Here’s the basic picture
Changes are being proposed at the First Presbyterian Church property at 609 Brickell Avenue. There are two issues for neighbors to understand: a request to change the property’s historic designation report and a tree application seeking permission to remove 54 trees and relocate seven others.
Applying does not mean the applicant will receive permission. City reviewers have identified unresolved issues, and the records BHA reviewed do not show approval for these tree removals.
What did the City say?
The City’s environmental reviewer said the proposed removals did not meet the criteria under the scope of the submitted tree application. The reviewer also noted that the landscape drawings showed new construction that was not included in that application.
The applicant responded that the tree work was associated with proposed redevelopment application PZ-25-20277.
In an October 2 follow-up, the City reviewer explained that a zoning application is not a building application. The reviewer directed the applicant to cancel this standalone tree application and propose the construction-related tree work under the building application that includes the construction.
In plain terms: the City said it would not permit the requested construction-related tree removals under this application’s current scope. Any future request would still need review. This is neither permission to remove the trees nor a guarantee of future approval.
The report downloaded October 24 lists the Environmental Resources comment as unresolved.
Read the City’s review comments (PDF) →
See page 2, Environmental Resources, reference 7, for the City’s comments and the applicant’s response. Project: BD26012533001. Report generated October 24, 2026.
What are historic protections?
The property has a historic designation, which recognizes its historical significance and places changes to the site under special review. The designation report helps explain what is protected and why.
The November 3 hearing concerns a proposed amendment to that report. Residents need to see the existing report alongside the proposed amendment to understand exactly what would change.
The historic hearing and the tree application are separate review matters involving the same property. The posted hearing notice does not identify the November 3 item as a vote on removing 54 trees.
Why should neighbors care?
Decisions at this property can affect the character of the neighborhood, its trees, and the historic places that remain as Brickell grows. Neighbors should be able to understand what would change, what would be preserved, and how to share their concerns before decisions are made.
What information is still pending?
BHA has requested the complete hearing packet, including the existing historic designation report, the proposed amendment, and the City staff report with its exhibits.
We have also requested the tree disposition plan, a map showing which trees would stay, move, or be removed; the tree survey and arborist documentation; and the mitigation plan explaining replacement planting. We are seeking clarification on whether the applicant has submitted the tree work under a construction application.
As of this October 24 update, we have not obtained those materials. BHA contacted City preservation staff for the hearing documents and the environmental reviewer for the tree records and application clarification.
Questions we will continue to ask
- What historic protections would change, and which would remain?
- Why are 54 trees proposed for removal, and could more be preserved?
- Where would the seven trees proposed for relocation be moved?
- What replacement trees would be planted, and how would their survival be monitored?
- Has the applicant addressed the City’s comments and submitted the tree work under the appropriate construction application?
- When will the complete plans and hearing documents be available for residents to review?
Attend the HEP Board hearing
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 · 3 p.m.
Miami City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Historic and Environmental Preservation Board
609 Brickell Avenue / First Presbyterian Church
File ID: 20011
The advertised item concerns an amendment to the property’s historic designation report.
We encourage neighbors to attend, learn what is being proposed, and make their voices heard. BHA’s advocacy focus is accessible records, protection of neighborhood resources, and informed public participation. Residents deserve clear answers and enough time to review the supporting documents.
Information reflects the application, review comments, and posted hearing notice reviewed as of October 24, 2026. BHA will update this article as additional documents become available.