07-14-1997 Special MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
JULY 14, 1997
A special meeting of the Planning & Zoning Board was held on Monday, July 14, 1997 in the
Chamber of the Village Hall commencing at 6:30 p.m. with the following members present:
Present: Cliff Walters, Chairman
Robert Blum
Thomas Caldwell
Absent: Les Forney
Frank Hegedus
Mark Ulmer, Village Attorney
Also Present: Frank LuBien
Ross Prieto
ITEM #1 MINUTES - MAY 8, 1997
Mr. Caldwell moved that the minutes be approved as submitted. Mr. Blum seconded the motion
and the vote was unanimous in favor.
ITEM #3 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PLANS FOR ADDITION AND
ALTERATIONS.
Miami Shores Community Church 9823 N.E. 4th Avenue
Mr. LuBien stated that the Historic Preservation Board has approved the application for
appropriateness and that Board has asked the Planning & Zoning Board to review the application.
Marjorie Macer was present on behalf of the Church. She stated that the needs of the Church
have grown. The addition which is to a historically designated building, would include an extra
bathroom facility and storage space. The windows on the second floor of the building will also be
restored to its original casement windows.
Mr. Caldwell moved that the plans for the addition and alterations as submitted be approved. Mr.
Blum seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
ITEM #2 PROPOSED COUNTY MODIFICATION OF N.E. rd AVENUE
Mr. Tom Benton, Assistant Village Manager and Director of Public Works made a presentation
on a series of proposals that the Village Staff has been working on in conjunction with the Dade
County highway department for the renovation of the N.E. 2nd Avenue corridor, specifically
through the business district. The purpose of the project is to improve aesthetics of the Village.
Planning & Zoning
July 14, 1997 Page 2
There are limitations due to the amount of traffic that flows through this district throughout the
day as well as the size of the right-of-way. Mr. Benton presented several options to the Board.
The first was the knuckle alternative which allows for landscaping in "knuckle" areas. The second
was the landscape alternative which would eliminate the on -street parking areas to allow for
landscaping. The third alternative, which is preferred by the Village Manager, Mr. Couzzo,
provides an aesthetic center median with the elimination of the on -street parking. However, the
addition of this "greenway" center median would outweigh the elimination of the on -street
parking.
Mr. Caldwell inquired as to who would pay for these improvements. Mr. Benton stated that the
County has indicated it would pay for a majority of the improvements within reason. Some items
would be supplemented by the Village. The designs presented are from the County's consultant.
Mr. Caldwell asked if the merchants on Second Avenue have been contacted regarding the
possible elimination of the on -street parking. Mr. Benton replied that the next step would be to
have meetings with the property owners and merchants for their opinions on this proposal. Mr.
Caldwell also asked if the lost revenue from the parking meters would be significant. Mr. Benton
stated it was not.
Mr. Benton asked for the Board's opinion regarding one of the alternatives presented. Mr.
Walters stated that the third option is similar to that of US 1 in Coral Gables and it is not
conducive to businesses. He stated that his preference was the first alternative. Mr. Blum
preferred the third option stating that the greenery added to the aesthetics of the Village and it
was similar to Coral Way. Mr. Caldwell added that he preferred the idea of left-hand turn lanes.
Mr. Walters asked if the item could be considered at the next meeting, when a full Board is likely
to be present. Mr. Benton agreed that the item could wait until the next meeting.
Mr. Walters noted that the first option had the feeling of a small town downtown. The on -street
parking adds to the "town" ambiance. Mr. Benton noted that the Board could consider a
combination of the options. There was also a question of the need for left-hand turn lanes. There
is a need on N.E. Second Avenue to eastbound 96th Street. Mr. Benton noted that the County
consultant was currently conducting a traffic count.
It was the consensus of the Board to table this item to the next meeting when a full Board is
present.
ITEM #4 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING SET BACK
REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSORY BUILDINGS.
Mr. Walters noted that the Village Attorney asked that the item be deferred as he would be absent
this evening. Mr. Caldwell moved that the item be postponed to a future meeting. Mr. Blum
seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.
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Planning & Zoning
ITEM #5 ADJOURNMENT
July 14, 1997 Page 3
Mr. Blum expressed his concerns regarding issues that have bypassed the Planning and Zoning
Board yet have been presented to the Village Council. He cited some examples such as the Dog
Track, the proposed athletic fields at the golf course and the Charter School. He asked that
discussion regarding this issue be brought to the Board for consideration when everyone is
present.
The July 14, 1997 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Kroboth, Recording Secretary