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<br />CHAPTER TWO - LOCAL ISSUES <br /> <br />Local Issue #1-Land Development <br /> <br />Define/Describe the Issue. How does the past compare to the present with respect to <br />the issue? How was the issue treated in the existing plan? <br /> <br />Over the last five years-since adopting the 2000 comprehensive plan -- the City has <br />been proactive in redeveloping the beachfront (east side of Collins Avenue), and <br />identifying adequate tools to successfully provide for current and future redevelopment <br />needs. Currently, the City has almost reached build-out; and at less than three (3) acres <br />of vacant developable land consisting mainly of small infill lots scattered throughout the <br />western part of the City, redevelopment efforts will remain the focus over the next <br />planning period. By comparison, in 2000, the City's vacant land inventory consisted of <br />approximately 50-acres (Source: City's Comprehensive Plan). <br /> <br />In terms of land needed to accommodate projected population growth, despite the <br />differing population forecasts, the City has adequate land capacity for residential and <br />commercial growth. This land capacity includes redevelopment opportunities, <br />particularly as vacant land remaining has been reduced to less than three acres. <br /> <br />The 2000 Plan assumed a 2009 projection of 17,701 residents, whereas the current <br />Miami-Dade County's population projections show a population of only 16,929 <br />permanent residents by 2025. The Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse (FHDC), <br />Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing reported a 2005 estimated population of 16,289 <br />residents, increasing by 33.7% for a total of 21,784 residents in the year 2025. This rate <br />of growth is higher than City's Plan and higher than the County (See University of <br />Florida, Shimberg Center's projected population on page 31). However, a review of the <br />City's most recent numbers regarding residential units built since 2000, including <br />projects currently under construction and projects recently approved, reveals the City <br />will actually have added over 4,400 new residential units (net increase= new units - <br />replaced units) since the Plan was adopted. This means the City will have grown by an <br />additional 8,288 residents-- 4,400 units multiplied by an assumed 1.87 persons per <br />household- to 23,603 residents-- a 54% increase from 2000. However, approximately <br />35% to 40% of these units are seasonal, which means not occupied by year round <br />residents (Source: City of Sunny Isles Beach Planning and Zoning Department). For <br />further discussion see population estimates in Chapter Two. <br /> <br />From the above numbers of population figures and housing units, it can be determined <br />that: <br />While population projections may differ, each plays a role in articulating a strong <br />general demographic dynamic in the City of Sunny Isles Beach; <br />· Residential redevelopment has been much higher than anticipated, and the 2000 <br />population projections in the Plan, recent County forecasts, and Shimberg's data are <br />found to be low; and <br />The City recognizes the need to revise the population and housing figures in the <br />Comprehensive Plan to address current and future conditions. In implementing its EAR- <br />based amendments, the City of Sunny Isles Beach will place great emphasis on <br /> <br />City of Sunny Isles Beach - <br />2005 Evaluation and Appraisal Report <br /> <br />Rev. 9/15/2005 <br />Page 7 <br />