Miami Today: Week of Thursday, April 5, 2018

WEEK OF THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

A Singular Voice in an Evolving City

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AIR FORCE LOOKS AT STATIONING 24 NEW F35-A COMBAT AIRCRAFT IN HOMESTEAD, PG. 3 FINANCIAL AID FOR ELDERLY: The Miami City Commission has authorized the allocation of grant funds from the District Four commissioner’s share of the city’s Anti-Poverty Initiative up to $100,000 to the non-profit Miami Foundation Inc. for the Elderly Assistance Relief Fund. The resolution was sponsored by Commissioner Manolo Reyes. A background memo says the foundation wants to continue its partnership with District Four for the Elderly Assistance Fund, a program open to persons 65 or older who live in District Four and have a household income at or below the city’s Community Development Low Income Limits. The program will provide $500 per applicant who qualifies under these guidelines that can be used to pay expenses directly related to hardships, basic needs or services they could otherwise not afford.

The Achiever

By Gabi Maspons

CITY COFFERS COUNTED: The City of Miami is looking at a budget surplus this fall, consistent with its financial principals. Chris Rose, director of the Office of Management and Budget, reported to the city commission a budget surplus of about $29 million. He explained that $17.4 million was carried over from the last fiscal year budget into the current budget and is earmarked for capital projects. “We are under-spending our budget,” said Mr. Rose. Commissioner Wifredo “Willy” Gort asked which departments were under-spending, and Mr. Rose said the trend is across all departments.

CANCEL BUENA VISTA POST OFFICE: The Buena Vista community will soon need to post packages and buy stamps at a different U.S. Postal Service location. USPS plans to leave behind its site at 66 NE 39th St. to move nearby. Debra J. Fetterly, spokesperson for Alabama and South Florida, says USPS is losing its lease there, and her team is holding a public meeting to discuss options at 5:30 p.m. April 10 in the lobby of the Buena Vista site. Residents can write for 30 days after the public meeting to real estate specialist Sandra A. Rybicki, 7800 N Stemmons Freeway, Suite 400, Dallas TX 75247-4217 with comments and suggestions.

GAS GOING UP AND UP: Gas prices are guzzling drivers’ cash in Miami, where the cost of a gallon averages $2.69, up 6.9 cents from a week ago, 9.3 cents a gallon higher than a month ago and 27.7 cents a gallon higher than a year ago. And the increases aren’t over, according to GasBuddy, a tracking service that surveyed 1,690 Miami area gasoline outlets to get at the cost figures. “The national average finds itself mere days away from rising to the highest level seen in nearly 1,000 days, said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for the tracking company. Gas prices average a bit lower elsewhere in Florida: $2.59 a gallon in Sarasota, $21.60 in Cape Coral and $2.62 in Naples.

Lee Sandler

Photo by Cristina Sullivan

Sees tightening of trade rules as US taking a new path The profile is on Page 4

Aerospace firm likely to pick Opa-Locka airport

By Gabi Maspons

Canada-based aerospace manufacturer Bombardier may soon unveil a move of its Learjet service center from Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport to MiamiOpa Locka Executive Airport, bringing with it 150 full-time jobs and $15 million in public infrastructure upgrades.

Bombardier manufactures business jets.

Nine service centers around the world serve Bombardier aircraft owners.

Bombardier’s lease on its Fort Lauderdale service center expires in 2020 and it is “exploring any opportunities to expand [its] footprint in Florida,” said spokesperson Anna Cristofaro.

Though the Miami-Dade County Commission on March 6 approved an allocation of $5 million from Building Better Communities bonds to the project, it’s unlikely Bombardier will ever get the money.

“There are several projects ahead of them that have to be negotiated and approved or rejected before Learjet can get the money,” said Leland Salmon, deputy director of MiamiDade’s Regulatory and Economic Resources

Affordable housing list full, closed

Department. “They have to wait and see if there is any money in the pot left for them.”

All $75 million in the Project 124 economic fund has been allocated. Four projects have already signed grant agreements with the county, totaling $23.5 million. The other $51.5 million is allocated to seven other projects, and there’s a waiting list.

Bombardier won’t get any money unless it’s freed up somehow, Mr. Salomon said. “The allocating doesn’t really mean anything. It just puts them in the process.” “$18 million has to fall through and become available to be allocated to somebody else,” Mr. Salomon said. “I would say the chances are pretty slim.”

Still, Mr. Salomon said, he hopes Bombardier moves forward “because it’s a great project for Miami-Dade County and for Opa-Locka.”

“Unfortunately, my hands are tied,” he said.

The 200,000 square-foot maintenance center is to create 150 full-time jobs by 2020 with salaries averaging about $70,000. The project total is $75 million, with $15 million going toward public infrastructure improvements, a report from Mayor Carlos Giménez says.

The hub would offer painting, servicing and aircraft repairs, such as windshield replacements, fixing airplane lights and radios. It’s likely to attract “high net-worth individuals, Fortune 500 companies and their teams to the Opa-Locka area,” Mr. Giménez said in his memo. To account for the new traffic, OpaLocka would need more hotels, restaurants and entertainment, which would help the area.

If the county’s $5 million is freed up, the money would go toward public car parking, public aircraft parking, site fire protection and site storm drainage, the memo says.

Though Bombardier is still in the exploratory phase, Ms. Cristofaro says plans are “quite advanced” and the company must decide this month whether to renew its Fort Lauderdale lease or move its service center to Opa-Locka.

“The preferred option is to sign a lease … to relocate the service center,” said Bombardier CP and General Manager of Customer Experience Jean-Cristophe Gallagher in a letter.

Ms. Cristofaro says Bombardier will be announcing whether the service center is to move “imminently.”

With every Miami-Dade affordable housing unit filled and all waiting lists closed, those looking to get on a list may have to wait longer, a memo from Mayor Carlos Giménez says.

Commissioners in November asked the mayor to seek commission approval on when and how to administer and populate the waiting lists. But Public Housing and Community Development Director Michael Liu told commissioners that state and federal laws outline how the lists are re-opened and advertised.

Mr. Giménez reported in March on the numbers of applicants waiting and vacant units in each project.

The last number was a quick calculation: there aren’t any vacant affordable housing units.

The 17 multifamily rental properties are divided into two categories: Section 8 project-based communities and affordable housing communities with subsidized financial assistance.

The ten Section 8 project-based communities have 3,565 applicants waiting and all 596 units filled.

Affordable housing communities with subsidized financial assistance are typically below market rent and require units to be set aside for low-income families, elderly and persons with disabilities. Those seven communities have 5,729 applicants waiting with only 769 units, all filled.

The county previously had a community-wide waiting list and computers randomly determined an applicant’s ranking. Now, sitespecific waiting lists fill vacancies.

The waiting list for the ten project-based communities hasn’t been opened since October 2014 for all units but one, which was opened in 2017. The list for the seven affordable communities varies: one waiting list has been locked since 2007, while another just reopened in 2017.

Mr. Giménez said the county is to work with each commissioner to advertise when waiting lists are to re-open in their districts. Commissioners are to review the report and act April 10.

COUNTY ADDS TRANSIT DEPUTY TO INCREASE RELIABILITY ...

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SHUFFLING OF LEADERSHIP IN COUNSELOR CORPS CHANGES...

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TWO-YEAR STUDY FINDS COUNTY MOBILITY PAYMENT IFFY ...

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CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADDS EATERIES FUNDING ...

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VIEWPOINT: VETO OF BOULEVARD NARROWING WAS RIGHT...

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CLERK OFFERS AMNESTY FOR FEES ON FINES TO ADD CASH ...

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CONSTRUCTION JOBS GROWTH MAY NEVER REACH RECORD ...

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SNAFU BY CITY COSTS DEVELOPER A BOUTIQUE HOTEL OK ...

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WEEK OF THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

TODAY’S NEWS

MIAMI TODAY

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Air Force looks at basing 24 new F-35A’s in Homestead

By Katya Maruri

The Homestead Air Reserve Base, which currently utilizes F-16C planes to carry out Air Force Reserve Command related missions, might permanently gain up to 24 new F-35A aircraft, which combine stealth, sensor fusion and unprecedented situational awareness in combat, according to a notice of intent issued by the U.S. Air Force.

The Homestead Air Reserve Base, which is one of four locations Air Force officials are analyzing, will undergo an impact study to evaluate the environmental consequences that could result from the use here of these aircraft.

If the base meets specific environmental standards, said Laura McAndrews an Air Force spokesperson, the aircraft would be used for the ongoing missions currently being conducted from the base.

“Davis-Monthan Air Force

Homestead Air Reserve Base is one of four sites in the nation sitting on the runway to get 24 F-35A aircraft.

Base, Arizona; Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth; Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida; and Whiteman AFB, Missouri, will be con-

sidered as reasonable alternatives during the environmental analysis process, which must be completed before the Air Force makes a final basing decision,”

she said.

To help decide which base would be the best option, Ms. McAndrews said, “The Air Force uses a deliberate, repeat-

able and standardized process to identify potential locations for our missions.”

“The process,” she said, “begins with a clear definition of operational requirements; from these we develop selection criteria that are used to screen the enterprise of installations down to a handful of candidate bases.”

Once a detailed site survey and National Environmental Policy Act-required environmental analysis are completed, the Air Force will consider the potential environmental impacts at each location before making a final basing decision.

Depending on when the environmental analysis is complete, Ms. McAndrews said, the process can take up to two years.

Details: The Air Force plans a public scoping meeting on use of the F-35As from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 17 at the Homestead Reserve Air Base, 1601 N Krome Ave.

County mobile payments? Two-year study says it depends

By Gabi Maspons

Two years after Miami-Dade County commissioners requested a report from Mayor Carlos Giménez’s office on the feasibility of accepting mobile payments, Mr. Giménez released a memo saying it is an ongoing process and each department handles its payment collections a bit differently.

Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz sponsored the resolution, which passed in March of 2016, asking the mayor’s office to look into mobile payments.

Synchronizing Miami-Dade County’s system to accept mobile payments “has the potential to enhance convenience for members of the public in areas with high volumes of transactions,” the resolution says, “such as mass transit stations and county-operated tourist destinations.”

Jose “Pepe” Diaz asked for study.

The resolution directed Mr. Giménez’s office to report to the county commission on the cost and feasibility of different payment methods.

Mr. Giménez issued a memo late last month, saying some county departments already

accept mobile and contactless transactions, though not all channels are economically viable for the county.

The county’s Information Technology Department and the Finance Department have been working with private-sector credit card authorization vendors on digital payment systems countywide, the memo says, by reworking contracts that come before the county.

Whenever the county enters into a contract to upgrade or buy new equipment for current cashiering systems, it also explores the possibility of mobile communication payment options.

Requests for proposals and contracts now have language requiring new vendor credit card applications to evaluate the capability for mobile payments.

Though the county is still in the exploratory phase for many contracts and departments, the

Carlos Giménez produced memo.

Department of Transportation and Public Works already uses a mobile app that accepts credit card payments. By the end of the second quarter of 2018, the memo says, the app will also accept ApplePay and Samsung Pay. Most pages on the county’s

websites also accept credit cards and electronic check payments, the memo says.

Though the county is willing to offer mobile payment options, Mr. Giménez said some options are just not economically feasible at this time.

Accepting payments via PayPal, Square and Venmo and other similar peer-to-peer payment technologies is not possible for the county right now, as it would require processing credit cards through multiple merchant providers. The county handles most of its services through one main provider “to obtain reduced county rates and costs based on volume discount” and it wouldn’t be cost-effective to use multiple providers, the memo says.

The mayor’s memo is to appear before commissioners at their next meeting April 10, where they are to discuss the report and any future actions it may lead to.

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MIAMI TODAY

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WEEK OF THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

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

No greenbacks if Biscayne Green deletes any traffic lanes

Never before have we welcomed a veto of aid to Miami, but we hail Gov. Rick Scott’s roadblock of $1 million geared to narrow Biscayne Boulevard. That funding would be worse than mere waste – it would do harm.

The vetoed cash was to have helped choke the eight-lane boulevard at the heart of downtown down to six lanes or even four to create instead a vast pedestrian promenade called Biscayne Green and two bike lanes.

Don’t laugh – that reduction of the north-south artery near the bay to add a broad footpath has been in the works over at Miami’s Downtown Development Authority for 12 years and in December got more than $400,000 in US funds to study whether it can actually work.

Save the cash. Most of us could detail for a lot less than $400,000 what it would do to downtown rush hours – now stretching 16 hours – to cut lanes 25% or 50% on a vital artery whose only alternative is the iffy Metromover.

We get it: beautifying the boulevard

for pedestrians and cyclists would truly enhance downtown and improve urban living. Removing most boulevard parking would help.

We’d welcome the idea if the state funding were geared to accomplish only those aims without also deleting lanes for cars that will remain vital until we add a real transit network someday.

But plans now are to get rid of those lanes based on the misguided claim that boulevard traffic wouldn’t slow a bit. That could only be true if drivers left cars to walk or bicycle, or if autonomous cars that can run within inches of one another and thus need fewer traffic lanes were our mobility.

For far less than $400,000 we can report that these other modes of travel downtown are, at best, years off – if they ever materialize.

Meanwhile, Biscayne Boulevard plays several roles other than as a beautiful urban promenade.

First, the boulevard is also our slice of US 1, the first federal highway, which runs from Key West to Maine. It’s no longer the primary East Coast route – interstates are – but it’s a major link for those 2,369 miles. No way should we carve out one mile as a pedestrian promenade, especially when a perfectly good but underused park across the street could do the job.

Second, since the development authority in all good faith planned this beautiful

centerpiece a dozen years ago downtown has grown – and grown and grown and grown.

In that time along the boulevard downtown we’ve added all the traffic from the two-building Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, The Frost Museum of Science, the Pérez Art Museum Miami and Genting’s bayfront events space where the Miami Herald then stood.

The boulevard is also the gateway to American Airlines Arena and an upgrading Bayside Marketplace, an entrance to PortMiami, and the eastern entry to a fast-growing 24-hour downtown that back in 2006 was shutting down at 5 p.m. and was death valley on weekends.

No longer.

Moreover, county commissioners are seriously weighing two more museums along the boulevard downtown, and it’s home to more residential high-rises than were contemplated 12 years ago. All of those add to traffic density.

Meanwhile, other traffic mushrooms.

In 2006, just before the development authority offered its plan to cut downtown car flow, we noted tens of thousands of condo units rising and wrote “We say we’ve got gridlock now, but wait until we add 100,000 to 200,000 more cars… [to cause] coming traffic congestion Miamians cannot yet imagine.” Today, we don’t imagine it; we live it.

It wasn’t just newcomers adding cars:

Baylink solution at hand with right support In a March 5 Sunshine Meeting I convened with county commission Chairman Esteban Bovo, a consensus was reached on what could be the most elegant and feasible solution for Baylink.

Baylink is the common name given to a Xavier Suarez rail corridor designed to connect Miami Beach to downtown. Because it crosses the bay, it requires some elevated spans and has always been conceived as an elevated system on rail. What has not been considered is the use of what is called “Personal Rapid Transit” (PRT), which is very light rail. Think of Disney World and its monorail system.

The meeting followed one that took place Feb. 2 in which the original members of the Baylink Executive Policy Committee were represented. Those original members were the mayors of Miami, Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County, plus commissioners Bruno Barreiro and myself.

At both sunshine meetings, the unique features of PRT were highlighted.

Let’s enumerate those: 1. Very light rail: Because the vehicles are very small, with occupancy ranging from two to four passengers, the support system is very light and inexpensive. In fact, Mayor Carlos Giménez refers to the columns that support the guiderail as being “light poles.”

As such, they don’t occupy much space on the ground and can be placed in the middle of causeways like the MacArthur, wherever that is possible.

2. Inexpensive: Whereas Metrorail extensions cost as much as $250 million per mile and Metromover $100 million per mile, Personal Rapid Transit costs as little as $8 million or $10 million per mile for the

The Writer

Xavier Suarez is a Miami-Dade County commissioner. guideway system.

3. Capacity: The distance between transit vehicles is measured in what is called “headway.” Whereas Metrorail cars follow each other in sequences of five minutes or more, the Personal Rapid Transit vehicles have headways of as little as four seconds.

This means that experts calculate their capacity, measured in people per hour, as high as 3,600, which is roughly equivalent to Metrorail. (Note that the stops have to be physically separated from the main guideway so that vehicles can unload passengers and pick up others.)

4. Spectacular Signature Design: The initial span of Baylink will connect Museum Park to Watson Island. This span can have multicolored lights that will create a spectacular signature monument for ships, planes and automobiles as they approach downtown Miami.

5. Differential Rates:Aconnector between downtown and South Beach can charge differential amounts to tourists versus residents and commuting employees. Just like visitors and even residents can afford to pay Uber and Lyft rates when they don’t want to use or don’t have available an automobile, it is entirely feasible to charge $15 to $25 to cross the bay and enjoy South Beach attractions. In a reverse direction, the residents of the Beach are well able to connect to the museums and sports arena that are found in downtown Miami and the Omni area.

6. Dual-mode Vehicles: The future of the automobile is thought by many to include automated cars. A nice feature of PRT is that it can be built to accommodate individually-

owned vehicles that meet the specifications of the guideway. These can be used by owners to travel the last mile and in some cases can be automated.

It should be noted that this feature also allows not only ridesharing, but vehicle timesharing between owners who live in the same area or have the same commutes. (Think of what we do now with bicycles that are rented for specific rides and then delivered back to the racks at point of origin or destination.)

Personal Rapid Transit is thus seen as the most flexible, futuristic and inexpensive of transit systems that combine individual with mass transportation.

At the Feb. 22 Sunshine Meeting, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary James Wolfe elaborated on that, explaining that these vehicles can ride the streets and get back on the guideway at various different times and places.

Also present at that first meeting was Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez, who expressed strong support for PRT to be used in connecting Baylink. Referring to the versatility of this system, Mayor Suarez agreed to support a funding mechanism similar to what was used for the Metromover extensions.

That funding mechanism is a special taxing district that impacts almost solely commercial properties found on Watson Island, South Beach, Terminal Island and the Omni area.

Chairman Bovo has reminded us many times that the time for study has ended and the time for implementation needs to begin. The Baylink connector, though small in distance, is large in importance as it connects Miami’s vibrant downtown with our number-one tourist attraction – South Beach. As we complete studies intended to resolve, fund and build the other corridors, it is exciting news that the Baylink solution is at hand and has the support of all the principal policymakers.

within the past four years 40,000 county residents daily have stopped using mass transit. Whether they’re in their cars or in Ubers, all are back on roads, an uncounted number downtown.

With all of that, the drive to slice driving lanes on Biscayne Boulevard has rolled on for 12 years – fortunately, going as slowly as the cars that the planners want to further slow.

The state considered $1 million for the boulevard plan in 2015 and actually ranked it 16th of 34 requests, but funded only the first 12 and left it out.

The development authority has never said how it would fund the rest of this work; a 2015 estimate was $24 million for medians alone. But last year it did get Miami’s parking authority, which actually handles developments, to agree to run the project, thereby protecting revenues from 387 parking spaces in that stretch of the boulevard. The authority is looking at underground parking there.

That parking shift could add beauty above ground without slowing traffic.

But unless underground work included multiple north-south lanes, there should be no narrowing of the boulevard above ground. We need more traffic flow, not less.

Until the promenade plan focuses on more movement rather than less, it’s a waste of time and money and could do long-term harm. The governor is right – veto this whole outdated idea.

L etters to the E ditor Why he vetoed plan funds Gov. Rick Scott was probably thinking that removing lanes from highly congested Biscayne Boulevard was nuts and decided the DDA needed $300,000 for mental health services.

DC Copeland

Closing US 1 lanes error With all the money the city collects from developers, they should be able to fund this entire project. Closing lanes on Biscayne in downtown is a boneheaded idea. On the other hand, getting rid of that incredibly disgusting parking lot in the middle of the street should be their first priority, leaving a blank canvas on which to design an iconic boulevard.

Gerwyn Flax

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WEEK OF THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Construction jobs keep rising but may never hit former peak

By Katya Maruri

Despite continued growth in construction jobs since the economic collapse in 2007, industry experts predict that construction job growth will start to slow down in the next year or two due to low unemployment rates and tighter hiring markets.

According to a US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, Miami-Dade County saw a peak of 55,300 construction jobs in 2007, followed by a low of 30,100 jobs in 2012 due to the economic collapse.

Since then, according to the report, construction job numbers have slowly climbed back up to 49,800 jobs.

One of the main reasons for this increase, said Manuel Lasaga, president of StratInfo and clinical professor in the Finance Department at Florida International University, has been a relatively stable economy.

“I think that the construction sector has seen such positive momentum due to the economy doing so well,” Mr. Lasaga said. “Last year construction slowed down for a few months in Miami due to Hurricane Irma, but overall the momentum has remained positive.”

However, he said, “with unem-

ployment rates being so low it’s not going to be so easy to find qualified people for future construction projects.”

As for reaching employment levels that peaked in 2007, David Robinson, senior vice president and general manager at Turner Construction, said, “I’m not sure if we will see that type of growth again. However, I think if we do we will be challenged

Real Estate by Audrey Ross

The Miami luxury condo and luxury home market is experiencing a period of demand, according to the Miami Association of REALTORS® and the Multiple Listings Service (MLS) system.

Miami existing condo sales rose for the fourth consecutive month in February of this year

while luxury condos priced at one million and up saw an increase in sales of 31% from 116 in February of 2017 to 152 a year later. Luxury home sales alone increased 31.1% from 61 to 80 homes sold.

This increase in demand could partly be a result of the recent federal tax reform changes.

With a new deductions cap, many wealthy residents of states with high property values and higher income taxes are choosing to purchase homes

and properties in states like Florida, which have the benefits of luxury amenities and lower taxes. The signs of demand for luxury properties in Miami mean that now is a great time to buy or sell your luxury home or condo and find the lifestyle you most desire.

Audrey Ross 305.206.4003 aross@miamirealestate.com www.miamirealestate.com

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By Katya Maruri

As Kent Hippolyte, consul general of Saint Lucia and dean of the Consular Corps of Miami, prepares to return to civilian life to pursue other career goals, Collin Mayers, consul general of Barbados, will step up and take his place as dean of the consular corps, according to Nabil Achkar, first senior vice president of Interaudi Bank and consular corps secretary.

Mr. Mayers first served as consul general Nabil Achkar at the Consulate General of Barbados in Miami, from May 1994 to December 1994.

Following elections in Barbados on Jan. 15, 2008, he was again ap-

pointed consul general in Miami on July 1, 2008.

With the recently expanded coverage area of the consulate, Mr. Mayers’ jurisdiction now includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. His primary responsibilities include maintaining a relationship with and representing the interest of Barbadian nationals, seeking out economic and business opportunities, Kent Hippolyte promoting cooperative ventures with private and public sector agencies, and establishing and nurturing relationships that are beneficial to Barbados.

However, in his new role as dean, Mr. Achkar said, Mr. Mayers’ main responsibilities will include representing the corps for protocol purposes and meeting with local leaders to exchange information.

“Mr. Hippolyte left by choice after 18 years of diplomatic service,” Mr. Achkar said.

As a result, “Collin Mayers, who was second in line to become dean, was automatically selected as the new dean and has already been advised as to what his new responsibilities entail,” he said.

As for other changes to the consular corps, Mr.Achkar said, “people keep on moving in the corps, things are constantly changing.”

Miami has one of the largest consular representations in the US, with some consulates staffed by dozens of persons.

Redevelopment agency funds youth training

Our community can celebrate having some of America’s Best Hospitals in South Florida. U.S. News & World Report has honored Baptist Health with 29 medals of excellence in 13 types of care, including cancer, cardiovascular, orthopedic and neurological care. U.S. News also ranked Baptist Hospital as the #1 hospital in the entire region. However, our greatest honor remains the privilege of serving you, our patients.

Bethesda Hospital East

and Florida Atlantic University to create programs that entice students to work in the construction industry straight out of college.”

“The industry has changed a lot since 2007,” he said. “Nowadays, it’s about doing things more efficiently and effectively through innovative techniques, which in turn reduces the amount of available work since things are getting done

As St. Lucia’s consul general exits, Mayers of Barbados is corps dean

Ross Report Miami Luxury Home Sales Rise in February 2018

by the demand we saw in 2007.”

One of those challenges, he said, would be the lack of available skilled labor and engineers in the industry.

“There is definitely a need for more skilled labor and engineers in the construction sector,” Mr. Robinson said.

As a result, he said, “we have partnered up with local universities such as Florida International University

better without having to employ as many people.”

However, he said, despite these changes the construction industry will continue to grow and adapt as productivity and output become greater.

As for other trends in construction growth, Jaap Donath, senior vice president of research and strategic planning at the Beacon Council, points to increases in commercial office space and industrial construction as being one of the reasons Miami-Dade County has seen higher growth rates than those in the rest of the state.

“In the last several years office space and industrial construction has really started to grow in Miami,” he said, “plus we have seen a lot of growth as whole in different parts of the community ranging from Doral, Sunny Isles,Aventura and Midtown, which is promising.”

Also, he said, “I think we have seen a lot more activity here due to international connectivity and different companies wanting to do business here.”

Moving forward, he said, “I think construction job growth will continue for another year, but not more. It depends on various factors.”

West Kendall Baptist Hospital

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By Catherine Lackner

As they have in the past, directors of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) voted last week to fund a summer youth training program operated by Urgent Inc. Joe Carollo and Wifredo “Willy” Gort, CRA directors and Miami commissioners, were absent.

The CRA funded the program at $220,000. “Grant funds are requested to continue and expand the Film Arts & Culture Coding EntrepreneurshipYouth Employment and Training Program,” said a letter from Saliha Nelson, the organization’s vice president, to Cornelius Shiver, CRA executive director.

Urgent has operated the CRA’s summer young program success-

fully since 2011, her letter continued.

Training prepares young people for jobs in fields targeted by the One Community One Goal economic program, including information technology, tourism and hospitality, and creative design.

“This summer, we propose to employ 60 high-school, out-of-school and college-going youth between the ages of 14 and 21” from Overtown and Park West and neighboring communities, Ms. Nelson’s letter continued. The summer internships will last seven weeks “where youth earn, learn, and grow under the direction of industry professionals and teaching artists/entrepreneurs.” They can learn coding and web design, film and photography, broadcast media, or entrepreneurship and business management, the letter explains.

Last year, the program served 69 students, 39 of whom were from the redevelopment district, according to a document Urgent filed with the CRA. The majority (85%) wereAfrican-American, 54% were female, and more than half (56%) had a grade-point average of 3.0 (equivalent to a B) or higher. The largest group was 16-year-olds, followed by youth 15 to 17 years of age, and about half had had jobs before.

A test given at the beginning and end of the program showed that 85% had improved their 21st century work skills, the document said, which included communications, working effectively in groups, critical thinking, decision making, awareness of abilities and knowledge about occupations.

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City changes clear way for riverfront apartment building

By John Charles Robbins

Land use and zoning changes approved by Miami city commissioners for a Miami River site are clearing the way for a new market-rate apartment building.

Developer 1515 Miami River LLC plans a rental building with 63 apartments on the river’s south shore at 1515, 1529 and 1543 NW South River Drive.

The city commission granted final approval March 22 of requests for the 1.7-acre site, including changing the land use designation from single-family residential to low-density multifamily residential.

The property is near the Northwest 17th Avenue Bridge, and just north of the Dolphin Expressway (836) leading into and out of the city’s Health District.

At a first reading of the land use and zoning changes in January, Ben Fernandez, the developer’s attorney, detailed some voluntarily improvements to be made to the site, including installing and maintaining a public riverwalk.

The developer also plans to build a new seawall and make improvements to a small linear green space (a city right-ofway), abutting the west side of the site and framed by a Ushaped Northwest 16th Avenue, according to Mr. Fernandez.

At the January meeting, Commissioner Joe Carollo made it

1515 Miami River plans 63 apartments on the Miami River’s south shore near Miami’s Health District.

clear he’d like something more offered to the city in exchange for the rezoning and added density that comes with it.

On March 22, Mr. Fernandez reiterated the voluntary improvements to be made to the property and the city’s land next door, which will include new sidewalks, landscaping and drainage.

He said the developer-owner will allow waterfront access to the public from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. along a riverwalk that is being built as part of the multi-family residential project.

In addition, the developer promises to contribute $28,674 to the city’s public benefits fund, he said.

Mr. Fernandez said the amount of the monetary contribution was

calculated considering added value of about 9.5 residential units gained through the rezoning, and the estimated costs voluntarily taken on by the developer to include construction of the new seawall and improvements to the mini park, estimated at $512,450.

Mr. Fernandez called the $28,674 contribution “generous.”

The specific promise in the covenant reads: “The owner shall contribute $28,674 to the Miami 21 Public Benefits Trust Fund payable in full prior to obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy for new construction on the Property.”

In support of the land use and zoning changes, Mr. Fernandez said the area is changing significantly.

He cited the major impact from large mixed-use project River Landing, now under construction across the river from his client’s property.

The $300-plus-million River Landing Shops and Residences is rising at 1480 NW North River Drive, site of former Mahi Shrine Auditorium.

The 8.14-acre development is to include about 430,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, about 475 market-rate apartments in two towers, and parking for about 2,200 vehicles.

A couple of residents opposed the project for its potential impact on nearby single-family homes from added traffic, while a slightly larger group took no position on the project but asked the city

to rezone their land as well.

One woman stressed that she doesn’t want commercial uses in the area.

The request to change land use and zoning of the property has led to a wider city study that could see the neighborhood rezoned for higher-density uses.

The site now has 14 boat slips, which would be maintained after maintenance dredging required by the county’s Department of Environmental Resources Management.

The site plan also calls for installing public on-road greenway along Northwest South River Drive, including a 5-foot-wide bike path, and shows a dedicated spot for a water taxi stop.

The Miami River Commission recommended approval of the project on Northwest South River Drive with four conditions: Provide the public riverwalk as presented in plans and letter of intent, and insert the needed eastern side yard connector to eliminate a dead-end.

Construct the presented planned improvements to the adjacent public greenspace, including new elevated seawall and street, public walkway with landscaping, and the proposed water taxi stop.

Maintain recreational vessel dockage.

Provide a Working River Disclosure covenant as required by the city’s comprehensive plan.

SAVE COLLECTION CHARGES ON OVERDUE TRAFFIC, PARKING AND CRIMINAL COURT FINES The Miami-Dade Clerk’s Office is trying to help the thousands of individuals who have outstanding tickets and court fines and fees whose driver license may have been suspended.

If you are late and have been referred to a collection agency, pay the full face value and all collection charges will be waived.

Operation Collection Relief allows anyone with a Miami-Dade County traffic ticket, parking ticket or criminal fines and fees assigned to a collection agency to pay those charges in full without paying the collections fee. If there are no outstanding violations in other State of Florida counties, they will also be able to restore their driving privileges, which may have been suspended, once the outstanding fines and late fees are paid.

Payments in person will be accepted at Clerk’s Office locations Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Web and phone payments will also be accepted for Traffic and Parking Citations from April 7th through April 15th.

PLEASE VISIT WWW.MIAMI-DADECLERK.COM OR CALL : Traffic 305-275-1111, Parking 305-275-1133 and Criminal 305-275-1155

12

MIAMI TODAY

WEEK OF THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

TODAY’S NEWS

Clerk offers amnesty on fees for fines to get cash rolling in

By Gabi Maspons

After the Florida Legislature announced it would pay $1.5 million to fund the Miami-Dade County clerk’s office through the end of this fiscal year, the clerk’s office is offering an amnesty program to help the public reduce fees Harvey Ruvin on outstanding tickets and bring in money quickly.

Last year, the state cut funding

for clerk’s office statewide, and Miami-Dade Clerk Harvey Ruvin announced the county would need to eliminate 123 positions, lay off 70 employees and close seven satellite offices if money wasn’t found quickly.

Mr. Ruvin identified about $2 million of savings in his department, which county commissioners let him use to keep the department running for six months.

Last month, the state agreed to fund the clerk’s office through the end of the fiscal year and to take up the issue next session to find a more permanent solution.

In the meantime, Mr. Ruvin told Miami Today, the department is looking for other ways to make quick money.

“Occasionally we do this as a way of helping the public,” Mr. Ruvin said.

The state says that if a courtgenerated fine is not paid within a certain time, the county must forward the account to a collection agent, who can charge up to a 40% surcharge for collections, Mr. Ruvin said.

Operation Collection Relief allows anyone with a Miami-Dade County traffic ticket, parking ticket

or criminal fines and fees assigned to a collection agency to pay those charges in full without paying the collections fee.

“If there are no outstanding violations in other State of Florida counties, they will also be able to restore their driving privileges, which may have been suspended, once the outstanding fines and late fees are paid,” a notice from the county says.

Mr. Ruvin says the county has four collections vendors it works with, and they had to waive their fees briefly to help the county bring in some money.

“During that period of time, people can make payments and avoid paying the additional 40% charge,” Mr. Ruvin said.

Though the funds would have been collected eventually, it’s a win-win, as residents get a discount on their payments and the county can bring in money quickly to help cushion the clerk’s budget.

“It applies a little mercy to the indebted,” Mr. Ruvin said.

The clerk’s office will be accepting the payments minus any surcharge in person from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and web and phone payments from April 7 through 15.

Snafu on city’s part costs developer a boutique hotel project

By John Charles Robbins

More than 90 properties in the City of Miami have the wrong land use designation and do not match the corresponding zoning classification.

The mistake occurred about 2010 when the City of Miami was implementing its new zoning code, Miami 21.

Some of the 90 or so properties are in the northern area of Coconut Grove, along and near busy US 1 (South Dixie Highway), and should have a land use designation of Multiple Density Restricted Commercial but instead are listed as Medium Density Multifamily Residential and Medium Density Residential.

The goof has impacted at least one developer’s hope to redevelop a high-profile site on US 1 with a boutique hotel.

Homeowners on Southwest 30th Court mobilized and hired a lawyer to fight against the developer’s plan.

The developer lost. The residents won. And at least one city commissioner is boasting the residents saved dozens of affordable apartments in a city that is aching for them.

What brought the situation to light is a property at 2890 Virginia St. that fronts on US 1 and is home to a seven-story apartment build-

Photo by John Charles Robbins

Because the zoning and land use designation don’t match up, plans for a boutique hotel here fell apart.

ing with about 66 units.

Owner-applicant Virginia Miami Realty LLC had plans to redevelop the property as a boutique hotel. When the owner discovered the discrepancy between the land use designation and the zoning, he requested an amendment to the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) of the Miami Comprehensive

Neighborhood Plan.

The Planning Department recommended the requested land use change for approval, but the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board voted 6-4 to recommend denial.

At the city commission meeting, several residents of Southwest 30th Court spoke against the land use change, citing potential ad-

verse impact of more commercial uses abutting a long-established residential area – traffic, noise, etc. – and the loss of existing affordable housing.

Wayne Pathman, an attorney representing the developer, said the mistake wasn’t his client’s fault and said he ought to be able to develop the land for uses allowed

by its current zoning of T5-0. Under Miami 21, Transect zone 5, or T5 Urban Center Zone, consists of a higher density mixed-use building type that accommodates retail and office uses with apartments, and more.

Attorneys representing the developer said the city zoned the 2890 Virginia St. property T5-0 under Miami 21 but failed to amend its Future Land Use Map designation accordingly. In addition, the property’s location on US 1 near existing commercial and office uses makes the requested land use map amendment appropriate, they said.

“The zoning and the [land use] plan have to mirror each other.

We already have the zoning,” Mr. Pathman told commissioners.

The Planning Department staff agreed, in statements and in a sixpage analysis.

“Miami 21 identifies US 1 as appropriate for commercial development and intended for those uses along the corridor. The subject property was subsequently rezoned to T5-0, reflecting that intent,” the analysis reads.

It continues: “Based on records, staff believes it was the original intent at the adoption of Miami 21 that the Future Land Use Designation of the subject property be amended to Medium Density Restricted Commercial. During the adoption of Miami 21, while most of the properties identified as having a need for a FLUM amendment were transmitted to the Department of Economic Opportunity … there are a number that were mistakenly omitted and were never amended to reflect the intended change.”

Some commissioners wondered: Why not change the zoning to match the land use designation?

In the end, the commission voted unanimously to deny the developer’s requested land use designation change.

Commissioner Ken Russell, whose district includes the Grove, said the developer wanted to change 66 units of residential housing to commercial and hotel use.

Mr. Russell said the domino effect of granting the land use designation amendment would have been the loss of nearly 200 units of affordable rentals in the Grove, because other apartment buildings are on property that has a land use designation that doesn’t match its zoning classification – among the 90 or so properties mentioned in the 2010 mistake.

16

MIAMI TODAY

TODAY’S NEWS

WEEK OF THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Private high school enrollments rise, and tuitions follow

By Rebecca San Juan

More parents seeking personalized attention and smaller classrooms for their teens are driving up interest in Miami-Dade’s private high schools, where application numbers are rising with tuition increases steadily following behind.

Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, an all-girls institution at 5525 SW 84th St., is seeing greater numbers of applicants fighting for one of the school’s 840 class seats, with the school retaining about 98% of its enrollees until graduation.

“All things being equal, we do give preference to current siblings, daughters of alumnae,” said Olga Martinez, Lourdes’ director of admissions, marketing, and communications. “If all things are equal, then those are the things we take into account.”

Tuition at Lourdes increases each year. Parents paid $11,250 for teens in grade nine through twelve in the 2016-2017 school year. This year parents pay $11,550, and they can expect an increase to $11,850. Parents of seniors can expect to pay $12,200, including graduation costs, for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Ms. Martinez said, “Because we are a Catholic school, we do try to keep the tuition within the means of our constituents, but there is a slight increase from year to year.”

All-male Christopher Columbus High School hits capacity every year. The school increased its capacity number from 1,600 students in 2016 to 1,740 for the 2016-2017 academic year.

“We average about 650 and 700 applications for the incoming freshman class and you typically have a b o u t 4 0 0 Michael Marinelli spots,” said Director of Admissions Michael Marinelli. The school, at 3000 SW 87th Ave., says it offers among the most competitive private school tuitions. Parents

Columbus raised its capacity to 1,740 last academic year, with $10,700 tuition expected for next year.

can expect to pay $10,700 for the coming academic year.

Mr. Marinelli says tuition increases are minimal. “It’s gone up about $200 in the last two or three years,” he said. “If there is an increase, it’s not going to be a substantial one.”

St. Brendan High School Assistant Principal Barbara Acosta also sees applications increasing.

Over 500 students applied last year, a new peak.

Ms. Acosta says the four academies St. Brendan students can partake in – Medical Sciences, STEM, Law and Business, and Visual and Performing Arts – draw in students.

“I think our academies are attracting attention,” she said.

“I think parents are interested in providing that type of experience for their students.”

St. Brendan, at 2950 SW 87th Ave., is currently undergoing renovations and Ms. Acosta says plans to expand are on the horizon. Enrollment currently meets capacity – a little over 1,200 students – each year. Ms. Acosta says the expansion would leave the student body below 2,000.

“If we have more classrooms,” she said, “it would allow us to keep the class sizes small.

Average classroom size now is between 20 and 23. I’d like to keep them there, especially in the core classes. ” Riviera, which opened its high school at 9775 SW 87th Ave. in 2011, sees an applicant increase of 10% to 15% every year. Admissions Director Olga Mestre said, “A big chunk of enrollment happened within the first two years and then it kind of stayed the same or a little bit lower because there’s only enough seats to fill.

We actually deny admission to about 50% of applicants. We’re not in any hurry to fill seats.”

About 285 students currently ‘The population was attend Riviera’s high school, and definitely going to inMs. Mestre expects that number crease in the area and the to increase to 325 or 350 in the population of school-aged coming academic year. Parents to enroll their students next children was going to in- eager year can expect to pay $25,450 crease and the population tuition. The school hopes to of families that were able expand in the next two to three and offer enough seats to to afford an independent years handle 725 high school students. school education was Sarah Allison, owner and director of Allison Academy predicted.’ at 1881 NE 164th St. in North Arvi Balseiro Miami Beach, says her school continues to grow in application

‘All things being equal, we do give preference to current siblings, daughters of alumnae. If all things are equal, then those are the things we take into account.’

Olga Martinez

and enrollment numbers. “Interest is up. Enrollment is up,” she said. The school currently serves 125 students with an average of 12 to 14 students per teacher.

“We do lose some between eighth and ninth grades to students who want to go to bigger schools, but that’s not many,” Dr. Allison said. “People get used to the TLC. And we’re fully accredited, so students can go to any college on the planet

because we have that type of accreditation.”

Tuition checks in at $17,000, with at least 25% of families receiving financial aid. Dr. Allison says tuition will remain the same for the next academic year. “We are some of the lowest of the private schools, and that’s because everyone here, including me, wears multiple hats.”

Like other admission staff, Dr. Allison keeps tuition low for more families to be able to afford a private education. She said, “You can’t do much with a teenager by yourself. It has to be an effort with the parents and the school.”

New private high schools are catering to the demand. Cushman plans to debut its high school campus at 4700 Biscayne Blvd. in September after conducting a five-year study. Head of Cushman School Arvi Balseiro said, “The population was definitely going to increase in the area and the population of school-aged children was going to increase and the population of families that were able to afford an independent school education was predicted.”

Parents can expect to pay $30,110 in annual tuition for a personalized, small classroom experience. Current high school students, including some transitioning from Cushman’s eighth grade, attend the program at the

‘I think our academies are attracting attention. I think parents are interested in providing that type of experience for their students.’

Barbara Acosta

592 NE 60th St. campus.

“We have an AP [advanced placement] class with one or two,” Ms. Balseiro said. “We have another class with 12. The class sizes are small and a strong student-to-teacher ratio.” The classes that are slightly larger aren’t advanced placement, but are for honors and other students.

The 40-student body is split primarily between grades nine and ten. Two students make up the 11th grade class.

Ms. Balseiro emphasizes how Cushman caters to the particular needs of each of its students, some of whom she refers to as hybrids. She said one student is partially homeschooled, while taking a few advanced classes with Cushman.

Other schools out of state are expressing interest in opening a branch in South Florida.

Avenues: The World School, based in New York with a sister branch in São Paulo, is considering a Miami location.

“We continue to work diligently on expanding Avenues global footprint,” Global Director of Communications Tara Powers wrote by email. “This includes having explored opportunities in Miami from time to time, but the discussions are preliminary to date.”

All-female Lourdes Academy sees competition for its 840 class seats, with tuitions increasing annually.

18

MIAMI TODAY

TODAY’S NEWS

WEEK OF THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Owners of historic properties may get to sell unused density

By John Charles Robbins

City of Miami officials are working to clarify proposed legislation designed to incentivize the preservation of historic properties by allowing those properties to sell unused residential density to sites near public transit.

The aim is to benefit several parties: the owners of historic designated properties gaining money for preservation work and upkeep; the developers who could purchase added density for a project within a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) area; and the city getting more money into its affordable housing fund.

A package of three amendments to the zoning ordinance was discussed March 22 by the city commission and deferred to this month.

Commissioner Ken Russell sponsors the legislation. He is an advocate for historic preservation and also supports efforts to bring more affordable housing to the city.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about how to make the proposed changes and who exactly would benefit.

Developer Avra Jain wants new rules to cover projects since 2010.

Commissioner Manolo Reyes, elected in November, has raised concerns about historic preservation efforts of the city and how they may infringe upon an individual’s property rights.

Mr. Reyes sounded that worry again March 22 on this latest proposal, saying he’s concerned that if approved it would lead to owners all over the city trying to get their property designated historic just to sell off the unused density.

Mr. Reyes also expressed concern about how properties are designated historic.

“This has nothing to do with how we designate,” said Mr. Russell.

But Mr. Russell acknowledged, “I’m hearing concerns,” and perhaps the legislation “is not fully baked.” He said he was willing to put off the matter and work on clarifying the language.

Developer Avra Jain, who has made a name for herself

in Miami by restoring historic properties like the Vagabond Motel, the Miami River Inn and others, spoke in favor of the proposal but did ask for changes that would allow owners of historic properties who took measures to redevelop and preserve since 2010 to take advantage of this pending legislation.

A similar desire was voiced by Melissa Tapanes Llahues, an attorney for several property owners in the city who have property in historic districts, MiMo to name one.

Ms. Jain and Ms. Llahues both said the proposed legislation is “forward thinking” and will benefit future projects, but they’re asking if the new program could be grandfathered too.

“What happens with projects already completed or under construction?” asked Ms. Llahues.

“My clients have several projects along Biscayne [Boulevard] already under way.”

Mr. Russell said he was willing to meet with Ms. Jain and Ms. Llahues and his staff to work on possible language for the proposal, which was deferred until the April

26 commission meeting.

The legislation in its original draft said: The preservation of the City of Miami’s historic resources is a significant goal in the city’s vision for its future.

The city recognizes that rehabilitation and maintenance expenses of historic properties can be burdensome.

The city recognizes the need to provide an incentive for designation of historic resources.

The city already provides an incentive in the form of transfer of development rights for historic resources, and recognizes that the value of the development rights for historic resources has dropped considerably recently.

The city may provide an additional incentive by allowing the transfer of density units for historic resources.

The Miami Historic and Environmental Preservation Board on Feb. 6 voted 9-to-0 to recommend approval of the proposal to provide an additional incentive by allowing the transfer of density units for historic resources.

International arbitrators, litigators setting themselves apart

By Rebecca San Juan

Florida attorneys concentrating in international litigation and arbitration can soon set themselves apart from local and national competition. An International Litigation & Arbitration certificate program approved by the Florida Bar has its first exam scheduled for 2019.

The new program reflects the differences between international law and international litigation and arbitration. Annette Escobar, partner at Sequor Law, said “international law in theory is the conventions, treaties of international law, public law between countries, as opposed to litigation and arbitration – private disputes between private parties in courts of the United States, foreign countries, arbitral tribunals and different locations, mostly focusing on cross border disputes.”

The current certificate exemplifies a deeper knowledge and experience within international litigation and arbitration. Ryan Reetz, office managing partner at the Miami branch of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, said, “over time we came to realize the existing certification does not recognize the way people practice, because it covers many different areas of international law.”

Committee members recall first discussing the matter informally over a decade ago. Gary Davidson, partner at Diaz Reus, recalls working alongside others to address the matter; Mr. Davidson says they got the ball rolling about nine years ago. Gary Davidson The Florida Bar outlines who can apply for the application and application details in the bar rules of the Florida Supreme Court. Eligibil-

Annette Escobar explains issue.

Ryan Reetz looked at the realities.

Setting up exam, said Effie Silva.

Ed Mullins chairs the committee.

ity includes practicing in good standing for at least five years.

Professionals with at least 20 years of experience are exempt from taking the exam. The Florida Supreme Court rule states: “This exemption is applicable only to those applicants who apply within the first two application filing periods from the effective date of these standards.”

The exemption does not excuse applicants from submitting an application, including five references of lawyers or judges.

Those who aren’t exempt from the exam first need to pass the application process and then take the certification exam.

Nine committee members plan to collaborate in the months ahead to create the exam.

“We’re setting up the exam,” said Effie D. Silva, a partner at Duane Morris LLP. “It has to ensure that these people are competent and experienced to do this, so it’s going to be very detailed.”

The test will last no more than a day.

“This is a somewhat unique program in the sense that many certification programs have a practice standard where you have to spend a certain amount of time in your daily work over a period of years,” Mr. Davidson said.

“We have that requirement, but we also have in addition to that requirement to become certified in international litigation and arbitration what is called a practice component […] to demonstrate that they’re active practitioners in the area and have been on an ongoing basis over the last several years.”

The exam is to be administered once a year.

Applications for the certification opens in May on the Florida Bar website with filings being accepted by mail as early as September. The committee will no longer accept submissions after late October.

Committee members say success of the program depends on long-time practitioners in the field taking the first step toward certification and younger lawyers taking interest.

Mr. Davidson said, “It’s really important that the leaders in the field take the lead in promoting the program, because if they take interest in the program, then the people who are younger than they are [will] aspire to that and eventually become certified.

That’s how you create in part a very successful certification program.”

Mr. Davidson says younger attorneys should learn what they

need to apply competitively in a few years: “If you are a young practitioner, say five to eight years out, what you want to be doing is looking very carefully at the rules and that will guide you as to the kind of things you need to be doing as an associate or a partner to align yourself such that you can apply in the future.

The reality is there are very few people who are in practice for less than 10 years who are going to be able to meet these standards.”

The certificate can make attorneys appear more competitive and specialized in a particular legal sector.

Ed Mullins, office managing partner at Reed Smith and chair of the committee, said, “In Florida, in order to call yourself a specialist you have to be board certified.” The new certificate program can help attorneys obtain that privilege.

Ms. Silva hopes the certificate helps women in the field: “I really hope that it helps women generate business and support their careers. There’s only 27 areas of law approved by the Florida Supreme Court for certification.

It’s really a leg up for women lawyers in the community, especially [what] some people call the Golden Age for international

litigation and arbitration.”

The program not only sets attorneys apart from their competition but also distinguishes the entire state from others feeling the boom in international litigation and arbitration. Miami continues to play in the same sandbox as Atlanta, Chicago, DC, Houston, Los Angeles and New York as a prime location for resolving disputes in construction, foreign trade, healthcare and manufacturing.

Ms. Silva said, “We are able to compete with New York and DC, as they say the New York of the south, in the importance of these complex global cases.”

Miami’s proximity to Latin America continues to set it apart, Mr. Davidson said.

“We are the gateway to the Americas and more so than any city in the United States,” he said.

“This is just another feather in the cap in that now we can offer those coming to Florida to do business and to – when they’re drafting arbitration clauses – have the added benefit of being able to choose lawyers who are certified in the area of international arbitration.”

Lawyers interested in taking the exam can register later this year and expect to take the test in spring 2019.

24

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