Miami-Dade County BCC Meeting - September 25, 2024: Deferrals and Development Approvals

The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) convened on September 25, 2024, at 9:30 AM in the Commission Chambers for a public hearing on Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) and Zoning items. The meeting covered multiple deferred applications, public comments, and decisions. Notable actions included deferring several major projects and sending one application back to the Community Zoning Appeal Board (CZAB).

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were listed for this meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Milagros Pedrasa (applicant for item 1A) testified that she has sought a permit for two years, has corrected violations, and requested the case be closed. She expressed emotional stress and noted that she has support letters from her neighborhood.
• Jorge Luis Negrin (public speaker on item 3B) expressed opposition to the zoning application, citing lack of notification about a proposed Metro Rail route near Brickell Bay Drive, and voiced concerns over the Babylon project. He stated, "I'm against it."
• Steve Blazikovic (applicant for item 3A) described an affordable housing project and requested an indefinite deferral to add the neighbor's land, noting they have mailed flyers and will do door-to-door outreach.

Discussion Items

• Item 3A (CDMP20230018) - OCLA, LLC: Deferred to no date certain with a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Keon Hardemon requested the applicant to meet with all neighbors and review the agreement with the opposition.
• Item 3B (CDMP20230023) - South Dixie 29, LLC and South Dixie Land, LLC: Deferred to October 23, 2024, with a 9-0 vote. Applicant's representative Hugo Arza stated they are making progress with neighbors and need additional time.
• Item 3C (Z20230342) - Neighborhood Housing Foundation: Deferred indefinitely with a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Marleine Bastien encouraged the applicant to door-knock and consider adding units for residents earning up to 80% AMI, suggesting they also consider units from 40% AMI.
• Item 1A (Z20220251) - Milagros Pedrasa: The BCC moved to send the application back to CZAB-8, which now has a quorum, with a unanimous vote. Commissioner Hardeman explained the move and staff agreed to brief the applicant.
• Item 1C (Z20230155) - Criting Incorporated: Approved unanimously with staff recommendations. The applicant withdrew the request to reduce sidewalk width, and the commission approved the application with conditions.
• Item 3B (Z202300404) - Southwest 1015 First Street Property LLC: Deferred to October 23, 2024. The applicant requested more time to discuss off-site transit and traffic improvements with staff.
• Item 3C (Z20230423) - 848 Brickell LLC: Deferred to October 23, 2024, after Commissioner Eileen Higgins raised concerns about traffic impacts, coordination with the adjacent Dolce & Gabbana project, and the need for more substantial community benefits. She noted the applicant's building will add 600 peak trips per hour, and the community benefits offer of $500,000 was criticized as insufficient.

Key Outcomes

• Item 3A (CDMP20230018) deferred to no date certain (vote 9-0).
• Item 3B (CDMP20230023) and companion zoning item 3D deferred to October 23, 2024 (vote 9-0).
• Item 3A (Zoning) deferred indefinitely (vote 9-0).
• Item 1A (Z20220251) sent back to CZAB-8 (vote unanimous).
• Item 1C (Z20230155) approved unanimously with staff recommendations.
• Item 3B (Z202300404) deferred to October 23, 2024 (vote unanimous).
• Item 3C (Z20230423) deferred to October 23, 2024 (vote unanimous).

The meeting adjourned after these actions.