The project, which has been in the works since August 2022, encompasses approximately 56.4 acres and includes plans for 1,498 residential units, 470 hotel units, and nearly 142,000 square feet of commercial space. Planning and Zoning Director Michelle Lopez provided an overview of the development proposal, highlighting its compliance with city codes and its alignment with Doral’s vision for urban growth. The development is designed to promote multimodal transportation options and community connectivity, with features like wide sidewalks, plazas, and bike paths aimed at enhancing walkability and recreational opportunities.

A focal point of the council’s deliberations was the project’s impact on traffic. The transportation manager for public works presented several proposed traffic improvements, including modifications to median openings and the installation of exclusive right-turn lanes at key intersections to facilitate smoother traffic flow. High-emphasis crosswalks will also be installed to ensure pedestrian safety. The developer has committed to further traffic analysis if issues arise post-construction and to coordinate with Miami-Dade County for signal timing adjustments.

Council members expressed appreciation for the developer’s willingness to address their concerns, particularly regarding the project’s density and traffic implications. The total number of residential units was reduced from an initial proposal of 2,200 to 1,495. The project is expected to contribute approximately $6 million annually in ad valorem tax to the city and an additional $1 million to Miami-Dade County from condo sales.

Councilman Beno expressed relief that his primary worries about unit numbers and traffic impact had been alleviated, thanking the developer for their responsiveness and collaboration, especially in opposing a proposed waste-to-energy facility in the city. Other council members echoed this support, noting that the project exceeded the city’s standards for urbanism and connectivity, with particular praise for enhancements in public transportation and traffic improvements.

The council’s approval extended beyond the site plan, encompassing a second reading of the rezoning ordinance to shift the land use from multifamily residential and industrial commercial to downtown mixed-use, as well as a master development agreement. The motions for these approvals were made and seconded by council members, passing unanimously in each case, signaling strong consensus.

In addition to the Trump development, the council addressed another land use amendment for a 1.25-acre parcel on Northwest 102nd Avenue. The planning staff recommended changing the land use category from business to industrial and rezoning from commercial corridor to industrial commercial, a move aligned with surrounding industrial uses. This proposal, too, received unanimous approval from the council after a brief presentation and discussion.

Beyond development projects, the council considered a variety of other legislative items. They approved ordinance number 20255, amending the city’s land development code to correct a scrivener’s error in wall sign regulations. A budget amendment for fiscal year 2024-2025 was also passed, addressing adjustments to salaries and funding for additional positions in the mayor’s office, despite some pushback regarding the increase in the office’s budget.

The council deferred a resolution to eliminate a $2,500 discretionary stipend for council members, following concerns about the need for further evaluation. This decision aligned with a charter change approved by voters, which had reduced council member salaries to 30% less than the mayor’s salary. Another item approved without controversy was the creation of the office of the Inspector General, a position established in response to a charter amendment aimed at enhancing oversight of city operations.

A resolution authorizing the hiring of a qualified arborist to oversee tree management and preservation was introduced in response to community feedback. The council discussed the importance of effective green space management and committed to engaging the community in the decision-making process.

The meeting concluded with discussions on policy amendments, including the issuance of proclamations and the use of the city seal. The council sought to clarify roles and responsibilities for these ceremonial items.