The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m.

Presentation by Attorney Vicky Garcia Toledo on the development for 2101-2105 Brickell Avenue, Brickell Bay Village

The developer is proposing a 421-unit luxury rental building with 6 levels of parking for 21 residential stories with monthly rental rates starting at $1,200/month for studios. The developer is applying for a major use special permit which is required for projects with 200 or more units. Located between The Atlantis and Bristol Tower, with 199 units and 147 units respectively, many neighbors have concerns about the project, it's density and design. Several directors questioned the developer's contribution to the Low Income Housing Trust in exchange for an increase in allowable development. The Bristol has engaged attorney John Shubin and The Atlantis will be getting legal representation as well.

Mel Frankel moved and Ron Smith seconded the motion:

"The BHA Board of Directors expresses concern from a conceptual basis over the proposed development at 2101-2105 Brickell Avenue, subject to a future meeting when more information should be available at which time a final vote will be made."

The motion passed with one dissenting vote.

President's Report

City of Miami Franchising of Garbage Hauling. The City Administration will recommend that the current 20 waste haulers be licensed citywide and no exclusive contracts be issued. The commission may vote to issue a Request for Proposals for exclusive franchises by district.

Mel Frankel moved and Ron Smith seconded the following motion as amended by Tory Jacobs:

"The managers of BHA member condo associations should work out terms of their contracts with their garbage haulers to limit pick up hours to after 8 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends."

The motion passed unanimously.

Supplemental Waste Fee. In four weeks the refund checks should go out to those condo associations that paid the fee which has since been rescinded.

Publix Traffic. The developer, Harvey Taylor, has looked at the 14th Street back entrance traffic problems with an engineer. They will recommend dead-ending the 14th Street access and adding access direct to 15th Road through their Metromover right-of-way.

LaSalle Aparthotel. Has joined BHA as an Associate Member.

Aircraft Noise. Commissioners Plummer, Regalado and Morales are working to get our federal legislative delegation down to Miami for a Town Hall Meeting to bring the subject to their attention with the expectation that our representatives will exert some pressure on the FAA.

Hampton Inn. Planning to add a third story to the east-west wing.

Brickell Avenue Medians - Jim Kay - Public Works - City of Miami

Mr. Kay explained the work that the new contractor, Florida Lawn Service Inc., will be doing to restore the medians on Brickell, including replacing dead trees, fixing the irrigation system, weeding out plant beds, adding mulch, etc. Directors expressed concern over the "disgraceful" look of the dried out, dying medians, as well as the choice of plants, their height and in some cases, that visibility is impaired due to the plants at the ends of medians. Mr. Kay said they need to give the new contractor some time to get things looking better, perhaps six weeks.

Speeding on Brickell

Lt. Rick Walterman brought the results of the speed trailer and computer that was deployed on Brickell April 13 & 14. The analysis found that of the 12,000 vehicles traveling by in a 30-hour time frame, only .5% were traveling at a speed police could cite for speeding (64 cars). It was suggested that the police try the system on a weekend when cars aren't impeded from speeding due to traffic.

FDOT Traffic Slow Down Plans

Robert Register presented plans to add 8 new speed signs between 8th Street and 26th Road on Brickell Avenue to the 11 signs already in place. Additionally, pavement markings and reflectors will be added at Brickell Avenue and 15th Road and on the utility pole at that location.

Brickell Avenue is on the "high crash" list at #125 of 199 locations in Miami-Dade County.

The next meeting will be held at the Santa Maria Club House on Wednesday, May 19, 6 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.