SOUTH DADE PET ADOPTION CENTER

Board of County Commissioners · 2026-07-21 · resolution

The Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution R-662-26, File Number 261292, delegating authority to the County Mayor to negotiate, finalize, and execute an amendment to the Exchange Agreement between Miami-Dade County and UniCapital Medley QOZB LLC. The amendment will modify minimum design requirements and increase the County's minimum contribution by up to $3,000,000.00, with an additional $1,000,000.00 approved for a design and construction contingency for the Animal Services Department South Dade Pet Adoption and Protection Center. The total County contribution under the amendment shall not exceed $6,200,000.00. The total project amount will increase from approximately $21,000,000 to approximately $25,000,000. The resolution also waives Resolution No. R-130-06. The project is located in Commission District 8. The design is currently at 50%. The resolution was introduced on 7/13/2026 and adopted on 7/21/2026. The original resolution number R-518-25 was corrected to R-581-25. The project involves $18,000,000 in private funds and up to $6,200,000 in County funds plus $1,000,000 in contingency funds. The item was a late item sponsored by Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins and co-sponsored by Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez. The Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Committee forwarded it to the Board with a favorable recommendation on 7/15/2026. The project is funded by Project No. 2000005215 of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget and Multi-Year Capital Plan. The design consultant is Animal Arts. The developer is UniCapital Medley QOZB LLC. The County Mayor is Daniella Levine Cava. The Chief of Public Safety is Arnold Palmer. The Real Estate and Development Chief Real Estate Officer is Ryan Mosely. The Interim Division Director of Architect and Engineering Services is Maria Casuscelli. The County Attorney assigned is Sophia Guzzo. The project is a new Animal Services Department facility. The Exchange Agreement was approved on June 26, 2025, and authorized the exchange of County-owned property for privately owned parcels, the development of a new Animal Services Department facility, and the construction of affordable housing on the former County site. The facility will serve a critical role in intake and care of animals, advancing adoption outcomes, supporting animal wellness, and providing a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for the public. The enhancements are recommended by Animal Arts, an architectural firm specializing in animal facilities. The enhancements to Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing are critical to animal sheltering facilities due to airborne pathogens, moisture, and odors. The Association of Shelter Veterinarians and current engineering guidelines mandate specific air exchange rates. The project will support the County's No-Kill policy. The resolution contains no specific street address, parcel number, acreage, or unit count. The document does not state any public comment or stakeholder sentiment.