The source for New Urbanism, smart growth, and walkable communities
Miami 21 delayed; changes likely
Miami’s landmark new form based code, Miami 21, was put on hold by city commissioners “setting the stage for what could be significant changes sought by activists and developers,” according to the Miami Herald. The effective date of the new code was changed to May 20, from February 19, opening up the code for changes.
Miami 21, written by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company, would be the nation’s largest form based code when implemented. It is designed make Miami far more pedestrian friendly than it currently is. Miami 21 is based on the SmartCode.
Former mayor Manny Diaz, a strong supporter of Miami 21, was restricted by term limits from running in 2009. He was succeeded by Tomás Regalado, who was the only “no” vote on Miami 21 when he was a commissioner. Regalado defeated Joe Sanchez, a strong Miami 21 supporter, in the race to succeed Diaz, the Herald reports.
“I will pledge to you,” Regalado was quoted as saying, “Miami 21 will be implemented, but with the input of the new commissioners.”
Miami 21 was approved in October after four years of meetings with citizens, developers, and neighborhood activists. The new mayor now wants more meetings, possibly to implement changes suggested by developers and/or activists that were rejected previously.
The South Florida Business journal notes that “some of the plan’s details sparked criticism from local activists, who said the city’s streamlined zoning review process limited public input. Some business owners, developers, landlords, architects and zoning attorneys charged it would downzone property and stifle design.”
Several days after the City Commission delayed Miami 21, the Herald published an editorial titled “Miami 21 worth fixing.”
“It was disappointing to see the City Commission backtrack on Miami 21 last week with its 90-day implementation deferral. Miami 21 is not perfect. But it would foster a more pedestrian-friendly city and discourage boxy, drab construction at street level in favor of welcoming store fronts, hidden garage entrances and attractive landscaping,” the Herald wrote.