MIAMI-The City Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday to kill the proposed $1-billion redevelopment of the convention center district here.
The Commissioners instead will have the city issue a new bid for just the renovation of the city's convention center. The vote called for the termination of negotiations with South Beach ACE, which was chosen back in July by the city to design and build the 52-acre project, according to the Miami Herald.
The seismic shift in policy on the project will now also have the city search for possible locations for a hotel near the convention center.
With the new strategy, the convention center renovation could move forward without a voter referendum.
“For the purposes of getting this project done fast, on time, on budget, it's unfortunate that we'll have to make a very tough, challenging decision,” Mayor Philip Levine said. “To some people, it's a little disheartening. To other people, it's a very fresh start.” See story in the Miami Herald.
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