Hilda Hall Has Left the Carrie P. Meek Business Incubator Building

Yes it's true, keys were turned in and new locks have been installed, tenants have received their new keys and the era of the BTDC has come to an end. Good for Homestead, Dennis Moss does not look good on this one, he made a terrible decision to support this group under criminal investigation by the OIG.

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What is Wrong with Dennis Moss, Carrie Meek and Leroy Jones?

Amid Investigation, Homestead Kicks Out Nonprofit Business Center

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/12/3139048/amid-investigation-homestead-kicks.html#storylink=cpy

The center also has a trail of unpaid bills and judgments against it from payroll companies and banks, totaling more than $250,000, Gretsas said.

“It’s embarrassing. The more the facts come out, the worse it gets. And I think we just need to move on. This doesn’t look good for the city,” he said.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/12/3139048/amid-investigation-homestead-kicks.html#storylink=cpy

The items highlighted in red are quite possibly "crazy talk." The one in pink is a cautionary advisory.

By Christina Veiga

cveiga@MiamiHerald.com

Homestead officials have kicked out the operator of its Carrie P. Meek business center amid a county investigation into the center’s director.

But Miami-Dade Commissioner Dennis Moss has asked city officials to hand over operation of the center to a non-profit which is considering employing the scrutinized director.

The Meek center, also known as the Business and Technology Development Corp., is under investigation by the Miami-Dade County Inspector General’s Office for suspicion of grand theft and money laundering, according to Homestead City Manager George Gretsas.

Run by Hilda B. Hall-Dennis, the Meek center has operated rent-free out of a city-owned building on Civic Court in Homestead. It’s supposed to provide help and subsidized office space for businesses starting up in the area.

The center’s lease with Homestead’s Community Redevelopment Agency expired Sept. 30, but it has continued to work out of the building. Now, Hall-Dennis has until Dec. 14 to get out, according to a letter sent to her by the CRA.

The CRA, a special taxing district which helps fix up blighted areas, will run the center until a new, permanent operator can be found.

Moss, according to a letter sent to city officials, hopes that the new operator will be NANA, the Neighbors and Neighbors Association.

NANA on its website says it started the Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program and the City of Miami Micro-Enterprise Assistance Grant Program. The organization is funded with county and city of Miami money, according to its website.

NANA director Leroy Jones said that Hall-Dennis has worked for the association in the past as a paid consultant, conducting training and workshops. He said his organization’s board is currently considering whether to hire her again as a contractor, or to give her a job.

Jones said Hall-Dennis would not be given any position that handles money.

“To be perfectly honest with you, I would love Hilda to work for me. And I understand what’s out there, but I also understand that she has not been found guilty,” Jones said. 

Commissioner Moss had faith in both NANA and Hall-Dennis, he said.

“NANA is an organization that has a credible track record in this community,” the commissioner said. 

“They will do an excellent job of running the center.”

In a letter to the city of Homestead, the center’s namesake, former U.S. Rep. Carrie P. Meek praised Hall-Dennis. Meek has no affiliation with the center, other than its name and her help in first securing the money for the center.

“I am extremely proud of the center and the work that Hilda Hall-Dennis has done,” she wrote.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/12/3139048/amid-investigation-homestead-kicks.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/12/3139048/amid-investigation-homestead-kicks.html#storylink=cpy

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Current City Hall Site, What's Next, a CARMAX Appraisal?

Homestead City Hall Parcel with Miami-Dade Public Library Parcel in red outline.

No doubt this is a unique parcel. No doubt interest in the property has already been recorded and backroom deals have been and are still being discussed. The value had been placed at $8.5 million in 2010. Now we have learned the parcel is loaded with Radon and the building is contaminated with various other detrimental health concerns. This council majority ran on no backroom deals and full transparency, how is that working out? They kept the New City Hall Committee report hidden for two years knowing full well the place was contaminated!

Since the Homestead taxpayer is on the receiving end of so many bad decisions maybe it's time to get out in front of this issue before the City Council gets an appraisal from CARMAX, which is known for it's low-ball appraisals. Speaking of Wayne Rosen, there is said to be interest from him on this land.

Based upon the current contamination and the subsequent required building demolition the price bids will most likely fall to depths unseen for such a prime location by those making offers. The City Council needs to be firm, this is a unique corner in the City of Homestead and it needs to fetch top dollar.

Thanks to alert and wise contributors the library parcel is on it's own land but access and parking may complicate the sale and use of the City Hall property.

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Guess Who Wanted To Keep Funding Business Incubator When Mike Shehadeh and 2008 City Council Said NO?

Mayor Bell opened the public hearing on August 25, 2008.

Business Incubator Executive Director Hilda Hall Dennis stated they have been funded by the CRA for
two years. She gave an overview of how the funding has had a major economic impact on the community
that exceeded $25 million. The Business Incubator has created 49 full time jobs and provided assistance to
750 businesses. She stated because of the funding three major technologies and four patents have been
created Ms. Hall Dennis mentioned the Business Incubator was an important facility to have in the
community and requested to continue to receive funding.

City Manager Shehadeh stated originally the TRDA was to fund the project completely and they have walked away from the program and left a deficit. He felt the program is beneficial to the City but they would have to find another source of funding. He stated he could not propose to Council to continue to fund this program knowing the City of Homestead is not the only beneficiary. He questioned how the citizens of Homestead benefited from this program because the only successful business he was aware of was the
dressmaker and she moved to Hialeah. His recommendation as a manager was not continue to fund the program.

Councilwoman Waldman stated she recalled the college joined in to apply for the grant from NASA with
the City.

Acting Executive Director Wick replied that information was correct.

Councilwoman Waldman provided her recollection of the terms of reuse.

City Manager Shehadeh stated they were not proposing to change the use he proposed not to fund the City share.

Councilwoman Waldman questioned how the program would exist. She mentioned the dressmaker did not leave the city. She stated she had concerns the City would be liable for the property and what would happen to the program after the funding was cut.

City Manager Shehadeh stated they have taken everything into consideration and the Business Incubator
could continue to operate if they find their own funding.

Ms Dennis stated the feasibility study stated a full technology incubator would not make it in this
community and it had to be a multiuse facility. She provided an overview of the benefits of their facility. She
stated she understood if the City decided not to fund the program and asked if they would review the
reports and visit the site before making a decision

City Manager Shehadeh stated his recommendation was to not continue to fund the program He
mentioned he did not like the way the program was funded and he was going to stick to his
recommendation.
 
Mayor Bell stated she had not received any reports from the Incubator.
Ms. Dennis stated all of the reports are sent monthly to CRA and her understanding is the CRA sends them to the City Manager.*

Mayor Bell stated there are many not for profits in the area and the City cannot financially support them all.

She stated the idea is to initiate funding and then wean them down She supported the Manager's
recommendation and offered to assist with obtaining grants. She mentioned this has to take place. They are seeing the funding come from the City of Homestead and making an impact outside of Homestead. She encouraged her to continue to do what she is doing and work hard for grants
 
Ms. Dennis thanked the Council and stated she would have liked advance notice to prepare for alternative
funding.

*City Manager Shehadeh stated for the record he did not receive any reports.
 
Kemetra Driver Executive Director of We Care stated the money received from the City helps the
Homestead citizens with their utilities not We Care. She thanked the Council for their past support and
hoped to continue the partnership.

City Manager Shehadeh stated this was CRA budget and We Care is funded with the General Funds.
 
Councilwoman Lobos stated she supported the City Manager's decision to discontinue funding because the City was left holding a $75,000 tab when the federal funding from TRDA stopped.

This tab was not fair to the City of Homestead and in previous years the CRA could absorb that amount. She stated the CRA has a lot of cleaning up to do and she would like to see them repay the money owed to the General Funds. She believed the Business Incubator should continue to exist and offered suggestions to Ms Dennis to look into the Carrie P Meek Foundation for funding. She felt in the future the City of Homestead might be in a better position to partner with other entities.

Mayor Bell closed the public hearing
Vice Mayor Burgess Yes 
Mr Nelson Yes
Ms Lobos Yes 
Ms Sierra Yes
Mr McCormick Yes 
Mayor Bell Yes
Ms Waldman No

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Business Incubator Financials Part B and C

Draw your own conclusions. Negative balance bank accounts listed as an asset.$88,000 losses on revenues of $250,000 and payroll costs of $263,000 on the same revenue number. Why was this allowed?

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Business Incubator Financials Part A

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Where's Hilda?

The Carrie P. Meek Center for Business is under investigation by the Miami-Dade County Inspector General’s office and the state has shut it down.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/02/3079947/homestead-business-incubator-faces.html#storylink=cpy

By Christina Veiga

cveiga@MiamiHerald.com

The county Inspector General is investigating a Homestead organization that landed almost $1 million in federal grants while purporting to be a nonprofit organization.

Trouble is, the IRS revoked the Carrie P. Meek Center for Business’ nonprofit status last year after the center didn’t file tax returns for three straight years. The center has no affiliation with former U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek.

The nonprofit status is not the only problem facing the center: The state has shut it down for failing to carry the required insurance. And court records show the center, also known as the Business and Technology Development Corp., has a trail of unpaid bills owed to a local bank, a payroll company and others.

Now, the center’s executive director, Hilda B. Hall-Dennis, has gone missing. She hasn’t answered phone calls from Homestead city officials, a city spokeswoman said. The number for the center is disconnected. Hall also didn’t answer an email sent Friday by The Miami Herald. Additionally, calls from The Herald to her cell phone went unanswered and text messages were returned as undeliverable.

The Meek center opened in 2003 as a “business incubator” — a place to help entrepreneurs launch new businesses in south Miami-Dade County . It claims to have helped 4,000 business people, according to its most recent grant application filed with the city of Homestead. County auditors in 2010 recommended closing the center after they couldn’t find proof of any of the center’s claims.
Its latest problems center on whether the nonprofit met the requirements to receive federal grants.

According to a memo from the county inspector general, since 2008, the center has obtained $898,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant money. As a condition of getting the money, the center is supposed to be registered as a nonprofit with the IRS and the state and have workers’ compensation and liability insurance, the memo states.

But the center lost its nonprofit status in June 2011 for not filing tax returns for three consecutive years. The center’s nonprofit status was still revoked as of Thursday, according to an IRS representative. However, the representative noted that there’s no way to know whether a new application is in the pipeline.
The state’s Department of Financial Services confirmed Friday that it had issued a “stop work” order for not carrying the requisite insurance.

The city gave the center a lucrative deal.

Since at least 2010, it has operated rent free out of a building owned by the Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency — a special taxing district of the city that helps spur economic development. The CRA has also given the center more than $220,000 in grants since 2005, according to city documents.

“The city has identified areas of significant concern regarding the Business and Technology Development Corporation. Staff has made multiple inquires of Ms. Hilda Hall and asked her to provide various documents,” said city spokeswoman Begoñe Cazalis. “Ms. Hilda Hall responded, saying that it was a misunderstanding and that she would provide the documentation. The city gave her a deadline of 30 days to provide the documents, and she has not provided them. She has not answered repeated calls, and her attorney has not answered calls either.”

Referring to the center by its initials, Inspector General Christopher Mazzella wrote in his Oct. 24 memo to the county agency that disperses the grants: “It is the inspector general’s opinion that BTDC has, among other things, misrepresented its nonprofit status. Therefore, it is our request that any further payments or grants to BTDC be suspended pending further review of this matter.”

In addition, the center owes $122,000 to local Homestead bank 1st National, according to a June 2012 court judgment. Another $96,000 is owed to General Electric, according to a 2011 judgment and more than $40,000 is owed to a payroll company in Texas.

Lyons Financial, a Minnesota company, also has a judgment against the center for $103,000.
Follow @Cveiga on Twitter.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/02/3079947/homestead-business-incubator-faces.html#storylink=cpy

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Hidden Report From April Of 2010 Cites Environmental Contamination In The Current City Hall

Would the Mayor and City Council Care to Explain Why People Were Subjected to Almost Three Years of Unnecessary Contamination Exposure?

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Watchcat Report: Homestead Main Street Lease $1 Per Year and Taxpayers Pay Utilities

What is it with this dollar a year business? Never mind, they honored Councilwoman Waldman, we get it now.

Why is Dennis Maytan handling this contract? The last we knew he cut grass and lined fields according to some sources.

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Watchcat Report: Bad Santa, Dennis Maytan Drops $60,240 On Xmas Decorations

          

          $60,240.00 as a recurring expense?




Can't we buy the decorations, store them and have our IBEW crews from HES put them up or is the lunacy of this beyond the business acumen of our city leaders? Wait don't answer that.

As you can see they even spread it out over two years taking 2012 surplus funds as well as new fiscal year two week old funds to complete the deal. Money is burning a hole in the council's proverbial pockets.

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Mayor Bateman Wants To Bailout Super Target His Plan Is To Use $6MM Of Taxpayer Cash For Exit/Entrance Ramps @ SW 328 St.

Target is a multi-billion dollar company, why would the Mayor commit City of Homestead dollars to such a project?

http://www.businessinsider.com/target-beats-same-store-sales-rise-above-expectations-2012-5

http://investors.target.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=65828&p=irol-homeprofile

http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Target_(TGT)/Data/Sales_per_Store

FDOT Has Committed To The Following: 
FDOT committed to begin the Project Development and Environmental Study.

"I anticipate that a big-box retailer such as a Super Target and many other commercial opportunities will locate there. About 4 million persons travel to and from the Florida Keys on the turnpike in the area annually.

Our new turnpike interchange will deliver a major economic impact to our economy and will create hundreds of new jobs for our community. If we build it, they will come." Mayor Steven C. Bateman

The subject came up during the budget presentation and the Mayor has been doing a lot of lobbying for the Lucy Street interchange. Let FDOT, Super Target or the Alger Family, who are the landowners, pay for the interchange, why is the City of Homestead bailing out millionaires and corporations?

This is some of the malarkey brought up at the budget meeting. Must be another Bateman COINCIDENCE!

Dr. Von Laurer commented at the last budget hearing Councilman Williams and Councilwoman Waldman asked the subcommittee if they had any suggestions for increasing revenues and one of the members of their committee was going to pass out to the Council a plan on forming a coalition between government and the private sector and the object of this group would be to find the funding to pay the $6 million obligation that the City of Homestead has for the interchange at SW 328 Street and find investors to come to the area at the interchange. He mentioned this was not a proposal but it was an idea the group would like the Council and City Manager to review and from this plan come up with some ideas.

Mayor Bateman stated Dr. Von Laurer timing was perfect pertaining to the interchange and what it can do for this community in job creation and economic impact because the Council received a letter from the Alger family that was sent to him and the Secretary of FDOT. He summarized the contents of the letter which ended by stating the Alger family was pleased to partner with FDOT and to offer their property in working towards the completion of a 2nd interchange for the City of Homestead.

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New Rule: If You Collect A Fee, There Had Better Be A Fee Benefit Especially If Public Safety Is Involved

Caption For This Picture:
So Sorry Gated Communities Of Homestead, You're On Your Own, Your Money Is Needed Elsewhere


Where is the City concern for the health and safety of the residents paying the stormwater fee yet residing in a community with "private" roads?

Shouldn't the goal of the City of Homestead stormwater management plan be first and foremost to insure the health, safety and general welfare of it's citizens by the reduction or prevention of hazards from flooding, inadequate drainage and contamination?

403.0893 Stormwater funding; dedicated funds for stormwater management.—In addition to any other funding mechanism legally available to local government to construct, operate, or maintain stormwater systems, a county or municipality may:

(1) Create one or more stormwater utilities and adopt stormwater utility fees sufficient to plan, construct, operate, and maintain stormwater management systems set out in the local program required pursuant to s. 403.0891(3);

(2) Establish and set aside, as a continuing source of revenue, other funds sufficient to plan, construct, operate, and maintain stormwater management systems set out in the local program required pursuant to s. 403.0891(3); or

(3) Create, alone or in cooperation with counties, municipalities, and special districts pursuant to the Interlocal Cooperation Act, s. 163.01, one or more stormwater management system benefit areas. All property owners within said area may be assessed a per acreage fee to fund the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and administration of a public stormwater management system for the benefited area. Any benefit area containing different land uses which receive substantially different levels of stormwater benefits shall include stormwater management system benefit subareas which shall be assessed different per acreage fees from subarea to subarea based upon a reasonable relationship to benefits received. The fees shall be calculated to generate sufficient funds to plan, construct, operate, and maintain stormwater management systems called for in the local program required pursuant to s. 403.0891(3). For fees assessed pursuant to this section, counties or municipalities may use the non-ad valorem levy, collection, and enforcement method as provided for in chapter 197.

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A Real State Of The City Shock Report: Out Of Control $pending On $tate Of The City $peeche$

The 2011 State of the City speech cost taxpayers approximately $25,000.

The 2012 State of the City speech is on track to break that record.

In 2011 it was a Prime Rib dinner. What's on the menu this year?

What happened to the Whine and Cheese Crowd, how did this yearly summary of government turn into a campaign event/coronation of Mayor Bateman with a full dinner service?

Will Mayor Moneybags have the taxpayers continue to fund these events or should private donations be solicited?

We would also like to let you know that $5,000 is on the agenda tonight to be spent for a Key Biscayne Golf Tournament, who will be playing in that tournament courtesy of taxpayers?

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A Real State Of The City Shock Report: Miami Today News Reports Trump Not Building Studio City

Trump Tells Homestead "You're Fired!"

Wow, There Goes $94,900,000 Down The Drain, They Promised $260,000 Per Day In Payroll Alone. 

Mayor Bateman’s assessment was succinct. “This is a win-win. It is the best economic opportunity we have had in a long time. Shame on us, if we don’t make it happen.” Shame Indeed.

Trump won't open Miami film complex By Catherine Lackner     It was the stuff of fantasy: a vast film and entertainment complex supported by the Trump Organization, rising on 790 county-owned acres near Homestead Air Reserve Base in far southern Miami-Dade County.    Trump Studio City was to have two mega stages of 218,000 square feet each, two sound stages of 109,000 square feet each, 10 smaller sound stages, back lots, offices, digital production facilities, a media hub, office and event space, a hotel, retail, a landing strip and possibly even a magnet school for film production.    But encumbrances on the land, coupled with environmental concerns, probably have killed the deal.    Joe Martinez, Miami-Dade commissioner, proposed the mega-complex in June.    "What does Hollywood have that we don't have?" Mr. Martinez asked then. "What does L.A. have that we don't have? They are not as close to Central and South America as we are. They are not as close to the financial capital of the world as we are. They are not as close to Europe as we are. Why can't we have an industry that even the environmentalists like — the movie industry?"    The county commission requested a report on legal restrictions from the county attorney's office. The report, completed in late August, breaks the property into nine parcels, seven of which have significant restrictions.    "That was never anything that was part of our office," said Jack Osterholt, county deputy mayor. "If anybody else from the private sector or anybody on the dais wants to do something, we'll help out. But as far as we're concerned, it's over."    Parcels two, five, six and eight and not available for use, the report says, because they are owned or used by an entity other than the county, or subject to other restrictions. Some of the space is dedicated to park use, some has been set aside for homeless programs, and some has been leased to the US government on a long-term basis.    Parcels three and four, which are close but not contiguous and comprise 200 acres, "had the fewest restrictions," the report says. However, they might contain asbestos and might be the home of an endangered species of snake. A restriction says there can't be an airport there, or any use that supports an airport. Because the site is more than 30 miles south of Miami, supporters said an air strip or airport would have been advantageous.    Neither Mr. Martinez nor the Trump Organization responded to requests for comment. To read the entire issue of Miami Today online, subscribe to e -Miami Today, an exact digital replica of the printed edition.

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New City Hall Meeting Wednesday 10/3/2012, Possibly Featuring Wayne Rosen

Why would we feature Wayne Rosen's picture on a blog about Homestead's New City Hall? 

Think strip mall where Homestead's Current City Hall sits.

City Council Special Call Meeting

Date: October 3

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Address: City Hall Council Chambers
790 N. Homestead Blvd.
Homestead, FL 33030

Contact: 305-224-4442

Email: Elizabeth Sewell, City Clerk

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GALATA Housing Giveaway Fallout: Councilwoman PFM Asks If GALATA Is Bringing Blight To The NW

Mayor Bateman and Councilman Williams did not remember the program, evidenced by their remarks.

We did: http://homesteadishome.blogspot.com/2011/12/director-of-galata-filed-for-bankruptcy.html

            http://homesteadishome.blogspot.com/2010/04/homestead-florida-city-haitian-relief.html

Three residents made the Mayor and City Council aware of a NW home given away to GALATA in December, along with four other homes, had fallen into neglected status creating an eyesore. The photos taken early this week show the properties have been mowed and cleaned up at this time.

 Property referenced in council complaint. 105 NE 17 Street, appearance improved.

Tommy Milner located in Homestead at 122 NW 17 Street stated he worked hard to provide a safe home for his family however problems have occurred as a result of the City of Homestead purchasing property on 105 NE 17 Street directly across from his house. Mr. Milner said the City refurbished the house and turned it over to a corporation called Galata who then rented to a Section 8 family who could not sustain their property and in return was bringing down the property value of the community. Mr. Milner asked why the City did not notify the public about the sale and questioned if the City knew the property was going to be rented to Section 8.

Mayor Steven Bateman asked if the program was run through Finance. Director of Finance Carlos Perez replied the property was owned by Galata who was also responsible for the upkeep. He stated he would follow up on the issue

Councilman Stephen Shelley commented he was made aware of the issue about a week prior went to look at the property physically and discussed it with the City Manager. He did not agree the community was a good area for a perpetual rental and stated staff would be looking into the concern.

*Councilman Jimmie Williams articulated he did not remember the City lease agreement with Galata and asked how often followups and monitoring of the property was conducted with the houses deeded over to Galata.

 *The minutes had councilwoman, we corrected it and Councilman Williams made the motion with Councilman Maldonado supplying the second, ayes all.

Director of Finance Carlos Perez stated the City was currently working on the issue. Councilman Jimmie Williams asked how many houses Galata overlooked.

Director of Finance Carlos Perez replied five.

Councilman Jimmie Williams asked for a copy of contract and asked if NSP money was utilized.

Director of Finance Carlos Perez responded 15 houses were purchased using NSP funds in which five went to Galata.

Councilman Jimmie Williams questioned if the properties were not maintained by Galata was the City to get them back.

Director of Finance Carlos Perez replied he would review the contract

Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough McCormick stated the purpose of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program was to stabilize communities and remove blight however it appeared blight was being brought into the community instead.

The Item: Finance/Enterprise COMMITTEE COUNCILMAN WILLIAMS
a MOTION TO PLACE CAR 184 ON COUNCIL AGENDA APPROVAL OF NSP PROGRAM SUB RECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF HOMESTEAD AND GALATA, INC.
A Motion was made to place CAR 184 on July 26 2011 Council Meeting Consent Agenda Approval of NSP Program Sub Recipient Agreement between the City of Homestead and Galata Inc by Councilman Williams and seconded by Councilman Maldonado.
City Manager Gretsas stated staff recommended the Mayor and Council authorize the City Manager to execute the NSP Program Sub recipient agreement between the City of Homestead and Galata Inc.
Mayor Bateman asked all in favor Vote Ayes all Motion carried

The Councilwoman asked if Galata paid anything for the properties

Director of Finance Carlos Perez responded he would find out.

Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough McCormick said if the agency received the properties for free then they should not be profiting from them.

Mr. Milner asked for a member of Council or staff to meet with him in an effort to better understand the problem City Manager George Gretsas agreed to meet with Mr. Milner the following day.

Councilman Stephen Shelley expressed he represented that district and his door was always opened for comments or concerns.

James Melly located in Homestead at 112 NE 17 Street echoed the sentiments of prior speaker Tommy Milner. Mr. Melly stated he was concerned with the arrangement with Galata because it appeared NSP funds were spent the property was renovated and the house sat with no sales sign and was never openly marketed. He said at some point it was transferred to Galata with a zero dollar tax exempt sale. He stated Galata was a non profit organization who was making a profit from a rental. Mr. Melly said he would like to review the contract because the property was not being maintained.

Mayor Steven Bateman stated the City of Homestead council was responsible with the exception of Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough McCormick and the ordeal took place in 2009-2010. The Mayor indicated he  was not aware that five properties were given to one organization for zero dollars but stated the City would resolve the situation.

Calvin Ephol located in Homestead at 131 NE 17 Avenue echoed the statements of former speakers Mr. Milner and Mr. Melly. Mr. Ephol commented he chose his current neighborhood based off quality and his ability to later retire there both of which were now questionable. He asked if the City rezoned the area for rental properties and asked if the tax base would be affected.

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Le Jardin Expansion: Council Must Clean Up A Land Use Issue While Sergio Purrinos Was City Manager

 One of Le Jardin's many facilities, this is part of the complex on the agenda for Wednesday's meeting.

 http://aboutsergiopurrinosthetruth.blogspot.com/

Not only Doral, with the name change add Homestead to the rearview mirror.

 http://homesteadishome.blogspot.com/2011/12/sergio-purrinos-is-now-constantino.html

Supporter of Mayor the Beneficiary of "Administrative Zoning"
 http://wwwstage3.miamidade.gov/mayor/releases/09-12-18_lejardin_toys.asp
 
The property is Le Jardin, who has as it's Executive Director Eddie Berrones (pictured above, center left at the now closed Poblanos Restaurant). The property was purchased along with several other related parcels for $265,000 in March of 2010. The total appraised values of the purchase is $485,982. The item will be addressed at the 9-19-12 council meeting along with two other related issues regarding the Le Jardin site.


The City is requesting to rezone a 62,659 SF parcel located at 104 NW 12th Street to
Professional Business Restricted District B1A. The parcel has an existing daycare facility and is
associated with a planned expansion for a Charter School with ancillary recreation and parking.
The parcel currently contains a Restricted Retail Commercial B1 zoning designation and has a
Future Land Use Map FLUM designation of Professional Mixed Use PMU which allows the
proposed Charter school facility but not the existing daycare center. The PMU designation is
implemented by the B 1A Professional Business Restricted District zoning district.

The proposed rezoning to B1A is necessary to provide consistency with the PMU FLUM designation.

This request is being made because during the analysis staff found that the 2010 rezoning of a portion of the parcel was approved administratively and not by an act of Council as required by Code. In addition the daycare site was approved without zoning and land use consistency as required by the City adopted Comprehensive Plan.

http://lejardinccinc.org/wp-content/uploads/solicitation-of-bids.pdf

http://lejardinccinc.org/wp-content/uploads/addendum-no1.pdf

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