Miami-Dade commissioners approve expansion of Metro Mover subzone over city objection

The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday approved an ordinance to expand the Metro Mover rapid transit subzone to include several private properties within the City of Miami.

Melissa Fernandez Steers, representing the City of Miami, asked the commission to deny or continue item 1G1, saying the city has a pending lawsuit that challenges county authority over the rapid transit zone. "I respectfully request a denial or continuance of agenda item 1G1," she said, arguing the expansion would add private properties at 170 Southwest 12th Terrace, 186 Southeast 12th Terrace, and 237 Southwest 13th Street and would effectively transfer certain regulatory authority from the city to the county.

Steers said the change could affect municipal control over planning, permitting, inspections and compliance with building and fire codes and cited section 6.02 of the county charter in support of the city's position. The presiding member asked about the litigation's status; the county attorney replied, "The litigation is currently in discovery. The county's motion to dismiss was denied in August. We're currently moving forward with the litigation."

After brief discussion the commission voted on a motion to approve ordinance 1G1. The clerk recorded roll-call votes by the present members, with Commissioners Bastian, Senator Garcia and Vice Chairwoman Regalado recorded as voting yes. The motion passed unanimously. The ordinance summary as read by the county attorney says the amendment adds certain private properties to the Metro Mover subzone, provides severability and sets an effective date; the text of the ordinance itself and any effective date were not specified during the hearing.

The commission moved on to subsequent items after the unanimous vote; no further action on settlement or litigation was reported during the meeting.