American, county to consolidate terminal bidding
By Sherri C. Ranta
Miami Today
American Airlines and Miami-Dade County officials have agreed to consolidate work on the $1.5 billion North Terminal at Miami International Airport into one bid package that engineers estimate will cost at least $300 million.
County and American officials "agreed we needed to conduct business a different way," acknowledging that "what had been done before didn't work," said Carlos Bonzon, the county's interim aviation director. Construction is as much as $158 million over budget and 18 months late.
American will consolidate terminal construction, previously handled piecemeal with multiple bid packages, into one project, Mr. Bonzon said.
American put the work out for bids last month. Bids are to be opened at 10 a.m. Feb. 3. Bids for the North Terminal apron, estimated at $25 million, will be opened Feb. 4.
Felix Pereira, North Terminal program chief, said the large contract will let American make one contractor responsible for schedules, dates and budgets. At one point, American had 100 bid packages for terminal work, he said.
Officials now estimate the terminal will be completed in first-quarter 2008, Mr. Pereira said. Two months ago, their target was in 2007.
Aviation officials expect to ask the county commission to amend the 1995 construction and financing agreement putting American in charge of North Terminal construction.
An amendment would include more cost overruns and delays, Mr. Bonzon said. American officials asked the commission two years ago for an additional $211 million. American officials have said they will seek at least $66 million more.
Another $92 million is needed for baggage-screening equipment required by the federal government, Mr. Bonzon said. The county, he said, will seek 75% of those funds from the Transportation Security Administration.
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2
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Started by
Aessotariq
, Jan 02 2005 02:52 AM
209 replies to this topic
#42
Aessotariq
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Posted 12 January 2005 - 12:12 PM
Agreement reached in Brickell Park dispute
By Suzy Valentine
Miami Today
Deceased members of the Brickell family can rest in peace now that some of their descendants are close to a deal with Related Group of Florida over preservation of one of the Brickell area's last remaining green spaces.
In the deal, made about 45 days ago, according to Related Vice President Bill Thompson, the family agreed to deed about 8,300 square feet of Brickell Park next to the Sheraton Brickell Bay hotel in exchange for 11,000 square feet of bayfront land behind the Sheraton belonging to Related.
It would end a lawsuit over preservation of the area filed more than 16 years ago.
Aside from its recreational value, the park has historical and archaeological connections. It houses a family mausoleum from which most of the bodies of the Brickells buried there have been removed and earlier formed with Miami Circle the site of a Tequesta Indian settlement.
"The parties got into the thicket, and it took some creativity to cut through the thicket," said attorney John Shubin of Shubin Bass, who is refining the agreement.
"Several years ago, a group of affected landowners and many of you in this organization retained our firm," he told members of the Brickell Area Association on Tuesday, "to look into the proposal whereby the Brickell family and the City of Miami would try to resolve litigation pending since 1988."
The substance of the agreement is that Brickell Park except the areas being exchanged between Related and the Brickell family will be transferred to the city with a covenant in perpetuity restricting use to a passive park. It can't be converted to a soccer or baseball field.
Mr. Thompson encouraged members of the Brickell Area Association at their meeting at the JW Marriott on Brickell Avenue to support the deal by a resolution. The association agreed to consider it privately once Related had sent the proposal. It next is scheduled to meet Feb. 8.
Mr. Thompson pledged that improvements to the park would include a review of lighting to make it more inviting to users. Oak trees from the Sheraton site would be uprooted and replanted in Brickell Park.
The hotel, which Related recently purchased for more than $100 million, would remain open for six months longer, he said, after which it would be demolished, making way for groundbreaking this fall or next spring.
Related - one of South Florida's most active high-rise residential developers - would be allowed to use more of the park space during construction but it would remain open, Mr. Thompson said.
A planning application would be submitted shortly, he said.
"That would be helpful in making all things come together," said Mr. Thompson.
The development would feature three towers - one of 45-48 stories, another of 52-55 stories and one of 55-57 stories.
A baywalk connecting the area to downtown is planned "to alleviate traffic congestion," Mr. Thompson said.
Addressing suggestions that one of the buildings might undergo a change of use to office space depending upon the market, Mr. Thompson said Related would have to look carefully at the logistics of providing more parking spaces.
But he said parking for residential use had been considered at the early planning stage and there would be adequate spaces for residents and park users.
Link to article
By Suzy Valentine
Miami Today
Deceased members of the Brickell family can rest in peace now that some of their descendants are close to a deal with Related Group of Florida over preservation of one of the Brickell area's last remaining green spaces.
In the deal, made about 45 days ago, according to Related Vice President Bill Thompson, the family agreed to deed about 8,300 square feet of Brickell Park next to the Sheraton Brickell Bay hotel in exchange for 11,000 square feet of bayfront land behind the Sheraton belonging to Related.
It would end a lawsuit over preservation of the area filed more than 16 years ago.
Aside from its recreational value, the park has historical and archaeological connections. It houses a family mausoleum from which most of the bodies of the Brickells buried there have been removed and earlier formed with Miami Circle the site of a Tequesta Indian settlement.
"The parties got into the thicket, and it took some creativity to cut through the thicket," said attorney John Shubin of Shubin Bass, who is refining the agreement.
"Several years ago, a group of affected landowners and many of you in this organization retained our firm," he told members of the Brickell Area Association on Tuesday, "to look into the proposal whereby the Brickell family and the City of Miami would try to resolve litigation pending since 1988."
The substance of the agreement is that Brickell Park except the areas being exchanged between Related and the Brickell family will be transferred to the city with a covenant in perpetuity restricting use to a passive park. It can't be converted to a soccer or baseball field.
Mr. Thompson encouraged members of the Brickell Area Association at their meeting at the JW Marriott on Brickell Avenue to support the deal by a resolution. The association agreed to consider it privately once Related had sent the proposal. It next is scheduled to meet Feb. 8.
Mr. Thompson pledged that improvements to the park would include a review of lighting to make it more inviting to users. Oak trees from the Sheraton site would be uprooted and replanted in Brickell Park.
The hotel, which Related recently purchased for more than $100 million, would remain open for six months longer, he said, after which it would be demolished, making way for groundbreaking this fall or next spring.
Related - one of South Florida's most active high-rise residential developers - would be allowed to use more of the park space during construction but it would remain open, Mr. Thompson said.
A planning application would be submitted shortly, he said.
"That would be helpful in making all things come together," said Mr. Thompson.
The development would feature three towers - one of 45-48 stories, another of 52-55 stories and one of 55-57 stories.
A baywalk connecting the area to downtown is planned "to alleviate traffic congestion," Mr. Thompson said.
Addressing suggestions that one of the buildings might undergo a change of use to office space depending upon the market, Mr. Thompson said Related would have to look carefully at the logistics of providing more parking spaces.
But he said parking for residential use had been considered at the early planning stage and there would be adequate spaces for residents and park users.
Link to article
#43
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Posted 12 January 2005 - 12:15 PM
County to eye change in contractor oversight
By Samantha Joseph
Miami Today
A proposal by Commissioner Javier Souto could change the way Miami-Dade County oversees contracts.
He is leading an effort to create a task force to monitor all major capital improvements and create regular progress reports on public projects.
"My intention is to put some control over the whole process and try to bring some more accountability," he said. "We have a lot of people just collecting checks and looking at the ceiling and gossiping. These guys are well-paid. If we pay for it, then we ought to get it."
His proposal to increase supervision for contractors working with the county is to go before the commission's internal management and fiscal responsibility committee today (1/13).
Mr. Souto wants to create a task force in the county's manager office to ensure that projects remain on schedule, he said. The system might have been useful, he said, to monitor roadwork on 97th Avenue that took three years.
And if two-year construction delays and a $67 million cost overrun at the Performing Arts Center of Greater Miami are any indication, the public sector needs to keep closer tabs on contractors it hires, he said.
"That's the way that things work in this county," Mr. Souto said. "We need to kick some butt here to get people back to reality. If you don't kick, then you don't get. We have some good people, but we need everyone to run on full cylinders."
His proposal comes on the cusp of several major spending programs, including projects in the $1.7 billion People's Transportation Plan aimed at improving the mass-transit system.
The $2.9 billion General Obligation Bond approved in November includes far-reaching programs with plans to build bridges, improve roads and infrastructure and control and enhance the county's water and sewer systems.
"There's a tremendous amount of construction and projects that are going be very good for the community," said Commissioner Dennis Moss. "We just want to make sure that we have the tools in place to be able to better manage those projects and be responsible as we can and better manage the taxpayers' money."
Mr. Moss is one of six commissioners who sit on the committee that will hear the proposal.
"There may be some tweaking that may be done," Mr. Moss said, "but I think it's a good idea and something that we've been talking about for some time."
Link to article
By Samantha Joseph
Miami Today
A proposal by Commissioner Javier Souto could change the way Miami-Dade County oversees contracts.
He is leading an effort to create a task force to monitor all major capital improvements and create regular progress reports on public projects.
"My intention is to put some control over the whole process and try to bring some more accountability," he said. "We have a lot of people just collecting checks and looking at the ceiling and gossiping. These guys are well-paid. If we pay for it, then we ought to get it."
His proposal to increase supervision for contractors working with the county is to go before the commission's internal management and fiscal responsibility committee today (1/13).
Mr. Souto wants to create a task force in the county's manager office to ensure that projects remain on schedule, he said. The system might have been useful, he said, to monitor roadwork on 97th Avenue that took three years.
And if two-year construction delays and a $67 million cost overrun at the Performing Arts Center of Greater Miami are any indication, the public sector needs to keep closer tabs on contractors it hires, he said.
"That's the way that things work in this county," Mr. Souto said. "We need to kick some butt here to get people back to reality. If you don't kick, then you don't get. We have some good people, but we need everyone to run on full cylinders."
His proposal comes on the cusp of several major spending programs, including projects in the $1.7 billion People's Transportation Plan aimed at improving the mass-transit system.
The $2.9 billion General Obligation Bond approved in November includes far-reaching programs with plans to build bridges, improve roads and infrastructure and control and enhance the county's water and sewer systems.
"There's a tremendous amount of construction and projects that are going be very good for the community," said Commissioner Dennis Moss. "We just want to make sure that we have the tools in place to be able to better manage those projects and be responsible as we can and better manage the taxpayers' money."
Mr. Moss is one of six commissioners who sit on the committee that will hear the proposal.
"There may be some tweaking that may be done," Mr. Moss said, "but I think it's a good idea and something that we've been talking about for some time."
Link to article
#44
streetscaper
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Posted 12 January 2005 - 01:12 PM
the 15 billion dollars worth of housing article is the best, most mind-boggling article I've read in a long time...it's absolutely breathtaking,..us Floridians have a hard time keeping up....once again..thanks for the informative articles tivo!
wow...I'll surely be thinking about that article alot for the next few weeks!
wow...I'll surely be thinking about that article alot for the next few weeks!
#45
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Posted 12 January 2005 - 04:37 PM
Darn it.You beat me to it,Tivo,I thought I could've post it before you.But I checked and you beat me to posting the article about the 15 billion.oh well.
Man,I can't bealieve Miami is actually up there with the construction and development.I love Miami I'm going to like to look at Miami when it completes all those buildings,it might actually beat Atlanta's completed building number and hopefully one day have the most and the tallest in the south.
I think Miami should have a deal with the governement and try to extend their borders so that they'll have more places to build so it can be like L.A. or N.Y.
(just a crazy idea of mine).
Man,I can't bealieve Miami is actually up there with the construction and development.I love Miami I'm going to like to look at Miami when it completes all those buildings,it might actually beat Atlanta's completed building number and hopefully one day have the most and the tallest in the south.
I think Miami should have a deal with the governement and try to extend their borders so that they'll have more places to build so it can be like L.A. or N.Y.
(just a crazy idea of mine).
#46
Aessotariq
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Posted 12 January 2005 - 07:00 PM
The $15 billion in housing is astonishing and it will definitely add to our density, but in the back of my mind I'm continuously reminded of the environmental impact, and what's going to have to be done to supply this population with enough water yet keep the land dry. Right now billions of gallons of fresh water go out to sea daily through the canal network that might otherwise be usable for potable water. Once we find a way to balance this disparity while also mitigating flooding, we will be much better off.
#47
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Posted 12 January 2005 - 07:06 PM
Posted on Wed, Jan. 12, 2005
Crime rates continue to drop in city of Miami, stats show
BY ELAINE DE VALLE
edevalle@herald.com
A combination of new programs and strategies has brought crime in the city of Miami down to the lowest point in five years, Police Chief John Timoney and Mayor Manny Diaz said Wednesday.
''Miami is actually doing better than most cities this size,'' Timoney said at an afternoon press conference to announce crime statistics for 2004. ``It's down across the board.''
The total number of crimes last year decreased 9 percent compared to 2003, according to department figures. Statistics show that the two areas that dropped the most were robberies and vehicle theft -- both down 19 percent compared to 2003.
Sexual assaults also dropped by 12 percent, burglaries by 10 percent and homicides by 9 percent, officials said.
The picture improves even more when last year's figures are compared to 1999. The drop in burglaries and vehicle theft is 32 percent and the drop in robberies is 27 percent.
Link to article
Crime rates continue to drop in city of Miami, stats show
BY ELAINE DE VALLE
edevalle@herald.com
A combination of new programs and strategies has brought crime in the city of Miami down to the lowest point in five years, Police Chief John Timoney and Mayor Manny Diaz said Wednesday.
''Miami is actually doing better than most cities this size,'' Timoney said at an afternoon press conference to announce crime statistics for 2004. ``It's down across the board.''
The total number of crimes last year decreased 9 percent compared to 2003, according to department figures. Statistics show that the two areas that dropped the most were robberies and vehicle theft -- both down 19 percent compared to 2003.
Sexual assaults also dropped by 12 percent, burglaries by 10 percent and homicides by 9 percent, officials said.
The picture improves even more when last year's figures are compared to 1999. The drop in burglaries and vehicle theft is 32 percent and the drop in robberies is 27 percent.
Link to article
Edited by tivo, 12 January 2005 - 07:08 PM.
#48
Brickell
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Posted 12 January 2005 - 07:25 PM
tivo, on Jan 12 2005, 07:00 PM, said:
The $15 billion in housing is astonishing and it will definitely add to our density, but in the back of my mind I'm continuously reminded of the environmental impact, and what's going to have to be done to supply this population with enough water yet keep the land dry. Right now billions of gallons of fresh water go out to sea daily through the canal network that might otherwise be usable for potable water. Once we find a way to balance this disparity while also mitigating flooding, we will be much better off.
Did you go to the MiamiIntelligence lecture about the Everglades?
#49
Aessotariq
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Posted 12 January 2005 - 07:51 PM
No, I didn't... although it does sound like something I would have enjoyed.
#50
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Posted 12 January 2005 - 08:16 PM
The water issues you mentioned and everglades restoration was the topic. They made a big deal about the loss of fresh water through the canal network.
http://www.miamiintelligence.com
Anyway, I was an environmentalist way before I knew what urbanism was. I share you're concern, but I think this is the best way to go about it. People will want to live in Miami whether we build or not. It might as well be downtown, and not in the Redlands, West Kendall, Doral or Weston (god forbid). This is the best and most efficient use of our resources. Just think of all the water we'll save by not having those lawns to water every winter. In the current economic model, we need growth. So we can't just stop the building. You could say that we should be making more "green" buildings and I would probably agree with that. Maybe if we raised water prices, people would start to appreciate how valuable a commidity it is. In the near future, everglades reblumbing or a new desalininaztion plant will probably raise prices regardless.
http://www.miamiintelligence.com
Anyway, I was an environmentalist way before I knew what urbanism was. I share you're concern, but I think this is the best way to go about it. People will want to live in Miami whether we build or not. It might as well be downtown, and not in the Redlands, West Kendall, Doral or Weston (god forbid). This is the best and most efficient use of our resources. Just think of all the water we'll save by not having those lawns to water every winter. In the current economic model, we need growth. So we can't just stop the building. You could say that we should be making more "green" buildings and I would probably agree with that. Maybe if we raised water prices, people would start to appreciate how valuable a commidity it is. In the near future, everglades reblumbing or a new desalininaztion plant will probably raise prices regardless.
#51
Aessotariq
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Posted 12 January 2005 - 08:59 PM
Thanks for the link...
I guess what I was trying to say is that I want better planning and less sprawly development, because it strains our unique ecosystem. As it stands now, in order to keep our lands dry, we do lose a lot of water to sea. It would be great if were could retain and store that water somehow, which will help us keep up with this explosive growth. It's more about planning for the future, applying new technology, asking the tough questions now while there is something that can be done about it, and being efficient in allocating resources, instead of being wasteful as in the past. Any successful growth area needs to meet demand in the face of continuing scarcity. A subtropical mini-Tokyo, Hong Kong, or São Paulo would be exciting.
I've also been following the updates on the Everglades Restoration Project, and the varying methods proposed by which more water can be channeled through the Glades or injected into the ground (rainwater), etc., so that it can be used, either by the urbanized population or through the ecosystem. It would be nice to see that 8-mile long viaduct that was discussed but that is unlikely to happen due to funding issues. Currently the Everglades is drying up and it doesn't always get the right amount of water. This is disrupted by the lack of continuous "sheet flow" that it used to have. Restoring that will be crucial to ensuring a future water supply and a future for the Glades.
I guess what I was trying to say is that I want better planning and less sprawly development, because it strains our unique ecosystem. As it stands now, in order to keep our lands dry, we do lose a lot of water to sea. It would be great if were could retain and store that water somehow, which will help us keep up with this explosive growth. It's more about planning for the future, applying new technology, asking the tough questions now while there is something that can be done about it, and being efficient in allocating resources, instead of being wasteful as in the past. Any successful growth area needs to meet demand in the face of continuing scarcity. A subtropical mini-Tokyo, Hong Kong, or São Paulo would be exciting.
I've also been following the updates on the Everglades Restoration Project, and the varying methods proposed by which more water can be channeled through the Glades or injected into the ground (rainwater), etc., so that it can be used, either by the urbanized population or through the ecosystem. It would be nice to see that 8-mile long viaduct that was discussed but that is unlikely to happen due to funding issues. Currently the Everglades is drying up and it doesn't always get the right amount of water. This is disrupted by the lack of continuous "sheet flow" that it used to have. Restoring that will be crucial to ensuring a future water supply and a future for the Glades.
#52
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Posted 13 January 2005 - 01:26 AM
Trump sues Hard Rock Casino developer
By Robert Little
BALTIMORE SUN
Posted January 13 2005
BALTIMORE -- Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Baltimore-based Cordish Co. and its partners in the Seminole Hard Rock Casino project, claiming the developers fraudulently represented themselves as Trump associates to land the lucrative deal with the tribe.
Trump spent three years and "great expense" trying to negotiate a casino development deal with the Seminole Tribe but was told by former confidant Richard T. Fields that such a deal "would not be possible," according to the lawsuit. Then, the lawsuit alleges, Fields left Trump's organization and formed a partnership with Cordish Co. officials David S. Cordish and Joseph Weinberg, who conspired to mislead the Seminole Tribe by creating the impression that Trump was still behind their efforts.
The Cordish team negotiated contracts to build Hard Rock Hotel and Casino complexes on Seminole reservations in Tampa and Hollywood that are estimated to earn the developers $1.3 billion over the next decade.
Cordish, who was out of the country yesterday, issued a statement denying the claims in the lawsuit as a "ludicrous work of fiction" and said the suit had been filed in the name of a Trump company "that is literally in bankruptcy." Trump's hotel and casino company, which includes three resorts in Atlantic City and casino operations in Indiana and California, filed for bankruptcy reorganization in November.
"The defendants will not only completely prevail in the litigation, but will also recover substantial damages against Donald Trump," said the statement, issued on behalf of Cordish and Weinberg through the firm's lawyer in Baltimore.
A spokesman for Fields said Trump abandoned the Seminole project voluntarily and called the lawsuit "baseless and without merit." He said Fields is preparing a counter-claim against Trump.
The lawsuit, filed in Broward Circuit Court, seeks unspecified damages. But Trump's attorney said the veteran casino developer thinks he is entitled to all of the profits that Cordish and Fields stand to earn from the Seminole Tribe deal. He said Trump hopes to renew his old relationship with the Seminoles and replace Cordish as the tribe's casino partner.
Cordish is regarded as one of the country's premier developers of urban entertainment projects but had never built an Indian casino before the Seminole project. In Trump's lawsuit, filed late last month but which the defendants had not seen until recently, he suggests that their lack of experience is apparent.
A preliminary IRS ruling last month invalidating the tax-exempt bonds issued to build the Hard Rock complexes, a move that could force the tribe to compensate the federal government for about $233 million in lost taxes, is evidence of the Cordish team's "incompetence and inexperience" with such deals, the lawsuit says.
"We would expect that we would be entitled to any of the profits that Fields and Cordish have arranged. That's essentially what this is all about," said Robert I. Reardon Jr., a Connecticut attorney representing Trump.
"And I would think that the tribe might reconsider its decision to go with the Cordish Co., given what's happened to the tax-exempt bonds they arranged to finance the facilities," Reardon said. "I think it shows they don't have the experience necessary for these kinds of very complicated Indian development deals."
Trump, who is busy planning his third wedding later this month to Slovenian model Melania Knauss, declined to comment.
An analysis by The Sun, based on public documents and marketing studies of the two casinos, estimated that the Cordish team can expect to be paid about $120 million by the Seminole Tribe in the first year of the project, with revenues increasing annually and totaling more than $1.3 billion after 10 years.
The Baltimore Sun is a Tribune Co. newspaper.
Link to article
By Robert Little
BALTIMORE SUN
Posted January 13 2005
BALTIMORE -- Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Baltimore-based Cordish Co. and its partners in the Seminole Hard Rock Casino project, claiming the developers fraudulently represented themselves as Trump associates to land the lucrative deal with the tribe.
Trump spent three years and "great expense" trying to negotiate a casino development deal with the Seminole Tribe but was told by former confidant Richard T. Fields that such a deal "would not be possible," according to the lawsuit. Then, the lawsuit alleges, Fields left Trump's organization and formed a partnership with Cordish Co. officials David S. Cordish and Joseph Weinberg, who conspired to mislead the Seminole Tribe by creating the impression that Trump was still behind their efforts.
The Cordish team negotiated contracts to build Hard Rock Hotel and Casino complexes on Seminole reservations in Tampa and Hollywood that are estimated to earn the developers $1.3 billion over the next decade.
Cordish, who was out of the country yesterday, issued a statement denying the claims in the lawsuit as a "ludicrous work of fiction" and said the suit had been filed in the name of a Trump company "that is literally in bankruptcy." Trump's hotel and casino company, which includes three resorts in Atlantic City and casino operations in Indiana and California, filed for bankruptcy reorganization in November.
"The defendants will not only completely prevail in the litigation, but will also recover substantial damages against Donald Trump," said the statement, issued on behalf of Cordish and Weinberg through the firm's lawyer in Baltimore.
A spokesman for Fields said Trump abandoned the Seminole project voluntarily and called the lawsuit "baseless and without merit." He said Fields is preparing a counter-claim against Trump.
The lawsuit, filed in Broward Circuit Court, seeks unspecified damages. But Trump's attorney said the veteran casino developer thinks he is entitled to all of the profits that Cordish and Fields stand to earn from the Seminole Tribe deal. He said Trump hopes to renew his old relationship with the Seminoles and replace Cordish as the tribe's casino partner.
Cordish is regarded as one of the country's premier developers of urban entertainment projects but had never built an Indian casino before the Seminole project. In Trump's lawsuit, filed late last month but which the defendants had not seen until recently, he suggests that their lack of experience is apparent.
A preliminary IRS ruling last month invalidating the tax-exempt bonds issued to build the Hard Rock complexes, a move that could force the tribe to compensate the federal government for about $233 million in lost taxes, is evidence of the Cordish team's "incompetence and inexperience" with such deals, the lawsuit says.
"We would expect that we would be entitled to any of the profits that Fields and Cordish have arranged. That's essentially what this is all about," said Robert I. Reardon Jr., a Connecticut attorney representing Trump.
"And I would think that the tribe might reconsider its decision to go with the Cordish Co., given what's happened to the tax-exempt bonds they arranged to finance the facilities," Reardon said. "I think it shows they don't have the experience necessary for these kinds of very complicated Indian development deals."
Trump, who is busy planning his third wedding later this month to Slovenian model Melania Knauss, declined to comment.
An analysis by The Sun, based on public documents and marketing studies of the two casinos, estimated that the Cordish team can expect to be paid about $120 million by the Seminole Tribe in the first year of the project, with revenues increasing annually and totaling more than $1.3 billion after 10 years.
The Baltimore Sun is a Tribune Co. newspaper.
Link to article
#53
Aessotariq
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Posted 13 January 2005 - 12:10 PM
Posted on Thu, Jan. 13, 2005
GAMBLING
Tentative deal on slot machines could bring Dade $10 million a year
Miami-Dade County has reached an agreement with three parimutuel sites to allow Las Vegas-style slot machines -- but first commissioners must OK a public vote likely to be held March 8.
BY CHARLES RABIN
crabin@herald.com
Miami-Dade County leaders and three parimutuel operators reached a tentative 30-year agreement Wednesday that calls for a $4 million up-front payment to the county that would in effect offset the cost of a referendum on Las Vegas-style slot machines, and a percentage of gross revenues that could be worth up to $10 million a year if voters approve them.
The proposed agreement -- which must pass a County Commission vote next Thursday to set up a March 8 referendum -- could also mean as much as $300 million annually to the state's public school system, officials said.
The deal would permit up to 6,500 Las Vegas-style slot machines at Flagler Greyhound Track, Calder Race Course and Miami Jai-Alai.
''I think this will spur huge economic growth in the community,'' said Ron Book, who represents the parimutuel industry. ``People will be coming in from all over the place to play.''
State voters in November passed a constitutional amendment that permits Miami-Dade and Broward counties to have slot machines at their parimutuels if voters approve.
The amendment allows state legislators to set such rules as how many machines are permitted, and who operates them. But both counties are moving ahead with agreements with to establish rules before the referendum votes are held.
In a two-page memo Wednesday, County Manager George Burgess pointed out to Commission Chairman Joe Martinez several negative aspects to bringing gambling to the community.
''Anticipated impacts to the county include increased development, traffic, crime congestion, and potentially, social service demands,'' Burgess wrote. ``Costs associated with problem gambling, while not quantifiable, may be significant . . .
``Spending on activities that generate sales tax revenue or other revenues that accrue Miami-Dade County may be diverted to slot machines.''
Still, Burgess said he sees the proposal as a way for the struggling parimutuels to supplement their core activities and make themselves a destination point. He called them ``Racinos.''
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Local politicians and gaming industry executives believe they need to have an agreement in place before the state's legislative session gets into full swing in March and April.
The proposed 30-year agreement would permit 2,500 machines at Calder and Flagler, and another 1,500 at Jai-Alai. More could be added later, both parties said.
It calls for an up-front payment of $4 million from the parimutuels to in effect offset the expected $3.5 million cost of the election. The industry cannot legally pay for the election, but it can help with expenses related to gambling, such as security.
The agreement also would give the county 1.25 percent of the gross revenues of each machine during the first three years. By year four, the county would receive 1.5 percent of the first $250,000 of gross revenue per facility and 2 percent of gross revenues above that number.
Book and Burgess estimate each machine would generate between $214 and $275 per day after payouts to winners, which are generally a little more than 90 percent of the total wagered.
What that means, according to Book, is the state would receive in excess of $300 million a year to divvy up among its public school systems, and Burgess calculated the county would collect anywhere between $3 million and $8 million annually.
Broward commissioners were expected to vote Tuesday for a March 8 referendum there, but postponed a decision to continue negotiations with the industry.
State Rep. Randy Johnson, R-Winter Garden, who chairs the antigaming industry group No Casinos, said it would have made more sense if the counties had engaged the Legislature before creating their own rules.
''It could very well be the state decides to operate the machines, when and how many machines, and decide what class they are,'' he said.
But another parimutuel lobbyist, Jim Horn, said it's unlikely the state would interfere.
`WHAT-IF GAMES'
''The state can play a lot of what-if games, but they generally don't interfere with local decisions,'' Horn said.
Martinez, who said he has yet to see the actual 75-word resolution that could go before the public, called it a good deal for the county -- and the state.
''I think it will be good for education, but that's up to the Legislature,'' said the county chairman. ``If it passes, I'll lobby for the two counties to get a little more. But ultimately the state will decide on the division of money.''
The resolution before the commission next week is sponsored by commissioners Bruno Barreiro, Carlos Gimenez, Sally Heyman, and Dennis Moss.
Herald staff writer Tere Figueras Negrete contributed to this report.
Link to article
GAMBLING
Tentative deal on slot machines could bring Dade $10 million a year
Miami-Dade County has reached an agreement with three parimutuel sites to allow Las Vegas-style slot machines -- but first commissioners must OK a public vote likely to be held March 8.
BY CHARLES RABIN
crabin@herald.com
Miami-Dade County leaders and three parimutuel operators reached a tentative 30-year agreement Wednesday that calls for a $4 million up-front payment to the county that would in effect offset the cost of a referendum on Las Vegas-style slot machines, and a percentage of gross revenues that could be worth up to $10 million a year if voters approve them.
The proposed agreement -- which must pass a County Commission vote next Thursday to set up a March 8 referendum -- could also mean as much as $300 million annually to the state's public school system, officials said.
The deal would permit up to 6,500 Las Vegas-style slot machines at Flagler Greyhound Track, Calder Race Course and Miami Jai-Alai.
''I think this will spur huge economic growth in the community,'' said Ron Book, who represents the parimutuel industry. ``People will be coming in from all over the place to play.''
State voters in November passed a constitutional amendment that permits Miami-Dade and Broward counties to have slot machines at their parimutuels if voters approve.
The amendment allows state legislators to set such rules as how many machines are permitted, and who operates them. But both counties are moving ahead with agreements with to establish rules before the referendum votes are held.
In a two-page memo Wednesday, County Manager George Burgess pointed out to Commission Chairman Joe Martinez several negative aspects to bringing gambling to the community.
''Anticipated impacts to the county include increased development, traffic, crime congestion, and potentially, social service demands,'' Burgess wrote. ``Costs associated with problem gambling, while not quantifiable, may be significant . . .
``Spending on activities that generate sales tax revenue or other revenues that accrue Miami-Dade County may be diverted to slot machines.''
Still, Burgess said he sees the proposal as a way for the struggling parimutuels to supplement their core activities and make themselves a destination point. He called them ``Racinos.''
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Local politicians and gaming industry executives believe they need to have an agreement in place before the state's legislative session gets into full swing in March and April.
The proposed 30-year agreement would permit 2,500 machines at Calder and Flagler, and another 1,500 at Jai-Alai. More could be added later, both parties said.
It calls for an up-front payment of $4 million from the parimutuels to in effect offset the expected $3.5 million cost of the election. The industry cannot legally pay for the election, but it can help with expenses related to gambling, such as security.
The agreement also would give the county 1.25 percent of the gross revenues of each machine during the first three years. By year four, the county would receive 1.5 percent of the first $250,000 of gross revenue per facility and 2 percent of gross revenues above that number.
Book and Burgess estimate each machine would generate between $214 and $275 per day after payouts to winners, which are generally a little more than 90 percent of the total wagered.
What that means, according to Book, is the state would receive in excess of $300 million a year to divvy up among its public school systems, and Burgess calculated the county would collect anywhere between $3 million and $8 million annually.
Broward commissioners were expected to vote Tuesday for a March 8 referendum there, but postponed a decision to continue negotiations with the industry.
State Rep. Randy Johnson, R-Winter Garden, who chairs the antigaming industry group No Casinos, said it would have made more sense if the counties had engaged the Legislature before creating their own rules.
''It could very well be the state decides to operate the machines, when and how many machines, and decide what class they are,'' he said.
But another parimutuel lobbyist, Jim Horn, said it's unlikely the state would interfere.
`WHAT-IF GAMES'
''The state can play a lot of what-if games, but they generally don't interfere with local decisions,'' Horn said.
Martinez, who said he has yet to see the actual 75-word resolution that could go before the public, called it a good deal for the county -- and the state.
''I think it will be good for education, but that's up to the Legislature,'' said the county chairman. ``If it passes, I'll lobby for the two counties to get a little more. But ultimately the state will decide on the division of money.''
The resolution before the commission next week is sponsored by commissioners Bruno Barreiro, Carlos Gimenez, Sally Heyman, and Dennis Moss.
Herald staff writer Tere Figueras Negrete contributed to this report.
Link to article
#54
Aessotariq
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Posted 13 January 2005 - 12:16 PM
A follow-up to this article
Posted on Thu, Jan. 13, 2005
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Miami crime rate drops 9%
Miami's crime rate dropped 9 percent in 2004 compared to 2003, adding to a steady decline since 1993, Miami police said. The figure is the city's lowest in five years.
BY ELAINE DE VALLE
edevalle@herald.com
A combination of new strategies and programs have brought the crime rate in Miami down to the lowest point in five years, Police Chief John Timoney and Mayor Manny Diaz said Wednesday.
''Miami is actually doing better than most cities this size,'' Timoney said at a press conference to announce crime statistics. ``It's down across the board.''
Lt. Bill Schwartz, a department spokesman, said the overall decline in crime has been steady since 1993.
The total number of crimes in 2004 decreased by 9 percent when compared to 2003's crimes, according to department statistics. The crimes with the biggest drops last year were robberies and vehicle thefts -- both were down 19 percent. Sexual assaults also dropped by 12 percent, burglaries by 10 percent and homicides by 9 percent, officials said.
Timoney credited the drops to a mix of increased police presence, more aggressive follow-up by detectives, the narcotics division ''chipping in'' in troubled neighborhoods and sweep details such as Operation Difference that flood problem areas with up to 200 officers twice a month.
Timoney was asked how citizens could trust the statistics in light of the Broward Sheriff's Office scandal in which deputies were found to have falsified crime reports. He said he never applies pressure on district commanders to adjust the numbers.
''I don't believe in quotas,'' the chief said. ``I believe that if the police department gives it its all -- at the end of the day, at the end of the year -- things will be better.''
Only by knowing about crime increases can he shift or increase resources to combat it, Timoney said.
He cited a double-digit increase in crime in Little Havana at the start of the year that was brought down with the help of undercover officers from the narcotics unit.
While still reporting less crime than in 2003, Little Havana showed the least improvement, with only a 2 percent decrease in overall crime. But Timoney said that may be a reflection of the city merging the East Little Havana and West Little Havana areas.
''And the problem we have there, and we deal with it every day, is lower level quality-of-life crimes,'' Timoney told The Herald, adding that many crimes there are also linked to alcohol and drug use.
''It's something we're cognizant of and it's getting better,'' he said.
Arrests, on the other hand, are up 28 percent citywide, according to the crime statistics. They increased in all districts except the Upper Eastside, which saw a 4 percent decrease in arrests. The biggest jumps came in Coconut Grove and Allapattah, where arrests were up 75 percent and 63 percent, respectively.
''We've had a greater emphasis on quality-of-life crimes -- car break-ins, larcenies,'' he said, citing the mass-arrests program and the ripple effect it has on the drop in neighborhood crime.
Diaz credited Timoney's leadership.
''It's really remarkable the turnaround we've seen in the last two years since the chief arrived,'' the mayor said.
Full crime statistics report from City of Miami
Link to article
Posted on Thu, Jan. 13, 2005
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Miami crime rate drops 9%
Miami's crime rate dropped 9 percent in 2004 compared to 2003, adding to a steady decline since 1993, Miami police said. The figure is the city's lowest in five years.
BY ELAINE DE VALLE
edevalle@herald.com
A combination of new strategies and programs have brought the crime rate in Miami down to the lowest point in five years, Police Chief John Timoney and Mayor Manny Diaz said Wednesday.
''Miami is actually doing better than most cities this size,'' Timoney said at a press conference to announce crime statistics. ``It's down across the board.''
Lt. Bill Schwartz, a department spokesman, said the overall decline in crime has been steady since 1993.
The total number of crimes in 2004 decreased by 9 percent when compared to 2003's crimes, according to department statistics. The crimes with the biggest drops last year were robberies and vehicle thefts -- both were down 19 percent. Sexual assaults also dropped by 12 percent, burglaries by 10 percent and homicides by 9 percent, officials said.
Timoney credited the drops to a mix of increased police presence, more aggressive follow-up by detectives, the narcotics division ''chipping in'' in troubled neighborhoods and sweep details such as Operation Difference that flood problem areas with up to 200 officers twice a month.
Timoney was asked how citizens could trust the statistics in light of the Broward Sheriff's Office scandal in which deputies were found to have falsified crime reports. He said he never applies pressure on district commanders to adjust the numbers.
''I don't believe in quotas,'' the chief said. ``I believe that if the police department gives it its all -- at the end of the day, at the end of the year -- things will be better.''
Only by knowing about crime increases can he shift or increase resources to combat it, Timoney said.
He cited a double-digit increase in crime in Little Havana at the start of the year that was brought down with the help of undercover officers from the narcotics unit.
While still reporting less crime than in 2003, Little Havana showed the least improvement, with only a 2 percent decrease in overall crime. But Timoney said that may be a reflection of the city merging the East Little Havana and West Little Havana areas.
''And the problem we have there, and we deal with it every day, is lower level quality-of-life crimes,'' Timoney told The Herald, adding that many crimes there are also linked to alcohol and drug use.
''It's something we're cognizant of and it's getting better,'' he said.
Arrests, on the other hand, are up 28 percent citywide, according to the crime statistics. They increased in all districts except the Upper Eastside, which saw a 4 percent decrease in arrests. The biggest jumps came in Coconut Grove and Allapattah, where arrests were up 75 percent and 63 percent, respectively.
''We've had a greater emphasis on quality-of-life crimes -- car break-ins, larcenies,'' he said, citing the mass-arrests program and the ripple effect it has on the drop in neighborhood crime.
Diaz credited Timoney's leadership.
''It's really remarkable the turnaround we've seen in the last two years since the chief arrived,'' the mayor said.
Full crime statistics report from City of Miami
Link to article
#55
Aessotariq
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Posted 13 January 2005 - 11:04 PM
LATEST NEWS
12:34 PM EST Thursday
Dolphins Enterprises names CEO
After three days in existence, Dolphins Enterprises has named its first chief executive officer - a former Dallas Cowboys and NFL executive.
The sports and entertainment company said Joseph (Joe) Bailey will be in charge of all Miami Dolphins and Dolphins Stadium operations, management, development, sales, marketing and merchandising. Before taking the job with the Dolphins, Bailey was a partner at Russell Reynolds Associates, the executive search firm that helped the Dolphins in their recent search that resulted in the team hiring Nick Saban as head coach.
Bailey is to report directly to Miami Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga. He is also to work, day to day, with Nick Saban.
"Joe brings extensive experience in sports administration and marketing, as well as executive management," said Huizenga, a billionaire who has also headed South Florida companies including AutoNation (NYSE: AN), Boca Resorts and Blockbuster Entertainment (NYSE: BBI).
When Huizenga created Dolphins Enterprises, he also disclosed $425 million in plans for improvements and additions to what is now called Dolphins Stadium.
Such improvements could include remodeled club level and luxury suites, new scoreboards, parking structures to double as exhibition space, a permanent or retractable roof and shops, restaurants, offices, a hotel and potentially a residential component.
Bailey is to lead the effort to implement all of those plans.
"I am in perfect agreement with Wayne Huizenga's vision and bold plans to keep the team, the football organization and the stadium at the pinnacle of the sports and entertainment industry," he said in a news release.
But Bailey also showed his football roots with a clarification to his statement.
"Everyone associated with Dolphins Enterprises will never lose sight of the fact that winning on the field will always come first in everything we do," he added.
Bailey spent much of his career on football fields. He spent 19 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, starting in the equipment and training room in the early 1960s. He became a player scout in 1970. He later became the team's business manager and eventually served as senior vice president of administration.
Once he shifted to Russell Reynolds, Bailey was the partner in charge of the firm's New York office after a stint as area manager for offices in Dallas and Houston. He led the company's entertainment, media and sports and corporate communication practices.
Other jobs include five years as senior vice president and chief operating officer at the World League/NFL and time as deputy commissioner and COO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.
NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue suggested Bailey's combination of experiences makes him uniquely suited for the Dolphins Enterprises CEO job.
"Our office has worked closely with Joe over the past two decades on a wide range of matters, including international business development, searches for top executives and programs in support of diversity in club and league hiring practices," he said in a news release. "He has a deep knowledge of all aspects of NFL and team operations and he enjoys the respect of everyone who works with him."
Tim Smith, former commissioner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, put it more succinctly: "The Dolphins have gained access to one of the best business minds in sports and entertainment. Joe Bailey is a very uncommon mixture of expertise, judgment, people skills and intelligence. I cannot think of a single individual with more credibility in the field as judged by his peers."
Link to article
12:34 PM EST Thursday
Dolphins Enterprises names CEO
After three days in existence, Dolphins Enterprises has named its first chief executive officer - a former Dallas Cowboys and NFL executive.
The sports and entertainment company said Joseph (Joe) Bailey will be in charge of all Miami Dolphins and Dolphins Stadium operations, management, development, sales, marketing and merchandising. Before taking the job with the Dolphins, Bailey was a partner at Russell Reynolds Associates, the executive search firm that helped the Dolphins in their recent search that resulted in the team hiring Nick Saban as head coach.
Bailey is to report directly to Miami Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga. He is also to work, day to day, with Nick Saban.
"Joe brings extensive experience in sports administration and marketing, as well as executive management," said Huizenga, a billionaire who has also headed South Florida companies including AutoNation (NYSE: AN), Boca Resorts and Blockbuster Entertainment (NYSE: BBI).
When Huizenga created Dolphins Enterprises, he also disclosed $425 million in plans for improvements and additions to what is now called Dolphins Stadium.
Such improvements could include remodeled club level and luxury suites, new scoreboards, parking structures to double as exhibition space, a permanent or retractable roof and shops, restaurants, offices, a hotel and potentially a residential component.
Bailey is to lead the effort to implement all of those plans.
"I am in perfect agreement with Wayne Huizenga's vision and bold plans to keep the team, the football organization and the stadium at the pinnacle of the sports and entertainment industry," he said in a news release.
But Bailey also showed his football roots with a clarification to his statement.
"Everyone associated with Dolphins Enterprises will never lose sight of the fact that winning on the field will always come first in everything we do," he added.
Bailey spent much of his career on football fields. He spent 19 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, starting in the equipment and training room in the early 1960s. He became a player scout in 1970. He later became the team's business manager and eventually served as senior vice president of administration.
Once he shifted to Russell Reynolds, Bailey was the partner in charge of the firm's New York office after a stint as area manager for offices in Dallas and Houston. He led the company's entertainment, media and sports and corporate communication practices.
Other jobs include five years as senior vice president and chief operating officer at the World League/NFL and time as deputy commissioner and COO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.
NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue suggested Bailey's combination of experiences makes him uniquely suited for the Dolphins Enterprises CEO job.
"Our office has worked closely with Joe over the past two decades on a wide range of matters, including international business development, searches for top executives and programs in support of diversity in club and league hiring practices," he said in a news release. "He has a deep knowledge of all aspects of NFL and team operations and he enjoys the respect of everyone who works with him."
Tim Smith, former commissioner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, put it more succinctly: "The Dolphins have gained access to one of the best business minds in sports and entertainment. Joe Bailey is a very uncommon mixture of expertise, judgment, people skills and intelligence. I cannot think of a single individual with more credibility in the field as judged by his peers."
Link to article
#56
Aessotariq
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Posted 14 January 2005 - 03:40 AM
Posted on Thu, Jan. 13, 2005
ENVIRONMENT
Urban sprawl blamed for risk to nature
A national environmental report says sprawl in South Florida is putting rare plants and animals in increasing peril. Dade ranks No. 8 on the list.
BY CURTIS MORGAN
cmorgan@herald.com
A handful of Florida counties, including Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, rank high on a nationwide list of communities where urban sprawl threatens rare species, according to a report released Wednesday by three environmental groups.
Miami-Dade ranked No. 8, with 58 imperiled species. Broward ranked No. 4 for development demand exceeding land supply. Palm Beach ranked No. 7 for land in the path of development.
Nationwide, the report contends sprawl in 35 major urban areas alone threatens some 1,200 species of plants and animals, including dozens in Florida. More than 500 live only in urban areas, including more than a dozen rare plants such as the tiny polygala, which hang on only in a patchwork of pine rockland in Miami-Dade.
''The first conclusion we can draw is we live where the wild things are,'' said John Kostyack, a co-author and attorney with the National Wildlife Federation. That fact, he said, puts a ''surprisingly high percentage'' of species at risk without sweeping land-use changes.
Planners and environmental regulators in South Florida echoed concerns that growth has an impact on everything from nature to traffic but also questioned some statistics used to compile the rankings.
One chart, for instance, placed Broward at No. 16 nationwide for counties with the largest amount of open space projected for development -- 231.9 square miles.
Bill Leonard, a senior planner with Broward, chuckled at that figure.
``Yeah, 231 acres maybe.''
BROWARD `BUILT-OUT'
Aside from some larger tracts in Miramar and Parkland, Broward is considered largely ''built-out'' with only scattered parcels remaining open, much to the disappointment of developers.
The groups -- the National Wildlife Federation, NatureServe and Smart Growth America -- said that ranking likely included land in private hands in massive water conservation areas west of U.S. 27, but Leonard said the potential for developing that area, critical for the water supply and the $8.4 billion Everglades restoration effort, is slim.
LOST HABITAT
Habitat for many of the rare species in Miami-Dade, particularly plants, also was lost decades ago in suburban development that has consumed all but 2 percent of the pine rockland forests.
While virtually all the remaining rockland is now protected from future development, either in national parks or in scattered preserves purchased by Miami-Dade, a 2000 study by a conservation group found that some species of plants had been reduced by other kinds of development including hiking trails and prison construction.
FIVE FLORIDA AREAS
Most of the hot spots in the report were in California and western states, but overall Florida had five areas among the top 35 fastest-growing urban areas, the second-highest total.
Despite that, the authors praised some Florida policies. Not for managing growth, which the state has not gotten a handle on, but for aggressively buying and protecting critical habitat.
''Florida has been a leader in taking a statewide view of its natural resources,'' said Bruce Stein, vice president for programs at NatureServe during a teleconference.
BOND PROGRAMS
Stein and other authors pointed to statewide bond programs that have purchased thousands of acres of land, among the land-use programs the groups said other communities should emulate. Miami-Dade and Broward both have had similar programs and voters in Miami-Dade approved bond issues last November that will provide another $40 million to buy ``endangered lands.''
The report does not name specific species threatened by growth and relies on a NatureServe database of ''imperiled'' species, which includes some 6,400 species, about five times more than the official federal list.
Dave Martin, a biologist in Vero Beach with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which monitors U.S. endangered species, said Miami-Dade's land programs and state efforts to buy land for Everglades restoration would help stabilize populations in Southwest Dade.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
He also noted the report ignored Southwest Florida, where growth is infringing on habitats for the manatee, Florida panther, and red-cockaded woodpecker -- all species that need large unspoiled areas to survive. The service, he said, had opinions pending on 25 projects there alone.
Robert Daniels, an assistant to the director of the South Florida Regional Planning Council, said local governments recognized the threat to the natural environment but admitted curtailing growth remains a challenge.
Said Daniels: ``Sprawl occurs everywhere in the country and everybody sees it as a problem but nobody knows exactly what to do about it.''
Link to article
ENVIRONMENT
Urban sprawl blamed for risk to nature
A national environmental report says sprawl in South Florida is putting rare plants and animals in increasing peril. Dade ranks No. 8 on the list.
BY CURTIS MORGAN
cmorgan@herald.com
A handful of Florida counties, including Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, rank high on a nationwide list of communities where urban sprawl threatens rare species, according to a report released Wednesday by three environmental groups.
Miami-Dade ranked No. 8, with 58 imperiled species. Broward ranked No. 4 for development demand exceeding land supply. Palm Beach ranked No. 7 for land in the path of development.
Nationwide, the report contends sprawl in 35 major urban areas alone threatens some 1,200 species of plants and animals, including dozens in Florida. More than 500 live only in urban areas, including more than a dozen rare plants such as the tiny polygala, which hang on only in a patchwork of pine rockland in Miami-Dade.
''The first conclusion we can draw is we live where the wild things are,'' said John Kostyack, a co-author and attorney with the National Wildlife Federation. That fact, he said, puts a ''surprisingly high percentage'' of species at risk without sweeping land-use changes.
Planners and environmental regulators in South Florida echoed concerns that growth has an impact on everything from nature to traffic but also questioned some statistics used to compile the rankings.
One chart, for instance, placed Broward at No. 16 nationwide for counties with the largest amount of open space projected for development -- 231.9 square miles.
Bill Leonard, a senior planner with Broward, chuckled at that figure.
``Yeah, 231 acres maybe.''
BROWARD `BUILT-OUT'
Aside from some larger tracts in Miramar and Parkland, Broward is considered largely ''built-out'' with only scattered parcels remaining open, much to the disappointment of developers.
The groups -- the National Wildlife Federation, NatureServe and Smart Growth America -- said that ranking likely included land in private hands in massive water conservation areas west of U.S. 27, but Leonard said the potential for developing that area, critical for the water supply and the $8.4 billion Everglades restoration effort, is slim.
LOST HABITAT
Habitat for many of the rare species in Miami-Dade, particularly plants, also was lost decades ago in suburban development that has consumed all but 2 percent of the pine rockland forests.
While virtually all the remaining rockland is now protected from future development, either in national parks or in scattered preserves purchased by Miami-Dade, a 2000 study by a conservation group found that some species of plants had been reduced by other kinds of development including hiking trails and prison construction.
FIVE FLORIDA AREAS
Most of the hot spots in the report were in California and western states, but overall Florida had five areas among the top 35 fastest-growing urban areas, the second-highest total.
Despite that, the authors praised some Florida policies. Not for managing growth, which the state has not gotten a handle on, but for aggressively buying and protecting critical habitat.
''Florida has been a leader in taking a statewide view of its natural resources,'' said Bruce Stein, vice president for programs at NatureServe during a teleconference.
BOND PROGRAMS
Stein and other authors pointed to statewide bond programs that have purchased thousands of acres of land, among the land-use programs the groups said other communities should emulate. Miami-Dade and Broward both have had similar programs and voters in Miami-Dade approved bond issues last November that will provide another $40 million to buy ``endangered lands.''
The report does not name specific species threatened by growth and relies on a NatureServe database of ''imperiled'' species, which includes some 6,400 species, about five times more than the official federal list.
Dave Martin, a biologist in Vero Beach with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which monitors U.S. endangered species, said Miami-Dade's land programs and state efforts to buy land for Everglades restoration would help stabilize populations in Southwest Dade.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
He also noted the report ignored Southwest Florida, where growth is infringing on habitats for the manatee, Florida panther, and red-cockaded woodpecker -- all species that need large unspoiled areas to survive. The service, he said, had opinions pending on 25 projects there alone.
Robert Daniels, an assistant to the director of the South Florida Regional Planning Council, said local governments recognized the threat to the natural environment but admitted curtailing growth remains a challenge.
Said Daniels: ``Sprawl occurs everywhere in the country and everybody sees it as a problem but nobody knows exactly what to do about it.''
Link to article
#57
Aessotariq
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Posted 14 January 2005 - 05:52 PM
City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz is featured on the December 2004 cover of South Florida CEO. It is a good read on the turnaround that the City has experienced during his administration and his management style.
#58
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Posted 17 January 2005 - 11:38 AM
Posted on Sun, Jan. 16, 2005
MIAMI BEACH
Coral home to get tested
Miami Beach city commissioners breathed new life into a debate over the fate of one of the city's oldest structures, agreeing to spend $75,000 on testing.
BY NICOLE WHITE AND CASEY WOODS
cwoods@herald.com
The Miami-Dade County Unsafe Structures Board will meet this week to again discuss the fate of the historic, yet structurally unsafe, coral rock house in the heart of Miami Beach's historic district.
The privately owned building at 900 Collins Ave., has been at the center of a debate that has pitted a private developer, the city's building official and the city's preservation community against one another.
At the core of the debate: Can the house be saved?
Preservationists believe it can, despite an August declaration by the city's building department that it was structurally unsafe.
Miami Beach City Commissioners breathed new life into the debate Wednesday when they agreed to spend $75,000 to have an engineer study and test the structure to determine if it can be saved.
''This is a building that has been there . . . before the city was even created,'' Mayor David Dermer said. ``We have to give it a shot, especially in a world of historic preservation where some very unique things can be done to save a building.''
Only two commissioners disagreed: Jose Smith and Luis Garcia voted against providing the funds, saying it was an exercise in futility because several engineering experts have already agreed that the structure would prove difficult to preserve.
Carter McDowell, the attorney representing the building's owner, Ivor Rose, told the commissioners that the city has unfairly held his client in limbo for months, even though he has been willing to build a replica of the structure.
Commissioner Saul Gross said he believed Rose bought the structure knowing full well he had no intention of preserving it. He insisted the study should be done.
''This building has been a part of the social fabric of this community for so long that we should give it a try,'' he said.
The coral rock house, built in 1918, is one of four such structures remaining in the city, and is one of the five oldest buildings in Miami Beach.
In August, a Miami Beach building official declared the structure unsafe, saying its concrete lining and support walls were crumbling. Engineers hired by the building's owners said it should be torn down. Part of the roof later collapsed.
In November, the Miami-Dade Unsafe Structures Board gave the city a 30-day reprieve from a demolition order. In December, the board gave the city 30 more days.
City officials will go to the Unsafe Structures Board's meeting Wednesday and present the plan approved by the Commission. The board will either grant more time or issue a demolition order.
The meeting will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday at 140 W. Flagler St., 16th floor.
Link to article
MIAMI BEACH
Coral home to get tested
Miami Beach city commissioners breathed new life into a debate over the fate of one of the city's oldest structures, agreeing to spend $75,000 on testing.
BY NICOLE WHITE AND CASEY WOODS
cwoods@herald.com
The Miami-Dade County Unsafe Structures Board will meet this week to again discuss the fate of the historic, yet structurally unsafe, coral rock house in the heart of Miami Beach's historic district.
The privately owned building at 900 Collins Ave., has been at the center of a debate that has pitted a private developer, the city's building official and the city's preservation community against one another.
At the core of the debate: Can the house be saved?
Preservationists believe it can, despite an August declaration by the city's building department that it was structurally unsafe.
Miami Beach City Commissioners breathed new life into the debate Wednesday when they agreed to spend $75,000 to have an engineer study and test the structure to determine if it can be saved.
''This is a building that has been there . . . before the city was even created,'' Mayor David Dermer said. ``We have to give it a shot, especially in a world of historic preservation where some very unique things can be done to save a building.''
Only two commissioners disagreed: Jose Smith and Luis Garcia voted against providing the funds, saying it was an exercise in futility because several engineering experts have already agreed that the structure would prove difficult to preserve.
Carter McDowell, the attorney representing the building's owner, Ivor Rose, told the commissioners that the city has unfairly held his client in limbo for months, even though he has been willing to build a replica of the structure.
Commissioner Saul Gross said he believed Rose bought the structure knowing full well he had no intention of preserving it. He insisted the study should be done.
''This building has been a part of the social fabric of this community for so long that we should give it a try,'' he said.
The coral rock house, built in 1918, is one of four such structures remaining in the city, and is one of the five oldest buildings in Miami Beach.
In August, a Miami Beach building official declared the structure unsafe, saying its concrete lining and support walls were crumbling. Engineers hired by the building's owners said it should be torn down. Part of the roof later collapsed.
In November, the Miami-Dade Unsafe Structures Board gave the city a 30-day reprieve from a demolition order. In December, the board gave the city 30 more days.
City officials will go to the Unsafe Structures Board's meeting Wednesday and present the plan approved by the Commission. The board will either grant more time or issue a demolition order.
The meeting will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday at 140 W. Flagler St., 16th floor.
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#59
streetscaper
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- Members+
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- 119 posts
Whistle-Stop
Posted 17 January 2005 - 09:42 PM
wow...that was alot of info (which is great)...I'm glad Florida is exerting effort to save wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas from sprawl or development!
...I'm glad Florida is exerting effort to save wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas from sprawl or development!
#60
Aessotariq
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- Members+
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- 2,102 posts
Burg
- Location:Miami
Posted 18 January 2005 - 11:20 AM
Posted on Tue, Jan. 18, 2005
SLOT MACHINES
Ad blitz looming before a vote on slots
County commission decisions in Miami-Dade and Broward counties this week are expected to kick off high-intensity campaigning, for -- and against -- slot machines.
By ERIKA BOLSTAD
ebolstad@herald.com
Brace yourself for the blitz.
Over the next month and a half, South Florida residents can expect to be bombarded by billboards, radio spots and telephone calls telling them why legalizing slot machines in South Florida would be a great boon.
And why it would be a terrible mistake.
Assuming both Miami-Dade and Broward County commissions vote this week to put slots on the March ballot -- a good bet -- the campaigns for and against permitting the machines at race tracks and frontons will commence.
Both sides should have big bucks to spend.
Expect the proponents of slot machines to seldom, if ever, utter the word ''gambling,'' but to stress the benefits that would accrue from allowing more of it. There will be plenty of campaign advertising and literature that focuses on the potential jobs created by adding slot machines and renovating the seven existing parimutuels, said Earl Bender, leading the pro-slots campaign.
The biggest challenge will be getting voters to the polls, especially in Miami-Dade County, where there is no history of March elections. In Broward, some 20 cities will elect leaders on March 8.
''We know we have overwhelming support among the voters,'' said Bender, a veteran of passing statewide ballot initiatives and the architect of the narrow November win. ``The question is, who knows there's an election?''
Millions of dollars are at stake for owners of the tracks and for Florida schools. Slots supporters, backed by state revenue estimates, say schools across Florida could gain $200 to $500 million from slots in the two counties.
The main pro-slots group -- with ties to Calder, Flagler, Hollywood and Pompano Park horse and dog tracks -- spent more than $14 million in its statewide campaign in November.
On the other side, two main political action committees opposed the slots measure. No Casinos, a coalition of anti-gambling, animal rights and business leaders raised $334,000, mainly from Osceola County, Disney and the Humane Society.
The second large opposition group -- No on 4 -- spent $5.6 million donated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which saw the measure as competition for its casinos.
Slots opponents hope to raise more money for this campaign, but also will be leaning on their grassroots network, said Paul Seago, spokesman for No Casinos.
''It'll be folks in the faith community, it'll be business, it'll be civic people,'' Seago said. ``It will always be our people versus their money.''
Officials in both counties have been negotiating deals that would bring upwards of $10 million a year from slots, plus money for the individual cities with parimutuels.
The money covers the social, law enforcement and miscellaneous costs of adding casinos to their communities, said Miami-Dade County Manager George Burgess.
''If it does happen, it would be prudent to have addressed those potential future impacts,'' Burgess said. ``Otherwise, they have to come out of the pocket of our local taxpayers.''
ONLINE: TO READ THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND THE GAMBLING INDUSTRY, GO TO TODAY'S EXTRAS AT HERALD.COM
Link to article
SLOT MACHINES
Ad blitz looming before a vote on slots
County commission decisions in Miami-Dade and Broward counties this week are expected to kick off high-intensity campaigning, for -- and against -- slot machines.
By ERIKA BOLSTAD
ebolstad@herald.com
Brace yourself for the blitz.
Over the next month and a half, South Florida residents can expect to be bombarded by billboards, radio spots and telephone calls telling them why legalizing slot machines in South Florida would be a great boon.
And why it would be a terrible mistake.
Assuming both Miami-Dade and Broward County commissions vote this week to put slots on the March ballot -- a good bet -- the campaigns for and against permitting the machines at race tracks and frontons will commence.
Both sides should have big bucks to spend.
Expect the proponents of slot machines to seldom, if ever, utter the word ''gambling,'' but to stress the benefits that would accrue from allowing more of it. There will be plenty of campaign advertising and literature that focuses on the potential jobs created by adding slot machines and renovating the seven existing parimutuels, said Earl Bender, leading the pro-slots campaign.
The biggest challenge will be getting voters to the polls, especially in Miami-Dade County, where there is no history of March elections. In Broward, some 20 cities will elect leaders on March 8.
''We know we have overwhelming support among the voters,'' said Bender, a veteran of passing statewide ballot initiatives and the architect of the narrow November win. ``The question is, who knows there's an election?''
Millions of dollars are at stake for owners of the tracks and for Florida schools. Slots supporters, backed by state revenue estimates, say schools across Florida could gain $200 to $500 million from slots in the two counties.
The main pro-slots group -- with ties to Calder, Flagler, Hollywood and Pompano Park horse and dog tracks -- spent more than $14 million in its statewide campaign in November.
On the other side, two main political action committees opposed the slots measure. No Casinos, a coalition of anti-gambling, animal rights and business leaders raised $334,000, mainly from Osceola County, Disney and the Humane Society.
The second large opposition group -- No on 4 -- spent $5.6 million donated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which saw the measure as competition for its casinos.
Slots opponents hope to raise more money for this campaign, but also will be leaning on their grassroots network, said Paul Seago, spokesman for No Casinos.
''It'll be folks in the faith community, it'll be business, it'll be civic people,'' Seago said. ``It will always be our people versus their money.''
Officials in both counties have been negotiating deals that would bring upwards of $10 million a year from slots, plus money for the individual cities with parimutuels.
The money covers the social, law enforcement and miscellaneous costs of adding casinos to their communities, said Miami-Dade County Manager George Burgess.
''If it does happen, it would be prudent to have addressed those potential future impacts,'' Burgess said. ``Otherwise, they have to come out of the pocket of our local taxpayers.''
ONLINE: TO READ THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND THE GAMBLING INDUSTRY, GO TO TODAY'S EXTRAS AT HERALD.COM
Link to article
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