Miami Historic and Environmental Preservation Board Meeting – October 6, 2026

The Miami Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEP) met on October 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM (originally scheduled for 8:00 PM but adjourned early). The board approved routine consent items, discussed procedural changes, and acted on five agenda items including tax exemptions, special certificates of appropriateness, and environmental preservation approvals. Key decisions included deferral of one item, approval of a historic tax exemption, and two special certificates with conditions, as well as updates on archaeological projects.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the July 7, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (motion by member, seconded, voice vote all in favor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke on any agenda item during the public comment periods.

Discussion Items

• Deferral Request: Item #1 was deferred to the regular meeting of November 3, 2026, at the applicant’s request. The board voted unanimously to defer.
• Special Meeting in November: The board discussed whether to hold a special meeting in November for a single intended decision appeal. Staff recommended rolling the item into the regular November 3 meeting to avoid extra effort. After discussion, the board voted unanimously not to hold a special meeting (motion by member, seconded). Board members also discussed establishing criteria (e.g., minimum number of items) for future special meetings but did not codify a rule.
• Procedural Amendment: A board member proposed reviving a 2019 draft amendment to board procedures that would automatically end the meeting at 9:00 PM unless extended by unanimous vote. The board agreed to place this as a discussion item for the next meeting (November 2026).
• Item #2 – JT Weather’s Garage Tax Exemption (File ID 19826): Staff reported the property was designated in March 2026. Applicant Raphael Hillis confirmed progress. The board approved the ad valorem tax exemption (part one) by a vote of 10–0.
• Item #3 – Morningside Historic District Special Certificate (File ID 19827): Applicant Michael Goldberg (on behalf of his daughter) requested enclosure of the front porch, a driveway gate, and a brick walkway. After extensive discussion about column preservation, glazing, and gate design, the board approved with amendments: (1) the porch enclosure must be structurally independent of the front columns; (2) the driveway gate shall be a double gate as shown in the columned rendering; (3) the walkway width is 5 feet; (4) condition #4 (60% opacity requirement) is removed; (5) staff shall approve final details, including engagement of window system with columns (must be at centerline of column diameter or behind, or not engage columns at all). Vote: 10–0.
• Item #4 – Brickell Avenue Environmental Preservation District (File ID 19829): Applicant Dan Goldberg presented plans for site and landscape improvements, including pool, tree removal/relocation, and restoration of the Silver Bluff. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including a 25-foot setback of the pool. Applicant objected to the setback, citing conflict with a protected banyan tree. The board modified conditions: (1) Condition #2 (25-foot setback) is eliminated; instead, the pool may be placed as shown, but if excavation reveals any portion of the Silver Bluff, the pool design must be adjusted to preserve the bluff, as approved by staff; (2) Condition #3 is revised to require preservation of all exposed Silver Bluff (natural, unaltered sections) and that site improvements avoid disturbance; (3) New conditions require monitoring during excavation of man-made features, demarcation and protection fencing for the bluff, and updates to the board on findings. The board approved as amended, vote 10–0.
• Item #5 – MIMO Biscayne Boulevard Historic District (File ID 19831): Applicant Amanda DeSetta requested partial demolition of later additions and new fenestration for a contributing structure (former hotel/restaurant). Staff recommended approval with conditions (clear glass, low-E coating, etc.). The board discussed window muntin patterns and entry door design. No public objections. Approved unanimously, 10–0.
• Discussion Item #2 – Quarterly Archaeological Update: Preservation planner Adrian presented data on certificates to dig issued in the fourth quarter. Most were for public utilities and single-family homes. Board members asked about criteria and thanked staff.
• Discussion Item #3 – Update on 77/99 Southeast 5th Street (File ID 19834): Carlos Diaz provided the 18-month update: the phase 3 archaeological report (final report) is expected February/March 2027; the exhibition space is under construction and will open with the building in mid-2028; the artifact repository is pending tribal and state review; artifacts remain stored onsite.

Key Outcomes

• Item #1 deferred to November 3, 2026.
• No special meeting in November; single item to be heard at regular November 3 meeting.
• Board will consider procedural amendment (9 PM cutoff) at next meeting.
• Item #2 (tax exemption) approved 10–0.
• Item #3 (Morningside) approved 10–0 with amended conditions.
• Item #4 (Brickell environmental) approved 10–0 with amended conditions (pool setback removed; Silver Bluff protection; monitoring required).
• Item #5 (MIMO Biscayne) approved 10–0 with staff conditions.
• Archaeological updates noted; further updates expected as projects progress.
• Board member raised intention to discuss amending scenic transport corridor protections for canopy trees at a future meeting.