Friday, September 19, 2008
Officials one step closer to Miami's mega plan
MIAMI (WSVN) -- Officials are one step closer to moving forward with a huge redevelopment project for Downtown Miami.
The state's highest court chimed in on the legal battle blocking Miami's mega plan: the multimillion dollar project to build a new Marlins stadium and several other projects downtown.
Thursday the Florida Supreme Court ruled that taxpayers do not get a say on how local governments spend community redevelopment funds. It's been that way for decades, until last year when the court decided give the public a vote. "It certainly is not what we would hope it would be," said Norman Braman.
Car dealership giant Norman Braman filed suit to stop the stadium project. He said city and county leaders are spending the money illegally. Thursday's ruling doesn't affect the Marlins stadium, because it will be funded with tourist tax dollars. However, the proposed Port of Miami Tunnel and the museum park near the American Airlines Arena, will be funded by community redevelopment funds; and under Thursday's ruling, city and county leaders can spend the money however they want. "That's why those individuals are elected by the people in this community, to make policy decisions as to where funds are invested for purposes of revitalizing areas that include slum and blight," said Mayor Manny Diaz, for the City of Miami.
Braman disagrees with Diaz' vision of revitalization and feels that a new stadium and the other projects are not what's best for the city's future. "The Marlins stadium creates jobs, hot dog vendors, program sellers, minimum wage, if that, positions, that do nothing to enhance the economy," said Braman.
Some question Miami's past projects for growth that are now shriveled. The decrepit Miami Arena cost the city $2 million to build and went on the auction block for half the price. Sunday, the arena will be demolished. "At times like this, the government actually needs to be more active in terms of investing in infrastructure projects to create jobs," said Diaz.
Miami Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez said the community redevelopment funds will also be used to pay off some of the debts from the performing arts center.
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