Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. I'm everybody. You feel me? Heat. Hey, Heat. ever. be feel.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Hey. Baby, Make it down. Baby, baby,
baby. Please take your seats. The meeting is about to begin. Remember to speak into the microphone as this meeting is being recorded for public record. Please stand by. We are going on air in 5 4 3 2 1.
>> Good morning everyone. Today is March 24th, 2026 of for our first land use and sustainability committee meeting this year. I'm joined by Commissioner Fernandez and Commissioner Bot. Um before we like to proceed with our city
attorney like to make any announcements. >> Uh Mr. Chairman, I'd be happy to read the Zoom information for the public. Today's meeting of the land use and sustainability committee will be conducted in a hybrid format. To participate virtually, the public may dial 1888-475-4499
and enter the webinar ID which is 850599237B or log into the Zoom app and enter the webinar ID which again is 85599237. Anyone wishing to speak on an item must click the raise hand icon in the Zoom app or dial star9 if you're participating by phone.
>> Thank you. Uh Tom, are there any changes to the agenda today? >> Yes, Mr. Chair, there's three. Um item number two regarding the creation of a transfer of development rights program for Washington Avenue is being deferred to a future date. And item number 15
regarding the live better program is being deferred to a future date. And then lastly, item number 11 regarding the North Beach Water Quality and Park View Canal Report is being deferred to next Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.
>> Okay. Um, is there a motion to set the agenda as amended? >> Uh, so moved as amended. >> I second. >> Do we set by acclamation? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Great. Thank you. All right. So, we got some people here in the audience. So I don't want to keep them too long.
Miriam, uh for the Maurice Gibb Park, I think that is item number 10. I'd like to call that. Okay. Uh item number 10 is discuss possible procurement of a new monument sign for Maurice Gibb Memorial
Park. Go ahead. >> Good morning. David Gomez, director of capital improvements. Um during the process of renovating the Maurice Gibb Park, uh which was completed in April of
last year, we did restore an existing monument sign. Um, what we've looked into is that adding an additional monument sign without even a conceptual at this point, it's very hard to to determine a cost and of of course
related timelines, but we're at the committee's disposal and we're ready to move forward with whatever this committee decides. >> Okay. >> Um, Commissioner Fernandez. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh this is an item
I placed on the agenda at the request of the neighbors of the Sunset Harbor Association. Uh and uh and in fact it's in celebration of the beautiful work uh that was done with the completion of this park which is truly a masterpiece
and such a great amenity for for our city and and the neighbors. Um, you know, what's unfortunate is that with this new park, um, you know, we kept the existing, uh, monument sign and it was a
desire of the neighbors to have, uh, something that would that would meet the caliber, something that would meet the style of of the new park. Um, and while while maintaining obviously the musical
theme that's that's involved here. Um, you know, I I don't I don't think it's um I don't think it's an ownorous request. I I believe that, you know, coming up with a conceptual design is something that our city administration,
whether it be CIP or parks, could certainly do with with our residents uh and come back with a proposal um on something that that would be not too expensive, but that would elevate the park. uh especially the signage to the
standards of the rest of the improvements made there >> for the chair. >> Sure. >> Um I I love this idea. There's no reason why we shouldn't have an equally um elevated welcome sign to uh introduce
people to the park. I would suggest given the budget realities we're facing that we go in with a fixed amount and say not more than let's say $75,000. And if somebody comes by back with an idea that is so spectacular um that we really can't live without it, then we have that
discussion. But if you go in saying it's going to be between 100 and 200, you know that it's going to cost 200. So let's keep it tight. See, I mean because you can be really creat one can be I mean you you can also be creative. Oh man. Anyhow, one can be really creative
um with a limited amount of budget and I would like us to have something really creative and beautiful but not spend a huge amount of money to do it because the reality >> my one question are we looking at a second sign or a replacement of the existing >> I would imagine >> the reason I ask is the infrastructure
is there it could be a little more cost effective to replace >> I think just a replacement >> yeah perhaps through the chair uh we have residents here from south of from the Sunset Harbor Neighborhood Association Perhaps we could recognize uh Marilyn uh who could speak as to what is the desire
and the vision of the neighbors who live in the area. >> Good morning. Um thank you for taking this item. Um when the park was originally um conceptualized,
we had some funds for a new monument >> and It is my understanding that those funds were taken away from the park to use somewhere else because the people who
did that deemed that we had um such beautiful playground equipment that we really didn't need a nice monument, you know, to acknowledge the park, which to me makes absolutely no sense. you know,
it's like having a gorgeous Armani suit with Walmart shoes. That's the what is happening there. So, um, the little monument that we have looks exactly like a tombstone.
I mean, my one of my grandchildren asked me if Maurice Gip was buried there, and I had to say, "No, darling, he's not buried there. It's just it looks like a tombstone, but it isn't." So we really need to get rid of that little thing and
do something more emblematic. And of course keeping the music the musical theme you know um >> we live not part of the time but a lot of time up in Cleveland where you know
there's a rock and roll hall of fame and the the city has guitars for example all over the city and some of those guitars monuments are works of art. Yeah I >> mean they are gorgeous. So something
around those vein you know to put in the entrance where the little tombstone is now uh acknowledging that this is our park. >> Thank you. >> At one point we thought we will take a problem off your hands. >> May I?
>> Sure. Go ahead. We will take a problem off your hand with the Sunshine Boys that is on 41st Street cuz that poor little thing is behind that huge FPNL column and it deserves
>> Okay. So, so David, you she brings up a good point. Was there money dedicated to the >> not for a monument sign? No, the the money that I believe she's referring to is an arts and public place dedication, but that's not dedicated to the project itself. >> Okay. Do we have any idea where this
possible monument sign would be placed on the park? >> It um from what I'm hearing replacing the existing location. So remove the existing and and place the monument sign there. Is that correct? >> Exactly. >> The tombstone. >> And if you have no place to put that
sunshine boy, we'll take it. >> We'll take it. It's gorgeous. >> So let me let me let me just ask something. Uh David, do you feel that with you know if we if we say you know design something you know that you can design that you
could do the project including the side work and all the other soft costs you know within a budget of $100,000. Is that something that you feel is reasonable that we could ask the finance committee to consider? >> Yeah. What comes to mind is the adage you get what you pay for. Um, in the
case of I forgot the name of it, Sunshine Boy. >> Yeah, >> it's it's the Star Child. >> Star Child, I'm sorry. >> We call it the Sunshine Boy. >> But but that is that was that is the location of that statue and we have assigned funds to move the FPL pole. Like it was all negotiated in the
contract initially. So that's staying where it is. And the FPL pole is coming down at some point. >> We need to know why that poll is still there. >> Yeah. I want I want the report on my desk by the end of the week on that.
>> So the what where I was headed is if we're looking at something that level in terms of an art and public places piece, $100,000 is is a drop in the bucket to what it could cost. >> So, but let me ask you this. Uh and perhaps our planning director might
might have more knowledge. Um, is there any new projects anticipated in the Sunset Harbor area, uh, that area west of of Alton Road that perhaps, you know, if we have a conceptual design, this could perhaps be a public benefit
that could be considered as part of a project? >> There's no applications that I'm aware of that are seeking code amendments. Okay. Um these would just be as of right projects that are seeking design review board approval. >> Okay.
>> We we rather not have it as an art in public places. Okay. >> Because that really complicates things. >> So, >> Mr. Chairman, we have uh two callers on Zoom when you're ready. >> We can what? we can come back with a proposal and and see what kind of
concept our consultant can come up with and put it before the committee and see if that's something in line with what the community and the and the committee are seeing. >> Okay. You want to >> I would if I may for the chair I I would just suggest that um you know taking as
a benchmark this star child that you that you love that we all love. You know the park itself is the stunning art right? I think what you want, what we should aim for is something that complements and is additive that doesn't
detract from the impact of when you walk through that park because that's really an expensive park with incredibly well- imagined and executed space. And so to me, the the welcome should be not a
memorial pedestal, but um should be something that ushers you in but doesn't detract from the impact of the park. So the star child thing, you know, and not this piece in particular, but something in that order of magnitude would under, you know, like completely overwhelm the
park. That's why it's so great or it is because it's on this sort of nothing triangle in the middle of traffic. Everyone sits there. There's nothing to look at except for this gorgeous piece of art. We just thought we will take it off your hands but it's fine. We we need some >> No, but just in terms of order of magnitude like I think we need have
>> You're absolutely correct. beautifully designed and really, you know, >> something like with some um pentagram with a notes or musical instrument, something really that goes together with a um children's playground, that kind of
thing that you it it's all in the same vein. That that's what we're >> we can we can see what our consultant can come up with. And it doesn't have to be the grade of uh arts in public places because that like you said that can
>> Mr. City can allow for public comment. >> Sure. Our first caller is Bruce Bachman. Bruce, you have two minutes. >> Hey, thank you very much. Um I would second what Marilyn says about trying to get something suitable for the park. I
just want to emphasize I overlook the park. I'm actually looking at it right now from my study window. This has got to be one of the most well-used parks. Is a huge tourist attraction. Every day people come, they just sit there for the to watch the sunset and we get in
gigantic lines um to take the water taxi. In fact, yesterday people were cut off uh and had to wait for the next taxi. They are so full. So it is a huge draw and I think it really behooves the image of the city to put something beautiful as Marilyn says instead of
having a tombstone memorizing the death of of the virus give something that celebrates his life and use it. Thank you. >> Our next caller is Sarah Deos Reyes. Sarah, you have two minutes. >> Sarah, >> hi. Hi guys. I am sorry I could not be
there. I have an event that I have to attend. Um, but thank you Tanya, you're correct. Yes, something something that does not detract from the park, but it's actually welcomes at the entrance. I always envision like an arch with notes
and things with musical there at the entrance, Maurice G Park. Uh, so hopefully we work we will work with our consultants um together and come up with something something really really nice and thank you for taking um this item
and Marilyn is representing me. names. >> Hi, Sarah. >> Okay. Would you like to make a motion? >> Yeah. So, so I'd like to uh move that the um that CIP work uh with the neighborhood association in putting
together a concept, a realistic concept of of what their vision is, what can we deliver, how much could it cost, and then uh bring it as a referral to the finance committee.
>> I'll second you, you have any thoughts about that? >> No, I'm talking about that. All right, great. All right, so um and and by the way, I just want to put for the record that as it relates to the Star Child, the company, uh that's responsible for
moving that poll, which is not FPL, by the way. Um >> it's the 5G pole, right? >> It's a 5G pole. They have obtained all city permits, but they're waiting for federal regulatory approval. Uh and since since there has been a slowdown due to the federal government shutdown,
uh they anticipate to to receive their approval within 30 days. And once that clears, it's only a matter of scheduling construction. >> If if I can a question for the city attorney based on this, we would go back to commission with a recommendation to refer to FK.
>> That's correct. >> Okay. All right. >> Okay. Okay. Cool. Awesome. Thank you. So this item would come back to the >> commission >> not the 5G pole the monument >> I think unless we want to keep it here
to uh go um >> I don't know if we want to fully vac it the design I don't know if we want to do that at a commission meeting probably best >> you could keep the item in committee as to the design if you'd like. >> It's up to you. Sure. >> Yeah. So we can Yeah. So let let's let's do that. We can keep the design here at
committee while the funding aspect of it is being considered by finance. That way it we're not holding back the item. It's moving on a parallel path. The funding ultimately is the most we could have the most beautiful design that we all agree on unless the money is there.
>> So I would ask for a little bit of time to meet with the neighborhood association, come up with a concept, >> two three months, come back. >> That's fine with me. Three months. Let's say three months. Come back with a design and a referral to finance uh on funding.
>> Okay. >> So July is okay. David. >> Yes. >> So, we'll just say for purposes of the continuence of the design to the July land use committee meeting. If they need more time, they can always request a deferral. >> Sounds good. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, David. Thank you, M.
Appreciate it. >> Thank you, Marilyn. >> So, we have a couple more people waiting in the audience. Um Tom, can you call item number seven, please? >> Sure. Item number seven is discuss amendments to the resiliency code regarding
veterinary and animal clinics in certain residential performance standard zoning districts. Okay, so this is my item I brought forward after a resident south the fifth um had an idea for a veterary wellness clinic for for pets in south of fifth and apparently they we don't have
the zoning for that. So Tom, if you can uh better explain the idea that'd be great. Sure. Um, veterinary clinics are listed as a class two medical use. Um, in our and land development regulations, all medical uses, including, uh, animal
medical uses have certain classifications. And in the performance standard districts, the residential performance standard districts as well as CPS1 districts, class 2 medical uses are not listed as a permitted use. So, we put
together a draft text for a potential LDR amendment that would allow for um class 2 medical uses pertaining to veterary clinics um as an accessory use in the RMPS1 district as well as a uh
permitted use in the CPS1 district. Um and so if the land use committee um is uh in favor of this um you could endorse this and send it to the commission for a referral to the planning board which is the recommendation of the
administration. >> Okay. Any of my colleagues have any questions? >> No. Um the only question I would have is it a would this hours of operation because sometimes these clinics operate 24 hours a day on the RPS1
uh RMPS1 that's residential multifamily. Um is there is there a way where we could perhaps not have it be 24 hours a day when we're talking about CPS1? Those are commercial districts, right? >> Correct. So on the commercial districts,
I'm fine. If they want to have 24-hour a day day operations, I'm fine. In the residential multifamily districts, that's where perhaps, you know, not extend 24 hours a day. And I don't know if that's done through through this
language or how how that is done. Under the LDRs, veterary clinics are not overnight do not include typically overnight boarding. Um, if you want, we can include, >> but I'm not talking about just boarding, like for example, >> like an emergency clinic.
>> Emergency. Okay. We could certainly include text in this to make it clear that in the RMPS1 district that this would be limited in hours to normal business hours or something like that.
>> You know, nothing beyond 10 or 11 p.m. And I don't know if the chair would accept that as a friendly amendment. >> Yeah. I just want to see where on the map that would be cuz it would be nice to have a 24-hour on the beach cuz I have to go, you know, unfortunately I have to go to downtown.
>> That's the same thing that happens to me. You know, there's a one in Biscane Boulevard. >> Yeah. >> We're all freaking flyers there. >> Yeah. My dog ate a bag of chocolate one day, like literally two bags of chocolate, and I had to take her there. >> We need a 24-hour eye doctor. Also, by
the way, commissioner, >> the RPM, the RMPS1 district is the area basically where the old courts development is. Um, >> that's the Say that again. Which which area? >> It's the area where the old courts
development is. It's basically the area bounded between First and Second Street from Alton to Washington. >> What district is it? >> Uh, RMPS1. >> Yeah, that is more in the center. the center of the the residential tech generally the CPS1 districts are more at
the boundary of the area fronts fifth street fronts Washington I believe CPS1 >> CPS1's actually much more limited it's located further south but it's on Washington it's on Collins uh south of roughly second street whereas this area
that's RMPS1 is between 1 and 2 from Alton to Washington >> but I will I will say through the chair those are not highintensity the uses. Um, you know, there they might be busy on the inside, but they're dead silent on the outside. There aren't pet
emergency ambulances, and as long as there's parking um so that people just pull in off the street, I I don't think this would be a disruptive use. I don't want to set a precedent like having all night 7-Elevens or anything, but I I think this is a different kind of use.
It's not the kind of place where people gather and loiter. Um, it's not disruptive. It's it's all internal. >> Yeah. I I would like to have the ability. Yeah. Because there's also a financial incentive for a clinic to open up as a 24-hour emergency care. And like
Commissioner Bot said, I the people showing up at, you know, if, god forbid, something happens at midnight, it's not like they're going to be blasting music, right? I mean, it's it's it's an amenity for the city or at least in South Beach to have >> Okay. Yeah, let's try it. I mean, let's try it. I'm open-minded.
>> And, you know, it can be, you know, somebody comes forward and wants to do it. you make sure that there is ample parking, there's loading dock, that there are noise restrictions, that you know it is it's built in very cognizant of where it is situated. >> Let me just ask a question. Um
do we have are are these allowed uses these um veterinarian animal clinics, are they allowed uses in other areas? Um Alton Road, 41st Street, Collins Avenue, 71st Street. Yes, they're they're permitted uses within most commercial
districts. >> So So these are the exceptions. >> Yeah. >> So like Washington Avenue. Washington Avenue there could be uh veterinary >> those those sections of Washington Avenue that are zon CD2. So or CPS2. So
Washington Avenue between roughly Fourth Street and Second Street. That's where you have RPS3 and RPS2 zoning. So, it wouldn't be permitted and there's no proposed changes there. The only proposed changes here would be the area along Washington between 1 and 2.
>> How about the CD2 and the CD3 sections of Washington? >> That's north of Fifth Street, actually north of Sixth Street, and it would be permitted there. >> It would be per Okay. Yeah. This >> it's already permitted there. >> I'm happy to move the the sponsors item uh as as presented. I think it's is it's
a worthy cause and it's it's to the quality of life of our residents. So, I'm happy to move it for the chair. >> Yeah, I'll second that. But before I don't know if you wanted to say a few things or and is there anyone on Zoom? >> Okay. >> No one on Zoom. >> No, we um
>> name and >> Oh, sure. Rick Knight. I live at 801 South Point Drive. Um Commissioner, thank you for your help. Tom, thanks for your help. I think the important thing is on South of Fifth especially, it's a great neighborhood for pets with all the parks and everything, but what we're
missing is the health care for the animals, right? And so coming there and looking at the spot we're looking at, Washington has valet parking for for people who want to bring their pets, plenty of areas of use. We're looking at not going 24 hours at this point in
time, but we'll find a way to do that because so many pet owners and friends of mine have to go, as you said, all the way over to Biscane to get their animals taken care of. So, we really appreciate your support and hopefully we can get it up and going within the next several months. >> Thank you, Rick. >> Thank you. >> So, we can adopt this back commission.
>> Sure. >> In accordance with the recommendation in the memo. >> Yeah. >> Opation. >> Okay. We got um communications here. I want to get that
out of the way. Melissa. Item number 12. >> Okay. Item number 12 is discuss a comprehensive branding campaign for the art deco historic district of South Beach. >> Mr. Chair, if if I may.
>> Yeah. Um so back about I guess about a year ago about a year ago we had referred uh an item uh to develop a comprehensive branding uh initiative for the art deco historic district um to
highlight our unique architectural beauty and the cultural significance uh of the district and the importance of cultural tourism for for Miami Beach. And the idea and the goal uh was to promote heritage tourism, draw draw
visitors um that care about our architecture, that care about our history, that care about our tropical vibrant historic community and to and to highlight that and especially that you know this is a a location that is in the
National Register of Historic Districts that it's the since 1979 that is the largest collection of art deco buildings in the United States and that is often forgotten about and that is often you know not just forgotten about in our community because
we take it for granted because we see it every day but if we forget about it that means legislators are forgetting about it and others are forgetting about it when they need to know that this is a beautiful patrimony that we have inherited that we need to celebrate that
we need to elevate so we brought this item forward and also I want to thank by the way. Um, I Irene Bigger and Annette Grant of the Arco Neighborhood Association with whom we met uh about this item who who really had the
initiative. They were the reason why why we put this item forward and um and our communications department. our communications department, uh, Linda and and and Melissa together with the GMCBB heard the message seriously and they put
their creative juices to work and they've got really beautiful product to present us with today. So, with that, I want to recognize uh, Linda to present on the item. Go ahead, Linda. >> Good morning. Thank you, uh, Commissioner. I'm Linda Stevens. I'm the associate director for marketing and
communications and I have the pleasure to present um the art deco design to move you campaign which was created as commissioner Fernandez stated with a partnership with the GMCVB. Uh without them we could not have done this. Um,
and the really the star of this campaign, I know you have the copy of the map, but the star of the campaign is the video that we produced late last year and which went to market uh throughout November and December and it
is also part of our evergreen campaign which is launching in April and goes through the end of December uh on a national level. uh in Miami Beach, we had bus shelters, we wrapped the trolley, um also Ike kiosks had the
campaign. Um we had banners uh digital banners uh that were shown in different social media channels. And um with that, I will let the video speak for itself. Um I just wanted to also give a shout out to um we worked really hard with a historic preservation and architecture
officer uh picking all the locations that you see on the map. Um each location was illustrated. Uhuh. >> I'm gonna do a banana white so you can >> because they got the map beforehand. But >> so this is the map. Um on one side you have
40 notable buildings in the art deco district. Um each of them was hand illustrated and then on the back you have a little bit of history about tropical art deco which is Miami Beach's art deco. Um and these maps come in this holder.
that we distributed last week to area hotels in Miami Beach as well as Miami with the help of the concurge association. We also distributed to our facilities and our buildings including recreation
um and uh the video we worked um with the historic uh preservation and architecture officer to identify locations to film. Uh we filmed both outside to show the architecture but also inside to show the art deco style.
Um and uh we did a dance video because we thought design to move you speaks to you know how art deco can move you emotionally but also um we wanted people to get moving and walk around use microobility to visit the art deco district. So
>> even the name of it art deco designed it to move you. I mean, it is so it is so awesome. And when you see um when you see this choreographed video and the different iterations of it, it really is amazing. And should we have PJ roll it? >> Yes, please.
>> All right, PJ, let's go for it. Never will you ever you been dreaming then you can do it now. Wake up get on your feet. There's a song you won't know but you grow into your own
do what you want. Whatever you want to do what you want. What are you doing? So sh you over. Show the world I've never seen before.
Do what you want. Whatever you want to do what you want. You make you do what you want. Whatever you want. Do what you want. You make you do what you want. Whatever you want. Do
what you want. Linda, um, and and Melissa, I have to say that our communications department, I hear when I go to the Florida League of Cities and and other conferences, our communications department is the envy of municipalities around the state of
Florida. I mean, this is such a a professionally done product that the GNCBB >> can use to market our destination. Uh, you know, going away from that nightife and party theme and to highlight what we
want to highlight just how during spring break we've been highlighting health and wellness, you know, for the rest of the year, highlighting cultural and heritage tourism and using this as a product that they can use in their in their collateral. So, not just the video, you
know, the printed uh walking tour uh map that you guys have designed and and the website that the GMCBB has designed. They're reaching different markets. They're putting this video. So, we don't see this locally. Is that correct? Uh we started out in the tri county in
November, December and now we're expanding to uh Tampa, Los Angeles with out of home, but we also have uh digital media that will be on CTV as well as social media channels. >> So, so people around outside of our
region >> who who are looking for places to go to, this is the product that the GNCVB will put before them to market our destination. >> Right. And I just love that because it just highlights everything about Miami Beach, our our architecture. And I one
of the things I love about it is that it not only highlights the exterior and the facades, but it highlights the quiet part of our architectural beauty, which are the lobbies, >> which are the the secret, even the post office that you put there and that
beautiful public lobby that it has. uh and some of our other hotels, the Park Central and others that have these gorgeous lobbies that people oftentimes they walk through the facades but they don't go but that's just superficial when you go in there you got immersed in that energy and you've captured that so
well. Thank you >> for delivering this beautiful work product. >> Sure. >> Um so you know how I feel about this. I think it's a smash home run out of the park home run. Um, I love it for a
million different reasons. Um, I also love the fact that we were able through our micromobility task force to include biking and e-mobility information, which is so key because this is a walking and biking city. Um, so success upon success
with this. Um, can you tell me what the cost was just for designing and producing the map, not the entire >> Sure. Uh we worked with a vendor from the UK because we needed a map maker and the total cost for the maps with
shipping I and the holders I believe was between 30 and 35,000 >> including the design. >> Including the design. >> Okay. So this is amazing. And also it stops at Dade Boulevard. We have Miami
modern which is a whole different type of architecture that starts in the 50s and heads up through the 70s. I would like to I don't know if we can Nick I don't know if we can do a referral from here or if I need to bring it in April. Um but I would like to do one of these
that covers the North Beach Historic District um which is also a nationally recognized district, the North Beach Resort District between the hotels. I mean, the Fountain Blue and the Eden Rock alone, you know, not on here because it's not that kind of architecture,
>> but those hotels um the, you know, the the neighborhoods of um buildings that were built in the 40s and 50s when the GIS came home that are beautiful and in great condition and covered with buganilia. Like, let us let's highlight
those. And it's a little bit different because it's more residential, not as much open to the public space, right? We're not going to be wandering into people's uh apartment buildings, but it is very bikable. There's the whole park up there. There's all kinds of stuff going on. I would like to commission, no
pun intended, um one of these for North Beach as well, please. And that that cost is unbeatable. >> And I'll second that. And I just want to add that with this one is it ended at uh Date Boulevard because you know the idea was to commemorate the 100th anniversary
of of of the Art Deco Movement of of course and you know our nationally designated historic district. We wanted to highlight that. That was the vision of course >> with the Art Deco Neighborhood Association. But you're right because we when we think about Miami Beach architecture, of course, what comes to
mind was our beautiful art deco architecture that, you know, attracts the attention of of the world, but you're right, there's so many other types of architecture. Miami modern and and other types that deserve to be celebrated as well.
>> You know, the bandell obviously was just federally designated. We have 13 new buildings coming up in Town Center and North Beach. those people need to know where they live um and where they're visiting. So, Nick, do we need to do can we do it from here or do we need to do it at 8?
>> You could propose it as a motion u by the committee. I think Commissioner Fernandez seconded that. >> Um and and the motion would be to recommend that the city commission refer an item to do a similar campaign for uh for Mid and North Beach. >> I'd love it.
>> I would like to point out also that uh we do have a website that highlights beyond Art Deco. It's mimybfl.gov/archchitecture. So myo is also highlighted Mediterranean Revival. Um and lastly, we were able to
do this through GMCVB funding entirely. Great. >> The the partnership with the GMCVB is incredible. Uh they, you know, little did I know when we had our initial meeting, they were already looking at similar stuff, you know, a year ago.
They were already, but they were happy to join efforts. uh they have been they have always been working closely with you guys. So uh thank you for this work. >> Thank you. >> Uh it celebrates our deco very well and I think the residents should be proud of how we're highlighting our heritage. >> Good job guys.
>> Thank you >> Mr. Chair. We have uh two callers on Zoom. >> Sure. >> The first is Daniel Sorado. Daniel, you have two minutes. >> Yes. Thank you, commissioners. Daniel Sorado and um thank you by the way the marketing department. I was working at
MDPL back when this was initiated during the Art Deco Centennial. Um, and although it's a year later, uh, better late than never. And it it's just such a great campaign to celebrate Art Deco as well as, you know, the arts and culture
that define our city. Uh, I did get a text, why wasn't MDPL mentioned? I don't think that was on purpose with with this land use committee, but just want to thank the MDPL members who work so hard every day to preserve, protect, and
promote. I know there's also the women's exhibit that MDPL initiated back with the women's commission, and it's just this incredible legacy of 50 years. It continues, and it's good to see the commission actually supporting art deco, building it up and not tearing
it down. Thank you. >> Our next caller is Mark Needle. Mark, you have two minutes. >> Thank you. I I want to congratulate the marketing department for yet again finding creative ways to highlight the
assets of Miami Beach. Uh, and Commissioner Fernandez, I think you're very smart to look at it as messaging to the legislature, uh, during a time when the the the benefits of our scale and
historic uh, community uh, could easily be overlooked in uh, in a desire to spur development. Um, and I just wanted to say that I feel like there's one other audience that the marketing department and the city should consider and that is
the residents. Um, I would love one of the things that uh was mentioned and has a little bit been dismissed is the idea of um of marketing uh as part of a solution for making Washington Avenue
back into Main Street uh for residents. And I think that involves highlighting the many cultural assets along Washington Avenue and the areas where res where there are strong quality of life um uh commercial uh assets that are
happening. And I really feel like if we look at the residence as an audience for our excellent I mean stellar marketing department and it could be an ancillary part of the campaign that was just developed but really a little bit more focused and very complimentary. Thank
you so much >> and through the chair if I may. >> Yeah. >> Is there anybody else? >> No more callers. Um, just for the record, um, the Miami Design Preservation League is featured, um, prime promptly, uh, uh, proudly and
predominantly on this, um, back of the or where all the information is. So, uh, MDPL is is a part of this and an important part of preserving our architectural uh, history. >> Okay. Um, speaking of art deco, let's
let's move to item number 13. >> And just, Mr. Chair, for the record on item 12, the motion was to conclude the item and recommend that the city commission consider a similar campaign for the North Beach Historic Districts. >> Yeah, we can adopt that by a commission.
>> Okay. So, the next item is um item 13. >> Yeah. Uh item 13th, item 13 is monthly updates on historic hotel development on Collins Avenue between 14th and 20th Street, including an overview of pending permits and progress updates from
development teams. Commissioner, >> do you want me to go ahead and provide an update? >> Well, I'm happy to make a motion to accept the update. What I'd like to know is what um when is the grand opening for the Delano because that's that's important. That's coming back in in
line. When do we anticipate that's going to open up? >> That was, I think, supposed to open up sooner. I think they were delayed. I don't have a specific date for for when that actual grand opening is going to be. They're getting close. >> I see I see someone, the Honorable
Nissan Casten, >> approaching the podium. Uh, Mr. Cassen, good morning. >> Good morning, uh, Chair Fernandez, members of the committee. >> I'm vice chair. The chair is Excuse me, Jer Suarez. And >> old habits are hard to break.
>> Uh Nissan Cass and Acreman. I I represent the Delano. Uh they are they are they want to get the property open before the World Cup. Uh and so they are working mightily towards that goal. It
could could be able to be open in a few weeks. Um and uh this should be a big community celebration because I think it again it highlights whenever these bu whenever these hotels open up it gives us the opportunity to highlight our
architectural heritage and the importance of preserving it and the success stories of those who have seen value in investing in preservation because it they do get a return on the investment. >> Well, they have invested if I may say an enormous amount of money. M
>> they're doing work on the building that was never done in any of the prior renovations. Completely new systems whatso actually reducing the room count some. It's going to be a magnificent uh >> project and and the restoring the
original pre the elements and highlights of the prelip Stark architecture when uh when Bob Schwartberg uh his original design of the building who by the way happened to be my neighbor when I was a kid growing up. I think I think it's important um to for
us to work to together in highlighting s um you know opportunities like these where where preservation and investment and development can coexist to help counter the narrative >> uh the narrative that haunts us every legislative session that preservation
doesn't work that Miami Beach uh doesn't doesn't work with its property owners here is a perfect example uh and so you know I think we should be celebrating this. We should be highlighting this. I would love for the developer to work with the city in messaging this uh
inviting our legislators to uh tour the property and and see what a beautifully renovated property looks like. And I would say we've been working very well with the city, but as you know, uh, Maria, in the last few weeks to get something open, there are always a lot
of things. And we would certainly appreciate your personal attention to to make sure that >> what's going on, what's holding up. nothing nothing in particular, but when you come to the point of needing to get your TCO so that everything can be open and have your staff in there fully
training, there are a lot of so issues and we just, you know, Maria's familiar with all this and and your personal attention on this would be very helpful. Maria, I would like to get an update uh from now on forward until that TCO is issued because this is this is what
affects us uh ultimately and why sometimes we get preempted. It's little things that really is not about the legislative process that we have in place, but it's more about the inner workings of bureaucracy. And remember, we want to make our city friendly and easy to navigate and remove as many
obstacles uh as we can. And so I would like to get updates until this TCO is issued. >> Absolutely, Commissioner. Um I'm already on it on that project and um so is Vince. Uh the last 5% is always the hardest.
>> Always the hardest. >> Everybody knows that. So I want to stay in the loop, please. >> Yes, I will definitely priority. We need to highlight these successes. And now let me uh ask uh separate from the Delano uh and again I want us to highlight this to celebrate this. This is something that the city of Miami
Beach should take pride in. Um because we need these opportunities to counter the the the narrative in Tallahassee >> and and among our residents. >> Yeah, that's true, too. Um what's going on with the Rally Hotel?
>> The Balei Hotel, there hasn't been much of a change in terms of the last update. They have a permit. They're doing work. Uh my staff was out there a few weeks ago as part of this update. They did see some activity there. Um so it's not
completely vacant. Um but I think we'd like them to see them move faster to get that building renovated in accordance with the approved permit. >> I need for the public. What is the hold up there? >> There's been a change in ownership. The
previous owner um who wasn't doing much recently sold the property. Um, the new owner we expect wants to move forward with what has been approved, but we just haven't really seen robust work happening on site.
>> Well, I I have to say um for me the most important there's two parts to the Rally Hotel. There's the preservation of the historic structures that are being held up by chopsticks >> feels like. And then there's the new
development that has been approved. and my priority is to see that true efforts are being placed into the preservation of those of those buildings. And so I need an update at the next meeting. I
would like to have a representative of the property here present because this has been an ongoing challenge for for for our city. you know, not only a lot of hotel rooms out of inventory there, but again, this is our patrimony being
held up by chopsticks and all you need is one bad storm and now we we lose that architecture. So, for me, that is the priority. We need to have them come before the committee. >> You know, >> I'm I'm on top of that one too, Commissioner. Um, I'm going to be
meeting with representatives from the ownership uh this afternoon at 3:00 with the building department and we're going to start talking about a path forward uh to see how far they can go. So, um I'm on it.
>> Thank you, Tom. If there was a storm and those chopsticks fell >> right now there's a scaffold on the whole building. Um, but that's always >> I'm just curious because we are approaching hurricane season. If if that facade did fall and just break into a thousand pieces, what would be the
recourse? >> If the building was damaged beyond what has been approved and permitted, they would be required to go back to the historic preservation board to seek relief. And the historic preservation board would have to decide whether they would require that it be replicated,
whether a new building be redesigned. Um, the historic preservation board in this instance would likely require the replication of the building. >> But isn't replication the presumption if that were to happen? Mr. Attorney, I thought we amended the code to make it the presumption
that replication would be required. >> That's correct. >> Just want to make sure. So that so hopefully the representatives of the developer are listening that if they play any game like that and if a storm comes and like oops, it fell. Well, no.
Well, then guess what? Uh, you know, the presumption is that you're going to replicate it. >> Okay. I would love to make a motion asking the communications department to collaborate with the Delano uh on
communicating on on their you know renovation highlighting the preservation efforts and and so on because I do think it is important for our legislative efforts in Tallahassee to highlight this. >> Okay. And then
>> that >> and then you want to bring this back in uh June and we can request that the uh developer of the Raleigh um attend the meeting to present. >> I think before June because June first is hurricane season
>> and I think uh Chairman Suarez makes a very good point like you know if a storm comes what happens and so we I think we should be having this conversation sooner rather than later. >> Yeah. I I don't I want to also make sure that you know we're not saying that their intent their intentions are bad,
you know, like um they're not I think it's a new owner just recently. Let's give them the best opportunity to move forward. I'd love to see them come before us and kind of explain what what's going on. Um but tell him you know that look we we do live in a in a
hurricane prone city. So we want to make sure whatever is being preserved is you know is is going to be preserved in case of god forbid a storm that comes. And it doesn't have to be just a hurricane. It could be any kind of storm that can really knock that down.
>> Um okay. So, we we have some commissioners on Zoom who who'd like to um are we move it by acclamation? >> Yeah. Now, in terms of coming back the next we could bring this back next Wednesday, and see if they're available
next Wednesday. >> Yeah, maybe the rally portion of it that sure is okay with it. >> Yeah, if they're available. Sure. >> Okay. So, why don't we move this to next Wednesday, April 1st, and we'll see if the Raleigh is available. >> Sounds good. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um,
let's call number eight, please. >> Okay. Item number eight is discuss an LDR amendment pertaining to a proposed distance separation exemption for tobacco and vape uses in North Beach. >> Uh, Commissioner Dominguez, are you on?
>> Yes, I'm on. >> Take it away. >> All right. to this item that was brought forward by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez. There is a North Beach resident Muhammad Islam who owns or family owns uh different stores. He purchased a uh
store I I think it's about a year ago and um because of uh recent legislation his neighbors can sell tobacco products but he cannot and um he has been working
with Tom Mooney um to see what we can do to allow him to continue the um operations as they were previously. Um, let me see if there were any other notes here. Um,
Tom, I'll let you give any additional details. I know this was discussed at commission briefly and it may have been Commissioner Suarez that said, Tom, can we figure something out here with getting the backup that Muhammad needs to submit? Um, so here we are.
>> Thank you, Commissioner. So Tom, I think our when I when we discussed this, it was did he was was that pre was establishment previously selling tobacco and then his BTR lapsed or Okay, if you can give us the full story.
>> Sure. U this particular item came to the commission as you may recall on December 17th of last year 2025. It was discussed at first reading and then it was deferred to the land use committee for further discussion. Uh, one of the
things that was raised was whether or not the space had a previous license to sell tobacco and vape and whether or not that previous license had been abandoned. Based upon what we have researched to date, there's no evidence
that tobacco and vape was permitted there in the past. Um, and there's no evidence that a tobacco and vape license is currently existing or was previously existing and and had not been abandoned. We haven't seen any evidence toward
that. So, absent that, they would not be able to sell tobacco and vape because they don't meet the distance separation requirements. >> Commissioner Commissioner Dominguez has his neighbors do sell tobacco, correct? Is that correct?
>> Yeah. And the reason they sell tobacco is because they were licensed before the current uh limits on tobacco and vape were codified. Anybody moving forward um would be subject to the new rules. >> Let me get this straight. He bought the
the establishment and now he wants to be able to sell tobac. >> That's my understanding is that he wants to be able to add tobacco and vape to um his proposed convenience store use. convenience store would be permitted,
but uh tobacco and vape would not be permitted because of the distance separation requirements. >> And his neighbors do so. >> I believe that some of the stores >> adjacent neighbor, >> there are some entities in that area. I don't know specifically which ones, but
there are entities within that area that had previous tobacco and vape licenses, and they were licensed before the current regulations were put in place. If I may, >> Commissioner. >> Um, you know, the North Beach Commercial
Character Overlay District was one of the first pieces of legislation I worked on as an elected official. Um, >> I remember. >> You remember? Yes. Um, >> got a lot of stuff. Got got a lot of flack for it, too. >> I did. That and that's what we do. That's fair game. You know, we can't
expect everyone to to support our initiatives. Tom, what was the recommendation of the planning board? The planning board recommended on September 9th uh 2025, the planning board held a public hearing
and transmitted the proposed ordinance to the city commission with an unfavorable recommendation by a vote of 70. >> You know, I and it it it hurts me because I love Muhammad. He Muhammad is a wonderful individual, a a kind
neighbor. He loves the city. contributes civically to the city and you know just an incredible family man and public servant. However, you know, I sponsored this original legislation to safeguard the character and the area. I would make
a motion to uh keep the um the recommendation of the planning board and transmit that recommendation to the city commission. Um, Muhammad's online and I don't know if Commissioner Dominguez wants to say a couple more words, but um, I'd like to hear from Muhammad.
>> Yeah, I that's uh, appropriate so that we can hear from Muhammad. Um, yeah, this item is is a tough one. Um, I would like for the full commission to hear it and if Muhammad is on, he should have an opportunity to state his case.
>> Go ahead, Muhammad. you there. >> Got to unmute. >> Sorry. Yes. Uh good afternoon. Uh I hear this uh um uh meeting since uh since beginning. So I appreciate our uh most
uh most of the discussion about different topics but I appreciate that if you can help the small business owner they are suffering with this uh problem to their main product sale is cigarette and beer but unfortunately cigarette is
main item they cannot sell it they cannot survive it. uh our commissioner the Ming she already explained and I explained to our uh most of the commissioner uh the situation is like this the people those
are own the business they pay lot of money for the rain but they cannot survive without selling tobacco. So if you guys help them and we have a city of Miami Beach have some issue they can help the small business owner to
survive. So it is it is I know this is a agenda that uh I request you to help the people those are suffering uh for this uh you know restriction for the cigarette sale. So please help these
people to survive the their life and continue to selling tobacco. Uh it is a you know this is my honest request to our commissioners and our board. So,
>> thank you, Muhammad. Tom, I got a question. Would it be possible to give like a grace period of say 2 years where he's allowed to do this for two years and then maybe he gets into some sort of covenant where, you know, the owner
>> agrees to no longer sell after two, maybe two, three years. That way he can get his feet off the ground. you know, you know, I think year after year, I think less people are smoking tobacco. So hopefully, you know, he can phase out that business and gives him business a
little bit more time to adapt. So if the proposed ordinance was adopted, it's a very narrow exception within the uh blocks where his business is. Um, could we include a provision within that
limited exception that would sunset >> that that I think is a good idea perhaps allowing them to because I I hear Muhammad about helping the business and we want to be able to help our small business. >> Yeah. Let Tom finish. Is it is it possible?
>> Yeah. Now, and I'm gonna ask Nick as well. Um, if this was a voluntary sunset provision, could we as part of this amendment include a sunset provision? So, somebody would basically
be getting a CUBTR and then agreeing by covenant to um discontinue tobacco and vape sales after a certain period. I think given that um this is a use that's not currently allowed on the
subject property um I think the city commission might have the flexibility to do that. I mean we can work out the language if if this is uh if that's the recommendation of the committee. >> So this is this is Commissioner Dominguez's item. Commissioner, if this
is something you'd like to amend, uh, or I don't know if she has to bring back as a separate item, um, but I think there's certainly appetite between the two of us. Um, I don't know how Commissioner Bot feels about this, but uh, to have some sort of sunset provision.
Yeah, we did something similar uh with the hookas on Lincoln Road where I remember we extended it but they had within three years to um abandon that business model. So I'd be uh very much
in favor of something like that. If I may through the chair just ask a question. Um because the challenge that's going to happen is that if we we're going to create a dependency this this business is going to depend on this market the way that is depending on it now. The
reason why they're coming and seeking legislative relief from from the city commission it under the language that's before us. How many establishments could benefit from from this proposal?
>> The proposal that's before you is narrow and it's basically would apply to the area on the um west side of Collins Avenue between 65th and 67th Street.
>> Okay. And what if for this language that we have before us, what if on this specific language, we put a sunset provision on this language that expires within a year, within 365 days of the effective date. So that therefore upon
the expiration of this language, the use can continue just in a nonconforming way. Uh that way, you know, because we're going to create a dependency for this business. this business is going to depend on this in order to survive. But that way others can't, you know, we we
don't start to see the proliferation that we tried to address through this legislation. And I don't know if that's that would be a viable option. >> Sure. We you we could do a a just a standard sunset provision. >> A standard sunset provision. um you know
and that's an option for the chair to cons for the for the sponsor to to consider. That way at the end of the sunset period the use can continue in a non-conforming way legal non-conforming um and you know others couldn't do the
same. >> Is that something that that would be amunable? >> Well, that would be up to the sponsor. >> Yeah. >> And Mr. Chair, we have one caller on Zoom. And so, but by the way, what I would do then, I would change amend my
motion rather than an unfavorable recommendation. I would do a motion with no recommendation. So, we're not saying we're opposing this, but we're open to ideas on how to make this better. >> This is, you know, Commissioner Dominguez.
>> Yeah, I'm fine with that. >> Okay. So the idea is to no recommendation sunset provision after one year. Yeah. >> And then after one year it becomes >> legal non-conforming >> and they're still allowed to continue. >> Commissioner Bot, where are you on this?
Because you know you're this is your this is your neighborhood. >> I'm I'm really torn. Um I you know I I echo everything that's been said. Mr. Islam as a a great neighbor and a great resident and a small business owner and we're trying to not punish small
business owners. My my thought was if we give a three-year sunset provision that yes, for those three years he can um sell vape and tobacco, but he can also start transitioning to
either sell the business um or create a different business model. Um, >> yeah. I I like the sun setting after three years. I mean, >> yeah, >> you know, I don't like to have it legal non-conforming. I'd actually like to stop selling >> tobacco after I think that's where I'm
I'm netting out on this. So, I think three years is a is a good time so the cash flow can come in over the next year or two. Um, while, you know, plans can be made starting immediately of how to either transition or or offload the
property. you know, this is this is not his only property. Um, so hopefully there'd be a, you know, be able to be a balance between his other properties and and how how he can sort things out. But I think three years is a fair amount of time to
>> I think that's a good compromise Fernandez. I mean, >> I I agree. I think it's ultimately up to the sponsor. Uh, so, so you know, we have I'm I'm making a motion for no recommendation to give the sponsor the opportunity to work on this while still letting it move forward to the
commission because we do have a small business that is trying to survive and needs this legislative relief. >> Sounds good. Uh, Commissioner Dominguez, how do you feel about that? >> Yeah. Okay, it sounds good. So, we're landing on a sunset of three years. Um, and then I'll work with the city
attorney's office on uh language and the planning department on anything else that needs to be added. Um, and then it'll go to the April when's the next commission meeting? The 22nd. >> April 22nd. Correct. >> Okay. >> You come back at first reading. And so
just for clarity purposes, the recommendation of land use would be the sunset provision of 3 years and after 3 years um no more sales of tobacco or vape products after 3 years. They would have to agree basically by covenant to
discontinue that no later than 3 years. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um we have Commissioner Magazine also. So, let's call item four, please. Okay. Item number four is an amendment to the land development
regulations of the city code to modify the application and review procedures for all land use boards and to expand the types of development projects and improvements located outside of historic districts and sites that can be approved at staff level. This was a dual referral to the planning board. So whatever
recommendation is made by land use, we will be able to take it directly to the planning board. >> Commissioner Magazine, are you on? >> I am. I am. Thank you for uh allowing me to speak, Mr. Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, Commissioner Bot, city staff. Uh thank you. Uh beautiful and blessed Tuesday to
everybody. It's uh wow. I mean, just taking a look outside. Um how blessed are we to just live in uh live in Miami Beach? I I think sometimes important we get caught up in all the craziness of our day-to-day jobs just to take a step back and we uh we're amongst the most
blessed people in the entire world for living in such a paradise. >> So presenting this uh following on the themes of a lot of things that have already been touched on here uh throughout the course of the day. one, helping small businesses. Uh two, when we talked about the Delano and some of
the um possible delays that tend to happen around uh the end, waiting to get TCOed, um I've followed our board processes incredibly close and this really comes from uh taking a long hard
look at the processes, some of the delays that have been presented. you know, time is money for our businesses and for residents as well. This isn't just a commercial uh endeavor. This is helping uh our residents as well. So, essentially what this does is streamline
processes that are more simplified. I'll let Tom kind of go through some of the uh meat and potatoes of the things that we included, but this was very staff driven. I just started at a very high level about how can we fine-tune and streamline, get rid of some of the red tape, get rid of the bureaucracy that is
uh causing some of these applications just to languish in various board processes for months and months. Um, for example, and I don't even know if this would be covered under it. I I didn't contemplate this and uh the timing won't allow it to apply to this. Uh anyway,
but as you all know, I've been working very uh long and hard on the paddle project on the rooftop of the 17th Street garage. They are ready to go uh have all their plans finalized, submitted, the first time they're able to get to uh DRB. And again, this is for
a rooftop recreational facility. Right now, it is just empty concrete. It's the ugliest thing in the world. It's not really visible from the uh from the ground floor or even from adjoining buildings. Uh but they are going to the May uh DRB. They have all their plans
ready, but they can't even begin to file for permits until they know what that outcome of the DRB is. Now, they're trying to get open for season, and that is not going to be possible, uh you know, because of this. So, I've seen time and time again the most arbitrary
delays in some of these boards, especially with DRB. There's been multitudes of times where these meetings get cancelled uh because of lack of quorum and things like that. There's a month in the summertime where there's uh there's no meeting in August. So, where
we can streamline processes, uh we have this legislation to be able to do so. And it's up to the chair if you want to get into the nuance detail of that. Like I said, I was very handsoff in that. I let staff kind of come back with the recommendations. Uh but this essentially just kind of takes what can be
streamlined for staff approval. Puts the power in the hands of our highly trained, highly paid, highly qualified experts. Um the meat and potatoes is still going to go through processes, but this is just to help streamline for our residents and small businesses things that can be approved at an
administrative staff level in a more expedited fashion. >> Thank you, Commissioner Magazine. Uh so Tom, maybe you can give some of the highlights for the public. >> Sure. I think Commissioner Magazine did a good job of covering the substance of the proposal. uh as he indicated um we
came up with some options that we presented to him that he agreed with that would significantly uh expand administrative review authority for projects that are located outside of historic districts. So projects that previously had required
DRB approval could be reviewed and approved by staff. The legislation also provides some clarifications regarding uh hearings um not being subject to a standard 30-day notice if they're limited to clarifications or they're
limited to very minor revisions to a previously approved project. And then lastly, the other thing that we did was we included some language that would clarify the scope and role of the land use boards to make sure that each of the
land use boards um stays in their lane that they're reviewing projects for consistency with their specific criteria and what their scope and their role was intended to be which is architecture, site planning, um urban design.
>> Yeah. you know, um, all of us were at the Holocaust Memorial on, um, on Sunday, and one of the things that stuck out to me with one of the presenters was that they had a they had an issue with the DRB, right, uh, getting approval.
And it actually took Mayor Gelber to step down, to step in and kind of move it along because there was, uh, there was so much, I guess, push back. Um, and that's for a Holocaust memorial. I can't imagine, you know, what other things
that we may not know about are are getting held back because of like a bureaucratic red tape process. Um, you know, I've I can I can certainly see that um there
needs to be reform uh in this process because I you know time and time again a lot of business owners, a lot of landlords tell me one of the worst things is having to deal with um you know the DRB um in terms of approvals,
notice requirements um even meeting quorum in some situations. U and so this is a staff approved this was a staffdriven approach. >> Yeah, we had um at Commissioner Magazine's request, we came up with a
number of different options to expand what could be approved administratively. So a lot of these smaller projects or less consequential or not substantively impactful projects could be approved administratively. And so we came up with
these uh with these list and they're within the text that's in the memo. >> Commissioner Bod, >> I have a question Tom. Um on point number three, um talking about the DRB
may only prescribe appropriate conditions, etc. unless profered by the applicant. So on the planning board there would be times when um the applicant wouldn't profer a condition but the planning board would say would you be willing to profer and then they
would con consult amongst themselves and say yes or no. So it does this the way it's worded makes it seem like >> the applicant would have to voluntarily spontaneously offer something >> that they may not even know was
something that would be desired as a condition. >> Is that the intent or is the intent um I mean are are we really going to keep people on these boards from saying would you consider profering X? Now, this would still give the ability to the
applicant to profer something that would say be outside the scope of normal DRB review, >> right? But but what happens is that they might not necessar the applicant might not necessarily think to profer something. Um but the one of the people
sitting on the committee on the board would say, "Hey, you know, you could this would be a great thing. Would you be willing to profer it?" So if the profer request comes from the board, it can't happen. >> No, that's not the way that this is
written. This basically uh specifically allows for profers of the applicant. And so >> but it's from the applicant, not from the board member. So what I'm saying is if the board member chooses to say, "Hey, I have an idea. Would you be
willing to profer X?" The way it's written here, it doesn't seem like that is permissible because the profer only comes from the applicant. >> But the answer is here is on um in the language. It says the board shall not impose any 139. The board shall not impose any condition that are outside
the scope, applicability, and purpose of the board as more specifically outlined in chapter 2 of these land development regulations. The foregoing shall not preclude or prohibit voluntary profers of the project applicants. I understand that >> and I think that that addresses what
>> it doesn't >> it doesn't address that because again it's the voluntary profer from a project applicant but the project applicant may not even be thinking about things the way a board member might. You know, I I have a fundamental disagreement on this because this actually happened last
time. Um I think it was Matthew Golton while he was on the planning board and asked the applicant I think can you remind me, Nick, what what was the application? He he asked the applicant for I don't know if it was funding to a certain um
portion. I I don't think that we should allow land use uh members ask for things outside the scope because what was it? He was asking for funding for the bike path or >> it was it was a contribution to a uh I
believe an a transit improvements fund. >> And who was the who was the applicant at the time? It >> was >> an applicant for a conditional use permit south of Fifth. It might have been one of the restaurants in It might >> Yeah. Yeah. I I want to I want to try to I don't want to put you know our
planning board or historic or land use board members in an ethical dilemma, right? I don't I don't even think that was ethical to um for a member to be asking for something outside the scope if I remember correctly. >> If I may, to be clear, I'm not
suggesting that they should be asking for profers that are outside of the scope. But you might be talking about um I I don't I can't come up with an example, but you might be talking about something within the scope of the project and a solution would be if they
profered to do X, >> but because the applicant isn't thinking that way through no fault of theirs, um they're sort of standing there prepared with their notes on the project and the um you know, and answering questions and
somebody on the board, I mean, that's the beauty of these boards is that somebody thinks outside of the box and says, "Hey, this could be a solution. Would you accept X as a condition?" >> I think that's just part of the process. No, >> but but the way I'm having a concern with the way this is worded is that it can only come out of the mouth of an
applicant as opposed to out of the mouth of >> of I don't think this ordinance would would bar that kind of a profer at all. I think what this ordinance does is limit the conditions that a land use
board imposes um to you know to issues that are within the scope of their respective >> totally fine review. I just have an issue with voluntary profers or the project applicant. Can we just reword that a little bit so it comes out of the
natural conversation of the board within the scope? I think the the if it even if it comes out of the n of the conversation of the board, if it's something that the applicant voluntarily agrees to, then this ordinance would not prohibit them from doing that. So
>> So maybe the tr the the thing is um is the word agrees to as opposed to because right now the way I'm reading it is the the applicant has to make the profer. So it could be a it could be a condition
suggested and agreed to by suggested by the board and agreed to by the applicant. >> We will if if this is the the will of the committee will ensure that that sentence uh expressly allows an applicant to
continue to make profers. What it from my perspective it's voluntarily it's voluntary whether or not it was a board member or the applicant. >> What I'm missing is that the board member might make the suggestion >> that that would still be a voluntary profer by the applicant. >> Okay.
>> Anything else? >> No. I I'd like to am I allowed to move the item as a chair or if it's not my item forgot >> you you can tra traditionally u the the chair passes the gavl when when
>> I I just have a question so when we say this would allow rooftop additions not to exceed 45 35 ft is this across all zoning districts um >> and and if I could uh Mr. Vice Chair,
it's not as if this would allow additions that are outside of our height or F. So, you know, I I hope city staff can confirm this, but this gives absolutely no staff allowance to approve height or F increases. This is saying
when they still have an allowable as of right uh possibility to build 30 ft. Um staff can take a look at that. >> Yeah, that that's correct. Um, Commissioner Fernandez, just to answer your question, this would apply to uh
any district um outside of an historic district where where design review board approval would otherwise be required. Um, the 35- ft maximum could not exceed the maximum height limit of the district. So if this was proposed in a
district say where the height limit was 50 ft and the building was at 40 ft they couldn't do a rooftop addition of more than 10 ft. Similarly if they're a 20ft building they would not be able to do um an addition of more than 30 ft. So but
let me ask you this. Right now those rooftop additions for example would have to go before the DRB. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, how how does expanding the
administrative design review authority of the administration um presguard our design standards because like because right now a resident could go to could participate in the process.
>> Correct. And so this would would would residents still would there be some sort of notice that there's an administrative uh process going through to for for these approvals? >> No. >> Because every so and so and and the reason why I ask it is for example,
Commissioner Suarez, uh before you were elected, administrative approvals is what started your advocacy. administrative approvals that the public were not aware of, but that then impacted your quality of life, the
safety of your neighborhood, change the character of where you live. And and here we're looking, you know, rooftop additions. That's that's something that's pretty significant. You know, you're talking 35 feet, that's three stories.
Um, you know, when you're talking about some of the lower scale areas that that could be a 75% or even a 100% increase in height. Um, that would normally require public vetting through
a committee where the public can participate and give input and all that. Talk about the setbacks, talk about shadows, talk about, you know, uh, sidelines and vision. um which is important to discuss, but residents
wouldn't have that ability anymore by having it be an administrative review. That's so I'm not saying it shouldn't be here, but I think it's something that I would like for the planning board as this moves forward to take a close consideration to take a look at that,
see how they feel about it. Uh because that is a a a concern for me as it relates to the rooftop additions. Um, I think something here that I really do like a lot because we've seen this happen is uh the modification
uh to exterior finishes uh that is not related to the m to the massing or to the size or to to the layout. I do think we have seen in the past where there's such a high level of nitpicking that, you know, they want to set back an applicant, send them back to a board over something simple like a different
shade of the same color, you know, a different specimen of tree, you know, you know, simple things that we really shouldn't be setting an applicant back, you know, 3 months, four months going through an administr going going through
a board process. Um but as as as it relates to um increasing the allowable administrative additions in height that is a part that I would like for the planning board to take an extra cons you know consideration and reviewing because
that is important. >> How how much height are we talking? >> So right now under the code um any rooftop addition would have to go to the DRB. This would allow for u staff level of rooftop additions that do not exceed
35 ft above the existing roof. And depending upon the height of the building and what the height limit of the district is, that will largely dictate what you can do because you this does not allow you to see exceed the maximum height set forth in the district.
>> Yeah. And Tom and Mr. Mr. Chair, if I could just uh uh maybe just reiterate because not that we should be responding to people that just look to nitpick on anything on social media and stuff like that, but I can 100% guaranteed how this
will be construed by 1 p.m. Uh let's say the height, this allows zero additional height uh above what is already zoned and approved. Um this is just essentially uh seeking for staff approval if you are adding a rooftop
addition within allowable height. So for instance, if the height allowable height on Washington Avenue is 75 ft and you have uh let's say a bank or a hotel that is 75 ft and your next door neighbor is
30 feet. uh this uh property that is 30 ft as of right would be able to uh build another uh uh 35 ft here and it would be uh uh approved administratively if they decided to go up to their maximum allowed uh and achieve that extra 40 or
45 ft then that would have to go to the DRB that's correct right >> that's correct >> so I'm happy >> to have uh as uh the vice chair said you know uh planning board deeper look at this like I said none of this was project specific or for anything in
particular. Uh these were just kind of some general guidelines that uh staff put together that I think uh all merit, you know, further consideration. Well, and and and I loved this because it does modernize our process without compromising without compromising um our
principles and and and our character because it still has robust staff review. Uh so, you know, we do need to streamline the bureaucracy that is very clear. Uh so you know this still has to go to the planning board. There are professionals there, attorneys, uh
residents there who who should be chiming in on this policy. I'm happy to make a motion to transmit it to the planning board. A second >> as as drafted. Uh and I would just love their feedback on that specific line just to just to have the benefit of
professional input from our board on that. >> And Mr. Chairman, we have one caller via Zoom. >> Okay, let's hear it. And I would first ask the caller, could you state your name for the record? >> Got to go on mute.
>> Hi, good afternoon. My name is Matthew Galtanov and uh I am on a family vacation. However, I was uh I was told by a concerned resident that my name was uh invoked during the topic of discussion. I just want to state for the record that there was an inquiry and I
was cleared of all wrongdoing. Any sort of allegation made today is uh clearly wrong. And I should note that the person that may have made the allegation is currently the subject of multiple lawsuits in his official and individual capacity for targeting private residents
and those that wish to volunteer to make our city better. Just want to say it again. It's extremely disrespectful to be called out in this sort of manner. Thank you. And for the record, I'm being sued by um anti-Jewish groups for standing up
for the right of Israel to exist and Jewish people to live freely in Miami Beach along with Commissioner Bot and our mayor Miner. So with that, can we with acclamation, can we have this uh move?
>> Yes. And Tom, this was a this was a referral only to land use, right? It would require >> this this was a dual referral. So, we can take it directly to the planning board >> with the recommendation that the planning board um provide additional feedback and analysis regarding the
proposed height of rooftop additions. And I just want to thank Commissioner Magazine because you know it's not easy to look at bureaucracy and say how do we make bure the government work better for people uh for businesses for for residents so that they just don't get
tangled up in the red tape that they often get tangled up in. So thank you Commissioner Magazine for your leadership in working very hard with staff on these very important improvements. >> One team, one dream, my friends.
Um, Commissioner Magazine, do you mind sticking around for a little bit if I call another item that you and Commissioner Fernandez is sponsoring? >> Mr. Chair, if you're asking, how could I say no? >> Yeah. Okay. >> And I and just further I have to leave by 1:00.
>> Okay. Um, that's fine. And then I think um we can discuss some North Beach issues with Commissioner Bot. So, let's call item number 17. >> Okay. Item number 17 is presentation of the 41st Street corridor revitalization
project status and future direction. >> You're good, >> Commissioner Fernandez. >> Yeah. Um, thank you, Mr. Chair. You know, 41st Street is one of our main corridors. Uh it's an important uh commercial and cultural area for for our
city, but we've seen it be stagnant for a while. Um the public areas need improvement so that we can support pedestrianism, so that we can support businesses, so we can support the quality of life of the residents in the
in the area. Um we have a 41st street um project, capital improvement project that is going to be coming forward with significant opportunities for economic revitalization of Arthur Godfrey Road, uh public space
improvements, cultural enhancements, and so um our capital improvements office has been working on this because we do have significant general obligation dollars uh at play here. I think is close to $20 million or over $20
million. I think it's closer to $30 million. No, down. Okay. Um, nonetheless, uh, I think it's important to hear where are we with this. Our businesses depend on this and our community. They have long be been calling for the revitalization
of 41st Street. So, I'd like to, if I may, through the chair, recognize our capital improvements team to present on this. >> Yes, please. Good morning, Mr. Chair. >> Morning. >> Your mic is off. >> Oh, wow.
>> Good morning, Mr. Chair, Mr. uh vice chair, and the committee members. My name is Herman Fun, senior project manager with CIP. Uh we're pleased to present um Jeff Cruz from Stantech and Isabella Prosa from uh
Brooks Scarpa Hoover to present the uh the project today to you guys. I need this. >> Thank you. Good morning. As mentioned, my name is Jeff Cruz from Stantech. I'm uh one of the subconsultants on the project and here to uh bring you up to
date on the uh project. Um just as a reminder, the project is a redevelopment of uh 41st Street with the corridor being from Alton Road over to Pineree Drive. Uh it's about a half mile of improvements altogether about a mile of
sidewalk improvements. Uh some of the challenges uh seen in the add existing corridor you can see in the pictures attached here is uh you know some loose pavers uh inappropriate landscaping broken pavement uh some of
the damage along the side streets. The lighting in the issue has been somewhat iconic, but um has some issues both on the ground level and broken and and you know with the wrap of the trees um with some of the uh wiring that was likely
intended to be temporary at the time but has been there for too long. Uh so you know the intention was to come in with what the uh master planner was referring to as a kit of parts to you know bring a continuity to the um corridor with a
design that sort of brings in some design elements that you get a a sense of community throughout the entire corridor. And that's with the type and color of concrete with some artistic units uh with u the elements that make it uh more pedestrian friendly like
benches and the bike racks and of course we want you plenty of shade and nice landscaping and you know um there are some seating elements built into the to the project. Um with that there some photographs here are renderings that you
know sort of get a sense of what's being proposed. Uh this is, you know, one of the artwork elements that's proposed as part of the corridor uh to bring in, you know, the sort of the South Beach feel to it. Um very much a pedestrian friendly
environment. Uh there is the piece of art that was mentioned previously earlier today. >> Starchild. >> What do you call it? Sun track. >> Starchild. >> Called it. Nice guy. So among the um
challenges, you know, one of the things that makes this project a challenge is is that it's not actually a city of Miami Beach Road. It it belongs to DOT. Uh so it is under their jurisdiction. Uh the traffic lights and and signage is under the jurisdiction of the county.
And so there are multiple avenues here that we have to navigate. Um, in addition to belonging to DOT, it is a hurricane evacuation route and heavily used by the emergency services to access the hospital. So, there's a lot of uh uses at play here. Uh so some of the
challenges that we've run up against in DOT uh that this route has been in u play for decades and a lot of things have been put in that don't comply with existing with uh proper conditions and
we're being asked to fix a lot of that stuff along the way. uh and you know where we can we are. Where we can't we're needing to get variances from DOT and that has been a a long and arduous process to negotiate that. Did we um sorry to cut you off. Did Did we keep
the bulb outs on some of the side streets like Sheridan, Royal Palm, >> the bulbouts you're talking about actually at the corners? Yeah. >> Yeah. Where we haven't adjusted any of the traffic lanage widths. So all the ball belts are still there. There's some
places where parking bulb outs were changed just to get some more space for the pedestrians, but the bulb outs as as they affect the parking uh the traffic movement are largely the same. >> Okay. >> So, um one of the things that we're getting a
design variation from DOT on is that some of the existing trees interfere with the required site triangles so that people coming in at intersections or coming out of driveways can see oncoming traffic. um where those uh conflicts exist. There's been an analysis to see
if they've actually been the result of any um accidents in the corridor and and where we have had any history of accidents, we were asked to remove those trees, but for the large part there weren't. So, we've we've applied for variances to allow those some of those
to stay in place. A second variance that we've been looking at is there's a lot of ADA challenges through the job um because this happens a lot with uh zero lot line type construction where you've got the finish floor right up against the back
of sidewalk. You don't have a lot of uh freedom to work with uh slopes between uh the wall of the buildings and the back of the curb. Uh and without completely reconstructing the road, there's only so much we have control of those elements. uh we've managed to fix
a great deal of them, but there are some that are just impossible to fix. So, we've gone through a variance process to to allow for some of those to either stay or to to to take a different approach. Uh, in some cases the the driveways
don't meet the current uh way that DOT likes to see things done, what they call flares, where the driveway widens at the curb to allow easier turning in and out. Um, the con the congestion within the corridor in some cases where we
implemented those requested flares interfered with existing elements like trees or signs or some of those. So, we've had to ask for variance on some of that. And finally, um there are some places where the finished floors of the of the buildings are so low that we
can't keep the curb where it needs to be without flowing water back towards the buildings. And so we've had to um to work with DOT to allow for some drainage to be put mid sidewalk in order to allow for that to either have the curb up where DOT wants it at an elevation where
DOT wants it or a variance that would allow for the curb to be substandard in height which is what it is right now. Uh so with that um you know where we're at right now is we've been going back and forth with DOT about how to solve some of these problems or and to the degree
that they can't be solved that we can get variances for them. Uh uh we are working towards uh what what's anticipate what we're calling 100% submitt um in the not too distant future so that we can hopefully get approvals
and get the project uh out to bid. And with that, do you have any questions? >> Yes, >> Commissioner Fernandez and Commissioner B. >> All right. So, um, what are the remaining critical paths between now and breaking grounds in July
of this year? >> We are preparing the invitation of VIT package that should be published in the next 30 days >> so that we can hire the contractor and begin construction this summer. Um, can do we feel comfortable
committing to start construction um in that window of July in the July 2026 this summer? >> It depends really on when the commission awards the contract. We have the 45day
bid period, then the preparation and the the awards. So, April, May, June, Julyish, it should be awarded and then we've got to do the pre-construction stuff. So actual construction activities will be this summer, but it'll probably be late this summer. >> Late this summer. Okay. And I think
that's important for um messaging um to the businesses so that they know what to expect uh for their for for their uh business. I one of the things that we've been doing that has worked very well with the West Avenue neighborhood
improvement project um we've been having uh bi-weekly Zooms and then bi-weekly on the ground meetings uh because of the amount of people impacted by the work. In this case, it would be businesses. Could we incorporate those regular
updates as part of this project? Having a bi-weekly uh meeting uh with the interested stakeholders from the corridor on Zoom to tell them, hey, this is what you can expect for this week. This is what you can expect for next week, what's happening now that we need
to change for you so we can improve conditions for you. >> Absolutely. Commissioner, you mentioned the the bi-weekly walkthroughs with the uh residents in West Avenue, and I think that's a valuable lesson learned for our department and others in the city where
that level of communication. One of the things I've noticed is it doesn't matter how much we explain things, if the residents don't actually see what we're talking about, it doesn't really register. So, I I think those walkthroughs are invaluable and we will definitely incorporate those here. One
of the things that the plan um that the plan that has to happen for for the plan to move forward is inevitably the removal of some onstraight parking. >> Mhm. >> Um to widen the sidewalks, which is
good. We want wider sidewalks. There is a lot of pedestrianism on that road, but the businesses in that area also do depend on on the parking. Uh so you know
how can we absorb that that net loss of parking in the in the area? >> The total parking loss is eight spaces on the corridor. Um and I I don't know that there's a way to mitigate that within the corridor. Um there are some
as you know some city-owned parking lots that are adjacent that that are right behind um or just to the north of 41st Street that obviously can pick up those spaces. There's eight. That's That's it. Eight. >> Eight total spaces are being lost. >> There's 54 existing. We're losing eight
of them. >> And is that because we're recouping in other places or or is this through the Because I at some point there was a much more significant parking loss? >> We've we've done through narrowing our design options. We've we've cut that
back. A lot of that had to do with some of the original concepts that included much wider midblock crossings um which DOT did not allow us to do. So we had to cut that back and that picked up some of the spaces. >> Okay. Um we passed legislation at the last city
commission meeting regarding wayfinding uh for businesses and garages during the construction phase. Um who who is taking the lead on that? Is that our communications department? Is that CIP? who is going to be taking the lead on >> that'll be that'll be CIP with communications in very close
coordination with both the blue ribbon committee as well as the 41st street bid. >> Okay. Um All right. Um and you know one of the most important things is also you know pedestrianism and the safety of
pedestrians in this corridor. It then that that I would say is the top priority. Um, how does this design improve nighttime safety and visibility for pedestrians? And and again realizing
this is a heavily Jewish neighborhood uh Orthodox uh Jewish residents that live in this area. They walk in Shabas. Uh they walk um after dinner on Friday nights and after attending services. And so ensuring the safety, nighttime safety
of our residents in this area is is important everywhere, but especially here. Um, so how does this design improve nighttime safety? >> You mean during construction or after we're done? >> Both phases.
>> Okay. During construction, we've spent a considerable amount of time trying to figure out the best way to construct it. And that won't be finalized until we have a contractor on board. Right now, the proposal is we're going to be working on one block at a time, one side
at a time. What that allows us to do is utilize either the parking lane or one of the travel lanes for pedestrian access while we work on the sidewalks. So, we'll separate the pedestrians from traffic so that there is constant access to all of the businesses as well as the
ability to travel east west on the sidewalks. Um, and we'll do that again one block at a time, one side at a time. Uh, and we've we've been coordinating that with uh DOT and our emergency services and and our design team to get
that incorporated into the bid set. As far as the final condition and improvements to safety, I'll let Jeff address that. Well, as far as uh design elements into the project, uh probably the biggest thing is the lighting improvements that are part of the base scope that the
lighting will be all brand new for the project. Um and that's in over and above the uh cobrahead lighting that is traditional as part of the roadway that is staying in place, but the pedestrian lighting has been up upgraded the
regular pole mounted poles. Um all of the ramps in the area have been upgraded for ADA purposes so that the ramps are you know properly aligned with the crosswalks. Um there are uh you some of the sidewalk
furniture is placed in such a way that creates a separation from pedestrians and the roadway so that there's uh you know a separator between them and and the moving vehicles. uh keeping the the parking in place also helps in that regard so that you know there's a static car in between a moving car and the
pedestrian elements. Uh so you know largely that that those are probably elements that are having the best impact >> and those and those furnitureures that you're putting there uh in the built environment uh can can those function as ballards uh to protect pedestrians to
protect businesses? >> They will function as ballards. >> Okay. Has this plan been reviewed that signed by the police departments? >> Uh yes. >> Yes. We we've been in coordination with both the police department and the fire department. That coordination obviously is ongoing. We continue to work with
them throughout the construction process. >> They they've been involved because part of the scope is also they're putting in license plate reader cameras as well. And and I was going to ask you about that because one of the items that Commissioner Bod hopefully you'll touch on are your is your blue lights which you had an item about that on the agenda
and I thought was great. So I'm going to pass it off to you. Um, so, um, the blue lights has not come before the commission yet, so we can't move forward with it yet. But, um, please keep in mind that that is something that I really want to see on 41st Street
precisely because we have people who can't use their cell phones, um, for a day and a half at least um, in this neighborhood. And we want to make sure that they have options for security. So, you might want to take a look when you're talking to police or have a chat with them about where they would be
installed before you get too far because it's easy to not install them if if unfortunately it doesn't pass. But presuming it will pass, I don't want this to be an add-on after the fact fix. Um, another couple of thoughts I have about this. um as we are encouraging
people to embrace micromobility, bikes are still allowed on on um sidewalks and will remain allowed on sidewalks. So I just want to make sure that the you know these beautiful little plazas with um with furniture and and
and pergolas. Um, also there's a clear shot so that people who are just traversing the blocks don't have to navigate poles and furniture and things like that because that makes it unsafe for everybody. >> The clear passage width is as much as we can get through most of the corridor. There are some pinch points that are
just inherent in the elements that are already there that we can't get by. And that's one of the variances actually that we're getting from DOT because they they want a minimum of eight feet but will allow down to six. Um there are a few places that are narrower than six,
but it's just we haven't been able to get >> Well, six is already much better than what we have in a lot of residential neighborhoods. So, um we'll take six. Um this um rendering here of this plaza. I will tell you that um in North Beach
when they took away it was Commissioner Areola's initiative and it it's been a huge success when the handful of parking spots were eliminated at the Normandy Plaza. um and it was uh pedestrianized. It has become a site of very uh intense
activation in the best possible way. It's at least once a week, often more than that, almost every single week of the year. And um now we are finding that what needs to be there is increased shade. So right now it doesn't look like
there's any new shade structures. um if there's a way to take another look just at this particular plaza and see if there's an opportunity to increase trees um shade trees here as as an option. I mean the more green the better for the city as a whole. um if trees don't work
for whatever reason, incorporating some of these additional pergolas where you you you have um you know, poorest shade, but there's there's something um because it could become another spot of community activation um which has really
been incredibly beneficial to North Beach and there's no reason why Mid Beach shouldn't have a have the same uh opportunity. I mean, this was my main thorough affair for 13 years here. So, I I'm thrilled to see this finally come to
pass. Um, I will also say, what was the last thing I was going to say about this? Oh, um, when you're I'm very happy to hear that you're doing a block at a time, alternate streets, al alternate sides at a time. I will tell you that the bridge, the 41st Street
bridge, which is currently being done by FDOT, they did not do a great job of securing the machinery and sort of keeping that closed off. So, pedestrians were walking in the oncoming traffic as opposed to
going across the street. Um, it got a little bit nasty between some residents from the Mid Beach Neighborhood Association and FDOT. Um, we finally, we the city finally had to intercede. I worked with MBNA and and John Norris and we got F DOT to really secure that
properly. So now I mean there's still some knuckleheads who will walk into oncoming traffic. You can't pick stupid. But the point in raising this is when you are blocking off the streets or the the segment of the street, please make sure it is really secure um and that
it's not sort of halfass because it's going to have unfortunate circum uh consequences. And the last thing I will say is, and I nobody wants to delay this, but remember that September and October, there are a lot of holidays. Um, so there will be a lot of people out
and about walking um in that neighborhood. It's it's a pretty serious time of year for Jewish holidays. And then we go into Art Basle and traffic is going to be a major concern. So I I would say as much as you can get done before that and then maybe again in
November and then pause for you know until after our Basil. >> Our our plan calls for removal of uh during high impact weekends and special events >> and and religious holidays because you know again that's
>> I think we should make a motion on that. Com Comm Commissioner B. I thank you for bringing it up. I remember when I worked with Commissioner Whitehorn um that it was one of the things she always championed was making sure that our construction projects
um were stopped during the high during the high holidays uh so that you know our residents who are walking uh around the area are not impacted by the construction. So I think it's it's something that we should uh take into
consideration. >> Yeah. So, I'll I'd make that motion to to um for the high holy days and our Basel. >> And the other thing I would also mention is that, you know, we're looking at this now, you know, this revitalization of
41st Street that has long been delayed, but it's finally going to be coming to fruition. And hopefully what it does is that it brings 41st Street back to life. That is the purpose of this revitalization, economic revitalization.
And when that happens, there's going I I like I can foresee it as if I had a crystal ball. There's going to be a demand for parking. And I think we need to get ahead of that now. Uh Madame Manager and M and Mr. Director, I think
we need to be thinking what are the opportunities around this corridor where we can increase our parking supply. uh because I think at the end of the day once this is completed businesses are going to want to come into this corridor
property owners are going to be improving their their their property and what that's going to just attract people to to support these businesses and there's going to be a demand for parking and I think we need to get ahead of that and we need to start planning for that. How do we look at increasing the parking
inventory at this point? So to that point, if I could make a suggestion that we first do a survey of what's available because we have we have parking lots all along 4 uh 42nd Street and behind a lot of the >> we have a lot of parking lot >> and we and behind the um the northern
side we have a bunch of parking lots and we have an interior parking garage. So, can we first do a survey of what we have to make sure that um because maybe we don't have enough, and that's a very real question, but maybe we have a lot that is currently underutilized because
it's hard to park there because it doesn't charge resident rates or because it's, you know, whatever. It's gated off. So, let's >> I think today under today's conditions, you know, you have a a situation where you don't necessarily see the most flourishing environment. I think the
idea is to, you know, plan ahead and say, okay, once we revitalize this, once this becomes a destination, because it will become a destination, businesses will want to come here. Well, then how do we accommodate for for that added traffic that could potentially come, but
I think you're right. >> Like, we just need to know what we have and then we can figure out how to solve going forward. >> Yep. I mean, just looking on the map, we have a huge parking lot 63. And then we have an indoor group, a shaded parking garage. I think that's like three
stories. That's >> uh or four. >> And then also the the new building that's being built, have they built excess parking? I mean, that's what's happened up in North Beach. Some of the buildings are building more parking spots than they need for their residents. >> There's also a bunch of surface lot parking on along 40th Street as well on
the south side. Um, so yeah, let's find out how much we have before, you know, we mandate more parking. >> All right, I need to excuse myself. >> Excused. >> Yes. >> You want to move this item? >> Yeah. Uh, with the with with the
proposals uh that we put forward, the weekly the bi-weekly uh zooms, the bi-weekly walkthroughs, I would love to continue to do in this project. of what Commissioner Ba mentioned about um about the blue lights and
>> and the uh and the holidays, the religious holidays and you know I think we should be just from a planning perspective thinking what will be our parking needs in the future. Uh I'm happy to move this item a second
>> and the sh commissioner about you had a comment also about shade trees and shade trees structures whatever >> so this item will be concluded from the land use agenda and then you'll just implement the recommendations >> commissioner bot do you want to you want
to talk west loss or you want to >> sure >> okay so um Tom if we can call items 14 and five cuz seem they seem pretty similar. Okay. Um item number five is
discuss developing all of the west lots lying along Collins Avenue between 79th Street and 87th Street into a planned city park in North Beach. And item number 14 is discuss the future programming of the Westlands.
>> Good. >> Yeah, I'm sick. But um okay, thank you Tom. So this is um you know we've been dancing around this for years about what to do with west lots that I think universally the goal is to not let them get developed. Nobody wants to see a
high-rise there even as for even if it's for affordable housing. The idea is to really protect that green space. And over the last year and a half, we've had initiatives that have come to the commission that have been passed to activate it with a monthly family day, which is very well attended and and fun
and cool. Um, we're talking about electrifying it. Um, so that we can have activations there more easily. We're talking about doing a bike boulevard around the back side of the West lots. Um, we are talking about um, how to make them more usable in their entirety. And
I think we should just rip the band-aid off and take a look at the aggregate of the seven or eight lots that we have, including those which um have functional purposes right now. Look at the parking that exists there and look at the cross streets that exist there and say, "Okay,
with this entirety, how do we minimize the unpleasant impacts of the necessary services? How do we make them more attractive? How do we make them more, you know, ergonomically fit them fit them into um not ergonomically but aesthetically fit them into the space
better? And how do we look at the entirety to make it more usable? We do not need cross streets at every juncture. Those are almost never utilized. And if we have two or three instead of, you know, six or seven, um people can get through to Collins just
as easily. Um a lot of that parking is not used during the week. It's used um mostly for weekend beach access. Um we are going to have a lot of parking coming online with the 72nd Street complex with the Doville. Um we can run shuttles on the weekend if we need to. There's also another beach right up the
street from us all over with massive parking lots. Um so how do we how do we look at this? And you know when the transformation from the beayshore par 3 to the beayhore park is spectacular and
the the first activism I was involved with was when I was on the beayshore HOA and it was a 30-year fight to get those that land to be properly moved forward into the park that had been envisioned. And so I'm not suggesting something at
that scale, but I am suggesting taking that mindset to these properties um and imagining what we could do if there were very few restrictions. um the the things that Commissioner
Suarez has identified in his item where we pull the residents um and um we know from talking to them at these events that that there is interest in doing or very compatible with a mostly passive park. And I would like to to start this
conversation. You know, we've got $5 million in the GEO bonds to start this process. Um we do not need to build it this year. We need to evaluate and propose a design. Um, and I think we can figure this out. The CRA has funds that
um could cover part of this as well. I don't anticipate this being a $30 million park like Beayshore was or whatever the final number was. It was probably higher than that. Um, but I do think we can do better for our Northshore residents than what we have now. They're underutilized. They're not particularly attractive. There's a lot
of gravel. Um, let's keep the stuff that's working. Let's expand the skate park. Um, you know, let's keep what we need to have in there, but let's make it a really beautiful amenity that that kind of is a counterpoint and flows into um the very different kind of park
that's across the street. >> Yeah, I I I wholeheartedly agree. I mean, you for years, you know, we kind of just drive by there and see like, you know, what is this, right? Like what? It has so much potential. Um, I'm going to be against
obviously to any sort of development on there, but I certainly don't want to be just a replica of the park across the street. >> No, I don't either. That's >> I think we discussed and I don't know where we are in this, but having a real soccer field um on one of the lots, a
standard soccer >> soccer fields are the lots are too small. >> We we talked about possibly removing some >> micro micro soccer fields. I think what we also discussed was possibly um maybe I think there was uh which lot
is it? I think it's on 85th where there's sort of parking that encroaches on the back side and if we can make it a little bit just a little bit wider uh it would be able to fit. I don't do you remember that discussion? >> I do. I have some images. They may not
be necessary for this conversation where we did take a look at some things we spoke about several months ago. If you'd like me to bring them up on the screen. >> Okay. >> Yes, please. >> And um as we go through these, you know, we we took the mindset of we have such a beautiful open space park across the street. So, when we were looking at it,
we were looking at more active. It doesn't have to be active, but we were looking some active um options. So, you know, the west lots that you're speaking of for those folks who who don't know there there's there's eight individual lots. Um, it's difficult to read, but that identifies what's there. You know,
there's some parking. There's ocean rescue, the Ola cabin site, the skate park. We have a composting um site and and parking. Um, and then so there's only one lot right now that is part of the parks department inventory and that
is the lot at 87 82nd Street where the where the existing skate park is and whereas there's a future proposed go skate park or pump track expansion. Um, and there's a little picture um what that could look like when it's done. The the pump track would be to the right
track. >> Um, and there's a visual for those who don't know what a pump track is. Um that that's what >> John pump track is >> that's they call pump track or an all wheels track because it's like what they have a small one at Hollowover. Yeah. It's where you could take your scooter,
your skateboard, your skateboard, your your ch children's bicycle. It's not just for skating. >> Um >> or I know this go we were told you know look like there's no rules. If they wanted to rethink the skate park could go with pickle ball. Pickle ball is hot.
Six courts would fit on that. That's um second half of the lot. >> But well, so why are you only limited to one lot? >> I'm I'm gonna continue to go. >> Oh, say right now it's there's eight lots. One lot is under the parks and recreation inventory. The rest are just government city lots because
>> it can it can expand to the eight lots, but currently this is what they have access to. >> Right. Right. But it just >> Okay. I just want to say lots. Yeah. If we if we want to so location one is this still where the possibility of where
that skate park would be. >> Yeah, cuz I >> I'd love to expand that skate park and have that pump track and then also have the pickle ball courts on another lot. >> Yep. I'm going to keep going. >> Okay. >> So then um then up on 8th Fifth Street, we're going off the survey. No, but not
just have open space, but have activation space. So maybe a farmers market, something like I want to just update you on this because this is an item that's hasn't been called yet in neighborhoods, but we have a very amazing farmers market that is going to be proposed that is going to be in the
park across the street. It's going to be transformative. So, um that is a spot now uh 85th Street that can be used for something that's not a farmers market. >> Yes, thank you for that. Um another thing we could also fit some courts. You see how we're looking at because of the
width and you maybe we can't you have that alley there and there's parking I guess we can close it or do something there move utility lines but we stayed within the confines of the lot when we were looking at it. Um and as Commissioner B had mentioned it's just not wide enough even if we close a
street it's not wide enough to put a regulation soccer field. So it's going to fit small courts and micro soccer fields which I'm going to get to. then at 86th Street and then you can see now we start to implement some small soccer fields potentially. We didn't
move any large trees in anything that we did. So we worked around any of the a mature canopy pickle ball paddle micro soccer. Now we looked at contemplated met with planning and and discussed which treats could make more sense if we
were to close them and expand. This is a quick layover. We're still contemplating the farmers market but now we can approach more. So now you could look you can start getting four six of these micro soccer fields which are you know the threeon-ree game and the five on five game is a lot of fun and and the
and the people learn a lot of skills in that type of game. Um combining the lots again this is what Podell and then for those who maybe haven't seen a pickle ball court just want to give an example of a pickle ball court and a paddle court. So that's what we went through
quickly. Okay. Yeah. I would um I think it would be I don't know. Like I like I think I like pickle ball and paddle, but I think North Beach really deserves a fullsize soccer field if we can somehow
make it work. I mean the the demographics there I mean just clearly, you know, they want a soccer field. Even in um North Bay Village, they're they're having like a soccer um camp or a program. Um
I I don't know. It I think it'd be the wrong message if we just put a bunch of pedal courts there or pickle ball courts and when we couldn't find the way to make a full-size soccer field. I mean, what what could we do to really have a fullsize soccer because I think the
residents would love that there. the kids there. They'll love it. We only have one in the city and that's because of the space that we have. We'll measure it again, but keep in mind we you not only need the width of the field, then you have your buffer your buffer site. You have fencing. Now you're on callin.
So now you're going to need netting. You it's it's a tight space for a regulation field. >> If I may, I what I would like to see with this item is I would like to and I understand and I appreciate you're bringing visuals taking sort of pieces of what we have. Um, my goal for this
would be to have a unified, comprehensive, holistic approach to this and I would actually like to engage Savina Miller. They've done incredible work in the city. um they they really have a passion for making excellent public spaces and
I'd like to work with them and and have an idea of how do we find the right balance between activating finding potentially a a soccer field space and maybe that means that we you know when we close a street maybe we also close an
alley behind and maybe we are able to it might not be regulation because you don't have the buffer but at least the court you know it'd be bigger the soccer field that we have on Normandy, right? Which doesn't >> U12 you you know there's different size fields, >> right? So like I we can I I think that
the direction is clear. That is an idea. I'm I'm leerary of putting too many man-made surfaces on this court. I don't want to lose on on this um eight blocks. I don't want to lose all of the green space that's there. So that's why I want to have a holistic approach to this.
Here is what we can do in its entirety. Here's the number of streets we're closing. here's where we can claw back a little bit of the alleys to the west to make it a little bit wider. here's here are some things we could do um and and
look at this as a complete um holistic approach to programming this and also creating you know like for instance beh and and walking path a biking path there's um there the tennis courts in
there and they strike a balance between having some activations um and facilities with having also this really beautiful passive park. So I want to bring that kind of level of thoughtfulness to it. Um
I I also um am very mindful that these there are a lot of residents who back up directly onto the west lots and so I don't want to have people playing pickle ball until 11:00 at night or even 10 o'clock at night. And padell sounds
carry. They're different from pickle ball sounds. So, we have to be mindful about where we place the active parts of this. Um, so that you're not in your in your own apartment listening to people playing at all hours of day and night. Um, and I I totally understand that if
you build a pickle ball court, they will come and they will stay until you kick them off. So, >> you know, I I want this to be like a a really comprehensive holistic undertaking. >> Yep. You're asking for a park master plan. Yes. This is the we're like inching towards that. we did this
exercise and now we may receive >> and I I just don't want to inch towards it anymore. I just want to move forward. Like let's get going. Let's let's have the stakeholders in the room. Let's get people who have been proven champions to to um look at this with us and come up
with the plan that we can then take back to the community. >> So um what is this for a regulatory soccer field? What is the what is the width and length that you need? >> Oh my god. I I'd have to search it up to put it on the record.
>> You know, I'm looking at >> it's larger than a football field slightly. >> Yeah, >> cuz I'm looking at the lot on 8 between 86 and 87th and that that would probably be a perfect lot for a soccer field
because you have Stella Marie. Those seniors would love to go just watch football, watch the kids play football at that lot. We have a senior soccer league that's really or a soccer program that's so let So let's put that into the pot and figure out >> as big as possible. >> Absolutely.
>> Um and >> you know I agree we we we do need a holistic approach on this and you know I I also agree with you that you know we want to keep the green space which is why I like a soccer field because it stays green. pedal courts and pickle
ball courts don't necessarily I mean you're just adding concrete um to the floor. Um okay. So I guess how do we shore this up with because we it's both items are the same. Do you want to just work on this together commissioner?
>> Sure. Let's just fold them in together. And so can we move this to get a comprehensive master plan and how do we if we want to have Savino Miller brainstorm with us doesn't necessarily mean that they would be the people to build it. Um but is that a thing that we
can do to contract with them to come up with a master plan? >> I mean um I think engaging with them directly would would probably require a waiver of of competitive bidding. Um, I think the consensus >> she's just she's just asking if we can
talk to them, not necessarily >> Yeah. >> put them on payroll. >> The administration could could talk to them. Um, the consensus is definitely to move forward with a park master plan the way that uh that John laid out. Um, and
then do you want to kind of give flexibility to the administration to reach out to Sabino Miller, but also look at uh what procurement options there would be? >> And I Yeah. And I would also like to look at the possibility of doing a waiver for them. I mean they are you
>> I think you know Commissioner Bot how about you know if we're going to sort of be together on this how about we do a town hall also and then we can have Sabina Miller also present after we we meet with them. >> So I would like to do a town hall once we have something to show the community and I think that we need to engage with
somebody who can can put together a master plan first because we have the feedback from the community. We've had two different community meetings and multiple conversations at the at the events. So I think for sure do a community meeting. >> So are we allowed to engage with this
design firm it just as a advisory role? >> I would suggest that staff reach out to them first and then uh and then the administration can can report back. But I think I think that would be the first step. Would it could it be could we also
be present? >> Sure. >> Have to be assumed. >> Why not? It's it's >> so um the next land use meeting is when? Next week. >> There's uh there is a meeting scheduled for April 1st. Uh which is a week from
tomorrow. I don't know if you're going to have any updates by next Wednesday. I mean, >> could you put in an initial phone call to Savina Miller and see what they say? I mean, I've talked to they're they're friends of mine. They're neighbors from, you know, I've known them for 20 years.
Um, and I mentioned this to them and be because they are they have been so um incredibly foresighted in the vision they had for the Beayshore Park. And so, you know, like how do you how do you
harness that? How do you bring that in to the conversation? Not necessarily that they would be the ones to do it, but to >> So, let's see if they're available. Let's see if they're available a week from tomorrow. >> It seems like they're it sounds like they're eager to get >> both a conversation. >> We have a great relationship with with both of them.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. So, hopefully we can hopefully they can um >> So, so the intent would be to come back with them to further have a a second discussion. >> I think it's just a discussion. >> A discussion. >> Yeah. That's where we're at. >> Nothing. and and you know maybe between now and then there's a little further
work on which streets we can close and can we actually take over the alley behind um on the west side of the west lots and you know so that there's a little bit more practical information. I do have some information on streets after Tom and I spoke a while back. Um, I did not look at the alley, but I think
>> I I even think some of those alleys that there's parking aren't supposed to be parking, right? Like I don't know, our parking director is not here, but it's like gravel and they've kept it that way because it's sort of in this gray area. So, >> um, maybe you could talk to John
>> or Will, sorry, you guys. I I I know not not to be a downer after such an exciting conversation, but I do have and I think we do have concerns of what do we do for temporary parking when 72nd Street closed down. >> Okay. So, the direction is to engage with the designers just to come here for a discussion and you guys will reach
out. >> Yeah, Mr. Chair, can I just uh state something? Um Savino Miller is on the city's rotational list as a vendor um for landscaping. >> Perfect. So does that. >> So that means we can engage with them. >> Perfect.
>> Okay. Problem solved. >> Without a bid waiver. >> Okay. Let's let's get it going. >> Now we had one caller on Zoom, but >> Sure. >> Not anymore. >> Let's hear it. >> I think the hand is down. Sorry. Okay. So, um I'm happy to move this
along with you, Commissioner B. So, we're going to combine the two items into >> and we'll and we'll bring this back next Wednesday for further discussion. >> Great. Um, before we end off, Greg, I don't know if you wanted to say
something. Uh, public comment. I promised them I'd let him. Uh, >> thank you. >> Speak. You got two minutes, man. >> Yeah. >> Thank Thank you for allowing me to speak. Um, so it's very nice you're going to do all that with the parks, but I I really must bring attention to a
massive problem that's really getting zero attention, and that is um the drinking water in Miami Beach, which comes from Miami Dade, literally comes from a super fun site, which is the airport. If I could have all of your attention, please. This is really important. >> I'm absolutely
>> It's a cancer-causing chemical for everybody, especially children. Um, this is getting basically zero attention. and I brought it up before. Um it seems like nothing's going to be done about it. So I met with the um head of public works and the head sustainability
person here. They generally have no interest in doing anything. Their excuse is that they're compliant with the EPA and the EPA gives them 5 years to come into compliance with this chemical called PFAS. What the EPA does not tell them to do is
advertise the water in the water quality report as safe and excellent. Um, so the level that the EPA says is safe uh is 0.04 parts per trillion. That's like a a standard for contamination. And the level that's going to become
enforcable uh in 2029 is four parts per trillion. That's that's like the detection limit. And that may change whatever. Uh the level that we're serving to kids and telling their parents that the water is safe and excellent is 30 parts per trillion. So that's over a thousand
times what the EPA says is safe and uh is more than seven times what will be the enforceable detection limit in 2029. Again, they say that we're compliant with the EPA. Fine. You know what? You are in in in those levels. But the EPA is not telling you to tell parents and
kids that the water is safe and excellent. And it literally says that in the water report. This is a cancer-causing chemical, guys. Uh my background is an as an environmental lawyer that specializes in this. Uh Nick, um I don't think you guys
have environmental lawyers on your staff. Um I I if I could just have one more minute. >> Sure. Um, I I've also spoken with uh uh the mayor of Miami Dade about this. Generally, same response. We're
compliant with the EPA. Fine. You you have a few more years, but they're not telling you to advertise it as safe and excellent. Literally, like this is a cancer-causing chemical that's a thousand times the level the EPA says is safe. And if it was safe and excellent, why is Miami Dade suing 3M for $200
million? This is the third biggest settlement after cigarettes and opioids in the history of the United States, this chemical. Um, I I highly advise you guys like really get up to date on this. >> So, where is Greg? Where you said the
EPA is going to change its threshold in next 5 years. >> Yeah. So that started under the Biden administration 2023 2024 and it used to be 70 parts per trillion and then after more research analysis it it basically
went down to four. But you can't make every water district in the country liable for serving water at these levels. But what you can do is not advertise that it's safe and excellent and all this money that we're going to spend on parks. We should be at at the very least
utilizing uh established filtration technologies like reverse osmosis ion exchange in schools like Miami Beach Senior High School. Like we all remember going to school and drinking water out of the water fountain. That was probably pretty stupid for all of us to do, but now we
know and we shouldn't allow these kids to do it. We we know, right? So, we're knowingly serving these kids cancer-causing water that we're advertising to them as safe and excellent while at the same time suing 3M for $200 million while at the same
time the EPA says these levels are a thousand times. So, the people in charge of the water, I'm sorry, I met with them. I was very respectful. I can't anymore. They're really, they don't got it. >> So, this you know, as you know, we don't
control the water, right? We >> But what we can control is filtration. This filtration will take out 99% of it and it's established. You could go on Amazon right now and buy a simple reverse osmosis filter for your home for like a few hundred bucks. You're good to go. >> So, we should be doing this at the schools
>> at a local level, at a government level. You know, there's only so much we can do. So, and what you're saying is just don't advertise that it's safe. >> The public should be warned that this is not safe. You're literally in water reports dating
back since at least 2019. You're calling it safe and excellent. And I have in email now very stupidly they did this. They wrote we knew since 2019. >> But if we have federal and state and county
regulatory officials saying that the water is safe. >> It is not. But their EPA is saying it's not safe. It's cancer-causing. They're not saying it's safe. They're saying you have 5 years to come into compliance. >> Okay. So, how about we how about we make an item? I don't know, Commissioner B,
how you feel about this, but uh maybe we make an item just to have a longer discussion on this and then we can bring in our um public works director >> uh with our city attorney and we can have a we can have a discussion in the sunshine about this. I' I've done this
extensively throughout the country and they all want to deflect liability because what they're going to be the single individual you're giving cancer to kids they're going to just deflect all the way through. They're not going to admit to anything. This is how they do it. >> Um because >> at least at least we'll have a
discussion about it and have some sort of resolution. >> But why not implement filtration immediately? >> Because we don't control anything about the schools. The school board in Miami Day County is like its own kingdom. And let me tell you, it's pretty frustrating. When we tried to protect a building that was falling down, we
couldn't enforce the rules that apply to any other building in the city because they have their own laws. When we tried to get access to fix a a broken pipe, we had to negotiate all kinds of things because they have their own laws. So, I I'm glad you're elevating this issue. I think the first step is for us to have
our staff educate us on what they're seeing, what they're hearing. You might know about this, but we don't. So if we're going to try to make a difference, we have to get educated. So the stat excuse me, let me finish. >> So let us inform ourselves. Let us task
them with finding out what other municipalities are doing that are in this a similar situation because I guarantee you we're not the only city. Let's find out what the county has planned besides suing. Let's gather some information. Then we can have an informed discussion. >> I can tell you everything. I' I've been
doing this for what we're saying >> well over a year >> Greg unfort look we're we're bound by processes as I know but let me just >> and and as and as government agencies so >> I'm willing I'm willing to hear you out >> we want to hear it but it's not just
something you're telling us it's something that the public as a whole needs to hear. >> Yeah. And so we, you know, we want to have a a a formal process where you speak, our city staff speaks, and they also give us a a a download on
information of of what they want to hear. Now, I understand you may be very skeptical of that. Fine. I was always skeptical of staff. I still am. Um, so let's just let's just take it on. I'm not I'm not trying to shut you down. I'm actually opening up more dial. Yeah, I
appreciate that. >> Okay, I'm actually open up more. I didn't have to let you speak today. >> Thank you. >> And I'm willing to even make this a discussion item that we can discuss here. >> Ju just a final point to outline how outrageous it is. Um so the groundwater flows my again I'm not like a crazy
person from the street. I'm an environmental lawyer that has significant background in POS chemicals for like over a decade now. I've helped negotiate multi-million dollars of settlements involved with $1 13 billion litigation, multi-dist litigation. Like this is not a small thing. The
groundwater in Miami flows from west to east. What happened was uh US military mandated this white firefighting foam to be used at all the airports and 3M. The reason why there's
a$ 13 billion dollar settlement is because uh they were caught telling the airports to dispose of the firefighting foam down the sewer which then leaked into the water supply because the water moves west to east.
All of the groundwater wells from the airport east west to east are contaminated. The water flows in from the airport down Miami River into Bisgane Bay and the Miami aquifer 247 365.
So it's also like the bay that's a mess as well. That's why you can't go swimming there. One of the main reasons. The wells to the west of the airport, the northwest wellfield is basically almost pristine. These wells should be shut down. We shouldn't
be serving water to kids from a super fun site where they use these chemicals. We should be going west as they do in New York. >> Greg, if I may, um, it sounds like you're very well informed. If you have materials that you would like us to incorporate into this education process, please send them our way. I would also
encourage you to reach out to Joe Geller, who's our Miami Beach representative on the school board, and have a conversation with him as well and bring him up to speed. There is a process. We can't just wave our magic wand and fund reverse osmosis filtration systems for everybody. That would be
lovely. But if there is a a a lawsuit going on, maybe that's one of the conditions. Maybe obviously cleaning up the super fun site. I mean, given the state of the federal government now where, you know, clean air and water seems to be, you know, a nice to have, not a need to have, you know, this these
are the times we're living in. So, let us do this in an informed, measured way. We'll get the information. We'll get staff on board. We'll see what other municipalities are doing. If you've been part of lawsuits and they've been successful, send that information to us.
>> Okay? And and the last thing that we can do is just not advertise it as safe and excellent. Very simple, >> right? >> I I don't know if that's a thing that we do from Miami Beach or if it's done. >> Yeah. Miami Beach water quality report. >> No, I know the report, but I don't know if it's generated by the county and we
just slap our if it's white labelled. I don't know, but we can look into that as well. So we can we'll have all these conversations but start appreciate. We'll be in touch. Meeting adjourned. Thank you.