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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Hilton Napoleon II-Letter from Raul Miro Bayfront Park Mgt TrustMILDRED• AND CLAUDE PEPPER 'BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST Submitted into the public reegrd for ite a(s) on City Clerk 301 N. BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, MIAMI, FL 33132 TELEPHONE: (305)358-7550 FAX: (305) 358-1211 City of Miami The Honorable Francis Suarez, Mayor Members of the City Commission 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 Re: Opposition to Ordinance Repealing Chapter 38 of the City Code - Abolishing the Bayfront Park Management Trust The Honorable Francis Suarez and Members of the City Commission: My name is Raul Miro, Jr., and I am the Interim Executive Director of the Bayfront Park Management Trust ("the Trust"). I write to you on behalf of the Trust's Board of Directors. After consulting with City residents, the business community, and local leaders, the Board voted to oppose any ordinance repealing Chapter 38 of the City of Miami Code, which would abolish the Trust. Bayfront Park is not just another municipal green space. It is an internationally known, revenue -generating venue that requires specialized governance and management. Unlike the other 164 parks in the City, Bayfront Park is also a self-sustaining entity. The Park generates approximately $10 million annually in revenue,1 and its operational expenses are roughly $5 million per year - which results in a substantial surplus that is transferred to the City's general fund. By contrast, the City's general park system collectively generates approximately $500,000 - $700,000 in revenue per year while costing taxpayers an estimated $60 million annually. Simply put, Bayfront Park operates as an international revenue -generating venue, not as a traditional park. To treat it like a traditional municipal park would be strategically misguided. In fact, the Trust exists precisely because Bayfront Park is unique. It requires a governing body with a clear, independent, and specialized mandate. Bayfront Park's management team must be uniquely equipped to navigate major events, high -traffic tourism, capital investments, and private sector partnerships. Venues like Central Park in New York City, Millennium Park in Chicago, and Discovery Green in Houston are similar models with independent governing boards to ensure optimal use and revenue streams. Most respectfully, the City's Parks Department is not 1 This figure does not include revenues generated from reserve funds for capital improvements and long-term planning. SW-ni - 1+01 liApoC2ify) - k2-24G-It4941(ZI:ji Submitted into the public record f r ite `s) Fa.. ca City Clerk adequately trained to manage the scale or complexity of events held at Bayfront Park, nor should it be because, again, Bayfront Park is more akin to a venue, not a traditional park.2 Furthermore, if the Commission dismantles the Trust, several unintended and harmful consequences would undoubtedly occur. The most obvious concern is public safety. Bayfront Park currently retains private security that provides around -the -clock safety for visitors — many of whom are international tourists. Conversely, the City's parks department is understaffed, and rangers must rotate across all 164 parks without any specific assignments. If safety deteriorates, so too will the reputation of the City and this landmark venue — which will undoubtedly cause a major loss in tourism and associated revenues. Equally troubling is the timing and transparency surrounding this proposed repeal. From our understanding, not long ago, both the City Manager and the Commission opposed dissolving the Trust. A sudden reversal, coupled with the existence of a pending lawsuit, will only deepen public mistrust. Dissolving the Trust now raises serious questions about the motivation behind this effort and may trigger scrutiny from outside regulatory or investigative bodies. This Commission must focus on the long-term vision for the City, not shortsighted disruptions. Bayfront Park is currently undergoing a transformation that will cement it as a world - class venue for concerts, festivals, and inclusive community gatherings. The Trust is a necessary instrument to achieve that vision. For these reasons, we urge you to reject this ordinance and preserve the Trust, thereby protecting the future of Bayfront Park. Respectful Raul , iro Jr Inte m Executive Director Ba front Park Management Trust 2 For instance, picnics, weddings, youth camps, small gatherings, or similar activities are not commonly held at Bayfront Park, like they are at traditional parks.