City of Planning and Zoning Department Division of Land Development

ANALYSIS FOR FUTURE LAND USE CHANGE REQUEST

FILE ID: 15-00672lu

APPLICANT: Daniel J. Alfonso on behalf of the City of Miami

LOCATION: Portion of Tract D of Watson Island ZIP: 33132

NET DISTRICT OFFICE: Downtown NET COMMISSION DISTRICT: District 2

REQUEST

The proposal is for a change to the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) of the Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan designation of certain property identified as Tract D of Watson Island from “Public Parks and Recreation” to “Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation, and Utilities”. Tract D is a real property owned by City of Miami, identified with the Folio No.: 0132310610040, and assigned with the address commonly known as 980 MacArthur Causeway. (Complete legal description is on file at the Hearing Boards Office).

The subject property is an irregular tract of land of approximately 231,368 sq.ft or 5.31 acres1 which is part of a bigger one identified as Tract “D” of Watson Island, as depicted in the following image:

Watson Island Portion of Tract D FLUM designation (5.31 ± acres) Public Parks and Existing Recreation Major Institutional, Public Proposed Facilities, Transportation, and Utilities

1 Information contained in Survey provided Assets Management of City of Miami, attached hereto for reference.

City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department

Division of Land Development

BACKGROUND

Watson Island is an entirely man-made spoil island created of dredge material from government cut; located in , Watson Island comprises approximately 86 acres in area of which approximately 60 acres are designated “Public Parks and Recreation”.

Watson Island is designated “Public Parks and Recreation”, except for a small northwest portion located south of the causeway, which had “Restricted Commercial” and Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation, and Utilities” Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designations, where the Island Garden project has been proposed. (See graphics attached)

Watson Island has been the subject of different planning instruments over time. The current planning instrument is the “Watson Island Policy Plan” (1996) which states that “…Any activities and services, described in the plan, must be comfortably accommodated within the land use map designations currently in place on Watson Island…” “All future development must be consistent with the Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan under the categories of recreation and restricted commercial Designations”2

Per the Watson Island Policy Plan:

“Watson Island was originally deeded to the City of Miami by the State of in 1919. The island has remained largely undeveloped for seventy years, serving primarily as open recreational space and a transportation terminal for seaplanes, helicopters, and an airship (until 1980). Additionally the island serves as home to a number of activities which serve to enhance the quality of life in the region, including a public marina and service facility, two boat clubs, a public Japanese garden, recreational fields, a small heliport, and a seaplane terminal. The future of the island will see the enhancement and addition of public facilities within the areas outlined in this policy plan and consistent with the Miami Neighborhood Comprehensive Plan.”

The evolution of Watson Island has been consistent with the current plan in place. At this time it is necessary to rebuild the heliport and seaplane facilities deemed as pre-existing

2 Watson Island Policy Plan 1996, “Interpretation of the Plan and Policy Land”, approved by City Commission on 1/25/96. Reso: 96-80

15-00672lu Page 2 of 8

City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department

Division of Land Development

services on the island, with vested rights under Subsection 380.06(2), F.S, and this request for a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) amendment is meant to accommodate them within the appropriate FLUM designation.

In 1997 an Interlocal Agreement was reached between the City of Miami and the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority, leasing to the Authority the subject portion of land in Watson Island, for the purpose of establishing a seaplane and helicopter facility.

In 2002 the City and the Authority issued a Request for Proposal for operators for the Watson Island Aviation and Visitors Center, also known as the Watson Island Air Transportation Facility. Following the RFP process Linden Airport Services Corporation was selected as a tenant.

In 2005, pursuant to Resolution No. 05-458, the City Commission authorized a Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) No.2 between the City and FDOT in the amount of one million dollars ($ 1,000,000) for the development of the heliport and the seaplane base.

In 2007 the City Manager was authorized to allocate the matching funds in the amount of one million dollars ($ 1,000,000) for the previously approved JPA No.2.

In 2010 the City obtained approval of the Airport Layout Plan and Narrative Report of the Watson Island Air Transportation Facility from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), subject to certain conditions which the tenant must comply.

Table 1 show the FLUM amendments and rezoning that have taken place on Watson Island over time to make feasible the activities as planned, and as the same time make them comply with the applicable Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan (MCNP) and the zoning code.

15-00672lu Page 3 of 8

City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department

Division of Land Development

Table 1: FLUM amendments and rezoning on Watson Island

FLUM amendment Zoning Change Description Enact Enact (±acreage) From To Date From To Date ment ment

Rest. Tract B Recreation 12532 5/6/04 PR C1 12533 5/6/04 (.78 acres) Comm. Rest. Tract C Recreation 12534 5/6/04 C1 PR 12535 5/6/04 (.79 acres) Comm. Rest. Tract G Recreation 12656 722/04 PR C1 12566 7/22/04 (.16 acres) Comm. Rest. Tract H Recreation 12567 722/04 C1 PR 12568 722/04 (.16 acre) Comm.

Tract B Recreation MI-PF-T-U 13114 10/22/09 PR CI 13114 10/22/09 (1.49 acre)

Table 1 Notes: FLUM classification Rest. Comm.: Restricted Commercial MI-PF-T-U: Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities

Zoning designation: Z.O. 11000: PR: Parks and Recreations C-1: Restricted Commercial Miami 21 Code CI: Civic Institutional

FUTURE LAND USE

Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan (MCNP) established future land use categories according to the 2020 Future Land Use Map and the “Interpretation of the Future Land Use Map.”

“Public Parks and Recreation: The primary intent of this land use classification is to conserve open space and green spaces of a park while allowing access and uses which will not interfere with the preservation of any significant environmental features which may exist within the park.

This land use designation allows only open space and park uses with recreational and cultural uses where the total building footprints and impervious parking area surfaces in parks of one (1) acre of more may cover no more than 25% of the park land area (See 15-00672lu Page 4 of 8

City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department

Division of Land Development related Policy PR-2.1.3.). Both passive and active recreational uses shall be permitted including but not limited to nature trails, interpretive centers, picnic areas, playgrounds, canoe trails and launches, small concession stands, restrooms, gyms, swimming pools, athletic fields, cultural facilities, marine and marina facilities and other facilities supporting passive and active recreational and cultural uses.

Lands under this designation with specific qualities that make them desirable for commercial photography shall be allowed to be used in this manner conditionally, and only when it is determined that conducting such commercial photography will not endanger significant environmental features within the area. [Added 3/23/99 by Ordinance 11782.]”3

Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities: Areas designated as "Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities" allow facilities for federal, state and local government activities, major public or private health, recreational, cultural, religious or educational activities, and major transportation facilities and public utilities. Residential facilities ancillary to these uses are allowed up to a maximum density equivalent to “High Density Multifamily Residential” or if applicable the least intense abutting/adjacent residential zoning district, subject to the same limiting conditions.

Areas designated as “Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities allow nonresidential uses to a maximum floor lot ratio (FLR) of 6.0 times the net lot area of the subject property. Properties designated “Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities” in the Health / Civic Center District allow a maximum floor lot ratio (FLR) of 8.0 times the net lot area of the subject property. Properties designated “Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities” in the Urban Central Business District allow a maximum FLR of 37.0 times the net lot area of the subject property.”4

ANALYSIS

The MCNP 2020 Future Land Use Map designation of “Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities” category allows “Civic Institutional” Transect Zone uses. These Civic Institutional uses are considered appropriate and consistent with this underlying land use.

3 Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan. Goals Objectives Policies. July 2013. “Public Parks and Recreation”

4 Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan. Goals Objectives Policies. July 2013. “Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation, and Utilities”

15-00672lu Page 5 of 8

City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department

Division of Land Development

Criteria Goal LU-1 states that the City will maintain a land use pattern that (1) protects and enhances the quality of life in the City's neighborhoods; (2) fosters redevelopment and revitalization of blighted or declining areas; (3) promotes and facilitates economic development and the growth of job opportunities in the city; (4) fosters the growth and development of downtown as a regional center of domestic and international commerce, culture and entertainment; (5) promotes the efficient use of land and minimizes land use conflicts while protecting and preserving residential sections within neighborhoods; (6) protects and conserves the city's significant natural and coastal resources; and (7) protects the integrity and quality of the City’s existing neighborhoods by insuring public notice, input and appellant rights regarding changes in existing zoning and land use regulations.

Analysis The proposed designation to the “Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities” land use is consistent with the character of the island. Aircraft uses have been historically associated with Watson Island. The proposed designation will facilitate the operation of the heliport, thereby promoting economic development and the efficient use of land.

Finding Staff finds the request consistent with Goal LU-1

Criteria Goal PR-2: Preserve and enhance existing parks and recreation facilities.

Objective PR-2.1: Protect existing park land.

Policy PR-2.1.1: The City has a no-net-loss policy for public park land and will adopt procedures to this effect for park land in the City Zoning Ordinances, as described in the 2007 Parks and Public Spaces Master Plan. These will allow only recreation and cultural facilities to be built on park land, will limit building footprint on any such land, will require that conversion of park land for any other purposes be subject to public procedures, and replace the converted park land with land similar in park, recreation or conservation value in terms of usefulness and location.

Analysis In order to comply with the restriction imposed by this policy, the city is submitting companion items (File ID #: 15-00672lu1, 15-00672zc1, and 15-00672zc), which proposes the designation of certain lands laying within the City’s municipal boundaries that are currently not designated on the City’s future land use map. These lands are further described below, and will have a FLUM designation of Public Parks and Recreation, as well as Civic Space Zones (CS) zoning classification. With the approval of these companion items, the city not only will

15-00672lu Page 6 of 8

City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department

Division of Land Development

preserve the existing parks and recreation acreage inventory, but will increase this classification in approximately 3.38 ± acres.

15-00672lu subject property: Portion of Tract “D” of Watson Island (5.31) ±acres

From: “Public Parks and Recreation”

FLUM designation “Major Institutional, Public Facilities, To: Transportation, and Utilities”

15-00672lu1 subject property: North portion of Rickenbacker Cwy. + 8.69 ±acres

From: Undesignated area FLUM designation To: “Public Parks and Recreation”

Net increase of parks designated land For City of Miami = 3.38 ±acres

It is timely to highlight that the cases number 15-00672lu1 and 15- 00672zc1 were considered by Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board on its meeting of June 3, 2015 an recommended for approval as presented.

Finding Staff finds the request consistent with Goal PR-2, Objective PR- 2.1, and Policy PR-2.1.1

Criteria Policy PR-3.2.10: The City shall continue to ensure that park and recreational lands open to the public are included in redevelopment projects for Watson Island and will monitor the project after construction to ensure continued public access without any requirements for the public to make purchases or any other barriers to open public use.

Analysis The proposed improvement and updating of the existing seaplane base and heliport on the subject property, which has been present on Watson Island for over seven (7) decades.

Finding Staff finds the request consistent with Policy PR-3.2.10

Criteria Policy PR-5.1.4: The City will continue to implement innovative management and maintenance alternatives designed to minimize operating and maintenance costs while not reducing the extent and quality of programs or adversely affecting the physical condition of park facilities. This will be done through establishment of core services according to level of benefit to the community, identifying costs and potential revenues, improving management accountability, establishing preventive maintenance and replacement programs, establishing

15-00672lu Page 7 of 8

I2 I2

FUTURE LAND USE MAP (EXISTING)

I2 Restricted £¤41 Commercial

P A R R O T

J I2 U N P G A L R E R

T O Public Parks R T L J U N and G L E

Recreation T R L

I2 U NN AM ED

I2

Major Inst, Public Facilities, Transp And Utilities

I2 I2 0 150 300 600 Feet ADDRESS: WATSON ISLAND C AR 980 MacARTHUR CAUSEWAY IB BE AN W Y

S AM ER IC A W Y

I2

I2 I2

I2

I2

I2 I2

I2

I2

I2

I2

I2

I2 I2 I2

FUTURE LAND USE MAP (PROPOSED)

I2 Restricted £¤41 Commercial

P A R R O T

J I2 U N P G A L R E R

T O Public Parks R T L J U N and G L E

Recreation T R L

I2

Major Inst,

Public Facilities, U NN AM Transp And ED Utilities

I2

Major Inst, Public Facilities, Transp And Utilities

I2 I2 0 150 300 600 Feet ADDRESS: WATSON ISLAND C AR 980 MacARTHUR CAUSEWAY IB BE AN W Y

S AM ER IC A W Y

I2

I2 I2

I2

I2

I2 I2

I2

I2

I2

I2

I2

I2 I2 I2

I2

£¤41

P A R R O T

J I2 U N G L P E A R T R R L O T

J U N G L E

T R L

I2 U NN AM ED

D E M NA UN

I2

N CR UI Sou rce: Esri, DigitalGlob e, Ge oEye, i-cubed , Earthstar Geographics, C NES/Airbus DS, USDA, U SGS, AEX, Ge tmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, SE IGP, swisstopo , and the GIS User Community BL VD I2 I2

0 150 300 600 Feet C ADDRESS: WATSON ISLAND AR IB BE 980 MacARTHUR CAUSEWAY AN W Y

S AM ER IC A W Y

I2

I2 I2

I2

I2

I2 I2

I2

I2

I2

I2

I2

I2 CONCURRENCY MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS CITY OF MIAMI PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Proposal No.15-00672lu IMPACT OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO LAND USE MAP Date: 06/03/2015 WITHIN A TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR

AMENDMENT INFORMATION CONCURRENCY ANALYSIS

Applicant:Daniel J. Alfonso on behalf of the City of Miami RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE Population Increment, Residents 0 Address: 980 Macarthur Cswy. Space Requirement, acres 0.00 Boundary Streets: North: Macarthur Cswy. East: Macarthur Cswy. Excess Capacity Before Change 182.80 South: West: Excess Capacity After Change 182.80 Proposed Change: From: Public Parks and Recreation Concurrency Checkoff OK To: Major Inst, Public Facilities, Transp, and Utilities Existing Designation, Maximum Land Use Intensity POTABLE WATER TRANSMISSION Residential 5.3100 acres @ 0 DU/acre 0 DU's Population Increment, Residents 0 Peak Hour Person-Trip Generation, Residential 0 Transmission Requirement, gpd 0 Other sq.ft. @ FLR 0 sq.ft. Excess Capacity Before Change >2% above demand Peak Hour Person-Trip Generation, Other Excess Capacity After Change >2% above demand Concurrency Checkoff OK Proposed Designation, Maximum Land Use Intensity Residential 5.3100 acres @ 0 DU/acre 0 DU's SANITARY SEWER TRANSMISSION Peak Hour Person-Trip Generation, Residential 0 Population Increment, Residents 0 Other sq.ft. @ FLR 0 sq.ft. Transmission Requirement, gpd 0 Peak Hour Person-Trip Generation, Other 0 Excess Capacity Before Change See Note 1. Excess Capacity After Change See Note 1. Net Increment With Proposed Change: Concurrency Checkoff WASA Permit Required Population 0 Dwelling Units 0 STORM SEWER CAPACITY Peak Hour Person-Trips 0 Exfiltration System Before Change On-site Exfiltration System After Change On-site Planning District Downtown Concurrency Checkoff OK County Wastewater Collection Zone 309 Drainage Subcatchment Basin K1 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION Solid Waste Collection Route 114 Population Increment, Residents 0 Transportation Corridor Name US 41/SR A1A Solid Waste Generation, tons/year 0 Excess Capacity Before Change 800 RELEVANT MCNP GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES Excess Capacity After Change 800 Concurrency Checkoff OK Land Use Goal LU-1 (See attachment 1) Land Use Objective LU-1.1 TRAFFIC CIRCULATION Land Use Policy 1.1.1 Population Increment, Residents 0 Capital Improvements Goal CI-1 Peak-Hour Person-Trip Generation 0 Capital Improvements Objective CI-1.2 LOS Before Change A Capital Improvements Policy 1.2.3 a - g LOS After Change A Concurrency Checkoff OK

NOTES: 1. Permit for sanitary sewer connection must be issued by Metro Dade Water and Sewer Authority ASSUMPTIONS AND COMMENTS Department (WASA). Excess capacity, if any, is currently not known. Population increment is assumed to be all new residents. Peak-period trip "Public Parks and Recreation" The primary intent of this land use classification is to conserve open space and green spaces of a park generation is based on ITE Trip Generation, 5th Edition at 1.4 ppv average occupancy for private passenger vehicles. Transportation Corridor capacities and while allowing access and uses which will not interfere with the preservation of any significant environmental features which may exist within LOS are from Table PT-2(R1), Transportation Corridors report. Potable water and wastewater transmission capacities are in accordance with the park. "Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities" allow facilities for federal, state and local government Metro-Dade County stated capacities and are assumed correct. Service activities, major public or private health, recreational, cultural, religious or educational activities, and major transportation facilities and public connections to water and sewer mains are assumed to be of adequate size; if not, new connections are to be installed at owner's expense. utilities. Residential facilities ancillary to these uses are allowed up to a maximum density equivalent to “High Density Multifamily Residential” Recreation/Open Space acreage requirements are assumed with proposed change made. or if applicable the least intense abutting/adjacent residential zoning district, subject to the same limiting conditions. Areas designated as

“Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities allow nonresidential uses to a maximum floor lot ratio (FLR) of 6.0 times the

net lot area of the subject property. Properties designated “Major Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities” in the Health /

Civic Center District allow a maximum floor lot ratio (FLR) of 8.0 times the net lot area of the subject property. Properties designated “Major

Institutional, Public Facilities, Transportation and Utilities” in the Urban Central Business District allow a maximum FLR of 37.0 times the net

lot area of the subject property. CM_1_IN 03/13/90