Board approves special use permit for clinical research unit at La Mercedes Medical Center

The City of Hialeah Planning and Zoning Board on Sept. 24 approved a special use permit to allow clinical research — phase II through IV clinical trials of drugs and devices — at an existing medical facility located at 4440 West Sixteenth Avenue, subject to conditions limiting operations to scheduled appointments and a maximum of five patients per day.

Staff said the clinical research center would operate inside an existing two‑story medical building that is part of a larger shopping center and that the clinical-trial use requires the same parking as a medical center; staff noted the building as configured currently provides 26 parking spaces on the outparcel and parking from the main shopping center could be available if needed. Staff recommended approval with conditions including a recorded declaration of restrictions limiting the clinical research operation to Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; limiting patients to scheduled appointments, no queuing outside the unit; a maximum of five patients per day; and no overnight stays on the premises.

Applicant representatives said the change involves no exterior alterations; the clinical research area will occupy existing interior space. Several board members asked whether the city had seen a rise in clinical research applications; staff and the applicant explained that demographic diversity and site suitability can lead to a concentration of such uses but that each request must satisfy special use standards.

Mr. Iglesias moved to approve the special use permit with the staff conditions and Miss Enriquez seconded. The roll call recorded affirmative votes from board members and the motion carried. Staff will require a recorded declaration of restrictions and compliance with the stated operational limits prior to the second reading of the ordinance.