Fran Bohnsack's Tribute

Frances M. Bohnsack, Ph.D.
Eighteen Years of Service in Support of the Miami River

The City of Miami pays tribute to Dr. Frances M. Bohnsack, honoring her exceptional service and
dedication as Executive Director of the Miami River Marine Group. We value Dr. Bohnsack’s overall knowledge and passion for the advancement of a working waterfront along the Miami River, the Fifth largest port in the state of Florida, a port serving as economic catalyst for the South Florida region and providing vital shipping links -- logistics, food, equipment and household goods-- to the shallow draft ports of the Caribbean and Central and South America. We applaud Dr. Bohnsack’s leadership and legal vigilance that resulted in favorable judicial outcomes for Miami River shipping interests, her critical input and expertise important to this special triumph. It is with genuine respect and gratitude, on behalf of our citizens, that we join her colleagues and friends to honor Dr. Frances M. Bohnsack’s eighteen years of superior work, a tenure representing the hallmark of integrity. As Dr. Bohnsack leaves to accept a well-deserved position with the Federal Maritime Administration,
we extend best wishes for continued success!

Presented on behalf of the City of Miami by
Tomás P. Regalado, Mayor
Wifredo “Willy” Gort, Commissioner
January 13, 2011

Fran Bohnsack Honored Today By City of Miami

Co-President of the Urban Environment League Dr. Fran Bohnsack was honored for her service to the community this morning.

Mayor Regalado, on behalf of the City of Miami, presented Dr. Frances Bohnsack with a commendation for her many years of service to the Port of the Miami River and the community at large. Debbie Zimmerman, aid to Congresswoman Ileana Ros Lehtinen, also read a letter from the Congresswoman praising Fran for her tireless efforts on behalf of the maritime industry and the Miami River at a special meeting for the Miami City Commission Jan. 12, 2011.

Happy Holidays. By Fran Bohnsack

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Members of the Urban Environment League, we wish you a very happy holiday season!

We will return after January 1st.

A UEL bus tour is in the planning stage.

UEL Co-President Fran Bohnsack and Board Member, Nancy Liebman have teamed up to resurrect the UEL bus tour. The tour is scheduled for a Friday in early February and will make stops around the upper-east side of the city, taking in a gallery or two. Our bus tours were one of our most popular events. The people who attended has a great time and friendships were forged among the group, out for a day of exploring.

The UEL monthly dinner schedule will resume in January.

Disappointed with The Side Show at The UEL Dinner By Fran Bohnsack

The UEL Dinner on November 17th on the proposed 25 to 35 story Media Towers (developer Mark Siffin) became a circus in itself.

The forum had a mixed panel to discuss the issue -- With Mr. Siffin himself on it. Nonetheless, the Siffin camp found it necessary to bring protesters to the event, holding signs and chanting in favor of the project. People who were attending simply to learn more about the public policy aspect of the project were made to feel uncomfortable as they walked the guantlet of protestors who seemed determined to inhibit thoughtful dialogue. The developer also filled the room with supporters who did not pay for dinner, but did hiss when something was said against the project. Miami rudeness at its finest!

The UEL has not taken a position for or against the project as our membership is divided. However, an open dialogue should not have been used by the developer's camp as a chance to shut down dissenting opinions. In addition, the developer offered very little of substance to the discussion.

Whereas I am normally very pleased with the quality and substance of UEL's programs,
this one left me with a bad taste -- so much so that I am contemplating asking the UEL Board to
reconsider our policy of free admittance to the program portion of our monthly dinners
I would like to know what others think.

Dinner Panel: Yes or No on Amendment 4

The UEL dinner on October 20th tackled the question: Is Florida Hometown Democracy (Amendment #4) The Best Answer for Growth Management? Here is the evening in pictures:


Former City of Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre makes a point in favor of Amendment 4.


Co-Presidents of UEL, Sonia Succar Ferre and Fran Bohnsack take a moment for a photo op.


County Commission Katy Sorenson spoke against Amendment 4 and Former City of Miami City Manager spoke for it.


Above: Helen Ferre moderated the Panel. Below: Former Miami Beach Mayor, Neisen Kasdin at the podium speaking against Amendment 4.


UEL Board Member Enid Pinkney and Charlayne Thompkins listen to an audience member asking a question. UEL Board Member Erika Brigman center.


UEL member Beatrix Baldan questions the speakers about the Amendment.


The audience listening to the discussion.

Purity of Parks. By Fran Bohnsack

It wasn't so long ago that the cities along the ocean wanted to put a school on Haulover Beach to solve over-crowding in Bay Harbor Islands school. The Urban Environment League fought long and hard on this fight and stopped this intrusion on our park land. There will always be a scheme to get open land fro some "good use" and the citizens have to remain vigilant on this subject. At the time the Park Director said something like:

You are asking the people to choose between clean water and clear air.

In other words, in this case, between the equally important Parks and Schools. Now we are being asked to choose between the integrity of our park -- and a few dollars from the pocketbooks of park patrons. It will be a short term solution leaving us with a long term result.

Miami Herald on the Virginia Key Master Plan

In an article today, Miami Herald Reporter Andres Viglucci reviewed the City of Miami Waterfront Advisory Board meeting (held Tuesday) where the new Virginia Key Master Plan was presented:

City of Miami planners have markedly scaled back a proposed makeover of ecologically sensitive Virginia Key, winning plaudits from critics who complained previous versions of the plan favored concrete over nature.

UEL President Fran Bohnsack was quoted in the article:

Since then, planners held public meetings with the participation of more than 100 people, including members of the Urban Environment League, a leading critic of the EDSA plans.

The result, League chairwoman Fran Bohnsack told the waterfront board, ``has something for everyone, and it's much better than the original EDSA plan.''

The Hold the Line Vote is Today. By Fran Bohnsack

The Urban Environment League is a member of Hold the Line. We agree with the Miami Herald Editorial that said: "The Commission sacrifices public good for private gain."

I will be representing the UEL at the County Commission meeting today, echoing the concerns raised in the Miami Herald:

"How many public officials and independent authorities have told the Miami-Dade County Commission that moving the Urban Development Boundary would open the floodgates to westward expansion for no good reason?

Five. The Florida Cabinet. The state Department of Community Affairs. The South Florida Water Management District. Florida Administrative Hearing Judge Bram D.E. Canter. County Mayor Carlos Alvarez.

Add to that list the county's own planning and zoning department experts and many, many Miami-Dade residents. They are tired of sprawl and the traffic gridlock and crowded classrooms that reckless, unplanned development generates without paying for the services it needs."

Recap on our Energy Revolution Panel Discussion. By Fran Bohnsack

The UEL program on the Energy Revolution was surprisingly delightful last night! I say that because the subject matter for me is often dry and -- dare I say -- boring, but that was certainly not the case this time.

The speakers were all quite informed and interesting (especially our own John Van Leer and Albert Harem-Alvarez) and the rep from FPL, David Bates, was pretty good natured about the polite grilling he got. John Scott of Cushman and Wakefield was up to the task of moderation, and Jane Gilbert and George Cavros rounded out the program. The room was filled with all sorts of interesting young people who were new to UEL and who take the subject of the energy revolution quite seriously. Quite honestly, it gave me hope for the direction of our future. And a bonus -- I got to meet Paul Farren, the owner of the Energy Store in Hollywood, and I got some really good composting tips from Prof. Jack Parker, our local energy guru. The program also attracted a candidate running for the State House, Lisa Lesperance, who happens to be running in my district -- another good sign If you missed it, we did tape it for future posting on our website.

For the success of this program UEL has to credit two of our newest Board Members, Sarah Ridley and Sonia Succar. I am looking forward to more of this kind of programming and participation.

P.S. When the sun set Sarah suggested we open the curtains lining a second wall, and the guests were treated to a 180 degree sunset view of Biscayne Bay and downtown. It was breathtaking. We had thought the view on just one side was spectacular, little did we know.

April 28th Application to move the UDB Line. By Fran Bohnsack

Dear UEL Friends,

I have something of great importance to impart. I have learned that there are several very controversial applications coming up for developments outside the UDB. These will be heard on April 28 at the County Commission Chambers at 9:30 a.m. We need to do our best to fill the Chamber and the time certain makes it easier. Since Commissioner Sosa is running for Mayor, she is likely to be influenced by the will of the crowd. We need your help to exercise that influence to protect the UDB. Will you help?

Let's do our part. Can you join me?

Katy Sorenson will not seek re-election as County Commissioner By Fran Bohnsack

Katy Sorenson's announcement yesterday that she will not be seeking re-election to the Miami-Dade County Commission in District 8 came as a shock, not because I don't think that 16 years of service is enough, but because Commissioner Sorenson has been the embodiment of a respected public servant that it is so much needed in our county. My fears that her absence from the public weal would create a role model vacuum were quickly assuaged, however, as I learned of her intention to collaborate with the University of Miami to develop a community initiative on Excellence in Public Service. Certainly the UEL has taken steps in this direction, as has a small coalition of activists led by Marty Margulies and others, but obstacles for organizations without significant fiscal resources -- where the work is undertaken by volunteers -- usually mean that the work is piecemeal and the vision never fully realized.

So I am encouraged that Katy Sorenson has decided to use her talents in this way. And I am pleased with the support of the Knight Foundation and the Dade Community Foundation, two venerable institutions of positive influence. As Sorenson describes it, the interdisciplinary effort "will seek to train, advise, and hone the skills of current and potential political leaders in order to foster professionalism, knowledge and ethics among the elected officials who serve this community." I think we can agree that these goals are laudable, and these skills are much needed.

But can Katy really accomplish something along these lines in a community that has so often been intractable? I think she can. When she first ran for office in a crowded field of eight, she was a stand out and she turned the race upside down. My political intuition is telling me that she's just about to shift the paradigm again -- for a greater good that reaches beyond District 8. I say "Congratulations, Katy -- and thank you." Really.

Amendment 4? Yes or No? By Fran Bohnsack

Although the 2010 election is still a year away, there’s no doubt that Amendment 4 is the biggest thing on next November’s ballot. Proposed as an antidote to reckless and speculative over-development, Amendment 4 has mobilized Growth Management proponents and catalyzed opposition from Chambers of Commerce and elected officials across the state of Florida.

The question on which the amendment centers is this: Should the public be allowed to ratify a vote on comprehensive plan changes that concern "future land development" since these changes often determine the future of a community for decades to come —in communities where voters reside.

Hometown Democracy argues “Yes,” pointing out that Amendment 4 requires a public vote only after a Commission approves sweeping changes to the location, amount, and type of development currently permitted for a given area. Opponents say “No” to Hometown Democracy, arguing that the citizen vote will be cumbersome and that elected officials already give the voters representation on the changes. Which side has it right? More important, how will you vote on Amendment 4? We hope after this discussion you will form an opinion.

The Uel is hosting a debate, on January 20th, at the Rusty Pelican, between Lesley Blackner Amendment 4 supporter and founder of the group Florida Hometown Democracy and Clifford Schulman, member of Floridians for Smarter Growth.

Please RSVP today at uelinfo@bellsouth.net.

Happy Holidays. by Fran Bohnsack

The Board of Directors of the Urban Environment League, wishes all our friends and neighbors in the community a very happy holiday season!

We hope to see you in the new year at our forum on State Amendment 4 on January 20th!

The State Attorney, What could she have done? By Fran Bohnsack

State Attorney Katherine Rundle's staff had a hard decision to make: whether to arrest Commissioner Spence-Jones BEFORE or AFTER the election and if after, how long after? And could they also have held off on charging and making a deal with Commissioner Angel Gonzalez?

A critical error was that the City of Miami Commission was left without a quorum the way the State Attorney's office did it. If Rundle had waited on the Gonzalez case, the Commission could have made an appointment for the Spence-Jones seat, putting off the pending special election till after her trial. The way it was forced on the City, by Rundle's office, because of the City's charter it will be costing the city hundreds of thousands of dollars they don't have, and Spence-Jones, who is running again, will probably be reelected. She might have to be taken out for a second time if she is convicted and a third special election held. If there had been an appointment, with Angel Gonzalez voting, and Spence-Jones was cleared, she would just go back to the seat and the appointment would vacate. Or, if Spence-Jones had been charged 2 weeks later, the new Commissioners would have made a quorum.

Max Rameau Talk Last Night. By Fran Bohnsack

The UEL had a really great meeting last night.  Max Rameau was cutting edge interesting, and a whole new group of students showed up and participated in the taping of the program.  About 50 people attended.  The room was energy charged!  Before the program someone sent me an article on Max printed in the Virginia Quarterly Review.  It was spot on in capturing Miami politics and illustrating Max's role as a change agent.  It's hard not to agree with his basic premise that "Housing is a Human Right." If you're curious, try this link.

We have also established a new policy for students who would like to join us for the dinner portion of the program: a discount of $5.00 on the meal, OR A TOTAL PRICE OF $20.  A very good deal. I heard many positive comments about the food last night as well.  It was surprising to me since I have thought that the Rusty Pelican food has been good for a very long time, but apparently some "old timers" hadn't visited the place since years earlier when they had formed a different impression.  More than once I heard these folks mention that they were "surprised and delighted"  with the fare.

We've got some good programs coming up.  Hope more of you will be able to join us.
Fran

The Evaluation and Appraisal Reports for Miami Dade County. By Fran Bohnsack

The Comprehensive Plan updates that the State of Florida must approve for Miami Dade County are coming due. They are called the (EAR) Evaluation and Appraisal Report.

I attended Monday night's EAR workshop and spoke about these issues: maintaining the UDB, development in the urban core, the watershed study, future plans for FPL and protecting the Miami River as a working river. Many others underscored these issues as well.

The planning staff was pretty up front about focusing on the unincorporated area at this time, but suggested they would move to urban areas later in the process.

Marlins Stadium: Price Tag for the County: $2.4 Billion. By Fran Bohnsack

As reported in the Miami Herald today:

As Miami-Dade County commissioners worked late into the night to finalize financing for the Florida Marlins stadium last week, Commissioner Katy Sorenson posed a simple question: What's the total cost of financing going to be?

Burgess fudged: "I don't know off the top of my head."

Commissioner Katy Sorenson asked the question because she wanted it on the record. The Commissioner had to wait until the following day to get the answer from Bond Counsel. Perhaps the vote would have been different if this was on the record earlier. As the Herald reported:

The total cost is finally in black and white: $2.4 billion, spread over 40 years, to repay $409 million in bonds that will primarily, though not exclusively, cover stadium construction.

Was George Burgess trying to hide this information or was it that he truly didn't know? Why would he promote this deal without all the information on the table, especially the bottom line!

City of Weston Poised to Fight State of Florida. By Fran Bohnsack

Weston is appealing to other municipalities hoping they will join them to mount a legal challenge against unpopular Senate Bill 360 that Crist recently signed into law. Here is the letter Weston is sending out (Hit of the pages to enlarge them).

According to the Daily Business Review:

Seven governments have joined Weston [in opposing the law], and several others are considering this within the next two weeks, said Weston City Attorney Jamie Cole of Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza Cole & Boniske in Fort Lauderdale.

Three cheers to Weston!

Tomas Regalado Acknowledges his Orchid Award. By Fran Bohnsack

City of Miami Commissioner Tomas Regalado, also a candidate for Mayor, said in his thank you letter for his Orchid Award (for his Marlin's "no" vote):

"I believes government should listen and be partners with the UEL in order to have the right development and quality of life for all."