Mixed-use complex ‘Magic City Innovation District’ with 2 million square feet of offices advances in Little Haiti

Miami Today by John Charles Robbins

A sweeping mixed-use plan to bring jobs and investment to Little Haiti has just advanced twice on its way to Miami city commissioners.
Magic City Innovation District is planned for more than 17 acres at 6001 NE Second Ave.
The large project would be built in phases, as part of a Special Area Plan (SAP) under the city’s Miami 21 zoning code.
The proposed SAP was recommended for approval, with conditions, on July 18 by the city’s Urban Development Review Board and later by the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board.

The multi-million-dollar project includes redeveloping the site with 2,630 residential units, 432 hotel rooms, 344,548 square feet of commercial-retail uses, 1,987,686 square feet of office uses, and 165,528 square feet, or about 21% lot area, of open space.
Current site plans show the highest proposed building would reach about 25 stories and be in the center portion of the property, with shorter heights of new development fanning outward from the center.
The developers hope to attract a railroad station to the property, as new passenger rail opportunities grow in the region.
Attorney Neisen Kasdin represents the developers, MCD Miami LLC.
In paperwork submitted to the review board, Mr. Kasdin said the proposed Magic City Innovation District SAP consists of 37 abutting parcels in Little Haiti, totaling about 17.75 acres.

“Development within the SAP will be a unique mixed-use urban campus focused on local entrepreneurship and innovation in technology, the arts and entertainment, sustainability and resiliency, and health and wellness,” he wrote.
“The proposed development program will create an integrated urban campus of residential, commercial, office, research and entertainment uses, anchored by 3.8 acres of public open/civic space, including a grand pedestrian central promenade,” Mr. Kasdin wrote.
The project site is generally bounded on the north by the Little Haiti Soccer Park and Northeast 64th Terrace, on the east by Northeast Fourth Court and Northeast Fourth Avenue, on the south by Northeast 60th Street and on the west by Northeast Second Avenue.
Mr. Kasdin said the largest portion of the site is the location of the former Magic City Trailer Park.
He told the review board of the strong development team whose members include Bob Zangrillo, Tony Cho, Neil Fairman, and Cirque de Soleil founder Guy Laliberté.

This project will be the intersection of technology, arts and entertainment, said Mr. Kasdin.
Architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica said the property is home to many large mature trees that they are working to keep and incorporate into the new development.

Another representative of the development team said they plan to keep about 100 trees and relocate about 80.
“They are quite dynamic,” Mr. Fort-Brescia said of the mature trees on the property.
Mr. Fort-Brescia showed an image of the former Lemon City pharmacy office building of Dr. DuPuis, which is to be restored as part of the project.
The project has stirred some concern and opposition, with some people troubled by the size of the project and others worried about it adding to traffic congestion in the growing city.

At the review board meeting, attorney Meena Jagannath a co-founder of Community Justice Project Inc., wanted her objection put on the record to the proposal being heard by both city review boards on the same day.
Ms. Jagannath alleged the developers have sown division into the community, and she said the project being “fast tracked” was upsetting.
She said the developers are offering a fairly weak community benefits package, and she asked that the matter be deferred. She said a broader community review of the project’s impact is needed.
Ms. Jagannath said the plan is insufficient when it comes to traffic, infrastructure support needed, and impacts on the community including displacement.

“This is a big deal,” said Neil Hall, acting chairman of the review board.
Mr. Hall said there needs to an outreach from the developer “so the community feels a part of it.”
Representatives of the developers’ team said there has been extensive community outreach, including three meetings that attracted 80 to 100 attendees. The developers have also been backing and supporting arts and music programs in Little Haiti, and sponsoring business leadership training programs.

Review board member Gerald Marston said there seems to be a disconnect when it comes to community outreach. “You say there’s been no outreach, you say you have,” he said, gesturing to Ms. Jagannath and then the developers’ team.
Regarding site plans showing the retention of trees and planned public walkways, Mr. Marston was complimentary. “You’ve created the pedestrian space in a wonderful fashion. As a master plan, you’re going in the right direction. I commend you,” he said.
“We had this asset. We wanted to make it a focal point,” Mr. Fort-Brescia said of the trees and vegetation existing on the property.
Review board member Fidel Perez said it looks like they are trying to create a park-like development by incorporating existing vegetation, and he called the project “a big positive change.”
Mr. Perez said, “Miami is a great city, one of the best cities in the world. It’s because of this – development. I think you’re trying to do the best thing.”

However, Mr. Perez mentioned, other large mixed-use projects are planned for the same general area, including Miami Jewish Health Systems and Eastside Ridge Special Area Plan.

“We need to see more,” Mr. Perez said, directing his comment to the planning department staff. “We’re only looking at it piece by piece.”
One of the developers, Mr. Fairman, said the Magic City Innovation District will serve to activate the Little Haiti neighborhood.
“It needs the lifeblood of something new. We want to be a part of the community … this is our goal,” he said.
Miami 21 says the purpose of a Special Area Plan is to allow 9 abutting acres or more to be master planned to allow greater integration of public improvements and infrastructure, and “greater flexibility so as to result in higher or specialized quality building and Streetscape design.”
At the zoning board meeting the night of July 18, Mr. Kasdin said: “I think you’ve seen, this has been as comprehensive a plan, as deep an outreach, and as innovative and thoughtful I think of an idea basis for creating a special area plan as any that I can think of in the city.
“We have this opportunity to have this wonderful technology and innovation center with leaders in the industry like Bob Zangrillo, but more particularly, have a Guy Laliberté to do his next great thing in that area here. And all it takes is us being able to go forward, getting the approval, so we can begin starting work on this great initiative.”

The zoning board was considering two resolutions, which were approved on a 7 to 2 vote with modifications.
The first is a resolution recommending approval of amending the city’s land use map by changing the future land use designation from “light industrial” to “restricted commercial” of properties at Northeast 61st Street, 62nd Street, 60th Street and Fourth Avenue, and by changing the future land use designation from “medium density restricted commercial” to “restricted commercial” of the acreage at 6001 NE Second Ave.
The other resolution is recommending approval, with conditions, of rezoning some parcels for the development of about 17.75 acres for the Magic City Special Area Plan at approximately 6001 and 6041 NE Second Ave.; Northeast Fourth Avenue, Fourth Court, 60th Street, 61st Street and 62nd Street.

PRIVACY

This privacy policy has been compiled to better serve those who are concerned with how their ‘Personally Identifiable Information’ (PII) is being used online. PII, as described in US privacy law and information security, is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person, or to identify an individual in context. Please read our privacy policy carefully to get a clear understanding of how we collect, use, protect or otherwise handle your Personally Identifiable Information in accordance with our website.

WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION DO WE COLLECT FROM THE PEOPLE THAT VISIT OUR BLOG, WEBSITE OR APP?

We only collect information regarding traffic to our website. We do not collect personal information of any kind from users of our site.

WHEN DO WE COLLECT INFORMATION?

We collect information traffic information when users are on our website.

HOW DO WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION?

Our website is scanned on a regular basis for security holes and known vulnerabilities in order to make your visit to our site as safe as possible.
We do not use an SSL certificate.
We only provide articles and information. We never ask for personal or private information like names, email addresses, or credit card numbers.

DO WE USE ‘COOKIES’?

We do use cookies for tracking purposes
You can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies. You do this through your browser settings. Since browser is a little different, look at your browser’s Help Menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies.
If you turn cookies off, some of the features that make your site experience more efficient may not function properly.that make your site experience more efficient and may not function properly.

THIRD-PARTY DISCLOSURE

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your Personally Identifiable Information unless we provide users with advance notice. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release information when it’s release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others’ rights, property or safety.
However, non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.

THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Occasionally, at our discretion, we may include or offer third-party products or services on our website. These third-party sites have separate and independent privacy policies. We therefore have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites. Nonetheless, we seek to protect the integrity of our site and welcome any feedback about these sites.

Google
We have implemented the following:
We, along with third-party vendors such as Google use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookies) to compile data regarding traffic to the website, including locations from which the site is visited, and amount of time spent on the site.

California Online Privacy Protection Act
CalOPPA is the first state law in the nation to require commercial websites and online services to post a privacy policy. The law’s reach stretches well beyond California to require any person or company in the United States (and conceivably the world) that operates websites collecting Personally Identifiable Information from California consumers to post a conspicuous privacy policy on its website stating exactly the information being collected and those individuals or companies with whom it is being shared. – See more at: http://consumercal.org/california-online-privacy-protection-act-caloppa/#sthash.0FdRbT51.dpuf

According to CalOPPA, we agree to the following:
Users can visit our site anonymously.
Once this privacy policy is created, we will add a link to it on our home page or as a minimum, on the first significant page after entering our website.
Our Privacy Policy link includes the word ‘Privacy’ and can easily be found on the page specified above.
You will be notified of any Privacy Policy changes:
• On our Privacy Policy Page
Can change your personal information:
• By emailing us

How does our site handle Do Not Track signals
We honor Do Not Track signals and Do Not Track, plant cookies, or use advertising when a Do Not Track (DNT) browser mechanism is in place.

DOES OUR SITE ALLOW THIRD-PARTY BEHAVIORAL TRACKING?

It’s also important to note that we do not allow third-party behavioral tracking
COPPA (Children Online Privacy Protection Act)
When it comes to the collection of personal information from children under the age of 13 years old, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) puts parents in control. The Federal Trade Commission, United States’ consumer protection agency, enforces the COPPA Rule, which spells out what operators of websites and online services must do to protect children’s privacy and safety online.
We do not specifically market to children under the age of 13 years old.

Fair Information Practices
The Fair Information Practices Principles form the backbone of privacy law in the United States and the concepts they include have played a significant role in the development of data protection laws around the globe. Understanding the Fair Information Practice Principles and how they should be implemented is critical to comply with the various privacy laws that protect personal information.
In order to be in line with Fair Information Practices we will take the following responsive action, should a data breach occur:
We will notify you via email within 7 business days
We also agree to the Individual Redress Principle which requires that individuals have the right to legally pursue enforceable rights against data collectors and processors who fail to adhere to the law. This principle requires not only that individuals have enforceable rights against data users, but also that individuals have recourse to courts or government agencies to investigate and/or prosecute non-compliance by data processors.

CONTACTING US

If there are any questions regarding this privacy policy,
you may contact us using the information below.

magiccitydistrict.com
6161 NE 3rd Avenue Suite 3
Miami, Florida 33137

LEGAL TERMS OF USE

PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS BEFORE USING THIS WEBSITE. USE OF THE WEBSITE SIGNIFIES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF, AND AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND BY, EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising, marketing and sales program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

All plans, sketches, renderings, pictures, illustrations, images, designs, finishes, amenities, sizes and dimensions, facilities, services, and other features and matters depicted or described herein, are conceptual in nature and are based upon preliminary development plans, which are subject to change, and may not be representative of the amenities, services, facilities, or other improvements ultimately included within, or made available to, the project. The development of this project is expected to take many years and development and other plans will likely be modified from time to time in response to market conditions and other factors. All improvements, programs, designs and construction are subject to first obtaining the appropriate federal, state and local permits and approvals for same. No representations or other assurances upon which a buyer, lessee, or any other party may rely are made that any improvements or other matters depicted or described herein will be provided or, if provided, that they will be of the same type, size, location or nature as depicted or described herein.

Depictions of surrounding areas are for conceptual purposes only, which are not entirely accurate, may change from time to time, and which may be may be substantially altered or eliminated by future development, forces of nature, or otherwise. The developer makes no representations as to the present or future accuracy of, nor shall buyers rely upon, any such renderings or other materials.

Any and all references to and/or renderings of proposed projects, services, or nearby facilities are proposed only, may not be constructed or made available, and are not being developed by the developer. The developer has no control over those projects, services, or facilities, and there is no guarantee that they will be developed or made available, or if so, when and what they will consist of. Restaurants, business, and/or other establishments are anticipated to be operated from portions of the project, or adjacent projects, which are not owned by the developer and/or may be offered for sale or lease to third parties. Any restaurants, business, and other establishments and/or any operators of same referenced herein are subject to change at any time, and no representations regarding restaurants, businesses and/or operators within the project may be relied upon. The use of the commercial and other spaces will be in discretion of the purchasers or lessees of those spaces and there is no assurance that they will be used for the purposes, and/or with the operators, named herein.

All square footages and dimensions are estimates based on preliminary plans and will vary with actual construction. All plans, specifications and other development plans are proposed and conceptual only, and are subject to change and will not necessarily accurately reflect the final plans and specifications.

The trademarks, service marks, graphics, renderings and logos used on this Site, if any, are trademarks of developer and others. No license or right to use any trademark contained on this Site is granted, whether by implication or otherwise, and any use of any trademark contained on this Site is expressly prohibited unless authorized in writing by the trademark holder.

To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, the developer, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, affiliates, members, managers, agents, employees, licensees, and/or assigns, hereby disclaims any responsibility or liability of any kind for any damages, whether they be direct, indirect, punitive, special, consequential, or any contribution or indemnity of any kind whatsoever, caused by or arising out of this website or any information contained herein, including, without limitation, the use or unavailability of this website. Additionally, access to and use of other internet sites (if any), whether linked hereto or otherwise, is at the user’s own risk, and the Developer is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information, opinion, advise or statements made on these websites. In no event shall anything set forth herein be relied upon for financial, tax, accounting, investment, business or legal advice.