ready. Good evening everyone and welcome to the North Miami Special Planning Commission meeting of on Thursday, June 25th, 20 uh 26. We are starting exactly at 7 o'clock.
Um I now call the meeting to order and Madam Secretary, please call the role. >> Okay. Chairman Chairman Erns, >> uh present. Vice Chair McDermade >> present. >> Commissioner each
>> present. >> Okay. Commissioner Ciphered >> present. >> Commissioner Bob >> present. >> Commissioner Pierre is excused and Commissioner BMA
>> and so is Commissioner Besson. >> Very good. Um, let's all stand for the pledge of allegiance, please. To the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. staff if there's any >> at this time. I'll ask staff if there's any uh amendments to the agenda. >> There are none, sir. >> Thank you, Madam Secretary.
>> And uh I'd like to ask for a motion to approve the planning commission minutes of May 5th. >> So motion by Mr. McDermade,
>> seconded by Mr. H. >> Okay. >> All in favor say I. >> I. And then uh our next special planning commission meeting is July 16th, 2026. Is that correct? >> That is correct. Thursday.
>> No change on that. >> No. >> What you expect? All right. Very good. >> Um I assume that's okay with everyone. >> All right. Yeah, it's a Thursday because we didn't want to do it immediately after the Fourth of July weekend,
>> right? Okay. Um, so do we have any continued public hearings? >> Um, no. But Mr. Chair, why don't we take a moment and do an introduction? >> Yes. >> Okay. So um as you all know uh director
Debbie Smith is no longer with us and she yes she has retired. So now we are fortunate enough to have Miss Nikisha um Smith who has very impressive uh
background but she will be serving as our liaison. few minutes and tell us about yourself. >> Yes. >> Yes, please. >> Good evening. My name is Nikisha Smith. Um I've been um in the planning
profession for about 20 years now. Um got my master city planning degree from uh MIT. Um and I've worked in private sector, public sector, municipalities, uh county government. So I'm very happy to be here. Um and we'll do my best to
fill Debbiey's shoes. Well, we welcome you and thank you for um for your accomplishments in the past, I'm sure. And um you're indeed a welcome board.
Okay. Continued public hearing. Do we have any none? Sure. Okay. Our first item is public hearing. um BC17-23. At this time, I'd like to go ahead and
um um recognize our city council um our planning our our planning commission counselor. >> Sir, if you could go ahead and um read in for semi judicial uh uh proceedings. >> Right. Uh Mr. chair and and members of
the commission. Uh both items on the agenda tonight are quasi judicial and this is uh this announcement concerns the procedures applicable to these items. These rules apply to applications on specific parcels of land like zoning map amendments, special exceptions,
variances, and conditional use requests. The commission will sit like a court, hence the term quasi judicial, reviewing the facts presented at the hearing, applying the adopted rules as explained by staff in the staff report and verbally. Commission members can make site visits, but must disclose the
evidence upon which they intend to rely from that visit. Commission members will disclose at the beginning of each hearing whether they have had communications with individuals on behalf of the applicant or otherwise, including who the communication was with and what the topic of the discussion was. All persons intending to speak to
the commission will be sworn by the clerk. The staff will make a presentation and the commission may ask questions. The applicant will make a presentation including expert witnesses if any and the commission may ask questions. When the public hearing is open, the public can make comments on the application limited to three minutes
each. Citizen testimony must be factbased, not opinion. Commission may ask questions and the applicant's attorney, if any, may ask questions on cross-examination. Members of the public can decline to be cross-examined. Staff may present additional testimony to supplement or
rebut arguments made. The commission then deliberates based on the evidence presented. The commission's decision must be based on competent substantial evidence, meaning based on the record staff presentations, expert presentations, and fact-based comments by citizens according to standards for
approval set forth in the city code. The commission may approve, deny, or continue the item. While staff previously read into the record, emailed, or mailed comments, since these are not competent substantial evidence, meaning not sworn testimony subject to cross-examination, the board's decision
cannot be based on what is contained in the emails or mailed comments, but they can be used to identify issues and helped identify sources of information that do contain competent substantial evidence upon which a decision can be based. Written comments submitted before
the meeting a part of the record and available for review by the commission. Lastly, we ask each of you to treat this proceeding with the respect and proper decorum. No calling out, interrupting speakers, or disrupting the proceeding. Please give this proceeding the same dignity or inspect as if you were in
court. Disruptions are prohibited and enforcable pursuant to the city code. Please also silence your cell phones. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Hill. Um, at this time, I'll go ahead and read the item, the first item on tonight's agenda. I'll
read it into the public record. It's PC 17- Yes. Oh, you got to swear them. >> Swear everyone in. Um if anybody here intends to speak on it's only one item right that need to if anybody here intends to speak on either of the items
that are going to be presented this evening I'll need you to stand at the moment so that you we can swear you in. Okay. >> Yes. And if any of you are going to u also be asked to come to the podium um
by who the principal uh representative is and speaker, please go ahead and also stand up to be uh sworn in. >> Okay. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony and evidence you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
>> Okay. Thank you. You may be seated. Thank you, Sincio. Okay, once again, um I'm about to read in to Ruter PC17-123. This is a resolution of the mayor and the city council of the city of North Miami, Florida. >> Hold on, Mr. McDermad. Do you have a
question? >> Right. >> Okay. >> Okay. A resolution of the mayor and the city council of the city of North Miami, Florida, approving an application for conditional use permit and substantially the attached form for proposed mixeduse
project consisting of a 14story 269 unit apartment building with 4526 square ft of ground flooror retail space and 8story 317 unit apartment building. a two-story 14 unit townhouse
development with associated parking and an integrated eight-story parking garage with 940 parking spaces on two parcels of real property consisting of one parcel located at 1890 Northeast 146th
Street and a vacant parcel located in the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Northeast 20th Lane and Northeast 144th Street identified with Miami Dade folio number 06-221-00006- 01 0 and 6 dash 2221-00006-
0130 and totaling approximately 4.44 44 acres [clears throat] in accordance with article 3 division 4 sections 3-42 through 3-47 articles 4 division 2
sections [laughter] 4-202 sections 4-203A sections 4-205 and section 4-310 of the city of North Miami code of ordinances charter 29 entitled land development regulations
providing for an effective date and for all other purposes. May we have staff report, please. >> Do you have an issue we need to address? >> Okay, second. >> All right, staff report, please. >> Yes.
>> See if I can get this to work here. There we go. Good evening, commission. This uh request is for a conditional use permit. The property is located at 1890 Northeast 146th Street. It's actually
consists of two parcels. So, there's uh one uh vacant parcel and then um the other property um is is uh pretty much used for parking, truck and trailer parking. The zoning district is zoned M1 with the
future land use map designation as industrial. Now, typically this type of use uh does not permit residential and the height is typically limited to 55 ft. However, there is a special development and transit oriented
district overlay that sits on top um of the underlying zoning district. And so this allows a height of up to 200 feet along with a residential density of 150 units per acre. However, that does
require a conditional use permit in order for that to be improved uh approved. Thus, uh this is why we have the application before us today. Uh based on the lot size, the permitted number of units is up to 666. However,
the applicant is only requesting an allocation of 600 of the floating bonus units. And although the height is up to 150 ft, the applicant is requesting a height not to exceed 140 ft.
>> Very good. >> Yes. >> Yeah. The proposal will consist of um it's two apartment buildings for a total of 586 units and there's also will be constructed 14 town home units. Those
would be two stories in height. Um there's going to be a parking garage and they will implement sustainable design along with the Florida native landscaping and a lot coverage that's below our maximum of 80%. They will be
targeting a 55% lot coverage um and also providing uh that generous open space to um assist with storm water management. You can see here on this slide the economic impact in terms of construction
jobs in addition to the permanent jobs. Uh we expect ad valorum taxes of approximately $3.25 $25 million um and an approximate impact and permit fee of $24.5 million.
There will be conditions um assigned to this CUP if it is approved. Uh they will have to go through the development uh review. The parcels will need to be unified as one parcel. They're currently separated as two and they will also be
underground of utilities and of course by standards they have to obtain a CU and a BTR. There will also be sustainable um commitments in terms of lead certification. And that's it for our next steps. Again,
this uh city council would review this if approved um at their uh city council meeting in August and the site plan review. Uh that date would be determined. Thank you. >> Um just a quick question, parcels one
and two, are they uh continuous or is there a road in between? >> Um it's not contiguous. There is a a cell tower site in between the two parcels. Okay. >> Um and that's not owned by the uh property owners. it would be a separate uh property owner that would not be part
of the current development. >> So So that it is separated by >> even though it's continuous um >> but owned separately like an alleyway. >> Separate. Yes. Um I believe that used to
be a railway right away. >> All right. um at one point >> staff doesn't >> I believe it used to be a rail right away at some point in the past. >> So but that is not owned. >> It is not and is not a part of this application. >> Would
would there be a future uh need for that to be um abandoned in any way? >> Uh under the current proposal, there's no proposal to request that that be abandoned at this time. But in the meantime, that cell tower, >> it would stay
>> is there. >> Yes. >> All right. Yeah. I sorry that couldn't quite understand what I saw. This Yeah, you saw that in fact was a road or if that was a correct abandoned property and now that you've I I thank you for that. >> Yes.
>> Um All right. Um you have a first presentator presentation representative to uh >> Yes, the applicant is here and they are prepared to do a presentation. >> All right, sir. Good evening. Welcome.
>> Thank you. Good evening members of the board. Ethan Wasserman with Greenberg Char 333 Southeast Second Avenue here on behalf of the applicant affiliates of the Desert family. We are very excited to be here tonight on a truly unique project in North Miami. Uh tonight we have two different pieces
to discuss as you as you just heard. We have on the north piece and forgive the orientation of the slide. North is the left side of the screen. Um the north large piece of vacant land is currently used as a truck parking facility. That that will go away um in the future. Um,
and we are proposing 586 units across an eightstory and 14story building along with 4,500 square feet of commercial activation and about 20,000 square ft of amenity space at the ground floor and at the top floors of the building. So, a very robust amount of amenity space. On
the south, which is the right side of the screen, we have a smaller piece of vacant land that will contain a 14-unit town home community with on-site parking. And in between those sites, which is what you were just describing, that little sliver of white, that is a parcel in between that we don't own and
it has a cell tower on it. Um, as an aside, we are in discussion with the cell tower operator as as recently as today to ensure we don't have a conflict uh with the cell tower use. Turning to the project itself, what's always asked of us is what are the unit
mixes? So, we have 150 studios, 211bedrooms, 166 twobedrooms, and 59 3bedrooms, and 14 town home units. So, a nice mix for whether it's for individuals or families. Uh we do have a large amount
of the larger size units. We also have, as staff mentioned, 940 parking spaces on site. That is a lot of parking, but it meets the zoning requirement. >> [clears throat] >> So, just to show to run through a couple images of the site, these are renderings that we had prepared for the project.
This is if you're on 19th looking north towards 146th. On our left, you see the town homes. Uh in between that, that gap is the uh cell tower site. And then we have the eightstory building as you go north and the 14thstory further in the background.
This is an image facing south. This is our northern facade. Uh here you can see the 14story tower as well as the parking garage uh that's tucked behind it in the rear. And you could start to see although it's it's at a macro level uh um view the green space at the ground
floor, the the trees we have in the rideway, the sidewalk connections, that's stuff that doesn't really exist today that will be improving within the rideway and I'll talk about that in a minute. >> What's your u what's your setback from the street for that green area? >> We are about um I have to pull the plan.
I think it's 10 feet. We're 10 feet set back plus the rideway. So from our property line, 10 feet and then we have additional swale uh in the rideway before you hit the curb. >> Okay. Thank you. >> This is our uh grand entrance. The zoning code, as you all know, places tremendous effort and emphasis on corner
properties. They want to distinguish the corner entrance from the rest of the building. So you can see here we have cladding. We have a different canopy structure. This is also a little bit of a twilight image so you can see what it would look like at night, but plenty of outdoor space, very comfortable for the pedestrian and for people to walk.
And then this image is really showing the break in the two buildings because it's hard to appreciate it in the site plan. Uh we have tremendous glazing along the eastern, this is our eastern facade. Uh along the eastern 14story tower that is again at the ground floor, there's a mix of amenity and commercial. And then the eightstory building is
strictly residential. It goes all the way down to the ground floor. So, this is not something new. You've all have heard this before. Although this area overall is industrial, it does have a strong SDO overlay. [snorts] Uh, the district was created along the railway and has a transit route from
Aventura all the way down to downtown Miami. The overlay is focused on the zone west of the Biscane corridor. So this commercial corridor has a symbiotic relationship between resi and commercial meaning proper urban planning and that's why staff has recommended this overlay
warrants dense residential uses near the corridor near the commercial corridor and the commercial corridor is needed to support the residential uses and what we've seen evolve is it's an actual true mixeduse neighborhood. You have center court apartments a block to our north. You have a lero apartments two three
blocks to our south. Industrial uses all around us. Um you have the commercial corridor to our right on Biscane and obviously we're bookended Solomia further east. I would also point out uh it's not on this oh it is on the slide. Self storage is directly across the street from us.
Um a long time ago storage was I don't want to say an unwanted use but was pushed into the industrial zones. Now with more apartments coming online um the demand is very strong for this use. Having this use directly across the street from a large residential project is a natural amenity for our tenants. We
also spoke to the owner of this parcel as well and they do not object to the project. So from a traffic perspective, we're doing a few things. We have placed our garage on 146 as far west as we could um to create no breaks in our frontage. So
staff really wants to have uninterrupted pedestrian focused activation. So we have if you're coming from east to west on 146, you have our commercial corner, a large amenity space, then you have our driveway, then you have some back of house FPL, other connections that are required at the frontage before you
reach our neighbor further west. Our traffic engineer has confirmed the design of the garage has enough Q length that we won't have any cars backing up into or out of the rideway uh in the morning hours, which is the peak uh rush hour time period. In [snorts] terms of westbound, what you'll see here is we
are also widening the roadway within the roadway. We're adding two dedicated westbound turn lanes. So, if you're coming from east from Biscane going west and you're turning into 19th or turning into our project, there's now its own dedicated Q lane uh um lane so that cars
can continue to move west on 146th. On 19th Street, which is the right hand side of the screen, going north, we're now creating a dedicated right and left turn lane, which doesn't exist today. also alleviating any Q length for the industrial neighborhood coming out of
this area using 19th. We also have in the yellow the yellow U-shaped design. Those are two ride share and delivery dropoff areas on the north and east facade for convenient access to the building. As the world turns away from personal car ownership in favor of ride sharing and delivery
service, we feel that this is a nice amenity for the building. Now, something that's not in your packets that I want to mention tonight, through discussions with the district councilman, uh, who knows this area very, very well, uh, we are profering a
condition, if you'll accept it, um, to create an additional travel lane from west to east. That's where we understand the biggest traffic log, traffic jam is coming west to east on 146. It's a single lane of traffic. So, we have two profers. The first is on the top of the
screen, eastbound, east of the tracks there. There's currently a 50ft turn lane, right turn lane. And we have the our civil engineers and our traffic engineers have studied this. We can extend that queue all the way down to the rail line. So it's about
85 ft of Q length whereas now it's 50. So that will absorb a lot of the traffic going eastbound. West of the tracks is a little more challenging. The ride ofway doesn't have it. It can't accommodate it. So, we have to give it out of our property with a dedication to absorb that extra turn lane and we will do
that. That will add about 200 feet of Q length that doesn't exist today. So, combined you're talking almost 400 additional feet of Q length. And this is really important in the rush hour peak AM rush hour time. The rest of the day, this just is this works relatively fine. This will just make it that much better.
the the west offer option two is dependent on the rail line because you can't have two lanes that then funnel into a one lane crossing and then come back out and funnel into two. So we've spoken with the city um the rail line we we expect the rail line to support this allowing us to widen it to two lanes. Uh
we'll work with them and the city I believe will offer to help in discussions in dialoguing with the rail line. As anybody knows they're not the easiest to deal with with relocating, closing and opening crossings. Uh my client is also building out a series of off-site improvements, water main extensions, force main extensions,
sidewalk, curb, gutter, parking spaces. So, a significant amount of rightway improvements are proposed. >> As I mentioned earlier, we have met with several of our neighbors um to discuss this project as shown in the attached slide. We have not received opposition
concerns from anyone I or my client has talked to other than working with our sub tower neighbor neighbor whom we met as early in this morning and I believe he's here tonight. Uh we also have not received any uh opposition from our mailed notice that went out. We appreciate staff working with us on this
project. It's been in the works for a long time. A lot of effort went into making sure everything was designed appropriately. staff covered in their staff report um the project in ter the financial benefits in terms of short-term and long-term job creation impact and building permit fees and recurring tax revenue from the city.
We're appreciative of staff's professional recommendation in support of the project. We agree with all of staff's conditions and we urge your support of this project. Uh thank you. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Our entire team is here from traffic, architect, landscape, so we're all available. I don't want to steal their thunder, but if there's anything I
can't answer, I'm happy to bring them up. and I'd like to reserve some time for rebuttal. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Um, at this time, I'm going to go ahead and open the public hearing um and get comments from the public if anyone's here wishing to speak
for or against it. I'm going to ahead and open up the public hearing. Public hearing is now open. Um, I'm setting a two-minute time limit for comment. Either either one. Good evening, sir. >> Hi, my name is Mark Npalitano. I'm the
cell tower owner. Uh my tenant is Crown Castle and uh we have been working with the diesers, but there is some concern about the heights and the the height of the cell tower. Um that structure is sort of an anomaly by today's standards.
It's a 154 ft. I believe it's an A-frame tower. It's been there for 38 or 39 years. Um we are working with our tenant who is Crown Castle. they need to order some testing done for radio frequency to
see the effect that the the t the height of these buildings will have. So, we're we're just very early in the process. Um hoping in the next few weeks to a month or so, we'll be able to have more information. Um not going to stand here and tell you we're opposing it at the
moment. Uh the dies desert's organization has been very good about reaching out and trying to work through it. Uh but there are some unknown conditions that may be created uh that may interfere with a utility that services the city of North Miami. Uh at
one point the city was on that tower, but they are no longer using any equipment on that tower. Um so I'm really just going on record that we need to do a little more investigation before we can fully support um the project. >> All right. Thank you, sir.
>> Thank you. >> Good [clears throat] evening, sir. sworn in. >> You have not been sworn in. >> All right, sir. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony and evidence you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
>> And please state your name and address for the record. >> Yes. >> Okay. Speak again. >> My name is John Ferry. My business address is 1850 Northeast 146th Street. >> You're fairy lighting. >> That's right.
>> Fairy Jose Harbor Fair. [clears throat] >> Yes, that's me. Um I noticed on the picture that we have been listed as approved. We approve of this project. We did not have enough information to approve it. So,
we came here to listen to what was being said and that now we have to think about it to see would we approve it or not. So, I just want to correct the record to that. >> Thank you, sir. Um, >> that's it. Thank you, counselor. Can you
make note of that and we'll bring it up after I public hearing is over. Is there any other comments? Uh, hearing none. Seeing none, I'm going ahead. go ahead and close the public hearing. Public hearing is now closed.
Um now councelor um if you could >> kind of give me a little direction on that are Mr. are held. Um, as as regarding the fact that the record shows that supposedly
>> staff, if if that was on the the record that they they approved it, but yet the um property owner has just stated that he not did not give approval. So, do I direct that back to him? >> If I could clarify with respect, what
was said on the record is we've met with neighbors and we haven't had opposition to the item. We haven't heard any concerns of petition. I did not state and and he's correct. You're absolutely correct. I did not say they support or approved the project. All right. >> Met with them and there's no more comments to address. >> All right. >> There's no issue.
>> No issue. Thank you, sir. I just wanted to get that clarified before we u moved forward. Um the if I if I may >> I I will allow it. Go ahead. >> I'm sorry to interrupt you, but you said
that you met with the neighbors. >> My client My client has met. >> I have not met with them. Nobody is. >> Have you been sworn in, sir? >> All right. Okay. >> Do you swear as to tell the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. State your name and >> Ryan Thompson with Desert Development >> address. >> And and the address, please. >> Uh 1801 uh Collins Avenue, uh Sunny Als Beach.
>> All right. Go ahead and and uh >> I >> if you could speak into the mic. >> Yes. spoken speak to us. >> I'd spoken with uh Kevin Ferries over the phone and sent him an email.
>> I just wanted I wanted a firsthand testimony that he spoke. Kevin is is >> my son is your son. >> And yes, he had a phone call. >> Okay. >> From this gentleman, >> okay, >> and you said period, that's it. We had no information. >> We're if we were to prove it and he
didn't answer. >> Okay. We're happy to meet with you. I don't mean any disrespect. We'll sit down, but we're happy to meet again or discuss further, answer any questions you have that we're not the first time that we're getting to see what the project is. >> Sure. Sure. >> And so, how are you asking anybody for
approval if nobody has really seen the project? We came here >> to find out >> 10 day two weeks ago in pouring rain when there was supposed to be a meeting here and nobody showed up. >> Well, >> it was canled and nobody notified us. So, we get soaking wet. I'm sorry about
that. >> But uh so that and there was not adequate notice at that time. So now you've complied with what the rules are as far as notice is concerned. But again, very little information has been
sent to us. We have one little picture that very small picture. I on the record I will personally reach out. I'll give you my email and my phone number. We'll coordinate a meeting with ownership and with yourself. We're happy to walk to see it. It looks like a wonderful
project. However, I need to see the details of it. And this is the first time I'm seeing that. And so, I don't want anybody putting words in our mouth that is inappropriate. >> Thank you to [clears throat] uh to Mr. Held. Um >> Yes, sir.
as we move forward now. Um, how does that reflect what was put on the record as far as what just >> I I my understanding is the gentleman did not have complete information on the application. However, there is proper
notice and there has been opportunity to review the file at um uh planning department offices. Um and there was contact with the gentleman's family. >> Okay. >> You we are satisfying all of the
obligations that we need to okay >> in order to move forward on the application. >> All right. That's that's the only [snorts] thing I was concerned about if the city did in fact do all their due diligence and notifying the public. All right. Thank you very much for that, Mr.
Helen. Um, we can move on from that uh issue. Um, I did have a a a question about um this is kind of now that we have a commercial uh aspect
added to the project. uh with the walk-in businesses, I would think, and uh uh your plans for maybe restaurants or retail. Um that area basically doesn't have anything like that. Now,
how did you base your findings in the fact that that would be amendable to the project to offer those those facilities? and in fact would you be able to draw enough uh interest in customers
going there and also the fact if they may drive there what kind of a parking situation they would have in order to use the the businesses there. So, good question. I from the business perspective, I probably can't speak to that. Although, I would think a project
of this size will be able to self- sustain some level of comfort in terms of utilization of that space, whether it's a restaurant, a cafe, or a some other commercial venue. In terms of guests visiting, I mean, we are very close to the commercial corridor, so we're very close to Biscane Boulevard.
Um, but for parking purposes, it has its own parking requirement um in the garage. So, we're able to park for that venue, whatever the tenant ultimately is. >> If somebody had like a nail appointment or um a meeting or something like that
with a a client in the that's using, you know, that's um a tenant, >> right, >> of of the commercial property. Um and you feel it's adequate enough. >> The parking yes. Yeah. I candidly I
think the parking requirements are relatively high in in North Miami relative to other cities. So I believe there's sufficient parking um in this garage for both the residential use, visitors, and the commercial tenant. >> Okay, that's really the only thing that I wanted to u um ask about. I'm going to
go ahead and open up other questions to the uh panel. Start with Mr. Cipher. [clears throat] >> Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. There are some questions on the the site that are
out there uh a little bit. U this truck park you talked about is that uh do we have a zoning code that permits that to begin with? that I'm not sure um if they have a BTR
or operating license. >> Okay, that's one question. So, this is possibly an unlicensed use of the property. >> We would have to check the system to see if they have a BTR and a and a CU for
the current operations. >> Okay. Um I I gather your client is collecting rent from these trucks that's that are there. >> Yes. So you are correct. There's a the truck parking operation does not have a certificate of use. We're the landlord.
They're the tenant. They are supposed to obtain all necessary permits and licenses. Uh it was absolutely brought to our attention that they are operating without their license. um we have engaged direct with their engineer to I don't want to say force them but almost force them to obtain
their permits and their licensing that is active it is ongoing um but at the end of the day as landlord our remedies are essentially to send them to band lenders and evict them um which we are trying to work with them to make sure they get the appropriate permits uh and
that's ongoing and and again I'm one we are one step removed because it's the tenant that's dealing directly with the county on paving and drainage age and with the city on the use. I understand there's a question as to the use as a as a truck parking site and that's something we have to address.
>> All right. Um the uh site has some issues have come to my attention about uh the current condition of the land uh let's call it landscaping if you will
controlling the weeds and overgrowth and who's responsible for the conditions >> the I would say the south smaller parcel the the grass vacant lot. Uh that would be us. There's no one on there. So, if it's in an unkempt condition, that's on
us and that's something we need to remedy. Uh the northern larger parcel, again, we're not in occupancy of the site, so to speak. That's the tenant that's operating the site. So, it would be on them to maintain the site.
Ultimately, our responsibility as landlord, right, all these obligations ultimately run with the land to the property owner, but currently active day-to-day would be the ten Looking ahead, this project is two to three years out
before it it breaks ground and gets completed. >> It's probably a fair fair estimate. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, you you know you're going to need to resolve this truck parking issue >> well before that. >> Well before that. And I I think it's
been made clear to us uh probably we have to have some clear answers before council is uh what has been made clear to me. >> Okay. Uh concerning the uh railroad crossing that you're most concerned with. That's
on uh 142nd Street. Is that the railroad? >> That's 146. >> 145th. Okay. >> 46. >> All right. 146th. Oh, the railroad crosses at 146th. All right. Uh obviously there's got to be a lot of
road widening in that. Is your client taking fiscal responsibility for the road improvements? >> Yes. Uh that's not to say we won't seek funding from, you know, national safety or other programs that are available to improve rail safety, but yes, it will be
our responsibility to do the widening. >> Okay. All right. >> If the city wants to contribute, we'd welcome it. But yes, >> no, I don't think we we want to obligate the city to that. That's uh that's got to be part of the
development project and developer responsibility the same as the water and sewer hookups. >> Yes. uh we don't go into paying for the road improvements uh in in that regard, but I want to bring that out and make sure that's of
record clearly that uh the burden of responsibility is going to be your clients. All right. Uh those are the key questions that I have. Uh the project itself is nice. I see nothing wrong with converting industrial
uses to long-term residential. I think it benefits the nature of the city as things develop. And it helps in its own way to spur the development of that commuter rail line that someday we all hope will go from
Miami to West Palm Beach at least, if not further. And we would like to see a train station built within our respective lifetimes. I agree >> if that happens I don't know but if it does >> uh a lot of things still need to happen
in that regard. So uh I'm otherwise pleased with the project. Thank you Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. follow up on the question with the uh would would Bright Line um perhaps be uh in a position to negotiate
financially to get that that uh crossing widened to their benefit. >> That's one of the parties we will we will discuss with. Yeah. >> Yeah. if you could put them in play also um because um
that that could be a problem down the the line. I don't know if we need to um staff do you think that would need to be put in as a condition that >> that perhaps could go as a recommendation >> as a recommendation.
Um do you concur on that if we can go if we can make that? I think there were two options that you had proposed. Um I think that's a good way to go because as he said sometimes the rail line's pretty hard to work with.
>> Um so I think it's good to have um two two options. Yes. >> Yeah. In case one falls through, then we still um can have them pursue the other option. >> Yes. Okay. So, does that need to be um um Madame Secretary, would that be
able to be put in before it goes to council? >> I can add it to the language. Yes, >> language. Okay. Um we don't need to make a motion on that. Do we Mr. H >> because it's a recommendation. >> Just a recommendation. All right.
Um very good. Okay. Let's move down please and good evening >> and welcome uh introduce yourself to again to everyone so that um that you've joined us on the on the panel. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Safi
Bename. I know some of you are used to me being on the other side but um I have taken a position elsewhere so now I am serving [music] as commissioner for um planning commission. Um my question is is tied back to the two
options. Um are we supposed are we to like vote on which one we would prefer to see or are you bringing both options for council and then through your conversations with the railway you'll you guys will kind of figure out which option you guys will go for.
>> Good question. I'm sorry if it wasn't clear. Our intention is option two, the longer queue, so east and west. I just I didn't want to be uh dishonest. If if the rail line doesn't support the widening, then I can't continue west. So, I can option one is easy. I
shouldn't say easy. Nothing's easy. Option one, we're very confident we can do. That's widening the roadway east of the tracks. Option two is then the west side. That's going to take coordination with the rail line. So, in terms of what am I profering? I'm profering to do both, but with the caveat that if the
rail line doesn't allow us to widen, I won't be able to do west of the tracks. >> Understood. >> Mr. Chair, um, yes, my recommendation is that we just make that subject to the review and approval of staff because it'll be a professional decision to make. >> Okay,
>> understood. And then >> okay with you. >> That's fine. And then my second um comment was the maintenance of that middle area where the cell tower is located. How will you
know your clients and the owner kind of figure that portion of it out? because it doesn't make sense that you have these two beautiful buildings that are, you know, properly maintained and then you you have this one piece in the middle that is kind of just left in limbo,
>> right? So that middle piece uh as there's the owner is here. It's run by uh I I don't know I think it's Crown Castle run by one of the cell tower operators. So we're really working with the cell tower operator to see what we can do to make sure that there's no signal interference. We recognize the
cell tower is likely to remain. Um we don't have any control over that. We just want to make sure we have an appropriate setback. I think we're set back about 15 a little or over 15 feet on that side. So we do have spacing. Our building on that side is only eight stories whereas the cell tower goes higher. We're not the 14 stories is
pushed much further north to 146. So we think we could make it work. The real question is just cell interference and running appropriate studies to make sure that we don't u cause any conflict. That's the idea. So, when it comes to cell interference,
I know we're kind of premature here. What if we run into the possibility that maybe one of the buildings is too close and you may have to push it back further? How would >> that's something we we don't anticipate
that being an issue. We don't believe that's an issue. That's something we we have to further study with the cell tower operator. They have a lot of the data that we would need to run that analysis. We've been talking with them. >> Um I'm not sure they believe there's an issue. They just want to belt and suspenders research it. So we think
we're okay and we're going to continue to work with them. If you're right, if there's a conflict that may or may not trigger a building removal, it may be a problem on the cell towers. I don't know. Um but we'll we'll of course address that. That's those are going to be legal requirements. So either I am or I'm not able to be within that proximity. >> Understood.
>> Mr. [clears throat] Held. >> So Miss B commissioner being in the meet. Uh that was a concern that I had too and it seems like that's an issue that should be resolved like before building permit. >> Okay. >> Something like that because if it's resolved after and there's a an issue
>> uh there may be an issue in building location or sighting or >> so at some point you've got to have a hard date at which you resolve that cell tower interference issue. >> I would hope with um our neighbors
support we'll have that resolved in the next two months. I think it's a real from what I I'm not a cell tower expert by any means. My understanding it's not a long um study that's that's required. It just requires input and data on certain frequencies, certain technology, certain data that they have. So, I'm hopeful we respond before council, but I
agree with you. That's something we we would not want to build a building and find out there's a a conflict down the line. >> So, I guess the question is whether we should make it a condition that they resolve that issue before some deadline. And my my thought is
>> well if if we make a condition if regardless of we make a condition um they wouldn't be able to get the building permit if there was a a dispute still existing between the two parties. Correct.
>> No, they'd have to the the objecting party would have to go to court for an injunction against the issuance of the building permit. I doubt it's going to come to that. So can we so the city's for for the city and and our best interest would be that we have a
condition that there is a settlement between the two parties involving the cell tower. >> No, we shouldn't be requiring a settlement. >> No, just be clarifying that this issue is resolved before a certain >> regardless. Yeah, we don't care what the
outcome is. Just that >> I have a question. The most distant deadline would be building permit. That seems reasonable to me. >> I see that they did receive DRC approval. Is there a way to um to modify that letter to add that condition in
their DRC approval letter that um before building permits that they are that you know that's all squared away because I feel like the >> we can we can add it. >> Huh? >> No, I understand. But I also just cuz I know
If I could make one more comment, Mr. Attorney, um what was brought to my attention is there may be other ways this gets solved. Uh whether it's through private arrangements with the neighbors. So um I would be careful I'm trying to be careful on the fly on the condition requiring certain things before building permit. It's it's
something we have to work out with our neighbor and it may take the form of a settlement agreement or some other mechanism. Um, so if there's a way to maybe um not as a condition a recommendation for the council to consider this item so we have time over the next two months to figure out how
we're going to what what I wouldn't want to have is a condition that requires let's say A and we end up solving it with B and >> I wasn't going to suggest any particular solution. >> Okay, that be >> addressed. Okay. >> Okay. Say again Mr. H for us we we
missed what you said to the council. >> Yeah. I'm not recommending any particular solution just timing that this is an issue that should be resolved. >> Okay. >> Or X and my suggestion with building. >> All right. Everybody understand that? >> Okay.
Anything else? >> No, that's all for me. >> Thank you. Mr. Bob, you have the floor. >> Uh, good evening. Uh, is there any uh proposed pricing for the units at this time? And are any units um projected to
be allocated for affordable housing? >> Currently, it's a it's a market rate project. I don't have projected rents yet. We're look we're projecting a few years out. Um it will be a high quality building, not a luxury building is not my anticipation, but as of right now, it's it's a market rate project.
>> Okay. And any uh units for affordable housing or >> not at this time. Across the street, we have a project that will have about 480 units, workforce housing units. So, there's a large percentage of affordable housing units coming online in our general collective development. Uh, but
this building will be a market rate building. >> Okay. And then the So, the entrance, if I'm not mistaken, is going to be off of 146 >> for the Yeah. For the larger building for the the not the large the northern property. Yes. >> Okay. All right. And then is there any reason
why um you guys opted for that? Like as far as because I'm just thinking traffic-wise. Um is there any reason why you guys opted to have the entrance along 146 instead of 19th? >> I think the idea was in terms of traffic
flow, not bringing it down into the narrower a narrower street on 19th. Um, and I think internal configuration, just width and geometry of the site, that was a better option, leaving a dedicated residential building on the south side, a gap for surface uh activation, the
pool, and some of the outdoor amenities. And I don't want to say tucked in the corner, but pushing it to to one side was the idea. Um, our traffic engineer, he may have a more technical answer why that spot was a quicker in andout for most vehicles, but that was the idea was to really allow this activation along
the eastern side of the project and not have the vehicular interference there. Put the vehicular interference on the west. >> Okay. >> All right. That's all for me. >> Thank you, Mr. Bob. Moving to um
co-chair Mr. McDerm >> comment sir. >> Yes. Um just one question. Where are you um in relation to the railroad uh deal? I know you said you were dealing with them. Where are you in that process? >> We we have not started to engage with
them. Uh this was a profer we've put together over the past I would say two to three weeks since the last hearing to make sure the civil design actually fit within the roadway. But we have not gone to the rail yet. >> Um because I can tell you I travel that road and in the mornings it's a
nightmare. Um it'll be quadruple a nightmare with 1,800 units there. So um so basically we have several items that are pending um dependent upon
uh because if the railroad says no then what do you do? We extend the 180 ft east of the tracks. So double well quadruple the existing right turn Q length. >> Yeah. But the problem is you only have one lane westward to the tracks.
>> Correct. >> So that's where the lo roadblock is going to be which it is already. >> Right. We we recognize that the traffic is backed up. We believe adding you know 20 cars of Q length will help de put a dent in that backlog. Um, and again,
we're really talking about that a like you said, that AM peak hour um time period. Uh, we do believe that adding that Q length is very helpful. Uh, and if we can get both, it'll be incredibly helpful. >> Yeah. And and I think going westward
from Biscane Boulevard, if you're there in the afternoon, you'll see there's a roadblock there, too. So you probably need to deal with that piece east of the track. Um >> which is state road. >> Yeah. >> Would be the department of transportation.
>> Yeah. >> Would get involved in that I believe too >> on the Biscane. Well to touch >> the Biscane side. >> Yeah. >> They're pretty good about adding just a turn lane. Um it was brought to my attention the roadway is actually North Miami Beach of the tracks that they would be supportive. I don't need to take anybody. Not take it's not the
right word. We don't need permission from any of the abuing neighbors to expand um the to to add the lane uh east of the tracks. West of the tracks, we have to take it from our side. It would be great if we could take it from the north side. I believe the cement plant
um has not dedicated. So, they stick out a little further than the rest of the property on that side. If and when they ever sell or redevelop, then there's even further room to add a lane on the north side westbound uh west of the tracks. But you you understand that our
position is that we are solely responsible for the end product having um resolve the traffic problem in order to pro to permit this project to to
continue. Um, so whether North Miami Beach gives you uh their blessings on it, the buck stops with us as far as a responsibility and people complaining about the traffic
going in and out of that that road. So just something that you know that's why we are asking for some solution and a resolve on this on this matter. Um and so you've >> so so you know
>> so council um we obviously have two items that are whatifs dealing with the railroad and dealing with the cell tower. So how do we not impede their progress?
Um at the same time you know to try and make sure that things are good with the sales tower and that things are good with the railroad. the street. >> Well, it seems to me that these are actually staff issues to review as part
of their ongoing review of the project as it goes through the approval process. Um whether it's before city council approval or before the issuance of building permit, these are things that staff will address. Well, then >> they're certainly on notice of of the
issue and they're the ones that are most qualified to deal with it from the city's perspective. >> Yeah. I mean, it's a beautiful project, but >> yeah, we >> there may be some impediments moving forward. >> I think as it relates to the cell tower, that's a private party arrangement. It's a private arrangement between neighbors.
Um, I think this board always has the right to caution and recommend working with neighbors. Um, but I don't believe, you know, from a zoning and planning perspective, the project meets its substantial competent evidence for you all to approve it. Uh, we will continue to work with our neighbor as we did before this hearing. I think you heard
we have a very good working relationship with the cell tower neighbor and we'll continue to to resolve that. From a traffic perspective, again, I think we're profering something that wouldn't otherwise happen. we're able to expand the Q- length of an already bad roadway and make a significant improvement to
it, almost doubling the current stacking. Um, so we believe that does put a dent on the queue length and the stall times at that intersection. So we think it's a net positive, a net improvement addressing the existing conditions. >> Well, well, let me ask Steph if you if
you mind. um you you see what we're we're handing back to you as far as what staff needs to look at in general. Um so I guess my question is is it doable?
I mean we can we can we can allow you know give them this cup tonight but you know is staff got enough to work in order to solve solve this problem of of the traffic.
>> So so part of our responsibility will be um you know issuing the cup doesn't give you a building permit. You still have to meet your concurrency. So whether that's ensuring that you have adequate water, adequate sewer, that the traffic um meets the concurrency standards, um you
know, all of that will come into play. Um so that we will have to review uh you know, all of those uh different facets of of the project and if they don't meet it, then they won't be issued a building permit. >> Okay. Thank you for that clarification,
>> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. So instead of making any additional conditions of approval, maybe as part of your recommendation, you just recommend that staff continue to monitor those issues as part of the approval process,
which gives everybody the most flexibility. >> Okay. Um, Mr. McDermade, anything else? Oh, >> no. I I think it's a beautiful project and I want to just make sure that we approve this with a language that takes everything into consideration.
>> Right. Mr. H, you have the floor, sir. >> Okay, sir. Thank you. Number of things. You know, uh, my colleagues brought up 146th Street. Looks like hell. Plain English.
You're putting a beautiful supposedly a beautiful project into an industrial area. The traffic is going to be horrendous on 146 street. It is right now, especially when you go eastbound and it's a very expensive project
when the railroads get involved with it and you want to expand those lanes. We know that. I've seen that happen on 16th Avenue. So, that that that that is a big concern. But you're saying that you're going to pay west of the tracks all the way over to 18th Avenue.
>> Can I talk to your mic? Do >> I have it right >> to 19th the our eastern property line? That's correct. >> In other words, yeah. From your eastern property line to northeast 18th Avenue, the next intersection. That's what you you're going to make that into two lanes. Going westbound, is it? >> No, eastbound.
>> Eastbound towards the track. >> Okay. How about going westbound? >> Westbound. We have two dedicated turn lanes. So if you're going from Biscane westbound, there's a continuous lane of traffic and then there's two turnins. 50 foot Q length to turn into 19th and then
another turn lane to turn into our garage. >> So if you're going westbound, what I'm concerned about was like the Mr. Ferry, he's been here since the 70s, I believe, if I'm not mistaken. >> Was it I remember when you moved in there that was in the police department then and um All right, that's that's one
issue that we're going to have to deal with. But what do what what's the ultimate plans with the east partial that you have over there? Do you have any idea what you're going to do with that building? >> The east side where the car museum is the kid center. Yeah. So that's going to be a threephase development. Uh three
eight I think it's eight story buildings and about 1,200 units, a couple thousand square feet of commercial activation and robust amenity space. >> And let me let me ask you about the breakdown. You know, I I remember when one of the one of the first developments
went in there back in in the 70s, and it was a nice project in the 70s, but today it's really kind of beat. I'm looking at this project, and I see 150. Was it 150 studios? >> I don't have it off memory.
>> Yeah, that's correct. 211bedrooms, 166 twobedrooms, 59 threebedrooms, and 14 town houses. What's the square footage on the town houses? >> Bedrooms. How many bedrooms? How many? >> 2,000. A little under 2,000 ft.
>> A little under 2,000. Okay. And you said it's going to be enclosed parking. >> Yeah. >> Is that one or two cars? >> Single space within the building. And then we have on-site parking for that as well. >> So, you're going to have the park uh the parking garage uh built into the house,
>> correct? >> Okay. So, that's one per unit. And then you're going to have the parking lot in front. >> Additional parking space. >> All right. >> That's going to be like you say about 2,000 square feet, >> a little under. Yep. >> Okay.
What I don't want to see is a bunch of town houses put up that are very small, shabby looking and I I go up to Aventur and I and I see on the west side the tracks, beautiful town houses up there. Is this project going to be along that same line?
>> I don't know what you're referring >> when I say I want to I I I don't want to see, you know, we go to North Miami and say, "Ah, this is North Miami. we can build whatever the hell we want to build. Well, no, we can't anymore. Those days are over, >> right? >> And I want to see a nice, gorgeous
project out there. Something that in 40 years I would be proud to live in. >> I I agree. >> That that's that's where I'm coming from. I started in the city in 1970. I patrol that area. I was the chief of police here at one time. And and and I
look at some of these projects that went up in the 70s and in the 80s, they look like hell today. And I'm going to make sure as long as I'm sitting up here that when you come to this city, you build a quality project. I don't care if it's for affordable housing, market rate, or
what have you. I want people to be proud of where they're living. Okay? I don't want to see I was up in Chicago for six years. I don't want to see Kabini Greens or when I grew up in New York, the New York City Housing Authority. And I know Giza doesn't build like that, but I just want to make sure that we're on the same
wavelength. That's why I asked you how many square feet you have in there. You you read my mind. This this developer has a strong track record of very high quality design. >> Okay. Twocar garage. Let me see. Okay. Now, these are all going to be rentals. There's no >> This is rental.
>> We're not We're not looking in the future to purchase or anything like that. >> The option is always there if there's a need to convert to condo or want, but this is a rental product. It's designed as a rental product. >> I I look across the street and I see a gorgeous project going up over there with the uh in North Miami Beach.
Beautiful. Is this building going to be along those type of lines where it's going to be a classy looking building? >> Yeah. I mean, as you saw in the rendering, I could put it back up. There's tremendous glazing. Uh, tons of light coming into the project. Very very robust amenity space. Huge amount of amenity space. So, I I believe in the
quality of the project. I think it's a very nice design. >> All right. The the other thing is uh where that tower is, are the people in the town houses going to be able to use the amenities over in the building? >> Yes. Yes. Okay. How would they get there? Were they going to have to walk
out on the street or how are they going to get to that partial? What are you going to do with that? >> The new sidewalks. So, we have uh 6ft sidewalks coming in protected by a swale before the street. Street trees uh to protect you from the elements from the sun that don't that doesn't exist today. So, it'll be a short walk, but it's a walk to go use the amenity program.
>> And what are we going to plan? I mean, that looks like hell. That where that tower is right now. I was up there yesterday looking at I said, "Oh my god, this looks like what what are we doing with that? >> How are we going to clean that up?" for we we got to do I mean and I I'll be honest with you. You're going to build a
beautiful town houses on one side. You're going to build this these towers on the other side and you're going to look at this crap in the middle. I'm not talking about the tower itself, but I'm just talking about the the grounds and everything. It's just it's it's terrible. >> I I can't speak for ownership of that property. he's here. But I'm hoping he
hears from you loud and clear about >> I hope so because I I was thinking of calling code enforcement and have him go up there and getting back to u where the tractor trailers are. Mr. Cyre brought that up and um they don't have a
permit to operate up there. >> Now who owns that? >> You guys rented that out to somebody. You sublet it? >> Yeah, we we are the landlord. We own the dirt. We rent we lease it to a company to do truck parking. Um, and they have not obtained their licenses and approvals.
>> I see a sign up there, $35 a day, and I said, "What the hell's going on up here on the >> That's uh that's something that's been made very clear to us. We need to resolve quickly." >> That way, code enforcement goes after that also or >> what have you. Okay. What kind of amenities are we having in in in this
new property? You're having a swimming pool and >> a swimming pool. Well, the the the highlight is on the upper level um facing east uh there's a sky lounge for the building, an open venue. Uh obviously a very large every building now has to have a very large gymnasium, a gym, a shared workspace. So we have a
lot of amenities inside the building. >> Okay, I think that's about what I have here. Let me just Okay. And um you guys are going to be cleaning up 20th Avenue. Uh I always get confused because on the property appraiser it shows 19th and
20th. Our east your east. Yeah. I I mean that's that's pretty that's in rough shape over and you have the then you have the uh building across the street from that. >> Yes. Yes. So it's our responsibility to maintain our swelles and uh that's something we >> you're going to be fixing that street up also. >> Yeah.
>> So so between house >> and the and the building you're going to be um widening that landscaping that. >> Correct. We have to put in all new sidewalks. the street will I don't want to say get rebuilt, but you know where it's where I'm coming from. We have to build all the way out from the townhouse
all the way to 146th. >> All righty. Well, I think you answered most of my questions and >> thank you. U regarding the truck parking, if I could uh just quickly touch on um do you anticipate um hearing
from Durm regarding the fact that trucks were parked on that property and the shape of the soil and the ground ground situation there because Durm will definitely want to have some say so as to whether or not it's environmentally
safe to do construction there or turn that dirt over. So, um, >> yes, that have have you been approached by them or, um, are they aware of the situation that trucks are parked there? >> When we inserted our insert's not the
right word, but when we've engaged with the tenants engineer, that's the current step they're at. They are in discussions with Durham about what type of paving, what type of drainage, the ground underneath. That's why you want the existing >> the existing soil. Yes. >> Samples and everything else. >> Yeah.
>> Right. Um, I have no other questions. Anybody else want to add anything? >> Good. >> Before I I move for a motion, >> Mr. Chairman. >> Yes, Mr. McDermy. >> Um, I'd like to um make a motion to approve the item. >> All right, sir.
>> But I'd like to make sure I have the language correct. um taking in what we talked about earlier. >> So, it's a motion for approval with a recommendation that staff uh continue to review the traffic uh pro
uh road improvement profer and the uh cell phone proximity cell phone tower proximity issue uh through the approval process. >> Okay, that would be my motion. All right, there's a motion on the floor. ask for
>> I'm sorry. >> Seconded by Miss. >> All right, we will go ahead and take a vote on that. >> Yes, I'd like a >> Okay. Chairman [clears throat] Ernst. >> Uh, yes. >> Vice Chair McDermade. >> Yes.
>> Commissioner each. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Ciphered. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Bob. >> Yes. and missing someone. >> BNA. I did say your name, didn't I?
>> No, I didn't hear. >> Ah, Commissioner BNA. Sorry. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> New form. >> Your name in here yet. I like I'm missing someone. [laughter] Thank you so much. The the motion passed. >> It goes. [laughter] You do exist.
>> Thank you all very much. It's great to see you all. Have a great night. >> Good luck. U Mr. Chair. >> Yes. >> Um I'd like to ask for a fivem minute recess. I need to consult with the commissioner before the next item. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Let me use the
>> five minute recess. We'll reconvene at 8 8:15. Yes. >> Well done everyone. six. Yes, everything is turn your mic off.
That's what I don't know what happened. It's a lot probably It's a lot of it. Okay. That's it. I don't think You want I will Are you ready?
Seriously. Especially whatever. Sorry. Yes. That's That's what you do with If we can go ahead and um start recording if we if we stopped, we're
good to go. >> All right. Um our meeting is now resuming. Um again, um we have sworn everybody in counselor for this next item which is
also um quasi judicial. Do we have anybody new that we have to swear in? >> Is there anyone here who's going to be speaking who has not been sworn in earlier this evening? Okay. >> And Mr. Chair, I I don't recall that we
did disclosures on the last item. Um um so I'm going to assume at this point that there was no need to make a disclosure. >> Yes, >> I I do. >> Okay. Um I was a uh >> No, no, no, >> no. I'll disclose >> on the prior item.
>> Prior item. >> Oh, no. We just talked about >> Okay, we'll call for disclosure. Uh >> any disclosure of contact with parties or with the public? >> Right. >> No. >> Okay. So, now on the next item, Mr. McDermid um has disclosure to make, but let's go
ahead and have the item read in first. >> Yeah. Let me read the item in first and then we'll ask for disclosure on that. Um everyone ready? Okay. This will be item PC17-124, resolution of the mayor and city council of the city of North Miami, Florida,
approving an application to modify the previously approved conditional use permit and substantially the attached form for the mixeduse development located at 1255 Northwest 135th Street and 1525 Northwest 135th Street totaling
27.67 67 acres and identify the for Miami date county folio numbers 06-2123-0000-180 and 06-21 23-0000-00 in accordance with article 3 division 4 sections 3-42 through 3-47
article 4 division 3 sections 4-304 and sections dash 3-306D in parentheses 6 of the city of North Miami code of ordinances chapter 29 entitled land development regulations providing for an effective date and for
all other purposes and before I ask for a staff report I'll go ahead and ask for a disclosure um I won't ask each one but if someone does need to um
rec be recognized to do a disclosure. Please go ahead. >> Um, yes. Um, I have a disclosure to make. Approximately going on two years ago. >> Yeah, it's on. >> Yeah. Approximately two years ago, um, I
was a consultant for the firm Redwood. >> Okay. So, Mr. McDermad and I have discussed this and it's a prior relationship that does not rise to the level of a conflict. So, he can participate in the item. Uh, and just
for the sake of everybody's benefit, I like to have these conversations about conflicts or potential conflicts that are not actual conflicts because of transparency. It's important that people are aware and don't complain later if I had known.
>> So, you do not have a Mr. McDerman. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, counselor. And the other it is whether there's any contact with any the applicant or the other kind of disclosure that we're talking about.
>> Right. Are there any? >> If anyone on the commission has had any contact with the parties that are here tonight um either for or against the project um um whether or not you were contacted or you have contacted them, please uh indicate
to the council hearing none. Okay, we can go ahead and move forward. Thank you, Mr. Held. Um, at this time I'd like to ask for staff report.
>> Commissioner and chairman, this is a request for a modification of a conditional use permit. So, this application was actually already approved for a cup. Um, that resolution number, just for reference, um, is
resolution 2024-R83. Um, the property contains two parcels, 1255 Northwest 135th Street and also 1525 Northwest uh 135th Street. Um, many of you know
this as uh the Cloud Pepper Park. Right now the proposal is for um a community facility, so sports, um recreational courts. Um and the applicant is actually requesting an
amendment to this item. If you look um if you can see on the screen here, the uh top sketch actually shows what was under the original CUP and the sketch at the bottom is what
they're currently proposing. Uh the the key change uh for this request is as you can see there was a pool um in that top right corner in the original proposal. If you look now to the new proposal, you you'll see that that pool has been
removed. Um, and we do have also you'll see on the top right corner of the new um sketch there. You'll see soccer fields there. So, the proposal is to remove the pool that was proposed under the original CUP for an amendment. This
would be the first amendment, amendment one, to replace those with the recreational soccer fields. uh the applicant is not proposing any other changes. We're not changing any of the findings or conditions. Um everything
else under the original application would remain as is and they would be uh adhering strictly to uh the LDR standards. There's no request to change any of those uh land development rags. >> Okay. Um, I'm a little confused on the
pictures because getting back to that one, what am I looking at at the top? >> Uh, so at the top, do you see that uh kind of teal blue? >> The teal blue color on that. >> Yes. >> The bottom right. Um, that was a pool
that was under the original proposal. And if you look down at the bottom one, which is what they're the new layout that's being proposed, you'll see there's no blue color there because that pool's been removed and replaced with fields. >> Yeah. But >> so those would be um recreational uh
soccer fields >> and and the baseball field. Is that a diamond? >> So So the proposal doesn't mention the the baseball fields. It only says doing away with the splash pool and the pool and putting on a soccer field. That's
where I'm confused because >> I I believe there was already not. If you look at the the top I think the soccer the um baseball was at the top and you see they kind of move they kind of flipped it. So they kind of switched
the location of it. There's already one above the pool. What they did is they pulled that down to the bottom and then pushed the soccer >> still. Does anyone >> Well, here's a picture of where it is.
>> But I don't understand, >> Mr. Chair. >> No. Yeah, I'm >> Maybe the applicant's presentation will help. >> Yes, you could please. Sure. Because we have a lot of questions about [laughter] uh what we're seeing and what what you're proposing. So if you could clean
that up, please go ahead and um introduce yourself. Uh the name and address. >> Uh good evening, Mr. Chair, members of the commission. Mickey Morero, off from Burk Howard, Fernandez, Larkin, and Tapinis. With me today is Max Daniels from Redwood. Here we are on behalf of Redwood. So just real quick,
[clears throat] and this is again as as as was discussed by by the new planning director. Um this is, you know, this project, you've all been aware of it. It's been three years in the making. pretty robust project. All sorts of approvals, CUP, site plan, RFP to start. So, we've been here quite a bit. This is
a very minor change. If you want to get that back up, I can explain. So, what you saw before, there was a large baseball field that had, it's hard to see from where you are because I can barely see it here, but there was a soccer field in the outfield. Really
like a multi-purpose soccer season. It's it's lined up with the soccer. baseball season. It's it's it's not there's no soccer and it could be interchanged. That was a concern just because of the use of the fields and you know our team and speaking with the council member of the district felt that it would be
better to expand and I guess as I'm wearing my soccer tie and I'm getting ready for the US soccer game in about an hour. There's a lot of soccer going on down around here right now. The World Cup has taken over our city. So there's been a desire to have more recreational fields. So at the direction of what
we're hearing from the stakeholders, uh, Redwoods, again, the project included not just our development parcel, but the park as part of the CUP. So any change to the park runs with our CUP. So we in those meetings with the stakeholders and with the council member, we were asked if we could remove this the pool, have
more robust recreational fields, and that's what you see there. You see one of the baseball fields is shifted down and then it's ri and on top you have a standalone soccer field that could be used for football. It's obviously more multi-purpose but we expect to primarily
be used for soccer. Um [music] and there will be a splash pad. So there will be a water amenity as well. >> Okay. That was that was I'm glad you brought that up because >> I was going to I was going to bring it up. >> Sure. Uh um now that we're discussing
it, um I did not want to see that go >> because the splash pad is hugely popular. Uh when Bree put one in in my neighborhood, it's just it it has
drawn so many people there. Uh we run out of parking spaces for people on the weekend, but that's fine because it's drawn so many people from the community and and the kids love it. They can walk to it from their house, but people from other parts of North Miami are driving
there because that's the only one we have. Putting this one on the west side is going to alleviate that. >> There'll be at least two. So yeah, the splash pad remains and there will be a splash pad. That that's just, you know, the change we're making and meeting with staff. We weren't even sure if this had to come back because it wasn't our development parcel, but since this was
part of the cup for the whole site, we had to come back. Also, there is one other change that was part of our request. Not a change. Again, we're not changing any height, density, any of those things, but uh when we first got the project approved, we didn't get into the permitting and the financing and in our meeting with staff when we discussed
this change. The project is going to be built. Obviously, it's a very large complex project with multiple components. it is going to be built in phases and that's that has to be contemplated in the cup as well. So there will be three phases um and and the approval that our request also uh
allows asks you to approve the project being built in three phases that became critical because of our financing um and just as a matter of an update because the project is well underway. It's already been approved for some time. We're well into permitting. We're almost done with platting. Uh the T plat's been
done. We're getting into the final plat now. Um the permitting is well underway. We expect the first set of permits for those first two buildings and components of the park to be approved you say by end of July hopefully and construction will start on that first phase uh we
believe around September October. So this project has been an idea has been a concept for a long time. It's about to become a reality and we're very excited about that. But again the project uh most of it has been fully approved. We're only here on those two changes. uh the the pool replaced with more
recreational space and again keeping the splash pad and up for you all to recommend approval of allowing the project to be built in phases which we didn't know two years ago but we now know is critical for the financing of the project >> and the one that you're asking for the
approval on the uh change is that in phase one >> yeah the the well components of the park will be in phase one and then phase two as Well, it'll be built in both phases, but I think ultimately that pool will be probably phase two, right? Yeah, the
pool will be but it's we just need the thing approved to get to get our because it's there are parts of the of phase one that are affected because there are parts of the park in that in that phase. >> All right. Um, if you have nothing else to add, let me open up the public
hearing for the record. And, uh, public hearing is now open. Anyone wishing to speak on this project, please come forward either for or against. Seeing none, I'm going ahead go ahead and clear the close the public hearing.
Public hearing is now closed and um since there is no rebuttal to the public um we'll continue with some lines of questioning here. Um my you you've satisfied my my biggest
concern. Um and that was the splash pad um construction. Um so Mr. Mr. Reed, you were last. You're up first this time. >> I I I remember when this project was put together and I'm a little bit confused
here. I I really am with this thing. I'm sorry to give you a hard time, but I just I'm looking at Thank you. I I'm looking at the U conditional use uh permit for Redwood CP Developers LLC uh amendment one and you
go down a few paragraphs. Whereas the approval of the CUP also includes the redevelopment of Claude Pepper Park consisting of the expansion of Joe Celeststein Center with classrooms, a computer lab, a kitchen, a gym, event terraces, banquet hallroom,
concessions building, amphitheater. Then you go into community pool with splash area, multi-purpose field, a baseball field, tennis, basketball, paddle ball,
paddle court, and exercise trail. Now, why why are we I I don't quite understand why are we taking the pool out and making it into a soccer field? And I look at a couple of things. I mean, do we have a pool on the west side or this development was supposed to have
a pool? I thought this was one of the attractions of it. And like I said, I'm not trying to give you I'm just trying to fathom. Why would we want to take the pool out and put a soccer field in there when you have a multi-purpose field? Why Why can't we
use that multi-purpose field as a soccer field and leave the pool in? I mean, I think the kids in the the people in that air uh that are going to be living in those towers, they're going to enjoy the pool. or are those towers going to have separate amenities? Are they going to
have separate pools? I I I don't know the answer to that, but I want to make sure that >> uh we're not giving something away because the way it looked to me, Charlie, I'll be honest with you. We're going to take the pool out because it's damn expensive and put in a soccer field because it's a heck of a lot cheaper.
And that's not I might give you a hard time, sir, but when I remember when this development was given to Redwood, >> this was the idea of it. Hey, we're going to have all of these glamorous things. People are going to have a nice thing. And all of a sudden, I see the pool going out.
>> Boom. Out the door. And I'm saying this just doesn't jive. And then when I when I'm reading the reasoning, you know, when we looking at this, we say that people like this. Okay. And and I would assume that you're talking about the residents who are going to move into
Redwood. I'm saying to myself, okay, there's senior living over there. How many seniors play soccer? you know, really how how many seniors go out there and play soccer? I I just didn't jive with me. So, if you can please that up for me, Adam. >> Yeah. So, the residential buildings will have pools as well.
>> They're going to have what? >> The residential buildings will have pools. So, there there will be other This is just the park. The residential buildings will have access to pools on the development side. So, they would presumably be using those. That includes the the senior building as well. They would have access to other >> Okay. They're going to have their own
amenities. >> And it's and I will tell you the we're we're happy to do a pool. um that request did not come from us. It's it's not a costing. It's factually delaying us and costing us a little bit of effort in getting it done. Um so we're not we're sort of agnostic as to the pool or
or the soccer fields. It it came from uh request of the council member of the district and in in discussions with some stakeholders to make that change. We we we would be fine to do a pool. We would be fine to do soccer fields. the park for us is, you know, the RFP was uh, you know, we're going to give Redwood the
ability to develop this this vacant parcel and the give back is how are you going to fix the park? So, we're taking on the cost and the effort of of renovating that park, but it's at the city's at the city's requests. So, that really didn't come from our development team. >> Why doesn't that say that in the uh
proposal? That came at the city's request. >> Yeah. >> I mean, speak Why doesn't it say that in the proposal that it came from the city's request? I mean I >> it's it's just it's part of our since the project was approved collectively on both parcels it it it has to be come
from us because it's our CUP but >> but it's it's certainly not a cost-saving measure or anything like that we would be fine >> that's not not from our perspective no >> okay >> you were Redwood you were going to say something >> no I just I agree
>> it's not a cost sh or it is a cost savings >> please please come up >> Max Daniels once 6395 Biscane Boulevard. I was just going to agree with Mr. Morero that it is not a cost-saving mechanism. It we had always contemplated doing the pool and at the uh advice and
discretion of council members and other stakeholders, we were advised that they no longer wanted a pool because there was quite a large aquatic center that is actually being built uh very close to Claude Pepper Park. >> There's going to be an aquatic center built. >> Yes. Yes. >> The county or the city?
>> Who? It's in the city of North Miami. >> Uh >> yes. >> Yes. >> Um I just >> wondered whether or not they were talking pool. >> Yes. >> Sass pool.
>> There's going to be Sasso pool. >> Sasso pool. We have >> We have a pool over there. >> But it sounds like are they going to >> So is there going to be another pool or what? >> Not that I'm aware of. So they're relying on Sasso Pool to
provide the pool facility for the west side basically is what they're they're looking at. And obviously the judgment of the council member was that that person would rather see the soccer field than
another pool added to the west side. I I I'm surmising that's the recent staff. Can you enlighten us a little bit more with what you might have heard from staff because >> um I don't know if this was brought up in a council meeting. I was unaware of
any item like that. This is the first we've heard that they wanted that there was a change in mind >> as to this plan >> and not from the developer but from from the council >> and this does ultimately have to go back to to the council after this.
>> Yeah. >> But why wasn't it brought up by the council prior to us coming? I mean it I mean >> that's the district council to our to Mr. Yeah. to M Mr. Held. Obviously, there's some conflict here
between um what we are given as information and what a single council member has decided should be changed in a cup that was already mapped out. Um
that's a problem for me. Uh, I don't know where this stands legally that a council member can just on his own decide that a a plan was already submitted. Um, and yes,
>> you want to try? >> So, I believe the discussion was it occurred at a public meeting at a council meeting. It wasn't just it was consensus of the council. Um at at that time staff was asked as to what the
direction would be as far as effectuating that change and this was one of the steps was an amendment to the cup. So that's how we got here >> thrown to us >> and Mr. Chair it at this point the application is before
you. You can make a recommendation. It goes to the city council after this. Yes. So it goes to city council. they will make the ultimate decision. But if you have a contrary opinion stated in your recommendation, >> well, um, if we flat out deny it, that
would be our recommendation that it's denied, >> right? >> Correct. >> Well, yes, >> because, um, >> even a denial would still go to the council for decision, >> right? >> It's a rec it's >> Well, they threw it on our lap. I'll be glad to throw it back on their lap. That's a denial as far as I'm concerned.
Let's hear from other panel members. Mr. Eidge, you stated, >> "Yeah, I I just don't understand when you when the councilman said for that district, did he have a pro You said Jennifer, you said he had a public meeting. This was at a public meeting." >> This was at a city council meeting.
>> Oh, this was at the city council meeting. And he brought up at the city council meeting, >> correct? And he did um obtain consensus of the city. There was a consensus of the city council. It wasn't just one councilman. it it was um he brought up the topic, but the majority of the city
council um did vote in favor of the change in concept. Um and at that same meeting um city staff Debbie Love at that time, CPND director um gave the direction and guidance as to how to
effectuate that change. And so this was one step of that process, which is the amendment to the CUP. >> So we we have to be involved. I mean they they why don't they just change it themselves? What what go ahead Mike? I'm sorry. >> Well, there's an adopted process for by
via the city code that requires planning commission review council. Um can we invite we have a city councilman back there. Can we invite him to come up? >> Let me consult with the deputy city attorney on the appropriateness. Well,
it's not going to be an appeal. >> I don't understand what the So, Yeah, this is well >> um so we are okay. So just so you know if there was an appeal right to the city
council, it would be inappropriate for right >> a council member to appear because then you would be making a record and city council would be making decision based upon that record. Since this is a one step in a multi-step process, we are okay with the commissioner, the
councilman appearing before you and having a discussion with you on the item. >> Whether he's for it or against, if we don't, >> what whatever. >> I'm sorry. If he desire, if he so desire, >> it's up to him. >> No, it's up to that person. >> Send an invitation. He can accept. I I
don't mean in but you know if this has already been approved by the council then we we're just rubber stamping it and the heck would it >> it's going to be approved anyway. It's an exercise in futility. >> Has it been approved? >> Huh? I mean, you know, if they're, you know, I mean, I didn't know about this
thing with the city council that they already had a public discussion on it and they're the ones that changed it and this is in district four and >> Well, but but the problem I have is that we approved it originally with this plan
>> with the pool and then >> the council come up. I don't know if Well, let let's get this one issue ironed out before we we do that. >> And what you approved is still what's what's approved, right? Because that's
the only approval that currently stands. Any any change if I was coming to you and asking you to [music] get taller buildings or more units, I would have to go through the same process. And that frankly happens all the time with with these type of approvals. >> This is just a different type of change. >> Right now, we're trying to iron out our
differences with staff. more so than with your uh project. >> And um I I feel like um um we've kind of been railroaded into this
decision if it's already been >> it's already done. You know, I think they were out of water with >> making I mean, Madam Attorney, >> for them them to come up with something
that they've they've already decided on to send to us. >> They haven't decided on this. They will not be deciding on this until after it goes through the planning commission phase. >> Okay? and you'll be look what what we're
looking at is entirely different than the consensus of the mayor and council. Right? So the mayor and council had a discussion um they had a different vision for the project. They asked staff how would we affectuate that change. >> Okay? >> They were given that guidance.
>> So we're now at the first step of that change which is the amendment to the CUP. So, this is the first time that that it comes before a land use public hearing, before the experts in land use and zoning to see whether it's feasible,
how it how it looks to you and and what guidance you can give the mayor and council in effectuating that change. I I wouldn't frame it as as a rubber stamp. Um, and I wouldn't I I don't think that that's what the mayor and council feel about this board. I think they're
kicking it to you. Um they they've kind of had a big picture of a vision and this is just one step in the process of of making that vision happen. >> Okay. Um >> obviously they was maybe they had some constituency input into that.
>> Correct. And I think that's part of the input they want. They want to hear from the experts as to how to refine that plan. And so if there's conditions that you want to place on it or guidance that you want to give them as part of your recommendation, I'm sure they're happy to hear that. That that's your role as
an advisory to the board to the to the mayor and city council. >> Thank you for clarification. >> Thank you. Mike, >> do you want to >> any further comments that you'd like? >> Uh well, I just want to make sure because I know there may be a little bit
confusion about it, Mr. Daniel. Um the there still will be a pool for the senior building. Correct. >> There is not a pool contemplated for the first building or the second building, but likely the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth buildings
down the line will have pools as they could be market rate or workforce housing projects that you know just haven't currently been drawn up or contemplated. >> Okay. >> Mr. Cipher, your neighborhood, sir. Yes, thank you
very much, Mr. Chairman. Um, several thoughts on this. I have absolutely no objection to this revised plan. I was concerned that the splash pad was going to be eliminated. I'm pleased to see we're keeping it. Climate change is
real. I speak as a Democrat, not a Republican. And it's only going to get hotter in the coming years. A splash pad is extremely important healthwise. as to dropping the pool and putting in a soccer field. Soccer is the growing
sport. I think that that is a wise decision going forward. As to the addition or dropping of an extra swimming pool, let's remember the west side has the only swimming pool in the entire city,
the Tom Sasso pool. It's currently, in my humble opinion, underfunded on maintenance and utility with restricted hours because the city can't quite afford to beef it up and maintain it the way they'd like to. Two
swimming pools on the west side would be ungodly burdensome in the coming decade. We don't need two swimming pools. There are other things that we need to focus on. If you were to ask me, I would say the Sunsits Grove Community Center needs
a serious rebuild. The building is is behind on maintenance and it needs a second story and a complete rethinking of how that community center should function. If we look at the Sasso pool, it needs to be
funded. Uh it's long past the buildout stage. We need to repair it and put more money in. so it can operate on a year- round basis, something it cannot currently do. To me, this these are minor changes. Dropping a swimming pool and opting for
soccer is better. We can't afford a true Olympic training facility. So, let's take the Sasso pool and get it upgraded over the next 5 years and put our focus on soccer as a growing sport. as to the rest of the plan that these are really
minor changes and I have absolutely no objection to what's being proposed. I support this uh as presented. I'm glad to see the splash pool is in there. I think that's really important for the youth. Uh that'll be a good facility for
parents and younger children. The other improvements to the community center that's out there at Pepper Park, those are still in the plan. They're still intended to be done and developed. The these are minor changes that the council has changed because of a different
vision and I support the vision. I have no objection and I would urge the planning commission to support this. >> Thank you, Mr. Ziframe. Miss Penamy. >> Yes. Um so I just have one question. Um I'm in I'm in favor of you know the
modifications. However, you mentioned that you guys were um close to receiving your building permits and looking to break ground soon for buildings one and two. However, if my memory serves me correctly, I thought you guys were
supposed to start on the park improvements first. >> I think there there the park improvements will be starting as well as part of that permit. I think there's some of the park included in that permit, right? >> They're separate permits. >> Okay. But Right. So there is it's not
that the park is going to be done at the end of everything. It's just the way things are moving. You know, that permit may be issued sooner. The other permit's also in and there have been some environmental I I I he knows more about the details than I do, but I think Durham had some environmental questions on the park that's delayed that. So, we're working through that and it's
certainly we want to get started with that as soon as possible. It will not be at the end, but we're just relying on Durm right now. And as you know, Durm sometimes, you know, works a little slower than we would like, but there is a permit in already for for the park. We hope it's issued soon. We're just relying on Durham right now to get back to us on some environmental stuff.
>> Understood. I just wanted to make sure that part was >> the park is is absolutely the priority. >> Mr. Bob. >> So, uh I guess my only question is the way that the resolution is written. I guess this is the proposed
uh resolution where it says the Hold on. I just had it. The replacement of Hold on. I just had it. >> I know what you're talking about. I saw it, too. >> To replace the community pool and splash
area with recreational soccer fields. I had it. Yeah, there there was something wrong. >> Yeah, there's a there's a line um in one of the warehouse class. Yeah. Okay. >> So, >> is that going to be re rewritten? Sorry.
To >> include the splash pad like that. It's going to remain. >> Yeah, we on the record the splash pad will remain. So, if there was something wrong with the resolution, yeah, we would request that that >> resolution does need to be modified because our plan keep the splash pad. So if there's an issue with the resolution,
yeah, we we would ask that >> four of seven. It does say the app is requesting a modification to previously approved CUP replacing the community pool and splash area with recreational soccer fields. So we need to clean that language. >> I apologize if there was a mistake, but yes, on the record, I will tell you that
there's a lot of Yeah, >> that red flag went up. Sure. To >> I was looking through it. I I saw it was kind of like a catchall. So >> thank you for bringing that to our attention. We'll make sure that it is amended before city council takes a look at it. >> Okay.
>> All right. I'm sorry. >> You said you they're leaving the splash pool. >> Yeah, because the way that it we're leaving the splash pool, we're taking the swimming pool out. Clarify because the way that it's written, it's replaced the community pool and splash area with recreational soccer field. >> Okay.
>> But if we're keeping that and we kind of we got to reward that different page. Um, yeah, beyond that, um, I'm I'm in agreement for the soccer field. I mean, soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Um, America is catching on to
that finally. >> Um, all it took was hosting a World Cup. >> I'm a big soccer guy. I've had a very fun week, >> but uh, better late than never. So, um, I'm I'm in favor of this. >> Okay. Um, sir, I want to just ask
Jennifer one question if I may. >> Yes. Mr. Reach, do you have a question to >> Jennifer? You said there was an aquatic center I picked up on. I Where is that going to be and what's happening with that? And if any funding for what we >> I I don't recall mentioning that. >> Did somebody mention an aquatic center?
>> No, the gentleman had mentioned >> I mentioned that. That was in reference to the Thomas Casso pool. So are we funding that or is any how are we refer Kevin >> the staff has not indicated or or
something that's this is something that I would like maybe we could throw out the staff to sta our planning commission is recommending along with this approval or separately however we want to do this
>> that there's a desperate need >> for an upgrade to the for the Sasso pool to be upgraded and and brought up to a functional facility that it currently obviously is is limited to what it can provide. I
don't know how we can wiggle that into what we're asking, but >> but since we're sacrificing a the pool that the commission wants to do, I'd like to throw it right back into their lap and say, "Well, let's fix Sasso
pool." um as a part of the condition of of us moving this forward to you for approval of the cup. Can that be done? >> You know, on the other >> legally >> I think that can be incorporated as part
of your recommendations to the city council. >> Yeah. On the other things you said the first three there's how many buildings are going up? I forget now all together. >> I'm sorry. Can you repeat that? How many buildings did you say were going up alto together >> in October? One building is coming out of the ground, the elderly building, 203
units, 13 stories. And then about 60 to 90 days thereafter, the second building will come out of the ground and that's 255 units. And that's a family building. >> The first three buildings won't have a pool. >> The first two will not. >> The first two, >> the third will have one. Correct. >> So people that live in the other two
buildings use that pool in the third building? >> Likely. Yes. >> Yeah, >> they can. I don't see why not. >> Well, I mean, [sighs] you know, I'm sorry. I I You know what? I I I don't I I agree. You want the soccer
field. You want the splash pool. Kevin, you brought up a good point about Sasso pool over there. The whole idea behind this was to give not only the residents that are living there a pool, but also the people that live in district one a pool. Now, we're taking that pool away
and we're going to make it into a soccer field. Okay, fine. I think there should be some kind of pull put up for the first building on the roof or what have you. I mean, I just don't this was not the original concept of the plan. I mean, I know we
have the right to change it, but if you're going to do the aquatic center, then there should be some something in there. I don't see people walking from where the heck is Sasso pool. I forgetting 125th. >> Yeah, it's >> okay. And so, this is on 135th. I don't see people walking 10 blocks from there
down to have to drive. >> Yeah. I I mean uh there should be something in this what we're saying here for for that building that's going up now or for the first two buildings. You said the first two without the third building's going to have it. So there
should be something in here. I I recommend that we have some kind of a small pool for them. I mean if you said no skin off of your nose, I would put that in. You don't want to want to approve this fine. I don't have a problem with it providing we do improve Sasso pool and we we put some kind of a
swimming facility in for Tower one and Tower 2. That that's my suggestion because I think we're just deviating from the whole concept. You know, if the councilman wants uh to do away with and do a soccer, great. I'm all for it. That's their district. But I just think >> All right. >> I could certainly accept the
recommendation in the tower. >> You're right. Senior citizens don't necessarily need but the family building >> microphone Kevin. >> Yeah, I think so. [music] >> Repeat. Repeat again. I'm sorry. >> All right. Sorry. I thought the green
light was on. I missed that. Uh again, I I would have no problem with a recommendation that tower 2 develop a swimming pool for the family building. Uh senior citizens would have less of a need for a swimming pool, but uh well,
less just less. I didn't say won't just a little less >> pool would be more important to the family building and that would be a recommendation to put a pool in the family building or put a pool that could be shared by both building one and building two. I have no problem with
that recommendation, but I I definitely concur with taking the swimming pool out of the field area on the >> You don't swim >> east half of Pepper Park. Mr. Chairman.
>> Yes. Mr. >> Um, you know, Mr. McDermott, do you have a form? >> Um, I'm in favor of the of the mo of the motion of the resolution. >> Um, I I I would like to make a motion to approve, but I don't know. We, you know,
we've asked asked the developer to do a lot of stuff, and we don't even know whether he's really willing to do that. So, um, so can you do something like with a recommendation or what is your what is your >> um
>> Well, let's ask let's ask council. >> Thank you for asking, Mr. M. [laughter] >> So, um, my reaction to the idea of adding a pool to either building one or two is that the timing is impossible.
um because they are very close to building permit and you would have a substantial redesign of either one of those. >> Um so I don't know that adding additional pools is part of the uh equation.
Certainly making a recommendation on SASO um makes sense based upon what Commissioner Se said though I would object to your uh belief that senior citizens of which I am one
[snorts and laughter] >> you and me both. >> Yeah. But a recommendation that a a suitable replacement for the pool being removed be considered including you know making sure that Casso is fully funded.
>> Right. in. Yeah. Um >> so >> language-wise >> I would like to see that we include recommendation that a SASO pool get
needed repairs or um immediate attention to improve it to make it make it accessible as soon as possible. >> Yeah. But I but I I I think that we should do something for tower one and
two. I mean if possible well >> we could we could hear from council for the applicant to understand whether there is a possibility of adding the pool to one or two. >> All right. You have the floor sir. >> Sure. And and and again so we we have to speak to our principles as well but I
will tell you that Mr. Held is is not incorrect. You know this is very close to permanent. It's been through all the jurisdictions in the county. So to do a substantial redesign now, we're also on deadlines, you know, with our RFP requirements and our city requirements. But one thing that maybe is a little bit more palatable, and we'll talk about it
before, certainly before we come back to council, is making sure we have a program to integrate the pools that are going to be built for the other buildings, making sure that at least those pools have there's access for tower one and tower two residents that can use those pools because we may have four, five, six pools and it just may
make more sense to have them be shared. I I'm just speaking here without speaking to my full team, but that may be may maybe make a lot more sense than redesigning one and two that are almost ready to break ground, but we understand your concerns. We we're going to take that back and I think when when we come
back to council, we'll have, you know, a pretty solid response on how the pools will be used. I think that makes a little more sense. I I just I can't commit to you today that we maybe there's a way to do it. I just I can't commit to you today that we're going to be able to design [clears throat] these buildings. we'd be in default of all of our timelines. We really have to get
started. Um so, so but I think there's ways to make this work. There will be several pools built on the property and I think it makes more sense to have those shared with all the buildings, but that's just me thinking out loud. We will make sure we iron this out and have a response when we come back to council.
>> Okay. Um, we have a from you have any additional comments on this? >> No, nothing additional for me. All >> right, Mr. Bob, any additional comments? Again, um, Mr. McDermade. Um,
if you're contemplating making a motion, before you do, I u I want to make sure that at least we get a message to not attached to if we should move this to council with approval that they are
aware that we are adamant about wanting to get sass of pool fixed, upgraded, and be used. At least there's some facilities over on that west side that people can use as soon as possible and
and do what they can to make that functional while this project moves forward. U so whatever language that takes can that be presented. >> Mike, are you clear with that? >> Well, I'm [clears throat] looking at
council here how to word that. >> Okay. Well, um, >> since he has written down, >> we're going to make the motion with a recommendation that Sasso, um, Thomas Sasso Aquatic Center, because actually it's an aquatic center, um, be updated
and upgraded to the point where >> where it's we're recommending that it be upgraded in conjunction with this >> and and is it functioning now? I want to know because >> that Kevin brought up >> I I'm I'm seeing a nodding. I'm going by
the nod. Yes. >> Okay, >> Mr. Chair, but I think we should not uh forget the recommendation of council. >> I understand. >> Um access to pools and for building residents of buildings one and two also be explored in the other buildings that
have pools. >> Exactly. Exactly. Otherwise, you're back to square one, >> right? Yeah. So, so we're putting that in >> to to the recommendations. >> I mean, who the hell is going to work from 135th down on >> But at the same time, I >> So, council, >> I I want to be
>> recommendations with approval. Correct. residing. >> And those would be that the um that the that the Sasso >> pool be um looked at to be um renovated
>> or upgraded >> or upgraded and that u also consideration for a pool uh to service tower 1 and two. Well, for a access for residents of
buildings one and two to the pools in the other buildings. >> In the other buildings >> or Yeah. [music] >> Right. I have that. >> All right. Okay. >> Could I have a point of clarification? >> Yes. >> Um, in terms of the Sasso pool, is the expectation that the developer would
upgrade that or is that just a general? That's a general >> okay general request being sent in conjunction with >> us approving this. >> Yes, sir. >> So I seem to gather from Mr. Each's
expression. >> Well, there's there's funding coming in from the county and coming in from the the city, I believe, on this project from the CRA and stuff. Am I correct in that? >> Yes. So I mean if we're given some money out there then
people that are going to be living in a unit one and one and two they should be entitled to have a swimming pool too. >> So just adding as part of the second recommendation clarification >> that it's not only access to the other pools but to look at whether adding a
pool to buildings one and two is feasible. >> Yeah, exactly that. There you go. I I mean I >> you know I'm sorry. >> I think that's part of the motion already. Yeah. >> Yeah, that's already part of the motion. >> Part of the motion. >> We we got that clarified. >> It's all the record. >> All right.
>> Coming in on film. >> Okay. Go ahead and make your motion, sir. >> And I just want to be clear. I know we've talked a lot about the pool and and [laughter] all that, but there also is a phasing. I just want to make sure that's part of our approval. I don't think anybody the sex the unsexy part about the request is that we phase the project, but just want to make sure
that's included as well. Well, the reason councelor that we said one and two because we know the process is already underway for one, >> right? >> So, we don't want to slow down the process. So, that's why we put it one and two. >> Understood. Thank you. >> Okay.
>> All right. Okay. Mr. McDermade, are you ready to >> Yeah, that's my motion. [laughter] >> Okay. I won't um >> I'll second the motion. >> All right. The the motion that was presented and discussed uh was
moved by Mr. McDermott, seconded by Mr. Ciphered. I will do a >> voice. Yes. >> Vice Chair McDermade. >> Yes. >> Commissioner each. >> Yes.
>> Commissioner Cyreed. [music] >> Yes. >> Commissioner Bob. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Bian. >> Yes. The motion passes unanimously. >> Very good. All right. Thank you for all the recommendations. I need to work all this out. [laughter]
>> Have a great evening. And USA soccer plays in 45 minutes. So y'all [laughter] enjoy that. >> Where are they playing? >> You know, I I I hope you guys understand what we're trying to do. >> Absolutely. This is you know what we're here for. >> You throw up a building without a pool, without any amenities, it's not fair to
those people, especially when you're getting CRA funding from the county. And I mean, uh, you want to you want to you, if the councilman knows that he doesn't want to pull over there, but he wants a soccer field, and that's the consensus, so be it. But let these people have something.
>> To answer Mr. N's question, the USA plays Turkey tonight. We've already won the group, so it's kind of an inconsequential game, but >> you get points. >> Still a World Cup and I'm very excited because I'm a big soccer fan, >> but we need the points. >> Anyway, y'all have a great night. >> Take care. Good night. >> Hold on. >> Good night. Thank you. Um, moving along
to the committee reports. Do we have any committee reports from staff? None. Any old business? None. >> Uh, Charlie say old business. Um,
I have >> I do believe that our chairman has an announcement. >> Yes. New new business. >> For new business. >> Yes. New business. Um I'd like to announce tonight that um after 27 years I've made a very difficult decision to
step down uh as a member of the planning commission in total um either as a member or as the chair. Uh my understanding is uh that would be effective as soon as we adjourn. And
that Mr. McDermade would uh I'm passing the gavl to you. uh whether it's temporary or permanent but uh for the next meeting uh sir it has been an absolutely humble and and gratifying
time to serve the community and um but because of a lot of changes in my life over the last couple years uh I think it's only fair [snorts] um at at my age now to turn the turn the range over to
the young young members of the community and hope that they step forward to to serve and take pride in the city. I love the s city very much and uh I always will champion this city and and uh but
but it's time um you know like an old soldier and just fading away and uh riding off into the sunset. But um I think 27 28 years is good and u uh guys appreciate new fresh ideas
uh that will will come with new members to this board and um you know I wish everyone the very best. We're still very much friends on this and I hope we remain that way. And to >> those council people that have always
had faith in me and renominated me to be a member of the of this of this commission. I I thank them immensely and their support and and their thoughts about how I how I I
contributed to this panel. And uh yes, I'll miss it, but um um it'll also free free my mind up and uh let me pay a little bit more attention to my business and the waning years of my uh uh
remaining time on on the earth here. So um you know, I don't feel weighty, but you know, it's time. Um so I I bid you all do. Thank you. >> Wow.
>> Yes. Thank you for your service, >> Charlie. Uh, >> it's been very hard, >> Charlie. You, you know, uh, Muhammad Ali said, um, public service is the rent that we pay here on earth and you certainly have. You served your
country in Vietnam and the Air Force. You always been involved in public service. I 27 years up here, and you served with distinction and dedication and self-sacrifice. and we love you, buddy. And we're going to miss you. I mean, honestly, you
you've been a a colleague, a friend, a mentor, and you really served this city, you know. And it's kind of ironic because we lost another good person about a month ago, Debbie Love, who served this city with distinction and love and dedication
and and worked. I mean that woman put in 60 70 hours a week at times you know and uh so it's >> the love of the city is still >> are going to be hard to fill my friend believe me and and um >> well I think we have a >> I you you really did serve with
dedication and distinction and God bless you buddy you know you went through a rough rough time with your wife passing and everything and uh you still managed to squeeze in some time for the board and >> yeah it was tough >> sacrifice and citizens participation.
You are the example, the epitome of a a great man. Thank you. God bless you. It's an honor for me to know you. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Chief. Appreciate it. >> Yeah. And I can I can just add to all of um
Kenny's comments. You know, I I remember when you worked for the the networks. I haven't been on this board anywhere near your tenure, but when I came on this board, um it was
like you need to listen to Charlie because he knows what he's doing. >> Well, before that, I had to listen to Kevin and Kevin Kevin was my mentor [laughter] before that too. Wasn't you know, I can't overlook that. I learned a lot from Kevin in his days as the
chairman and I never thought he could ever be replaced. and uh and and and I you know he he learned from a very good person and and and and Judy Felman >> was took us both under her her wings in
the day. Well, Charlie, I I must say I chaired this commission for 20 years, which a lot of newer people don't know, and you were my vice chair for much of that time, and I was very pleased to see
you become chair. It's been an honor working with you. Your news media connections and then your private sector involvement have made you a very perceptive questioning chairperson. You have
learned to read the reports, read the details, and ask questions that others have overlooked. And I'm very proud of the fact that I have known you all these years, more years than I want to count. And you will be missed on this
commission. Well, thank you, Kevin. And again, thank you for everything that you taught me over over the many years and and uh it was um I I remember being the timid voice and having to learn to stand my
ground and uh you've helped me in that way over the years. So, um again, thank you, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. >> I want to recognize the gentleman at the podium. >> Yes, Mr. Burns. Kevin, [clears throat] >> Mr. Chairman, I just want to pass on a
few comments for you. Um, I used to tell people when I was mayor, I would look at how the vote went and when I would see you vote in the positive, I knew that the applicant
had gotten drilled on some questions and that good, solid questions that actually meant something were asked. maybe not answered the way we wanted it, but I always looked on how you voted on an item coming because back in those days,
we were doing a whole lot of changes. We were introducing the new comp plan, the new LDRs, a whole lot of stuff that this board, it wasn't unusual to have two, three, four hour meetings twice a month um to to get this stuff done.
>> It was a minefield. >> It was a minefield. and and and that you know you took comp plan that was 25 years out of date LDRs went from a fourstory moratorum in a city to taking it to the voters and convincing them
that planning commissions would be able to make the right decisions. So now that we have these large developments that we are here but you are always a a a true solid voice for reason. You may not always agree with a particular um
application, which was great, and you would tell them why. You just didn't say no, or you didn't just say yes. You based it upon um an ed educational or educated uh decision. And that always brought me comfort um as an elected
official early on when I was mayor. And then when I had to come back as a consultant and pair before you all um on on several occasions when I represented certain clients and I would tell my clients, you better have your tees
crossed, your eyes dotted, and they are going to ask you questions. Don't say, I'll get back to you on it because there's a guy out there named Charlie. he is going to ask you if there's something there. And uh and Kevin, you were right up there also. So, um it was
always comforting. And then now back as a council person to to see what you all have done and and leading this um board, uh as Kenny said, um that you'll be sorely missed. Um, I've known you a long time and when you thought you were
entering retirement and you turned around and have had a whole second career that was bigger and busier than your first career um is amazing. Um, you're a young 80-year-old uh gentleman and um whatever you need from of course
me personally but anything on the city. Um, sometimes as a city we don't thank people enough. We don't think you all coming out on these nights to do what you do. You don't have to. You could be home getting ready to watch the soccer game and a lot of other things, but to
know at least from me, I appreciate and I'm I'm sure I speak for my colleagues, we really appreciate all the work that you all do, but uh the ones that have been up here for 25 30 years and the numbers of years that you've been up here is longer than I think maybe even
as older than Safy. I mean, you've been on the board longer than the her old her age, >> you know, so that's a long time. So, um, good luck. Um, um, take care of yourself and that's important thing. Thank you.
>> Looking forward to it. >> Thank you very much. I want to take a moment to thank you >> because I can tell you >> you over the last three years that I have sat in this chair, you have always
made you were you might have been that one person who made sure that we met quorum and I know you have gone through a lot of difficulties in the last few years but your dedication to this board is so admirable because no matter what was happening you did always show up and
I really admire ire you for that because as they said being a public servant I mean you don't you don't get paid for this you just come out here you take the time to read the material you're always ready you're always asking questions and I just want to tell you it was a real
pleasure serving with you thank you >> Sincy you made my job so much easier helping me out and uh you're the best thing that happened to staff in a long time couldn't have done it without your help over the last three years when when
personal going was getting tough >> and appreciate it so much. >> My pleasure. >> So, but um you know I have a lot of like I said I have a lot of love for this city and I always will very proud of North Miami. It's one of the I think one
of the finest communities in in South Florida and I'm always wanting to champion it and I sincerely mean it. you know, I saw so many friends move from the city and and uh I didn't think they
were they were right in moving for whatever reason. And um you know, I just I love my neighborhood. I love my neighbors. I love the people. And uh you know, my my heart is always here.
>> Thank you. you know, uh, if you're stepping down, then we have to nominate a chairman, right? I believe we could do that at >> I recommended that we do that at the next meeting. >> Okay. >> Next meeting >> because I believe it has to be >> added to the agenda. >> It has to be added to the agenda.
>> All righty. >> All right, sir. Well, thank you all for tuning off a television show. the end of the show. [laughter] >> I guess I need um someone to make a
motion to adjourn. >> All right. So moved uh by Commissioner Biene, seconded by Commissioner Ciphered. >> Thank you so much. The meeting is now adjourned. [laughter] >> Wow.