01-10-1991 Regular Meeting•
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
PLANNING & ZONING BOARD - REGULAR MEETING
January 10, 1991
A regular meeting of the Miami Shores Village. Planning .& Zoning Board was
held on January 10, 1991 at the Miami Shores. Village Hall at 7:40 P.M.. The
meeting wascalled to order by Chairman, Mr. R. Fernandez, with the following
members present: Richard M. Fernandez, Chairman
Terrell F. Chambers, Jr.
Les Forney
Thomas Laubenthal
Larry T. McClure
Also present: Frank LuBien, Director of Building & Zoning
Brief statement was made concerning, Notice of Public Hearing regarding the
Basketball Goal Ordinance. This item was added to the agenda as 1A, by a
motion made by Mr. McClure, seconded by Mr. Laubenthal, and passed unanimously,
1. MINUTES - December 13, 1990
There was some discussion on the Report to Miami Shores Village Council
concerning the Biscayne Kennel Club request for Change in Use, and the
scheduled Public Hearing for January 15, 1991, Tuesday.
Mr. Forney briefed Mr. Fernandez on the approval and action by the Members,
at:.the:last meeting, concerning this Report.. Mr, LuBien made copies of the
Report for Members to review.
Mr. Laubenthal made a motion to approve the minutes and the Report of
12/13/90, as distributed, seconded by Mr, Forney, and carried unanimously.
1A. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 7 BASKETBALL GOAL ORDINANCE
Brief discussion ensued regarding this Notice of Public Hearing to be held
Tuesday, January 15, 1991 at 7:30 P.M., by Village Council, on Basketball
Goal which appeared in the Miami Herald Neighbors, Thursday, January 10, 1991
issue. This will signal the Ordinance for second reading before the Village
Council.
This Ordinance draft as drawn up by the Planning & Zoning Board, was sent to
the Village Attorney for proper verbage and to place in Ordinance form. It
did not cone back to Planning & Zoning Board for Public Hearing and finalization.
Mr. Fernandez requested that Mr. LuBien relay this information to the Deputy
Village Clerk, indicating it is out of line, and better to catch it now.
Mr. LuBien indicated he will call tomorrow concerning the situation.
• 2. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PLANS FOR FLAT ROOF ADDITION
CONNIE CONTRATA
790 N. E. 95th STREET
Members received in their packet for review a Site Plan copy, copy of the
proposed addition and copy of the West and South elevation. (Not to scale),
Ms. Contrata was present, but had nothing to add,
PLANNING & ZONING BOARD REGULAR MEETING -2- 1/10/91
Mr. LuBien introduced the request, stating the original plans called for
an excess of the sq ft required for a flat roof addition, these new plans
with the proposed addition is'2,067 sq ft which complies with the sq ft
requirements.
Mr. Laubenthal made a motion that the application as submitted, be approved,
seconded by Mr. Chambers., the motion passed unanimously.
3. DISCUSSION - DRB - COLOR & FACADE
Barbara Witte opened discussion, asking if any Members had questions.
Mr. Fernandez voiced concern on anything (color or change within the code)
beyond a recommendation or suggestion. He is not in favor of a mandate or a
color wheel. Mrs. Witte indicated they have not, to date, had any problem
with color.
The harmony ordinance was explained to Mr. Forney. The Harmony principal is
maintained and the issue extends to all districts.
Mrs. Witte gave a slide presentation high lighting Facades. She noted the
three basic types for commercial facade being: the storefront with an entrance
and display windows, the upper facade, and the cornice that caps the building.
Veneer materials,unless original are discouraged. Itis not recommended that
removal or masking of original material or distinctive architectural detail
take place, Architectural features should be given prominence through the
use of color & light. There was a good deal of focus on windows in this
commercial area, as an architectural featureof great importance to the
facade. Their original proportion and configuration to the total must be
preserved or restored. Existing building are encouraged to retrofit to the
maximum bulkhead height of 24". Security bars are frowned upon, Mrs. Witte
mentioned alternatives. Air Conditioning units on the 1st floor street fronts
are mentioned and a slide observed. Facade entry door must be at least 50%
clear glass. Good & bad examples were shown for all areas of the facade.
Discussion took place during the slide presentation. Regarding Security bars,
Mr. Forney stated, until the social climate is changed in the area, some type
of physical security is necessary. Cost analysis must be taken into consid-
eration for an acceptable security arrangement. Mrs. Witte suggested the
pull down shutter for daytime use. Much discussion followed on the security
bar issue. Mr. McClure nor Mr. Chambers had comment. Mr.. Laubenthal noted
that the window covering on the Shores Building was not discussed and this
might be an option for window covering. This was discussed between Mrs. Witte
and Mr. Laubenthal.
Mr. Fernandez expressed comments that Downtown Revitalization Board has
presented observations, proposals to create a cohecive uniform downtown look
to enhance the economics of the downtown area. The question is, do we need
to change the code? He raised the three points of - Guidelines, Policy, and
Law. Restrictions by law decrease value. Guidelines, on the other hand,
are persuasive techniques of suggestion. In Policy we have the law, but it
must be interpreted and enforced. Economics are important and must be
flexible. The guidelineapproach is better and more flexible.
FANNING & ZUNING BUARll REGULAR MEETING -3- 1/10/91
Mrs. Witte indicated, it is not the intent of the Downtown Revitalization
Board to write the code. Through use and marketing guidelines it is hoped
voluntary compliance can be met. Guidelines are important, Mr. Fernandez
touched on the importance or need for a Handbook approach by the DRB and
how it may be beneficial.
Mrs. Witte noted ther is no code to address awnings, structure and frame-
work, and she would like to see the area looked at. Mr. Fernandez responded
that Awnings will be addressed as a separate and final issue if this is
agreeable. It was also noted that an economic trade off also must be looked
at.
Mr. Fernandez noted that Planning & Diming Board will move forward. Awnings
will be the next issue. looked at.
A break was taken at 8:35 P.M.. The meeting reconvened at 8;45 P.M..
4. DISCUSSION - DESIGN PLANS CONSTRUCTION OF SWIMMING POOL
Mr. Varney opened this discussion stating, he has been authorized by the
Council to proceed with plans for the pool south of the Country Club. The
original plans, which he is comfortable with, were drawn up by an engineering
company some time ago. A new engineering firm has been retained. The
specific question is: to what extent will we be bound by setback guidelines?
He invites comments, but prefers as much flexibility as possible. It is
important that he be aware of requirements now. Original plans may be re-
viewed.
Plans are reviewed by Members, and outline of particular area and sections
of particular importance was pointed out for scrutiny', The option to the
25' setback was shown. There are similar type questions on the other side,
The real question is, what are the restrictions?
Mr. LuBien noted there is no zoning for the Country Club property. Much
discussion ensued. The property north of the Country Club was plated for
townhouses, but reverted to recreation use when enthuisast for recreation
objected. Zoning must be looked at; and how it will impact and establish
precedent to the property north of the Country Club. Mr. Varney noted,
the people of the Country Club are satisfied with the package, and there
has been one objection to a canvas of immediate neighbors. Mr. LuBien
clarified the 25' front setback and Department of Transportation part in
the picture. The widening of Biscayne Blvd if DOT decided to proceed, the
chances are neil. The State is open and amendable to landscape by Miami
Shores and must be maintained by us. Considerable discussion ensued con-
cerning the 10' setback from the property line to the proposed fence, and
the very minimal setback on 10th Avenue. Concern was voiced for the
immediate residents on 10th Avenue, (regarding lighting and noise) where
the entrance will be. Parking and pool elevation was discussed.
Mr. Fernandez stated, the real issue is the setback. The impact to
immediate neighbors, US':1, and similar kind properties. Again concern
was raised by Members for the neighbors on N.p..E. 10th Ave and the impact
it might have. A nice looking wrought iron wall and landscaping could
solve this problem. The new engineer is expected to go the same way.
Mr. Varney advocated the city use all its property to design the structure.
•
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PLANNING & ZONING BOARD REGULAR MEETING -4- 1/10/91
In comments requested by the Chairman, Mr, Laubenthal noted, he is not
troubled by a 25' setback on Biscayne Blvd,, part of the wrought iron
fence being removed and the masonry wall left standing. He also has no
problem with the 101 r. 15' setback on 10th Avenue, After it was clarified
for Mr. Laubenthal that no setback is the request, he stated he must see
a,plan, he does have a problem with the. no setback concept. Mr. Chambers
asked, what is planned on the south end of the point? Where the exit will
be? Also he would like to see a wall as low as possible to consider
residents comfort on N. E. 10th Ave.
Mr. McClure stated, it is very difficult looking at an incomplete set of
plans to visualize what the rest will look like. The height is important.
He is not in favor of building a fence on N. E. 10th Avenue to the property
line, there should be a minimun of 10' between the pool and the fence,
Mr. McClure is not terribly concerned with what is done on Biscayne Blvd.
The Village Council has already approved the plans. This situation should
be made as easy on the residents as possible.
Mr. Forney expressed concern for the residents on N. E. 10th Avenue.
Precedent for the wall has been set around the golf course. Mr. Fernandez
expressed his concern of noise and lighting, etc. for the adjacent houses
on N. E. 10th Ave, he suggested a buffer as wide as possible for the area.
Considerable discussion took place concerning a careful look at N. E. 10th
Avenue, and an increase of the buffer zone,
5. CITIZENS ADDRESS THE BOARD
A group of about ten people stayed through the full proceeding of the
meeting to represent neighbors of the Biscayne Kennel Club.
Mr. Lloyd Smith, Mr. Ted Wujciak and Mr. Brian Smith in speaking for all
concerned citizens, expressed deep gratitude for:the work done, the depth
of study, and the conclusion arrived at by Members of the Planning & Zoning
Board. Residents were impressed by the sensitivity, and defense of the
values and traditions of the Village by the Members. Mr. Brian Smith noted,
that as a novice to zoning issues the Board kept him well. anchored, and he
learned much. He hopes Village Council does its' job as well.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
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