Miami Beach Voters Approve New Convention Center Hotel

MIAMI BEACH, FL – Miami Beach voters overwhelmingly approved a proposal to allow the construction of a privately funded hotel next to the Miami Beach Convention Center as the facility nears completion of a massive overhaul to better compete in the event and conference space.

“The City of Miami Beach has been contemplating the development of a convention center hotel for more than two decades,” explained City Manager Jimmy L. Morales. “This privately-funded hotel will now make us a highly competitive convention destination that is anticipated to generate millions in annual revenue to benefit our residents.”

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Nearly 64 percent of Miami Beach voters approved leasing the publicly-owned land to build the hotel. Some officials have privately expressed concerns that such a project would bring more congestion to the area around the Miami Beach Convention Center.

In a separate measure, voters approved using the rent payments from the proposed Convention Center Hotel lease — estimated to be more than $16 million over the first 10 years — towards stormwater projects in lieu of rate increases — traffic reduction measures and education.

“This new revenue stream will provide funding for our city, our schools, our children and our quality of life,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.

Miami Beach voters also voted in favor of creating an independent office of inspector general, that will serve as an independent watchdog in City Hall, according to city officials.

The office will tackle suspected cases of fraud, abuse and waste while promoting best practices.

“Given the size and activity of our city this is an important measure that will improve our governance,” said Gelber. “As a former federal prosecutor, I worked regularly with IGs and I’m pleased the voters recognized the importance of creating this office.”

In separate measures, voters approved three ballot items related to a proposed $439 million general obligation bond that will be spent on what officials described as critical infrastructure needs for the city’s parks, recreation facilities and cultural facilities ($169 million); neighborhood and infrastructure ($198 million); and police, fire and public safety ($72 million).

“The passing of these bonds will be transformative in enhancing our quality of life and property values to guarantee that our City becomes an even more spectacular place to live,” declared Gelber. “The bond projects are truly the product of our residents, and I thank the advisory panel once again for dedicating countless of hours to making sure that a resident-centric lens was applied consistently throughout the review process.”

The bond approved by voters covers a total of 57 projects, including a new North Beach community center and funding to revitalize 41 Street.

Both of those projects are meant to create new town centers with better lighting, more license plate readers and upgraded communications around public safety, according to city officials.

Part of the money will be spent to replace two aging fire stations, refurbish parks and repair cultural centers while officials implement neighborhood resiliency improvements and beatifications to complement planned stormwater projects.

“Twenty-five percent of this G.O. Bond directly addresses the effects of climate change, while many of the other projects address other resiliency challenges,” added Morales. “We are eager to get started on these projects immediately.”

Click here to see a list of projects covered by the bond issue.

Voters approved a privately funded hotel on public land adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center. Photo by Paul Scicchitano.