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Commission approves 75‑unit 62nd Avenue multifamily project after tree and parking concessions
Summary
The City of South Miami approved a 75‑unit, six‑story multifamily project at 6914 SW 62nd Avenue with conditions including removal of four on‑street parking spaces in favor of landscaped swales and a commitment to plant mature 20‑foot street trees; the vote on the special‑exception and development agreement was 5–0.
The City of South Miami on April 21 approved a large‑scale special exception and a related development agreement for a 75‑unit multifamily development at 6914 Southwest 62nd Avenue and associated parcels. The commission voted 5–0 to adopt both items after the applicant agreed to several site and landscaping modifications.
Staff reviewer Mark Albers told the commission the proposal meets the Transit‑Supportive Development District standards for density, setbacks, and transition to adjacent single‑family zoning, and provides one level of underground parking with a total of 117 spaces (the code requires 65 for 75 units). Albers said staff recommended approval of the large‑scale special exception as submitted, noting refinements made since the Planning and Zoning Board review.
Developer representatives said they had modified the design in response to neighborhood concerns. “We removed the four on‑street parking spaces and replaced them with green areas and swales,” applicant George Navarro said, and the development agreement will prohibit ground‑floor retail to limit traffic. The applicant also committed in the DA to plant 20‑foot street trees at time of planting on 62nd Avenue to accelerate canopy growth.
Several nearby residents urged the commission to protect mature oaks on and adjacent to the site. “This one tree should be protected,” resident Jason Lopez said during public comment, describing a large oak he said provides substantial canopy and wildlife habitat. The applicant’s arborist report, presented during the hearing, concluded some trees were not viable for relocation but the developer agreed to make “commercially reasonable best efforts” to preserve or relocate certain trees and to plant large‑caliper replacement oaks where preservation is not possible.
Commissioners also discussed the loss of a small number of on‑street parking spaces that would be replaced by the streetscape improvements. Mayor Javier Fernandez asked staff and counsel to clarify language in the DA to remove a potential on‑street parking mitigation payment; the commission approved the development agreement as modified to strike that payment.
The commission’s approval was final with roll call votes recorded by the clerk (item 4: large‑scale special exception — approved 5–0; item 5: development agreement as modified — approved 5–0). The project will return to the City for final permitting and required coordination with county permitting for any right‑of‑way work.
The commission also asked staff and the applicant to continue to work with neighbors on additional façade and streetscape refinements as the project advances through building permit review. The agreement includes requirements to finalize tree preservation and streetscape details prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
