the issue
The Virginia Key Master Plans mention a desire to increase public access to the water. As part of the planning process the Waterfront Advisory Board recommended the inclusion of one or two boat ramps. The boat ramps were not identified nor locations indicated. A kayak launch exists by the Virginia Key Outdoor Center on Lamar Lake (Jimbo's Lagoon). The adopted Virginia Key Master Plan of July 2010 does not include a boat ramp by the Marine Stadium. A boat ramp does not appear on any plans for basin water access, nor do the words "boat ramp" appear in the text describing Miami Marine Park. Despite this, the City has plans for a public boat launch. Along with the launch area, a massive parking area for approximately 90 trailers has been planned. The planning process is completed and the City Commission passed a Resolution for funding for Phase 2 Construction. Total Fiscal Impact: $2,500,000 ($1,250,000 City funds and $1,250,000 FIND match). Although the City has talked about channel markers, buoys and signage, no funds have been allotted. Both the Virginia Key Alliance and the Virginia Key Advisory Board feel this project needs to be stopped. The impact on both land and water for many different populations is too severe for continuation.
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Above is one of the original plans for the Marine Stadium area: A beautiful park with nary a parking lot in sight and no boat launch.
To the left is the plan for the boat launch and parking. Enough said.... |
OUR CONCERNS
SAFETY IN THE BASIN AND ON THE CAUSEWAY WILL BE SEVERELY IMPACTED
WE'VE PAVED OVER PARADISE AND PUT UP A PARKING LOT
POTENTIAL TRAFFIC HAZARD
- A boat launch is detrimental to public safety in the basin.
- Dangerous conditions already exist in the basin, adding more small, fast motorized boats to the basin is a formula for disaster.
- There have been three deaths in the basin from August 2020 to May 2021: two jet skiers and one who fell off a boat and drowned.
- Law enforcement, the Marine Patrol, the Coast Guard and the FWC, all express concern for public safety in the basin.
- Use of the Rickenbacker by cyclists, runners and walkers has increased dramatically due to COVID, thereby increasing the potential for hazardous interaction with boat trailer traffic.
WE'VE PAVED OVER PARADISE AND PUT UP A PARKING LOT
- The trailer parking area is huge, an unsightly use for an area that was supposed to be a PARK not a parking lot.
- The parking lot is a revenue generator for the City, so maximizing the spaces is their goal - but not the goal of the Virginia Key Master Plan.
- The trailer parking is to the west of the Marine Stadium. To the east is the huge, barren cement area that formerly hosted the Miami Boat Show. Right now it is an ugly, unappealing area that is used for - wait for it - a parking lot. The Virginia Key Master Plan, developed with years of input from the Miami public, calls for this are to be a green space, a "flex park".
- The Marine Stadium is considered the "jewel" of this area and should be the focal point for all projects surrounding it.
- A trailer parking lot to the west of the Marine Stadium will be an eyesore and an ugly companion to the Maritime Center planned in the same location.
- No traffic studies have been done for either the basin or the Rickenbacker Causeway.
- As mentioned, a boat launch and trailer parking lot by the Marine Stadium do not appear in the Virginia Key Master Plan.
POTENTIAL TRAFFIC HAZARD
- The Rickenbacker Causeway is already heavily trafficked on the weekend.
- Vehicles hauling boat trailers coming from the mainland have to turn left, against traffic, to get into the trailer parking lot.
- No traffic light or police traffic management are planned - backups are anticipated creating potential safety hazards for motorized vehicles and cyclists.
ACTION
To be updated. Lots happening.
GET INVOLVED
Attend public meetings of the Miami City Commission and the Virginia Key Advisory Board. You'll learn how you can work side by side with our network of VKA members and volunteers to protect the environment and Virginia Key.
make your voice heard
Pick up the phone and call, or email, your local representatives. Let them know that your access to this area, environmental welfare, clean water, public health and safety are important to you. Contact information may be found below:
Mayor Francis Suarez
fsuarez@miamigov.com Phone: (305) 250-5300 |
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla (District 1)
adiazdelaportilla@miamigov.com Phone: (305) 250-5430 |
Commissioner Ken Russell (District 2)
krussell@miamigov.com Phone: (305) 250-5333 |
Elected officials - city of miami
Commissioner Joe Carollo (District 3)
jcarollo@miamigov.com Phone: (305) 250-5380 |
Commissioner Manolo Reyes (District 4)
mreyes@miamigov.com Phone: (305) 250-5420 |
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson (District5)
jwatson@miamigov.com Phone: (305) 250-5390 |
Appointed Members - Virginia Key Advisory Board (VKAB)
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Esther Alonso-Luft Board Member (Dist. 2) emluft2@gmail.com Peter Ehrlich Board Member (Urban Environmental League) petersobe@aol.com Guy Forchion Board Member (Virginia Key Beach Park Trust) developamerica1964@gmail.com Barbara Hernandez Board Member (Director Parks and Recreation) bahernandez@miamigov.com Suzanne Hollander Board Member (Director DREAM) Lynn Lewis Board Member (Nat'l Trust for Historic Pres.) lynnlewis@lblpa.com |
Steven Leidner
Board Member (Sierra Club) stevenleidner@att.net Gary Milano Board Member (Tropical Audubon) biscayn@gmail.com Lamell McMorris Board Member (Mayoral Appointee) Joe Rasco Board Member (MDC Commissioner Dist. 7) jrasco@miamidade.gov Vinson Richter Board Member (Dade Heritage Trust) vrichter@trigragc.com Monty Trainer Board Member At Large Robert Vernon Board Member (Village of Key Biscayne) grandbaymaster@yahoo.com |
