Ordinance 2011-377 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Alan J. Cohen, City Manager, City of Sunny Isles Beach October 13,2011 Page 2 contemplated that "The Mansions will be physically connected to the lobby level of Acqualina via a sky bridge, so that residents of The Mansions may share in many of the amenities of the , Resort. During the design phase, however, we've noted several provisions of the City's Land Development regulations that would render the Project infeasible and unbuildable. Accordingly, we respectfully request that the City review and revise certain of these provisions, as follows: 1. Height Restrictions: The City's height limitations in the MU-R district were written at a time when height was limited to 550 feet pursuant to certain regulations enacted for the protection of airspace by the Federal Aviation Administration. In fact, at first, the City Commission did not want any height limitation in this district. However, pursuant to Federal limitations, the maximum height was set at the 550 feet level. Those regulations have now been changed so that new developments to be constructed in certain areas of Sunny Isles Beach, can now be built as high as 1,400 feet, with the great majority of such , developments being limited to 1,200 feet. Of course, I Understand that .the ,foregoing does not m~an that buildings 'can~: should or will be built (in the City) up to those maximum heights in that the actual height of LPLA's proposed Project and any other building is limited by the size of the applicable lot and its setback requirements and density and intensity limitations. However, it does, in fact mean that greater heights, when approved by the Commission during site plan review, are now possible which, in our opinion, will also help make the skyline of the City even more varied and interesting. Accordingly, we request that such' existing height limitation of 550 feet be revisited. 2. Interconnection: The proposed sky bridge integrating The Mansions with Acqualipa R~sort, will be a Unique amenity to the City and will allow covered access to our new, Sunny' Isles, Beach. citizens. However, due to. setback limitations in the' LDRs~ such interconnection would not be permitted. We believe such a connection would add distinction to LPLA's, and/or any other project, and should be permitted as long as the connection is elevated so as' to leave an unobstructed view from the street side to the beach. Our proposed sky bridge is planned to' start at an elevation of +22, or approximately 16 feet. above the sidewalk. Moreover, the sides of the sky bridge would remain open with only a roof coveripg. Thus, the open'views would be preserved. In addition, the sky bridge is not planned for the side of the building where the Proj ect' s beach access easement will be provided. Accordingly, it is. respectfully requested that you consider an exception to the setback limitations to allow such a unique amenity to be created. WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN PAST?:R1':zACOLli:.'.& B?~I!5~E:;:P.L. . '