MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A brand-new Costco is a major step closer to being built in South Miami-Dade.
On Tuesday, the Miami-Dade County Commission voted 8-to-5 to sell a county-owned parcel to a developer, who plans to build the wholesale store on the property.
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The Commission agreed to sell 17-acres of vacant land near Southwest 190th St. and 108th Ave. to developer Michael Swerdlow for $8.1 million.
Analysts say the sales price was well below the property’s assessed value.
The tract of land has been held by the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD).
Commissioner Kionne McGhee, who represents Miami-Dade’s 9th District, sponsored the proposal.
“The site in question, acquired by the County for approximately $2.7 million in 2003, has remained unused by WASD, providing no value to the community for over two decades,” said Commissioner McGhee. “This development will not only add the site to the County tax roll but also create local jobs and deliver lasting economic benefits to residents in the West Perrine Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) and surrounding neighborhoods.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, McGhee said the area “is one of the most depressed areas as it relates to employment and as it relates to food deserts.”
He said the Costco would bring $217 million to the area if it is built.
Sponsors say it will also bring more than 400 jobs.
According to a media release, the developer has also committed to providing 5,000 free memberships to individuals in the area, who earn less than $50,000 per year.