FINAL POW WOW FRAUGHT WITH CONTENTIOUS JAW BONING!

THE CONSORTIUM TO SAVE HIDDEN LAKE PARK

* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FINAL POW WOW FRAUGHT WITH CONTENTIOUS JAW BONING!

On the evening of 9-18-07 Richard Freer and Trish Marsiano, Co Chairs, CSHLP, along with a resident of Tuscany Village, met with the developer Al Adrian and his attorney J Vazquez at the office of Tim Hyman, just west of HLP.

Later Prof. Freer said that "although AA is courteous and professional, he is willing to compromise only insofar as selling off a cheunk at TOP DOLLAR ($22. PSF) as to a provision for a public access park area, large or small. He will consider filling in more of the lake aftrer five years. He intends to max out the amount of (3 story!) office retail and warehouse space, despite 'for lease' signs on vacant properties along 128 St and 137 Av!"

"However there is a huge impetus from the thousands of families who treasure the history of picnic pleasures and boating blasts for several decades to get the Dade Parks Dept to come up with liability insurance etc. and foundations to pay for some of the land 1-2 acres for public access!!!"

"Already traffic on two lane 128 Street and 127 Av is a blank blank NIGHTMARE!!!"

"THE MOST INTERESTING THING IS THAT A STATE REP, WHO HAS CHANGED HIS MIND SINCE HE ACTED AS THE CC CHAIR TO APPROVE THE ZONING OF HLP TO INDUSTRIAL SOME TEN YEARS AGO, NOW SAYS THAT A COMMUNITY COUNCIL CAN REVISIT THE ISSUE AND MAKE IT A PARK."

* TO REPEAT, A STATE REP. STATES THAT COMMUNITY COUNCIL CAN REVISIT AND CHANGE THE ZONING!
REP. ZAPATA'S ORAL STATEMENT (A MESSAGE ON OUR VOICEMAIL) WILL BE POSTED, IF THERE IS INTEREST.

* WE BELIEVE WITH ALL OF OUR HEART THAT THIS SHOULD BE A PARK. SEE THE PETITION! RSVP!

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArdGA0aXmkkDB0CxDusCyyXxEarK_JLyegkCU4XrO7L2SVziifCnvpf8oTXrLswVsuQV6gGNILuQkdjbbzoMiJIH4tFI2fc1XJHptQ1eUA7qhydBT0Z7R0xhf_8a4t2W3Ribb5MOqDy0/s1600-h/image002.gif

On Oct 2, if the Council grant Adrian Homes' request, an appeal will be filed and litigation will ensue, if necessary, so as to preclude that AH will jam the maximum amount of concrete onto HLP.

>
Here is a letter from the Rep. JZ
> Subject: Re: THE CONSORTIUM TO SAVE HIDDEN LAKE PARK
>
>
>> Hi Richard,
>>
>> I had a lengthy conversation with the developer and do believe the best
>> route to pursue is a win/win. From experience I know that there is a
>> point where things get so personalized that nothing good comes out of it.
>>
>> I expressed our interest of promoting access and green space in the area.
>> He told me of legal and liability issues as well as the economic
>> circumstances and development expectations that went into the purchase of
>> the property.
>>
>> I have known Mr Adrian for many years and he is one of the better
>> developers both in product and character.
>>
>> As to the meeting, I would recommend you sit down with him first. We will
>> be having a special session and that will throw my travel schedule into
>> disarray and I don't want that to hold up any discussions. You can keep
>> me apprised as to any progress and my aide can sit in on any meeting. I
>> will stay on top of things and continue to work with you and the
>> developer to find a positive outcome we can all support.
>>
>> Let me know if this ok with you.
>>
>> Thank you...jcz
>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: <rhfreer@bellsouth.net>
>>
>> Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:25:40
>> To:"JCZ CSHLP" <JCZapata@aol.com>
>> Cc:"CSHLP TRISH" <TRISHMARSIANO@BELLSOUTH.NET>, <dfreer@dadeschools.net>,
>> "HLP ERICK" <ERICK@ZOCREATIVEINC.COM>, <ypineiro@miamiherald.com>,
>> "Javier Vazquez" <javivaz@bellsouth.net>, "mondo"
>> <mondoc@bellsouth.net>, <Moni0622@aol.com>
>> Subject: THE CONSORTIUM TO SAVE HIDDEN LAKE PARK
>>
>>
>>
>> http://savehiddenlakepark.blogspot.com/
>> <http://savehiddenlakepark.blogspot.com/>
>>
>> JCZ
>>
>> Your letter has been warmly received by the members of CSHLP!
>>
>> Can you spare an hour to meet with Mr. Adrian and a few of our folks
>> within a week or so in an attempt to arrive at a mutually acceptable
>> compromise? We would meet in the clubhouse of Tuscany Village on the
>> south shore of HL.
>>
>> Perhaps an amicable resolution can be reached, instead of interminable
>> squabbling and appeals. There are many members who want the whole
>> shebang, and are prepared to wave picket signs on two afternoons each
>> week, however
>> most of us are willing to entertain a healthy compromise.
>> Rsvp.
>>
>> Thanks again!
>>
>> Richard Freer
>> Trish Marsiano
>> Co Chairs
>> CSHLP

A STATE REP WHO USED TO BE ON THE COMM COUNCIL 11 SUPPORTS US AND SAYS HLP CAN BE REZONED

He too used to cavort and gambol on the shores!

WE MUST STOP THE PARKLAND PROJECT JUGGERNAUT! THE EVERGLADES ARE AT RISK!

Commissioner Martinez: Why is Everyone Ramrodding That CSX Rail on Us? Guest Blog by KendallKop

via Eye On Miami by Genius of Despair on 9/13/07

(There is a very important CSX story in the Tampa Tribune Tribune Investigation-Last Stop In Rail Plan: Tampa and guess who they picture in the story: Our own Miamian, Armando Codina! - Genius)

As a long-time resident of Kendall, defender of the rights of citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable, I wish to question the bizarre, perhaps bordering on the perverse, push behind the CSX railroad/commuter rail proposals, which have been ram-rodded through by the MPO, its consultants, and its staff.

A very narrow vote excised the CSX proposal, but additional votes are coming before the Metro Commission, and until the puppeteer pulling the strings is exposed, anything can - and in Miami-Dade - usually does, happen.

For almost a year there has been suspicion about the political motivation behind the CSX proposal. Is Miami Dade County Commissioner Martinez the man behind the scenes pulling all the strings?

As it turns out, Lennar has bought/or has an option on Ed Easton's mega acreage: Parkland (not sure how they are connected but they are). Parkland is currently in the pipeline as a development of regional impact (meaning it is really BIG). It is west of the present Urban Development Boundary (UDB) line - the line beyond which no county services are provided (I believe it is one house per 5 acres) but Parkland developers are trying to get very dense zoning on this buffer land and they need to show State regulators that they have transportation out there.

While the advocates of the CSX line claim the line will run from the Zoo on Coral Reef to - at first Miami International Airport - but recently cut back to Kendall Drive - in reality their plans indicate the line will run west of Tamiami Airport, cross the UDB, and - coincidence of all coincidences, the CSX line just happens to border this Parkland DRI!

In other words:

We taxpayers are being asked - indeed pushed - to pay for refurbishing of CSX tracks (so the railroad can more efficiently run its freight trains - and at night, too - all night, in fact), install a so-called commuter line which would pick up a very few number of passengers - and open land for already rich developers that have a transportation concurrency problem to fix. CSX is the fix.

The point being that once an infrastructure is in place, developers will call for the right to build.

The outside consultant, Mr. Stiles, the inside pusher Mr. Fernandez, continue to doggedly, and as was written above, perversely call for this CSX nonsense. It must be stopped.

Everything is wrong with the proposal such as:

First, it runs at right angles to the problem. The problem is 65,000 cars running east-west on Kendall Drive. The CSX answer runs north-south.

Second, the original heavy train proposal was scrapped hurriedly in the face of TOTAL resident opposition, and replaced with a lighter diesel component, going only so far north as Kendall Drive. The train would then turn east at 97th Avenue, going somewhere near Dadeland. This train would have rails embedded in the ground, providing a slick surface, on which Miami drivers would skid during and after every rainstorm.

Third, passengers would have to exit the trolley/train in the center of Kendall Drive, and would surely be killed before getting to the safety of the sidewalk.

Fourth, the turn eastward would completely duplicate another foolish approach by the consultants - that of a dedicated busway on Kendall. This busway would not allow normal automobile traffic in its lane, would also pick up and discharge passengers from the center of the street, and would take up at least three (3) lanes of traffic, one each way, plus the bus stop itself. Miami has already had the distinction of having the rudest drivers in the entire country - don't even think for a moment that those same drivers will understand or care about a bus or trolley passenger getting off in the middle of Kendall Drive.

The ONLY viable answer to the east-west congestion on Kendall Drive, one which would allow left turns in both directions, one which would accommodate the handicapped, one which would not remove necessary driving lanes, one which would accommodate 15,000 riders daily, is an extension of MetroRail west on Kendall.

Please think about this, and suggest it at the September 19th meeting.

A nice article in the Miami Herald re HLP...

>
>> Residents rally to save the Lake
>> Neighbors of Hidden Lake continued the fight during the holiday weekend
>> to
>> save at least a slice of the West Kendall area property.
>> Posted on Thu, Sep. 06, 2007
>> BY YUDY PINEIRO
>> ypineiro@MiamiHerald.com
>> A county park planner gave a small group of West Kendall community
>> activists
>> some hope Sunday when he told them there's a chance they can save some of
>> the Hidden Lake property.
>>
>> The land, amid warehouses at Southwest 128th Street and 127th Avenue, is
>> zoned for industrial and office use and slated for office condos,
>> warehouses
>> and shops.
>>
>> But residents say the lakefront property should be turned into a public
>> park
>> to preserve its history as a spot where hundreds of area families and
>> teens
>> gathered over the years to picnic, swim or hang out around bonfires.
>>
>> Park planner Eric J. Hansen told about 10 activists rallying at the lake
>> Sunday afternoon that the department can try to negotiate with the
>> developer
>> so at least a portion of the property is dedicated for park land.
>>
>> ''Doing something with the developer is not out of the question,'' Hansen
>> said. ``We've worked with developers before.''
>>
>> The possibility that some piece would be saved sounded good to the group.
>>
>> Though according to developer Adrian Homes, it has already compromised by
>> promising West Kendall Community Council members that it would build a
>> walkway around the lake and leave it open to the public. It has also said
>> it
>> is doing the community a favor by not building the massive development
>> already approved for the land, which includes a hotel.
>>
>> But the activists, who are calling themselves the Consortium to Save
>> Hidden
>> Lake, want a little more than a sidewalk. They spent several weeks trying
>> to
>> muster support for their cause, asking philanthropists and some
>> organizations to donate money for a park.
>>
>> But with the developer scheduled to appear before the local zoning board
>> only a few days later on Wednesday night, the group had realized that
>> time
>> was not on their side.
>>
>> ''We wish it was, but it's not,'' said Trish Marciano, a resident of the
>> nearby Tuscany Village residential development.
>>
>> ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................
>>
>> Comments
>> I wish to congratulate Richard, Trish and Tuscany homeowners for
>> their
>> hard work and determination.
>> The council voted 3 to 3 Wednesday evening so you now have more time
>> for better planning.
>> Shame on those in favor of over developing without sufficient green
>> space -
>> How much did the owner of the HL give to KFHA to support something the HOA has fought
>> in past years.
>> Thanks are in order for those in the audience coming up to speak
>> against this waste of an office park. SAVE THE PARK

>>

Letter in the September 9th 2007 edition of neighbors

Soapbox / Letters From Readers

Posted on Sun, Sep. 09, 2007

Digg del.icio.us AIM reprint print email

I am deeply concerned about the evisceration of a large parcel of land surrounding a beautiful lake.

We must find a way to stop the destruction of an area that should be accessible to the public. Let's be creative. Isn't there some way to add public bike trails or walking paths? Public accessibility to the lake?

Instead of fragmenting the ecosystem that is required for new development, isn't there a way that can be beneficial to both the area's preservation and for the community?

Development is one thing. Overdevelopment is another.

We realize that the developers' foresight is for economic growth and their need to make a profit -- which is part of our American way of life -- but, the developer also needs to realize that with that foresight he inherits responsibilities to the community.

Few developers seem to be in the business of giving more than they take. Community values and development growth must be a true win-win. Too often the community is the loser. Too often the ''benefits'' the community receives are trifling and temporary while the damage is enormous and lasting. Pollution and congestion increase as quality of life decreases.

Too often we're fighting the same fight, discussing the same issues against developers who have endless resources and negligible concern for the communities they are targeting.

Is traffic, pollution, and, density worth another new office park project?

Have our council members actually toured and scrutinized the area in question?

There seems to be a disturbing pattern of squeezing multiple units and commercial buildings on these new sites between Southwest 128th and 132nd streets. It seems our zoning allows the buildings to extend right up to the building line and right up to the building next to it.

What is the vision of our council for this neighborhood's future?

It's past time that we, the community, stand up and speak in a united and powerful voice within our community for positive change.

This barrage of ''industrial'' development in our community is making us extremely concerned that what is already unacceptable congestion will turn into gridlock, choking our streets even further.

Again, where is the vision to bring back the quality of life to families. Over and over I hear of people leaving this area for this very reason.

The issue, then, seems to be how to channel the very strong momentum of economic development that exists in West Kendall, while protecting and enhancing the residential nature of the area. This area's development should be evaluated in terms of compatibility and potential adverse impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.

Many residents believe this office project is not in the interests of our children because scarce public green playing space is available.

Doesn't the power to decide land use belong to the voters?

Shouldn't we as citizens of the community have the final voice for these changes?

We are tired of bad development that increases our taxes, ruins our communities, and, wrecks our quality of life.

We should be preserving more land, not less. As we alter our environment, we alter our future. We have reached a tipping point, and, if we do not change our ways, will we look back and ask: When did we forget to say enough is enough?

This land, despite the mauling of this acreage, should remain as preservation lands to protect the water, and, to protect the animals that rely upon this habitat! This lake can only augment the already existing preservation site across the street.

We need to protect our land for the people who will inherit it. We all want the same things: safe streets, good jobs, great schools, clean neighborhoods and strong communities. We don't want to settle for status quo, for mediocrity. We deserve better than just ''good.'' We deserve ''greatness,'' and, we should not settle or sell out. We can do better.

We, the supporters of Hidden Lake Park, are asking the committee consider downsizing the zoning of this 15-acre tract, or, at least a portion therein, to preserve the quality of life that draws and keeps residents and families.

Once the land is built up surrounding this large beautiful lake, it will be done. It will be gone. There will be no getting it back for the future.

Please, Mr. Developer, though you don't live in our community, please work with us to help us preserve ours.

IMMODERATE GREEDY DEVELOPERS HAVE BEEN SHOVING MALLS DOWN OUR THROATS ...and we're NOT gonna take it anymore!

It is very important for citizens to show at the Community Council 11 non zoning meeting on the 19th of this month at Felix Varella .

In this meeting they will be talking about proposed amendments to the master plan which include large applications outside the Urban Development Boundary. This is the stuff that sneaks through and causes us trouble down the road (literally).

Concerns:

Overcrowded schools (see Eveylyn Greer's comments about this...we'll break the bank)

Noise (larger roads...faster traffic...faster traffic....more noise).

Traffic (no comment needed--waiting for snarls to break up))

Water conservation (Biscayne Aquifer will be done in 20 years or less)

Water safety (these are located on the buffer area that protects the well fields)

Air quality (we are one of the worst cities in the country)

Waste management (I could have fun with this one)

Budget (it's expensive to fund urban sprawl)

property values (its turning into an ugly concrete jungle out here)

It is possible that one application might sneak through....we need to be vigilant.

Three things you can do:

1. Assemble your forces

2. Sign in at the meeting and encourage people to make their 2 minute comments

3. Direct people to that www.eyeonmiami.blogspot.com/ You will learn incredible things there and can also develop a forum for our Hidden Lake Park concerns.

PETITION

TO THE WEST KENDALL COMMUNITY ZONING APPEALS BOARD 11

This Petition signed by West Kendall/Miami residents states that the area between

SW 120th STREET and SW 136th STREET AND SW 127th AVENUE and SW 137th AVENUE (to be referred to in this petition as "The Hidden Lake Area") is rapidly becoming overdeveloped with an abundance of Office/Retail/Warehouse in an area that is now zoned both Industrial Conditional (IUC) and Residential. We would like the Council to be aware that we are in favor of more open space and additional parks for public use in the Hidden Lake Area.

Primarily, we wish to Petition the Council to consider providing a buffer around Hidden Lake, located at the corner of SW 128th STREET and 127th AVENUE AND preserving Hidden Lake as an open space for the community. We would like to propose the following:

A walking-biking trail around the lake

Picnic Tables

Doggie Park?

Pavilions or Gazebos

Pier for fishing

Dade County Parks should provide liability insurance, etc.

Second, We would like to Petition that a moratorium be placed on Hidden Lake to prevent it from being filled.

Printed Name	Address	Signature	Date

Final negotiations between CSHLP and OWNER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

the Consortium To Save Hidden Lake Park

12590 SW 128 Street

mia, fl 33186

786 201 1415

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09-14-07

Attn.: Miami-Dade County - Planning & Zoning

Miami Dade County Park & Recreation Department

Attn.: George Parradl and Barbara Montgomery

We are citizens who have enjoyed picnics, swimming, and

boating at Hidden Lake for many decades...

and we want to see it preserved and kept natural. ...

and are attempting to effect a purchase from the property owner. We seek alternatively a bike path, public picnic area, and open space, with liability insurance paid for by the county parks dept.

WE HAVE SECURED DONORS TO THE CAUSE . Additionally, we have secured 223 signatures on a petition to either make it a public park or significantly lessen the density of the project.

We are pleased to invite you to participate in a final conciliatory negotiation session with the owner Adrian Homes to take place at the clubhouse of Tuscany Homes on either September 20 or 21, to be mediated by a State Representative.

We believe we can accomplish this goal!

Sincerely,

Richard H. Freer

Co Chair

PS Not long ago, there was yet another serious trafffic accident with ambulances and fire rescue paramedics called for serious injuries, due to heavy traffic at 128 St and 127 Avenue.

There is no need for more office and retail space here.

.

Subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from the Consortium To Save Hidden Lake Park -- Miami-Dade County - Planning & Zoning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Recently the Community Council deferred the application of the Hidden Lake project...to our collective relief!

This beloved spot has been a favorite of South Dade residents for many decades!

The Council was notified that the local residents are in contact with several foundations regarding the purchase of the Hidden Lake and county and state agencies regarding the making of a public park to augment the high pine preserve on the north side of SW 128 St. from 127 Av to 132 Av.

We are certain that we can raise $13M within two months to purchase it, and $5M to develop it.

Traffic is too heavy on these two lane streets, it is widely believed, for yet another office, retail. and warehouse development. More later!

http://www.miamidade.gov/planzone/track/case_track_nohead.asp

Zoning Hearing Record Process Number Z2006000341 Application Name: AB AT HIDDEN LAKE, LTD. (LLLP) Application Date: 11/21/2006 Location: LYING WEST OF S.W. 127 AVENUE, BETWEEN S.W. 128 STREET & S.W. 132 STREET, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA. County/Muni: MIAMI-DADE COUNTY Processor: JOANN PIRRELLO (Ph)305-375 2640 Appeal: N App Type: Request: DBC FROM IU TO BU & MODIFY PREVIOUS RESOLUTION Units: 1 Lot Size: 15.05 ACRES Bldg Sq Ft: 0278555 Contact: JAVIER L. VAZQUEZ, ESQ. Phone / E-mail: (305) 825-7080 / JAVIVAZ@BELLSOUTH.NET Address: 6500 COWPEN ROAD SUITE #302 City, State Zip: MIAMI LAKES, FL 33014 Current Zone: IU-C Zone To: BU1A

TRISH MARSIANO, CO CHAIR CSHLP

Hi,

I attended last nights Community Zoning Appeals Board meeting for Area 11 (West Kendall) prepared to deliver the following speech. However, I backed down in the end. Why? Before the meeting started, I was introduced to Mr. Adrian. During our conversation, he shared his rendering of his development proposal. At my first glance, it appeared that he was making an attempt to deliver development above the current zoning requirements for the area in question. At the end of our conversation, he made strong point of fact, basically threatening that if this proposal did not receive approval he would revert back to an approved 1998 proposal for a 6-story Hotel on this property, along with even more square feet of development.

I, unfortunately, felt boxed between the lesser of two evils.

Am I in favor of Rezoning this area to Park/Preserve Land? Yes!

Did I feel that we were too late…Yes.

I campaigned this past week to the community to attend last nights meeting.

I will campaign more heavily during the month to come.

Do I know how all this works? No, But, I will learn fast.

I’ve attached a copy of what I should have gone ahead and read last night. Maybe, in the end, a better place for this is in the paper so it can be reached by more members of the community.

Thanks, and I apologize to the community for not standing up for what I believe should be done despite my perceived threat that we would lose more than we would gain by opposing the current development proposal. Just the opposite proved to be true thanks to other members of the community and several members of our current Community Zoning Appeals Board Members.

Trish Marsiano

CoChair CSHLP

12761 SW 132 Terrace

Miami, FL 33186

305-254-7243

building offices around HLP? let them eat cake? NO WAY! LET US FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS!

http://gisims2.miamidade.gov/myhome/propmap.asp

Property Information

http://gisims2.miamidade.gov/myhome/propmap.asp

Choose Property Information in the first drop down box. Then, you can search by Folio Number.

Here’s the folio numbers:

30-5914-080-0010

30-5914-080-0020

30-5914-080-0030

30-5914-080-0040

30-5914-080-0050

30-5914-080-0060

30-5914-080-0070

30-5914-080-0080 The Lake itself

Looks like Sale of all parcels combined occurred in 2/2006 for $11,655,000.00

The Lake itself has several owners.

30-5914-000-0241 is owned by Southern Bldr at Lakeside II, LLC, and, was purchased in 11/05 for $740,000. This is that small strip on the southern side of the lake that is not developed yet, next to the new Lakeside Office complex on SW 132^nd Street.

30-5914-066-0070 another piece of the Lake owned by Paul Palmer. No sale information on file. Listed as “0080 Vacant Land”, zoned 7700 Industrial-Conditional.

30-5914-033-0130 also another piece of the Lake owned by Paul Palmer. Sale Date was 12/1995, but no sale amount on file. It, too, is listed as “0080 Vacant Land”, and, zoned 7700 Industrial-Conditional.

Really does throw out there the idea that they are probably all having of “filling the lake”. In which case, the CSHLP needs to get Miami-Dade Water Management involved as quite a bit of overflow water is fed into this “lake” and what would that do to flooded streets in this area.

25 Years ago!

Families had fun and got their kicks at Hidden Lake twenty five years ago (1982).

Photo taken 25 Years ago!

Philanthropists and foundations needed.

Letter from Representative Juan Zapata

He too used to cavort and gambol on the shores!