MIAMI – Native American activists held a prayer vigil at the famed Miami Circle Tuesday morning ahead of a city vote on potentially preserving a significant archaeological site nearby in the city’s Brickell neighborhood, containing numerous artifacts believed to be from the Tequesta people.
Developer Related Group’s plan to build a condominium complex called the Baccarat Residences has met opposition from those activists all year, ever since an archaeological dig unearthed thousands of years of Miami history.
While construction is already underway at Related’s adjacent site at 77 SE Fifth St., Miami’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board met Tuesday to discuss the possible designation of Related’s 444 Brickell Ave. parcel as an archaeological site.
City staff members are recommending that the board do so.
City staff recommendation:
“(The recommendation) doesn’t really give us too much reassurance because the fact that (Related) has already been allowed to build on the adjacent site, which is equally as important, as significant, as we stand here they are pouring concrete there on that adjacent site,” Betty Osceola, a member of Florida’s Miccosukee tribe, said. “Even though the staff has these findings, it is not really reassuring that they are not going to keep (Related) from building on the remaining site.”
Archaeologists digging in the area have found Tequesta artifacts, like pottery and stone tools, older than the Egyptian pyramids.
Traci Arden, a University of Miami archaeology professor, calls the site the most profound and extensive evidence of prehistoric settlement in Miami’s history.
“The city’s historic preservation board is charged with protecting heritage of Miami heritage, and not just mid-century modern, but all the way back to our indigenous heritage,” Arden told Local 10 News ahead of Tuesday’s meeting “They need to step up and take care of this site.”
Osceola was at Tuesday’s prayer vigil. She’s been advocating for preservation of the site.
Her uncle played a crucial role in safeguarding the Tequesta artifacts found at the Miami Circle, which has since been preserved.
She’s pushed back against claims that the site isn’t important.
“Just because non-indigenous people deem it is as not a religious or sacred site does not mean it isn’t and that seems to be the big disconnect,” Osceola said.
She added, “We hope that (Related) is not allowed to dig up the rest of the significant archeological remains and artifacts that are there.”
Tuesday’s discussion of the site designation at the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board meeting got underway during the afternoon hours. Members of the public were set to weigh in and board members were expected to make a decision later in the evening.
During the meeting, board members learned from an attorney representing Related that the group’s project had already been approved by the city.
“The building in and of itself, it’s already been pre-approved,” Iris Escarra, an attorney with Greenberg Trauig, stated.
Frustration mounted in the room when tribal members also learned even with the designation and a related condition that a “notice of discovery” will be presented as a “discussion item” that the board can approve or deny a “course of action,” but the vote is “guidance”. It is not binding.
“It’s a worthless vote,” an exasperated Betty Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida blurted out during the meeting.
“You’re inept at your job,” Robert Rosa, The American Indian Movement of Florida, passionately decried. “Inept.”
The motion would pass 6-0.
One of the board members stated how they are “volunteers…we are all trying to do our best.”
#PreApproved During the meeting—Historic & Environmental Preservation Board (HEPB) board members learn Related Group’s redevelopment project at 444 Brickell was already City approved. Female speaker at podium is Iris Escarra, Greenberg Traurig attorney, representing Related Group https://t.co/6YKgm7tI76 pic.twitter.com/S9ZLYIoJhW
— Christina Boomer Vazquez, M.S. (@CBoomerVazquez) November 8, 2023
After the vote, Related Group released a statement that read:
We are dedicated to Miami and committed to creating a community that we can all be proud of. The designation of 444 Brickell Avenue as an Archeological Site, in addition to being in an Archaeological Area, highlights the Miami River’s importance in our history. Having meticulously preserved archaeological findings in previous projects, we are committed to undertaking the same careful coordination efforts at the 444 Brickell Avenue site.
The existing office building and parking structure built by the previous property owners occupies the entire site and does not provide green space or access to the river. Our vision for our new development has always been to create an inspirational and extraordinary project on this gateway to the Miami River and the Brickell financial district. We have worked hard to make sure it is a destination that all of Miami can enjoy, with green areas and public access to beautifully designed waterfront features that honor the site and its history. We want to build something special that enriches the fabric of the area. Our open spaces will be designed in a manner which celebrates the importance of the Miami River and its rich history.
We firmly believe that once this development is complete, it will serve as a valuable model for redevelopment in our community.
Related Group
In an interview after the vote, Osceola, whose uncle played a significant role in preserving the Miami Circle, told Local 10 News’ Christina Vazquez that she is “frustrated” and believes the city of Miami needs to revisit their historical/archeological and permitting processes.
“They’re still going to dig up the ancestors, they are still going to desecrate these sacred sites,” Osceola said.
She also said she plans to meet with Miami-Dade County Commissioners about the matter while creating TikTok videos to keep the conversation going.
A city spokesperson said “to our knowledge, no ‘Certificate to Dig’ (CTD) has been requested or issued” at 444 Brickell Ave., in a statement to Local 10 News.
Related is promising to honor the area.
“Having meticulously preserved archaeological findings in previous projects, we are committed to undertaking the same careful coordination efforts at the 444 Brickell Avenue site,” A Related Group spokesperson said in a statement to Local 10 News. “Our open spaces will be designed in a manner which celebrates the importance of the Miami River and its rich history.”