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Front Page » Top Stories » David Beckham soccer stadium talks haven’t kicked in

David Beckham soccer stadium talks haven’t kicked in

Written by on January 12, 2016
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David Beckham soccer stadium talks haven’t kicked in

While Miami Beckham United has shifted from seeking a soccer stadium on port land or near Marlins Park and intends instead to negotiate to buy county-owned land near downtown currently managed by the Water and Sewer Department at fair market value, subject to approval of the county commission, formal negotiations haven’t yet started, Mayor Carlos Gimenez said Tuesday.

In early December, Mayor Gimenez signed a non-binding letter of intent with international soccer star David Beckham and his partners, confirming their intention to discuss purchasing property on Northwest Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue as part of the group’s effort to assemble enough land to eventually construct a privately financed and owned Major League Soccer stadium in Miami’s urban core.

Mr. Gimenez said Miami Beckham United would be responsible for paying property taxes annually, just like any other private entity in the county.

On Tuesday, the mayor told Miami Today the state allows governmental entities to sell their property at market value without going to bid if there’s an economic value to the community.

Currently, he said, Miami Beckham United is doing due diligence with privately-held properties and isn’t yet ready to formally negotiate with the county for its property.

However, he said, the county is ready with an appraisal for the land when Beckham United formally asks to negotiate the purchase and will have a report on the economic value the transaction would represent.

In a Dec. 4 statement, Mr. Gimenez said the transaction would be subject to the State Economic Development Statute and create a specific number of jobs for Miami-Dade residents during the construction process and permanent positions once work is completed.

“Although it has been nearly two years since David Beckham and his partners announced that their Major League franchise would be located in Miami, there have been well-documented challenges to securing a viable location for a stadium,” Mr. Gimenez wrote. “The signing of this non-binding letter of intent may be the most significant step in our collective efforts to make Major League Soccer a reality in Miami-Dade County.”

4 Responses to David Beckham soccer stadium talks haven’t kicked in

  1. DC Copeland

    January 13, 2016 at 11:04 am

    If the Marlins Stadium site was “spiritually tainted,” this new location is “aesthetically tainted.” Go back to the first choice, build an open-air stadium OVER the proposed ferry terminal at PortMiami for the views. That alone will make it unique in the world. Remember, its all about location, location, location and this latest site sucks big time. And, in this case, less is more: http://bit.ly/1UyPtpM

  2. Gabriel

    January 13, 2016 at 2:18 pm

    Gimme a break. A Soccer stadium in the ghetto and with no parking?? The least they can do is negotiate with University of Miami and team up for a shared stadium. Otherwise this place will be a ghost town.

  3. Dave

    January 13, 2016 at 10:45 pm

    Just give it up. Soccer can not compete in the United States with existing sports.

    • Kyle

      January 14, 2016 at 2:36 pm

      Why don’t you give up on your lack of faith in a guaranteed success?

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