01-11-1984 Public HearingPUBLIC HEARING
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL
January 11, 1984
A public hearing called by the Miami Shores Village Council
held on January 11, 1984, at the Community Center, commencing at 7:30
with the following Council members present:
Mrs. Elspeth Jensen
Mr. Herbert Spahn, Jr.
Mr. Terry Cuson
Absent: Mayor Kevin O'Connor
Mr. Robert J. Lodge
was
p.m.,
Also present: L. R. Forney, Village Manager
William F. Fann, Jr., Village Attorney
Approximately 80 Village residents
As advertised, this hearing was called for the purpose of
discussing a proposal to sell a portion of the 5.42 acres of vacant land
north of the Miami Shores Country Club on Biscayne Boulevard.
The meeting was chaired by Acting Mayor Elspeth Jensen in the
absence of Mayor O'Connor who, Mrs. Jensen announced, was out of town,
as was Councilman Lodge.
Mr. Forney reviewed the history of the land as purchased in 1967
at a cost of $165,300, with the issuance of revenue certificates payable
over a period of 20 years with funds derived from the operation of the
Country Club. The proposal to sell the land was made on the assumption
that the interest money would provide a capital improvement fund for the
club. With this in mind a survey was ordered of Mr. McIntosh's firm.
This survey proposed a new subdivision on about 4 acres of the land which
would provide 12 residential building sites and estimates on the cost of
improving the land for sale were provided. Mr. Forney added in his conclud-
ing remarks that the Country Club Advisory Board had recommended that the
land be sold. (This was later debated.)
Public comments were as follows:
Mr. John Bergacker, 1009 N. E. 104th St., asked about impact on
the sale of the houses in the area, where the access street
would run, what size homes would be built, who would pay for
costs of improving the land, etc.
Mr. Sig Derman, 1700 N. E. 105th St., asked where the money would
go.
Mrs. John Kirby, N. E. 104th St., asked about the type of homes
that would be built.
Mr. Donald McIntosh, 313 N. E. 92nd St., thought the Council
1/11/84
-2 -
should make a decision, first if they are going to sell it,
and how they would sell it, fully improved for residential
construction or if they are going to sell it as is with
contingencies as to cubic foot restrictions, etc. The public
has a right to know what restrictions will be placed on the
land.
Mr. Lou Sauber, 9333 N. E. 9th P1, asked if the property is near
where Quayside was planning to build a road and if there is
a tie-in to this.
Mr. Lou Gentry, 700 N. E. 104th St., reviewed the cost of the
land and the money put into it against the estimated return,
with the conclusion that he did not think it was a financially
beneficial deal. He was opposed to the sale, as well as, a good
number of his golfing friends, and he thought that the members
of the club should be given an opportunity to vote on it.
Council comments:
Acting Mayor Jensen read a letter submitted by Councilman
Lodge in which he outlined anticipated revenue from the sale
of the land and how it could be used.
Mr. Cuson stated he was opposed to the sale, that he wanted to
see it remain as open space with recreation uses - a putt putt
course, plant trees, create a garden effect, etc.
Mr. Spahn pointed out that the assumption that we are going to
sell it is an unfair assumption; that we have to be realistic
as we look at it; that the Country Club is just getting by
financially, that they should be putting more money back into
the business as capital improvements. Mr. Spahn concluded that
he didn't think it should be considered unless there was half
a million net.
Mrs. Jensen pointed out that there are presently only 220 parking
spaces including the handicapped spaces and that Mr. McIntosh's
estimate of 140 additional was greatly lacking in needed spaces
at special functions, fashion shows, etc., that it would be
foolish to sell the land with only 140 additional parking spaces.
Mrs. Jensen also advised that the drain field extends into this
property; that it is the last open space in the Shores and
that she is against its sale and could not support it in any way.
Public comments:
Mr. C. Lawton McCall, former Village Manager, after reviewing
some of the history of the land, asked if consideration had
been given to the problem of flooding on the low land and
danger of golf balls. In his conclusion he asked that the land
not be sold.
1/11/84
-3-
Mr. Ken Cutchens, 1235 N. E. 100th St., didn't think the
Village should dispose of the property, he felt it was
needed and asked why it is necessary to sell.
Mr. Spahn answered that it is not necessary but it would
help the Club financially.
Mr. Cutchens asked why the Club can't be self-supporting
with proper management.
Mr. Richard Lund, 1269 N. E. 99th St., thought selling the
land would be a grave mistake; there is not sufficient parking
and he wanted to voice opposition to the sale.
Angela Daley, 1384 N. W. 104th St., realtor, stated it was not
the time to sell property, values are down. She thought this
should be brought before the people by referendum; also
suggested an increase of property taxes to support the Club.
Mr. Walter Simon, 9022 N. E. 8th Ave., Pres. of the Miami Shores
Property Owners Assoc., was opposed to transferring the property
from public recreation to single family zoning, and was strongly
against this proposal.
Mr. Mel Roberts, 370 N. E. 101 St., in a non -committal statement,
wanted to back the Council.
Mrs. Alice Rodgers, 574 N. E. 102nd St., was opposed to selling
the property.
Mr. James Condit, 1036 N. E. 96th St., former Mayor, was opposed.
Mr. Vic Griffith, 865 N. E. 97th St., felt there was some merit
in the proposal.
Mr. Ed Swan, Chairman of the Advisory Board, cited the decreasing
membership, felt thesituation could be improved if everyone
would bring in new members or banquets.
Council comments:
Mr. Cuson commented on the good attendance at this public hearing
as well as its unanimity.
In concluding the hearing Acting Mayor Jensen asked for a show of
hands on opposition to the proposal which appeared and was declared
to be at least 97% of those present.
•_' rnment: 9:10 p.m.
Mayor
Village Clerk