Why Greater Miami Needs Key Biscayne

MIAMI—The Village of Key Biscayne has filed a lawsuit against the City of Miami over the Marine Stadium site. Mayor Mayra Pena Lindsay explained why she objects to the plans in part one of this exclusive interview: Key Biscayne Dukes it Out With Miami Over This Site.

Key Biscayne also has an injunction filed against the City and the Boat Show in an attempt to stop what Lindsay deems to be an $18 million boondoggle that would use taxpayer dollars for private enterprise and at Miami-Dade residents' expense. From a zoning perspective, she believes City's plans stand in direct violation of the City's deed over the land. But what's her solution? GlobeSt.com asked her in part two of this exclusive interview.

GlobeSt.com: What is your vision for the Marine Stadium site?

Lindsay: The Marine Stadium has been recognized as an architectural masterpiece by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and was named to the Trust's 11 Most Endangered List in 2009. We believe the stadium should be preserved and restored, with the surrounding land converted to permanent park space for public use.

This vision is consistent with the City of Miami's own Virginia Key master plan, which incorporated two years of public input. Unfortunately, the City's approved plan to bring for-profit events to the site will turn a blind eye to that vision and render a critical piece of public waterfront land inaccessible for much of the year. 

GlobeSt.com: Looking beyond the Marine Stadium site, how is Key Biscayne balancing population growth in nearby downtown Miami with its status as a destination?

Lindsay: Key Biscayne is home to about 10,000 full time residents, but more than 7 million people visit the island each year. We are considered Miami's Playground in the eyes of families, boaters, golfers and people who want to get away for a day.

Many of our visitors come from Downtown Miami, since it's just a few minutes away. There are few major cities with an island destination like Key Biscayne so close to a growing urban core.

All of this growth underscores the importance of smart development, especially when it comes to using public land. It's critical that we maintain our island's place as a recreation destination. If Miami truly aspiring to be a world class city, there is a critical need for a “Central Park” type venue.