Miami Historic and Environmental Preservation Board Special Meeting - September 15, 2026

The board convened a special meeting to hear multiple appeals regarding tree removal permits, public comments on procedural changes, and decisions on several contested cases. The meeting began with routine approvals, then public comments, followed by individual agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved absence waivers for Members Capeta, O'Dell, and Ryan.
• Approved minutes from the July 21, 2026 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple speakers criticized the new format of hearing all public comments at the start of the meeting rather than per item, arguing it suppresses public involvement and makes it difficult to comment after presentations.
• Speakers expressed support for preserving mature trees and criticized the city's tree removal practices, noting that appeals are a response to egregious removals.
• Online comments were read into the record supporting several appeals, emphasizing the value of mature trees for shade, cooling, stormwater management, and wildlife habitat, and urging preservation over removal.
• Specific comments on the Gifford Lane case noted progress in negotiations between neighbors and the developer, with hope for a settlement.

Discussion Items

• Items 3 & 4 – 3161 Gifford Lane (Two Appeals Consolidated): Staff reported proposed removal of 7 trees (118 inches total DBH) including three Royal Poinciana specimens. Appellants and developer reached a tentative agreement to preserve most trees, with only one Royal Poinciana removed and replaced with two live oaks (12-inch DBH). The developer agreed to revised tree layout (LO1/LO2 version 6) including relocation and preservation. The board modified the intended decision to incorporate the agreed-upon plan. Motion to deny appeal in part and grant in part passed 5-0.
• Item 5 – 161 Northwest 29th Street: Appeal of removal of 4 hardwood trees (49 inches DBH) for a 12-story commercial building (43,541 sq ft, 173 ft height). Appellant (David Winker) claimed trees were cut down; applicant (David Lombardi) disputed and provided letters of support. Staff confirmed retention of one specimen mahogany with bond. Board found no basis for appeal and voted to deny (uphold permit) 5-0.
• Item 6 – 4141 Northwest Fifth Avenue: Appeal of removal of 4 hardwood trees (78 inches DBH) for an ADU (1,066 sq ft plus carport). Appellant argued code requires redesign to preserve trees. After debate, the board proposed enhanced mitigation: five 8-inch live oaks and four 4-inch orange Geigers (replacing original nine 6-inch orange Geigers). Motion to deny appeal in part with modifications passed 4-1 (Member Trachtenberg dissenting).
• Item 9 – 131 Northwest 75th Street: Appeal by Miami Tree Preservation Action Committee of removal of 23 trees (317 inches DBH) for a pickleball facility. Applicant challenged standing, citing lack of identified aggrieved members. Board found appellant failed to demonstrate standing (no members with specific injury within 500 feet identified in appeal). Motion to dismiss for lack of standing passed 6-0.
• Item 10 – 7538 Northeast First Court: Same appellant, same standing issue. Appellant acknowledged similar deficiency. Applicant (Natalie Duran) expressed concern about being labeled as environmentally racist. Motion to dismiss for lack of standing passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1: Continued to October 13, 2026 special meeting.
• Items 2, 7, 8: Withdrawn.
• Items 3 & 4: Appeal denied in part, granted in part; tree permit modified per agreed plan (exhibit A).
• Item 5: Appeal denied; intended decision upheld.
• Item 6: Appeal denied in part; mitigation modified to five 8-inch live oaks and four 4-inch orange Geigers.
• Items 9 & 10: Appeals dismissed for lack of standing.
• All decisions are final unless appealed to the hearing boards division within 15 days.