The Citadel Plaza LLC case was a focal point of the meeting due to ongoing flooding problems affecting the area around 135th Street and Northeast Third Court. Residents, represented by Eileen Picaba, voiced strong opposition to granting the property owner more time for an engineering report. They argued that the flooding issue had been known since the plaza’s construction began in 2018, with Picaba stating, “We have been through hell since 2018” and urging swift action to resolve the problem. The residents’ distress highlighted the urgency of the situation, prompting the Special Magistrate to mandate the retention of an engineer within 30 days to assess the stormwater system and provide a analysis of the drainage issues.

Attorney John Lucas, representing Citadel Plaza LLC, requested a continuance, explaining that this was the first time he had been made aware of specific requirements regarding the engineering report needed to address the stormwater concerns. Lucas argued that a thorough study would require more time than the initial 30-day period suggested, with the complex nature of the infrastructure necessitating a comprehensive evaluation. Despite his request for an extended timeline, the Special Magistrate emphasized the need for a prompt engineering report to determine the root cause of the flooding and establish a remediation plan, with the case scheduled for a follow-up on May 16th to assess compliance.

In another discussion, the magistrate addressed multiple code violations at a property located on Venice Lane, specifically concerning the pool area and surrounding structures. Concerns were raised about the pool’s condition, described as “an accident waiting to happen,” with the potential for teenagers to access the area, posing safety risks and attracting vermin. Despite previous commitments to address these issues, no permits had been submitted for necessary repairs since the initial inspection two years prior. Consequently, the magistrate ruled in favor of the city.

The meeting also dealt with a property on Northwest 135th Street, known as Miami Vibes Hostel, which was found to be in violation of city codes for advertising short-term rentals in a residential area. The property, managed by Gregory D. Smith, was listed on platforms like Expedia.com and Booking.com, prompting the magistrate to impose fines until compliance was achieved. The complexities of short-term rental regulations were highlighted, with the magistrate emphasizing the need for stronger documentary evidence in such cases to support city enforcement efforts.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the case of Sunrise Plaza LLC, where a lack of compliance regarding a business tax receipt was noted. Despite the tenant, Al Reyes Groceries Inc., being responsible for obtaining the necessary documentation, fines were levied against the property owner. The magistrate set a compliance date of May 16, with a daily fine of $250 for non-compliance, highlighting the shared responsibility of owners and tenants in adhering to city regulations.

The proceedings further included discussions on multiple cases involving Roger Bay LLC and La Perta Life Center Inc., focusing on business tax receipts, certificates of use, and 40-year re-certifications. The magistrate emphasized the importance of these re-certifications for safety and compliance, with the fines ratified for non-compliance since March 2022. The need for timely action and adherence to city codes was reiterated throughout the meeting, with compliance deadlines set for May 16 across various cases.