C4A-Ref- LUDC - Higher Education For Dev Of Municipal Assets In N Beach -WeitIBE
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
Rafael Granado, City Clerk
Commissioner Deede Weithorn
March 20, 2013
SUBJECT: Referral to Land Use and Development Committee:
Attracting Institutions of Higher Education to North Beach
The City of Miami Beach planning staff have, over the past several months, reengaged in
discussions regarding the development of the parking lot located between 72nd and 73rd Street
and Collins Avenue in addition to the development of the west lots between 79th and sih
Street and Collins Avenue.
Commissioner Weithorn recognizes the importance of building upon the assets owned by the
City as we seek to stimulate the economy in North Beach. And, as such, it is Commissioner
Weithorn's desire to attract development and partnerships that contribute to the existing
businesses, quality of life, facilities, housing, etc.
By means of this memorandum, Commissioner Weithorn would like to make a referral to the
Land Use and Development committee to consider the solicitation of letters of interest from
institutions of higher education for the development of our municipal assets in North Beach.
The economic impacts of universities and colleges have proven to be significant to the
communities in which they are located. According to studies published on the impact of
universities in communities, these institutions of higher education often seek to expand into
areas where housing and transportation costs are attainable and affordable to their students.
Recognizing this, in 2012 the City of Sweetwater engaged in efforts to annex Florida
International University's Engineering Campus. Sweetwater's intention was to partner with FlU
in becoming a pedestrian friendly environment that would dramatically boost economic
development and quality of life in the area.
As part the studies conducted regarding the annexation of FlU's Engineering Campus by the
City of Sweetwater it was determined that the following could come about as a result:
• Struggling neighborhoods and nearby business districts will prosper in a
growing college town atmosphere.
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• The annexation will create integrated approaches that actively mix solutions for
transportation, education, environmental protection, economic development, safe and
affordable housing, and public health.
• Revitalize underutilized and economically depressed areas though design
improvements for public spaces to accommodate large-scale and high quality
pedestrian movements.
• Provide for redevelopment strategies that are equitable and transformative.
• Create educational enhancements and engagement that will embrace the diversity of
residents and business owners so as to make the City and nearby neighborhoods more
livable for all.
• Create more jobs closer to home for people of all income levels, intentionally avoid
residential and business displacement, and accelerate economic activity, technology
transfer, and opportunity related to all the area institutions of higher education.
The above listed effects of a Sweetwater I FlU partnership are very similar to the end results
we aspire to achieve in North Beach as we consider the development of the assets in the area.
The availability of City owned vacant land, existing businesses, affordable housing, and
accessibility to public transportation in North Beach could present a very unique opportunity
to attract an institution of higher education which could bring about significant contributions
to the existing businesses, cultural centers, and housing inventory.
As part of this referral to the Land Use Committee, it is Commissioner Weithorn's desire for the
Administration to study the feasibility and potential economic impact of an institution of
higher education entering the North Beach area.
Should you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at
extension 6528.
Alex J. Fernandez,
Deputy to Commissioner Weithorn
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