Support Neighborhood Friendly and Responsible Development in North Beach

I support the proposed changes in the Ocean Terrace Overlay District. The zoning changes will support the rebirth and revitalization of this special area on Ocean Terrace and Collins Avenue between 73rd and 75th Street. It will bring this area back to the vibrancy and quality of its past. The success of the zoning change and proposed development will be a catalytic project for other parts of North Beach to be improved by high quality developers. It is very important to note, one financially strong developer, Ocean Terrace Holdings, has aggregated a majority of the properties between 74th and 75th street. This allows for one cohesive plan for the area that has the key components to address the needs of the community. For this vision to come to fruition, the proposed changes to the code must be approved. The facts are:

• The proposed changes in zoning would allow for a mixed use development that will enhance quality of life in the area
• The proposed vision of the developer removes 240 low end hotel rooms and provides for approximately 150 high quality hotel rooms with ocean views. These are hotel rooms where North Beach neighbors can have their families stay close to their homes, this can only happen if there is an increase in FAR and height.
• The guests of a high quality hotel will spend money in the community, they will frequent the restaurants and they will activate the streets with people that appreciate the quality and vibe North Beach. We need to attract a world class hotel brand that brings high quality visitors to our area
• A full service hotel and quality retail will create approximately 250 to 300 new full time jobs in North Beach
• All vehicular circulation will be internal to the project, including loading. The traffic congestion caused by loading and pick up on Collins will be alleviated or eliminated
• The proposed vision provides for parking for the existing retail on the east side of Collins, something that does not currently exist and is needed
• Collins Avenue has historically been the main area of activation and walkable vibrant streets, the zoning proposal ensures that Collins Avenue will always be maintained as retail
• The proposed zoning changes REDUCE the density from what is currently allowed. Per the Land Use Amendment Residential density will decrease by 20% to 80 units per acre from the current allowed zoning of 100 units per acre. This will NOT increase density, it will REDUCE density
• There are floor plate limitations on the new residential building, this allows for a thin and elegant tower. It will allow open views with light and sky, instead of a small massive structure that is bulky an dense. This is why the height increase is needed
• The ad valorem tax and sales tax generated from the hotel will bring the benefit of additional revenues to the city
• The principals of the developer have been responsible for the revitalization of Miami Beach landmarks such as The Faena Saxony Hotel and Faena Residences, The Soho Beach House, The Shelborne Hotel, The Raleigh Hotel, the Thompson and The Standard
• We know what we want to see in North Beach, we don’t need this to be part of a Master Plan, we need to support this opportunity for a change in the zoning so we can bring a positive future now

I support a beautiful destination in North Beach that is consistent with what we all love about North Beach. The proposed changes to the zoning are what is needed and we support the developer’s vision for Ocean Terrace and Collins Avenue.