Hialeah City Council approves mixed-use development and pharmaceutical research permits

The City Council of Hialeah convened on May 13, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including special use permits and zoning variances. The meeting began with a discussion on a project that had previously been approved but later disapproved, despite receiving recommendations for approval from city staff and the Planning and Zoning Board. After a brief discussion, the council moved to approve the item, with all members voting in favor.

Next, the council held a second reading and public hearing for a proposed ordinance to grant a special use permit for a mixed-use development project at 2750 West 68th Street. This project aims to retrofit part of an existing shopping center into 33 live-work loft units. The proposal included a variance to allow for 445 parking spaces instead of the 599 required by city code. Following a motion and a second, the council unanimously approved the ordinance.

The meeting continued with the first reading of another proposed ordinance, this time for a pharmaceutical research center at 3412 West 84th Street. The center will conduct clinical trials for new drugs and treatments. The applicant, Dr. Aurelio Torres, provided details about the operation, clarifying that patients would not stay overnight and that the center would adhere to city recommendations regarding patient limits. The council approved this item as well, scheduling a second reading for May 27, 2025.

The final item discussed was a resolution regarding a setback variance for a property at 950 West 37th Street. The property owner sought to legalize an existing aluminum roof and allow a rear setback of 10 feet where 20 feet is typically required. After hearing from a permit expediter representing the property owner, the council approved the resolution.

In summary, the meeting resulted in the approval of multiple projects aimed at enhancing Hialeah's development landscape, with follow-up actions scheduled for later dates. The council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to balance development needs with regulatory compliance.