Mar 23, 2009 10:00 pm US/Eastern
The Marlins Will Play Ball In Miami
Commission Voted 9-4 For The Financing Plan, They Voted 10-3 On The No Bid Contract
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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New rendering of the Florida Marlins Stadium to be built on the site of the now-demolished Orange Bowl.
Urban Design Review Board/CBS
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New rendering of the Florida Marlins Stadium to be built on the site of the now-demolished Orange Bowl.
Urban Design Review Board/CBS
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New rendering of the Florida Marlins Stadium to be built on the site of the now-demolished Orange Bowl.
Urban Design Review Board/CBS
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New rendering of the Florida Marlins Stadium to be built on the site of the now-demolished Orange Bowl.
Urban Design Review Board/CBS
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New rendering of the Florida Marlins Stadium to be built on the site of the now-demolished Orange Bowl.
Urban Design Review Board/CBS
The Miami-Dade County Commission put an end to years of political turmoil Monday night by approving the construction plan for a new stadium housing the Florida Marlins in Little Havana.
The commission has passed the financing plan for a new stadium for the Marlins, 9-4. Groundbreaking for the project is slated for July on the grounds of the old Orange Bowl.
The commissioners also decided to allow the hiring of contractor Hunt/Moss without any bidding on the deal. That item needed nine votes to pass; it passed 10-3.
"It means that a lot of people right now that are hurting, are out of a job, are going to have jobs in an area that are badly needed," said a euphoric Mayor Carlos Alvarez after the vote.
But the four commissioners who were originally opposed to the plan finally voted against it. One of these is Commissioner Joe Martinez.
"We have no idea if tomorrow, next year, whatever, we'll have to tap into the general fund," said Commissioner Joe Martinez, "[which is used for things such as] police, fire transit, meals for the elderly. In no good conscience do I think it's good policy to take money away from those services, especially during this time."
Commissioners Carlos Gimenez, Sally Heyman and Katy Sorenson all voted against it. Sorenson cited the deal was hastily put together, not giving the commission enough time to review the details of the multimillion dollar plan.
Throughout the day Monday, dozens of people rallied inside and outside the county's government center; while some offered support, others voiced their opposition to the $634 million plan.
"I want them to have the courage to see that they can vote the right way and make this thing happen and do some soul searching. There are folks who have need and here is the opportunity for them to go to work and revitalize the community. As far as I'm concerned, this is a no brainer," said Miguel Fuentes with the Florida Carpenters Union's Regional Office.
But not everyone was sold on the idea.
"What we want to see is the county vote to shut this deal down because we believe there is a lie going around that it is going to create jobs and help shore up the infrastructure. The reality is that this stadium deal is going to create some short-term jobs and then it's only going to have jobs available for things like concessions and parking," said Hashim Benford.
In order for the plan to pass, it had to receive the approval of nine of the commissioners in an up or down vote. If it didn't pass, the plan would have been broken down into its individual components and then each would be voted on.
After much political wangling of their own, the Miami City Commission voted to approve the same financing plan on Thursday, which was a prerequisite for the county to carry out their vote this week. Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones was the swing vote there and approved the plan only after getting some promises from the team. She didn't want community redevelopment money for her district to be used for the stadium, and she also asked for money to go to youth sports programs in the inner city.
As it stood a year ago, the Marlins didn't have the votes in the county, but the most unlikely of commissioners appeared to change his mind.
Last Friday, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez lobbied county commissioners for their support. Originally, Commissioner Javier Soto tore up the Marlins agreement, concerned over the financing. But Friday, he announced he had changed his mind.
"I think it's going to be very close," Alvarez had told CBS4 Reporter David Sutta on Friday. "I think you've got certain commissioners who are going to vote for it at this point and time, and you've got some that are totally against it, and you've got some swing votes."
Miami and Miami-Dade County would receive a significant amount of money should the team be sold. The Marlins would also set aside $500,000 a year to fund sports activities for the poor.
The team is expected to change its name to the Miami Marlins as part of the deal.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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