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Miami voters stand against marina redevelopment in Virginia Key

Miami voters to decide future of Rickenbacker Marina in Virginia Key

MIAMI – More than 50% of the voters stood against Miami’s Virginia Key referendum to hand over a redevelopment contract to Biscayne Marine Partners LLC.

If voters would have agreed, Aabad Melwani would have been able to make improvements to the Rickenbacker Marina by modernizing boat slips to use less space.

The plan also included a new marine supplies store, two restaurants, more public green space, and a bayfront promenade.

The plan for the Rickenbacker Marina doesn’t include retail space. Competing developers are vying for a contract with the city.

There is a separate Marine Stadium project proposal that the city is reviewing.

The ballot question: Shall Miami’s Charter be amended authorizing the City to waive competitive bidding, negotiate, execute a 75-year waterfront lease (marinas, restaurants, marine-related uses) of approximately 27 acres (generally 3301, 3307, 3605, 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway) on the west side of Virginia Key with Biscayne Marine Partners LLC, for minimum: $115,000,000 tenant capital investment; $2,750,000 annual rent (10% for Virginia Key Beach Park Trust) or fair market value, and 6% gross boat storage, fuel revenues; 4% gross revenues from other sources?

Related story: Miami voters to decide future of Rickenbacker Marina

Candidate

Votes

%

No

14,99453%

Yes

13,43447%
100% of Precincts Reporting

(232 / 232)

More election coverage

Area map


About the Authors
Louis Aguirre headshot

Louis Aguirre is an Emmy-award winning journalist who anchors weekday newscasts and serves as WPLG Local 10’s Environmental Advocate.

Roy Ramos headshot

Roy Ramos joined the Local 10 News team in 2018. Roy is a South Florida native who grew up in Florida City. He attended Christopher Columbus High School, Homestead Senior High School and graduated from St. Thomas University.

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