WEEK OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016
A Singular Voice in an Evolving City
WWW.MIAMITODAYNEWS.COM $4.00
COCONUT GROVE
With newcomers, 38 eateries most on Grove record, pg. 14 ADDING TOURISTS: Demand for travel to Greater Miami and the Beaches during 2015 was ranked, for the top 25 US markets defined by Smith Travel Research (STR), fourth in both revenue per available room and average daily room rate and sixth in hotel room occupancy. From January to December, revenue per available room was $152.83 compared with $144.21 over 2014, up 6%; average daily room rate was $195.75 versus $184.79, up 5.9%; and average daily occupancy was 78.1% versus 78%, up 0.1%. Room supply for 2015 was 50,775 in comparison with 48,999 in 2014, up 3.6%; and monthly rooms sold in 2015 came to 14,470,258 versus 13,957,205, up 3.7%. MiamiDade ranked third nationally in December for average daily room rate, revenue per available room and hotel occupancy, according to STR’s report on the top US markets. On Tuesday, Wendy Kallergis, president and CEO of the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association, said the numbers indicate our area is doing better compared with prior years. Even with new hotel inventory, she said, we continue to grow occupancy.
Top city parking projects ticketed for Grove, pg. 16
THE ACHIEVER
BY SUSAN DANSEYAR
LONG WALK COMING: Construction is to begin this spring and end in summer 2018 on a 320-foot-long pedestrian bridge over Southwest Eighth Street connecting the City of Sweetwater with the main campus of Florida International University, the university announced last week. The $9.3 million bridge is to be funded with an $11.4 million US Department of Transportation grant that also will pay for improvements to the campus entrance and to the Southwest 109th Avenue area of Sweetwater and provide a smart parking software system that will alert users to available space in university garages. MCM construction and FIGG Bridge Engineers are to design the bridge. ETHICS FOR OFFICIALS: The public can get a peek at ethics training that local elected officials are all required to take. Identical two-hour programs will cover the county’s conflict of interest and ethics ordinance, the citizen’s bill of rights, the state’s sunshine and records act and portions of the state ethics code for public officials and employees. The sessions are open to anyone, including candidates for office. One will be at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in the council chambers at North Miami City Hall, 776 NE 125th St., and one at 6:30 p.m. March 10 in the commission chambers at Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive in Coconut Grove. Details: (305) 350-0630.
Ken Okaniwa
Photo by Marlene Quaroni
Sees US-Japan trade gains in Trans-Pacific Partnership The profile is on Page 4
Mayor says commission’s port order out of date BY SUSAN DANSEYAR
So much changed after county commissioners directed Mayor Carlos Gimenez last fall to expedite development of the southwest corner at PortMiami that he won’t act as ordered until he first has all involved assess the best use, he told commissioners in a memo. Instead of seeking to develop 11 acres as commissioners ordered, he instructed Port Director Juan Kuryla to survey cruise and cargo lines, cargo terminal operators, longshoreman associations, stevedores, freight forwarders, truckers, Miami’s Downtown Development Authority, ground transportation operators, the taxi industry and harbor pilots. Most of those meetings are due by midFebruary, Mr. Gimenez wrote, after which he expects to discuss findings with commissioners. In addition, he directed that any uses by the port itself of the vacant corner remain consistent with “traditional port maritime activities.” In his Feb. 4 memo, the mayor said new information came to light after 2011, when the commission adopted both a compre-
AGENDA
Swap adds parking for arts center
hensive development master plan and the port’s 2035 master plan, which incorporated potential commercial development on several areas of the port. At the time, he wrote, studies found the southwest corner of limited value for cruise and cargo operations, so the 2035 master plan recommended commercial development there to provide a third strong revenue source for the port’s capital investment program in new cruise and cargo infrastructure. “A subsequent planning process, which included a survey of 2,500 businesses associated with the trade and cruise industries (of which 250 companies responded), recommended a potential mix of uses centering on trade offices and facilities as well as hotels targeted to the cruise industry,” he wrote. But in the interim, David Beckham’s group sought the site for a Major League Soccer stadium and the county got an unsolicited proposal for a major mixed-use development there. However, title searches then revealed half-century-old state and City of Miami deed restrictions. Of particular concern is Miami’s stipula-
tion that the land must be used for seaport purposes or it reverts to the city, which led to the commission’s October direction that the county attorney speak with state and city attorneys to clarify their view of the deed restrictions. Additionally, the mayor wrote, cruise and cargo numbers have increased and port finances are vastly improved. Cruise traffic and cargo volumes have risen 22% and 11%, respectively, since 2011, he said. “Combined with a new ferry contract for service to Bimini and a flat lining of operating expenses, these favorable growth numbers have pushed cash reserves from approximately $18 million to $48 million; plus an additional $10 million to the port’s restricted reserves.” During the period, he said, port revenues that can repay debt rose from $43 million to $68 million. “Even with the issuance of new portbacked revenue bonds totaling approximately $500 million,” he said, “the port’s current ratio projections exceed those that were used in selling investment grade bonds to the market in 2013 and 2014.”
County commissioners unanimously approved a land swap last week that makes way for the placement and setback requirements of the Florida’s Department of Transportation’s longawaited I-395 signature bridge and provides space for the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts’ evolving parking needs. This will involve exchanging a county-owned 60,170-squarefoot site south of Northeast 13th Street between Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast Second Avenue for the FDOT-owned property totaling 61,904 square feet immediately west of the county’s land between Northeast Second and First avenues. Now, the state can reconstruct I-395 with its planned signature bridge from west of I-95 to the MacArthur Causeway while the Arsht Center maintains its view and receives space for parking in a nearby community park. Based on appraisals by the transportation department, the sites have an equal value of $27.8 million. The swap would require the transfer of Safe Neighborhood Parks grant requirements from the land the county would give to FDOT to the one it would receive from the transportation department. The swap will preserve the view corridor at the front of the Arsht Center’s Ballet Opera House by restricting any permanent buildings from being put up on the property that would obstruct it. According to Michael Spring, director of the county’s Cultural Affairs Department and senior advisor to the mayor, the state requested a different site from the county but, noting the Arsht Center’s ever-growing need for parking, proposed this land exchange in the best interests of all parties. In a memo to commissioners, Mr. Spring reported Miami-Dade County has a track record of partnering with FDOT on projects that have a countywide impact.
I-395 FUND DIVERSION FOR BAYLINK ROADBLOCKED ...
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CONSTRUCTION WORK’S VALUE DIPPED HERE IN 2015 ...
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MIAMI TO DISCUSS JURY REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT ...
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CHANGES ALLOWED FOR TRANSIT-ORIENTED PLANS ...
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ZAPATA BIDS TO MAKE 20-YEAR PLAN PUBLIC IN MAY ...
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REVISED USES FOR COCOWALK COMING IN 90 DAYS ...
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VIEWPOINT: TWO RAIL SYSTEMS, BUT UNITY IS VITAL ...
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PLANNERS AGREE TO SPLIT APART BAYLINK’S LINES ...
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MIAMI TODAY
TODAY’S NEWS
THE INSIDER CLEARING THE WAY: Closure of a street in southwest Miami helps clear the way for Phase II of mixed-use Modera Station. City commissioners approved a resolution abandoning part of Southwest 37th Court between Bird Road and Peacock Avenue, allowing for a unified development site. Mill Creek Residential is putting finishing touches on Phase I, 262 apartment homes in an eight-story building hugged by Bird Road, Southwest 38th Avenue, Peacock Avenue and Southwest 37th Court. The second phase is to include about 181 rental apartments in an Lshaped, eight-story structure east of Southwest 37th Court. That street has been closed off for more than a year during work on the first phase. The plan calls for creating a public paseo from the abandoned street. The city’s planning and zoning department, plat and street committee and Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board recommended the abandonment. ENFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY: A five-member team that allocates use of a trust fund to enhance technology in county code enforcement has been named jointly by MiamiDade Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Clerk of Courts Harvey Ruvin to serve for 2016. The trust, established in 1999, is funded by a $10 addition to each civil penalty in the county. The appointees are Deputy Mayor Jack Osterholt, Director of Information Technology Angel Petisco, county Communications Director Inson Kim, Senior Deputy Clerk of Courts Mark Martinez and Chief Information and Innova- Harvey Ruvin tion Officer, Clerk of Courts, Laurie Reaves. MADE IN MIAMI: A county committee today (2/11) is to consider establishing a “Made in Miami’ branding program complete with seal for local companies to use on their products – for a fee. The fee, according to proposed legislation by Javier Souto, would pay the cost of the program and in general promote local business. Proceeds might also become grants for new businesses, according to the resolution that the Economic Prosperity Committee is being asked to vote on. If approved, Mayor Carlos Gimenez and his team would have 90 days to study the program and recommend Javier Souto it or an alternative. MORE POLICE: The Miami City Commission accepted a $900,000 grant from the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to enhance community policing for Overtown and Park West. The city is responsible for public safety citywide, but the CRA has the power to add community policing innovations to remedy slum and blighted areas and their causes within the CRA district. The police department presented the CRA with a plan for the Southeast Overtown/ Park West CRA Detail, a service-oriented police unit in a problem-solving team capacity, to establish working partnerships with the CRA, the Neighborhood Enhancement Teams, residents, business owners and homeless outreach programs. Enhanced police services will include six supplemental officers assigned exclusively to the CRA area. HOMELESS COUNTING: Homelessness on the streets of Miami remains a serious problem. The city’s newest commissioner, Ken Russell, took part in the annual census of the homeless in late January. In one three-block section of Flagler Street, he reported 122 homeless people “lined up as if in a shelter.” There were men, women and children, he said. “It’s staggering to me … how much need there is,” Mr. Russell said. Police Chief Rodolfo Llanes said he didn’t want to insult anyone’s sensibilities but the reality is the city is treating a symptom. “There will never be enough Ken Russell [shelter] beds,” he said. Nothing will change until the city starts dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues, the chief said. If not, he said, “we will never catch our tail.” INSPECTIONS REQUIRED: Miami-Dade commissioners will urge the Florida Legislature to require landlords to routinely inspect leased residential properties. Sponsored by Javier D. Souto, the resolution that passed last week states that Florida law allows landlords to enter and inspect leased residential properties upon consent of tenants but some do only a move-in inspection at the end of one tenancy and then leave the property unchecked for the entire new lease. That, the resolution states, can lead to unknown occupants, environmental hazards, dangerous animals, criminal activity inside like drug manufacturing and extensive damage, all of which threaten the health and safety of the tenant and neighbors. Therefore, the resolution says, the Legislature should require landlords to inspect routinely. A copy of the resolution is to go to the governor, senate president, house speaker and members of the county’s legislative delegation. The resolution directs the county’s state lobbyists to advocate for the legislation. HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia is offering outreach events to explain how homeowners can apply online for the 2016 Homestead Exemption before the March 1 deadline. They will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at West Dade Regional Library, 9445 Coral Way; 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Feb. 23 at Miami Beach Regional Library, 227 22nd St.; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 27 at South Dade Government Center, 10710 SW 211th St.; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 27 at the McDonald Center, 17051 NE 19th Ave.. Pedro J. Garcia Details: www.miamidade.gov/pa CLARIFICATION: In an article last week about the baywalk, comments by attorney Vicky Garcia-Toledo, representing Resorts World Miami LLC, were made at a city commission meeting in July 2014. She had said a full baywalk is part of the design of the Resorts World project on the former Miami Herald site. CORRECTION: (add)ventures has added Michelle Spriegel as a public relations and social media specialist and Camila Moller as director of strategy/marketing.
WEEK OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016
I-395 fund diversion roadblocked BY CATHERINE LACKNER
After being denied support that he had deemed key, Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez implied last week that he might abandon a plan to divert funding from the I-395 bridge replacement to the Baylink rail project linking the mainland and Miami Beach. During a Feb. 4 meeting, Miami-Dade Commissioner Audrey Edmonson flatly refused to support that plan. The bridge runs through part of Overtown, which is in Ms. Edmonson’s district. Mr. Suarez, who is vice chair of the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, which is responsible for transportation planning, had proposed the switch in December. “I look at this as an anti-parochial idea,” he said then, noting that significant swaths of I-395 run through the City of Miami. “This is looking more on a regional level.” “It starts with the fact that we have traffic gridlock,” Mr. Suarez told Ms. Edmonson last week during a meeting at her county office. Baylink would help solve that, he said. “Is [the I-395 replacement] really the best vision for all of our communities, including Overtown?” “The people of Overtown are aware this is coming,” Ms. Edmonson replied. “If we say, ‘No, we’re going to put it on hold,’ they’re going to say ‘Here we go again.’ There will be an uproar in Overtown and I’m not going to let that happen.” The I-395 replacement, which
‘I will fight extremely hard to keep those funds in place.’
‘I don’t think it’s worth pursuing without your support.’
Audrey Edmonson
Francis Suarez
includes creation of a “signature bridge” to serve as a gateway between downtown and the area around the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. The procurement process has already begun. “If those funds are put on hold, there is no guarantee the state is going to leave those funds in Miami-Dade County,” Ms. Edmonson said. ‘They’ll go to Tampa, or Jacksonville, or somewhere else.” “That’s a legitimate fear,” Mr. Suarez conceded. Ms. Edmonson reminded him that Marc Sarnoff and Tomás Regalado, Miami former commissioner and current mayor respectively, sued the state to keep the project going when it
appeared that the state transportation department was reducing the scope. “We will take it back to court,” she said. “My community was promised something, and I will fight extremely hard to keep those funds in place.” “I wanted to give you the alternatives, but if that’s your position, I understand,” Mr. Suarez said. “I don’t think it’s worth pursuing without your support. What has happened to Overtown is tragic, and it’s up to us to do our best to help, not make matters worse.” “Your daddy taught you well,” Ms. Edmonson told Mr. Suarez, who is the son of Xavier Suarez, former Miami mayor and current county commissioner. “I’m learning very fast,” Mr. Suarez replied.
Discuss grand jury report, city asked B Y CATHERINE L ACKNER
Ken Russell, newly elected Miami commissioner for District 2, wants to “at the very least, open a discussion” of a grand jury’s report last week that cast Miami-Dade County’s community redevelopment agencies (CRAs) in a questionable light. He has requested that city commissioners take up the matter at their meeting today (2/11). “I’d like to go over the report and feel them out,” to get their reactions, he said Tuesday. “I campaigned on CRA reform,” he said. The public has the perception – sometimes warranted – that the agencies are not fulfilling their roles, he added. Mr. Russell chairs the Omni/Midtown CRA and sits on the board of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA, as do his fellow Miami commissioners. The 40-page grand jury report highlighted some positive aspects of CRAs, including job creation and neighborhood revitalization. But “one of the truths we have uncovered during our investigation is that while CRAs have excelled in [some] areas, for the most part, many of them have failed miserably in fulfilling their mission as to other aspects of their redevelopment plans,” the report noted. “Specifically, most of the CRAs have not even attempted
to tackle the overwhelming shortage of quality affordable housing that exists within the redevelopment areas of their CRAs. The persons who suffer from this CRA failure are low income residents living in slums and the elderly.” CRA haven’t adopted or implemented guidelines for spending taxpayer monies, it continued. “Millions of dollars in grants have been given to certain businesses, companies or individuals. Some of the grants and awards of monies appeared to be clear conflicts of interest for some of the members serving on the CRA board.” CRAs have justified bending some rules and procedures by saying it expedites their ability to respond to community needs. “That’s not good enough,” Mr. Russell said. “That doesn’t pass the test.” The agencies are charged with both generating more revenues for their districts and also spending part of the revenues to improve the lives of residents, he added. “They’re good at raising revenues, but they forget to take care of the other important task they were given.” The grand jury made a number of recommendations, many of which Mr. Russell said he backs, particularly those that inject more transparency and scrutiny into the process. He said he also would support a
move to add more representatives to CRA boards, which in Miami are now are made up solely of the five commissioners. The city’s legal department will investigate, but he said he believes two more members can be added to each board. He said he would like citizens involved. “Miami-Dade County wants a seat as well, and this would be an opportunity for a broader depth of knowledge,” Mr. Russell said. “At the end of the day, this is the citizens’ money.”
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VIEWPOINT
MIAMI TODAY
WEEK OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016
MIAMITODAY Miami Today is an independent voice of the community, published weekly at 2000 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 100, Miami, Florida 33133. Telephone (305) 358-2663
The latest disconnect: two rail systems where one is vital run independently and rarely link. Now we’re going to add not one but two rail systems that might never be compatible with anything else. As we said last week, what a way to run a railroad – or any transit system. It’s very nice that our 34 municipalities, county government, Miami-Dade Expressway Authority, Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust, local Florida Department of Transportation Offices and all are independent. Every government wants to make its own decisions locally. We don’t disparage that. But in transportation, at least, too much independence does more harm than good, because transportation needs are regional. Transportation is not confined to municipal boundaries. It is decidedly not local. Most of us travel in multiple jurisdictions – cities, villages, counties. The only mode that runs seamlessly through all of them without a transfer is now the automobile – the vehicle we’re trying to diversify from as traffic slows in congestion. As for Baylink, county Mayor Carlos
Gimenez was quoted as saying last week “I would like to be compatible. But it may be that there will have to be a connecting point.” As he well knows, every connection or transfer decreases convenience and hence use. The Metropolitan Planning Organization, the unwieldy transportation planner for the county, is just now getting around to studying how to connect all the bus and trolley systems. The City of Miami is just now thinking about a unified transportation plan in its own borders. It’s a shame, then, that the Baylink team seems to be breaking apart just as others are very belatedly looking at putting as much as possible together to add mobility as auto congestion subtracts from it. As population grows without new or expanded roads, we must do as much as possible as fast as possible to maximize transit help. It’s a case of less is better: the fewer independent transit systems and operators, the faster we will get around MiamiDade County.
We’ll never add to Miami-Dade County’s mobility if every government keeps going its own way, with nobody making sure that we connect transit modes. Last week we lamented that 28 gov- Michael Lewis ernments run buses or trolleys in this county with no coordination. Any schedule links – and they’re few – are informal. Separately, we wrote that the 119year-old City of Miami still has no fullblown transportation plan even within its own borders, much less to link with the county and other cities to make travel seamless and simple. Now the latest imbecility: one of the few coordinated plans among major governments – to create a single transit line through Miami Beach and across the bay to mainland Miami – has splintered.
Miami Beach now intends to build its own rail system, taking its own bids and setting up its own rail line. Meanwhile, former partners in the county and City of Miami are left to build their own lines later on, using technology that might differ so much from Miami Beach’s that they’d never connect into a single seamless ride. And so we go, everyone in charge of his own destiny and doing his own thing, meaning that nobody is in charge across city borders and any ability to get around beyond the convenience – or inconvenience – of the automobile is purely coincidental. It had been heartening that a Metropolitan Planning Organization team involved in a Baylink aim to unite mainland and beach had been on one page to create a unified system with one technology and no transfers. Now there’s to be no single system, and even transfers are in doubt. Two unconnected systems beat none – but what a missed opportunity to create not only compatibly but one rail service. Already Metrorail cannot run on Metromover lines and 28 bus systems
L ETTERS
How to seem sexy without really being sexy
TO THE
E DITOR
Build elevated light rail linking mainland, Beach It may be best to revisit and lend our support to the idea of redirecting Baylink funds to building an elevated light rail system connecting Miami and Miami Beach via the MacArthur Causeway. This will be a worthwhile value added dollar spent towards helping to solve the transportation problem in our community. This will include the problem of traffic congestion, environmental pollution, issues of parking space on the mainland and on the island, and most importantly some unforeseen security and safety issues. Please, kindly give common sense a chance, not politics. Tony Okonmah
Don’t miss I-395 bridge Do not let the I-395 project go away and the funds be diverted to other projects in other areas. It will improve traffic and safety. The Baylink is a future project that needs to have financial resources from Miami Beach, the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County. Jose Pepe Cancio
Commission blocks fares The Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust has for years been trying to charge fares for the riding public, but the county commission will not go for it. Linda Zilber
Hail Bayfront Park Trust What if businesses and residents within the Community Redevelopment Agency area were the board, along with only one politician, like the Downtown Development Authority board? If the city would let Bayfront Trust run the park and lease agreements, residents would be better off. They are the only entity that has managed city sites with no funding for almost 10 years. Alex Adams
In our cultural context, sexy has a very narrow definition, which means that 6.916 billion people, and most importantly me, have no chance to appear on the cover of People. However, for those of us who Isaac Prilleltensky don’t fit the narrow definition of sexy, I have good news. Sexy doesn’t have to refer just to the carnal domain. Sexy can be a metaphor for appealing, exciting, desirable, attractive, educated, wise, fair, interesting and stimulating. I’m aware that this theory may well be perceived as an apologia for my big ears, but I trust the reader will see beyond them. I’m also aware that my argument may grow out of my charming personality, but I hope you will not get distracted by it. In our culture, we all want to be physically attractive. Women spend billions of dollars on cosmetics, plastic surgery, clothes and colonic cleansing just to be beautiful and sexy, on the outside and the inside. They spend inordinate amounts of money on nail salons staffed by girls from a particular country I cannot name due to fear of stereotyping, discrimination and my wife’s looks when she reads this. Men go to gyms and buy supplements to build muscle. They color their hair to look their best. Some now even shave their chests. Many go to tanning salons to look gorgeous while they fry their brains and acquire new kinds of skin cancer. We spend countless hours in front of the mirror, just to look right. I get that. We want to be striking. We want to feel good about ourselves and we want to impress others. It is just human nature to conquer the object of our sexual desire, as it is to drive through red lights in Miami.
the cult of sex and narcissism. Unless we nourish our spiritual and relational beings, we will remain fixated on erotic Isaac Prilleltensky is dean of the attraction, self-absorption and selfies. School of Education and Human DeBut until we reach such evolved culvelopment at the University of Mitural stage, there are a number of things ami. Follow his humor blog at http:/ we can do: /prilleltensky.blogspot.com Trigger alert I: Every time people But this conception of sexy is way too are going to talk about someone attracnarrow. Instead of this constricted defi- tive and remind me of my imperfecnition, I embrace a comprehensive mean- tions, I want them to let me know in ing that implies likeable, striking, clever, advance so that I can decide whether to titillating, well-educated and cultured. participate in the conversation or not. Trigger alert II: Every time people When you think about sexy in these terms, there are countless possibilities are going to talk about someone unatto increase our beauty quotient: You tractive and remind me of my imperfeccan buy a fake Ph.D., read the New tions, I want them to let me know in York Times book reviews and pretend advance so that I can crawl under a table that you have read the entire book, and in fetal position. Safe area I: Whenever other people use foreign words nobody understands, including you. Unfortunately, we often are talking about someone attractive, I focus strictly on erotic sexiness, at the want to go to a safe zone and play with expense of psychological or interper- stuffed animals. Safe area II: Whenever other people sonal charm. My aim is to cultivate a wider array of attractive features that are talking about someone unattractive, (a) go beyond physical allure, and (b) I can hug Dumbo. Safe area III: I can go to a waxing distract people from looking at my salon and remove these annoying pieces ears. I might not have perfect facial fea- of hair sticking out of my right ear. tures, to say nothing of my girly voice and graying hair, but I can perfect other aspects of body and soul, such as the ability to come up with innumerable excuses for my horrible physiognomy. miamitodaynews.com The obsession with sex is not surprisFOUNDED JUNE 2, 1983 ing, though. It is the perfect storm. VOLUME XXXIII No. 38 ENTIRE CONTENTS © 2016 Businesses market seductive products. To contact us: We crave attention. We think that lookNews (305) 358-2663 ing sexy will make us stand out. Advertising (305) 358-1008 Classifieds (305) 358-1008 Standing out among a crowd feeds Subscriptions (305) 358-2663 our hunger for attention. We are reReprints (305) 358-2663 warded with praise. Editor and Publisher / Michael Lewis Vice President / Carmen Betancourt-Lewis We think of sex as a shortcut to mattering, but authentic mattering is so much more than erotic encounters. Mattering is also about being appreciated for virtuous, kind and ethical behavior, and being TODAY (ISSN: 0889-2296) is published weekly for $145 per loved by your wife despite a barely no- MIAMI year; airmail: to Europe $190 per year, the Americas $145 per year. ticeable gluteus maximus. Published by Today Enterprises Inc., 2000 S. Dixie Highway, Suite Miami, Florida 33133, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Miami, Unless we cultivate other qualities, 100, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MIAMI TODAY, popular culture will continue to foment 2000 S. DIXIE HIGHWAY, SUITE 100, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33133.
The Writer
MIAMITODAY
WEEK OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016
TODAY’S NEWS
MIAMI TODAY
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57-story Edgewater tower advances BY JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS
The plan to build a luxury condo tower on the waterfront in Edgewater is moving ahead. Miami’s Urban Development Review Board has recommended approval of Elysee Miami, a 100-unit condo planned for a parcel at 700 NE 23rd St. The unusual design of the 57story tower, with the size of the floors growing larger as it rises, requires permission for lesser setbacks above the eighth floor. Permission was also needed to permit parking into the second floor and beyond. The plan calls for providing about 229 parking spaces, 69 beyond the required number of 160, according to Iris Escarra, an attorney representing the developer. The extra parking will allow the developer to sell two spaces per residential unit, she told the board. Board members had asked the architects to address a staff comment about the project, that it was “disconnected to the pedestrian realm,” due in part to an elevated first floor and lobby. Representatives of the developer said there were challenges on the narrow site and FEMA requirements to protect against potential flooding.
Designed by Miami architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica, the slender glass structure features a three-tiered telescoping shape with only two units per floor, providing direct unobstructed bay and city views from every unit. Mr. Fort-Brescia said there is a small floor plate at the lower levels, graduating into slightly larger floor plates in the middle and very large on the top floors. There is an advantage to the parcel as it is positioned between two streets, he said, allowing easier loading and traffic flow. As for the higher lobby and ground floor area, Mr. FortBrescia said it is not a commercial building; there will be no retail or restaurant uses at the ground level that would invite a lot of foot traffic. Board member Robin Bosco called it “a very interesting building.” Mr. Bosco said he’d been reading news reports of other towers having serious issues with robotic parking systems and asked what was planned for Elysee. The tower will have an automated garage that operates with a hard-wire conveyor system, the board was informed. Board member Neil Hall said,
County asks feds, state for youth job financing BY SUSAN D ANSEYAR
Miami-Dade commissioners last week unanimously urged Congress and the state Legislature to allocate funds for youth employment programs, with emphasis on helping those who might not otherwise get a chance to contribute in a productive work environment while earning money and honing skills.. The resolution by Dennis C. Moss, co-sponsored by Barbara J. Jordan, outlines the importance of early employment opportunities for at-risk youth. According to a 2013 report by the Center for Labor Market Statistics, youth who participate in summer employment programs have higher graduation and employment rates, increased wages later in life and are less likely than peers to engage in such risky behaviors as drug and alcohol use, violent behavior and crime. US Census Bureau statistics for 2014 tally over 4 million Florida residents ages 15 to 19. The resolution says this group benefits from summer employment by increasing motivation, self-confidence and responsibility; improving academic performance, and social and emotional development; developing good work habits, interpersonal, organizational and time management skills; setting career goals; gaining work experience; establishing connections; and supplementing family income. The legislation cites a recent study that concluded a “sum-
mer plus” job program for atrisk kids, that included mentoring and counseling resulted n a 51% drop in arrests for violent crimes in the Chicago area. Miami-Dade offers employment programs for its young people. Last summer, the county provided $1 million toward its Summer Youth Employment program, which lasted seven weeks and paired at-risk youth ages 14 to 17 from certain county zip codes with employers. About 300 youths worked a minimum of 20 hours a week at $8.50 an hour. The program will be offered again this summer. Additionally, the county is partnering with the Children’s Trust and Miami-Dade Public Schools to fund a program for summer youth employment in 2016, aiming to employ up to 1,300 students for up to six weeks to work 30 hours each week at minimum wage. “Early employment experiences, such as those gained through summer employment, cultivate the next generation of qualified workers and provide participating youth with considerable lasting benefits that facilitate a smoother transition into the labor market,” the resolution states. “Congress and the Florida Legislature should support summer youth employment by funding programs that aid youth in obtaining employment,” which greatly benefits the kids themselves as well as the entire community, the resolution states.
“I see buildings going up that take advantage of the water, but transportation needs are not being addressed.” He voiced concern about increasing traffic. “It’s simple. Straight-forward. I like the building,” said board member Jesus Permuy. South Florida-based Two Roads Development closed on the $22 million purchase of the 700 NE 23rd St. site in January. DW Commercial Finance LLC and other entities managed by DW Partners, LP (DW) provided financing for the acquisition. Two Roads said it expects to break ground on Elysee Miami by the second quarter of this year and finish in 2018. Elysee is to include 100 luxury residences ranging from threeto five-bedroom units between 2,600 and 4,000 square feet. Preconstruction sales are under way, with prices from $1.65 million to more than $10 million. “We are pleased that the project site can be cleared now and look forward to proceeding with construction in the months ahead,” Jim Harpel, senior partner and chairman of Two Roads Development, said in a prepared statement. “This is a special waterfront property in one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods, and we believe Elysee’s prime location,
Floors of condo tower Elysee Miami would be larger at higher levels.
price point and boutique design puts the project in an ideal position,” he said. Paris-based designer JeanLouis Deniot has signed on to imagine the project’s common area amenity spaces. Residents at Elysee are to have access to two sky-high amenity decks. The seventh floor will include a 75-foot resort pool, an outdoor summer kitchen and barbecue terrace, fitness center and yoga studio, children’s room, men and women’s spa with sauna, steam shower and private massage rooms, and a blow dry bar. Elysee’s 30th floor amenity
level, which is designed to serve as an extension of each residence, will boast 360-degree bay and city views and include a great room, dining room with indoor and outdoor seating for up to 30 guests, chef’s kitchen, library and private theater, full bar and lounge, and wine room. Two Roads Development is also building Biscayne Beach, a nearby 52-story residential tower under construction at 711 NE 29th St., which is slated to be done late this year. The 399-unit project is being developed in a joint venture with GTIS Partners, a real estate investment firm headquartered in New York.
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Boat show lists multiple ways to get to Virginia Key site BY JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS
The Miami International Boat Show has claimed its new home on Virginia Key. This weekend the land and water surrounding Miami Marine Stadium will host thousands of boat enthusiasts at the annual boat show. This is the 75th year for the event, sponsored by Progressive Insurance. A major renovation to the Miami Beach Convention Center motivated the National Marine Manufacturers Association to find a new staging site. Running today (2/11) through Feb. 15, boats of all shapes and sizes will be showcased under large enclosed tents and along temporary docks in the basin. Village of Key Biscayne officials have been at odds with the City of Miami for more than a year over plans to relocate the show to city-owned land on Virginia Key, a barrier island linking Key Biscayne to the mainland via the Rickenbacker Causeway. The city entered into a license agreement with the National Marine Manufacturers Association to stage the 2016 event on land and water surrounding Marine Stadium. The city allocated more than $20 million to make improvements to the area around the long-idled stadium into a flex park for multiple uses after the boat show. Village officials and residents don’t want the boat show on Virginia Key, saying it will choke traffic on the causeway, the only access to the village, and endanger wildlife and the environment. Opponents also voice concerns about the city’s fu-
ture use of the property and waterfront stadium, saying the changes are too intensive. The city and the association have repeatedly defended the plan for bringing the boat show to Virginia Key, and the association said it has devised a parking and transportation plan created to ease traffic congestion in the area. As for park-and-ride options, the association said pick-up and drop-off points for water taxi and shuttle bus service are throughout Miami and will make getting to and from the show “seamless and fun.� Attendees can board a water taxi or shuttle bus from mainland hotels, parkand-ride lots, and Metrorail stations in downtown, Brickell and Coconut Grove. A map showing these options says if you’re coming from the south, park at Dadeland South or Dadeland North and ride the Metrorail to Vizcaya Station for a free shuttle bus to the show. From the north or south, transfer from the Metrorail to Metromover at Government Center Station and exit at the Knight Center Station, Bayfront Station or College/Bayside Station and walk across the street to pick up a free water taxi or shuttle bus to the show. The association also arranged with Freebee Miami for the electric cars to transport show patrons in downtown and Brickell to shuttle and water taxi stops. To request rides select the “Take me to the Boat Show� button on the home screen of the Freebee Mobile App. Free water taxi pickup and drop off points include:
„AmericanAirlines Arena. „ Intercontinental/Bayfront Park, Downtown (Strictly Sail Miami pickup/ drop-off point). „Sonesta Beach Hotel, Dinner Key Marina, Coconut Grove (no vehicle parking available). „Hyatt Regency Miami, Downtown – also services Epic and JW Marriott Marquis. „Miami Marriott, Biscayne Bay – also serves the Hilton Downtown and Omni Hotel. „Viceroy Hotel, Brickell – hub for all Brickell area hotels. „Miami Beach Marina (no vehicle parking available) – hub for Miami Beach hotels. Free Shuttle Bus pickup and drop off points include: „AmericanAirlines Arena. „Bayside Marketplace (Strictly Sail Miami pick-up/drop-off area). „Miami Marriott, Biscayne Bay – also serves the Hilton Downtown and Omni Hotel. „Four Seasons Hotel, Brickell – also serves Conrad Miami. „Hyatt Regency Miami, Downtown – also serves Epic, JW Marriott Marquis and Marriott Courtyard. „InterContinental Hotel, Downtown. „James L. Knight Center (Saturday and Sunday only). „Marlins Park. „Miami Dade College, Downtown (Saturday and Sunday only). „Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Coconut Grove – hub for Sonesta Beach Hotel and all Coco-
Public Notice Notice is given that a meeting of the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at 9:30 AM, in the Commission Chambers, located on the Second Floor of the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 N.W. First Street, Miami, Florida, wherein, among other matters to be considered, a public hearing will be held at such time that the item is called on the following: Ordinances and Resolutions: t 3 FTPMVUJPO DPEFTJHOBUJOH UIBU QPSUJPO PG /8 UI "WFOVF GSPN /8 OE TUSFFU UP /8 UI TUSFFU BT ‘’William ‘Bill’ Bradley Street’’ t 3FTPMVUJPO approving, after public hearing as required by Section 147(f) of Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, issuance from time to time of not exceeding $200,000,000.00 aggregate principal amount of MiamiDade County, Florida aviation commercial paper notes outstanding at any one time; approving certain details with respect to such notes including distribution of offering memorandum; appointing commercial paper dealer, letter of credit provider and issuing and paying agent; approving forms of certain related agreements; delegating determination of ďŹ nal terms of said notes to County Mayor or County Mayor’s designee; authorizing County OfďŹ cials to do all things deemed necessary in connection with issuance, sale, execution and delivery of commercial paper notes; waiving provisions of Resolution No. R-130-06, as amended t 3FTPMVUJPO $PEFTJHOBUJOH UIBU QPSUJPO PG 48 OE "WFOVF CFUXFFO 48 UI 4USFFU #JSE 3PBE BOE 48 UI 4USFFU BT A 1BUSJPU "WFOVF Resolutions Approving the Following Plats: t S outh Pointe Villas CPVOEFE PO UIF /PSUI CZ 48 4USFFU PO UIF &BTU CZ 48 "WFOVF PO UIF 4PVUI BQQSPYJNBUFMZ GFFU /PSUI PG UIFPSFUJDBM 48 4USFFU BOE PO UIF 8FTU BQQSPYJNBUFMZ GFFU FBTU PG 48 $PVSU
Ordinances creating and establishing Special Taxing Districts and Resolutions adopting preliminary assessment rolls for: t Hidden Lakes Townhomes Multipurpose Maintenance Special Taxing District in accordance with the provisions of $IBQUFS PG UIF $PEF t Miami WorldCenter Multipurpose Maintenance Special Taxing District in accordance with the provisions of Chapter PG UIF $PEF "MM JOUFSFTUFE QBSUJFT NBZ BQQFBS BOE CF IFBSE BU UIF UJNF BOE QMBDF TQFDJmFE The proposed ordinances listed below will have a Second Reading to be considered for enactment by the Board at the time and place speciďŹ ed above. t 0 SEJOBODF creating amnesty period; creating a limited exception from civil penalties and liens for Code violations relating to Auto Repair Shop Businesses t 0SEJOBODF relating to zoning; revising regulations pertaining to setbacks and open or enclosed building requirements for Automotive Repair Businesses; BNFOEJOH 4FDUJPOT BOE PG UIF $PEF t 0SEJOBODF relating to zoning; directing the County Mayor or Mayor’s designee to temporarily suspend application of provisions PG 4FDUJPO PG UIF $PEF SFMBUJOH UP SFDSFBUJPOBM WFIJDMF "MM JOUFSFTUFE QBSUJFT NBZ BQQFBS BU UIF UJNF BOE QMBDF TQFDJmFE " QFSTPO XIP EFDJEFT UP BQQFBM BOZ EFDJTJPO NBEF CZ BOZ CPBSE BHFODZ PS DPNNJTTJPO XJUI SFTQFDU UP BOZ NBUUFS DPOTJEFSFE BU JUT NFFUJOH PS IFBSJOH XJMM OFFE B SFDPSE PG QSPDFFEJOHT 4VDI QFSTPOT NBZ OFFE UP FOTVSF UIBU B WFSCBUJN SFDPSE PG UIF QSPDFFEJOHT JT NBEF JODMVEJOH UIF UFTUJNPOZ BOE FWJEFODF VQPO XIJDI UIF BQQFBM JT UP CF CBTFE .JBNJ %BEF $PVOUZ QSPWJEFT FRVBM BDDFTT BOE FRVBM PQQPSUVOJUZ BOE EPFT OPU EJTDSJNJOBUF PO UIF CBTJT PG EJTBCJMJUZ JO JUT programs or services. For material in alternate format, a sign language interpreter or other accommodation, please call PS FNBJM agendco@miamidade.gov.
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nut Grove hotels. „Viceroy, Brickell. „Aloft, Downtown. „Vizcaya Metrorail Station. There are 12,000 parking spaces available throughout downtown Miami, seven times more parking spots than the show’s previous location on Miami Beach, according to the association. Parking lots include AmericanAirlines Arena and Marlins Park offering direct show entry via free shuttle bus and water taxi. Attendees can book parking online and guarantee a parking space by visiting http:/ /www.miamiboatshow.com/parking. There are 4,000 parking spaces on Virginia Key for exhibitors, VIP and valet. It promises to be a very busy weekend for the area, with the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, and another boat show on Miami Beach and partly on Watson Island. Formerly called the Yacht and Brokerage Show, Yachts Miami Beach promises to transform Collins Avenue into a multimillion-dollar presentation of yachts. The 28th annual in-water-only display presentation Feb. 11-15 covers more than 1.2 million square feet over a mile-long strip of Indian Creek Waterway, featuring hundreds of new and used vessels valued at more than $1 billion. The show has also added a super-yacht Miami location at Island Gardens Deep Harbour on Watson Island. Transportation will be available from Yachts Miami Beach on Collins Avenue to Deep Harbour on Watson Island.
Marine Stadium supporters using show as petition lever BY JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS
Community members who for years have sought to reopen Miami’s Marine Stadium on Virginia Key are turning to the expected masses attending this weekend’s Miami International Boat Show to shore up support for restoring the long-idled stadium. As about 100,000 people prepare to visit Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin for the big boat show, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Dade Heritage Trust are launching a petition drive to demonstrate support for fully restoring the stadium. The National Trust and Dade Heritage Trust will staff an informational kiosk throughout the boat show, Feb. 11-15, where attendees and exhibitors can learn about the stadium and sign a new petition, which calls on Miami city commissioners to make stadium restoration a priority. The kiosk will be in the central courtyard of the show campus, just outside the stadiumn entrance. The petition will also be online at www.SavingPlaces.org/ stadium. The National Trust is working with local visual performance artists to illuminate the structure using projections of vintage stadium footage so that attendees can view its history and architecture. The light illuminations will take place Feb. 12-14, beginning at 4 p.m. and running until 8 p.m. Organizers of the petition drive see the boat show as a catalyst for restoration of the stadium.
They point out that the city has already spent more than $20 million to improve the land around the stadium, including the creation of a flex park as called for by the Virginia Key Master Plan. Additionally, restoration proponents cite other developments that indicate the restoration effort is gaining momentum: „A nomination to add the stadium to the National Register of Historic Places has been prepared for the US Department of the Interior and is pending city commission approval. If named to the National Register, restoration at the stadium would qualify for federal historic tax credits, which would reduce restoration costs by about $6 million. „City commissioners recently created an advisory board that will help shape a long-term vision for Virginia Key, including a comprehensive business plan for the key that includes the renovation and re-opening of Miami Marine Stadium to the public. Both the National Trust and Dade Heritage Trust have been asked to have representatives on this board. „On Dec. 15, the city issued a request for quotation for architectural and engineering services for the stadium. The response due date was recently extended to Feb. 17. Miami Marine Stadium was designed in 1963 by architect Hilario Candela and engineer Jack Meyer. With a football field-length roofline that was once the longest span of cantilevered concrete in the world, the stadium was built to view speedboat racing when Miami was the epicenter of the sport.
WEEK OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016
TODAY’S NEWS
MIAMI TODAY
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Miami OKs changes for transit-oriented north end project BY JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS
Miami commissioners have approved land use and zoning changes expected to bring new residential and commercial uses to the city’s northern reaches as part of a transit-oriented development. The Upper East Side site fronts directly on Northeast 82nd Street, just west of Biscayne Boulevard, and is targeted for a mixed-use development that might one day feed a passenger rail line. The applicants are identified as: 82nd Apartments LP; 505 NE 82nd Street LLC; 520 NE 82nd Terrace LLC; 439 NE 82nd Street LLC; and 421 82nd St LLC. Attorney Ben Fernandez appeared before the commission on behalf of the applicants. In a letter to the city, Mr. Fernandez said the proposed changes would allow the property to be developed in accordance with a plan prepared by Dean Lewis Architects entitled The Wave of Shorecrest. Commissioners on Jan. 28 approved the second and final reading of two ordinances for the site: One changes the land use designation from Medium Density Multifamily Residential to Restricted Commercial, and the other rezones the land from Urban Center Transect Zone – Restricted to Urban Core Transect Zone – Open. Initial approval was Nov. 19. Included are eight parcels, about 2.3 acres or 98,932 square feet. The site is between Northeast 82nd Terrace to the north, Biscayne Boulevard to the east, Northeast Fourth Place to the west, and Northeast 82nd Street to the south. The developer plans a mixeduse project compatible with the surrounding land uses, particularly the 79th Street Shopping Center to the south and the pattern of development along major corridors in that area.
F ILMING IN M IAMI These film permits were issued last week by the Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory & Economic Resources’ Office of Film and Entertainment, (305) 375-3288; the Miami Mayor’s Office of Film, Arts & Entertainment, (305) 8603823; and the Miami Beach Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment-Film and Print Division, (305) 673-7070. Chori Perros Productions LLC. Miami. Ballers Season 2. Larry & Penny Thompson Park. Matador Content LLC. Los Angeles. Real Women of Telenovelas. Miami Beach citywide, Miami Beach driving shots, unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Maximus Film GmbH. Munich. Behind Bars. MiamiDade Corrections and Rehabilitations. Kinetic Operations. Los Angeles. Married at First Sight 4. Miami Beach citywide. Joy Collective Ltd. Brooklyn. B-Roll. Countywide, Miami Beach citywide. N House Productions. Miami. Carters. Countywide, Miami Beach citywide. Select Services Inc. Miami. Geox. Miami Beach citywide. Miami Daylight Studios. Miami Beach. Aspex. Hobie Beach. Broder Productions. Miami Beach. Broder Productions. Countywide. Stillmax Media LLC. Miami Shores. Stillmax Media. Countywide, Miami Beach citywide, Rickenbacker Causeway fishing pier, Tropical Park. P. Studios Productions Inc. Miami Beach. Pstudio. Countywide, Miami Beach citywide. Pro One Productions Inc. Miami Beach. Fashion Catalogue 1. Countywide, Miami Beach citywide. First Option Productions Inc. Miami Beach. Grafton Fraser. Countywide, Miami Beach citywide. Pazit Inc. Coconut Grove. SanMar. Miami Beach citywide. David Segui Production Services. Miami Beach. Oxelo. Countywide, Miami Beach citywide. Chuck Martin Productions. Portland. Dicks Sporting Goods Soccer Shoot. Cutler Ridge Park, Lakes by the Bay Park. Mobile Arts Inc. Miami Beach. Granier. Crandon Park Beach. Crandon Park Gardens.
A city analysis notes that the area consists of duplex and multifamily residences and the properties involved are near Biscayne Boulevard, an arterial road. The proposal would enable the property owners to redevelop the site for retail, residential and office uses under the Restricted Commercial designation, which would allow up to 340 dwelling units on the site, though the developer plans to limit that number. The applicant proposed this restrictive covenant: The property shall be developed consistent with the design intent of the plans entitled “Wave of Shorecrest 82nd Street Master Plan” dated July 15, 2015. The owners shall not increase the proposed floor area by pursuing a Public Benefits New uses are expected for the area shown. The top of map is north. bonus under Miami 21. The property shall be develMr. Fernandez told commis- transit corridor.” The area has been identified oped with a maximum of 232 sioners Jan. 28 the project would “energize” an area long as a potential future stop for dwelling units. The planning and zoning deignored, one “poised to be a Tri-Rail, Mr. Fernandez said.
partment and the city’s Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board recommended denial of the land use and zoning changes. The planning department staff recommended denial because, in part, the changes would increase the intensity of commercial use in an area characterized by one- and two-story residential dwellings. Mr. Fernandez had said the neighborhood is changing, noting the nearness to the residential area of Shorecrest, and said the developer had the support of the Shorecrest Homeowners Association. The site is very close to the city’s boundary with the Village of Miami Shores. Mr. Fernandez said the zoning on the village’s southern edge has increased density and would allow mixed uses. He also said the project is designed with no retail uses facing the Medium Density MultiFamily Residential properties across Northeast 82nd Terrace.
Now more than ever, transportation determines the future shape of our community. Transportation limitations are potential roadblocks to our future. 3R *IFVYEV] Āă 1MEQM 8SHE] [MPP TVSHYGI E WTIGMEP WIGXMSR JSGYWMRK SR XVERWTSVXEXMSR MXW GLEPPIRKIW ERH STTSVXYRMXMIW VERKMRK JVSQ SYV VSEHW XS SYV EMVTSVXW ERH TSVXW 8LMW WIGXMSR [MPP GSRXEMR ZMXEP MRJSVQEXMSR XLEX [MPP HMWGYWW SYV XVERWTSVXEXMSR JYXYVI • Over 68,000 readers • 77% rank Miami Today higher than any other local publication for credibility of business and civic news. #NN Ƃ IWTGU HTQO C UWTXG[ TGNGCUGF KP D[ $GJCXKQTCN 5EKGPEG 4GUGCTEJ
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Coconut Grove Revised uses for CocoWalk complex due within 90 days BY CATHERINE LACKNER
Last spring’s purchase of the CocoWalk shopping and entertainment complex by investors Michael Comras, Grass River Property and the Federal Realty Investment Trust is a sign of Coconut Grove’s resurgence and a brighter future ahead, said Mr. Comras, a principal of the Comras Company. “We have the best year-round demographics in the state,” he said, because the Grove has the ability to draw shoppers who live nearby and also from Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne and other affluent areas. In addition, parents bring about 6,000 students to attend private and public schools in the
Grove every weekday, creating another group of potential consumers of goods and services. New residents are coming to the Grove, as well. “Terra is doing two terrific residential projects nearby,” Mr. Comras said, referring to the Grove at Grand Bay and Park Grove, both of which are to be completed within three years. The Sapient-Nitro advertising agency also has moved into the former Mayfair shopping center, bringing about 600 employees into to the building, which also has co-sharing space. “These are all positive things for traffic generation,” Mr. Comras said. The investors are considering various
uses for the CocoWalk property, which has “good bones,” Mr. Comras said, and they will have formulated a plan within 60 to 90 days. “We are knee-deep in an extensive planning process,” he said. “We are talking to the community. We want whatever we do there to resonate. CocoWalk should cater to the people who live and work in the area, who didn’t have sufficient offerings before.” Meanwhile, the new owners have temporarily rented six vacant spaces to “pop-up” tenants that might want to eventually become permanent, he added. “We’re getting a lot of interest from retailers,” Mr. Comras said, reminiscent of the time 15 years or so ago when
the Grove was in its heyday, before South Beach and other trendy spots grabbed the crown. He sees the future for retail in the Grove being contemporary fashion, epitomized by a lease he negotiated at 3401 Main Highway for a retail outlet of Kit and Ace, a high-end clothing company owned by the wife and son of Chip Wilson, the founder of lululemon. Kit and Ace also has a shop in Wynwood; the two stores are the company’s first in Florida. That is the sort of tenant that will bring a new, hip generation into the area, Mr. Comras said. “When we make CocoWalk and Coconut Grove a part of people’s daily lives, we will have achieved success.”
Upswing Grove sees trolleys, workforce housing on horizon BY SUSAN D ANSEYAR
Coconut Grove’s Chamber of Commerce leaders note the successes of their business community while looking forward to what could bring even more vitality, such as building office space in the areas outside the downtown streets, trolleys, greater access to the waterfront, and workforce housing going up for residents who will support the dwindling small shops. “Things look good for the Grove and we’re on an upward swing,” said Liliana Dones, chamber president. “We have Arquitectonica transforming the Engle Building [at McFarlane Road and Main Highway], which now has a facelift, along with [shared work space] Büro Group, Harry’s Pizzeria, Panther Coffee and other food establishments on the way.” However, Ms. Dones said, the business community needs to acknowledge itself as more than just the downtown area. “Often, I am asked what is the difference between the Coconut Grove Chamber and the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID),” she said. “The chamber has an excellent partnership with the BID, the footprint of which is the downtown area, with an epicenter at the intersection of Grand and Main, extending to North to Monty’s and South to the Taurus.” However, Ms. Dones said, the Grove’s business community far extends beyond that: north to Mercy Hospital; Village West with the new Kroma Art Gallery; along Bird Road, and intersects on 27th Avenue with Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors; heads past the Hampton Inn; and beyond US 1 to the area of the Coconut Grove Metrorail Station. “Businesses such as Shell Lumber and Bay Plumbing, both long-time chamber members,
Photo by Marlene Quaroni
The chamber sees a major need for Grove trolleys and more office space, said President Liliana Dones.
exist along with new developments such as Grove Station Towers and its storefronts,” Ms. Dones said. “The chamber, which celebrates its 70th year in 2016, covers that all ground.” She has discussed what the business community needs with other board members and business leaders. Many, she said, feel the trolley extension to the Grove is a must. Ms. Dones referred to a discussion she had with Tony Rodriguez, vice president of the chamber, who said more office space is needed. “Some Brickell businesses are looking to the Grove as office space in the downtown core area has become hard to find,” she said. “In fact, companies such as Regus and Büro have found ideal situations in the Grove.” Having more office space need not panic those who fear the Grove’s “laid back” atmosphere will be tampered with, Ms. Dones said. “One of the things that makes the Grove so attrac-
tive to an office environment is precisely its idyllic situation – a beautiful bay brimming with sailboats, a walkable area of treelined streets intermingled with parks and green space. No other part of Miami quite has that.” Office space need not be limited to the downtown part of the Grove, she said, adding there are interesting opportunities to explore on Bird Road, 27th Avenue and along US 1. “The Grove is small enough that those who are lucky to work here can amble down to the park for a picnic lunch, perhaps watching one of the many regattas setting up – where else can you do that?” Ms. Dones asked. “After work, you can do yoga in the park or catch a happy hour in any one of the many restaurants and bars not, only inside but at one of the many sidewalk cafes and terraces, including the new Spasso [formerly Calamari] and the park-centric Glass and Vine.” For those who live nearby or have access to Metrorail, Ms.
Dones said, one can even bike to work. “We do need to step up the public transportation system so it can better benefit traffic to the Grove,” she said. As a Metrorail user, she feels all momentum gained from its efficiency is lost once one gets off at Grove Station and has to wait “interminably” for the Grove Circulator. “One of the things that would make all this better logistically is that much-needed trolley,” Ms. Dones said. “Board members Lilia Garcia and Wendy Zane both pointed out that the Grove is long overdue for the trolley. A shuttle from the Metrorail station to Grand at Virginia Street, where the tourist buses pick up, would be perfect.” Currently, the BID is working with the City of Miami on purchasing trolleys for the area to allow for a connection from Mercy Hospital and possibly Coral Gables, said Manny Gonzalez, executive director of
the Business Improvement District. “Our focus is to find alternative methods for Grove patrons and residential community to access our district,” he said. Mr. Gonzalez anticipates the Grove will have trolley service in March. The plan to purchase two is scheduled for discussion at the Miami City Commission meeting today (2/11). There certainly a lot of restaurants are coming to the Grove, but the small retailers are under a lot of pressure with rents escalating so much, said Monty Trainer, president of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival as well as a board member of the BID and chamber. In fact, Mr. Trainer said, the Grove was once based on small merchants, of which few remain. About 2,000 well-paid young professionals work in the Mayfair Building and have no place to shop, he said. “Many can’t afford to live in the Grove, either, so there’s nothing available to them here.” Thus, Mr. Trainer said, to bring more vitality to the business community, the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce needs to identify ways it will embrace the new condo developments as the residents will want upscale dining, shopping and entertainment. He’s also hoping workforce housing will be built along the Grand Avenue corridor, which he said would create more demand for the Grove’s shops. Mr. Trainer said the business community must use its assets more wisely. He points to the waterfront and says the Grove is the sailing capital of the world. Mr. Trainer said more access to the water should be developed, along with ferries and other nautical vehicles to get around on it. “Look at how Boston uses its waterfront,” he said. “We should promote it more along with our parks.”
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With new eateries, 38 Grove restaurants highest on record BY SUSAN DANSEYAR
Coconut Grove’s retail community has been invigorated by the new restaurants opening in the downtown area, say market watchers, and will be vastly improved with trolleys and legislation to alleviate traffic congestion. The Business Improvement District currently has 38 restaurants, according to Executive Director Manny Gonzalez. That’s the most on record since the BID’s inception in 2009, he said, increased from 31 in 2014. From November 2015 to March 2016, 11 restaurants opened within the BID. These include Glass & Vine, Farinelli 1937, Spasso, Americano, Ariete, Ergon Greek Deli & Cuisine, Masa Taqueria, Harry’s Pizzeria, Choices, Spillover and Kitchen 33. “We are excited to be part of this Coconut Grove culinary revolution that is happening before our own very eyes,” Mr. Gonzalez said. “With the various first-class Grove residential projects scheduled to go online later this year, the future of the area has never been brighter.” Although the Bookstore in the Grove’s café isn’t brand new, the shop at 3390 Mary St. has expanded the menu and food services, according to staff member William Coizeau. There’s a new chef – Chef Gary, as bookstore staff call
Photo by Marlene Quaroni
Mollie Nelson reads “I Am Amelia Earhart” to her children Amelia, 9, and Soren Gilbert, 5, at Bookstore in the Grove, which crafted an environment where customers can find refuge with an aroma of coffee.
him – who is trained in international cuisine and is offering daily specials as well as a new “breakfast smoothie bowl” that Mr. Coizeau said is becoming quite popular. Additionally, the bookstore is working with Hy Vong, formerly on Calle Ocho, for occasional pop-up dinners in the shop; catering breakfast and lunch meetings for Grove businesses as well as individuals’ private parties; and has recently started to accept online orders via its website at
www.thebookstoreinthegrove.com. Generally, Mr. Coizeau said, the Bookstore in the Grove continually looks for ways to serve the community better and maintain the relaxed feeling of its interior. Recently, owner Felice Dubin started a pop-up store called Pages that’s devoted to “high-end, luxurious fine arts” books that tend toward art, poetry, architecture, music and fashion. Located at 2992 McFarland Road, the sister store opened Dec. 8 and will be up
until Valentine’s Day weekend. Mr. Coizeau said the concept is for shoppers who want out-ofthe-ordinary, hand-picked books that are suitable for presents or coffee tables. In addition to the new culinary offerings, the Bookstore in the Grove has improved free WiFi to add to what Mr. Coizeau describes as an environment where customers can take refuge from their jobs or do their work surrounded by books and the smell of fine coffee coming
from the café. “We’re the only truly independent book store in all of Miami,” he said. With the new and already established restaurants bringing more people to the Grove, the BID is looking at ways to mitigate traffic congestion and offer public transit for easy access. To that end, Mr. Gonzalez said, the BID is looking into working with the City of Miami to purchase trolleys for the area that would allow a connection from Mercy Hospital and possibly Coral Gables. In tandem with the Miami Parking Authority, he said, the BID is exploring a centralized valet service for the area to allow for customers to drop off and pick up cars at any valet station designated within the district. Also with the help of the Miami Parking Authority, Mr. Gonzalez said the BID is trying to introduce a delivery ordinance that would limit the hours of food and beverage deliveries within the district, allowing easier traffic flow and proving additional parking spaces by freeing up loading zones after the delivery deadline. Currently, different companies delivering to the restaurants pull up large trucks any time of the day, holding up cars from passing due to unregulated hours. Mr. Gonzalez said the proposed plan is to limit the delivery times to a few days a week, beginning at 5 a.m. and finishing by 11 a.m.
In flood of changes, Grove’s waterfront adding amenities BY JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS
The Coconut Grove waterfront has been changing almost daily for years, and the last six months have seen perhaps the most major alterations. Gone is the gaudy and cavernous exposition center. In its place is an open and attractive Regatta Park, a large green lawn hugged by trees and pathways, benches and tables, and a play area for youngsters. Regatta Park opened in October. Gone too is the small, antiquated dockmaster building at the edge of Biscayne Bay. In its place is a brand spanking new multi-story dockmaster facility, blue and white with brushed steel accents offering impressive views of Dinner Key Marina and the ocean beyond. The dockmaster building opened in August. “We are in the final phase of construction, which includes demolition of the old dockmaster building, installation of pavers and landscaping underneath and around the new building,” said Stephen H. Bogner, City of Miami marinas manager. The remaining work includes creation of a waterfront plaza, rebuilding the roadway in front of the new building and reconstruction of customer parking, which is the surface lot between Miami City Hall and the new building, he said. “The lot currently under re-
Photo by John Charles Robbins
In a project with a cost ceiling of $4.5 million, a new dockmaster building is in final construction stages.
construction will be given back over to Dinner Key Marina customer/guest parking, hopefully by Feb. 25,” Mr. Bogner said. “The lot we are currently using – immediately to the west, toward South Bayshore Drive – will be reconstructed next. This lot will serve City Hall visitors, Regatta Park users and others.” The three-story dockmaster structure is to serve as the Dinner Key Marina and Harbormaster’s (Mooring) administration building. The first level will support limited parking, a handicap-accessible elevator, stairwell ac-
cess and storage room. The second floor houses a customer lounge/computer access area, library, laundry facilities and customer showers/restrooms area and a customer convenience store. The third floor is home to administrative offices, a storage room, a conference room, housekeeping supply rooms and restrooms. The third floor will also open onto an outdoor balcony with awning. “We have a medium-sized conference room that we hope to be able to rent out for business meetings to the local com-
munity,” Mr. Bogner said. Total project cost – not to exceed $4,516,369 – included money to demolish and clear the old dockmaster building and to construct a 10,180-square-foot outdoor plaza. The project will seek LEED Silver Certification. The building looks out over the city’s 582-slip flagship marina, Dinner Key Marina, the largest wet slip marine facility in Florida. Dinner Key prides itself on modern berthing in a park-like setting to transient, long-term and commercial dockage liveaboard customers at reasonable rates.
“The marina has been very busy for some time, with long-term and commercial dockage at or near 100% occupancy,” Mr. Bogner said. “Transient dockage has been very active as well.” The marina offers concrete docks/wooden finger piers, electric connections and Internet access, laundry facilities and pump-out service, 24-hour staff and security, fishing charters and more. Dinner Key originally served as base of operations for Pan American Airways’ famed flying boats, the Clippers, and plenty of history has been retained in the area. The original Pan Am terminal building, next door to Dinner Key Marina, is refurbished and now serves as Miami City Hall. Offshore, more room is made available for boats. “The marina also services about 200 vessels on moorings just offshore Dinner Key Marina [at] our Dinner Key Mooring Facility, and we have been operating there at about 100% occupancy since November,” Mr. Bogner said. The city’s 225-vessel mooring facility lies just offshore, at the end of Southwest 27th Avenue. The facility features moorings constructed of steel helix anchors coupled with upline/buoy systems designed to safely accommodate vessels up to 40 feet. Details: (305) 329-4755.
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