Want to learn more about what the potential environmental impacts of the proposed redevelopment of the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas will mean to Virginia Key and to Key Biscayne?
That subject is the focus of a second community educational event from 6:30-8:30 p.m., on Monday, Sept. 28, at Gramps Getaway on Virginia Key.
Friends of Biscayne Bay’s Laura Reynolds, an ecologist and longtime Biscayne Bay advocate, will lead a discussion on the potential impacts of the proposed marina redevelopment on Biscayne Bay, including concerns surrounding dredging, seagrass, increased vessel activity, manatees, water quality and the cumulative effects of multiple major development projects being proposed for Virginia Key.
The event comes as City of Miami voters prepare to consider Referendum 3 on Nov. 3.
Referendum 3 would authorize the City to lease approximately 27.5 acres of public land on Virginia Key to Virginia Key, LLC for an initial 45-year term, with two 15-year renewal options, potentially extending the lease to 75 years.
The proposal calls for approximately $80 million in privately funded redevelopment of the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas, including boat storage, restaurants, retail and public parking. The City’s ballot language describes the redevelopment as being conducted “in an environmentally sensitive manner.”
Concern over a yes vote extends beyond this individual marina proposal.
Virginia Key is simultaneously facing several significant projects, including redevelopment of the former Miami Seaquarium property, restoration and reactivation of Miami Marine Stadium and a proposed mooring field in the Marine Stadium basin. Environmental advocates have questioned whether the cumulative environmental effects of these projects are being adequately considered together.
Monday’s event will give residents an opportunity to hear more about those concerns, examine what is being proposed and ask questions about the potential long-term consequences for Virginia Key and Biscayne Bay.