Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in North Miami public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in development
Redwood mixed-use development park changes
Redwood may build as planned or drop the pool and credit the city $3 million toward another project. Any design change would require a CUP amendment through the Planning Commission; the city attorney will bring back a resolution.
Expanded shelter capacity at Mia Casa
Commissioners and the housing director said homelessness is a new and growing problem for the city, with families sleeping in cars and doubling up. The old federal rent-subsidy money is gone, the city has no shelter beds, and officials say a real plan is still being built.
16-Story Mixed-Use Tower at 1590 NE 123rd Street
A 225-unit tower with retail, offices, a dog park and 316 parking spaces could rise at NE 123rd Street and 16th Avenue. It would bring roughly $4.64 million a year in economic activity and about $550,000 in ad valorem taxes, but commissioners pressed on traffic at the congested 16th Avenue intersection and the loss of three mature oak trees.
Same-day expedited building permits
Permit fees were updated to comply with a new state mandate — residential fees actually drop, and the overall increase is a modest 2.5%, below inflation.
Palmetto Alfa Romeo Fiat showroom
A boutique, appointment-based dealership with fully enclosed inventory is headed to the corner of NE 123rd St and NE 15th Ave, bringing jobs and premier retail to the corridor. It still needs City Council approval because it exceeds 20,000 square feet.
Cell tower interference risk
A 154-foot A-frame tower sits between the two development parcels. The tower owner says RF testing is needed before anyone can say the buildings won't interfere; the applicant hopes to resolve it within two months, and the commission wants it settled at least before building permits.
Retirement of Chairman Charles Ernst after 27 years
The board's longtime chairman resigned effective immediately, handing the gavel to Vice Chair McDearmaid. A chair selection will be on the July 16 agenda.
Federal CDBG/HOME housing funding plan
Mayor Desulme warned that the proposed federal budget would eliminate HUD, CDBG and HOME funding that the city relies on — $1.2 million went to home repairs last year — and urged residents to contact Congress.
Vocational cosmetology school at Diva's on West Dixie
A 22-year-old North Miami salon will add a vocational school so residents can train in cosmetology locally instead of heading to Fort Lauderdale. Approved unanimously with two standard conditions.
Warren Henry Motors lease at 1810 N.E. 146 Street
The dealership's ground lease now starts June 1 instead of July 1, and Warren Henry can rent the city lot's parking area while building permits are processed — speeding up the site coming into use.