City Commission approves Sweetwater ordinance proposal

The City Commission has tentatively approved an ordinance setting the maximum building height and density of buildings in the area of Sweetwater bordering Florida International University.

If the proposal gets another thumbs up on a second reading, it would limit the height of area buildings to 15 stories and set a maximum density of 105 units per acre. For student housing, a density of 210 units per acre would be allowed.

The ordinance would pertain to the university district, located between 107th and 109th avenues and between 6th and 7th streets, with an additional small portion that could go up to Fourth Street, Mayor Jose Diaz said.

“A lot of buildings will be built,” Diaz told the Miami Herald of plans for the area. “There will be places for students like coffee shops to study … but at the same time we are thinking to build municipal parking, and it will accommodate people visiting the city.”

The ordinance would also set rules for aesthetics and outdoor dining requirements, the Miami Herald reported.

As buildings are added, Diaz is asking developers to pitch in funds for street and landscape improvements. [Miami Herald] — Julie Strickland