Doral council approves first reading of comprehensive plan update

The City of Doral City Council on April 8 approved on first reading Ordinance No. 202604, a comprehensive plan update that amends the resiliency, future land use, transportation, housing, infrastructure, conservation, parks and recreation, educational facilities, intergovernmental coordination and capital improvements elements, and adds private property rights and economic development elements.

Michelle Lopez of the Corradino Group, the consultant team that prepared the evaluation and appraisal report required under Florida Statute 163.3191, told the council the update reflects changes in local conditions and includes a revised 10-year water-supply facilities work plan. "We held community engagement on January 20 and a follow-up tabling event at the farmer's market on February 21," Lopez said, noting the team collected survey responses via QR codes and worked closely with city project manager Kier Modena Simento and multiple department heads.

The update must be transmitted to the state Department of Commerce for a 30-day review; the consultant said reviewers will return comments for the city to address, after which the council will consider the second reading and retransmittal. Council members praised the outreach: a council member said the workshops were helpful to gather resident feedback and supported moving the item forward.

Councilman Rafael Pinedo moved to approve the ordinance on first reading; Councilwoman Nicole Reynoso seconded. The clerk called the roll and recorded affirmative votes from Pinedo, Reynoso, Maureen Porras, Vice Mayor Dima Cabral and Mayor Kristy Fraga; the motion passed.

Next steps are state review and a return to the council for second reading and final action, at which time the council will adopt any changes needed in response to state comments.