2014-1202 Special City Commission Meeting

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Summary ',I inures: Reeular Cite• Commission hfeetine November 20. 2014 Ciry of Sunnv Isles Beach, Florida Clifford Schuman. Esq. representing Acqualina Management, LLC. and the Trump Group, introduced his team here tonight including Stephanie Trump noting that Jules Trump is not here tonight as he is out of the country. He said in September 2014, the Commission approved the new development of the Golden Strand property which is approximately five (5) acres to the north of the existing Acqualina. Their thoughts were to try to build an in- obtrusive structure for a sales center and other multi -use purposes and put it on top of the existing Acqualina Garage in the north part of the property. They requested site plan approval as well as the TDRs and the parking variance. It is their intention to withdraw their request for a parking variance. They believe their valet service can easily handle the 28 cars. They will make other arrangements and work with the City Attorney on a condition that they will either provide parking in other property owned by Acqualina, or in the alternative; enter into a shared parking agreement with the Golden Strand. He put into the record all matters of this Application including all files received of the original Acqualina approval numerated in Section 3 of the Report designated as history; and the Miami -Dade County Zoning Code which was in effect at the time the original Acqualina was approved and that District was called RU -4A. The building was built under the old County Zoning Code, and now they are living with the new Zoning Code for an addition which presents them with a hardship. Brian Degnan, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of the Trump Group and Acqualina Management, noted that Jules Trump wanted to be here tonight but he is traveling abroad. He took this opportunity to thank Mayor Edelcup for his dedicated service to our beautiful City and his leadership as Mayor over the last decade. He spoke for their entire organization in noting their gratitude and admiration for the Mayor's service and vision. Without the support of this great City. they would not have been able to create their world renowned Resort and Residences at Acqualina and the Mansions as well as the exciting and upcoming Palazzo Di Acqualina which is to be named the Estates at Acqualina. They wished \favor Edelcup their very best in his future endeavors especially as a Board member of the Sunny Isles Beach Foundation. He also thanked the City Attorney. Citv Manager. staff. and the rest of the Commission for all their hard work and support for their organization and their projects over the years, and they look forward to continue working with the City. Brian Degnan said the Acqualina Ocean Residences and Resort has grown from an idea to the City's only Five -Star Five- Diamond Resort and Spa, and only one of a few in South Florida. Critical to their business and brand is the ability to deliver exceptional service at its highest level to their guests and customers. This multi - purpose commercial space will give their company the flexibility to support that growth. The low profile design was designed to be subtle and integrated into Acqualina with minimal impact. The interior design will give their team members additional office and meeting space as well as sales and leasing office space which includes a model unit for their future projects. Any model unit will not have a functional kitchen on the interior, it will be a typical sales office sales center model unit. Everything they do in this regard is geared towards delivering on the promise of the Acqualina experience. These proposed spaces represents not only investment in Acqualina but also a testament to their continued dedication to Sunnv Isles Beach. Cliff Schulman said the difference in the Codes is drastic. The Acqualina was built in the RU -4A provisions of the Code, which he incorporated into the record. which allowed their parking garage to be 25 feet in from their property line on the north side as well as the south side. and that is what it is, 25 feet, today that would have to be 50 feet. They have designed 4