Miami voters reject marina plan, pass safety bond

Miami residents rejected a controversial plan to redevelop two city marinas on Tuesday night. The vote ended a long legal and political battle over the future of the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium facilities on Virginia Key.

Early results showed a strong no vote on Referendum 3. The measure would have leased the marinas to a developer group. The deal originated from a 2017 bid by RCI Group. A court order required the city to place the original terms on the ballot without changes.

Critics argued the city should have renegotiated the price based on current property values. They also feared the new development would limit public access to the city-operated marina at Marine Stadium. Aabad Melwani, who operates the Rickenbacker marina, called the result a clear message. “Tonight, Miami voters stood up for our community and sent a clear message: our public waterfront should benefit the people of Miami, not out-of-state private equity interests looking to cash in on it,” he said.

Bobby Christoph, president of RCI Group, disagreed with the concerns. He said the public would gain more access to the waterfront. His proposal included a new boardwalk from the Rusty Pelican restaurant to the stadium, shops, restaurants, and free parking.

Voters also approved the Safe and Ready Bond in a landslide. The $450 million loan will repair and modernize existing fire stations and build four new ones. It also funds a new public safety headquarters for the police and fire departments. Mayor Eileen Higgins pushed the proposal and celebrated its passage. “Tonight is a major victory for the people of Miami and the future of our city. By passing Referendum 1, voters have made an investment in the health and safety of our residents and in the firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders who protect us every day,” she said.

Some city leaders opposed the bond, arguing it added debt for taxpayers to repay. City Commissioner Damian Pardo said the city could handle necessary fire station repairs with existing funds. He believed the loan was not required to complete the work.

A third measure, Referendum 2, also passed with overwhelming support. It creates an independent oversight committee to monitor the status of ongoing bond projects. The committee will provide transparency on how the city spends the new funds.