Miami-Dade commissioners delayed a vote Tuesday on a proposed 99-year lease for redevelopment of the Miami Seaquarium. The 249-page agreement was made public only hours before the committee hearing, and several commissioners said they did not have enough time to review it.
Developer David Martin, CEO of Terra Group, said the deal must be finalized by Dec. 30 or the project could be lost. Commissioner Rene Garcia of District 13 said the committee lacked the votes to advance the item. Commissioner Micky Steinberg of District 4 also said she had not been able to read the document as thoroughly as she wanted.
The plan calls for a new aquarium without marine mammals, research and education space, waterfront restaurants, a free public baywalk and environmental restoration. The most contested part is the marina. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff reviewed an earlier plan for 877 boats and recommended no more than 250, citing manatee activity and boat-strike deaths. A developer-commissioned study by University of Miami scientist Jerry Ault found the area is not prime manatee habitat. Florida International University biologist Jeremy Kiszka disputed that finding.
Commissioner Raquel Regalado, whose District 7 includes the Seaquarium, said in a statement that the amended lease cuts the marina from 295 slips to 262 and guarantees public waterfront access. She said approving a lease does not approve permits, which would still require review by county and state agencies.
Commissioners are scheduled to vote on land use changes Nov. 19. A lawsuit filed by two residents seeks a public referendum on the project.
