City Planning going on right now

 

http://miami.granicus.com/ASX.php?publish_...mi.granicus.com

The Planning committee approved the plan 6-1. The 1 "no" vote was this one d*%k, not sure of his name...I think it was Mann, who kept bringing up his issue with funding and had to be constantly reminded that the project was already approved and funding was not the concern of his board. How this guy got on a planning board when he clearly can't be objective is beyond me, but at least the plan was approved easily.

Miami board OK's plans for Florida Marlins stadium

 

Architectural and transportation plans for the Florida Marlins future ballpark were approved by Miami's Planning Advisory Board.

 

With limited discussion and a few questions, Miami's city planners moved the Florida Marlins ballpark plan forward Wednesday night, laying the groundwork for city commissioners to adopt the final design.

 

Miami's Planning Advisory Board passed the architectural and transportation plans put together with input from Miami and Miami-Dade administrators, 6-1, with only board member Paul Mann voting against.

 

OPEN SPACE

 

Members did request one condition: That outside the stadium, including four acres of open space that includes the ballpark's Grand Plaza, be available to the public on the days and evenings the team doesn't play home games.

 

The Marlins and city staff said that wouldn't be a problem. Last month, Miami and Miami-Dade commissioners gave approval to the facility's $634 million financing plan.

 

The new ballpark, which is expected to open in April 2012, will seat 37,000, have a retractable roof and 62 suites.

 

But the public received a glimpse into the finer details of the ballpark Wednesday.

 

The park's left center-field area, which faces downtown Miami's skyline, will have a clear surface so fans inside the stadium can see out -- and fans outside can see in.

 

The team hopes to have a water taxi transport service on game days, and the parking garages could be lined with windows and overhangs outside retail developments and apartments.

 

PARKING SPACES

 

There will be space for 5,809 cars, and the stadium's retractable roof -- three pieces that roll to one side to cover the Grand Plaza -- will sky to 269 feet.

 

Planning member Dr. Ernest Martin also requested the outer part of the ballpark be designated as a city park, noting that Miami has ranked at the bottom in park space among major cities.

 

 

 

 

moving right along....good to hear.

The 1 "no" vote was this one d*%k, not sure of his name...I think it was Mann.

Yep -- Paul Mann.

The 1 "no" vote was this one d*%k, not sure of his name...I think it was Mann.

Yep -- Paul Mann.

 

Thanks for the confirmation. What a d-bag. He thought he would take over the meeting by voicing his concerns about funding....had to constantly be reminded that the funding was already agreed upon.

Finally coming together ... :arms

http://blogs.trb.com/sports/cu..._update_no_20_t.html

 

Marlins Stadium Update No. 2.0 (The next chapter)

> Posted by Sarah Talalay at 5:07 PM

 

So, with financing approved, the Marlins ballpark project has now moved to the next stage ? permitting, issuing bonds, examining and tweaking blueprints. On Wednesday, Miami?s Planning Advisory Board considered the ballpark plans for a Major Use Special Permit. That?s the permit that?s needed to get the ballpark constructed.

 

Since the $515 million ballpark and $94 million in parking spaces are planned for the former site of the Orange Bowl, the process is simpler than if it were planned for a site that had never housed a stadium.

 

Planning Advisory Board members heard from representatives of stadium architect HOK Sport (the company was renamed Populous this week, but apparently the change hasn?t yet occurred in Florida), and a transportation planner. They got an overview of how the ballpark is meant to fit into the surrounding Little Havana community, some of its unique features and key details about getting to and parking at the ballpark.

 

The architects said they view the ballpark as a ?piece of art,? or ?a sculpture? in an urban neighborhood. The ballpark will be ?facing toward the city of Miami skyline to really place the building in the city of Miami,? said Greg Sherlock, HOK Sport principal. The way it?s designed, the outfield frames downtown Miami.

 

The roof is created in three panels that stack over the grand west plaza, a vast area with a reflecting pool that will become the focal point, not only for entry to the stadium, but also for pre- and post-game activities, and community events and gatherings.

 

?It?s a Kodak moment, where people want to enter the building,? Sherlock said.

 

Four mixed use garages with retail on the first floor are to flank the ballpark -- two on the north and two on the south. They are to feature wide ? 15- to 21-foot ? sidewalks alongside them. The idea is to make the ballpark pedestrian-friendly and a good fit within the neighborhood. Three surface lots each are planned on the east and west sides of the ballpark. There are also plans for residential units and a mix of landscaping with palms and shade trees.

 

Two Metrorail stations are within a mile of the stadium. Officials are exploring using water taxis on the Miami River as a method of reaching the ballpark.

 

Planning Advisory Board members raised minor concerns about ensuring enough recreational space for the public and about the type of landscaping. Board member Paul Mann questioned the financing of the deal, worrying that it puts the city?s general fund at risk.

 

?It makes me very uncomfortable that the negotiators on the city side did not protect the general fund,? Mann said. ?We can build the stadium and hope everything works fine, but ultimately it?s the city of Miami?s general fund at stake here.?

 

But Mann and other board members were reminded their role was to consider the details of the ballpark?s blueprint, not the financing, which had already been debated by the city commission.

 

The board voted 6-1, with Mann dissenting, to recommend the permit for the ballpark?s construction.

 

Miami City Commissioners are to consider the permit later this month. Miami-Dad County Commissioners are to consider the documents to issue more than $300 million in bonds for ballpark construction at their meeting on Tuesday.