Miami Beach wants to replace parking lot with padel courts

• The 17th Street and Meridian Avenue lot has 151 spaces and is convenient to the Apple Store, Harry's Pizzeria and other Lincoln Road stores.

What they're saying: Commissioner Joseph Magazine, who proposed the idea, said the area has sufficient parking to absorb the lost spaces.

• A nearby office building owner has offered up parking spaces on his property to offset the losses.  
• Magazine said the padel courts would drive business to Lincoln Road and serve as a community amenity to residents.

Friction point: Padel isn't typically free to play and some clubs require memberships. 

• The internationally popular sport has become a favorite of the Miami celebrity class, with stars like Jimmy Butler playing at upscale celebrity tournaments here.
• In response to concerns about equity, Magazine said he'd want to offer some public access as part of any lease agreement.

What we're watching: How much money Miami Beach would ask a padel operator to pay in rent. According to the city, the lot currently brings in over $700,000 a year.