Miami Today: Week of Thursday, September 15, 2016

WEEK OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

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BANKING & FINANCE

More routes available to get small business loans, pg. 13 HERE COMES THE JUDGE: Future bid protests in the City of Miami will be heard by a hearing officer or administrative judge and not the elected city commission. Commissioner Francis Suarez sponsored the legislation in an effort to keep politics out of procurements. Commissioners on Sept. 8 established a process for the adjudication of bid protests by a hearing officer, setting rules for hearing officer appointments and duties, procedures and so on. The city may now create a pool of potential adjudicators, with first preference to appellate judges, followed by former state judges or a lawyer in good standing with the Florida Bar for a minimum of 10 years with experience in civil law. These hearing officers would be appointed by the city and have authority to resolve bid protests.

17 banking partners helping to aid the unbanked, pg. 14

THE ACHIEVER

SOUTHERN COMFORT: County commissioners have approved road improvements in South Miami-Dade County. Florida City will see improvements in the area of Southwest 344th Street between US 1 and 172nd Avenue. Work will include filling and paving the existing canal in order to add lanes. Southwest 328th (Lucy) Street be widened from two to four lanes. Improvements were also approved along Southwest 152nd Street between 157th and 147th avenues, which will also be widened from two to four lanes. Work in both areas will include raised medians, sidewalks, curb and gutters, bicycle paths, continuous storm drainage system, signalization, pavement markings and signage, and decorative lighting.

Located primarily in District 9, which Dennis Moss represents, the projects are intended to support economic development and improve traffic mobility.

CRIME DROPS: Violent crimes in areas protected by the Miami-Dade Police Department fell 7.69% in the first seven months of this calendar year from the comparable period of 2015, a report from the mayor’s office last week shows. Non-violent crimes decreased 5.62% in the period.

Among violent crimes, homicides decreased 10.2%, forcible sex offenses rose 6.94%, robberies declines 16.49% and aggravated assaults fell 6.25%. Cities with police forces compile their own statistics.

HOSPITAL TOWER NAMED: County commissioners unanimously approved naming the new hospital tower at the planned Jackson West campus in honor of architect and developer José Milton. The José Milton Foundation is to donate $10 million to the Jackson Health Foundation in support of programs and facilities at the new campus, where the Public Health Trust seeks to develop a 100-bed acute care hospital, adult and pediatric emergency room, children’s outpatient clinic and medical office buildings in Doral.

Robert Lewis

Photo by Marlene Quaroni

Handles alcohol group law, Greenspoon Marder office The profile is on Page 4

Ichiro homers for Marlins, big winner at airport

BY CAMILA CEPERO

While the Miami Marlins have a less-thanstellar game record this year, Ichiro Suzuki’s recent 3,000-hit milestone, coupled with anticipation of next year’s All-Star Game, has increased business 40% at the team’s Miami International Airport store.

Marlins officials said at least some of the sales rise is due to Japanese outfielder Suzuki last month becoming the 30th player in Major League history to reach 3,000 hits.

“There’s been a lot of interest for his jersey and anything with his name on it, tshirts, et cetera,” said Claude Delorme, Marlins executive vice president of operations and events. “It’s been a good year for us; we’re very happy.”

And next year, Miami will become a firsttime host of the Major League Baseball AllStar Game, which will be played July 11 in the sixth season of Marlins Park play.

“We just went on sale with our All-Star products at the airport and that has really helped the increase,” Mr. Delorme said.

The annual All-Star Game, produced by Major League Baseball, marks a symbolic

AGENDA

halfway-point in the season. In July, the Marlins unveiled the official 2017 game logo.

“We have seen a big difference just in the last month with the introduction of the [AllStar and Ichiro Suzuki] products,” Mr. Delorme said.

The 244-square-foot team store in American Airlines Terminal D, directly across from Gate 28, opened in December 2014.

Operating seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., it sells officially licensed jerseys, hats, t-shirts, cups, glasses, pins, novelties and memorabilia.

The store has an eight-year lease as Marlins Retail Operator LLC and pays a fixed rent or a percentage of gross revenue, whichever is more.

The uptick in store activity comes as the team is going just the opposite way.

In 71 home games this year, the Marlins have averaged an attendance of 21,326 – 27th of the 30 Major League teams and down slightly from last year’s full season average of 21,632, according to ESPN statistics.

Meanwhile, the team has drifted to a losing record.

Nonetheless, the store is having a great

year in sales, Mr. Delorme said.

“Overall we are very pleased and doing very well at the airport and we look forward to continuing to have a presence there.”

Even while still in its planning stages, the Marlins store was expected to be a worthwhile addition to the airport.

At the time, a memo from Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s office to commissioners stated that it was in the county’s best interest to waive competitive bid procedures and approve the store deal.

The store was claimed to be a tool in assisting the Aviation Department increase passengers’ sense of place.

Also at the airport is a 1,000-square-foot Miami Heat retail operation at Concourse D32, open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. In its first 10 months, the Miami Heat store generated more than $129,000 in revenue for the Aviation Department.

“Given the international appeal of our team,” said Eric Woolworth, president of The Heat Group’s business operations, in a statement, “Miami International Airport is the perfect destination for the... Miami Heat Store.”

Value gains tax vote due to build rail A new tax pipeline could help build six light rail routes in MiamiDade County.

Taxes on value increases of properties near new transit lines could repay some or all of the construction debt on those lines.

The county’s Transit and Mobility Services Committee was to vote this week on directing Mayor Carlos Gimenez to report on how tax increment financing could help fund the six routes under the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit Plan that the commission endorsed June 7.

The resolution by Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr. notes that Escambia and Pasco counties have used tax increment financing to fund transportation. He also notes that funding for new transit could continue under the county’s half percent sales surtax for transportation.

Transportation planners have yet to price the six routes, cite funding sources or confirm transit technologies for the routes, which might vary. The lines are the Miami Beach-Downtown Miami corridor, the Northeast Corridor, the North Corridor, the EastWest Corridor, the Kendall Corridor and the South Corridor.

Mr. Bovo’s resolution asks the mayor to: Recommend whether each route should have its own tax district or they should be unified.

Sketch boundaries of the districts.

Offer differing scenarios of the impact of those districts on present and future county budgets.

Show the impact of existing community redevelopment agencies on funding for transportation taxing districts.

List other money, such as state and federal funds and fare box revenues, that might be used in the transportation district funds.

Consult with cities that tax increments might affect.

Look at how much jurisdictions that levy real property taxes within the transportation tax districts might contribute to the districts.

The mayor’s report would be due in 180 days.

CITY OF MIAMI CALLS AFFORDABLE HOUSING ‘CRISIS’ ...

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IN A REVERSE, LUXURY HOMES OUTSELLING CONDOS ...

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WYNWOOD CLIMBS BACK TO A POST-ZIKA ‘NORMAL’ ...

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RENTING OUT INVESTMENT CONDOS NO SIMPLE TASK ...

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A BRIGHTLINE LOCOMOTIVE ROLLS IN ITS FIRST TEST ...

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400 CAMERAS FEEDING INFO TO NEW TRAFFIC CENTER ...

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VIEWPOINT: GET OUT OF LOCAL PREFERENCES BUGGY ...

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BEACH MOVES FORWARD TO SMART PARKING SYSTEM ...

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WEEK OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TODAY’S NEWS

MIAMI TODAY

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As Zika focus shifts, Wynwood climbs back to new normal

BY CATHERINE LACKNER

In the thick of the Zika crisis, it was predicted that the health scare – and particularly the way information about it was disseminated – might result in the permanent closure of some Wynwood businesses. With the Zika focus moving to Miami Beach, that hasn’t happened, but the area is still struggling to regain its footing, leaders say.

“Things are starting to get back to normal, though it is a new normal,” said Joe Furst, a director of the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) who is managing director for Wynwood at Goldman Properties. “We’re creeping back, though we are far below where we were at this time last year,” which is unusual for an area that has seen dynamic growth in recent years, he said.

Some businesses, especially those in the food and beverage sector, had to cut hours or employee shifts, and some of those employees have moved on to other jobs, he said. Foot traffic was down significantly at the height of the crisis.

“The drop-off was disheartening,” Mr. Furst said. “We’ve worked hard to create a street life, something that people want to come and visit.”

There is some good news on the horizon: the “box,” or travel warning that includes Wynwood, is set to be lifted Sept. 19 if no new cases are found, “and we have early indications from various officials that it could be removed,” he said.

“We will use that as a rallying effort to get people back, increase the foot traffic.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we need to get the information out. We’ve

had some acute bad news; now we need some acute good news.”

“Year to date, we’re 10% to 15% below” where revenues should be for this time of the year, said Albert Garcia, BID director and chief operating officer of the Mega Shoes. Coming at the end July, the Zika crisis made what is typically a slow tourism period much worse, he added.

“It was scary for everybody,” he said.

“In most cases, these are individual business owners who don’t have the deep pockets to cushion a bad quarter.”

No new cases of Zika have been discovered in the area since Aug. 2, “so we’re out of the news,” Mr. Garcia said. During the crisis, the improvement district stepped forward to reassure stakeholders that there was a plan in place. “We made sure every responsible party was held accountable and we

helped send the message that we’re all working together on this.”

Meanwhile, innovation helped the area stay alive. In August, area businesses launched Love for Locals, which offered discounts, special deals and freebies to South Florida residents. “We were saying to locals, ‘We need you.’

Folks banded together,” Mr. Garcia said.

Last week, the BID won a commitment from the City of Miami for $275,000 to offset expenses caused by lagging revenues during the health scare.

The group has also applied for funding from Miami-Dade County, the State of Florida and the federal government, Mr. Garcia said.

“We’re optimistic, and businesses here are resilient,” he said. “We worked hard to instill a sense of calm. Now we need to bring back the sense of shine.”

A Brightline locomotive rolls on rails in first test

BY CATHERINE LACKNER

The promise of Brightline bullet-train service from Miami to Orlando advanced last week as the first locomotive successfully completed initial track testing at the Siemens manufacturing facility in Sacramento, CA. The locomotive moved for the first time, powered by its own diesel-electric engine, on a quarter-mile of track and passed tests in 45 areas including braking systems, software, fire detection systems, audible warning devices, communication systems and interior and exterior lighting.

“This signifies another major milestone for the production of Brightline’s trains, as the company has now approved production for all locomotives currently being built by Siemens,” said a Brightline press release.

“The operation of the loco-

motive and its passing of the initial track testing has demonstrated Siemens’ engineering expertise and given us a high degree of confidence that the Brightline service will be exceptionally reliable,” said Gene Skoropowski, senior vice president of railroad operations for Brightline, in the release.

“Brightline will be the only passenger rail service in the country to have such dynamic and modern trains that will offer Americans a new and modern experience in train travel.”

“The locomotive will be tested quite a bit more when it comes to Florida,” said AnneMarie Mathews, Brightline vice president of media relations. A complete “train set,” which is two locomotives and four passenger cars, will arrive later this fall and be housed in a West Palm Beach maintenance facility, she added.

A view from the cab of a Brightline locomotive that last week completed initial track testing in California.

It will complete test runs on Florida East Coast Railway tracks between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale “so people will actually be able to see the trains go by,” Ms. Mathews said.

Brightline initially ordered five train sets and eventually will have 10 sets, she added.

In addition, the Fort Lauderdale station will be topped off this week, which signals the end of vertical construction, with only the interior still to be completed, Ms. Mathews said.

Work on the interior of the West Palm Beach station is expected to be completed by the end of

September, and “we are moving forward very quickly” on MiamiCentral, Ms. Mathews said. The station is expected to open next summer, when service from Miami to West Palm Beach begins. Service from Miami to Orlando is to begin later next year, the company has said.

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MIAMI TODAY

VIEWPOINT

WEEK OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 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

Get county out of horse-and-buggy era of local preferences Miami-Dade commissioners this week are moving to better administer bad policy. They want to tighten the definition of local companies so that they can funnel more county con- Michael Lewis tracts to local firms under the erroneous theory that this will aid the county’s economy.

Like our main presidential candidates, our commissioners may be well-intentioned but they’re terribly mistaken about the ultimate impact of erecting economic barriers to outside vendors and contractors – be they from China or Jacksonville.

The ultimate result of artificial business barriers is to raise the cost to the buyers – in this case, county government, which means the taxpayers.

Miami-Dade already has the costly barriers, which specify that in bids for

county contracts or purchases firms that operate locally get 10% leeway and those that also have their headquarters here get 15% leeway – meaning that if they bid respectively up to 10% or 15% higher than an out-of-towner they get to lower their bid to nose out competitors.

That sounds like they simply get the chance to beat everyone else but not at a higher price. Sounds like it, but not so.

That’s because bidders for county work are savvy. They know the rules.

Bids cost a lot to submit, and out-oftown firms know that locals get to edge them out and realize that they aren’t going to win, so why bid in the first place?

Local bidders know that efficient and low-cost firms from elsewhere won’t be bidding, so the locals can jack up their bids and still be competitive, since other locals who will bid also know this.

Thus, all bids come in artificially high.

Even if outsiders do bid, locals get to cut prices, and 15% is a big margin in any bidding.

Game theory experts who analyze government bidding know that when you give local bidders a tremendous

advantage and they know it, they as a group will bid higher than if they had competitors from elsewhere on a level playing field.

So is the funneling of contracts to local higher bidders really economic development or is it a way to send contracts to those who are far more likely than out-of-towners to contribute to county political campaigns – contributions that came straight from taxpayers’ pockets in the form of artificially high contract earnings?

Don’t get me wrong: lots of wellmeaning officials nationally have instituted local preferences with the mistaken notion that they are building up an economy rather than just paying more for contracts than they should.

Yet a national study a few years ago found that a 5% local preference raised taxpayer costs 3.8%. How much more do 10% and 15% margins cost? That’s why government purchasing professionals across the nation oppose local preferences – their goals are to save government money, not raise costs.

Business observers feel that MiamiDade County pays far more for almost

everything than a private buyer would.

That’s not necessarily graft, or red tape costs, or inefficiency. Some of it is due to policies that tilt a playing field for providers.

Remember, every tilt costs money.

The less the competition, the higher the cost. What some see as social engineering to steer money to one preferred group or another for whatever compassionate reason others see as unnecessary overspending by government. Both are probably right.

Protectionism – be it national tariffs or local preferences – always is an economic loser. Studies show that it doesn’t even build businesses at home – those with artificial help on contracts have higher operating costs and thus are less efficient in selling to private enterprise as well as to government.

A county move to fine-tune the definition of a local business is like trying to legislate how a horse and buggy must operate on our expressways. The county can clean up the rules of the road, but it would be far better off getting out of the horse-and-buggy era of local preferences.

Look hard at umbrella organization for economic development Michael Lewis’s editorial on the need to evaluate the potential benefits, as well the challenges, in restructuring both the Beacon Council (BC) and The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce via a merger Frank R. Nero between the two is not only timely but necessary.

As someone who has been involved in economic development for over 35 years, the one constant has been change.

The economies of Florida and MiamiDade County in particular are vastly different then they were when the BC was spun off from the GMCC in 1985.

Serving as president of the BC for almost 17 years gave me a unique insight into the strengths and weakness of both organizations.

During my tenure at the BC and my current work as an independent consultant in the field I have had an opportunity to observe and evaluate the best practices and new trends communities have adopted in meeting economic challenges in the global economy.

One Community One Goal (OCOG) efforts to diversify the Miami-Dade economy have laid out a realistic blueprint to foster economic growth and opportunity. The issue remains, however, that plans alone do not insure success.

Miami-Dade to be competitive must insure that it has a laser focus on the community’s economic goals. Limited resources from both the public and private sectors must be used effectively, avoiding duplication and non-resultbased functions.

The BC and GMCC have shared memberships and volunteer leaders. Increasingly they have competed for private sector investment with similar events, functions and membership pitches. There is often duplication relative to staff,

administration, office space and events, but more importantly mission, message and focus. Raising money often becomes the primarily focus.

The distinctions of mission and functions between the two organizations have become increasingly blurred and confusing – at times even contentious. With membership levels either flat or declining, they have both had to become almost “events are us” organizations to fund their ever-increasing overhead and administrative costs.

The BC is ostensibly a marketing organization charged with promoting MiamiDade’s business assets. It is, however, a marketing organization without resources. It’s pretty hard to market a community worldwide with no current marketing dollars. The results of only an average of 1,500 new jobs for each the past three years in a growing economy speaks volumes on the effectiveness of the organization.

The BC when formed was envisioned to raise at least 50% of its operating budget via the private sector, with the remaining budget deriving from a local tax levied upon every business. Today that tax accounts for close to 70% of BC’s budget. Direct marketing dollars for former programs like the MiamiDade Marketing Initiative and the successful “Where Worlds Meet” marketing programs have been eliminated.

The organization has had to increasingly rely upon the support of the mayor and county commission for its very existence. This fact has often diverted the Beacon Council from the mission spelled out in the state legislation that created it.

It now is relegated to giving support to politically supported initiatives like seminars with commissioners, the balkanization of economic development locations and expansions, numerous events, chamber-like committees and meetings and minimum wage projects rather than a laser focus on the core mission.

While the GMCC for the most part has avoided political interference due to the fact that it is privately funded, it has lost a great deal of its former leadership and community preeminence in representing the business community’s interests, not only locally but statewide.

Both organizations have had a difficult time attracting the top business CEOs to participate in leadership positions. It’s no wonder they play musical chairs in swapping chairs and board members.

Both organizations rely upon many of the same companies for financial support, often diluting the support for both. Just look at the sponsorships for the chamber’s Sand in My Shoes, The Beacon Awards and their respective membership rosters.

Conversely, one need only look at the level of support the private sector provides to consolidated organizations in Houston and Jacksonville – more companies writing larger checks to one single umbrella organization.

If Miami-Dade wishes to combat the growing economic disparity, the overabundance of minimum wage jobs and the growing competition throughout the global economy Miami-Dade competes in for high paying knowledge-based jobs, we must seek a better way.

Since I started at the BC I have advocated the community adopt the Houston Partnership Model. In that structure under one umbrella organization are the chamber, economic development and the World Trade Center functions. Their economic development entity for the most part has been insulated from a politically driven economic development agenda.

I believe a similar structure would have a similar benefit here and lessen the constant threat of the mayor or commission reducing the BC funding whenever the BC doesn’t toe their political agendas (of course I experienced that first hand).

As a former deputy mayor for economic development in Jacksonville I worked successfully with the chamber. The economic development func-

tion in that city is a division of the chamber. The Tampa Bay Partnership, once the counterpart of the BC in that region, has been restructured and has changed its mission.

Currently, one of Miami-Dade’s most effective competitors, Orlando, has decided to merge its economic development organization with the regional chamber. Is this a trend? I believe it is, and it is incumbent on Miami-Dade to at least evaluate the changes in structure many progressive communities are adopting.

Miami-Dade County is at a crossroads relative to its economic future. It can chart a path to achieve a new golden age of economic prosperity and opportunity for all its residents or fall into a spiral of widening economic disparity, lost opportunities and unmet challenges.

Which path will be chosen will depend on strong, creative, engaged and objective leaders from the public, civic and private sectors, leaders who will put personal and political agendas aside and chart a path to economic prosperity. The issues put forth by Michael Lewis would be the first step on that path. The community deserves no less.

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TODAY’S NEWS

WEEK OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

Turning condo investment to rental income a complex task

BY CAMILA CEPERO

For years, local and international investors have been turning to Brickell condos as a safe place to put their money and make a profit by renting units.

But the exact process of turning a condo from an empty space into a source of revenue includes a number of factors, each of which can be dealt with uniquely based on personal preference.

“The first thing you need to look at is what your condo documents allow,” said William G. Hardin, director of Florida International University’s Tibor & Sheila Hollo School of Real Estate.

“Typically we assume that all units can be rented, but in certain high-end buildings, rentals are not okay.”

Still in others, he said, while renting is allowed, tenants Photo by Maxine Usdan would have to be approved.

“Basically the first thing is [to “Dog-friendly buildings open themselves up to people looking to rent,” says Carlos Gutierrez, realtors association residential president. find out if] there are limitations

‘Typically we assume that all units can be rented, but in certain high-end buildings, rentals are not okay.’

William Hardin

in the building where the unit is located,” Dr. Hardin said. “You need to review the documents and bylaws of the homeowner association.”

“The second thing is figuring out how much involvement you want to have. Do you want to manage or do you want to offload that to someone else?”

Renters need to decide whether they want to be directly involved in the leasing process or whether they want to get an agent or broker involved, he said.

“If there’s a broker involved,

7ITXIQFIV Āć Miami Today began life in 1983 as a newspaper for Brickell and Downtown, focusing on the center of this city as no one else did or does. Miami Today has the edge in the center of this city – unequaled vital information and perspective.

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fees are typically one month’s rent on a 12-month lease. That’s typical commission, so there is a fee or cost associated. Of course, [renters] can delegate to an agent more or less of the activity... Of course, all those activities reduce the net cash flow that you get from the rental.”

Sometimes, however, the location of the owners plays a big role when deciding whether to self-manage.

“It’s pretty hard to do all of these activities if you don’t live in Miami because you’re competing with people who can make a quick decision, who are available,” Dr. Hardin said. “So if you’re in a different country then it’s harder to lease or manage an asset. That’s just the way it is.”

“Then, of course, you have to determine what the market rent is, which is relatively straightforward. If you went into any building you can pull asking rents, then the MLS database, then that can give you an idea of what you can truly rent for.”

According to the residential president of the Miami Association of Realtors, Carlos Gutierrez, costs such as the mortgage, association fees, taxes and possible additional insurance need to be taken into account.

Additionally, renters “have to make sure the association allows [rentals].”

“Sometime they allow one per year, sometime every three months... The most lucrative is one per month... With shortterm rentals you can charge the most but they are the most work in terms of managing, cleaning and getting it ready to put back on the market.”

One important factor to look for, Mr. Gutierrez said, is a dog-friendly building.

“Dog-friendly buildings open themselves up to people looking to rent. Building that are not dog-friendly turn away [possible tenants].”

Once a renter has received permission from the association, the next step, Mr. Gutierrez said, is to have a realtor do an analysis and reach a consensus on rental price.

All in all, a lot of costs need to be taken care of before any revenue can be made.

“You have the mortgage principal and interest,” said Mr. Gutierrez. “If you own the property, the taxes to own it; if you rent it, you have income tax.

You have the condo association dues. In some situations, not all, supplemental insurance...

Some repairs are covered by the building, some by the owners. If the oven breaks or the AC freezes or the tiles crack, you have to set aside funds to hire someone to fix it.” “[Brickell is] a pretty big destination for [renting],” he said.

“A lot of jobs for young professionals are moving in there, so that’s basically the draw [and] a lot of activity and nightlife.

Maybe they aren’t ready to buy so they’re going to rent, but it’s extremely popular.”

WEEK OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TODAY’S NEWS

MIAMI TODAY

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400 cameras feed information to new traffic control center

BY CATHERINE LACKNER

In a full-on assault on traffic gridlock, Miami-Dade County has spent about $9 million, most of it invested in technology, to keep vehicles moving and help drivers avoid bottlenecks.

Last month, the county opened its upgraded Miami-Dade County Traffic Control Center, one of the country’s largest centralized traffic signal control systems.

“Mayor Gimenez has directed me to leverage the technology available to us to maximize our investment,” said Alice Bravo, director of the county’s Transportation and Public Works Department.

Back in 1975, the center’s technological highlight was a large panel on the wall studded with bulbs that represented about 1,200 traffic lights that made up the traffic-signal system. “If you wanted to change a signal, a traffic engineer had to go to that signal and manually change it,” Ms. Bravo said. “And we had to rely on someone to let us know that the signal wasn’t working.”

Today, traffic-signal operations engineers monitor a huge wall of screens showing intersections around the county and the nearly 3,000 traffic signals that govern them, and can remotely change signals if there’s a problem or to reduce congestion.

The engineers are on duty from 6 a.m. to midnight weekdays and Saturdays and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.

In collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation, the county has installed 400 cameras that feed information into

the control center, with 500 more on the way.

“Since we have installed the new cameras and software, the drive time along US 1 from Southwest 152nd Street to I-95 has been reduced by 15 minutes,” Ms. Bravo said.

And, within the next few years, the lights will be equipped with adaptive signal controllers with sensors that will be able to recognize congestion, adjust the signal’s timing and broadcast a message to other signals, Ms. Bravo said.

“They will be our eyes and ears.”

Within the next two months, the adaptive signals will be installed along Northwest 36th Street, from the center – which is just east of Milam Dairy Road (Northwest 72nd Avenue) – west to Northwest 97th Avenue in Doral.

The next 18 months will see the sensor-equipped lights installed along 12 corridors that the county hasn’t identified yet. Mayor Carlos Gimenez and transportation chief Alice Bravo at county’s upgraded Traffic Control Center.

“Within reason, the light can stay green a little longer if it detects a backup, or to allow a bus to cross the intersection,” Ms. Bravo said.

They can be programmed so that drivers along major arteries get more green lights during rush hours, she added.

The county has also partnered with WAZE, the cell phone app that provides real-time traffic information, to share data, and is also contacting Apple and Google.

“A lot of time is lost when people have to leave early because they’re not sure how long the drive will take,” Ms. Bravo said, which is easier to predict with the traffic app. “We’ll partner with as many people as we can to share data.”

The county has installed 400 cameras that feed information to the control center, with 500 more coming.

No new stars twinkling on horizon, Calle Ocho Walk of Fame languishes

BY CAMILA CEPERO

It’s been over a year and a half since the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana approached the City of Miami and offered to care for the Stars of Calle Ocho Walk of Fame. However, close to little has happened since, as it’s taken roughly the entire time to establish an advisory committee and no new stars are on the horizon.

The collection of stars entrenched in the pavement on Southwest Eighth Street between Southwest 12th and 17th avenues pays tribute to famous Cuban and Latin artists, personalities and cultural figures, mimicking the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In February 2015, after Kiwanis offered to care for the stars, city officials executed an agreement with the club for the placement, replacement, repair, relocation, maintenance and upkeep of the existing and future stars.

Since then, not much has happened.

Early on, a preliminary vote passed in favor of establishing Photo by Maxine Usdan the Stars of Calle Ocho Walk of Stars in the pavement honor artists, cultural figures and personalities, Fame Celebrity and Community

Recognition Advisory Committee to oversee nominations and placement for new stars as well as maintain, repair and replace existing stars by overseeing Kiwanis.

In April, the club told Miami Today that the ordinance had passed and the committee was just beginning to come into place.

Now, said club president Jerry Fernandez, the committee’s first meeting is not yet planned.

“Kiwanis have nominated their members and the various city officials have put their names forth,” Mr. Fernandez said. “We should be hearing from the city shortly on when the first meeting will take place.”

The history of the stars has been tumultuous since its inception by way of city commission approval in 1988. They have been plagued by relentless changes in leadership, debates about worthy nominees and financial issues.

Still, 30 Latin celebrities have received stars, with the first being in honor of Celia Cruz, a famous Cuban singer. Also honored are Sammy Sosa, Maria Conchita Alonso, Thalia, Willy Chirino and Gloria Estefan,

among others.

Presently, it’s the committee’s turn to attempt to bring recognition to the stars.

“The statute lists a number of officials who nominate members of the committee,” Mr. Fernandez said. “The Kiwanis nominate two of those.”

Though the club expected to install an average of one star per year, so far this year there have been no talks of a new star.

The last star, approved in 2015, honors Pablo Raul Alarcon, founder of the Spanish Broadcasting Systems.

As the end of 2016 looms, it’s unclear whether the club will reach its self-selected quota.

“The committee will choose the star,” Mr. Fernandez said, “but [I’m] not sure of any front runners at this point.”

The committee may accept nominations of proposed honorees for the stars, which it will then present to the city commission, which will select the nominee. That’s when the Kiwanis will take control of the process.

It’s up to them to physically place the star into the sidewalk – expected to come in at $10,000-$15,000 apiece.

WEEK OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

MIAMI TODAY

13

Banking & Finance Multiple bond series to fund $735 million Jackson upgrade

BY SUSAN D ANSEYAR

Miami-Dade will issue multiple series of general obligation bonds totaling $735 million over a five-year period as part of a flexible drawdown program that provides low, short-term interest rates and capital on an as-needed basis for the remaining cost of upgrading the Jackson Health System.

Last week county commissioners unanimously approved issuing two or more series of general obligation bonds not to exceed $735,085,000 with the maximum amount outstanding at one time up to $200 million drawn from Wells Fargo Bank, the financial institution selected to establish a Public Health

Trust drawdown program.

The Trust is currently working on its $1.4 billion capital plan for the Jackson Health System, which includes a number of construction projects to modernize, equip and improve its facilities throughout the county. In November 2013, voters approved that the county borrow and then repay from its general funds the remaining $830 million needed to upgrade the health system.

At the end of the month, the trust can draw an equal amount to what it spent on the capital plan and reimburse itself, then use that money to build new projects, according to Frank Hinton, the county’s director of bond administra-

tion. He told Miami Today this week that, under this program, once the trust draws $200 million, it can only receive additional funds if the bond is converted from the variable rate, or drawdown mode, to a fixed rate bond set for the remainder of the 30-year period. Once the bond is converted, Mr. Hinton said, the trust has another $200 million to draw down.

The interest rate jump in the last week has not created an “urgency” to get the drawdown money as soon as possible, Mr. Hinton said, as the variable rate will change every seven days.

The flexible drawdown program for upgrading Jackson is similar to commercial paper programs that Miami-Dade

has used, he said, in that the county pays a variable rate. The difference in this case is that Wells Fargo holds the bond.

If the county borrowed $750 million and put it in the bank, Mr. Hinton said, it would issue fixed-rate bonds and pay 4% to the bank in comparison with the variable drawdown rate of 0.5% to 0.6%.

In a memo to commissioners, Deputy Mayor Edward Marquez said the drawdown bond program will allow the Public Health Trust to take advantage of “historically low short-term interest rates and to access funds for the construction of the projects on an as-needed basis.”

More avenues available as small businesses seek loans Small business loans still character lending

BY CATHERINE LACKNER

There is money available to owners of small businesses who are searching for loans, but it comes with certain caveats.

“On the high end, there is a desire on the part of lenders and a lot of interest,” said Eddy Arriola, chairman & CEO at Apollo Bank. “But the catch is that it only makes sense at high volumes and efficiencies.”

With that in mind, small-business owners should make sure their financial documents are impeccable before approaching a lender, he said.

“Have everything ready to go; provide business plans, answer any obvious questions and address any blemishes on your credit. Make sure it is all wellorganized.”

As in most businesses, banks go through phases, Mr. Arriola said. “There is lot of demand now; people looking for money.

Banks have different appetites and go through cycles. Resi-

‘The catch is that it only makes sense at high volumes and efficiencies.’

Eddy Arriola

small business loans, which is a function of consumer confidence in the economy,” said Mahesh Pattabhiraman, senior vice president and head of commercial banking at FirstBank Florida.

“The challenge from a banking standpoint is that small-business lending is character lending, because often they don’t have collateral. The bank wants to see the credit profile of the owner and, because of the recession, a lot of people don’t have good credit. Their business may have recovered but their personal credit has not,” he said.

“The easier route for banks is to do bigger loans and deal with bigger companies,” he said, though small business principals who have good credit should not be discouraged, because that may change with time. “A lot of banks are becoming more cyclical,” Mr. Pattabhiraman said.

“Now banks are chasing more real estate lending at the higher end,” despite a softening in the Photo by Maxine Usdan condominium market. “That’s More bankers are becoming comfortable with Small Business Administration loans, says Erin Knight. a small segment of overall picture.” dential lending is slowing down than it did in the preceding five become a bit easier for a couple of reasons,” said Erin Knight, now as banks digest what years.”

But, he warned, some of the market president for Miamithey’ve booked and some boronline lenders charge rates as Dade at Stonegate Bank. rowers are tapped.”

“More and more banks are Principals of smaller firms high as 18%-20%, whereas a might be tempted by online lend- more conservative institution becoming comfortable with ers, which often promise a quick can offer rates of 4%-5% to Small Business Administration turnaround, but “our rates are qualified applicants. Many credit loans and with explaining that card companies also have busi- the benefits outweigh the perlower,” he said.

He predicted banks will even- ness loan-advance programs, he ceived challenges,” she said.

“They’re becoming bettertually buy out the online lenders added.

“Debt-to-income, cash flow versed to talk to their customor buy the technology and get into that arena. Meanwhile, Mr. and good credit are important to ers, because community banks Arriola said, “You want to bor- us” when evaluating a small really want to support small businesses in their area.” row from us rather than pay the business for a loan, he said.

She also cited the overall trend Loans backed by the Small higher rates of the online lendBusiness Administration “are of a rising US economy. “The ers.”

‘Their business may “There is credit available to becoming more commonplace, economy is creating the opporsmaller business in various and which helps banks,” Mr. tunity for people to rebuild their have recovered but their sundry forms and fashions,” Gassman said. “Today, there credit more quickly. Lines of personal credit has not.’ said Philip “Flip” Gassman, ex- are many avenues for owners credit of $100,000 for working Mahesh Pattabhiraman ecutive vice president at Mar- of smaller businesses who are capital are becoming easier to get at the national banks.” quis Bank. “Lending has opened seeking loans.”

“There is a lot of demand for “The availability of credit has up more in the past five years

WEEK OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TODAY’S NEWS

MIAMI TODAY

17

‘Grossly unprepared’ Miami reinvigorates sea level efforts

BY JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS

Saying it’s time to get serious about sea level rise, Miami city commissioners are moving to reauthorized a committee studying the topic and give it funding.

On Sept. 8 the commission granted preliminary approval to an ordinance re-establishing the city’s Sea Level Rise Committee to study sea level rise and its effect on the city and make recommendations to the commission.

It is tasked with incorporating all available information on the subject, including recommendations made by the federal government and Miami-Dade County.

The new legislation, which could see a final vote in October, would allocate $50,000 for the committee’s first annual budget.

In a separate but related vote, commissioners approved updating the city’s stormwater management plan, with a specific directive to consider sea level rise.

Along with the Sea Level Rise Committee, rising seas and climate change matters have also been recently examined by the city’s Waterfront Advisory Board.

South Florida is ground zero when it comes to potential risks from rising water, Steven Wernick, chairman of the Waterfront Advisory Board, told commissioners.

“There are some major, major issues” associated with sea level rise impacts on the city, he said.

In an earlier directive, the city commission had asked the Sea Level Rise Committee and Waterfront Advisory Board to review and report findings on the University of Miami’s 2016 Climate Change Special Report.

At the Sept. 8 meeting, both Mr. Wernick and Wayne Pathman, chairman of the Sea Level Rise Committee, requested another 60 days to report on findings from the university report.

Commissioners approved the extra time.

Mr. Wernick said university officials planned to make a presentation on its climate change report to the city this week.

The Waterfront Advisory Board had a meeting scheduled for Tuesday of this week with climate change and sea level rise items on its agenda. Members planned to review several previous reports and studies, including “A Region Responds to a Changing Climate,” a regional action plan published in fall 2012, and the City Of Miami Climate Action Plan from 2008.

Mr. Wernick said the board and committee would meet jointly before returning to the city commission later in the year.

Mr. Pathman said the committee has been working toward solutions. While the group considers sea level rise a “grave” issue, members don’t look at it as a doom-and-gloom situation but rather an opportunity, he told commissioners.

Mapping of areas that sea level rise is most likely to impact is a first big step, said Mr. Pathman, along with following the everchanging insurance industry as it relates to the topic.

Commissioner Ken Russell said there are huge issues at stake.

“We are grossly unprepared,” he said.

The legislation re-establishing the Sea Level Rise Committee notes that over the past 15 years, the average annual increase in sea level has been roughly 0.27 inches per year, and during the last five years the University of Miami has measured an average annual increase in sea level closer to 0.97

inches per year.

The federal government projects that sea levels will rise between 4 and almost 7 feet by the end of the century.

Sea level rise will have broad impacts related to city infrastructure, storm surges, public health, insurance rates, the availability of potable water and socioeconomics, and the city

must adapt to and mitigate the adverse effects of sea level rise within its jurisdiction, says the legislation.

Commissioner Frank Carollo was pushing to update the city’s stormwater management plan.

The approved resolution directs City Manager Daniel Alfonso to update the stormwater management master plan to comply with

the National Flood Insurance Program-Community Rating System, and ensure “that sea level rise estimates not addressed in the original plan are considered in the master plan and serve as a tool to analyze areas of flood concerns which impact threats of sea level rise, public safety issues and property loss resulting from storm waters.”

Notice of Public Budget Hearing NOTICE IS GIVEN that a Public Budget Hearing will be held by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners in the Commission Chambers, located on the Second Floor of the Stephen P. Clark Government Center, 111 NW First Street, Miami, Florida, at 5:01 PM on Thursday, September 22, 2016, when the Board will consider the following: ITEM A Ordinance approving, adopting and ratifying the Millage for Countywide General Fund Operating purposes for the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2016 and ending September 30, 2017; levying all taxes so provided; providing severability, exclusion from the Code and an effective date ITEM B Ordinance approving, adopting and ratifying the Millage for Countywide Bonded Debt Service for the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2016 and ending September 30, 2017; levying all taxes so provided; providing severability, exclusion from the Code and an effective date ITEM C Ordinance approving and adopting the Countywide General Fund Budget for Miami-Dade County, Florida, for the Fiscal year commencing October 1, 2016 and ending September 30, 2017; providing a short title; incorporating the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Proposed Budget as amended; appropriating all budgeted revenues and expenditures; authorizing the investment of County Funds in the time warrants of Miami-Dade County; authorizing the transfer of funds as cash advances pending receipt of taxes or other revenues; authorizing deposit of interest earned to the General Fund; ratifying and approving Implementing Orders and other actions of the Board which set fees, rates, and charges; authorizing fees, rates, and charges consistent with appropriations, and providing for their amendment; authorizing the Mayor or Mayor’s Designee to execute certain funding 2-1799(f)1 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida (“Code”), related agreements; waiving for Fiscal Year 2016-17 provisions of Sections 2-1799(e) and to the disposition of unexpended Mayoral Office Budget Funds and unallocated carryover funding in the Countywide General Fund Budget; amending, waiving or rescinding, if necessary, various Sections of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida, applicable Implementing Orders and other legislative enactments to conform such enactments to the Fiscal Year 2016-17 adopted budget; superseding conflicting provisions of prior legislative enactments in conflict; and providing severability, exclusion from the Code and an effective date ITEM D Ordinance approving, adopting and ratifying the Millage for Unincorporated Municipal Service Area operating purposes for the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2016 and ending September 30, 2017; levying all taxes so provided; providing severability, exclusion from the Code and an effective date ITEM E Ordinance approving and adopting the Unincorporated Municipal Service Area Fund Budget for Miami-Dade County, Florida, for the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2016 and ending September 30, 2017; providing a short title; incorporating the Fiscal Year 2016-17 proposed budget as amended; appropriating all budgeted revenues and expenditures; authorizing the investment of County Funds in the time warrants of Miami-Dade County; authorizing the transfer of funds as cash advances pending receipt of taxes or other revenues; authorizing deposit of interest earned to the General Fund; ratifying and approving Implementing Orders and other actions of the Board which set fees, rates, and charges; authorizing fees, rates, and charges consistent with appropriations, and providing for their amendment; recognizing and continuing the Unincorporated Municipal Service Area; authorizing the Mayor or Mayor’s Designee to execute certain funding agreements; waiving for Fiscal Year 2016-17 provisions of Sections 2-1799(e) and 2-1799(f)1 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida (“Code”) related to the disposition of unexpended Mayoral Office Budget Funds and unallocated carryover funding in the Unincorporated Municipal Services Area General Fund Budget; amending, waiving or rescinding, if necessary, various Sections of the Code, applicable Implementing Orders and other legislative enactments to conform such enactments to the Fiscal Year 2016-17 adopted budget; superseding conflicting provisions of prior legislative enactments in conflict; providing severability, exclusion from the Code and an effective date ITEM F Ordinance approving, adopting and ratifying the Millage for Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Service District operating purposes for the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2016 and ending September 30, 2017; levying all taxes so provided; recognizing and continuing the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Service District; providing severability, exclusion from the Code and an effective date ITEM G Ordinance approving, adopting and ratifying the Millage for Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Service District Bonded Debt Service for the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2016 and ending September 30, 2017; levying all taxes so provided; providing severability, exclusion from the Code and an effective date ITEM H Ordinance approving, adopting and ratifying the Millage for Miami-Dade Library System operating purposes for the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2016 and ending September 30, 2017; levying all taxes so provided; recognizing and continuing the Miami-Dade Library System; providing severability, exclusion from the Code and an effective date ITEM I Ordinance approving, adopting and ratifying Proprietary Budgets, Special Assessment District Budgets, and Other Budgets of Miami-Dade County, Florida, for the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2016 and ending September 30, 2017; providing a short title; incorporating the Fiscal Year 2016-17 proposed budget as amended; appropriating all budgeted revenues and expenditures; authorizing the investment of County Funds in time warrants of Miami-Dade County; authorizing the transfer of funds as cash advances pending receipt of taxes or other revenues; ratifying and approving Implementing Orders and other actions of the Board which set fees, rates, and charges; authorizing fees, rates, and charges consistent with appropriations and providing for their amendment; approving revised fees, charges, and Implementing Orders for various Departments and Agencies; approving pay rates in the Fiscal Year 201617 pay plan; authorizing allocations and reallocations of bond proceeds and interest earnings; authorizing the Mayor or Mayor’s Designee to provide bond issue reserves; establishing such funds as may be approved during the year and providing for their expenditure; authorizing payment of local business tax surcharge to Beacon Council; appropriating grant, donation, and contribution funds; authorizing the Mayor or Mayor’s Designee to execute certain funding agreements; continuing the Municipal Services Trust Fund; waiving for Fiscal Year 2016-17 provisions of Sections 2-1799(e) and 2-1799(f)1 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida (“Code”), related to the disposition of unexpended Mayoral Office Budget Funds and unallocated carryover funding in the Countywide and the Unincorporated Municipal Services Area General Fund Budgets, respectively; waiving Section 29-7(g) of the Code related to allocation of documentary surtax funds; waiving Section 8-12(c) of the Code related to Building Permit Fee when work begins prior to obtaining a permit; amending, waiving or rescinding, if necessary, various Sections of the Code, applicable Implementing Orders and other legislative enactments to conform such enactments to the Fiscal Year 2016-17 adopted budget; superseding conflicting provisions of prior legislative enactments in conflict; providing severability, exclusion from the Code and an effective date All interested parties may appear and be heard at the time and place specified.

Miami-Dade County provides equal access and equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs or services. For material in alternate format, a sign language interpreter or other accommodation, please call 305-375-3943.

HARVEY RUVIN, CLERK CHRISTOPHER AGRIPPA, DEPUTY CLERK For legal ads online, go to http://legalads.miamidade.gov

18

TODAY’S NEWS

MIAMI TODAY

WEEK OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

Region seventh largest export hub in nation at $33 billion

BY CAMILA CEPERO

The US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration last week announced that merchandise exports from the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area totaled $33.3 billion in 2015.

Miami was the seventh-largest exporter in the US with a total goods export value of $33.3 billion and accounted for 64% of total Florida goods exports.

Miami-Dade County exported $24.8 billion in goods, Broward County $6.3 billion and Palm Beach County $2.2 billion.

US metropolitan areas exported more than $1.3 trillion in merchandise exports in 2015, accounting for 89% of all goods exported from the country.

A total of 156 metropolitan areas tallied merchandise exports worth more than $1 billion in 2015 and Miami was one of only 14 that exported more than $20 billion worth of goods.

Key merchandise export categories for the Miami metropolitan area in 2015 included computer & electronic products, ac-

Top Miami Export Markets (Millions of Dollars): Mexico: Venezuela: Colombia: Brazil: Canada:

$2,182 $2,138 $1,891 $1,820 $1,340

Top Miami Export Sectors (Millions of Dollars): Computer & electronic products: $8,600 Transportation Equipment: $4,725 Machinery, except electrical: $2,975 Chemicals: $2,317 Miscellaneous manufactures: $2,092

Goods Exports by County: Miami-Dade County: Broward County: Palm Beach County:

$24.8 billion $6.3 billion $2.2 billion

Source: US Department of Commerce International Trade Association

counting for 26% of the area’s goods exports, transportation equipment and machinery, except electrical.

Top Miami area export markets included Mexico, accounting for 7% of total goods exports, Venezuela, Colombia, Bra-

zil and Canada.

Goods exports from the Miami area have increased $12.9 billion, or 63%, since 2005 – an average of 5% growth annually.

Notably, small and medium enterprises account for a whopping 96% of Miami goods ex-

porters.

The US currently has 14 free trade agreements (FTAs) in force with 20 countries, and Miami goods exporters gladly took advantage of those in 2015.

The agreements are a critical tool in helping US exporters ac-

cess the more than 95% of the world’s consumers living outside the country.

In 2015, exports to FTA markets accounted for $13.8 billion (41%) of Miami area exports.

Specifically, Miami exported $3.5 billion (11%) to North American Free Trade Agreement areas, $6.6 billion (20%) to TransP Partnership areas and $3.2 billion (10%) to Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (European Union-28) areas.

In 2014 there were 29,003 small and medium-sized goods exporters in Miami.

The same year, 15,337 Miami area companies exported to US FTA partners, with 8,533 of those exporting to Trans-Pacific Partnership countries and 5,103 exporting to the European Union.

“Exports continue to be a driving force for the Miami economy” said US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker in a statement.

“The Department of Commerce continues to focus its services on assisting more Miami-based firms sell their ‘Made in America’ products to global consumers, which will support economic growth and good-paying jobs.”

Miami to buy trolley barn that never was, use open

BY JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS

The mystery company’s high-tech fulfillment center could look a whole lot like this Amazon warehouse.

Incentives OK’d for 1,000-job firm County commissioners last week unanimously approved up to $300,000 in job incentive funding for the so-called “Project Sol,” a confidential 1,000-job company expansion into Opa-locka scheduled to begin operations in the second quarter of 2018.

Prime-sponsored by Barbara Jordan, the resolution asked that the commission confirm that support up to $300,000 from countywide general revenues will be available as local participation in the state’s qualified target industry tax refund program for fiscal years 2019-2020 through 2022-2023 or other time period determined by the state in its approval of Project Sol. The Beacon Council brought the project before commissioners.

The state would pay $1.2 million in incentives as well if 500 of the jobs were created

over a four-year period along with the projected $198 million capital investment. While the site of the company’s high-tech fulfillment center was not stated in the application that went to county commissioners for their vote, the likely site is beside the county’s Opa-locka Airport on 120 acres owned by the county that are leased to the Carrie Meek Foundation.

The most likely identity of “Project Sol” is Amazon, which already has a 300-employee center west of Doral with another in the works. While the application lists 1,000 new jobs, incentives would only be paid on the first 500.

As long-standing state legislation spells out, the state would oversee the creation of jobs in accord with its agreement and after the jobs were created paying at least 115% of the state’s average wage. It would then notify the county of its obliga-

tions to pay 20% of the total while the state pays 80%.

The application by the Beacon Council says that the employees functioning in the warehouse and distribution space would receive an average annualized salary of $50,675, plus employee benefits averaging $7,601. The center itself would have more than 855,000 square feet of warehouse and distribution space. Construction would begin in the second quarter of 2017.

Normally, Beacon Council applications for job benefits are made in competitive situations in which other communities are competing with Miami-Dade for the facility and jobs. The incentives are meant to sway decisions on location. Therefore, applications list the names of what it says are “other locations under consideration.” In this case, the application said merely “applicant did not disclose.”

A never-used building in the West Grove, at the heart of controversy for years, has a new owner.

The City of Miami is buying the building for $3.06 million with the idea of making it into a community center, although its final fate has yet to be determined.

In fact, the man backing the purchase, District 2 Commissioner Ken Russell, promised there will be a public meeting in the building inviting neighborhood residents to tell officials what they’d like to see the structure used for.

Commissioners said the building may end up housing several uses.

The property at 3722 and 3724 Oak Ave., 3320 and 3340 SW 37th Ave. and 3723 Frow Ave. holds an empty, never-used building that was constructed as a trolley maintenance facility over neighbors’ protests.

It was going to service trolleys for neighboring Coral Gables but its construction led to litigation and a civil rights complaint.

In June, city commissioners directed City Manager Daniel Alfonso to negotiate a purchase of the property.

The Sept. 8 resolution authorizes purchasing the site from Astor Trolley LLC. With a survey, environmental report, title insurance and related closing costs the purchase is not to exceed $3.13 million and is contingent on two written appraisals.

The property is in Mr. Russell’s district.

His resolution states “the property would best serve the residents of the City of Miami as a community center.”

There has been discussion of the building perhaps housing a

youth center, police substation, Neighborhood Enhancement Team office, cultural museum and more.

A few residents spoke before the commission’s Sept. 8 vote to purchase, questioning the expenditure of so much, suggesting it could be spent in better ways to benefit the youth of the area.

Mr. Russell said what he was hearing from some speakers was a fear of a preconceived notion about what the site will be used for.

He said he is flexible and wants to hear from the public. “We’re going to ask the community what it wants to see there,” said Mr. Russell.

Anthony Witherspoon Sr. suggested housing the Coconut Grove Sports Hall of Fame inside the facility and exploring expansion of the Miami Police Department’s Athletic League for youths at the site, along with other after-school programs.

Olga Granda-Scott said 1,200 children live in the West Grove and she suggested activating an arts training and education program at the site.

Another woman said it would be a good place for an AfricanAmerican heritage museum.

Jihad S. Rashid said city officials had not fully thought out the purchase of the garage. He suggested deferring action on the purchase and doing more homework and outreach in the community, and perhaps getting the private sector involved. Officials ought to work to bring a technology center to the area, he said.

With a reference to the controversial history of the building, Mr. Russell said, “The purchase really rights a wrong … I want to really get it right.”

24

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WEEK OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

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