The Planning and Zoning Meeting held on September 24, 2025, in Hialeah, Miami-Dade County, focused primarily on a special use permit application for a medical research center. The meeting addressed the proposal from LaMercedes Medical Research Inc., represented by attorney Armestre, to operate a clinical trials facility at 4440 West Sixteenth Avenue, adjacent to an existing medical center.

The proposed site, located within a shopping center, features a two-story building constructed in 1985, encompassing approximately 9,800 square feet. The current zoning classification is C-2, which allows for liberal retail commercial use, making the application consistent with existing land use regulations. The medical center currently has 26 parking spaces, including designated handicap spots, and additional parking is available from the shopping center.

The clinical research center aims to conduct Phase 2 and 4 clinical trials, testing new drugs and devices. The facility will operate Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, accommodating a maximum of five patients per day, all by appointment only. Importantly, no overnight stays will be permitted, and patients will not be allowed to wait outside the building for their appointments.

City staff recommended approval of the special use permit, contingent upon several conditions. These include a declaration of restrictions that limits the number of patients to five per day and ensures that patients are scheduled by appointment. The staff emphasized that the parking requirements for the clinical research center align with those of the existing medical center, negating the need for additional parking spaces.

During the meeting, staff presented visual aids, including site plans and photographs of the existing facility, to illustrate the proposal's compatibility with the surrounding area. The presentation confirmed that no structural changes would be made to the building, as the application seeks to expand the use of the existing space rather than alter it.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's support for the medical research center, highlighting its potential to enhance local healthcare services while adhering to zoning regulations. The next steps will involve finalizing the conditions set forth by city staff before the ordinance's second reading.