Miami-Dade BCC-Comprehensive Development Master Plan & Zoning Hearing

. >>chair: please stand for the prayer led by our vice chair followed by the pledge of allegiance led by commissioner steinberg. >>vice chair: if we culd ask everyone to bow our heads in this moment of silence, become to say thank you for allowing us to be number one and thank you for blessing our families, friends, this nation and we also say thank you for being you and giving us the opportunity to be in your fold and bless this great county we call home, miami-dade county, thank you. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands one nation under GOD indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Be seated. All right guys. We're going to get started. We have somewhat of a long agenda. So I am going to start with the attorneys but ask everybody, I have several speakers registered to speak on some of the different items so I will ask everybody be respectful of other people's time, everybody will be afforded the opportunity to speak but be respectful of your time, everybody will have a minute, you have to come up to the well, state your name and address, the item which you are speaking on and you will have a minute to speak. The respectful of people's time so everybody has the opportunity to speak and with that let's get right to it, MADAM Attorney, MR. Attorney can we have the zoning director read his opening statements and swearing the speakers. >> so far, or er and all items have been noticed in the newspaper and properties have been postponed. Additional copies are available in the chambers. Items called up to be heard by agenda item and name of applicant. Board action on any item they be reconsidered and action MAY be taken on such item at the same meeting. Applicants MAY wish to govern themselves accordingly. The record and file for the hearing will include documents from the public the department of regulatory and economic resources and appeals from the appeals board, we also have the transcript from those hearings . All documents are available to all parties and available for the members of the board of county commissioners who MAY examine these items during the hearing. Parties have the right of cross-examination along with the fact that all have been sworn in shall include any transcript and there's an official translator present for those individuals requiring such assistance, will the clerk please swearing the witnesses. >> do you solemnly swear the testimony you are about to give is the truth truth and nothing but the truth so help you GOD? Thank you, you MAY be seated. Interpreters raise your hand to be sworn, do you swear you met will make the true interpretation of the questions asked and testimony given? Thank you. >>chair: MR. Attorney, MADAM Attorney let's start with 81 because public hearing has been held already. >> a motion to set the agenda is in order. >> let's set the agenda, vice chair moves it. All in favor of the setting the agenda signify by saying aye. Show the agenda hereby set. Any other business before we get started to the items? Any other business before? >> no MR. Chair we can proceed to the item. >>chair: let's start with 8a1, public hearing has been out on this item. >> 8a1 14th st., miami , application 202400125, we have had no protests and no waivers of support . >>chair: no public speakers because public hearing has been held already, this is an commission district 3, but this item has been deferred several times so I defer to the will of the board. >> this item has been deferred, the issue is what is the public benefit aspect of it. So if we can see. I think what I would ask of the pplicant is see what the public benefit is , I think that's important . >>chair: the applicants himself . >>commissioner higgins: this was way out of line with every other metro movers zone rtc item so I completely understood commissioner hardemon is concerned that last time. >>chair: do you want to ? >> if I could briefly address it and I want to thank commissioner hardemon for working so hard. My name is russell calvin, I'm PRESIDENT Of the applicant here today. We have increased the public benefit to the sum of $600,000 which equates to $1.97 per square foot which is more than three times the average of every other application in 2024 it is quite a bit increased and we thank you for that. We were here in APRIL, tried to come back again and again we are here because there is no meeting next month really we've increased significantly and would like to receive the approval today and we are way above the average. Last year it was $.64, our contribution is $1.97, the times that amount. >>chair: any questions? >>commissioner higgins: I guess have you had any conversations with the district commissioner that indicates he has seen this and is comfortable with that? >> we've had ongoing conversations. >>commissioner higgins: that is the attorney, sorry. I confused you. >>chair: director or MR. Attorney. >> I have not spoken to MR. Hardemon about this . >>chair: the vice chair is also in line . >>vice chair: MR. CHAIRMAN considering the district commissioner is not present I made a motion to deferred this item. >>chair: there is a motion and the second to deferred the item . Senator garcia then commissioner bermudez. >>senator garcia: I am curious, how many times has this item been deferred? >> three. >>senator garcia: what were trying to accomplish here is a public benefit to try to increase that public benefit we are seeing. If I MAY MR. CHAIRMAN if I can ask what is the public benefit prior to the proffering of this item? >> prior to this it was on 150,000. >> and it would go to other projects of this scale is it comparable more or less or where do we fall on this because the commissioner wanted to see the increase. >> going back to last fall this is based on a per unit basis. We've had some that were $160 per unit, some around 1100 and some as high as it's thousand. Around 2000, I think 2100. >>senator garcia: so that falls in line at the median, a little higher? >> it's in the rnge. The scale is up to 600,000. >> I have averages and I can give them to you. In 2022 it was $.80, in 2023 it was $1.64 and in 2024 it was $.54 ad are offered today is $1.97, way above average and above any of the previous years. What we are doing is trying to have a hearing to get this approved to make something in dade county and we've been here since APRIL and we have done everything appropriately and properly. We have tried to have in person conversations and we are more than a community minded individual organization so we would ask for your support today to move this project forward. >>chair: commissioner bermudez . >>commissioner bermudez: I understand the vice cair made a motion. My comment on this would be we've been at this three times, they've made three appearances, I don't think I ever met MR. Galton before but I don't think it's good policy for us to continue kicking things down the road and when we're talking about things that create jobs I think it is a bad habit. We want to make the decision to say no, I know the commissioner is not here and I understand the concern the vice chair has expressed and if it's the will of the majority that's fine but the next time we come back if we don't do it today we have to make a decision because the applicant and their attorney , the attorney has been here before, he's here individually. It gets the point if you want to say no let's say number let's not keep on kicking the can down the road because there are people that invest I our community to help create jobs, help create housing which is what we want and we should not delay, the late so I understand the vice chair of motion and respect the fact he's doing what we normally do and if that's the will of the majority but from my perspective the next meeting whether the commissioner is work here or not I will ask for this to move forward if not today. And I respect commissioner hardemon, I know he's out of the country so he's not doing this intentionally but w've got to get to the point we make decisions on this because it, every time somebody has to come up here it's time, it's money. Impacts the ability to get our project. We talk about getting these projects working, getting housing, etc., let's not just talk the talk, let's walk the walk . >>chair: commissioner bastien. >>commissioner bastien: thank you MR. Chair, I hear you and I think I share your concerns. And then I agree that if the majority of votes to defer to the next zoning meeting then a decision has to be made but I would feel very comfortable to decide today if the sitting commissioner is not present. So I would feel very uncomfortable so the question is how do we feel in that situation and the commissioner is absent for a reason, he wasn't here yesterday and today so there is a reason for his absence but I agree that next time if the majority votes to defer until the next meeting a final decision is made I concur with that . >> the problem is there is no next meeting next month so the next meeting will be SEPTEMBER so it's APRIL to SEPTEMBER, it is really inexcusable . >>chair: question to the attorneys , did the commissioner of the district send a memo of his will ? >> I have not heard from him . >>chair: commissioner cohen higgins. >>commissioner cohen higgins: that was my question and we've had this situation before where we have applications in our district and we have to be absent or some reason or another, to give an instruction to the body and I would like this deferred where I really want this booted down or whatever the case MAY be and we have to have that memo. We have voted in the absence of the district commissioner being present, we've done it I believe not long ago and I don't remember whether he sent a memo or not but we used our memories say whether this seems like a controversial issue, whether there was angst with the district commissioner and we tried to make the best decision under those circumstances so there is precedent moving an item in the absence of the district commissioner if we feel confident there is not an issue with the project and there MAY be time sensitivities so that's my question to the applicants, are there time sensitivities attached because these deals don't exist in a vacuum. There are contingencies here so are there any time sensitivities? >> if we're going to stop all these projects moving forward in a way that's less than expeditious it is a mistake for any community. The cmmunities do well when they partner with the development community. We have financing lined up, the ability to start this job, it is an important job or the district, it's in the arts and entertainment district on 14th st. Or the district, it's in the arts and entertainment district on 14th st. The cra needs te revenue for it. It is really an economic shot in the arm we can use and quite candidly given the way mortgage rates are and mortgage markets are and lending markets are, when you have something lined up and ready to go you want to go at that time because you don't know what the future bears. We cme here in APRIL and by the way all our lawyers are here and all the consultants are here and all the experts are here and it just happens we have to move this in an expeditious way and I would appreciate the vote. >>commissioner cohen higgins: thank you for that, to the attorneys refresh my memory if you will regarding our rule on deferrals. I don't recall the specifics of the rules but I know there's a trigger that occurs after an application is deferred three times. Does that apply to this application, does anything happen after the third deferral on this or was that only regarding applications? >> my recollection is there is a rule I believe you had sponsored related to cdmp applications related to the udp. And this zoning context there is not a third deferral rule that would apply in the context of legislative items. >>commissioner cohen higgins: thank you for clarifying that, I want to hear from the district commissioner, is my preference to hear how they want to vote and I will continue to listen to my colleagues. Regalado. >>commissioner regalado: thank you and I know russell this property has been going on for a long time. I remember when we started talking about it at the school board area we had a very long agenda and lots of folks here. I don't see anything wrong with postponing this or like an hour or so and see if his staff can figure something out and get us some sort of word. I don't think we lose anything by that, we are not deferring until SEPTEMBER, not disposing of it without him. We have lots of work today so no one is going home early. So I think we should probably put a pin in this one and reach out to his staff to see if they could at least get us some information. That would be my recommendation. I don't see what we lose with just a little bit of time to see if they can get back to us with something before we dispose of it that said, commissioner higgins. >>commissioner higgins: this might be for the attorneys as we are waiting but a couple of things because this, like everyone else you can see we are torn. We always want to be with the district commissioner but when I saw this the lst time and I saw the community benefits relative to what happened my staff can attest to this I said this is not going to go well, commissioner hardemon will not be happy with this so I could tell that from what was being proffered that it was going to end up in our deferral and sure enough it did. It does seem as if the offer is more serious now and I am happy about that. So there's two thoughts I have in addition to commissioner regalado, we do have a board meeting SEPTEMBER 1. We could decide to add this zoning item today, SEPTEMBER 3. That would at least accelerate it a couple of weeks and my other question to the attorneys is you know how sometimes you can pass something and then the next meeting, the next board meeting the winning side could ask to reconsider. Is that something that is allowed in zoning or would it be considered a taking so when we move this forward but when commissioner hardemon gets back he tells us he is not happy we can agree to reconsider, I don't know the legalities of that. >>chair: commissioner gilbert one second. There should not be anybody standing up in the back, they need to find a seat or in the overflow room. Anyone that's not an officer or press cannot be standing in the back for safety reasons. Go ahead, commissioner gilbert . >>commissioner gilbert: to the last question that was asked that's a few research questions. I want to challenge the expectations that that will be an answer because I don't feel comfortable with that not being a well briefed question considering what's at stake. So without opining on this generally , doing that would be a bad idea. That is a bad idea. On this , so I don't have a problem with the project and commissioner I too remember we have rules on projects before. I don't have a problem ruling on projects, the district commissioner is in here and the district commissioner's concern was rooted in the actual specifics of the project. My challenge for this is I don't know this community like he knows his community and what is at question is community benefits. I am okay with you talking to staff and b trying to talk to him but I can't make a decision about the benefits and the district, because I understand and we're all sitting around here, our community benefits, not density or setbacks or flowers or any of those other things, community benefits. If this body made a decision for u in that instance we would go ballistic. So I'm not going to pretend if they can't figure that out, if they come to an impasse then it comes to the body but because it's community benefits and because that was the hangup that's the problem, otherwise I would be comfortable . >>chair: that sounds fair. I still think it doesn't hurt to wait about an hour or so . >> we could set a time certain. >>chair: the time only hurts you MR. Galvin, if the commissioner is not available within an hour , you can just do it through the process but I know you have to get back to work, we can set the time of an hour or you can do it through the length of the meeting. It is your decision. >>chair: let them try, if you've got to go you've got to go and you let us know. >> legal counsel will be here but I will be here as well, thank you very much. >>senator garcia: the biggest problem he had was the low number of the community benefit , it did increase it significantly. >> 4c $600,000 from 150,000, triple what the average was last year. It's time fr the budget to go forward. >>chair: thank you MR. Galvin, we will table this item and move on to the next. MR. Attorney, commissioner . >>commissioner gilbert: I don't want to waste anybody's time MR. Galvin. We just heard from the staff that he would like the opportunity to meet in person. So I don't want to waste their hour or whatever it is so feel free to wait, we can do that but we heard from the staff. >> did the staff him? >>commissioner gilbert: we can let him try but I wanted to be candid with the information. we will wait around here today. >>chair: they just communicated directly . >> we will try to call him and thank you for that and hopefully we can get something done today, if not if we can get on the SEPTEMBER 3 calendar . Thank you all. >>chair: let's take item 3e, 3e1 supplement with its companion item a8, if we have anything in the record now is the time. >> this is a small-scale application previously heard on first reading, all the small-scale applications are reported for final action. For each I will read the ordinance title and reference companion resolution in the event the board wishes to convert to a standard application and transmit however if the board takes final action on the small-scale application the companion resolution will be deemed null area that these cdmp items have concurrent zoning applications and for each a single public hearing will be held and incorporated into the record. This hearing will be conducted in accordance with judicial principles. Item 3e relates to the comprehensive development master plan providing disposition of 2024 3e relates to the comprehensive development master plan providing disposition of 20240016 on the north side of southwest 268 street and east of 1 54th avenue filed by blue nest development llc in OCTOBER 2024 cycle to amend the county development master plan providing severability exclusion from the code and an effective date and there is a companion resolution today. >>chair: we will take up the companion item as well, do you need to read anything? Read that item. >>chair: anything into the record at this time? >> application number is z2024000 application number is z2024000242. We've had 2510 protests and 63 waivers of support for this application. There was 2510 protests, and an online petition with protests. Most of them are from the online petition. >>chair: give me a second. Walk me through how these online petitions work because I couldn't live in canada and sign an online and, can you verify that? Because if that's the case, if online petitions are something we measure we need to make rules on those protests, we need to make rules for those online petitions. I think they should be valid but there needs to be parameters because you just shook your head that you don't verify who is signing these positions. >> we randomly check and correct, some are outside the country. >>commissioner gilbert: you said the country, not the county? You said the county. >>chair: we will disregard the online. We have plenty of people here to speak and we will hear from all of them today . >> before we included the petitions we had 10 protests. >>chair: just in the way the information is presented I would appreciate a candid conversation. If you're going to say they are all protests that's fine but lead with something like we had 10 protests verified and 2500 that are internet and we can't verify that. We shouldn't have to fish for that information >>chair: you've been doing this and know we need this information but we shouldn't have to fish or this information but here we are, are you done with the statement into the record? Sounds good. Let's go ahead and get into the in person public hearing. I'm going to open up public hearing for both items, zoning and cdmp and start wth the public first and I will call the applicants as is custom. The, I said it earlier. As I call yur name please line up. The first to come up to the first 2 podiums and again you will have one minute to speak, state your name and address and confirm the item you're speaking on which should be tree 3e, 3e supplement or a8 or all those items which is one big item. [Reading names] B [Reading names] If you didn't hear your name I still have plenty on the list but that is your first batch. If you did not hear your name I still have plenty on the list. Would you like to get started? You're good. . >>speaker: I am jacqueline and I reside at 260 street directly across the proposed development and I am against this development. The development not only threatens the fabric of the neighborhood composed of single-family homes on builders acres, accessed by 2 single ln. Roads landlocked into a canal to the north rim multiple neighbors would have to give up 500 ft.B2 of their front lawn or the property for road expansion not only causing their properties to lose value but also would be nonconforming. The entire 268 street is lined with mature oaks and other native trees that housed an abundance of native life. bulldozing these properties will have irreparable damage to the host system. The cost of the development is not just a fight, this project is far from progress are rather irresponsible and un-american. If you look at this room and binders provided with the signed petition of 2500 people that have been verified yu can witness the strong opposition for bluenest. >>senator garcia: good morning by the way. Good morning sir. Please state your name and address for the record. >>speaker: waiting for a powerpoint presentation I have. I did submit it sir. >>vice chair: in the meantime what we will do if you can step to the side you are okay with that? Okay, yes sir. Please don't forget your name and address. >>speaker: my name is josc I live at one 5350 southwest 260 >>speaker: my name is josc I live at one 5350 southwest 263 across the proposed development and I have a question, how would you like the lose 6000 ft.B2 of the front of your home? That is what bluenest needs to do for this project to happen and in order for it to be approved neighbors need to give up part of the home for the road to be broadened, we don't need the road to be broadened at this time. At the last hearing we recommended cutting 260 is bound to us one and this broke the pab time because we had a tie that denied this plan by, but bluenest has not honored that recommendation therefore homeowners are at risk of losing a major portion of their home. >>vice chair: let me stop you one second. Please if we can give the speakers that much respect I would really appreciate it, it will go a long way for all of us so thank you so much, please continue. >>speaker: bluenest is taking away from the neighborhood and neighbors lose the front of the property the property will be a nonconforming structure and who will pay for the home and this has been verified, all the information is in a red binder, look at the index please. >>vice chair: thank you so much. Let me first of all say good morning to each and every last one of you, secondly there is such thing called decor on in this chamber. Let me say this to each and every last one of you, clapping or making any gestures, it's prohibited within this chamber. What I would strongly suggest you do and it's something we would be able to recognize and see is if you could wave in support or wave against but sounds coming from you to hear within this chamber is something that is not permitted so I will ask you to respect each and every last one of your neighbors who are going to speak for or against on this particular issue, thank you so mch. >> I live at 15350 southwest 268 street. My family and i moved into the neighborhood JUNE of last year to live a more natural life where it's safer for my brother and I spend more time outdoors. >>vice chair: josc second. Just briefly. Phone sounds , absolutely not acceptable. If we hear your phone or sound coming from your pocket that will disrupt what's happening before us. I would ask that you make a donation to a non-for-profit organization, secondly we MAY ask you be removed so that you can take your call so you don't interrupt again with that call so please, please give us that respect as we go through this, josc >>speaker: I've been able to enjoy a variety of migratory buntings and other resident wildlife such as screeching towels, swallowtail tights and I have even seen through the neighborhood. I will never see any of that in kendall. If it is an established habitat these birds won't have a home to return in the winter and spring. The cottontail rabbits will be run over by the bulldozers and established back colonies destroyed. In school we are taught the importance of protecting and conserving our delicate and unique ecosystem in florida. >>chair: can you wrap this up quickly, I know your neighbor nervous. >>. >>speaker: please say no to development. >>vice chair: thank you so much josc coming forward, it takes a nurse to stand at that podium so thank you for raising such a great young man. Build 200 units adjacent to 1 acre homes, the homes are not compatible to an established neighborhood which currently has protected animals. The traffic impact to this community will be horrible especially since we will be dealing with traffic two blocks away. There are five new housing projects currently being built within a couple of miles of this project so imagine the impact the traffic will have once it is complete. These additional projects will overload schools, hospitals and emergency services. And I am opposed to the bluenest projects . >>vice chair: my addresses south 52nd quarter. Members, commissioners to oppose strongly oppose this project to the cdmp aendment this project requires the expansion of 152nd court and that will be taken 7000 ft.B2 out of my property. >>vice chair: give me one second. Sergeant can you find out exactly who's phone that was ringing? Can you ask them to step out please and let them deal with that call so we don't have this issue again? Is off? Thank you. thank you so much, please continue, I apologize . >> I am one of the owners that is losing 7000 ft.B2 of property and I don't like that. This project is not compatible and it doesn't meet the criteria set within the cdmp and it will cause irreversible damage to long-standing residents and I respectfully urge you to deny this application. >>vice chair: what is your name again? >>speaker: pablo reyes. >>vice chair: good morning . >>speaker: my name is nora cooper, 15231 southwest 2 72nd st. 2 72nd st. My husband and I have had family that have lived in the area for over 100 years. Not combined between us , his family, my family. We love this community but what's happening to it is it's being destroyed. Bluenest called me not once but twice and their question was they wanted to be a nice neighbor to us and they were willing to offer up to $25,000 for a strip of land to expand the road before the county comes in and takes it. It sounded very frightening but called twice, denied it since. Please, I want to retire and remain there. If this building happens, we move. >>chair: good morning . >>speaker: I reside at 2604 s. Florida and I'm here because , no problem. 26043 southwest 1 33rd pl., homestead, fl and I'm here to speak in support of bluenest because I don't believe in the project. I do see there is a need for change coming in the future and in order for us to accommodate the people in the city and also the growing population of the city we are going to have to have new housing developments. That's all, I want to support the project. >>vice chair: good morning . >>commissioner bastien: >>speaker: I oppose the bluenest project. >>vice chair: wow, thank you sir. Yes, good morning. >>speaker: my name is alex. I am living in 2620 southwest miami. I'm here for the development of bluenest. Owning your home is not just a place to live. Owning your home is a dream that every father, and I am one, every grandfather it as an opportunity you work for wealth that can go on and on, generational wealth. Owning a home is a place that you belong. It is cultural. It has a significance, it is emotional. It is a smart development that gives the opportunity for one of the biggest economic wealth that any family can have in their lifetime is the opportunity to own a home and that is what is at stake . >>vice chair: thank you so much. Good morning, how are you? >>speaker: my name is gabrielle garcia. [Speaking spanish] >>translator: 168th st. >>speaker: [Speaking spanish] >>translator: my families and my communities want to say I totally opposed this project from bluenest we are all thinking about having more housing units , more possibilities. But no one is thinking about the environment. And our pure air that comes from our land and our trees. And our wildlife. Please put a stop to this project. >>vice chair: thank you, good morning . >>speaker: my name is franc and I live at 2620 southwest 1/23 port. I've been a resident of miami-dade county for 40 years , for 40 years plus but I am here to talk about how important it is for our workforce to have a place to live and to own. Ever since I was young my mom told me always own your home so you're never homeless. And that is happening more and more in dade county because there's really no place to live. So I am for this project because I feel that our teachers, our police officers, our firefighters, you know, deserve a place to live as well as anybody else in miami-dade county. Thank you so much. >>speaker: I own a project in florida city and I actually moved tere with the same issues with the new projects. I was living in miami and can't afford the housing and pricing and other details so I am a good example o being an owner today on a house and being able to support another project I think is good for people. I have four children here also so I know a lot of people have different opinions , they have to have different opinions but in my case I work for miami and I drive 45 minutes every day with the traffic ad you can't avoid traffic in miami, it's the same everywhere. >>vice chair: good morning. >>speaker: my name is alexander and I'm a public school teacher in homestead. And a project like this is welcoming people like myself and countless other teacher friends of mine. It is not my desire, we work near our jobs, it's not our desire to be a homeowner forever ad I think projects like this provide opportunities for teachers like mine to the homeowners. >>chair: thank you so much . >>speaker: I completely oppose 100% of this project. One very important thing , you commissioners are smart, we have turkey point, a nuclear plant rent every month and a half or two sirens go on to make sure it's working in case of an emergency. Evacuate. Homestead is already overpopulated. If something occurs the keys have to evacuate, we have to evacuate, we won't have time. We will be tracked, we will die. Think of our kids and adults and they will have a way of leaving and it will be a catastrophe and when that happens fingers will be pointed because we need to evacuate not only that but in hurricane season they're not thinking about that and also not thinking about the animals, the trees. We produce our cattle we produce mangroves, we produce food which is what we need. Thank you very much. >>vice chair: thank you so much. >>speaker: [Speaking spanish] >>translator: my address is 1725 southwest 172 avenue miami, fl 33187 . I own a small business in this community. And I work hard to make my enterprise grow. I create local employment to contribute to the economy of the community. However like many other people I still rent and my dream is to buy a home for my family. And the reality is although I work for it, the price of housing are totally out of reach. As well as the lack of accessible for workers. Like myself the situation forces us to live at the very minute. To sacrifice ability and postpone our dream. For workforce not only helps families like mine . But it also strengthens the community. It will allow us to live where we work , invest where we live and build a dignified community . >>vice chair: thank you so much , good morning. >>speaker: good morning. I live in homestead florida, 2727 southwest. Homestead , 143 avenue. I have lived here five years, this is always my home. The community where I raised my kids and grandkids and now they can't even afford to live without renting. We are beset by high prices and high rent. I think bluenest is trying to deposit them, thank you, please say yes. >>vice chair: thank you so much. >>speaker: [Speaking spanish] >>translator: my name is olga. And I live at 28 375 southwest . Apartment 36 , 33033. >>speaker: [Speaking spanish] >>translator: I am here to support the bluenest project. Because it is a big opportunity for my grandchildren. I want my grandchildren to live near me. And this is a great opportunity . Thank you very much. >>vice chair: thank you. >>speaker: my name is gladys ramos, nw. 2nd st. 33034. I am here to support the project because I think it's a good opportunity for our new generation to get a nice place to live. Thank you. >>speaker: hello commissioners . I live at 15250 southwest 269 terrace. I just wanted to say I am against bluenest development in our area. We are surrounded. The proposed development area is surrounded by 50 properties that are an acre or larger , surrounded 100% by a canal with to access one lane roads to get in and out of the property. It's three blocks and if this gets built it will be horrendous for us there. Also I recommend that cdmp in place right now they can get 1 to 2.5 houses per acre is voted on, finished, ready to go. I suggest bluenest take the ball and run with it and go with the original cdmp that allows the zoning to change to 1.25, thank you . >>speaker: good morning, ken forbes 2501 >>speaker: good morning, ken forbes 2501 30th avenue I thought I was going to be a face in the crowd weaving in support, so that's all I want to do to say I am here to support . >>vice chair: thank you sir, I'm going to call out a few names. Miguel oliver , maria winger. German castillo. [Reading names] B [Reading names] >>speaker: I am PRESIDENT Of the fraternal order of the police here in support, I was with tree other officers weaving in support. This is a special project, I want to thank blue nest because they been reaching out ever since i met them in tallahassee where we can make afordable housing easier for police officers and how they can carve out properties. Some of my officers are younger officers trying to start out and they are renters and sometimes they can't even afford the communities they protect. Being homeowners will give them a better sense of pride and give them a sense they belong in a community they work for. It's not only stories, it's all about living especially the ones that are single mothers and younger families, having these projects are important to us, thank you. >>speaker: my name is serena ortega, southwest 303 terrace . I am for this project for bluenest. As the candidate just said I am a single mom and I work full-time so with the way the income and economy is going I am not able to own my own home. So if this project were able to progress and I will be able to show my daughter not only do I have time for but be able to have my own home with her. >> my name is bessie brown, 28104 southwest 134 court. I am in support of this project because I have children and grandchildren that have an opportunity to own homes for their children so I'm asking this support the project to help our community . >> good morning . I live in 139 86 southwest 270 homestead florida. >>vice chair: sorry about that, what was the last name again? There is an address different than the one you put on the record. >>speaker: that is my mom's home. I lived at this address. >>vice chair: thank you so much . >>speaker: renting means uncertainty when rates go up and security goes down and owning a home brings peace of mind and a sense of control over the future. Blue nest is giving families the opportunity and I ask you to please vote yes. >>vice chair: give me one second. Sergeant, can you address the phone that just went off ? The person with the phone. Thank you. Maria, give me one second. Let me take this opportunity to remind everyone is a form of disrespect when you have individuals who have traveled so far, gotten up so early to be part of this process and to have interruptions during their presentation is probably one of the greatest forms of disrespect so this is not so much that we are trying to control your movements, control your abilities to communicate we are simply saying the word disrespect israel and it's something we cherish in this chamber so once again take this opportunity to check your phone and make sure this doesn't happen again? All right, let's get back at it. >>speaker: bluenest is giving you the opportunity and I asked you to vote yes, thank you. >>vice chair: thank you so much. Good morning. >>speaker: joseph ramsey, 280102 southwest 134 court , joseph robinson . >>vice chair: you also have a different address. The address is 1140 nw. 2nd avenue . >>speaker: 1 43rd court, zip code 33033. I am for bluenest. I think it would be great for the economy and at 61 years old I've never owned a home so I think this would be a great opportunity for me at in my elderly years to be a homeowner. Thanks. >>vice chair: for the record, you look good for your age. Let's not put that out there just yet. >> I agree MR. Vice chair . >> I live at 2409 se. 1st st., homestead, fl. I am for the project. I have been living down south for a long time and I have seen a lot of things going on and one of my dreams is my daughter owns her own house because rent is expensive. She works around the area and hasn't been able to move out. Because rents are expensive. It looks like the process for buying seems impossible. I looked at places around the area and there more than $500,000 and a down payment would be unreachable. I would like to see programs like this more often so it will help not only my daughters but my family to get affordable homes. This will help my daughter and other families to reach for their own adrenal home, thank you. >>chair: good morning. >>speaker: [Speaking spanish] >>translator: my name is mike oliver, 152 51 southwest. 2 69th ter. >> I am totally opposed to the blue nest project. Because I think it's another way for them to build a community that already exists. Building something that doesn't contribute anything because homestead is full of houses and developments. It's the society that protects and cultivates the flora and fauna of this country. And this is the only area in miami-dade that does it. >>vice chair: thank you so much sir. Pablo , [Reading names] If your names were called please come down. >>speaker: my name is pablo , address . >>vice chair: is this a repeat? Let me just remind everyone, earlier when the CHAIRMAN Opened up he said we opened up the opportunity to speak for both items at the same time so thank you so much, I like seeing you though. >>speaker: good morning. I reside at 12 61st st. I support the item because I'm not a homeowner and I'm looking to relocate. So that's all I have to say, thank you. >>chair: where is she? I've got mary waters. I've got mary waters, claudia, alphonso young, ashley marie. [Reading names] You can come up to the podium. [Reading names] >> busy house today. I would commend you for your comments as far as the protests that were from out of dade county. I would also ask that if you see any advocacy being given to you hear from people attending their adresses are also in the county. Mary wters, 13 600 sw. 229th st. The county. Mary waters, 13 600 sw. 229th st. The one thing I haven't heard too much about so far is of the eight applications on your agenda of them are all for residential development. If you add up the requested number of homes of those seven it is a little bit over 2000. That is just in one days work for that number of homes. These homes are being built in areas that are agricultural where zoning is nowhere near the density of what you're requesting. I know you all seem to have this feeling we have to have homes for the people coming. I would ask you to deny the application please. >>speaker: alphonso young, address 10491 10491 southwest avenue 71st st. I support this item mainly because I've been in all kinds of shelters and stuff before and to come up with a development to help a person own their own place is an awesome idea so I am really in support of this item. >>speaker: lori mohammed, southwest 155 avenue. I just want to say real quick there's a reason these zoning laws were established. When we bought in that neighborhood we bought in because it was an estate neighborhood, not because it was packed in. I don't understand how anyone thinks it's fair to change it after we've all paid and been loaned to residents there. Every time one builder gets disapproved there's 10 more that show up. We have houses built all around us that aren't even finished yet. Their townhouses, maybe a quarter or half a mile you guys approved within the year and they are not through building it and those homes are 400,000 so I don't understand how this is a push for 450 there is a guy here representing the fop saying he represents lee's officers, I am a retired police officer, I assure you he doesn't speak for everybody since miami-dade county doesn't even have the fop. >> my name is gabriel and I live at 16001 sw. 98th st. Area I am in support of this development as this would add value and call attention to a new and up-and-coming neighborhood bringing an opportunity for young adults like myself to move away from the wasteful renting scene and into something more stable permanent and secure area being able to own a home for the betterment of my future of myself and our future families during this economic housing crisis, blue nest makes this possible with their affordable housing project by bringing a chance for people like myself to live out their american dream. Like you. >>speaker: my name is thomas rodriguez, 7634 southwest 1 35th court and I am in support of this project. Me and my family moved to this country 11 years ago and those 11 years we've moved four times already and we've been bouncing around everywhere due to the rising cost of rent. However at this project they've come across and I like they're going to be for affordable housing it's going to be for the workforce, as someone who does work close to this project I really like it and I feel like it will bring more not only local people to these jobs but it will also bring more tourism as well. I am also a college student and this project allows me and other students to look forward to finally owning a home. >>chair: thank you. These are names that were called and it didn't come up. [Reading names]... [Reading names] These people are not here. But previously also the name that came up was ken forbes. We've got ruth sanchez. Celia suarez and gabriel garcia so I want to make sure they are here. The next batch is going to be david jardine, in his green. [Reading names] You can start coming up. Debra beard kane. Nicholas dukes. george milan. Cynthia george. Michelle trinidad. [Reading names] >> my name is susan sanchez 30961 southwest 195 avenue homestead florida. I'm hearing a common theme from all people in favor of this. They all think they will get an affordable home when in reality only 20% of the 700 proposed units are going to be affordable housing . They, there's numerous projects happening in homestead right now. Why do we need this one here and now when it is encroaching on people's properties? That is just un-american. I would love for you guys to please listen to the actual residents of the immediate area and vote no on this project. >>speaker: robert redding, southwest 2523 homestead florida. I'm in deep disagreement with this project. My property is part of one of these roads and they're going to need part of my land to make this happen. No one has contacted me as of yet, I did let them know last time I was here that my property is not for sale so if it's an eminent domain situation my understanding is you guys the city will pay for all my attorneys fees regarding this, that's number one. Number two I was standing in line out there, I'm not paid to be here and I was standing in line with these two gentlemen right there in the back. There behind me trying to figure out on their phones how to get paid for today. I took the day off of work, took my time out of my day and out of my pocket. If that's the situation here and you guys are okay with that then I think this is a complete disgrace with what's going on here because I live here, I am a taxpayer, I want my property to raise my family. This has turned into a complete, I don't want to use bad words but this is a bad situation for all the people that live here and for the people impacted by this. That's what I have to say and honestly this kind of stuff that's going on is completely unacceptable and if anybody wants to question my integrity or what was said I'm happy to have that discussion right now with anybody, thank you. >>speaker: brandon annual, and I'm in support of this project but before I begin I want to say this comes from a place of respect, I admire everyone who's built a community here, this place matters to all of us for different reasons but we come from a place of passion and that's why I'm speaking I'm a college student and like a lot of people I want to enter the workforce and one of the biggest challenges is finding a place to live. Affordable housing is crucial because it gives people like me a chance to stay close. We are the future of tomorrow, we're trying to achieve this american dream which is to be a homeowner and there's pride in. cities want all of the people building something make space for us, not just in the job market but in neighborhoods as well. We're not asking for mansions but we want a fair shot. We need an opportunity and reason to stay. >>speaker: my name is kendrick darnell jones and I support this, I am a military brat but as I get older I would like to buy a house one day, me and my kids and I think it's a great idea. I understand what they're saying but at the same time housing is so unaffordable right now so if somebody comes up with a plan to let us have somewhere to stay I do a proof of this, thank you. >>speaker: good morning, 13951 sw. 58th st. And I am here in favor of the project and I speak not only for myself but the future. The future is not only me but graduating students, all of us going into the job market so we are all here with the same dreams with overflowing bills to fight stability. It's the american dream everyone wants to talk about, that's what the project is providing for me and many others waiting in line we're seeking the same opportunity that past generations have had hoping to find our community. Workforce housing creates stability the same way to build on something for our families the same way I want to build with my own family. Workforce housing is something I believe in. Thank you. >> lucas frederick 740 southwest 1 9th avenue workforce housing is a game changer for people like me as well as this generation and as a college student driving to homestead every day for work which by the way I took the time of my day to be here and told my job I was sick so I could be here to support this. I'm feeling miami's housing pressure with housing prices at $645,000 young workers like myself these two choices, move away or struggle financially to work at a place or work at my so-called dream job supporting workforce housing is it just a policy issue. It's about giving everyday people a real soft shot at living your opportunity without being priced out and I will not let people take that away from me. >>speaker: nicholas dukes, 535 se. 20th ln., homestead, fl and I'm in support o this project because as a 20-year-old college student I believe workforce housing is critical or graduates and essential workers many starting our careers who don't have access to high-paying jobs right away. Affordable housing gives us a chance to live where we work without the burden of a long commute and it's also about more than convenience, it's about stability and fairness, workforce housing allows a young person like myself to build a future without falling behind before we had a chance to begin. Everyone deserves access to affordable housing, let's give back to the communities we serve in and i want to say for the record I am a full-time worker and I called in today to be here so thank you for your time. >>speaker: my name is debbie kane, 9382 southwest 1/84 1 84th ter. 1 84th ter., cutler bay. Since retiring I spend my time filling out applications and assisting other people who are applying for housing and I do find most of the annual incomes , all those applications for those developers require an annual income for the $11,000. 60% of the homes built in the county the past nine years are unaffordable. Two people earning less than $100,000 I say this because teachers, nurses, police officers , public employees are commuting now from broward or even further places like palm beach because they can't afford to live in those communities there that they serve. That means more traffic, more burnout and less time with their families. Thank you. >>speaker: I live 3410 94th avenue, 33030. I live in the middle of all these projects that bluenest wants to develop and I really oppose te project because we are farmers. We produce food and what are we going to leave to our children , to our grandchildren? Nothing, the piece of pavement? Just think about it. All the land being destroyed and all the consequence that comes with this. It's nice to have a house, we've been there working 20 years every day, every single day we work. Thinking it's going to be a good crop. Just for feeding our people, thank you . >>speaker: and robert, address 3400 southwest 1 94th ave., homestead, fl. I am probably the last of what you're going to see here. This is the last of the farmer in the redland. Anyone familiar with the area I'm known as farmer bob. Many people come to my farm to visit and learn about agriculture. As my wife eloquently spoke we've been there 28 years. And when we did buy the property we didn't expect to be rezoned. I think everybody should stick to the master plan, keep all the housing on the core indoors, you are now moving inland to where your food is growing and when you look at your fork remember there is a human being providing that food on your fork. Thank you very much . >>chair: good morning to all the commissioners. I just would like to say that this project . >>chair: let me quickly stop you, I would love to know your name and address . >>speaker: I live in the red lands but this is not about where I live, it is about the redland's. >>vice chair: I get that but let me ask you a question, could you give me your address? >>speaker: 276471 southwest 154th. George . >>chair: my home is in the red lands but this is about a place that's been destroyed enough already. I would like the commissioners to think about this and I know that they probably are waiting to say yes to the developers because it's probably good for some people that want to buy homes but I don't think people that need to buy homes, they need to buy at the red lands. That is the only place left in florida that still has like, the nature. >>chair: thank you so much, I appreciate you so much. Always george, thank you. Mary annette robinson, derek lester. Myra swain. Stephanie call. [Reading names] >>vice chair: good morning . >>speaker: my name is aurora gonzalez, 19100 southwest 317 terrace. Homestead, fl 33030. And I am here to oppose all of bluenest projects, not only mine but everybody else's. All the other zones I should say. My husband and I moved to homestead from the big city and we love where we live. We just prefer not to have all these townhomes and all these low-cost living in the neighborhoods. I think that we are just fine the way we are, thank you. >>vice chair: good morning . >>translator: 9880 north kendall doctor I was doing some research before this , I need a database. Most of the people talking here have their properties, they are owners. You cannot request a apartment for a property when you have a property of course. >>speaker: [Speaking spanish] >>translator: I could give you the information for you to analyze that the people talking here aready have properties. >>speaker: [Speaking spanish] >>translator: before making a decision it's necessary for you to find out why people who have properties already are requesting an annulment. >>speaker: my name is mercy perez, with the stuff that's going on in developments I think it is wrong . >>vice chair: I know you are a bit nervous but can I have your address real quick? >>speaker: 9438 sunset doctor thank you. >>vice chair: I gave it back, thank you . >>speaker: I've been doing an article about what's going on in the red lands in the first man that impacted me was developers are throwing garbage in the canal. I've been tagging everybody, I'm so sorry but it's a big concern that's happening. When I met josc would affect all these houses though I think you guys before making the decisions there's a lot of stuff that will be impacted. The bags, the plans and we met MR. Mangled so that would also be affected. Please before making a decision sit down with the residents and talk to them please. >>vice chair: thank you so much. Good morning sir. >> sidney robinson southwest 1 62nd avenue you've got to hand it to this homeowners group. And what might be alled redland's edge. They have gone out all the way to fight the overzealous development. This sensitive area is a pristine way of land and foliage and if you all on this dais were to see it , you would be surprised at the beauty. An unspoiled landscape. Let's not mutilate this virgin area with a development inappropriate in this unique place in south dade county. Denied his application, thank you. >>vice chair: good morning . >> my name is derek lester, 26765 sw. 134th avenue, naranja florida. Just want to say I am in support of this project, I have lived in naranja all my life, I went to redland will school I understand the landscape of the project but there's nothing wrong because this is a new generation, a new time and this is a great time to offer the opportunity to for people such as myself to live the american dream. There's nothing law wrong with the change and I believe in supporting this project it's going to be for the betterment of the community and there wll be a lot of people that get that opportunity. If I want to try to buy a house in the red lands today you know there's no different types of programs helping me by a five or 600 or $800,000 home in the red lands, it just won't work. So thank you in support of the program. >>speaker: 1521 sw. 7th st. >>chair: >>vice chair: is there a possibility you could raise the microphone for him? So much. You. We've got a hydraulics on the microphone. >>speaker: I'm not in favor, one lane leading to main intersections which are one lane, traffic is unbearable. The place where this is being built in the back is more or less a whole back there on wetlands. They're building up which is going to make my neighborhood a flood zone because elevation is being brought up. Nothing is ready for everything in homestead, it's so overpopulated as it is right now and I will ask for denial for this application. >>vice chair: good morning. >>speaker: my name is myra Mcsweeney, sw. 197th avenue homestead, fl 33030. I am here today to express my strong opposition to bluenest's project. Three things, it's going to increase the volume of traffic and congestion. It's going to overcrowd our schools . And the last but not least , it will introduce multi family housing especially low income housing which will lead to the decline of our property. This is going to make it very difficult for us to sell our properties or we can refinance our mortgage so I encourage you to carefully consider this proposal for bluenest and thank you for your time . >>vice chair: [Reading names] ... [Reading names] Please come down when you hear your name called. Good morning. >>speaker: maria ferrero, miami florida. I am in favor of this development. I've lved in florida my entire life and like many people my age prices continue to skyrocket and we are unable to afford rent living in miami and therefore I have even considered having to leave the state in which I grew up in. I find myself having to have a second source of income to pay for a place to live. I am as much of a resident as someone who can pay millions for a home. I deserve to stay in the community I've lived in and not to see it stripped away by outsiders. We need opportunities for young professionals and we need to be able to afford a house to live. >>vice chair: thank you so much . >>speaker: 19100 southwest 3 17th er. I am here against the bluenest project and I want to send a message to people looking for houses, they can buy and don't destroy my land please. >>speaker: santiago bravo and 1950 northwest 1 92nd ter. 13039 and the first thing I want to address is the fact that I am here as a resident because it I need my education graduating here in miami-dade. I have no source of housing because of this crisis and I live with my family and work part-time and I took off to be here in support of having an opportunity for the future. I want to start a family, be able to say you guys can come over but I need workforce housing. I want to thank you for your time and ask my colleagues here to support this budget to please stand up. Later on but that was a great try. Thank you so much. >>speaker: good morning. Jason brass 17958. Jason brass 179583030. I'm a lifelong resident of homestead, we are very well-established with businesses there. I'm supposed this project for a couple of reasons. One his the quality projects like this that make homeownership afordable and make it a possibility and also as I believe everyone in that area aside from everyone here should be in support of projects like this with projects at a fair density and one of the opposers said something about keeping density on the four walls and I think people in this room MAY want to look into the otc and live local and see the kind of density that could and will be in the backyard. We are very careful leaving this land and it's going to affect high density. >>vice chair: I appreciate you, good morning. >>speaker: good morning commissioners, my name is salvatore and now that I have your attention I like yourself have sat on past community councils. You faced today to say yes or no on a particular project. I oppose tis project simply because it's not part of the neighborhood character. Don't oppose progress but there's a time and place and many of my neighbors feel the same way. So there's nothing wrong with wanting affordable housing, I am a young guy and my family did the same t