Headwinds from soccer stadium deal worry MIA
As Miami nears a deal for a soccer stadium and commercial complex beside Miami International Airport, county lawmakers want to know how that will affect the area’s biggest economic engine.
A county commission committee Tuesday advanced a directive to administrators sponsored by Rebeca Sosa to detail in 90 days potential impacts of the project sought at what is now Melreese Golf Course.
“Our airport is too important,” said Ms. Sosa, who asked Aviation Director Lester Sola to expedite the report. “It’s a humongous thing, what they want to do over there.”
Voters in November authorized Miami to negotiate with David Beckham’s Miami Freedom Park LLC, whose principals include brothers Jorge and Jose Mas, for a 99-year lease of roughly 73 city-owned acres near the airport.
On June 5, the company filed a draft lease agreement with the city that included a 25,000-seat Major League Soccer stadium, 58-acre park, hotel, tech hub, office park, commercial campus and restaurants, retail and entertainment space. City Manager Emilio González is to have a lease ready for a city vote by Sept. 12.
“To date, no study has been made of the potential impacts to the airport from the development of Melreese,” Ms. Sosa’s item said. “The county should oppose any development… which is harmful to [the airport].”
The item said significant development adjacent to the airport could further congest the Dolphin Expressway and Central Boulevard, impact airport stormwater runoff and reduce airport commercial opportunities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may also downgrade some runways, Mr. Sola said, which would limit their ability to handle some flights.
“Your runway may be able to handle X-type of airplane,” he said. “But if there’s an obstruction in front of [it] beyond that runway, the FAA will tell you that particular airstrip is no longer certified for that airplane.”
Peter Ehrlich
July 16, 2019 at 11:17 pm
Miami needs more parks, not less. Melreese Park should continue operating. With Climate Change Miami needs more grass to absorb the inevitable flooding.
Monte Jose
July 17, 2019 at 9:33 pm
Amen ! We don’t need another stadium. We need Melreese as is.
Monte Jose
July 17, 2019 at 9:33 pm
Miami does not need another sports stadium or the congestion it will bring certainly not next door to MIA…..you don’t need to be a rocket scientist that this is a bad decision with plenty of special interests behind deal.
Janet Alvarez(Machicado)
July 17, 2019 at 11:40 pm
The whole world loves soccer and we are the number one in the world. Any questions???
Jimbo
July 18, 2019 at 2:06 pm
this isnt a soccer deal lady it’s a massive real estate deal using soccer as the “bait” — they own land in Overtown that can be used for soccer but it wont make them as much money as this… dont fall into the soccer trap
Al
July 18, 2019 at 10:37 am
That’s a disgrace if they build that stadium, traffic will come to a standstill right where we need to improve it.
Paul Silver
July 18, 2019 at 1:14 pm
Thank you Commissioner Sosa,
While it has been inconceivable that the County failed to consider the impact of the redevelopment of Melreese on Miami International Airport prior to even placing the item on the ballot before voters, and that not a single objection to the redevelopment was raised by the Mayor nor any commissioners at that time,, at least that impact is now being raised.
Unfortunately the lobbyists and developers, not least the Mas family’s influence will mute these concerns, as there is simply too much money to be made in redevelopment of the property.
I am so grateful this issue has been raised, although it may be too late to significantly influence the development that is already so close to approval.
It will be interesting to see how the report on its impact on Miami International airport will play a role in the Melreese development.
Danny Perez
July 18, 2019 at 2:51 pm
If this is approved its time to get out of Miami because this will result in next level traffic. How about we build more parks and focus on better public transportation
Marlon
July 18, 2019 at 11:40 pm
What an ignorant comment to think that a stadium would affect the takeoff and landing at MIA.
Dr. irving Lerner
July 19, 2019 at 6:40 am
Precious green space needs to be saved in our community for whatever purpose – a Golf course or a magnificent “Central Park” that would define Miami’s identity. Commercialization and soccer events at Mel Reese would make access to the airport a nightmare.
Elvis Cruz
July 19, 2019 at 1:52 pm
Miami’s parks should be protected and well-kept for everyone to enjoy!
https://miamiparks.org/