Virginia Key marina redevelopment heads to Miami voters
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A rendering of the proposed redevelopment of the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas. Rendering: Virginia Key LLC/Arquitectonica
A judge has cleared the way for Miami voters to weigh in on a referendum on the proposed redevelopment of the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas.
Why it matters: After voters on Tuesday approved a new management and restoration plan for the neighboring Miami Marine Stadium, they are being asked to once again decide the fate of city-owned waterfront land on Virginia Key.
Catch up quick: The proposal calls for the city to enter into a lease with Virginia Key LLC to manage and renovate the 27.6-acre marina properties, adding new docks, boat storage, improved restaurant spaces and a public baywalk.
- The city would receive a minimum of $2.2 million a year in rent during the initial 45-year lease, along with 6% of gross revenues.
- The referendum also promises $80 million in private investment for the marina redevelopment.
Driving the news: On Sunday, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Lisa Walsh rejected a legal challenge to block the referendum filed by current marina operator Rickenbacker Marina Inc. and Adam Gersten, the owner of Gramps Getaway, a restaurant located on the property.
- The lawsuit argues that the ballot language is misleading and that the city wouldn't be getting fair-market value in the deal, among other contentions.
- Judge Walsh defended the ballot language and noted that the city obtained two appraisals determining the deals offered fair-market value.
Yes, but: Although the election will take place, the suit remains active with a trial date in September 2027.
- Attorneys Jason S. Koslowe and Maria A. Fehretdinov tell Axios that they look forward to proving in court that the lease is below market value.
- "Armed with those facts, few voters will approve this bad deal at the November general election."
The other side: “This lawsuit was another attempt to stand in the way of change and deny Miami residents the opportunity to decide the future of property that belongs to them," Robert W. Christoph Jr., president of RCI Group — part of Virginia Key LLC — said in a statement.
- "The court's decision allows that choice to remain where it belongs — in the hands of Miami voters.”
The intrigue: In their legal complaint, the plaintiffs stated that Gramps Getaway's lease would be terminated if the referendum passed, but a campaign website organized to support the referendum says Gramps wouldn't be asked to leave.