Hialeah Park ResolutionRESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING
HIALEAH PARK RACE TRACK AS A VALUABLE LOCAL
AND NATIONAL HISTORIC RESOURCE OF GREAT
IMPORTANCE AND URGING THE OWNER JOHN
BRUNETTI, AND RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENTAL
AGENCIES SUCH AS THE CITY OF HIALEAH AND THE
SOUTH FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL, TO
TAKE SUCH STEPS AS ARE NECESSARY AND
APPROPRIATE TO PRESERVE HIALEAH PARK TO THE
GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE.
WHEREAS, since 1925, Hialeah Park Race Track ("Hialeah Park") has been recognized
as a gorgeous racetrack, which some call the world's most beautiful race course; and
WHEREAS, its majestic Mediterranean Revival architecture has brought recognition
from many historic organizations, including in 1979, being entered in the National Register of
Historic Places, and in 1988, being declared eligible for National Historic Landmark designation
by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Donald P. Hodel.
WHEREAS, Hialeah Park was also home to a flock of American Flamingos, which
resulted in its being designated a sanctuary by the Audubon Society; and
WHEREAS, horse racing was held at Hialeah Park until 2001, when the Florida
Legislature deregulated the racing dates for the various horse tracks, and Hialeah could not
compete for viable racing dates; and
WHERAS, the buildings at Hialeah Park have since suffered and deteriorated, with
Hurricane Wilma causing such damage in 2005 that the owner requested the City of Hialeah to
remove its historic certification on the stables, which the owner thereafter demolished; and
WHERAS, Bal Bay Realty, Ltd., has filed an application for development approval with
the South Florida Regional Planning Council, for a development of regional impact to permit the
development of 3,760 residential units, 960,000 sq. ft. of retail space, 200,000 sq. ft. of office
space, and 75,000 sq. ft. of museum space at Hialeah Park; and
WHEREAS, the museum space contemplated is the restoration of the historic Hialeah
Park Clubhouse, on approximately 1.9 acres of the 202 acres of which Hialeah Park is
comprised; and
WHEREAS, on June 14, 2007, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named
Hialeah Park to its 2007 list of American's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, the organization Citizens of South Florida for the Preservation of the
Hialeah Race Track is a group of activists seeking alternatives to the residential and commercial
development of the site; and
WHEREAS, it appears that more desirable alternatives to the development proposal
exist that maximize the restoration of the historic character of the site, including providing more
public space surrounding the historic clubhouse, such as a substantial park area including the
clubhouse, gardens and statues; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach recognizes that this is a decision of the City of
Hialeah, which has jurisdiction, and the concerns expressed in this resolution, with respect, are
merely intended to support the City of Hialeah's efforts in addressing the future of this valuable
historic resource; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Commission of the City of Miami Beach urge those involved
in the process reviewing the proposal for the next phase of this historic site make every effort to
preserve that which Hialeah Park was, and what it brought to the City of Hialeah and South
Florida - a majestic and celebrated center of vibrant activity that was and hopefully will again be
a beauty to behold.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby recognize Hialeah Park Race Track as a valuable local and national historic
resource of great importance and urge the owner John Brunetti, and responsible governmental
agencies such as the City of Hialeah and the South Florida Regional Planning Council, to take
such steps as are necessary and appropriate to preserve Hialeah Park to the greatest extent
possible.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of , 2007.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
Approved as to form and
language and for execution
a174~7
RNEY ~ ated
MAYOR
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