Miami-Dade BCC - Comprehensive Development Master Plan & Zoning Hearing - Dec 18, 2025
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Board approved Citadel's $2.5 billion global headquarters at 1201 Brickell Bay Drive unanimously, including a $4 million transportation contribution for the Financial District Metro Mover station. A 134-unit multifamily development at 18440 Ojas was denied without prejudice due to incompatibility with the surrounding single-family neighborhood. The Board also approved a 430-unit mixed-use development on Biscayne Boulevard with 71 workforce housing units and a $100,000 scholarship endowment.
Key Decisions (7)
Citadel Global Headquarters at 1201 Brickell Bay Drive
Approved special exemption and general plan for Citadel's approximately $2.5 billion global headquarters development including office tower, hotel, and public BayWalk improvements. Project includes 10-foot variance from 50-foot waterfront setback for portion of pedestal. Applicant committed to $4 million contribution for Financial District Metro Mover station improvements (increased from original $3 million).
Multifamily Development at 18440 Ojas
Denied without prejudice application to redesignate 1.2 acres from residential R to RM center zoning for 134-unit multifamily development. Staff recommended denial citing inconsistency with Ojas Urban Area District plan, incompatibility with surrounding single-family neighborhood, and significant density increase from 18 units/acre to 90 units/acre and from 2 stories to 12 stories.
Mixed-Use Development on Biscayne Boulevard (RRP VII BBI)
Approved CDMP amendment and rezoning for 430-unit mixed-use development within half-mile smart corridor near future 123rd Street rail station. Project includes grocery store and 71 workforce housing units (increased from 25). Applicant proffered $100,000 scholarship endowment through Miami Foundation for District 3 students.
Phase 2 Multifamily Development at NW 36th Street and 37th Avenue
Approved special exception for 3645 Investors LLC for 8-story, approximately 240-unit multifamily development as phase 2 to existing 265-unit project. Property located within RTZ smart corridor sub zone near 112 Expressway, Hialeah Market Tri-Rail Station, and Arlington Heights Metro Rail Station.
Item 3B and Companion Zoning Item 8A4
Items deferred at request of District 8 commissioner.
Got In Place Development at 8A5
Deferred at request of District 4 commissioner because staff recommendation changed from denial to approval with covenant less than 48 hours before hearing, insufficient time for community review.
TLC South Dade Development at 8C2
Deferred at request of District 9 vice chair.
Zoning Changes (2)
18440 Ojas - 184th Terrace and 24th Avenue
18440 Ojas LLC (represented by Rachel Streitfeld, Caldera Law)
West of Biscayne Boulevard, East of NE 14th Avenue, north of NE 111th Street
RRP VII BBI Biscayne LLP
Development Activity (4)
Citadel Global Headquarters
Approximately $2.5 billion super tall tower development serving as Citadel's global headquarters. Includes office space in middle floors, hotel on top floors, amenity space, public lobby, restaurants, and enhanced BayWalk with elevated public terrace. Seeking 10-foot variance from 50-foot waterfront setback for portion of pedestal only; tower exceeds required setback.
18440 Ojas Multifamily
Proposed 134-unit multifamily development on 1.2 gross acres (4 parcels). Requested rezoning from R to RM center, density increase from 18 to 90 units/acre, height increase from 2 to 12 stories. Applicant offered to covenant 8-story height limit. Site currently on septic.
RRP VII BBI Biscayne Mixed-Use
430 residential units with 71 workforce housing units, grocery store component. Located within half-mile smart corridor near future 123rd Street rail station. Includes $100,000 scholarship endowment for District 3 students.
3645 Investors Phase 2
8-story wrap building with approximately 240 units as phase 2 to existing 265-unit development. 2.27 acres. Parking garage fully wrapped by residential. Ground floor includes lobby, amenities, retail, on-grade pool, and dog park. 30 workforce housing units (12.5%) with half at 120% AMI and half at 60-80% AMI.
Market Signals (5)
Commercial Demand
Citadel's $2.5 billion headquarters investment reinforces Miami's emergence as a global center for finance and technology, with the Greater Miami Chamber and Beacon Council citing sustained demand for Class A office space in Brickell.
Housing Demand
Multiple commissioners cited an 84,000-unit deficit in workforce housing that grew from 65,000 units last year, with state legislators threatening further preemption if local governments don't accelerate housing production.
Infrastructure
Commissioners noted that density and development consistently concentrate in only 4-5 districts (Lopez, Regalado, Hardiman, Bastien, Steinberg) due to infrastructure constraints and economic factors, with Live Local projects following the same pattern as RTZ developments.
Sentiment
Board engaged in extensive policy debate about balancing neighborhood character preservation against housing affordability needs, with Commissioner Gilbert arguing that denying density perpetuates unaffordability while others emphasized need for infrastructure investment before densification.
Infrastructure
Septic-to-sewer conversion remains a significant development driver, with the Ojas applicant noting the site will never get off septic until redeveloped and drains into the most polluted part of Biscayne Bay.