Miami:Bayfront high-rise plans face tough opposition

Bayfront high-rise plans face tough opposition
Plans to build a high-rise tower on one of downtown Miami's last undeveloped bayfront lots will be put to the test before a city planning board.
A hotly contested proposal to build a 64-story condo and hotel tower at the foot of the historic Venetian Causeway goes before a Miami planning board tonight.
Developer Citisquare Group wants to build three condo towers and a massive retail center with shops and restaurants on 10 acres east of Biscayne Boulevard. It is buying the land for $190 million from Knight Ridder, parent of The Miami Herald.
Citisquare also is asking to rezone the site of The Miami Herald building for a fourth condo, although Knight Ridder has said repeatedly those offices are not for sale.
The proposed tower near the causeway is drawing stiff opposition in another example of Miami's ongoing struggle to balance growth with preservation.
Last week the city zoning board voted 4-2 against the proposal, citing traffic concerns and resident opposition. Zoning board members also voted 4-2 against rezoning the site of The Miami Herald building, saying there's no need to rezone a property that's not for sale.
After the Planning Advisory Board, the City Commission will decide the matter this summer.
Venetian Islands homeowner groups and nearby residents fear a 564-unit tower on what is now a parking lot north of The Miami Herald will block views and clog the only roadway connecting the islands to Miami.
''There is universal objection to the overwhelming likelihood of dumping thousands of additional cars onto the causeway,'' said Matt Leibowitz, president of the Venetian Islands Homeowners Association. ``We will aggressively advocate our position and, if necessary, litigate it.''
Citisquare argues traffic concerns are overblown and that the project would revitalize the area. The developer has promised a bay walk and plaza on the site.
Some residents spoke in the tower's favor; ''I think it's beautiful to build up this community,'' said Venetian Isles resident Shmuel Mann.
The other aspect of Citisquare's proposal under consideration tonight is the rezoning of The Miami Herald site at 1 Herald Plaza. City zoning board members wondered why the developer was applying to rezone for a high-rise tower if Knight Ridder insists the land isn't for sale.
Under the terms of the deal, Knight Ridder is giving Citisquare permission to seek rezoning and development approvals for The Miami Herald offices -- despite saying it won't sell. Citisquare must provide parking for Herald employees and ensure Herald delivery trucks operate without interruption. The developer also gets the first chance at buying 1 Herald Plaza if Knight Ridder -- or Sacramento-based McClatchy Co., which is buying Knight Ridder -- ever chooses to sell.