Make way for American Dream Miami.
The Miami-Dade County Commission did just that Thursday, granting a series of approvals for the mammoth mall and entertainment center after roughly nine hours of debate.
The $4 billion development, to be built on 174 acres at Interstate 75 and Florida’s Turnpike in northwest Miami-Dade, will have more than 5 million square feet or retail and entertainment options at full build-out. Attractions will include a Ferris wheel, an aquarium, Art Deco-style village, submarine ride, skating rink, water park and ski park.
"It is the most significant project done in Miami-Dade County," said Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz, whose district includes American Dream Miami.
But don’t worry about those grand-opening crowds or shopping throngs just yet. Developer Triple Five Worldwide says the first phase won’t be ready until Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, in 2023 and will take four more years to build the entire project.
Bob Gorlow, a Triple Five partner, said the project will attract tens of millions of visitors a year and create 25,000 construction jobs and 25,000 permanent jobs. Triple Five still has to obtain permits and address routine administrative issues with the county. But county officials say the development would come back to the commission only if there are major changes to its site plan.
Those opposed to the project urged commissioners Thursday to consider its impact on traffic and the environment.
An Orlando resident called American Dream "a monster mall" and "an abomination," while Miami Lakes, FL Mayor Manny Cid said he hears concerns about traffic congestion every day.
Jeff Bercow, a lawyer for a group of competing malls opposed to the project, told commissioners they should restrict the developer from seeking public funds for the project. Bercow said Triple Five has a history of seeking taxpayer money for its projects, which include the Mall of America in Minnesota.
“Tax dollars should not be used to line the pockets of these wealthy businessmen,” he said.
The commission agreed not to spend county tax dollars on the project, though the developer still could seek state or federal funds.
Supporters called American Dream Miami a jobs creator, a tourist generator and a viable alternative to the amusement parks in Orlando. They say it will be a bonding experience for parents and their children at a time when technology promotes isolation in families.
“The working people of Hialeah are crying out for something like this,” said Hialeah, FL Mayor Carlos Hernandez, whose city is south of American Dream Miami. “I support this 100 percent.”
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