Miami River Commission Annual Report 2017

In 2017 another River Commission (MRC) priority commenced construction, the Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project. The MRC thanks the City of Miami, Inland Navigation District, and the State of Florida for funding the project, which is significantly improving the local economy and removing toxic sediments, including dioxin, from the most polluted waterway in the State of Florida. Additional 2017 successes in the District include construction commenced along another 3 sections of the public Miami River Greenway at River Landing featuring 420,000 square feet of retail and 506 residential units, and at Aston Martin Residences featuring 384 residential units, renovations are under construction at RMK Merrill-Stevens Boatyard, approval of a renovated 45 slip marina, approval of 1,012 new riverfront residential units featuring public Riverwalks, 2 new riverfront restaurants opened, and another restaurant was approved, all with public riverwalks, and progress on the Ave tunnel. –Miami Today–Miami events –City of Miami, –City events 2010 of Miami, –City events 2012 “PROCLAMATION OFAPPRECIATION” FINALIST “SUSTAINABLE AWARDS, GREENEDUCATION &OUTREACH AWARD” 2011 “BEST OFMIAMI2011–VISIONARY” “BEST OFMIAMI2011 –TURNINGGREEN” “PROCLAMATION OFAPPRECIATION” “PROCLAMATION OFAPPRECIATION” “PROCLAMATION OFAPPRECIATION” “BEST OFMIAMI2014–UNSUNG HERO” “BEST OFMIAMI2015” “BEST OFMIAMI2016” –Miami Today–Miami –Miami Today–Miami events – City of Miami, –City events 2011 2013 Miami, of City events– Murley –Miami Today –Miami Murley Awards HORACIO AGUIRRE STUART

–Greater Miami Chamber–Greater of Commerce Chair’s Report the heartofCityMiami. Miami Rivertheidealplacetolive,workandplayin This criticalbalanceofusesmakesthebeautiful manatees, dolphins,marlins,andothermarinelife. shippingvessels,yachts, used dailybyinternational and tugboatbasinsare highlyactive.Theriveris Recreational boatyards, marinas,commercial fishing neighbors intheCaribbeanandCentralAmerica. Terminals provide trade to our vital international Shipping along “PortMiamiRiver”.International generating marineindustrialbusinessesoperating Shipping Terminals,International and other job- historic sites,25boatyards andmarinas,overadozen restaurants (additional23 planned restaurants), 16 planned hotelswith1,161newrooms), 23operating 7,456 approved units),majorhotels(additional3 Parks, over8,010newresidential units(additional River’s shorelines feature 9major publicriverwalks, Commission. The proof is in the numbers. The Miami important andchallengingsuccessesoftheMiamiRiver mixed-use MiamiRiverDistrictisamongstthemost old MiamiCircle, 1844FortDallas,andtheoldest and fishing,historicsitessuchasthe2,000year forrunning,walking,biking centers, riverwalks football stadium,track,weights,gym,community tennis andracquetballcourts,baseballdiamonds, playgrounds, barbeques,picnictables,basketball, a boatramp,kayakandpaddleboard launch, pools, major parksoffer typeof recreation every including Durham Park,etc.TheMiamiRiver District’s nine Spring Garden, Overtown, Grove Park,Allapattah, cultural neighborhoods inDowntown, LittleHavana, awarded to MRC awarded to Urban Infill ChairmanSubcommittee Jim

awarded to MRCawarded to Managing Bibeau Brett –Miami Director Today THE MIAMI RIVER DISTRICT BALANCE THE KEEPING awarded to MRC awarded to Managing Bibeau Brett Director for volunteer Miami beautification Greenway River for volunteer Miami beautification Greenway River for volunteer Miami beautification Greenway River for volunteer Miami beautification Greenway River awarded to MRC awarded to Member Ernie Martin awarded to MRCawarded to member Sandy Batchelor of uses along the historic ofusesalongthehistoric features wonderfulmulti-

Bibeau –Miami Today, –Miami Bibeau 2008 League, 2004 League, EXCELLENCE AWARD “MOST POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT” “BEST NON-PROFITORGANIZATION” “COMMUNITY STEWARD AWARD” “THE ACHIEVER – MIAMI RIVER’S RENAISSANCE MAN” “BEST OFMIAMI–IMPROVING QUALITY OFLIFE” MIAMI IMAGE AWARD OF2006 “BEST BACKSTAGE LEADER” “THE NEWSMAKER” “AWARD OFMERIT” “BEST OFMIAMI–BUILDINGINFRASTRUCTURE” was then included then was in “Book the of Leaders” –Miami Today, 2007 Landscape Architects, 2003 Architects, Landscape Brett BibeauBrett –Miami Today, 2006 Bagué –Miami Today, –Miami Bagué 2006 – American Planning Association, 2007 2007 Association, Planning American – –Realtor Association–Realtor of Miami Greater and Beaches the environment Project, whichissignificantlyimproving thenatural Maintenance Dredging andEnvironmental Cleanup for thecommencedWagner Creek andSeyboldCanal District, andStateofFloridaforproviding fullfunding thanks theCityofMiami,FloridaInlandNavigation improvements totheMiamiRiverDistrict.TheMRC with thepublic and private sectors to bring significant the broad based MRC to continue its work partnering advertisers intheMRC’s 15 City ofMiami($50,000),andprivatesector funding providers: Miami-DadeCounty($60,000), level, youwillfindsomethingspecialtoenjoy. your individualinterests, age,gender, race,orincome Miami RiverCommissionpromises thatregardless of Miami RiverDistrictandenjoytheexperience.The Map andGuide,7 Neal Schafers,RoselvicNoguera&MichaelKarcher. DavidMaer,Francis Suarez, JohnMichaelCornell, Dade DelegationChairmanKionneMcGhee,Mayor MRC welcomes ournewestvolunteerboard members The and EricRiel,fortheiryearsofvolunteerservice. Winston, FrankCarollo, DuberLazardo, EdSwakon, Rep. DavidRichardson, Rep.RoyHardemon, Gary Regalado, DadeDelegationChairJoseFelixDiaz, thanks longstandingboard membersMayorTomas and 22 Wagner Homestead. standing homeinMiami-DadeCounty, the1856 Chairman, Miami River Commission River Miami Chairman, Aguirre Horacio Stuart THE MRC THANKS THE FOLLOWING THE THANKS MRC THE IVT YU O BRING TO YOU INVITE I awarded to MRC awarded to Chair Buermann Eric –Miami Today, 2007 for Miami the Urban Infill Corridor River Plan, American

awarded to the MRC the awarded to for Multimodal its Transportation Plan nd AnnualMiamiRiverday. Thisfunding allows awarded to MRC awarded to Managing Bibeau Brett who Director awarded to MRC awarded to Managing Bibeau Brett Director for Miami the Greenway, River Urban Environment and localeconomy. Inaddition,theMRC awarded to MRC–1,000awarded to Friends of Florida, 2005 awarded to MRC awarded to –Miami Today, 2004 th AnnualMiamiRiverCalendar, awarded to Eric Buermann Eric awarded to and Brett awarded to formerawarded MRC to Chair Irela family and friends to the family and friends to the awarded to MRC Managing Director Director Managing MRC to awarded th Annual Miami River AnnualMiamiRiver

FiscalYear 2018

In 2017, RMK Merrill-Stevens historic shipyard commenced significant renovations including a new seawall, new sheds, new New seawall under construction in Spring Garden Historic Neighborhood, shiplift, etc. will be completed in 2018. on vacant, future townhome site.

River Landing under construction, featuring public riverwalk, 420,000 sq ft of retail and 503 residential units.

“The City of Miami, Park & Recreation TESTIMONIALS Department is thankful for the sustained collaboration with the RMK Merrill-Stevens “In 2017, construction The 5th Street Marina appreciates Miami River Commission, which commends the Miami commenced at River Landing, the Miami River Commission’s hires a professional company and River Commission’s successful featuring 850 feet of public important role in guiding growth brings volunteers to assist in the “long term efforts and support Riverline, 420,000 square feet of for the Miami River District. It’s maintenance of the City’s fabulous for the job generating marine retail and 506 residential units. been a pleasure to work with the riverfront parks. In addition, the industrial businesses operating River Landing looks forward to Commission on our forthcoming City of Miami appreciates the along Port Miami River. We becoming part of the exciting restaurant project and public MRC’s constant efforts to secure are pleased to undergo major Miami River District. We want riverwalk, “Gramps by the Sea, grant funding to improve the public renovations to this historic to promote urban life on the on the River”. The proposed Riverwalk and its beautiful riverfront boatyard, including a new river and develop a place so small seafood restaurant and parks. We are also looking forward seawall, new infrastructure, new unique and uncomplicated that the existing Ferrino Sports to creatively addressing sea-level workshops/storage space, and delivers a simple lifestyle for Fitness Club are the types of rise and its impact on our riverside new shiplift. In addition we those who appreciate generous amenities that round out our parks and beyond. Starting this

have recently re-established the green spaces while shopping. primary maritime businesses; year we will work with world class Merrill-Stevens Yachts sales and We sincerely appreciate the 5th Street Marina, Langer Krell engineering and creative minds to

brokerage business and now Miami River Commission’s Marine Electronics, and Norseman plan and develop best practices and represent Sealine Yachts as the strong support for the project Shipbuilding Corp., making us designs to reduce the impacts of South Florida dealer as well as and applaud the Miami River more marketable and attractive sunny-day flooding, storm surges “ Service and Warranty Center for Commission’s successful efforts as a location for boat owners, and significant rain events – this we Sealine, Fjord and Maori Yachts” to revitalize the mixed-use Miami captains, and crew.” - Orin Black, will do with the MRC.” – Kevin M. – Aaron Leatherwood, River.” – Andrew Hellinger, General Manager of the 5th Kirwin, City of Miami, Director, Parks President, RMK-Merrill-Stevens Urbanxco Street Marina and Recreation Department

Subcommittee Reports

MIAMI RIVER GREENWAY Dr. Ernest Martin, Chair IN 2017 THE MIAMI RIVER GREENWAY continued construc- mental agencies inspected the Miami River for three tion, featuring a public pedestrian & bicycle pathway, days searching for sources of contamination. landscaping, decorative lights, way-finding signage, historic markers, informational kiosks, benches, art URBAN INFILL James Murley, Chair installations, and other amenities. In 2017, another 3 sections of the public Riverwalk were under construc- THE MRC’S URBAN INFILL SUBCOMMITTEE continued efforts tion by the public and private sectors. Over 6.5 miles of to assist implementing various adopted and award- the public Miami River Greenway has been constructed, winning plans, including the Miami River Corridor with an additional planned 3.5 miles to complete. Urban Infill Plan, Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal The MRC appreciates the mutual efforts to implement Transportation Plan, Miami River Greenway Action the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, and the cost Plan and others, all available for downloading at shares provided to date from multiple public and www.miamirivercommission.org. private funding sources including Congress, State of Florida, Florida Department of Transportation, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & COMMERCE South Florida Water Management District, Florida Philip Everingham, Chair Inland Navigation District, City of Miami, Miami- THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & COMMERCE SUBCOMMITTEE Dade County, Downtown Development Authority, and numerous private sector developments. worked with FDOT on the Miami River Freight Im- The MRC thanks the City of Miami and its residents provement Plan. In 2017, construction commenced at for voting to include funding for the Miami River River Landing featuring 420,000 square feet of retail Greenway in the approved Miami Forever Bond issue and 506 residential units, construction commenced and applying for grant funding from Sun Trail, FIND, at Aston Martin Residences featuring 384 residential Kaboom, and Neat Streets for more funding towards units, renovations are under construction at RMK Mer- completing the project. rill Stevens Boatyard, approval of a renovated 45 slip marina, approval of 1,012 new riverfront residential STORMWATER Sallye Jude, Chair units featuring public Riverwalks, 2 new riverfront res- THE STORMWATER SYSTEM is the leading source of pollu- taurants opened, and another restaurant was approved, tion into the Miami River. The Miami River water ba- all with public riverwalks, and progress on the Brickell sin includes a 69-square-mile area of the most densely Ave tunnel. Therefore the Miami River District is ripe populated neighborhoods in the State of Florida. All with mixed-use economic development, commerce stormwater from this area drains into the Miami and jobs. River through over one hun- dred outfalls. In 2017 the Stormwater subcommittee’s highest priority commenced construction of the City of Miami’s Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project. The MRC thanks the City of Miami, FIND and the State of Flor- ida for appropriating $20 million for the project. This project is significantly improving the environment and economy. The MRC appreciates all the agencies which in 2017 worked towards implement- ing the list of action items generated when all environ- Public riverwalk and VOLUNTARY IMPROVEMENT PLAN Frank Balzebre, Chair THE MIAMI RIVER VOLUNTARY IMPROVEMENT PLAN (VIP) identifies and encourages public and private sector riverfront parcels to address various riverfront issues which are potentially detrimental to operations on the River, the environmental quality of the River, and the River’s attraction as a destination for residents, tourists and businesses. In 2017 alone, the Miami River “VIP” resulted in 29 major Miami River Greenway Beautification volunteer events featuring plantings, removal of illegal dumping, invasive species, and graffiti along several sections of the Miami River, repairing Riverwalk lights, unclogging stormwater drains, removing a floating hazard to navigation and oil sheen, found and corrected sources of contamination etc. The MRC thanks Miami- Dade County, City of Miami, FIND, FDOT, private sector, and the fantastic volunteers for their hard work ScavengerMiddle River 2000 featuring Water publicDe-Contamination riverwalk in VesselPoint Park, keeping Historic the Miami Spring River Garden clean. neighborhood, boatyards, bringing these River improvements to fruition. international shipping and Seybold Canal.

UPPER RIVER MIDDLE RIVER Shipping and Marine Industrial Zone: Center of the river’s trade and industry. Residential / Mixed Use Zone: Includes historic neighborhoods, The links rail, air, freight, transit, pedestrian and vehicular traffic. marine-industrial businesses, parks, etc.

Existing Riverwalk Proposed Riverwalk Existing On-Road Greenway Proposed On-Road Greenway

MIAMI RIVER GREENWAY’S TIMELINE 1897 1972 1980s 1998 2000 2001 2002 opens Parks For People bond Miami River Greenway Florida Legislature Florida Legislature With the Trust for Public Sections of the Miami six-story Royal Palm issue passed by voters, section constructed along creates Miami River passes Miami River Land, the MRC, City of River Greenway Hotel, including first funds portions of the north shore from Biscayne Commission as a Improvement Act Miami and Miami-Dade constructed greenway Miami River Greenway Bay to NW 2 Avenue watchdog, advocate and County unanimously clearinghouse for the approve Miami River 2003 1910 1980s river. Miami Circle site Greenway Action Plan Sections of the Miami Lummus Park created Miami River Greenway discovered River Greenway on Miami River section constructed along constructed north shore from to NW 2 Avenue VOLUNTARY IMPROVEMENT PLAN Frank Balzebre, Chair THE MIAMI RIVER VOLUNTARY IMPROVEMENT PLAN (VIP) identifies and encourages public and private sector riverfront parcels to address various riverfront issues which are potentially detrimental to operations on the River, the environmental quality of the River, and the River’s attraction as a destination for residents, tourists and businesses. In 2017 alone, the Miami River “VIP” resulted in 29 major Miami River Greenway Beautification volunteer events featuring plantings, removal of illegal dumping, invasive species, and graffiti along several sections of the Miami River, repairing Riverwalk lights, unclogging stormwater drains, removing a floating hazard to navigation and oil sheen, found and corrected sources of contamination etc. The MRC thanks Miami- Dade County, City of Miami, FIND, FDOT, private sector, and the fantastic volunteers for their hard work bringing these River improvements to fruition. Bicycle riding along new public riverwalk, featuring free temporary boat dockage in Lummus Park

MIDDLE RIVER LOWER RIVER Residential / Mixed Use Zone: Includes historic neighborhoods, Downtown Zone: Urban, high-density residential, offices, commercial marine-industrial businesses, parks, etc. businesses. Riverwalks link historic landmarks and parks along river.

MIAMI RIVER GREENWAY’S TIMELINE Map © 2001 Richard Troutner. All rights reserved. 2002 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010-2017 Sections of the Miami Sections of the Miami City of Miami adopts Miami River Corridor Sections of the Miami City Bicycle Master Plan Sections of the Miami River Greenway River Greenway “A Vision for Miami’s 21st Multi-Modal Transportation River Greenway adopted recommending River Greenway constructed constructed Century Parks & Public Plan created by constructed completion of the Miami constructed River Greenway Spaces” recommending Metropolitan Planning 2003 2005 Organization and MRC • Sections of the Miami completion of the Miami recommending completion River Greenway constructed Sections of the Miami Sections of the Miami River Greenway • MRC River Greenway of the Miami River and additional sections River Greenway hosts Greenways summit • constructed constructed Greenway funded and designed for Sections of the Miami River • Greenway construction construction in 2010-2011 Greenway constructed continues

MIRA USA, UM and FIU volunteers beautifying the Miami River Greenway. MRC thanks volunteers and Get Involved! sponsors: The Miami River Commission invites groups and individuals State of Florida from the community to get involved in improving your Miami Miami-Dade County River District, and the private sector to help us as sponsors of City of Miami events. To learn more about what you can do, visit our website at Downtown Development Authority www.miamirivercommission.org for updates. One River Point The Miami River Commission thanks all of the incredible volunteers Miami Dolphins of all ages and walks of life who planted, painted murals, picked up Miami Marlins litter, removed invasive plants and spread recycled mulch along the riverwalk through 29 major volunteer beautification events in 2017. Hands On Miami The MRC is thankful to our growing list of sponsors, partially listed Florida International University at right, who contributed volunteers, supplies and funding to the United Way “greening” of the river. Florida Wood Recycling The 22nd Annual Miami Riverday festival is scheduled April 7, Florida Drawbridge 2018, in Lummus Park, 250 NW North River Drive. Just like the 21st Comcast annual festival, held April 1, 2017, Miami Riverday features free Johnson and Wales University river boat tours, live music, environmental educa-tion, marine expo, YMCA historic re-enactors, children’s activities and much more. All MRC and subcommittee meetings are publicly noticed. Public participation is encouraged. The full MRC usually meets on the first Monday of the month at noon, in the conference room to the right of the MRC office.

Riverfront restaurants (from left to right): Kiki’s on the River, Seaspice Seafood Brasserie & Lounge, Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill and Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market

P&L Towing tug boat basin. Learn more about the Miami River’s past, present and future, view reports, plans, public meeting minutes, agendas and more at the informative www.miamirivercommission.org

International shipping vessels and cargo operating in Port Miami River Miami River Commission Members Chair: HORACIO STUART AGUIRRE Mr. BRUCE BROWN Ex-Officio Members: Representative from environmental or Chair, Miami River Marine Group civic organization appointed by the Designee: Mr. RICHARD DUBIN CONGRESSWOMAN Governor Ms. ALYCE ROBERTSON ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN Vice Chair: Mr. FRANK BALZEBRE Downtown Development Authority Designee: MS. DEBBIE ZIMMERMAN Designee for Miami Dade Mayor: Designee: Mr. NEAL SCHAFERS Mayor CARLOS GIMENEZ CAPTAIN MEGAN DEAN Mr. ALFRED SANCHEZ Coast Guard Florida Governor RICK SCOTT Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Captain of the Port of Miami Designee: MS. PATRICIA “PATTY” Designee: Ms. SANDY O’NEIL HARRIS Dr. ERNEST MARTIN Mr. LUIS GARCIA Neighborhood Representative Member-at-Large Appointed by the appointed by the City of Miami Managing Director: Mr. BRETT BIBEAU Governor Commission Designee: MR. JOHN MICHAEL CORNELL Designee: Mr. THOMAS KIMEN III Designed by: Toni Kirkland Graphics Rep. KIONNE MCGHEE Ms. SALLYE JUDE Chair, Miami-Dade Delegation Neighborhood Representative appointed by the Miami-Dade County MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION Mayor FRANCIS SUAREZ Commission c/o Robert King High Mayor of the City of Miami Mr. PHILIP EVERINGHAM 1407 NW 7 ST, Suite 2 Commissioner BRUNO BARREIRO Designee of: MICHAEL KARCHER, Chair Miami, FL 33125 Miami-Dade County Commissioner of Marine Council Ph: 305-644-0544 Designee: Ms. MARLENE AVALO Ms. SARA C. BABUN Commissioner FRANK CAROLLO Member-at-Large appointed by the www.miamirivercommission.org City of Miami Commissioner Miami-Dade County Commission KATHERINE FERNANDEZ-RUNDLE, Esq. Designee: Ms. ROSELVIC NOGUERA Miami-Dade State Attorney Mr. MANNY PRIEGUEZ Designee: Mr. DAVID MAER, Esq. Member-at-Large appointed by the City Mr. DANIEL O’KEEFE of Miami Commission South Florida Water Management