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Front Page » Real Estate » Miami seeks law firm to cut deal with David Beckham group

Miami seeks law firm to cut deal with David Beckham group

Written by on May 28, 2019
  • www.miamitodayepaper.com
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Miami seeks law firm to cut deal with David Beckham group

Miami commissioners will let City Attorney Victoria Mendez pick a law firm to advise on a Melreese Golf Course lease to the David Beckham group.

Commissioners on May 23 were debating which of 16 applicants to use as consultants. After listening to lawyers from several firms fighting for the job, and continued contention from Commissioner Manolo Reyes who was adamant that the chosen firm have nothing to do with Cuba, they voted to have Ms. Mendez pick from three firms. Mr. Reyes voted no.

Contending are Becker & Poliakoff; Fowler, White & Burnett; and Shutts & Bowen.

A lease would turn the city-owned course into Miami Freedom Park, a sweeping commercial development anchored by a Major League Soccer stadium.

Commissioners asked Ms. Mendez to hire the firm most expert in large real estate deals at the best rate. Commissioner Joe Carollo asked her to estimate the cost.

“It depends,” she answered. “We can negotiate a flat rate or an hourly amount… They will do this on a consulting basis, and the goal is not breaking the bank.” She promised to explain her selection process and decision.

Before the vote, Mr. Reyes expressed disgust at tactics some were using to discredit firms that sought the job. He held up a large envelope he said was delivered anonymously to all commissioners stuffed with accusations against some of the firms, claiming they did business with Cuba, had criminal troubles and bar association complaints.

Mr. Reyes said accusers were acting like hyenas. “Shame on you, whoever did this. Shame on you.”

The city manager is to deliver a proposed lease for commission vote by Sept. 12.

City voters in 2018 authorized a 99-year lease with Miami Freedom Park for about 73 acres, waiving bidding, and converting Melreese to a soccer stadium, 1 million square feet of office, retail and commercial uses, 750 hotel rooms and more, leaving a 58-acre park.

4 Responses to Miami seeks law firm to cut deal with David Beckham group

  1. Anonymous

    May 29, 2019 at 12:01 pm

    Out of those three I only know of Shutts & Bowen since they’re the oldest law firm in Miami which is pretty cool. We shall see who is chosen.

  2. a cardona

    May 29, 2019 at 3:57 pm

    What a sorry moment for Miami. A city with no parks and now a soccer stadium where there was a park. Sad!!!

    • Pedro

      May 31, 2019 at 9:06 am

      Melreese is not a park Miami Freedom Park will have a park.

    • ADLR

      May 31, 2019 at 10:04 am

      What is real sad is having people like you against the progress of our City. There will be a park as well but improved with great amenities that will bring more people to this site which is now only used by few people playing golf.

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