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10-17-1961 Zoning Hearing• ZONING HEARING ON PETITION OF THE . JANIS COMPANY FOR HEIGHT AND DENSITY VARIANCE ON APART- MENT PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF BISCAYNE CANAL EAST OF THE TERMINUS OF NORTH EAST 105th ST, TO BISCAYNE BAY, A zoning hearing was held before the Miami Shores Village Planning and Zoning Board at 7:30 P.M. , October 17, 1961, at the Miami Shores Country Club. The following members of the Board were present: Mr. Gordon H. Moyer, Jr. , Chairman Mr. Marion B. Arnold Mr. Elwood Jones Mr. Emrys C. Harris Mr, Thomas B, Baden Absent: None The Village Manager, the Building Director, Assistant Director and approximately 40 residents were also present. Mr. Gordon Moyer, Chairman of the Planning Board, opened the meeting and explained the procedure for calling this hearing. He then read the petition of the Janis Company requesting a variance in the apartment height regulation to permit a five -story building with a density variance of 2Q0 sq. ft. per apartment. Mr. Bernard Janis stated his company would like to build a five -story garden -type cooperative apartment on the east 500 ft. of this land according to the sketch on display, Mr. William George, 1559 N. E. 104th St., asked if five stories are requested for the entire tract and voiced his objection to it. Mr. John Durante, 1625 N. E. 104th St., wanted to know how many units this building would have. Mr. Janis replied, 100 units. Mr. Durante wanted to know how this type of building would benefit the Village and stated he was very much against any re -zoning. Mr. Louis Colovos, 1449 N. E. 104th, St., didn't see any reason why this should come up again, was definitely against any change and asked that the applica- tion be denied. Mr. Walter Graff, 1191. N. E. 103rd St., stated he was vigorously opposed to any change. Mr. Miles C. Ort, 1500 N. E. 104th St., asked about waste disposal. • Zoning Hearing ® Oct:•ber 17, 1961 Page 2. Mr. Janis explained that a waste disposal plant was planned to be put underground if possible and located in the north end of the property. Mr. Janis stated the building would be approximately 50 ft. in height of one and two bed- room apartments to sell between $15, 000 and $19, 000; each apartment will face the Bay; it will be a quiet type building with a small lobby; provision is made for parking 150 cars -as called for by the ordinance; the property -will be heavily landscaped along the canal. Mrs. Ferwerda, 1323 N. E. 104th St, , stated that she is living across from the present apartments and doesn't like them but would rather have them than the five stories. Mr. Janis' architect stated that this building would be approximately 50 ft. high with over,9 ft. high rooms. Because several citizens didn't think the Pla.nning Board should consider any zoning changes, the Village Manager read that portion of the zoning ordinance requiring the Board to hold a public hearing on petition for an amendment to the ordinance. Mr. Janis stated that they could put up approximately 225 apartments on this property now, which type would necessarily have to be on a rental basis and he personally didn't think there would be as much pride taken in the property as in a cooperative apartment where the people own them. He statedthey would probably have two buildings with approximately 100 apartments in each. zoning. Mr. Durante stated he would rather take his chances on the present Mr. Guernsey pointed out that they also wanted the density reduced. Mr. John Ritter, 1401 N. E. 104th St. , stated they are attempting to get one-fifth more utilization of this land. building, Mrs. Joan. Varner, 1320 N. E. 104th St., asked about the area for this • Mr. Janis stated they would have 180, 000 sq. ft. for 100 apartments. Mr. Durante stated it was impossible to shield a five -story building that is 100 ft. away. Mr. Craig Burton, 1640 N. E. 104th St., stated there would not be any more people with this proposal then are permitted under the present zoning ordinance. Zoning Hearing m October 17, 1961 Page 3. Mr. Graff stated it wasn't only this property he was concerned about but the entire zoning in the Village. 110 Mr. Durs.nte• stated this building would concentrate the population along . Two stories conform to the neighborhood along the canal, and there would be apartments on both sides of the street to the Bay so they would only have apartments on the canal side to look at. Mr. Guernsey asked if a person must be an owner of legal record to ask for a hearing. Mr. Durante stated that this notice is incorrect inasmuch as the applicant is not the owner of the land. Mr. Moyer then stated the Board would take this application under advise- ment. Mr. Guernsey stated he wanted m• -re time to express his objections to it. He stated he owns property near this area and in his personal opinion this type of building is objectionable and will reduce property values. He stated the Village spent thousands of dollars for a zoning expert to write a zoning ordinance and he is very much againstmaking any changes. He doesn't see it as an asset to the Village but feels it would be a detriment to the Village and requested the Planning Board to turn down this application for a change in the zoning. Mr. 0. B. Wilson, 1361 N. E. 104th St., suggested that the people have a show of hands on this question. Mr, Moyer counted approximately 6 people in favor of this type building and about 29 against the proposal. Mr. Ed Wolz, 1002 N. E. 105th St. , stated he was against any change in Miami Shores zoning.. Mr. Paul Kinney, 1209 N. E. 99th St. , stated he was opposed to any Ore -zoning in Miami Shores. Mr. Louis Colovos wanted the Planning Board to deny this application. Mr. James H. Townsend, 485 N. E. 92nd St., objected to this on the grounds that if we break the zoning in one place we won't be able. to keep it from other locations. Mrs. Ferwerda stated her neighbors were out of town and any vote taken now would not be fair and she knows they are very much against it. • Zoning Hearing - October 17, 1961 Page 4. Mrs. L. Vitsur, 1515 N. E. 104th St., was against it. Mrs. George stated she is against any re -zoning in Miami Shores. Mr. Durante stated if the Board votes in favor of this he intends to get up a citizens group to see if it can be stopped through legal action. Mr. August Carmazi, 1600 N. E. 103rd St., stated he was definitely opposed to any high-rise buildings. Mrs. O. B. Wilson asked why we permit the present type of apartment, why we don't require decent landscaping and have attractive buildings as they do in the Gables. Mr. Moyer explained that the Gables has a Board of Architects who pass on plans. Mr. Arnold pointed out that this property was zoned. for _apartments by the Supreme Court. Mr. Baden stated that the Board has to consider the overall planning in making a zoning change and will take into consideration the feelings of the people. Mr. Harris stated that the Planning Board is trying to follow the procedure setup which is actually to the interest of the Village because it will strengthen our case if any action is taken against the Village in court. Mr. Harris stated his one and sole object is to maintain the standards in the Village. Mr. Jones stated his •mind is not made up and that he too, is here to give the benefit to the Village as a whole. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 P. M. Respectfully submitted, Cle ,007.444.4„.•04..) r