the VP at BEA. And um yeah, the focus today will just be to address the comments that you all had in the previous meeting. Um hoping to just be brief and show you what we've done to make the improvements.
Uh there we go. So just to re orientate yourselves, this is the log cabin as it used to stand, built in 1934 in the technique style of uh logging log cabin. So um Raelio highlighted these um
comments that we received from you all. main thing was the design narrative and concept um and being clear on how we are um directing that through the log cabin design. So for the exterior we are going with a more contemporary approach. Um
you'll see that later on with the renderings. Um and for the interior we're going back and paying homage to the original cabin. um highlighting the um the reuse of the the chimney and the fireplace and making that the hearth of
the cabin. The salvage materials were reusing the wood um for um some mill work and furniture pieces. Um the material and massing again we um there was concern from the board about the
heavy stone wall and suggested um extending the railing. So, we've done that. Um, and we've have some samples for you all to look at today. And, um, the doors and windows, as Roelio said, the windows are more in line with what you typically see in a log cabin design.
They're double hung windows. The door is similar to the original design. Um, we have some details for you to take a look at. And then we've added in the drinking fountain. So here on the left you'll see an inspiration image of um this wood um
bookshelf. When we did an assess when the assessment was done on the live cabin originally the wood was not found as structurally sound. So we're using it in a more decorative way. And these um book uh shelves that we're proposing are
going to be flanking the fireplace again which is symbolic of the heart of the log cabin. And as uh we mentioned we are reusing the fireplace of Jiminy. Just briefly go through the site to
reorient yourselves. Proximity map site plan and the enlarged site plan. One thing to note is um we have access from three sides. So as Colette mentioned, it's very open and inviting to the park.
Um this is our digital material board. Um after we finish the presentation, we can hand out some of the physical samples if you'd like to see. A few to note are the wood log siding material, which is intended to um match the or stained to match the original log cabin
design. Um, we have some the coral stone which is used as the bottom of the columns and it's supposed to match the fireplace. And then, um, the last one that I want to point out is the glazing used on the cabin. Um, the idea is that
it's reflective on the outside. So, you can but you can see out from the inside. So, the reflective nature is nice because you can when you're on the outside, the park and the trees and all the nature elements are reflected and you can see that in the design of the
cabin, which is typically where a cabin would be in. So, here I'll run through a few of the renderings that we've updated. Um, here this I'm going to highlight the the overall concept. I guess the exterior again is more contemporary, more
slightly modern. You see that with the metal roof, the aluminum railing, the dark trim around the windows and the doors. This is a new cabin and we also want to make it resilient and longstanding given that it's in the South Florida climate.
You also can kind of see here the reflective nature of the glass reflecting the trees and the park around it. We can also see um that we've eliminated mostly all of the heavy stone wall that you all were concerned with and replaced it with the metal railing
only where code required so that you really get this open feeling. You have clear sight lines. You can see into the cabin, see out of the cabin, making sure that it's open and inviting to the park. And then at night, you see that it's very well lit, making sure that you can
see everything around it. And then we also have some architectural lighting grazing the facade. So you can really see the the chinking style of the of the cabin. Then moving on to the inside, this is where we get into the more traditional
style of the cabin. We want it to be focused around the heart of the cabin, which is the fireplace. That's also um emphasized even more with the bookshelves that we're planking on each side that will be made with the repurposed wood. And then that's um
emphasized even more so with the flooring materials. So the center of the fire plate of the cabin, excuse me, is a herring bone pattern and the remainder of the floor is just a traditional wood floor, solid wood floor. Um you can see
that there's windows everywhere so you can see out. Um and then behind the fireplace we have some more back of house spaces and that's where we added in the drinking fountain as requested. These are some renderings on the inside just again highlighting um the focus of
the cabin. You can see the bookshelves on each side. You can see how visible it is from the outside and you can really enjoy the park from inside as well. And then these elevations have been updated again based on these um comments
that we received from you all. So here actually here you can see the entry with the single door and the side lights on each side. Now going into the sections you can start to see some of the wall assemblies uh coming into play. So we have CMU
walls. Uh we want to make sure that this is um you know going to last and um given it's in South Florida environment. And um on this page you can see some of the details that you all requested. So we have interior, exterior wall details,
column to foundation details and then wall to roof details. It was also requested that we model these in 3D so they're um you know a different way to read. Um so we have those as well for you all. And this is the wall to roof connection
and column to roof connection. Finally, our signage. We've integrated it into the building itself. Um, we removed the um separate uh sign. We believe that this um you know doesn't
pro doesn't create any barriers around the building so that you can clearly see the building, you can see where it is um and there's no areas of obstacle for um for anything to happen or you feel all eyes are on the building
and that's it. Uh our focus again was the comments that you all had. So we appreciate your time and hope for your approval. >> Thank you very much. Are there any other members of the public wishing to speak? Anyone on the line? >> Um, anybody online that would like to
speak, please raise your hand. >> No hands are raised. >> Okay, great. I'm closing the public portion and opening up to the board for discussion. Um, who would like to begin? I have I have a question. Um, the first
time that we saw this, there was there was some details that I know the board was really excited about, which was using reclaiming the wood to make sort of furniture and more whimsical cabiny. Is that I'm not seeing that here. Is that still on the table or
>> or is that something you could point out? Did I miss it? Maybe I wasn't looking. >> Yeah, I think you have it for on the inside of the cabin using the wood. Yeah, we're we're using around the bookshelf shelving and then also at the reception desk which you can kind of see
in the corner of this image. >> Yeah. >> No, you know what? It was more in the original one. I guess there were just some inspiration photos of of Yeah, it was more sort of whimsical cat. I don't know. Do you know what I'm >> Yeah. I mean, and it was just decorative
elements that I think really gave the space character. um that I I I feel like we all responded to really well and um I was hoping that that would translate. I can even I guess we can go back to the original. Is it still in there?
>> Five and six. >> Five and six. >> Sorry. >> She >> So one of our concerns is not to overpromise and then underdel >> as time goes by. the wood, you know, we
we are not sure how much of the wood is going to be usable. So, we we don't want to have expectations of too many pieces being reclaimed. We really try to limit it to things that we felt we could definitely deliver as a part of the construction project.
>> Okay, that makes sense. >> I mean, we we do intend to use every piece. So, um if if we do have extras, of course, more decorative elements could be included. And then last time I think it was, you know, almost immediately after that there was going
to be an public meeting about the cabin. Is there anything updated that came out of that that we should be aware of in regards to this? >> It was on the commission agenda but was not heard. Um I believe it is on the the December 17th commission. It was rolled
over to the December commission meeting as well. Um but as I indicated then you know we are proceeding as directed until we receive further direction and then we'll continue as directed. Okay, that >> thanks.
>> That was my question because I can remember when this cabin was taken down and there were people that were crazed and I guess I'm worried that they are under the assumption that the exact replica was going to be built wherever
and this is not that. So I just wonder if that's all I I No one's on the phone which is shocking. I thought there'd be people really but do you have any feedback about that? >> Definitely. We did present to the community. We had a public meeting. It was virtual. Um much of the feedback we
had was concerning the location. They wanted it to go back to the previous location, which, you know, that's not what we were directed to do. We were directed to place it within the park close to, you know, between 82nd and 81st, which is where we are. But I I I also believe
this is a better location. It's it's more, you know, being within the park setting is more cabin-like. Um, >> I'm not saying logic. I'm just saying what I heard. So, I just >> that's the feedback that we got. It was >> Did you get any feedback about the design changing from what the original was?
>> There was one concern about the porch because the porch is an addition to the initial design. >> Um, we did get that feedback, >> but that's >> they thought that the porch would be subject to uplift. >> Yes. But it is designed for uplift.
>> Uplift. Okay. you know wings the porch in the back. Yes. >> I'm sorry. This is the porch in the back. >> The wraparound porch. There's now Yeah. The initial building did not have a wraparound porch. This one we are proposing because >> today we need you know we're cognizant of shade.
>> Um you do want people to engage the building. So we that was a design decision that we made which I you know um but we we explained that it is going to be designed to meet the code. What will be the use of the building once
it's done? >> So, the the parks and recck department will have the final, you know, um they'll have to work through the programing, but in the commission agenda, uh the commission memo, we were directed as a community multi-purpose use type facility. There was discussion
about possibly a a information center and small gathering, >> educational center. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Thank you. I know that you had stated as a design decision that you wanted to go in more of the contemporary direction as
opposed to a more traditional and um was there ever any as I was looking at this um you know over over the weekend um was there ever any discussion of instead of using black aluminum to use more sort of
brown or something closer to a cabin or >> We did took take a look at that. Um, I think that the dark kind of ties everything together with the um the roof, the uh the railing, um, the windows and the doors. Um, I think it
ties it all together nicely, but I guess I mean to have the roof, the all of the elements that are now black aluminum to have that be a brown aluminum that's more log cabiny. But I don't know if that was ever you that the gesture that
you're making to make it seem more contemporary is this decision to go black as opposed to brown to sort of pick up the wood. >> Yeah, I mean brown is a choice. We can certainly do that. I think it would be more kind of making it look more log cabin look like wood, but having the
material look almost not like wood for those certain accents is the decision to make it look more contemporary. I don't know if the board is ready for a motion. >> I actually have one. There was one in terms of the materials. Um, and I think
I think we had also mentioned this about the choice of using epaywood as maybe not the most sustainable. Is there an alternative that we can look at for the city? I would also think it's expensive. >> Yeah. Well, APA has a very long
um lifespan. That's why we're you're selecting it >> as long as you maintain it properly. >> I remember that we used um >> but there are other options we can use. Yes, >> there was a I think it was called Penelopey wood on the boardwalk and it
was supposed to be the hardest wood from Brazil available and yeah, it was hard but um maintenance became the issue. Yeah, I mean I I would like to see I know that we've seen epic, you know, come through over the years is, you
know, and that the discussion has become often about to make have one that's more sustainably sourced and farmed and all of that. That's also the durability >> and certainly there are plenty of options out there that we could substitute that with. >> I I I personally would like to see that.
I don't know what other it also seems to work with the city and our agenda of resiliency and sustainability and and all of that to have that. Yeah. Any other comments? >> I I one the interior trusses.
What are those going to be? Are those prefabs? >> Those are going to be timber. >> They will be timber. Okay, good idea. They look They look timber. I just want to make sure we're not using nailer plates and >> our ceiling won't be as nice as the rest of it. But thank you for for making
these revisions and I know last time I was a bit difficult about it, but I think you made a lot of nice changes here and it looks a little bit much a lot more proportionate and in the style of Miami
Beach log cabin. And I think the the fireplace is really going to add some good character. I'm glad that you know. Yeah. Okay. Um if there's no other comments, does somebody want to make a motion? >> I'll make a motion that we approve the project at um 8101 Collins Avenue, the
log cabin, DRB25 1117, subject to the uh conditions enumerated in the draft order um that that is attached. and thank you for a beautiful project.
>> Second motion. >> Motion by Miss Bakavali, second by Mr. Lester. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Congratulations. >> Thank you very much. Oh, and thank you for adding the water fountain. >> And I was in Beayshore Park yesterday
and it's fantastic. Congratulations. Um, I'm going to suggest we take a a quick 10-minute recess. So, back Please stand by. We are going on air in 5 4 3 2 1.
>> Good morning and welcome back to the November meeting of the design review board. We have one more item to discuss. Um but before we do that, actually Raelo, I had a a question. Um, I can't remember when we um passed the motion
for 1140 Alton Road, did that include the specifics of the materials? Was that included in the order? Yes, I believe a um so A6 has identifies the materials and and there are conditions
uh in the order uh saying that the final design details Um, the final color, material, and design details of the brick cladding proposed on the northeast corner elevation, including samples, shall be submitted a manner to be reviewed and
approved by staff consistent with the design review criteria and the direction from the board. And so, we'll we'll take the direction from the board to mean that it was the materials that were okay. That were presented. >> Yeah. Because I know at one point and I guess that then the conversation shifted. You know, I'd wanted to add an amendment that the materials that were
presented to us at the meeting were the ones that were going to use not just the shade of brick but um the the the stone that they were requiring and then you know the colors for the painted sections. >> Okay. >> So >> I think we can make that clarification
based on on the direction from the board that we received >> because that seemed to be you know the crux of their design changes and I think why we all approved it. >> Okay. So, okay. Sorry, I didn't mean I I forgot that. Okay. Okay. Thank you for your patience. Um, I'm now reading DRB
825121120 MacArthur Causeway. >> This application has been filed requesting design review approval for the construction of a new private marina and related amenities with one or more waiverss to be located on a vacant lot. >> Okay. So, this is um a private marina
located on Terminal Island. It's in the I1 light industrial district. Um, this is a lot that's uh approximately 1,601 161,000 square ft, 3.7 acres. Um, they're they're proposing uh creating a
a private marina for the for the applicant. The proposed project has two primary buildings. Um, so it'll have so it'll have first a one-story gate house, a three-story marina pavil pavilion, a
two-story owner's pavilion, a two-story marina operations building, and several outdoor amenities. Um, at the entrance gate, there will be six surface parking uh spaces facing the street and uh there will be a loading zone towards its rear. Um, the site has a very narrow entrance
way that'll have a two-story drive that'll be uh flanked by canopy trees. Um, that gets you into the main site where it opens up and then you have the larger area of the site fronting the water. Um, the uh owner's pavilion and
the marina pavilion have similar floor plans and layouts. They're two very similar style buildings. They're going to be bar-shaped buildings. Um, and each floor has a central main room um, with ceilings that are glazed uh, and flanked by some ancillary rooms. It'll have
several amenities for the marina, lockers, bathrooms, and such. Um, and there will be a gym on the second floor. Um, and several other several other amenities. Uh, the marine operations building will have some workshops and loading bay and storage, other restroom
uh, other restrooms, lockers, mechanical equipment spaces, all to service the marinas. We we expect very very large uh yachts to be uh located at this site. Um the buildings are designed in a contemporary architectural style. They have uh walls clad in slabs of limestone
running bands of of clear story windows um expansive limestone finishes um and parapits and then they have large planes of glass um and and that breaks up the uh uh and the entrance way is broken up by by different types of stone. Um, so
staff is supportive of the design of the application. There are no concerns uh with the design of those buildings. Um, they are not going to be visible from MacArthur Causeway. They're they're set back far enough um where they won't be visible. They will be visible from the waterfront. Um, however, they are well
designed from the waterfront and and and um do not turn their back to the waterfront. Um, the project was reviewed by the Biscane Bay Shoreline Development Review Committee. um that is a committee that reviews all projects that are along
the waterfront. Um they're tasked with uh providing public access. So generally that's the committee that reviews public baywalks that you see in many other parts of the city um and and and ensures compliance with those requirements. In this case, because of the site's
location, it's not an appropriate area for public access. This is an island that is in primarily industrial in nature. There's um um adjacent to this site is the city's fleet management which is where uh the city repairs vehicles, uh garbage trucks, police
cars, uh fuels vehicles, uh maintains vehicles. Next to that there's an FPL power substation. Um adjacent to the site on in to towards the east is the parking garage for for uh Fiser Island. um where employees that work on Fiser
Island will park their cars and then take a ferry uh onto Fiser Island and then across there's a channel across that channel the Coast Guard uh has their primary operations uh at base Miami Beach. Um the the so the site is
not appropriate for for public access. Um it's it's difficult to get there. Uh and there are several reasons why public access is not ne is not um is not is not a not a good idea at this location. Um as a result of that the committee did
recommend uh that there be mitigation because they are not pro providing the public access and the public shoreline. The committee recommended mitigation of $1,000 per linear foot. This site has about 1300 linear feet of frontage. So that would result in a fee that's nearly
$1.3 million uh to mitigate against uh providing public against not providing public access which is not appropriate at this location to begin with. Um staff analyzed previous projects that have been approved at this site. There was previously a project um that included
that was approved by the DRB that was two office buildings um and parking garage structure. In that case, the committee recommended mitigation in the amount of $200,000. And that's for a commercial profit-making gener uh enterprise. This this facility is a is a
private marina. It's not intended to be a commercial marina. Um so staff feels that that's probably a more appropriate uh number. However, that was approved in 2021. So we applied a consumer price index adjustment that results in a fee that's about $230,000.
The way the county code works is that the shoreline review committee makes a recommendation to the entity charged with site plan approval. The design review board is the entity charged with site plan approval. So, as part of the conditions in the order, um the this committee can recommend an alternative
mitigation fee. Uh staff has included in the draft order a mitigation fee of $230,000 that's payable to the Miami date county uh and that gets in that gets deposited into the shoreline trust fund. Um the city then has the ability to request those funds and use those funds in order
to provide uh facilities that improve access to Biscane Bay. So that's enhancements to parks, to Baywalks, and to other facilities um that are located within the city limits. Um so with that, staff recommends that the application be approved subject to the conditions in
the attached draft order. >> Any disclosures from the board? I spoke with Nissan Cowden briefly. >> Thank you. >> Ready? >> Okay.
>> Is 10 minutes. Okay, N. >> I think I may need the 15. I'll try to do it as quickly as possible. Uh, good morning. Uh, Nissan Casden and Cecilia Torres Toledo of Acreman representing the applicant One Island Park LLC.
uh if we could put the presentation up. Oh, there it is. It is on the screen. Uh with me today as well are some of the key uh designers and consultants for this project including Gabriel Compuzzano who is the lead project architect. Uh uh we also have Dan Moore
who is the marina consultant as well as Chris Collie the landscape architect. uh Roelio has given you actually a very thorough report both in staff report and verbally but I would want to go over a few things. This is the location that
we're talking about Terminal Island and the area outlined in red is the property that is the subject of this application. Just to further orient you with regard to this, uh to the uh east and to the south is the Fiser Island Community
Association parking garage and the service fairy launch. the to the immediately to the west of our property is the city's maintenance yard as uh as Raelio has pointed out and to the west of that is a Florida Power and Light substation and to the west of that is
the Fiser Island ferry for residents and visitors. Across the channel to the east from our property is the Coast Guard base. So all of the uses there are industrial which is why it has was
determined at every level by the county staff, by the shoreline board itself, by the city staff. This is not an appropriate place of course to have pedestrian activities. Taking it out a little bit further, you see the location of this property in
context of the greater area. Its other most immediate neighbor is the Port of Miami, which of course is the main port for this county and for main uh cargo and passenger port for South Florida. It is not close to any residential use. The
the closest uses are probably a third to a quarter third or more mile away. And so this is uh the characteristic of the area in which this is located. Uh I want to show you as well the
existing use of the property which is really uh you see there there's the one-story building which is at the entrance which currently exists. Other than that there are no other buildings on the property. But it is important to take a minute for you to understand
historically how this site has been used. For decades, most of its existence, it was a a cargo terminal port where there were large freighters and hundreds of uh container ship containers which were loaded and
unloaded there. That's how the name Terminal Island in fact I think came about. Other uses have been either proposed or made of that property as well including there was a proposal to have residential uses there which was did not move
forward. uh there was a use and it currently can be used as a commercial uh uh uh marina uh uh that is a use that is has been made most recently and also importantly and I'll deal with this in just a moment
as well there is a existing approval for a large office restaurant complex with a commercial port on that island. I bring this to your attention because this is the least intensive use that has ever
been made or proposed for this property. It is also by far the most secure use because it is a private marina for one individual. Uh I'm going to show you now the site plan which Gabe will go into in some
more some more detail. uh uh so I won't go through it with you as well but it's important to understand that the the principal the owner of this property is Mr. Ken Griffin. He is also building uh his personal residence on Star Island.
Uh he has uh boats which because of the draft that uh they draw are not able to be docked in by his residents. So this is in certain respects almost an extension of his residence where larger boats can be birthed for his his private
use and the use of his guests. I want to take for a moment show you what this board previously approved. Uh this was the office complex. It was two office buildings uh with 160,000 square
ft of office plus a commercial marina. It also included restaurant usage of 120 capacity with 100 seats restaurant on the top of the building at the point as well as 20 seats on the waterfront with
hours that were allowed by the uh planning board from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. In other words, a very intensive use of this property. Show you compared to ours. Now, of course, the architecture, I think, is incredibly elegant and beautiful and
appropriate for the site, but it is very low in intensity and low in activity. This is another view. This is a view from the Coast Guard base of what has been approved, which includes as well not only the two office buildings, but
also a 380 uh car parking garage, which of course we will not have and we won't need. This is what the view would be from the Coast Guard base. open uh less intense very secure. Finally, I'd like to just compare the
two programs just so you understand how less intense this use is and how secure this use is. The project that was previously approved by this board, as I mentioned, was not only an office building, but had 120 restaurant seats.
100 at a restaurant on the top of the uh building as well as a uh commercial marina. This is a private use marina for a single user which has by the way been approved by the planning board, the conditional use permit. The floor area
uh for the office use was 161,000 ft². This is less than 37,000 square ft in the four buildings that you will see. The building height 75 ft for the office use. This is at its highest point. One building will be uh slightly under 47
ft. There's a vast increase in open space as well of 35,000 uh 35,000 ft compared to 62,000 under what we're proposing and of course significantly less uh park uh parking spaces as well
because of the private use. I would also note that in terms of traffic, the previously approved project had between 220 and 270 uh trips uh peak demand time. We have between one and two trips at peak demand
time. So, this is a a for everything that is on that island, the city's maintenance yard, the Fiser Island Community Association, the Coast Guard base, uh this is actually the best neighbor you could possibly have. And I just wanted to bring that to your
attention. With that, and I thank you for indulging me on this, I'd like to turn it over to Gabe to go through the site plan. There are a couple of minor changes to conditions I'd like to deal with at the end. Thank you, Nissa. Um, good morning. I'm
Gabriel Campusano with BMA Architects. We are the executive architects for this project. Um, Roelio, I I appreciate the the thorough description of the project, which will allow me to uh focus more on the conceptual approach of the project
and the architectural expression. As uh Nissen was describing, this project is conceived to create a refined campus-like environment with a central open green space. Um
and four very carefully positioned pavilions uh are set to maximize views to the south southwest and the waterfront. The the site plan establishes a serene and orderly composition distinct from the ind industrial context surrounding the
property. When we look at this aerial view, we can see how a clear design intent with buildings that remain low in profile to prevent views to preserve views and openness. Generous roof planes and glazing enhance
visual lightness. Landscape and architecture work together as a cohesive environment. The arrangement reinforces balance, calmness, and a sense of arrival. The arrival sequence begins with a
singlestory gate house. This building houses all security and access control functions and it establishes the project's architectural language from the very first moment that you approach this the project. It sets the tone for a controlled and elegant entry into into
the property. This is how it looks on on the elevations. And as you continue along the treeine boulevard, which is the main spine that organizes uh all the layout of the of
the project, the two principal pavilions come into view. Situated opposite to each other on a race podium. Together they frame a central courtyard for recreational and social use. This courtyard uh uh has a
pickle ball court as well as a paddle court. They feature expansive glazed openings on an overselling roofs and overselling roofs. These pavilions are proportioned using the principles of golden of the golden ratio creating a timeless
architectural character. The courtyard becomes a key feature, a quiet yet active heart of the project. As you can see, these elevations are from the crew pavilion, which is the building that will host uh amenity
spaces for the crew that come down from the from the boats. It is the tallest building um in the campus with with three stories. And this is the owner's pavilion. Uh and as you can see, they share a common
language, a common architectural language. Yeah. Uh, and then if we keep going, we'll we'll we'll see um the marina operations pavilion, which is a more utilitarian building. Uh, located at the western
edge of the site, this pavilion supports day-to-day marina operations. It is positioned to remain discrete and maintain openness towards the water. Designed with the same material pallet and refinement as the other buildings, it is functional functionally organized
for highly efficient workflows. Its placement ensures operations do not interfere with guest experience or views. Um, and just to talk about more about materiality, uh, across I I'll go back
to this one to one of these. Um, across all four buildings, a consistent architectural language is maintained featuring saline resistant light natural stone cladding uh, responding to directly to the marine
environment. A high performance clear non-tinted tinted low iron glazing with UV protection paired with deep roof overhangs which will address years yearround solar protection for the for all buildings. Elegant and precise detailing
reinforcing calm monumental and a monumental presence. This palette ensures durability, cohesiveness and long-term visual quality. One line one island park introduces a new landmark presence for Miami Beach. One that contrasts and elevates the
existing surrounding context with clarity and architectural purity. Now I will uh give the floor to our landscape architect who can uh explain the the concept for landscape. >> Thanks Mu.
>> Good morning everybody. Uh Chris Collie Christopher Collie landscape architecture. Um it's an honor to be here to help represent this uh amazing project. Um I'd also like to uh start by saying that our office is working in association with um Peter Wartz of Wartz
International which is like a worldrenowned landscape architecture firm based in Belgium. So if we could uh go to the first uh the next slide please. Oh thanks. >> Here we go. Okay. This um is a rendered master plan and it shows our overall
approach um to the garden design. Um and in summary uh we're utilizing a contemporary uh yet formerly inspired approach to the landscape design where all the elements are organized in a manner that helps reinforce the site design and helps to accentuate the
beautiful uh elegant architecture. Our first main landscape architectural move is to line the uh the main driveway with a formal row or allay of tall green buttonwood trees. We think this will form a really powerful statement
bringing you into the site. It'll help frame views to the first central open space. And the green buttonwood trees we think are an excellent species for this location u based on the fact that they're uh so acclimated to um this marine type environment. Um, and because
they uh definitely can easily be maintained at 30, 35, 40 feet tall and form a really beautiful evergreen buffer lining the driveway to help provide screening to both the uh Fiser Island parking garage and also to the Miami Beach buildings um on the other side of
the roadway. As we um traverse through the entry drive and we enter the first open space uh which is the central green area you see up on the screen. The overall concept is to have that be open um that sort of acts as the landscape heart of the uh campus design as Gabriel
mentioned. Um and Peter Wartz uh uh of Wartz International has developed this very cool contemporary scheme of low plantings that you can see here in the rendering. There are these crescent shapes of white flowering penacetum grass and then some low banding of uh
green island ficcus and it's all unified by an open lawn area. Uh the idea is to preserve views through this entire space. Um and the overall design is meant to form a little bit of a counterpoint to some of the axial relationships amongst the buildings. Um
additionally in the central area on the screen we're continuing the row of green buttonwood trees. So that extends the access along the drive. And so those green buttonwood trees form a buffer um that goes um next to the two pavilion buildings. Um in between the two pavilion buildings, there's a proposed
pickle ball court and a pedel court and an open plaza um with really classy uh limestone uh material to match the buildings. And so those green buttonwood trees help to separate that space um from the central garden. And at the terminus or the apex um of the site uh
there's another large open garden space. It's utilizing the exact same type form language as the central garden. Uh the intent is to preserve views um from the from the from the building out into the uh bay and also from the bay into the
property. Um and then finally uh along the east we uh have a linear uh band of native evergreen trees meant to provide screening along that portion of the project. Um and and again to reinforce the axial nature of the entry drive in
the LA of trees. So if we could go to the next slide, please. Oh, sorry. We can just Oh, perfect. Thanks. Thanks, Gabriel. So, as Gabriel mentioned, here's a view um at our uh at the gate house at the beginning of the property. Um to the right are some concept images.
You know, uh here we really get to see this powerful form of the landscape leading you into the property and creating drama uh uh for arrival and for exit. Um on the right side, you'll see just some example images of green buttonwood trees. Um we're also
utilizing a native hedge. Um, at the back of the green buttonwood trees, we have two 10 foot wide landscape areas on both sides of the drive, which I think is really great in a scenario like this. It gives us a lot of of good rooting space and and plenty of opportunity to
make a substantial landscape buffer. Um, the images at the bottom there are uh some concept images for the paving that we'd like to utilize the vehicular paving throughout the project. uh we selected uh light gray pavers in either like a natural cobble or another type of
unit paver with a little bit of granite inside of it. Um and so we think that uh all the vehicular areas will be the same material which will really help provide a sophisticated uh unifying element to the property. Um uh let's see next
slide. Okay. Um this is just uh an amazing view here and and one of the things that we we really like about this is it shows the openness of the project. Uh you can see how much green space uh that we have and in open space. On the
right side uh you'll see some concept imagery of the uh the contemporary crescent shapes of the fountain grass and then the low clipped ficus green island. The cool thing about that is the fountain grass will sway in the breeze and the ficus green island provides a very contemporary form and a really
strong form language. Um and then the final slide regarding the landscape um is this is our overall pallet. Uh I'd say 85 to 90% of the species um and total quantity of material that we're utilizing is native. um all ever mostly
all evergreen um very suitable to this environment and the overall effect that we're trying to create is a very sophisticated very elegant landscape um that helps to you know accentuate this beautiful project. So if anybody has any questions more than happy to answer them and thanks again for the opportunity to
be here. >> Thank you. And if I may uh just uh there were a couple of conditions in the order that we would like to address and Cecilia will hand those out. Uh the first is uh under in the design uh
portion D1 subc as well as D1 sub 2. The uh language in the current order reads, "The final details, color, and material finish of limestone cladding proposed for the roof, eaves, and parapit, including samples, shall be submitted in a manner to be reviewed and approved by
staff consistent with the design review criteria and/or the directions of the board. That language is repeated with respect to the exterior walls and condition 1D. We would be asking to modify that slightly by saying the final
details color and material finish providing the adding the words providing the appearance of limestone because we're not ready at this point in time to say that limestone will be the material. So we would like that phrase if you would added to both D1C and D1D and then
we will work with staff on the final use of materials. Um the second condition that we would like to uh modify is D2D regarding the PA systems. Uh and uh it's just to read
it to you. Suspended paver systems such as silver cells or equal shall be installed where street trees are planted in the right ofway sidewalk or other hardscaped areas in a manner and be reviewed and approved by staff. uh we would like to actually delete that
condition and I can have uh uh Chris come back and explain why. First of all, there uh there is no sidewalk. There are no street trees that there will there will be and within our property itself where there are the tree plantings. This
would uh is is inappropriate. And Chris, you might want to briefly explain that. >> Sure. Exactly. Um, in summary, we have a lot of utilities that are going to be running under the the driveway and we're re, you know, we're moving some existing utilities to
that location and we would like all the utilities out of the landscape areas. So, uh, in some scenarios like where if we had an urban environment with a sidewalk and a hotel and and and we had small tree planters, you would want to suspend the pavement uh with the silver cell system so the roots could grow
under the sidewalk. In this condition or in this case, we want the opposite. We have plenty of rooting space already for the trees. Um, and if anything, we would be providing like a root barrier at the edge of our of our planting area to prevent uh the rooting system from the
the trees from growing into our utilities and creating like a maintenance um complication. So, in summary, you know, we always have that condition in every DRB final order and we never ever utili, you know, mention it. uh but in this case we just thought it would be prudent to go ahead and suggest why we don't think it's
applicable in this case. >> Thanks. >> And and that concludes our presentation. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Are there any other members of the public wishing to speak? Please come forward. >> Madam chair, members of the board, city, uh my name is Clay McKenna. I am the
commanding officer of Coastgard Base Miami Beach. Uh so really appreciate the opportunity to uh express a few uh comments and concerns you might have with the proposed design as it as it sits. Um wanted these clarify for residential use. Obviously we're not zoned residential. However, the closest
members who are sleeping are about 300 ft away on the cutters, the ships that are there in the water. Uh we also have a barracks facility on base that overlooks this site. Uh so we have members here sleeping every night, every day. U members will be on watch, that kind of thing. So, um, as you review the
design, but I ask you to keep that, um, in mind, uh, as far as that use there. Uh, the other thing, ma'am, is for lighting, I know I mentioned the pickle ball court. I wasn't able to see what the lighting designs might look like. Uh, we do have our first responders, our station Miami Beach personnel who do get underway in their small boats from our
floating docks that are right in that waterway. So, if there was, say, a night pickle ball game, uh, with bright lights to be able to see that action, uh, might affect our night vision as we try to get underway and do our search and rescue, our law enforcement mission. So, um, as you look at the lighting plans, something I'd ask the city to consider,
uh, for our operations through there. And then finally, ma'am, for the view sheds as we look at them, um, you might ask, who wants to look at the port? We do. That's something we like to do. Um, so for our line of sight communication, uh, radars, uh, cameras, that kind of things. These, uh, buildings will be,
uh, something that would block that view. I know previously I understand that there was some agreements made that we'd be able to put um our sensors, our uh equipment on top of one some of those commercial buildings. Now that we're looking at a private use, uh we are concerned that we may not be able to
establish that easement or that right of access to be able to do that same kind of work with with these designs unless it's included in the in the process here. >> And have you been in discussion with the applicant regarding your concerns? >> No, ma'am. We found out about this a little late. Uh we found out that the
notice went to uh it was the tax assessor for this uh county of Miami Dade. We obviously don't interact with the county tax very often. So we have updated that and are working back with the planning board for a separate meeting with with the applicant. Uh so we have an opportunity yet to do that and of course the unfortunate lapse in
appropriations has limited our u our staffing uh until last week. So we are we're getting back to that. Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So you're it's the planning department that would handle these concerns or normally you guys would have been looped in at
the planning department level to to work through ma'am >> the uses of this. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Some of those for sure. But I I think with the lighting concern um and just bringing up the residential that we do have we do have Coastg Guard members that sleep every day just a few feet away
>> and Oh yeah. I was based on this design specifically. I mean, do you have any specific concerns about this or it's something really that you need a larger conversation with the applicant to discuss? >> I think we maybe need a larger application. I don't think we have any
major concerns with the design as proposed or or that use as proposed. Uh just as we look at our operations um working from Cosway Island there uh to make sure that we are compatible in that use and that the things that are approved here at the design level uh for like that exterior lighting those kind
of things uh don't negatively impact our operations. >> Okay. Scott, >> no. I was just curious. The last the last one that was approved, I didn't think you guys were involved at all in any way, shape, or form. >> And it was it was much more seems so much lower.
>> I think that may be a result of the notification process. Um, fortunately, the applicant did let me know. I think it was right at the end of October, a few days before the planning board met. Uh, we tried to get our comments together, but again, with the lapse of appropriation, we didn't have time to review it. Um, as we came through, so I think we may have missed the opportunity
to provide comments. I know we've provided comments back in like 2002 as well as the 16, 2018 as other um the residential some other things had gone through. Um in this case I think we just missed our opportunity. >> Yeah. No, I just wonder what would have happened if that big building was >> I do remember they were they were there
the coast guard participated in the review with the last >> I remember um >> and I remember we actually went and toured the the base um as part of that. It was fascinating fascinating operation you have. I had no idea how much you you do there. >> Thank you for your service. Yes, sir.
>> Commander, is the lighting on the pickle ball and Pedell courts a problem for you at night all the time? Even though those lights are required by code to only shine down and not spill. >> Yes, ma'am. We we haven't seen um that
use it there right now. Um, obviously the parking garage at night is it's not very bright and as we get underway our our base and our lighting systems are subdued so that we don't impact our operators as they get underway from those floating docks. >> And the equipment that you're saying um
if I understood correctly to be placed on a rooftop that now because this is a private um building you may not be able to place equipment that what kind of equipment are we? >> Yes, ma'am. that would be um line of sight like maybe microwave communications as well as radar equipment or cameras.
>> So that is something that possibly you can speak with the applicant um and come to some agreement as to what can be done >> on the rooftop of any of these two buildings that they're proposing. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. >> Because your your buildings now are not
as tall or taller >> we have a twotory building uh a lot of these sensors would be on. So the 46 ft 9 in is significantly taller than our building. >> So it's really just one of the three pavilions that is a concern or all three. >> It would be the two main buildings. The
uh owner's pavilion as well as the marina pavilion. The guard shack um being out of the way not a concern. And the I believe the mere operations building will be blocked by the other two structures. >> Okay. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Do you Yeah. Just briefly uh couple of things and planning staff uh just for the sake of the record planning staff can has already addressed this notice was properly sent to 120 MacArthur Causeway uh 30 days in advance
of both the planning board hearing and of this hearing. Uh we also have reached out and and and tried to meet to go over the plans as well. Fortunately, just just today through the good offices of the planning department, we're we're now
able to have a meeting, but we've been wanting to and to planning staff itself over two weeks ago sent uh even though this was all accessible online, sent the full plans and everything. So, but let me let me also say and of course you've
all recognized the existing approved use much higher, much more intense. Uh we have much less building. But let me let me make this pledge. Of course, we will work with planning staff and if there's anything in the design that needs to be
modified for the purposes of the Coast Guard, we'll work with planning staff on that. That goes without saying. Mr. Griffin, uh, I think you may know, has has a incredible record and support of American military and respect for it and
we will certainly work with them to uh, accommodate their needs. I think I I is not only think I know this is the best possible use. Among other things, Mr. Griffin will have 24/7 security on the property. There won't be hundreds of people of the public attending there.
There won't be a restaurant. So, uh, but we will work with planning staff to address any concerns they may have in terms of the operations. >> Thank you. Any other members of the public wishing to speak? >> We we do have uh one member online with
her hand raised. Uh Jane Crup. >> Oh, >> good afternoon, Miss Crup. Before you address >> Oh, good afternoon. Jane Crop, 1390 Ocean Drive. >> Miss, uh before you started and address the board, I do need to swear you in.
>> Okay. So, do you swear or affirm that the testimony you'll be giving in this proceeding is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? >> Yes, I do. >> Okay. Thank you. I'm going to set the clock for two minutes for you to address the board. >> Okay. I have a couple issues. Um, first I'd like to completely welcome Ken
Griffin to Miami Beach. I know he's been very philanthropic. Hopefully he will also be philanthropic in Miami Beach, not just Miami, and get us some schools and uh public service items that we need, hospitals desperately. Um, so I'm
a designer. I've worked on private coastal properties all over the world. I had my own firm for 45 years. I'm now here in Miami Beach because I love Miami Beach and I live on Llama's Park where we basically um fought to have many years ago it restored with the Jamaican
tall coconut palms. We have two and threetory buildings. Uh the palms in a kind of park setting do not obstruct the view. And what I'd like to say is that this I understand it's a Belgian landscape designer, but I feel like the
I'm fine with the architecture. I think it's wonderful, but I just feel like they're just outlining the buildings and they're not providing more of a park campus. There's no I don't see any shade where someone could sit. And my suggest and I don't think it has the Miami Beach vibe. My suggestion is take those
triangular spaces and create more of a of these Jamaican talls which have beautiful sculptural shapes. It would soften the hard edge architecture and not be so linear and rigid. in the landscaping. I
think it's just it's not Miami Beach. Um, and especially looking at from the water, you want to see beautiful foliage and lushness and there's something just very dry and corporate about this. So, I think there's room for improvement there. Okay. The other question is I
don't know how much time I have. Um, just logistically um I don't I isn't clear to me how the city benefits from this financially. Do we get rent? I don't understand that. Also, these are large boats that are known to be quite polluting, and I'm not making a big deal
out of that, but is there an EPA um miscane bay study necessary? And where does the fuel get stored? Are they refueling? Just logistical questions like that. Have those been addressed? And but m basically my big my beef is
make it more tropical, make it softer edged, make it less formal in the landscaping. >> Thank you. Thank you very much for your comments. We appreciate your call. Are there others? >> That's the only hand we have raised. >> Okay. Thank you very much. I'm now
closing the public portion. I'm going to open it up to the board for comment. Akil has to leave very soon. So I don't know if you have any comments to say first. >> Actually, I'd agree with the last speaker Jane Kroo. Central Green doesn't seem a little corporate and more European than I would
say chocolate than locally for Miami, but that's the landscape language that they're going for. So, I'm not sure. >> I mean, if I may also briefly address that. So, none of the other this is they're going to have large boats. And by the way, uh the Biscane Bay
regulations say that at this park there should only be large boats. In fact, there shouldn't be small boats. They don't want small boats going in and out all the time. But the other thing is, you know, they have to service these boats. And so you can't have uh uh not that I'm a marine expert, but you can't
have a bunch of trees in the area that may need to be used for marine related operations. So, uh this as it is is probably more landscaping than anything that's been proposed on that site. >> So, is that why because I I I share the concern. So, these larger sort of
triangular green spaces that's that it has to be low. you can't put larger trees. >> Uh I'd ask Chris to come here to to address that. I think that both designwise but also functionally I think it's a problem.
>> Yes. I mean the the objective here has been to keep those spaces open. Um uh we wanted to allow views throughout the space and I mean I I I understand the comment from from an aesthetic um aesthetically speaking I do believe that
the trees and the species that we're providing will provide a relatively soft and you know tropical environment um you know as our own um city has uh basically put into effect over the past seven or
eight years you know that we are really trying to utilize a lot more tree species rather than palm species because we don't we don't value those environmentally in Miami Beach anymore. And in this case, uh, you know, we have, I think, 107 trees. Uh, additionally, I
would say that in these open spaces here, um, something that doesn't necessarily come across in the renderings is that we do have these really beautiful crescent shapes of the white fountain grass, which is something that all of our clients always love and it does provide a soft effect. So, I mean, a aesthetically speaking, this is
the direction that we've gone at this point. Um, you know, and we welcome any additional feedback from from the board >> as part of your permitting process. This will go through planning landscaping as well as urban forestry >> and environmental and everybody else
involved in the city. Yes. >> So, but you can certainly take into consideration some of the comments made by the board member and uh Miss Kroo, I think uh that called in um as the project gets developed and goes through review process. If there are other trees
that you feel can be implemented um then maybe you take those into consideration to soften make the look more softer. >> But yes, ma'am thank you. Yeah, I would say that that was what it struck. I was struck a little bit by that as well. It
it just seems the the pavilions are are very beautifully designed. Um but it it did I was actually surprised that there wasn't more landscaping to soften even the transitions between the buildings and the pavement around it. Um, one of
the things with this site, I mean, it is so industrial, there's so many impervious surfaces that it would be nice, I mean, I I see you have these large green spaces, but it would be nice to see or to see more green to soften
things up. Um, I'm, you know, I was very glad that you were here to present the concept of the landscaping. Um, I feel like if and and maybe this is just part of the prescribed design, but it at least Yeah, one of the things that struck me was that it seemed like
there's lots of paved surfaces and in proportion not as much green. >> That's an that's an awesome comment and I understand 100% and um just along that point I will mention that the the paved surfaces that are running around the
perimeter like they're the minimum that we can have to make the marina a function. There's a 5-ft seaw wall cap and then we have a an easement area where some of the equipment that is required to uh make the marina function properly uh shoreline power box setback
and then we need enough vehicular circulation room um to service the marina and for any you know emergency equipment or service equipment that could be uh ever required. Now with that said, the rest of the site as much as
possible is green space and um like all projects uh you know at this at this stage we certainly are um open to continuing to work with the landscape design and think about the comments that the board has made thus far um as we
continue um through the process um >> the permitting process. >> Yes. Yes. So, >> and and also you will take into account the commander's comments when it comes to the equipment on the roof. You'll work with planning and the lighting on the pedel and uh courts that they be
shining down. >> What have you? >> Yeah. Can you confirm that the or I don't know that the lights shine more down on the court as opposed to ambient? >> 100%. 100%. Um we will definitely confirm that and we will ensure that that happens throughout the process.
Yeah, >> I think the code Roelio requires >> requires that >> the the lighting to be down and not >> out into the buildings. >> Yeah, I know we've had >> Yeah, I'm sorry. >> But there is a concern. So, if you're dealing with
>> um the Coast Guard as it pertains to the equipment on the roof, then just make sure that the lighting is understood by them that it is downward lighting and not to the sides or up. We've we've had a a PDEL facility project in a
residential neighborhood and the residents expressed similar concerns and it ended up being approved. So I I definitely think that's something that will be, you know, taken care of or at least addressed. Um, so no, I guess the the the comment about it was more as a
way it seemed like with the buildings that having some green planters or closer to the buildings themselves would would the buildings are really really beautiful. Um, but a little bit I want to say maybe severe. I don't know. I keep going back and forth like I I get
the concept and it's beautiful and it's elegant but that was the only Yeah. just the thing and this you know what it's very clear too even in the gate house and maybe it's just because it's all driveway for parked cars but there's not that it's just pavement and then
building and there's not that general transition >> I understand 100% and um you know for example at the gate house right as you look down the driveway there's a there's a low landscape area and there's a planter with some low clip you know uh
plantings in there I mean we would definitely um be open to exploring the idea of utilizing some additional landscape elements within the scheme to help address some of the comments of the board. We just wanted to make sure that we didn't overpromise um at this time
based on like the functionality, site triangles, utilities and all those things we have to think about in this area. But and then your comments about the planters adjacent to the building are very well taken. Um and I think that there are ways to keep within the existing scheme. Um, as proposed, there
are lots of smaller planter areas. We're trying to make sure that there's total screening of the of the the open space between the two buildings. So, we can definitely continue to study that with staff to try and make sure that we help soften, but then also keep with the design team intent. And if if I may also
just wanted to point out uh that of course this is an industrial zone. >> Uh and also they uh uh the industrial zone also allows and has always historically provided there are those six parking spaces in front of the building. >> Uh so that's why what they've tried to
do is make that as attractive as it can be with this beautiful new building at that location and the the gate and the entrance. Yeah. No, I mean it it it like I said, the design is lovely and it's definitely an improvement and I think it's great the the lowering of the density. The concept is is um I really
like. Can I ask you another question too about the the final order? You said that it might limestone or another type of material. What other materials are you considering not limestone?
>> Um thank you. Thank you for the for the question. Um the the design intent is to have limestone honed uh originally. Uh but that is something that of course is going is going through a review that that is tied to budget and and and things like that. So we're trying to
keep and find materials that are going to be very similar that especially from the water side. when you you're going to see this this project, you're going to see something very refined with uh with materials that are um that are refined
and and clear. Uh in the end, this site, I would say that the main facade for this side is the water side. It's not actually the entrance. So, this is what um the boats are going to are going to look at where all all the boats that are living through that channel are going to
see this. And this is the reason why for us it's very important to maintain a very um cohesive design with all the buildings and also uh understanding that that this will become a very special
moment when when those when those boats are are leaving the the area. They're going to see this. The the project even includes on the very tip, maybe we didn't get to that to explain that, but at the very tip, the idea is to have a a sculpture uh that might uh become
something special. Of course, this is all uh under uh um study still, but uh in the end, I would say that the materiality, this is what we're pushing for, and we're trying to get to other materials that of course uh will work as
well and and and not affect the aesthetics >> and of a similar vein. Similar, >> correct? One thing that I I I forgot to mention is that uh as you can see in the renderings in that uh aerial view maybe
if you can pull it up it is there is a clear intent of understanding the roofs as a fifth facade. You know you can you're going to be able to see it when you're exiting that that that that bay. >> Uh that's the reason why we don't have any equipment
>> located in the roof at all. All the equipment on site is located in MEP corals that are centralized for functionality and they are all screened by landscaping and you can't even notice where they are. Uh that is on purpose and we try we will make all efforts to
keep uh all the roofs uh out of uh without any equipment because of that. >> That's really lovely. >> There was a question raised by the previous um person that called in whether lease payments were going to be made. My understanding is the applicant owns the property. >> Yes, we own the property.
>> So there's Okay. Um >> we'll be paying lots of taxes on it. >> Is our is our responsibility to review the $230,000 or is that just >> Well, yeah, that seems to be >> Yes. I'm I want I I don't I want to make
sure I understand what DRB's role is in this besides what we normally do, but um that that's one question I have for us, but also I have a question for Gabriel as you're up. um is this to me has sort of a European palazzo
vibe to it and I understand the landscaping following that gravel, cobbles, roof lines. It's it's it's elegant. Um is that the story? I I I just made that up. That's what I'm seeing 100%. >> Um okay. So So when everyone's talking
about I I know why there's not clusters of palm trees on here. That that doesn't that doesn't fit. So, I'll I'll let you guys deal with that on on your own. Um, I don't I mean, I've never This is This is amazing project. My only question is
that the two main buildings are are the same footprint and the site begins to change shape towards the towards the point. Was there thought about reducing owners owner pavilion maybe not the roof line but the owner's pavilion massing to
as as the site triangulates and and I I don't I'm just asking that I don't I don't think that's necessary or what I think it looks like that they are but then you have a differentiation of scale somewhat. >> Yeah I I think I think it's a great question because of course this was part of all the studies that were done for
this building. This is not the first scheme that that uh that came through. Uh and uh I think you you hit the spot with the um with the right wording. It's elegant. We're we're trying to to to do something very elegant, very quiet, very
clean. And when you think about those um those things, you think about symmetry. You think about balance between the the architectural elements on site. And that is very important. And that's the reason why this this even though it might not
be visible this facad and the proportions of the buildings are studied with the golden uh ratio. Uh so everything is studied like that. So it will be as you said like a palace like a it looks European in that in the sense that the aesthetics and the proportions
are thoroughly studied and and and that's the reason why they are the same. Uh although uh yeah you could you could think the shapes could be different but in in the end this is a even though they are different um pavilions the idea here
is to understand the entire site holistically and how all the pieces relate to each other and and and balance and and create that balance between land landscaping and the buildings. >> I hope that no addresses your question. It is. And and the symmetry is what the
the these the past buildings and and and um estates were all about. And this the when I saw the driveway, that's immediately what sort of gave it up for me. And um I don't know. I don't I'm not necessarily disagreeing with the the
comments about landscaping, but I don't I see that it's so tropical. do I also kind of welcome this to the to the waterfront because it's so different. And I mean, when I saw this project, I was like, what are we dealing with here?
I I didn't realize who it was and what it was for. I thought it was potentially just a a sort of small mega yacht marina, which is what it is, but it's it's not for public use. Um, and I understand now your whole driveway is
probably major cabling for power to to plug these boats in. Um, and then so I go back to what our what our job is here today. Is is is it $230,000 a year? Um, can we add to Clean Water Act? What what
are what do we what should we discuss about that if if that's in our purview? So, so the the mitigation is specific to not providing public access on the on the shoreline. Um, other environmental regulations, those that that relate to
boats and and other navigation requirements and all that, that is that is separate from from the purview of this board. What is within the purview of this board is the mitigation for for this particular issue of not providing public access um to
>> where, if I may add, there shouldn't be public access, >> right? Legally speaking, there really shouldn't even need to be mitigation, but we're more than willing to to pay what this is recommended by the staff. >> And this was also the recommended amount from the shoreline review committee with
the previous project. >> For the for the previous project, the committee recommended $200,000. >> We felt that there should be an adjustment based on consumer price index. >> The the shoreline people wanted $1,000 per square foot. It was the last DRB
ruling. That was the 200. Yeah. Uh because this doesn't have public access into that terminal island. It's um >> correct. >> Very industrial. >> Mhm. >> And and the last project even though it was two office buildings also did not provide public access. They were private, >> right?
>> Uh waterfront areas. >> Um because the buildings I mean one of the things that struck me that you'd said is you you described the marine operations building as utilitarian which I think this is the most beautiful utilitarian building I've ever seen. Um
was there ever any thought um discussion though given of putting the stairwell inside as opposed to outside? >> It uh well it has two stairwells uh and because of footprint uh and and the way it works it was it it was easier to have it outside and we actually think it can
become sort of sculptural. That said, that is the the the portion of the site that you won't be able to see from anywhere. Probably from the boat from the from the owner's boat maybe when they're when it's docked right there. It's the only real area where you're going to be able to to see that's there.
But the intention here again is it's is to make it uh exterior and and uh design it in a way that it's going to be uh pleasing to to to see and and and of course >> Yeah. Because it'll be very visible from the water. >> From the water. Yeah. When when boats are are coming. That's >> Well, that that's what I think the
overall design that this is going to be something that people see and they're going to be like, "Ooh, what's that?" You know, like it's very very striking. It's such a prominent location. >> Quickly know. Am I allowed to ask how what the plan for the boat is? It's time here because the boat the boat covers
every boats cover will cover the whole everything. Um I don't know what kind of boat he's got. >> I don't know. >> I know it probably doesn't stay here in the summertime, but >> I I know I know that although the it's allowed to have up to nine boats. I think initially they contemplated that
there would be four. How much time each boat will spend in in staying there, I don't know. I don't know if we know. Is there a limit or anything? Or is it this is this is his land. He can keep the boat here forever. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um
>> the boat is much bigger than the houses. >> I'm just guessing we're talking I mean it's it will it is bigger than anything on here. Just let's not forget that in the picture. >> We have a board member that needs to leave. We don't have any variances here that need to be voted on, but I think
he'd like to be part of the vote. approve. Well, we I think we need to determine the the fee. That seems to >> If you're okay with what's in the staff recommendation, that's in that's in the draft order, but if you'd like to modify anything, that's within your purview. >> Okay. I mean, I'm okay with that. I
don't know if anybody else It seems fair to me considering what was already decided last time. Um, but I don't know. >> I I think I don't know how to calculate these numbers, but if anything towards like sort of the keeping the bay clean, I forget what the organization is for that. Well, that I mean there this has
gone through extensive environmental permitting including for the seaw wall and the dock and there's an extensive plan to relocate Carl's. This is being done in compliance with every required environmental regulation in order to get the permitting that we've gotten for the marina. So that is different
jurisdictions and is well taken care of and actually I think virtually everything approved, right? >> Yes. >> No, I'm not worried about that. I'm saying the keep the bay clean fund. Well, I think as we said, the money goes to the shoreline specifically to to the Biscane Bay
shoreline development review committee trust fund >> and the city of Miami Beach can request it but for unrestricted uses. So, it could go to >> it has to be used for uses related to providing access to the bayfront and improving water uh access to the to Biscane Bay. >> Right. That's not water quality.
>> Not water quality. No. >> Okay. Um, >> and it's also being used for training, I believe, or uh I read somewhere in here that it's besides the shoreline, but shoreline um training wasn't the word, but education,
some educational, >> it could be it could be used for education as well, I think. Yeah. >> Pert pertaining to the shoreline. Yes. >> So, before we lose our board member, if there's no other >> comments um >> and just to and it seems like you've already agreed to speak with the Coast Guard. absolutely
>> to their concerns. Okay. Does somebody want to make a motion? >> So, I'll make a motion that we approve the design at 120 MacArthur Causeway Marina um with the um
draft order conditions, including the proposed revisions to the draft order conditions submitted here today. >> Do we have a second? >> A second. Okay. Yeah, you voted. >> All in favor?
>> I >> I >> I Okay. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you very much, everyone that stayed. >> Okay. >> Our next uh meeting is December 11th. We'll see you then.