Committee approves Downtown Kendall Trail Connector subdistrict to require multi‑use path

Miami‑Dade committee members voted to advance ordinance 1G2, creating the Downtown Kendall Urban Center Trail Connector Subdistrict and related zoning regulations (recorded as section 33‑284.630.3 in the meeting announcement). Jeff Berkow, speaking in support, said the subdistrict would apply to narrow FEC remnant parcels on the west side of Southwest 70th Avenue between 80th Street and the Snapper Creek Canal and would require property owners to provide a multi‑use path linking the Loveland Trail and the Underline.

"This new subdistrict applies to the remnant FEC parcels that are extremely narrow and irregular in shape ... The properties within the sub zone will have to provide the path in order to utilize the sub district regulations," Berkow said, adding that the proposal is consistent with the county comprehensive plan encouraging increased density around rapid transit stations.

The district commissioner for the area described a multi‑year effort that included a land swap with MDX, said staff and developers collaborated on the solution, and characterized the area behind Downtown Dadeland as currently "very dark, very dingy" with trash and homelessness; the commissioner said the subdistrict is an opportunity to activate the area and provide housing. No public questions were raised during the hearing.

A motion to move the item was made and seconded; the clerk recorded yes votes from Commissioner Bastian, Senator Garcia and Vice Chairwoman Regalado and the motion passed unanimously.

The ordinance will change zoning regulations for the identified parcels to allow development under the subdistrict standards, conditional on providing the required trail/connector. The transcript does not record final development agreements, specific housing units or timelines for construction.