HomeMy Public PortalAbout1996-09-05 Workshop Meeting238
COUNCIL MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING - SEPTEMBER 5, 1996
The workshop meeting of the Bal Harbour Village Council was
held on Thursday, September 5, 1996, in the Council Chamber at Bal
Harbour Village Hall. The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m.
by Mayor Spiegel. The roll was called and those present were:
Mayor Estelle Spiegel
Assistant Mayor Matthew B. Blank
Councilman James. E. Boggess
Councilman Andrew R. Hirschl
Councilman Sol M. Taplin
Also present: Alfred J. Treppeda, Village Manager
Jeanette Horton, Village Clerk
Dan Nieda, Building Official
Stephen Helfman, Village Attorney
As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting
commenced.
Mayor Spiegel explained the purpose of this meeting is strictly a
discussion concerning only the Ocean Front property of the Bal
Harbour Club.
Mr. Helfman stated this is a workshop meeting, not a zoning
hearing. No final decisions will be made with respect to any aspect
to the zoning on this property. This workshop meeting is for the
developer to present what his plans are for the Ocean Front
property. He continued to explain that anything said by this
Council is without prejudice, and it would not be used in any legal
proceeding, which may follow, from any zoning hearings, should a
hearing be conducted in the future.
Dina Cellini, 211 Bal Cross Drive, addressed the Council and stated
in her opinion, this workshop is entirely inappropriate, since no
zoning application has been filed. She further stated if the
Council allows this workshop to continue it implies the Council's
agreement to the rezoning. She then stated that this developer is
not a resident or taxpayer of the Village, and it is her opinion no
other municipality in Dade County would permit a workshop as is
being permitted here today. She then proceeded to ask the Council
to move again as to whether this workshop is appropriate, as well
as how each of the Council stands on the issue of the propriety of
this workshop.
Councilman Taplin stated the mistake that the Council has made is
by calling this a workshop meeting. This is a presentation by the
developer to show the Council what they propose to build on this
property. He then proceeded to ask the Village Attorney if this is
a workshop meeting in order to work out issues with the developer.
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not
Mr. Helfman replied no this is not a negotiation meeting.
Mayor Spiegel stated the Council is going to listen and make no
comments. She further stated the developer is here only to make a
presentation. This Council only wants what is best for Ba1 Harbour.
Councilman Hirschl asked Mr. Helfman to comment on the issues that
Ms. Cellini raised. Mr. Helfman replied the conducting of this
workshop is totally within the Council's discretion. He further
stated this is not a zoning hearing, and if the Council wishes to
make comments, the statements would be protected.
Ms. Cellini stated for the record, in her opinion, this is a zoning
hearing in disguise. She further stated the developer should
follow the same procedures as the developer of the Palace and
Majestic.
A motion was offered by Councilman Hirschl to deny holding this
workshop today. There was no second to the motion.
The following residents stated they would like to hear from the
developer:
Sidney Huberman, a resident of Ba1 Harbour
Anthony Lang, 156 Park Drive
The following residents asked for clarification if the property has
been purchased:
Denis McGeary, Ba1 Harbour Manor
Abel Holz, Bal Harbour Tower
Mr. Shulman, Attorney of the firm Greenberg Taurig, explained that
the Ava Group has a contract to purchase the property, and if the
purchase is not finalized, they hold a 21 year option. He then
proceeded to introduce Charles Seger, Jose Suarez, and Bill Eagle,
the Architects. They then showed a rendering of the proposed
building, which is proposed for 39 stories. Mr. Seger compared the
proposed building to that of the Portifino on South Beach.
Mr. Shulman then proceeded to introduce Clay Dickerson, who
conducted a study on the feasibility of building a hotel on the
property. Mr.Dickerson explained it would not be economically
feasible to build a hotel on this property.
Mr. Shulman then proceeded to introduce the Libfeld Brothers, of
the Ava Group. Sheldon Libfeld addressed the Council and further
explained the project.
Anthony Lang, 156 Park Drive, Vice President of the Bal Harbour
Club, explained the membership has ratified the contract.
Therefore, the Ava Group must close on the purchase. Also, no
further lawsuits are pending.
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The following residents asked if the Ocean and Yacht Property are
tied to the other:
Sean Clancy, 211 Bal Cross Drive
Nina Rudolph, 212 Bal Bay Drive
Mr. Shulman replied part of the contract calls for the renovation
of the Yacht Club.
Sean Clancy, 211 Bal Cross Drive, read from the notice sent to the
residents. He would like another vote on holding this workshop.
The following residents objected to compare Bal Harbour with South
Beach, and the safety issue:
Douglas Rudolph, 212 Bal Bay Drive
Rosely Meyers, The Plaza
Charles Ilvento, 10205 Collins Avenue
M. Lettie, 32 Camden Drive
Edward Needle, 73 Bal Bay Drive
Cheryl Goldbery, The Plaza
In the opinion of the following residents, construction should be
frozen:
Charles Ilvento, 10205 collins
Cheryl Goldberg, The Plaza
Joseph Lansing, 160 Biscay Drive, stated in his opinion, it is not
feasible to pay $34 million for the property, and spend 2 million
on renovation of the Yacht Club property.
A motion was offered by Councilman Boggess and seconded by
Councilman Taplin to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-
0), and the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Mayer Estelle Spiegel
Attest:
eanette Horton, CMC/AAE
Village Clerk
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