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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A MODIFICATION TO THE MASTER PLAN OF FRUIT AND SPICE PARK IN ORDER TO INCORPORATE CHANGES TO THE LAKE SLOPES WITHIN THE PARK SITE, LOCATED AT 18700 SW 248TH STREET, IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 33-303 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

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WHEREAS, this Board desires to accomplish the purposes outlined in the accompanying memorandum, a copy of which is incorporated herein by reference, and has conducted a public hearing in compliance with the provisions of Section 33-303 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida,


NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that


Section 1. This Board hereby finds and declares that the modification to the Master Plan in order to incorporate changes to the lake slopes at Fruit and Spice Park, located at 18700 SW 248th Street, more specifically described as follows:


SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT A
is necessary to provide for and protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Miami-Dade County, Florida and in so finding, has considered, among other factors, the type of function involved, the public need therefore, the land use pattern in the area, and the nature of the impact on the surrounding property.

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Date:

To: Honorable Chairman Bruno A. Barreiro
and Members, Board of County Commissioners

From: George M. Burgess
County Manager


Subject:Governmental Facilities Hearing Application Modification to the Fruit and Spice Park Master Plan GF07-12

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Board of County Commissioners (Board) approve the attached resolution authorizing a modification to the Master Plan for the Fruit and Spice Park in order to incorporate changes to the approved slopes for the lake located within the park site, in compliance with Section 33-303 of the Code of Miami-Dade County. This item was prepared by General Services Administration at the request of the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department and is recommended for approval.



LOCATION: 18700 SW 248th Street, in southwest Miami-Dade County, Florida.

COMMISSION DISTRICT: 8

COMMISSION DISTRICT
IMPACTED: Countywide

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Fruit and Spice Park began in 1943 as a 20 acre County park showcasing tropical fruits, nuts and spices that flourish in Southeast Florida. Since then, more than 15 acres have been added to the park. The park development was the achievement of many years of work by Mary Heinlein, nursery grower; Preston Bird, Dade County Commissioner; A.D. Barnes, Parks Department Director and William Lyman Phillips, Landscape Architect. After more than 60 years, the park is now renowned for both its plant collection and the historic district in which it is located.

MANAGER'S BACKGROUND

On July 7, 1998, the Board of County Commissioners approved the Master Plan for Fruit and Spice Park via Resolution R-751-98. The Master Plan illustrates a mixed layout of plant collections, pedestrian and tram paths, a scenic lake, an entrance complex complete with historic buildings, a maintenance yard and interpretive structures.

Since 1998, the Park and Recreation Department has continued to refine their design for the park; and, through this application, they are now requesting to construct the lake with varying slopes. The previously approved requirement for the lake slopes was seven (7) feet horizontal for every one (1) foot vertical. The proposed slopes will vary from nearly flat to one (1) foot horizontal to five (5) feet vertical at the steepest. At the steepest slope, the Department has agreed to install a 42� high wood railing and walls that curve from the railings to the water as an added safety measure. The proposed scenic lake will be excavated to a depth not to exceed 20 feet.

JUSTIFICATION: The proposed lake design will enhance the aesthetic atmosphere of the park and provide a meditative aspect for the visitors and tourists who frequent the park for festivals and classes, as well as expert gardening and botanical advice. The lake will support a variety of aquatic agricultural practices which include raising fish. The excavated material will be used to create a tiered rice paddy directly south of the lake. Natural filtration and mechanical water circulation will be used to manage a healthy aquatic environment.

DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE: The project will commence upon approval by the Board of County Commissioners and is expected to be completed in 2009.

FUNDING SOURCES: The estimated budget for the development of the lake is $1,116,948.00. The breakdown is as follows:


Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond $479,717.30
Building Better Communities Bond $637,230.70


SITE REVIEW COMMITTEE: The committee�s task is to review projects subject to Section 33-303 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, with regard to the public need for the proposed facility, its impact upon the surrounding community, and other similar considerations. The committee reviewed this project on January 16, 2008. Since that time, the department has been addressing issues raised during the review process, ultimately satisfying all requirements of the committee, thereby receiving unanimous approval in March 2008.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Since the only modification to the plan previously approved by Community Council # 14 in 1998 is the slope of the lake, this item was not submitted for additional review by Community Council.

PUBLIC HEARING: Section 33-303 of the Code of Miami-Dade County provides that, prior to the construction or operation of a facility in the unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade, a favorable public hearing before the Board of County Commissioners is required. The Board may only authorize use, construction and operation of such facilities after considering, among other factors, the public need for the facility, the type of function involved, existing land use patterns in that area and the nature of the impact of the facility on surrounding property. The attached report from the Miami-Dade County Site Review Committee addresses these factors.


MONITOR: Shannon Clark, Real Estate Officer


DELEGATED AUTHORITY: This resolution does not delegate any authority to the Mayor or the County Manager.


______________________
Director
General Services Administration