Commission approves first reading of Deauville‑area overlay to revive North Beach resort site; development agreement sent to planning board

The Miami Beach City Commission approved first reading on March 19 of a comprehensive plan amendment and a companion zoning overlay that would allow redevelopment of the former Deauville hotel site on Collins Avenue in North Beach.

What the vote did: By a 7–0 vote the commission transmitted R5P (a small‑scale comprehensive plan amendment) and R5Q (an LDR amendment creating the North Beach Oceanfront Overlay). The package authorizes development incentives — including an increased floor‑area ratio and height allowances tied to a partial reconstruction of the former Deauville hotel — in exchange for public benefits and design controls. The commission also directed staff to send the developer’s proposed development agreement to the planning board for a public review that will precede second reading.

Project summary: The applicant proposes returning key elements of the Deauville’s podium-level architecture and pool‑deck character, while also building two slender residential towers set back from the beach‑side courtyard. Developer presentations emphasized a rebuilt, publicly accessible plaza, widened sidewalks, two new beach‑access walks (one elevated), additional public parking and a list of city benefits including funds targeted to the North Beach CRA, neighborhood infrastructure improvements and…