City sets limits on big-scale projects

Posted on Sunday, April. 23, 2006

MIAMI BEACH

City sets limits on big-scale projects

A pair of new Miami Beach zoning laws would make it more difficult for developers to build large-scale projects in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood.

BY SUSAN ANASAGASTI
sanasagasti@MiamiHerald.com

Miami Beach's zoning laws just got tougher -- at least in the Sunset Harbour area.

Responding to resident concerns over the possibility of big-box retailers moving in, the Miami Beach City Commission recently gave preliminary approval to a zoning ordinance that sets a more strict set of rules for proposed projects 50,000-square feet or greater in the small neighborhood, which runs along Biscayne Bay just north of 17th Street.

Development projects are currently reviewed by the Design Review Board or the Historic Preservation Board, said the city's Planning Director Jorge Gomez,

But under the new ordinance, approved on first reading at the City Commission's April 11 meeting, applicants seeking to build large-scale developments in the area zoned for light industrial use would need a conditional use permit from the city's Planning Board.

The idea, Gomez said, is for the Planning Board to have the ability "to take into consideration other impacts the development may have on the neighborhood.''

Concerns about development in the neighborhood were heightened earlier this year when residents raised alarms about the possibility of a Home Depot in the neighborhood.

Solomon Fellig owns land at 1833 Bay Rd. He recently submitted an application to the city seeking permission to build a large retail store at the site.

But Fellig's quest to bring a large retailer to the neighborhood continues to meet resistance from residents trying to slow, if not stop, the development of large retailers in their neighborhood.

Problems for Fellig began in January when rumors started circulating about his plans to negotiate a deal with Home Depot.

After more than 100 residents packed the city's commission meeting in January to protest the swap of three city parcels at 18th Street on Bay Road for four nearby lots on West Avenue, the commission voted unanimously to halt the proposed land swap.

Residents claimed victory when the commission voted to kill the proposal completely.

But at this month's meeting, Fellig's attorney Alexander Angueira said his client has unfairly been singled-out by city leaders amid mounting opposition from residents.

''The issue is not whether the position is right or wrong,'' Angueira said.

"It's the issue of public outcry and numbers winning over a single property owner.''

He also said other retailers, such as Whole Foods Market, are being considered.

Sunset Harbour is home to luxury high-rises, popular restaurants and a Publix. But it is also home to tow company lots and a city parking maintenance facility.

Still, residents if Sunset Harbour and surrounding communities have said a big-box retailer will increase traffic and ruin the area's quality of life.

Nancy Liebman, a resident of Belle Isle and who was active in opposing the proposed swap, supports the new ordinance.

''I think you are right on target,'' she told commissioners.

A second, related zoning ordinance was also approved at the April 11 meeting, establishing a procedure outlining which board should first review project applications. The commission agreed projects should go to the Planning Board first.

''It makes logical sense and business sense,'' said Commissioner Saul Cruz. "Let's just address the issue up front.''

A public hearing and second reading on both ordinances has been set for the May 10 commission meeting.

Copyright 2006 Knight Ridder

Link (Very Long URL)