Miami-Dade County commissioners will vote Tuesday, Sept. 1, on whether to convey four county-owned surplus properties for $10 to a nonprofit and a private developer tasked with building affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families.
The resolution, Item 5D on the Board of County Commissioners agenda, would transfer two properties to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, a not-for-profit corporation, and two to Elite Equity Development Inc., a for-profit corporation. The homes built on the land would be sold to very low-, low- or moderate-income households with incomes not exceeding 120% of area median income, under Section 125.379 of Florida Statutes.
Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins sponsors the measure.
A county committee recommended approval 5-0 on June 9. The full commission deferred the item 12-0 on July 21 at Cohen Higgins' request, pushing it to the Sept. 1 meeting. The resolution waives three procedural requirements: Resolution No. R-407-19, which requires four weeks' advance written notice before board consideration; Resolution No. R-376-11, which requires certain background information on the properties; and Implementing Order No. 8-4, which governs guidelines for sale and conveyance of county real property. The county's legislative record identifies the four properties by folio number.
Vessel noise ordinance returns for first reading
The Sept. 1 agenda also carries a first-reading ordinance that would regulate amplified speakers, megaphones and other sound devices used by tour operators on vessels. As we reported Aug. 27, the measure targets noise from boat-based tours along waterways including the Intracoastal.
Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez sponsors the ordinance, Item 4C (File No. 261288). It would amend Section 21-28 of the county code, modifying and clarifying noise enforcement in both incorporated and unincorporated areas. Because it is a first reading, a second reading and public hearing would be required before the ordinance could take effect.
Lopez is also behind a separate overnight anchoring ordinance (File No. 261278) that a county committee advanced 3-1 on July 14. WLRN reported that commissioners will decide in October whether boats can anchor for more than 30 days off Miami's coastline.
That anchoring measure is distinct from the vessel noise ordinance.
Hospital bonds and behavioral health fund
Two health-care items round out the agenda. Item 5B would authorize the Capital Trust Authority to issue up to $155 million in revenue bonds for the acquisition of Southern Winds Hospital. Sen. Rene Garcia sponsors that resolution.
Garcia also sponsors Item 4A, a first-reading ordinance creating a Miami-Dade County Behavioral Health Advisory Board Trust Fund.
Public hearings begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1. Residents can watch the meeting or submit comments through the county's agenda portal.
