Miami 21, the much anticipated rewrite of the City’s Zoning Code, is coming before the City Commission for its first reading this Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 2pm. Be there or be square.
But seriously, show up and show your support for this plan that is going to help make Miami greener and codes simpler! Here is a summary of the project provided by the City of Miami.
WHAT IS MIAMI 21?
Miami 21 is the forward-thinking, far-reaching and comprehensive overhaul of the City’s zoning and code, geared to ensure sustainability, predictability and efficiency in city development, growth and planning, providing long-term quality of life for Miami residents.
Six critical elements are integrated in the development of the blueprint:
Sustainability,
Economic Development,
Transportation,
Parks and Open Spaces,
Arts and Culture, and
Historic Preservation.
Miami 21 provides a clear vision for the City’s future, supported by specific guidelines, so Miami’s next generations benefit from well-balanced neighborhood development and realize a holistically rich quality of life.
Miami 21 was launched in 2005 in response to Miami’s unreasoned and haphazard growth. Citizen input in development and planning had been minimal. Mayor Manny Diaz envisioned a Miami where residents find convenient public transportation, world-class centers of art and culture, diversity in neighborhoods, abundant parks, greenspaces and streetscapes accessible and friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists, all incorporating sustainability and environmental protection principles and invoking renewed civic pride. For the first time, the future livability and sustainable growth of Miami has a proposed plan, and current and future residents have an advocate- Miami 21.
Although Miami 21 began as Mayor Manny Diaz’s initiative, it has now become the City’s plan, the residents’ plan. Miami 21 has incorporated unprecedented levels of resident input, and Miamians today forging a City of the future for future generations. Only through public input has Miami arrived at a plan that will satisfy residents today – and into the future.
KEY POINTS:
1. Sustainability: Miami 21 focuses on the future and sustainable, smart growth while preserving the environment and the City’s precious natural resources. Creating a sustainable city is the most important step we can take towards preserving our environment for our children.
2. Protecting and Enhancing Neighborhoods: Miami 21 will make each area and neighborhood within the City a unique, vibrant place to live, learn, work and play. The plan will protect neighborhoods, protect historic buildings, connect greenspaces, and create a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly city for all to enjoy.
3. Easy code for all: Miami 21 is an easy, logical and rational code for our city. Residents will be able to know exactly what to expect in their neighborhood without having to rely on zoning lawyers and spend time and money trudging through zoning hearings.
Want to do something different, unusual, fun, healthy and will help the area be green? This weekend, Saturday, October 24 thru Sunday, October 25, 2009 there is a great event going on at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. It is the 
Mayor Manny Diaz and Special-Aide-to-the-City-of-Miami-turned-super-duper-local-bike-advocate Kathryn Moore are at it again! Although 
