One of the most substantial developments was the introduction of a new zoning district, RT8, aimed at regulating townhouse residential development. The council’s debate touched on various aspects of the ordinance, including the need to correct a scriber’s error on line 271, attention to low-income and moderate-income housing provisions, and the necessity for glazing on garages. Additionally, the proposed ordinance modifications underwent public hearing during the meeting.

The council also discussed the creation of another new zoning district, RT18, as part of the zoning ordinance amendment. The amendment passed unanimously. This marks a shift in the South Miami’s land use strategy, with the intent to introduce a balanced portfolio of housing options and accommodate a diverse demographic profile, from low-income residents to the workforce.

In a related vein, the council addressed comprehensive plan land use amendments presented by Mark Alvarez from Cordino Group. These amendments were part of an aggressive program to meet housing needs and increase code flexibility. The council debated the merits of directing density towards infrastructure and ensuring compatibility with existing community standards. The incorporation of affordable and workforce housing within the city was a particular point of contention, with discussions on how to effectively incentivize such development and prioritize residents’ needs.

The council also took on the safety and maintenance issues along the US1 corridor with a detailed presentation from Winston Harris from RS and H on a road safety audit. Key recommendations included the addition of signalized pedestrian crossings, directional median openings, and addressing maintenance issues. The council engaged in questions around the future of pedestrian activity and traffic flow, notably from the metro station, highlighting the need for proactive measures to manage the city’s growing transportation demands.

A discussion on the proposed text amendment related to the Transit Support of Development District (TSDD) and the Downtown South Miami Comprehensive Plan was also noteworthy. The amendment sought to update the comprehensive plan to reflect ordinances passed the previous November and included changes to the Residential Limited Commercial (RLC) designation.

The council’s concern for the city’s infrastructure extended to pedestrian and vehicular safety, prompted by a presentation focusing on the need to improve conditions, particularly near the metro rail station.

In another move towards community development, the council discussed the authorization of a request for proposal (RFP) for the Hometown District area’s development.

A seemingly more administrative yet crucial action was the approval of a budget transfer of $85,000 from the police Legal Services and the Personnel division liability account to the city attorney’s other professional legal services account. The transfer was associated with litigation related to police matters.

Finally, the council navigated through the complexities of noise ordinance modifications. The discussion included proposals to modify noise limitations, the enforcement of noise regulations, and the potential impact on residents. Emphasizing the need for balance, the council debated the practicality of enforcing noise standards and the importance of mitigating disturbances in residential areas.