To Build Outside Miami-Dade’s Development Zone, Kelly Tractor Needs One More Vote

Miami-Dade commissioners just delayed a key vote on whether Kelly Tractor can build a new headquarters outside the county’s Urban Development Boundary (UDB), giving the company another month to secure the support it needs for approval.

The vote, now scheduled for June 2, marks the latest setback in an ongoing battle over the proposed project, which Mayor Daniella Levine Cava vetoed in February. The mayor continues to oppose the plan, arguing the company has not justified building on protected rural land outside the UDB instead of expanding at its existing Doral headquarters.

The UDB separates suburban development from environmentally sensitive and agricultural land. County planners said Kelly Tractor failed to prove there is not enough space within the boundary for its expansion.

“I do not believe they’ve provided an adequate case for a project of this size outside of the Urban Development Boundary,” Levine Cava told commissioners.

Kelly Tractor, however, already has support from a majority of the 13-member commission for its proposed 246-acre complex near the Dolphin Expressway. The project would include offices, repair facilities, and storage for Caterpillar equipment and generators.

“The expansion is necessary for Kelly’s future operations,” Paul Lambert, the company consultant said. “They really need to expand their operations in a significant way.”

Despite majority support, the proposal requires nine votes because it seeks special approval to build outside the UDB without formally expanding the boundary itself.

The project appeared to lose momentum after Commissioner Raquel Regalado reversed her earlier support following the mayor’s veto. But during Tuesday’s meeting, Regalado indicated she may be open to supporting the revised proposal.

“I think we’re 90% there,” Regalado said.

Kelly Tractor has since updated its application, including a commitment to preserve wetlands on the property — a change Levine Cava acknowledged addressed many of her environmental concerns. Regalado also praised the company for providing more detailed explanations about why expanding within the UDB would not meet its operational needs, particularly for storing electric machinery expected to play a larger role in Caterpillar’s future business.

Regalado ultimately requested the delay to gather additional information from the company before the final vote.

Environmental advocates remain opposed, arguing the proposal could weaken long-term protections on the property and open the door for broader development by future owners.

“Kelly Tractor should instead pursue a formal UDB expansion process, which would require stricter zoning oversight tied directly to the company’s building plans,” said Laura Reynolds, director of the Hold the Line Coalition. “We’re saying just apply the right way.”

“County staff initially advised pursuing the current application process rather than a formal UDB expansion,” said Chris Kelly, president of the family-owned company. “UDB was kind of a bad word, so we proceeded in that direction.”

The mayor’s administration disputes that characterization and says it never endorsed the alternative process.

If Regalado ultimately votes in favor of the proposal, Kelly Tractor would likely secure the nine votes needed not only for approval, but also to override another potential veto from Levine Cava.

Source: Miami Herald