3/28/2014 0:00:00
I am the prospective developer of a hotel beside the Miami Springs Golf Course if Miami Springs voters approve the sale of city-owned property to me in an April 8 special election ( Vote set on selling course parcel, Neighbors, March 23). I am pleased to address concerns expressed by residents.
The sale of the subject 10,300-square-foot sliver of land does not, and will not, set a precedent. It is a unique piece of land never part of the golf course. The property is zoned P-1, Public Property District, and it has been used for parking as long as anyone can remember. The city property is physically separated from the Golf Course by a 4-foot-high chain-link fence on the east and an adjacent apartment parking area to the South. The Eldron/Fairway area is zoned Airport Golf, a generally commercial district, away from any Single-Family Residential District.
The purchase price was established by two independent commercial appraisals conducted in October and November 2013, which came back at $105,000 and $115,000 respectively. The higher of the two was selected by the City Council, being considered more beneficial to the residents of Miami Springs. It should be noted that the 627 Eldron Property, including the land and building, was purchased in February 2012 for $305.000.
Our investment in this hotel venture will exceed $11 million. Water and sewer availability to the property for a hotel has been confirmed by the Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department. All utility work, will be paid by us, the developers. Additionally, county impact fees for roads, fire and police services, and all permitting fees will be the responsibility of the property owner.
I am proud of the support we have received from the citys elected officials, administration and most importantly, the Miami Springs residents. I trust that this project will provide much needed tax relief to the residents and will encourage improvement to the neglected Eldron Drive/Fairway Drive corridor. We have reached out to the community with facts and remain committed to preserving our quality of life.
Manuel Perez-Vichot, Miami Springs