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April 26, 1978
bear Mayor and Commissioners:
On January 24, 1978, the New World Center Action Committee received a
briefing of the Watson Island project by Mr Ronald Fine and members of his
design team. Following this presentation all members of the committee
were asked to vote by written ballot. This poll substantiated our support for
the project,
On April 5, 1978, the Chamber Board of Governors approved the recommen-
dation of the New World Center Action committee to positively endorse the
project.
This positive recommendation related to the concept of having a family
recreation and marina project on Watson Island consistent with the
presentation made by Mr. Fine and his associates.
We have followed this proposed development on Watson Island very closely
and are satisfied with the plans. We reaffirm our support.
Sincerely,
Alvah�an � Jr.
et:
R. R y/Goode
Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce • 1200 Biscayne Boulevard • Miami, Florida 33132 • (305) 374.1800
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kicHAkb E HktoGs, tftutive btreetor
The Mayor and Members of the City Commission
City of Miami
City Hall'
Miami, FL 33133
Dear Mayor Ferre & Commissioners:
The Marine Council Wishes to commend Diplomat World Enterprises
on its imaginative plan for Watson Island.
We are in accord with the marine aspects of the plan and urge
the city to accept the proposal.
Richard E. Briggs
Executive Director
REB:oa
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WATSON ISLAN)
DEVELOPMENT
16966 Wilehiite Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90024
(213) 477-9585
tWX: 910-342-6893
ECONOMIC PEASIBtLITY
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The visitor attraction for Watson Island planned by R.
Buell and Associates is well adapted to the market opportunity
presented there. The principal consideration is that the available
market is strongly dominated by tourists --compared with the 3
million persons who live in Southeast Florida, the area attracts
an estimated 8.5 million visitors annually. The tourist market: is
strongly dominated by adults moreover, and the local resident
market has a larger -than -average component of retirement -age citizens
as well. Finally, a large proportion of tourists are relatively
frequent visitors to Florida. Because all these factors indicate that
the treatment for an entertainment complex should stress adult
oriented activities capable of bearing occasional repetition, a unique
plan has been evolved which embodies the original spirit of world
famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Thoroughly adapted to the special
circumstances presented by Southeast Florida, the plan incorporates
a blend of sports, recreational, cultural and amusement facilities
designed to appeal to the entire community of residents and visitors
alike.
Tha Vititor atttaction dosigned fot Watt h aiand 0d1Udea
..• •Equate feet of food serviee<and 4b1000 sue feet Cif shops
&hd hafts, thch of it ineOrporated ifit 3 Vi iage settihic s ovetiookitig..•
the waterfront•and the.. City of.. Miar i in the distat eo ttitettaihMent
elethents include cu1tut4a1..•. hall for the pr'eseiitation of shots Nihidh
also. Will'be Made available to local croups for•the: presentation of
play, concerts, and other cultural events) and a high-inipaot f itti
theater featuring films produced specially for Watson islands tides
include a`Water fltime,•railroad train, 250Lfoot• sky tower, .obp
coaster, Carousel, and a variety of other smaller• rides. Several
stages for the presentation•of live musicalentertainment and small.,
show reflecting the cultural heritage of the Miami area also have
• been situated'at various -points throughout.. the extensively landi
scaped•gardens. In total, the proposed park represents a special
blend of elements designed toproduce an attraction uniquely suited.
to the demands of the Miami market which project architects indicate.
• can• be fully developed under the terms. of theproposed $55 million
bond issue. From. theplanningstandpoint,-it also should be noted
that the attraction is situated on the south side of Watson Island,
where restaurants will enjoy the bestviews.:of the city. and a'strong
interaction can be establishedbetween the•complex and thecruise
ship docks situated across the channel on Dodge. Island, and where
intrusion on residential neighborhoods facing. the• north side of the.
island will be kept to aminimum.
The visitor attraction proposed for Watson"Island is designed
to produce an•'average-visitor stay of about.•five hours,, Cr.,'viewed
from another. perspective,: content is planned to be sufficiently great.
• to establish it as the most important: visitor attraction in theMiami
a
r 4 from its ifioeptionto e!leourage fiitamiimtii i patronage loth •atorg..
.0eai -residents arid tourists And...to set the .project..0r1 a differel t
ompetitive footing from the•higher•przoed theme parks o e acing
throughout the nation a relatiVely low mate charge and•a season%
pass system has been proposed, fncluded in the gate charge would be
&d1t1ssioii to the ctafts denibnstrations,' `the gardens one riaj 5r ride
and to the stnallei scale cultural and musical pi~esentat bns Analys s
o'f the•available markets •indicates that the.8.5 million• tourists
to the three -county metropolitan region in Southeast Florida-1/outnumber.:.:
the 3,3•million residents by a •margin of two and one-half to orie.
Tourists to the area tend to be affluent, drawn from
and midwestern states,
and 'middle --aged or older
the urban northeast
For the most part
they are vacationing in the area for at least a week, providing
plenty of time to take in an attraction of the sort proposed at Watson
Island. Finally, a large proportion of tourists to the area vacation
here on a more -or -less regular basis, so continuing to draw them over
the years will require attraction content which is not dulled by re-
peat visits. Compared with tourists, the local market also has a
greater -than -average proportion of older, retired persons, but it
also is quite ethnically diverse, especially in Dade County and the
City of Miami. Ethnic and foreign nationalities are widely repre-
sented, so that the market is cosmopolitan in its tastes and has a
background which provides strong support for entertainment facilities
as well as a dining out tradition. The proposed plan is devised to
reflect the tastes, preferences, and needs of these markets by em-
phasizing entertainment with strong adult appeal: restaurants, a
waterfront shopping village, informal shows, a spectacular film, and
rides whose content is based on broad popularity.
1/' Consisting of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
ofisic ef`i icj the sti oij built iti appeal to the adblt Market
afii the low gate ohafce, h4h ratee of. miarke't penetration at the
Wateoti lel:and ariiusefent/entertainment cbtnple are anticipated.
Viret year attendance of 2.25•thillibh
projected increasing to
2.60 Million the second year, and leveling out thereafter at between
3.0 and 3.1 million Visitors anntially. Approximately two-thirds of
annual visitation is expected to be drawn froth the tourist market.
The pricing structure proposed at the Watson Island Visitor
attraction indicatzs that an average expenditure of $10,19 is attain==
able (a.n current dollars) of which $1.71 would go for admission,
$4.00 for food and beverage service, $1.60 for merchandise, $2.40
for individually paid rides and shows, $0.25 for arcade games, and
$0.23 for parking. Based on attendance of 3 million being attained
by 1982 (and allowing for inflation), gross revenue of $37.4 million.
is projected. Allowing for cost of goods sold at $8 million and an
operating budget of $16.5 million, net revenue from the attraction is
projected at $12.9 million in 1982. Of this it is estimated that
$4.2 million will be required for debt service, leaving $8.7 million
for replacement and expansion, and for distribution to the City and
the developer. Financial calculations indicate bonds will be covered
approximately 3 times, and a breakeven analysis shows that the park
would meet all costs and debt -service if attendance of only 1.8 mil-
lion visitors were to be attracted.
One of the key concerns in the community at large has been
the impact development on Watson Island will have on the local parking
and traffic situation and this has been a key issue In developing
plans for the island. Unlike other in -park facilities for which a
certain amount of crowding is acceptable at peak periods, the pro-
vision of an available parking spade is prerequisite to atte idaisde
at any visitor attraction for all but those who dOrte by pubic trans-
portation. Analysis indicates that visitor groups eRpectec at the
Watson Island entertainment center will vary don8iderab1y by market
s gtnent as to party site and propensityto travel by automobile.
Pot example, the resident market is expected to, average M persons'
per group,` while those touring the state by automobile travel in
parties of approximately 2,5 persons, Both these groups have auto-
mobiles available, and for safety in planning it must be assumed
that virtually all of them will set out for Watson Island by car.
Tourists to Broward and Palm Beachcountiesare characterized by a
group size of 2.3 persons, and those most inclined to travel to
Watson Island are highly likely to have an automobile at their
disposal. At 2.1 persons per party, visitors to Dade County have the
smallest group size, and only 25 per cent of them are expected to
utilize an automobile for transportation: Miami and Miami Beach
hotels are quite concentrated in their locations, a factor which
will facilitate bus or limousine service, and revenue planning has
allowed that some 30 per cent of all visits will be generated by
package tour programs arriving by bus at a discounted admission price.
On a combined basis, the 3 million annual visitor load projected for
the Watson Island amusement complex implies that 1.224 million
groups must be handled, of which as many as 685 thousand are expected
to arrive by car. Given the seasonal and daily distribution patterns
anticipated, the parking requirement for visitors comes to a total
of 2,070 spaces. When allowance is made for an employee parking
area of 375 spaces and for tour buses, which also must be parked
(altivugh off -island parking is easily arranged for buses and employees),
the total tiii i ititft available parking domes to #445 automobile hd 75
bus 'tpaees and whidh can be expanded to 3,010 parking spaces.
The plan devised by R. buell and Associates provides all
the essential parking on island. Compared with conventional theme
parks, the number of parking spaces is smaller in relation to the
level of attendance projected, The explanation is considerably
greater reliance on bus tour programs (only 56% of "the Visitors will
come by automobile) and a shorter length of stay coupled with a snore
even monthly distribution of attendance, which relieves pressure
on parking facilities, Watson Island also has the opportunity to
tie-in its attractions with nearby garages and parking lots, such
as those at Ball Point, Omni, and elsewhere in downtown Miami, which
tend to be less than fully occupied on evenings and weekends, when
local area attendance --and hence parking demand --is expected to be
greatest.
Proposed developmentatWatson Island will have an economic
impact on Miami and the Southeast Region in many ways. First and
foremost, proposed development will provide the annual equivalent
of 1,700 new construction jobs, and operation of the entertainment/
amusement complex will require the annual purchase of $6 to $8 million
in food, merchandise, and other supplies, and will provide jobs for
an estimated 1,000 employees. Secondly, the establishment of a major
visitor attraction on Biscayne Bay will develop a new and much needed
focus of visitor interest in Miami. Another important point is that
expansion of facilities on the island, including marinas and a water-
borne transportation system,` will produce continuing expansion of
the project's economic impact. Finally, and perhaps most important,
the entertainment/sports/recreation/amusement complex at Watson
a i ili 'be a tajor site attradti t4 arl
la a h6W ii tiOrta%it teagoA fC t mists ate e` a tts a� lte t Seed
iit a tt�eitaliiilei�t it the Nliaitii areas the atea Suffer`
f� a ask' of Siieh fae iities aiir ihdreasi1
Visit i3issat afa tioii t ith the ai eaa latsoh isiatid theteftte t•
setVe .h a iajo tray to eittedy this defi iehe � ah� ih so oi�i `
ingpire bthe1 forms of. titivate hvo ti ierit to - seek Ott Wads of
stifnuiiatin visitor• interest.
78/p/4/21 liMA #5090
MACARTHUR CAUSEWAY,
WATSON ISLAND DEVELOPMENT
DADE COUNTY DEPARTM•MENT OF
.TRAFFIC'& TRANSPORTATION
MACARTHUR CAUStWAY, WATSON YLLANb bEVPLbPMPNT
TRAFFIC RtVItW
This tlepartnient has reviewed the potential traffic iM0aet OM MacArthur
causeway ass0clated tlith the proposed development on Watson ttland
This review 'began a year ago when a conceptional plan was presented, be.
cane more detailed recently as the preliminary site plan was developed
and will, of course, become quite specific as the final designs are pre-
pared.
The present plan provides an interchange to accommodate entering and exiting
traffic, there will be no median openings as traffic trill reach the over-
pass lanes via additional decelerationlanes in both directions of sufficient
length to preclude delays to the three through lanes
Our analysis of the traffic generation data prepared by the developer's
consultants finds the estimated volumes to be consistent with the travel
generated by similar activities elsewhere.
The greatest entering volume will occur between 10:00 and 11:00 AM, On
a peak'day (weekends -and holidays) it will normally range between 550 and
600 vehicles and should not exceed P60. (801! from the west and 20 from
the east.) Directionally this would mean eastbound entering volumes ranging
from 440 to 4C'0 vehicles not exceeding 690. The exiting heavy period grill
be late in the day ;1ith a 500 vehicles per hour rate between 9:00 and
11:00 PM (projected park closing is 10:00 PM). An earlier evening exodus
will occur between 7:00 and 8:00 Pt? with an estimated volume of 445 vehicles.
The roadway capacity of the causeway in the area influenced by the develop
ment would be 3,450 vehicles' per hour for each direction without interrupt-
ions for bridge openings,' The 15 bridge openings per day could mean two
in each busy hour. Considering appr'oximately five minutes of bridge opening
and traffic interruption per opening, this c,ouid indicate a reduction of
17 percent in usable capacity 'which sets the capacity of the roadway at
2,865 vehicles per hour in each direction. This level of capacity is at
least 41 percent greater than the current volume and the added Watson Island
traffic. There is, therefore, no projected congestion or overloading problem
conceived in this area.
Presently, the MacArthur Causeway experiences an eastbound peak traffic flow
of 1,725 vehicles between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, During the 10:00 to 11:00 Ate!
eastbound park entering peak of 690 vehicles, present volume' on the Cause-
way is 1,335 vehicles eastbound. Combined park traffic and Causeway traffic,
(1,335 plus 690) would be 2,025 consuming but 71% of capacity.
The State Department of Transportation plans to improve MacArthur Causeway
by widening the present 10' wide lanes east of Watson Island to 12' and
provide a shoulder area on the side of the roadway for improved safety.
The Causeway west of Watson Island now has 12' lanes. This change in lane
width_ will increase the Causeway traffic -carrying ability by more than 10
percent east of the attraction.
It it projected that this development will generate minimal traffic on
8ittayne 5oulevard since the average patron will travel to this attraction
by expressway. Recent traffic signal timing improvements on tiseayhe
boulevard and the improved roadway capacity created by the development of
separate bus pullout bays, will accommodate any nominal increase its traffic
generated by the Watsoh Island development►
The existing expressway ramp from the Causeway to northbound t45 contains
two lanes serving the ramp and provides excess capacity over existing demand.
and the potential increasegenerated by the attraction
It is, therefore, concluded that this proposed development of Watson Island
will have no adverse traffic impact on the roadways serving the area,
Dade County Department of
Traffic and Transportation
#r`5090/P
`I#oM: 7.Nt % yE22 ASSOCIA TES i IN
Back shale
2990 $iscayne 13oUtevard
N1iaii, Florida 3313'
+siephone (305) 576-5700
ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES OF WATSON ISLAND DEVELOPMENT
Economic studies forecast development of a theme, park
on Watson Island could be a "major force" in producing upward
of a $160 million impact on Dade County's economy and help turn
around a declining tourist trend.
Additionally, the $55 million development could provide
some $30 m.`ilon in revenue to the City of Miami in the first 10
years of operation, according to projections by Economics Research
Associates, of Los Angeles, California►
Lagging development of new facilities and attractions
here were cited by ERA analysts as a substantial cause of the area's
tourism decline. Using the resort center of Miami Beach as a
barometer, the analysts pointed out resort tax collections there
have fallen off about 35 per cent in recent years in terms of
constant dollars.
In the first half of the 1970's, Dade's tourist visitors
were estimated at about 45 million a year. In the past two or three
years, however, the figure is estimated at about 4.165 million.
If the 335,000 former visitors could be lured back, they
could add about $117 million to the area's economy. Tourism
studies indicate each visitor spends about $350 during his stay
here.
dditionally, tftA..ettlitate4 there win e a direct inpae
is about $25 million on the local econoriy through Watsoh tsiand
development's payrolls. •and purchases of .goods and services frbi:i
local suppliers, in terns of 190 dollars.
•'he development will provide•aboutl,000 permanent jobs
with a $9 million annual payroll3 focal- purchases would amount
to another $6 to $8 mi11ion. The remainder would he spent•on
operating. supplies, live entertainment,`utilities, advertising,
etc.
In addition, there would be about 1?700 man-year construc-
tion jobs and additional local purchases generated during the 18-
month to two-year construction period. The construction payroll
alone would top $20 million. (A man-year equals a job for one
man for one year).
The City of Miami would receive $29,231,000 in net revenue
from the Watson Island development in the first 10 years after
the park opens, according to Economics Research Associates' fi-
nancial forecasts.
This would be additional net income for the city AFTER
payment of operating costs, interest and principal on the revenue
bonds issued to finance the park, and setting aside reserve funds
for replacement and expansion of park facilities.
Establishment,of a visitor attraction such as Watson
Island, along with the development of new hotel and convention
facilities in Miami's New World Center and revitalization of the
area's hotels and associated facilities, ERA said, would support
"optimism regarding Dade County's ability to recapture the visitor
volume of pre-1975 years."
t e0Ohomi survey also hates:
,qhe ehtertainmeht/Sports/recreatioh/amutometlt eomtie z
•
at atstn Island t�till he a major Visitor attraction, and as su h
'Will•serve as a new important reason for `tourists and residents
alike to seek out entertaipment ih the Miamiareas In general,
the area•Suffers from a. lack of sudh:lacilities, and there are
signs of inereasing..visitor dissatisfaction with the IlatooA.
island, therefore, will serve in•a major 'way to remedy this
deficiency,•and in so doinginspire• other forms•of private invest
tent to seek out ways of stimulating visitot interest»t
•
78/p/4/26 HMA # 5090/E
1T1AN1 Mt Y t As$OCIAT 15 tNc
� G iscayhc BetiieVard
1`liami Florida
Telephone • ($05). 5705900
CI`I`y 01 �1iA"I
WATSON ISLAND bh\ThLO M NT
FACT SH1 L•t
LOCATION'
Watson Island comprises about 87 acres i1
$iscayne 13ay, located on MacArthur Causeway,
about one mile from downtown Miami, two and
one-half miles from the center of Miami Beach)
500 yards from the Miami cruise ship port, and
at the entrance to Interstate Highway 95,
OWNER! City of Miami, Florida
DEVELOPMENT
MANAGEMENT Diplomat World Enterprises, Ltd., whose
principals arc;
FINANCING:
Samuel. N. Friedland, founder of Food Fair
national supermarket chain and major South
Florida real estate investor and developer,
Irving Cowan, 'president of Diplomat Resort &
Country Cltis and substantial South Florida
real estate investor and developer,
Ronald L. Fine, attorney, investor, president
of Venture Development Corporation, and chair-
man of the board of the Miami Orioles baseball
team.
Development is to be financed through $55
million in non ad -valorem revenue bonds, not
a general obligation of taxpayers.
DESIGNER: R. Duell £, Associates of Los Angeles,, California,
internationally -known theme park designers.
CONSUL 'A i`1'S,
FEATURES:
:
hconbm1cs keseatch Associates, Los Angeles,
California) economic consttltahts
adorge lfiyittan Construction CO,) Atlanta Cal)
construction engineering consultants,
Hank Meyer Associates, Miami, Plbrida,
Communicati{ its
Wilbur Smith Associates, Miami, P1oti_da,
traffic engineers and parking consultants.
Greenleaf=Telesca, Planners -Engineers -Architects,
Inc., Miami, Florida, marine facilities con=
sultants.
Post, Buckley, Schuh F, Jernigan, Miami, Florida,
consulting engineers and planners; environmental
and site engineering consultants.
Sasaki Associates, tnce, Watertown, Massa-
chusetts and Coral Gables, landscape architec-
ture consultants.
The Watson Island attraction will include a
broad mix of entertainment, cultural, marine,
shopping and dining experiences:
Parks: The 30 -acre park and village area reserves
in excess of 10 per cent of its area for
planned expansion and development.
There will be three primary themes -
Caribbean/international Village, Turn of the
Century Promenade area, and the "Old Florida"
amusement and entertainment area.
The park will highlight intensive garden -type
landscaping, distinctive night lighting,
attractive fountains, broad vistas and will be
laced with more than a mile of walkways,
paths and promenades. Bilingual signs, music
and paging service' will be located throughout
the park.
Entertainment: Attractions will be highlighted by a 1,500-seat'
cultural hall designed for musical and
theatre presentations A 10,000-square-foot"
discotheque and dance pavillion is geared to
the "young at heart" of all ages.
i etr to ouch Florida will be the t)04StAt floyal
lletel heater desig ied for filth shbWs o f a
g%ant seam =circular screed, 60tc90 feet, that
affords all the setlsations of tnotiori Tie
1 oyal, palm llotel theater also ; vi .l have the
design• capability for presenting ultra-mbdettt
laser "Light and So end' shows
tither youth-orietted attractions will incl• ude
game areas, clectrottic shootitlg galleries
• and arcades.
Two performing stages, a bandstand, and roving
musical groups will round out a fam-ily-oriented,
balanced entertainment and cultural experience,`
Vood: Dining facilities in the park have some 5,000
seats, including three major themed"restau-
rants, "Turn of the Century" tavern, a unique
Farmers Market Food Emporium offering both
prepared specialty foods and distinctive food
items for park and home consumption. Combined
with outdoor dining- areas and entertainment,
these facilities will be supplemented by three
fast food stands, juice bars and food carts,
There will be, in all, 50,325 square feet of
food service space,
Amusements: There will be 11 rides designed to appea]to a
range of all age levels, from the 250-foot
Lighthouse Tower ride, to the 3,200-foot long
Hurricane loop coaster with its 60-foot high
loop, the 1,200-foot Everglades water flume
ride, and the half -mile ride on a miniature
version of henry Plagler's original railroad
train. There also will be additional
specialty rides for young adults and a unique
young children's world.
Shopping There will be 40,000 square feet of shops
and boutiques, featuring an "Old Florida"
theme Arts and Crafts village and eight tradi-
tional mobile merchandise carts.
tACifltt5
TRAFFIC:
MARINAS:
•the initial path: develoismeft atc . tvi11 obth
fottably hojdl i5,000 peoiiio at ohe dine, and
the Fides and at tractions iv 11 llaite a capacity
to setvice approcimatcly 20,0o0 people every•
houtr-••
A guest who took each tide, patticipatcd 'ir
eacli shoi�} and attraction, ate at one of the
food experiences, anti vis iced a shop or two,
could spend about five hours' time ohjdying
the park and villages'
The.•220-foot�long Ponte hecchio-type entrance.
bridge spanni,n ;lacArtl�ur Causet�ay 14ill•
elude Visitor. service a tivlties ranging from
Local,` national. and ..international bank branches
and credit cardl offices to hotel and travel.•
reservation offices and a complete tourist
information center
Other .facil _ties on the island wits include
an expanded, Chalk's. seaplane base and Inter
national fort of Entry, and. a new ilel.iport,
The island will have ground surface parking
space available for 3,010 automobiles and tour
busses, with vehicle access provided by an
overpass bridge over MacArthur Causeway. Its
unique ingress and egress design concept will
provide on -site vehicle waiting space for some
300 automobiles entering the island's parking
area entrance to eliminate backup on to
MacArthur Causeway. The flyover bridge design
will improve both safety and the orderly flow
of traffic along MacArthur Causeway through
the island.
The island planning maximizes utilization of the
navigable shoreline for marine activities by,
retaining existing Miami Yacht Club and Miami
Outboard Club docks and related facilities on
the east side of the island. Two new marinas
will be added to the island's marine facilities.`
One will be a 151-slip yacht marina to be built
onthe west side of the island adjacent to a new
waterborne transportation terminal designed to
service ferries, hydrofoils, hover -craft and
other projected water transport systems. The
second will be a visitors' marina with 198 slips
primarily designed for guests visiting the
island by boat. It is so located on the north
side of the island that its slip capacity can
be doubled.
78/p/4/21 HMA #5090/D
loPOMI
AK f4Bii AsSOto tB, INC.
Jack 'Hale
09t Biscayne3ciulevard
N!i ami, Florida 3313
Telephone e (308) 5'76-670b
A normal yearly attendance of , 000, 000 people iS
forecast for the Watson island theme park by economics Research
Associates, of Los Angeles, Calif,
The break-even point of profitability for the projected'
park would be about 1,8 million visitors a year, according to the
feasibility study conducted by the nationally -known firm,
That attendance would produce the gross revenues enabl-
ing the park to meet its debt service requirements, fixed costs,
variable expenses and cost of goods sold.
The study forecasts the theme park will be a solid
attraction for permanent residents in the Gold Coast area as well
as a powerful magnet for tourists.
Of an anticipated normal year attendance of 3,000,000,
about 1,000,000 would be drawn from residents of Dade, Broward
and Palm Beach counties and elsewhere in Florida, while 2, 000, 000
would be tourists.
About 1.35 million of the tourist visitors would be
Dade County tourists, 520,000 would be'Broward/Palm Beach tourists,
and the remainder would be visitors touring the state.
Some '528,000 Dade residents could be expected to visit
the theme park in a normal year, according to the study, while
340,000 would come from Broward and Palm Beach counties, and
134, 000 from the rest of the state.
total' pi tat .6n•
tie theme pit k a k t in l di rich
1t rich residents anc t01 Yi.sts is estimated at 21 n .11ibri,
tit the W tsbn tslar cd pa st a hie inc a 14 pet bent penetratiOt
b the at�ailahle tctar�set
18/p/4/21
HMl 4 5090/B
pRM:AN MYER A5C)Cf'f� lt3C:
hack Thale
9 0 is ayne toule Mtd
Mia i, `1otdia 33137
:telephone.:.. C 305j•576 =5700.
1ACARh#ut CAUStWAYS AMPLE• TRAM'?1C`. CAPACITY:...
Visitor attendance studies prepared by Econohiics Ieseatdh
Associates and existing- t•MacArthur Causeway traffic capacity studies
by Wilbur Smith & Associates reflect that in 1980 the development
of Watson Island would result in only 51 per cent of the vehicle
capacity of MacArthur Causeway being used, compared to 43 per cent
of use of its capacity which would exist even if the island remained
undeveloped.
Therefore, with a fully developed Watson Island in operation
in 1980, MacArthur Causeway still would have available an unused
vehicle capacity total of 49 per cent.
Projections for 1985 in the same studies reflect that .a
fully -developed Watson Island would only require use of 57 per cent
of the traffic capacity of MacArthur Causeway, as opposed to 49 per
cent 'of the causeway's capacity which would be used if the island
were not developed.
Thus, MacArthur still would have an unused traffic capacity
of 43 per cent in 1985 even with full development of the theme park.
These percentages reflect maximum demand during a four-hour
peak park period. The averages would be lower during other times of
the day and night. A maximum of some 700 cars would enter or leave
the park during any peak one -hour period, according to ERA. Peak
entry and departure hours would be at different times of day.
In addition, traffic engineering design has eliminated any
grade crossings on Watson Island, thereby significantly improving
traffic safety.
78/p/4/21 # # # HMA # 5090/C
FROM: HANK m Yht. ASSOCIATES, INC
Jack `I'halo
2990 Biscayne 8oulevatd
Miami Florida S5137
Telephone: (305) 876-5700
Tim DEVELOPMENT TEAM
t
Diplomat World Enterprises, Ltd., was selected by
the City of Miami, after a nationwide search and public
bid process, to develop and operate the Watson Island
theme park. The Diplomat World Enterprise partnership
brings to the project a proven record of outstanding
managerial capability in the resort -amusement field.
Combined with their expertise in the resort and
mass merchandising field is the highly professional
talent and field experienceof internationally known
economists, designers of recreational parks, and communi-
cations/promotion specialists.
}leading the team, as principals, are three highly -
successful and widely -known South Florida business,
professional and civic leaders:
SAAMUEI. N. FRIEDLAND founded and was for many years
president and chairman of the Food Fair and currently
is Chairman of the Executive Committee of the national
supermarket chain of 450 markets and 5O J.M. Fields
discount department stores, with annual sales of about
$2.5 billion a year.
Mr. Friedland also has been a leader in the tourist
and resort development field in South Florida. Be
developed the famed Diplomat Resort and Country Clubs
in Hollywood; the Shelborne, one of Miami ' Beach's first
modern luxury hatels, and several other Miami Beath hotels.
IRVING COWAN has been president since 1960 oi= the
Diplomat Resort and Country Clubs, a 600-acne resort complex
that includes 1,200 hotel rooms, two golf courses, a major
marina, 10 restaurants, some 50 shops and many other enter-
tainment facilities. Ile also developed thtce multi -million
dollar apartment buildings with some 1,200.units in the Holly-
wood area and controls numerous other real estate properties.
Virtually every one of the outstanding personalities
in the entertainment world has appeared at the Diplomat in the
course of recent years -- Jackie Gleason, Bob pope, Sammy
Davis, Jr, , Judy Garland, Liza ''Minnel li. ,
RONALDD L. FINE is an investor, attorney, president
of Venture Development Corporation of Miami and a nationally
known figure in the field of real estate 'investment and de-
velopment. He has been responsible for initiating and managing
joint ventures with national and local major public institutions
and lenders in development projects in Florida, Georgia and the
Caribbean.
Mr. Fine experience i:n the mass entertainment field
is highlighted through his ownership in the Miami Orioles
baseball club and his, participation in concerts and other en-
tertainment'activities in Miami Baseball Stadium, "the home of
the Miami and Baltimore Orioles."
Other members of the ti lomat World Enterprises teamit
R. DUELL ASSOCIATES is a pioneer ih the design of
tecreational ,enterprises, themed environments and parks.
Encyclopedia Americana (1975) has this to say about the head
Of the firm:
"Since Disney's death,' Randall Buell, an architect
and former motion picture art director, has become the number
one force in theme park architecture,"
In addition to possessing the usual disciplines of
a major architectural organization, the R, Duel:]staff includes
specialists in hi.storical'themcing graphics, transportation
systems, merchandising and food facility design.' During the
past. 10 years R. fuell and .Associates has successfully completed
recreational projects with a current replacement value of appro-
ximately one-half billion dollars.
ECONOMICS TICS RESEARCH ASSOCIATES(ERA) , founded in 1958
and 'headed by Wayne R. Wilson, has completed more than 4,200
national and international research and consulting assignments
for both public and private clients, concentrated in the five
inter -related fields of real estate and land use; recreation,
tourism and leisure time;, transportation systems; urban de-
velopment'and planning, and management and marketing services.
Headquarters are in Los Angeles, California, with branches
in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Orlando, San Francisco and Washington.
As a direct result of ERA favorable conclusions, there
are 21 major recreation attractions successfully operating at
present. Their combined annual attendance in 1976 approximated
$53.2 million and their peak employment level is about 52,400
persons
78/p/4/21 # H to #5090/A
Wpk1 . _ .4ii:N'..Y.,...vi :`F.�f4BNii+.' TN3Tir+HaM!4/N>✓s,Y. 'v..n.a«++r' .•«...w..
Noingsvcst L&v of Watson Island Park .Main 'Entrance El -Japanese garden—.
Watson/ 1stand,Miami,�toret<<c
y
ss
a�� •
!� i
1 4 f ¢ /--- .. 0 1
mot.+: "t t , /` /14
filELIMINAUT SITE PLAN
WATSON ISLAND DE VELO►MENT
Co, of M.« , fbdo.
0 c Miami Cruise Slap View of Watson 1sLand Yacht )Manna,
"Watson- is Cava, Miami., Ftori,
'SortAwest View cf Caribbean internationa Vifage. & Florida Lighthouse Tower
lR/,+ {4�M r v P �.o.rw Aot
Secrion View of 4 Trn of the Century Amusement &;Entertainmentjkrea:
Watsovt Jsfa.hd, JVliami, �'[orida
VLLw of :FLajitr Ra,LLroacd and OLci Floricitu. Scenic i fie"
Watson lstan , �7V�Ldm4, :FlOrl�ia.
orC eOst Vii.ew o f °OLd Florida':,AntuSevnent
WatSbn 3sLand', Miami, Florida
Section View: of Old Florida" Arts, Crafts i- Entertainment Area
"Watson island, JWiami, Florida
M t1ANk MI Ytft ASsoctAT'hs 0 INC,
Jack ,Thale
2Dgb:.Discayne DoUlovard
Miaffi, Florida 33137
Telephone; (30g) g76=g700
LOCATION#
CITY OP MIAII
WATSON ISLAND b1VLt,oPMtNT
PACT SHEET
Watson Island comprises aboUt 87 acres in
Biscayne Bay, located on MacArthur Causeway,
about one mile from downtown Miami, two and
one-half miles from the center of Miami Beach,
300 yards from the Miami cruiseship port, and
at the entrance to Interstate Highway 9g.
OWNER: City of Miami, Florida
da
fintoi'MFNtT
FINANCING:
Diplomat World Enterprises, Ltd., whose
principals are:
Samuel: N. Friedland, founder of Food Pair
national supermarket chain and major South
Florida real estate investor and developer.
Irving Cowan, president of Diplomat Resort
Country Clu1is and substantial South Florida
real estate investor and developer.
Ronald L. Fine, attorney, investor, president
of Venture Development Corporation, and chair-
man of the board of the Miami Orioles baseball
team.
Development is to be financed through $55
million in non ad -valorem revenue bonds, not
a general obligation of taxpayers.
DESIGNER: _ R. Duell fi Associates of Los .Angeles,; California
internationally -known theme park designers.
CONSULTANT ,
FEATURES:
Parks:
Entertainment:
cenomics kesearch Associates, hes:Angeles3
California, ecoiiofmic consultants:
Geerge iyfnan ConstrUetioti Co. , Atlanta, Cap,
constrtictien ehgineering•consultants.
• Na ik eyot Associates, Mi tni, Florida,
Communications.
Wilbur Smith f, Associates, Miami, Florida,
traffic engineers and parking consultants.
Greenleaf-Telesca, Planners' -Engineers -Architects,
Inc., Miami., Florida, marine facilities con-
sultants.
Post, Buckley, Schuh 6,Jernigan, ,Miami, :Florida,
consulting engineers and planners; environmental
and site engineering consultants.
Sasaki Associates, Inc.) Watertown, Massa-
chusetts and Coral Gables, landscape architec-
ture consultants,
The Watson Island attraction will include a
broad mix of entertainment, cultural, marine,
shopping and dining experiences
The 30-acre park and village area reserves
in excess of 10 per cent of its area for
planned expansion and development.
There will be three primary themes : --
Caribbean/International Village, Turn of the
Century Promenade area, and the "Old Florida"
amusement and entertainment area.
The park will highlight intensive garden -type
landscaping, distinctive night lighting,
attractive fountains, broad vistas and will be
laced with more than a mile of walkways,
paths and promenades. Bilingual signs, music
and paging service -will be located throughout
the park.
Attractions will be highlighted by a 1,500-seat
cultural hall designed for musical and'
theatre presentations. A 10,000-square-foot
discotheque and dance pavillion is geared to
the "young at heart" of all ages.
ti
fs x
rtainment:
tdonomics fteseatch Associates, Los Angeles,
California dcofiofnic consultants
CeOrge Hyman Construction Co., Atlanta, Gay,
Construction ction engineering consultants.
Hank Meyer Associates, ?IiaMi, Plorida,
Communications,
Wilbur Smith Associates, Miami, ltlorida,
traffic efigneers and parking consultants,
Greenleaf-Telesca, Planners-hngineers-Architects,
Inc., Miami, Florida, marine facilities eon=
stiltants ,
Post, Buckley, Schuh ? ' Jernigan, Miami, Florida,
consultingengineers and planners; environmental
and site engineering consultants
Sasaki Associates, Inc., Watertown, Massa-
chusetts and Coral Gables, landscape architec-
ture consultants.
The Watson Island attraction will include a
broad mix of entertainment, cultural, marine,
shopping and dining experiences
The 30-acre park and village area reserves
it excess of 10 per cent of its area for
planned expansion and development.
There will be three primary themes --
Caribbean/International Village, Turn of the
Century Promenade area, and the "Old Florida"
amusement and entertainment area.
The park will highlight intensive garden -type
landscaping, distinctive night lighting,
attractive fountains, broad vistas and will be
laced with more than a mile of walkways,
paths and promenades. Bilingual signs, music
and paging service will be located throughout
the park.
Attractions will be highlighted by a 1,500-seat
cultural hall designed for musical and
theatre presentations. A 10,000-square-foot
discotheque and dance pavillion is geared to
the "young at heart" of all ages.
'oocl t
Amusements
Shopping
Leta to Sbuth 1 1c5t da ,til1 he the rya seat I oyai
Palen ilotcl theater designed for , fl if shows b a
giant semi-ciretlar..screen, G0k90 feet,. that
affords ai the eater
settsatiotis of is tion 1 e
f oyai Pail tote l thalso will haiie tho
•
design capability for prose itilig ultra- nodotn
laser "Light and 5au id" shows
Other youth-orientod attractions iri11 include
game areas, electrofic shooting.galieries
aid arcades
Two performing stages, a bandstand, and rotting
musical groups will round out a family -oriented,
balanced entertainment and cultural experience,
Dining facilities in the park have some 3,000
seats, including three major theried restau-
rants, "l'urn of the Century" tavern, a unique
Farmers Market Food Emporium offering both
prepared specialty foods and distinctive food
items for park and homeconsumption, Combined
witli outdoor dining areas and entertainment,
these facilities will be supplemented by three
fast food stands, juice bars and food carts
There will be, in all, 50,32S square feet of
food service space.
There will be 11 rides designed to appeal to a
range of allage levels, from the 250-foot
Lighthouse Tower ride, to the 3,200-foot long
Hurricane loop coaster with its 60-foot high
loop, the 1,200-foot Everglades water flume
ride, and the half -mile ride on a miniature
version of Henry Flagler's originalrailroad
train. There also will be additional
specialty rides for young adults and a unique
young children's world.
There will be 40,000 square feet of shops
and boutiques, featuring an "Old Florida"
theme Arts and Crafts village and eight tradi-
tional mobile merchandise carts.
A kt t,t3s fihe ih1tial Iat de re1bpnetit ai+ a Will cti i=
£ortably hold 15.E 000 people at one time ail
the. rides acid atttactiotis will h :Ve a capacity...
to service ap Iro cimately 20,000 pcep1e c'Very
hour
TRAFFIC
MARINAS
A guest Who took each ride, participated in
each show and attraction, ate at one of the
food experiences) and visited a shop or two)
could spend about five hours' time enjoying
the park and village,
The `220-foot -long Ponte Vecchio -type entrance
bridge spanning MacArthur Causeway will ip
cludo visitor service activities ranging from
local, national and international bank branches
and credit card offices to hotel and travel
reservation offices and a complete tourist
information center.
Other facilities on the island will include
an expanded Chalk's seaplane base and inter-
national Port of Entry, and a new Heliport,
The island will have ground surface parking
space available for 3,010 automobiles and tour
busses, with vehicle access provided by an
overpass bridge over MacArthur Causeway. Its
unique ingress and egress design concept will
provide on -site vehicle waiting space for some
300 automobiles entering the island's parking
area entrance to eliminate backup on to
MacArthur Causeway. The flyover bridge design
will improve both safety and the orderly flow
of traffic along MacArthur Causeway through
the island.
The island planning maximizes utilization of the
navigable shoreline for marine activities by,
retaining existing Miami Yacht Club and Miami
Outboard Club docks and related facilities on
the east side of the island. Two new marinas
wial be added to the island's marine facilities.
One will be a 151-slip yacht marina to be built
on the west side of the island adjacent to a new
waterborne transportation terminal designed to
service ferries, hydrofoils, hover -craft and
other projected water transport systems. The
second will be a visitors' marina with 198 slips
primarily designed for guests visiting the
island by boat. Itis so located on the north
side of the island that its slip capacity can
be doubled.
78/p/4/21 HMA #5090/D
1096 Wilshire Bouteva d
Ecbhoriicg fiesearch Atsociate 1.o4/Violet,Caiifornla966 4
Los Angeles a McLean$ Orlando i Chicago c San Francisto + Dallas $ Boston (2i3) 4??-9585
'Wk:Jib-342-6693
WATSON ISLANb
bEVBLOtMNT
ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY
SUMMA Y AND CONCLUSIONS
The visitor attraction for Watson Island planned by Ai
Duell and Associates is well adapted to the market opportunity
presented there. The principal consideration is that the available
market is strongly dominated by tourists --compared with the 3
million persons who live in Southeast Florida, the area attracts
an estimated 8.5 million visitors annually. The tourist market is
strongly dominated by adults, moreover, and the local resident
market has a larger -than -average component of retirement -age citizens
as well. Finally, a large proportion of tourists are relatively
frequent visitors to Florida. Because all these factors indicate that
the treatment for an entertainment complex should stress adult -
oriented activities capable of bearing occasional repetition, a unique
plan has been evolved which embodies the original spirit of world
famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Thoroughly adapted to the special
circumstances presented by Southeast Florida, the plan incorporates
a blend of sports, recreational, cultural and amusement facilities
designed to appeal to the entire community of residents and visitors
alike.
vis tilt atttaetid i des .c t Wats lah ii i i
0, scta�e feet of food service acid 4o,0Ot sc iare
feat •sh6pe
aOA drafts f MUch df it .ihe itpbrated iriti vi late settirii�s O er .o 5l ii`it
the Waterfront and the Gity of+ Mii ih the distatiee i tertai meht
ele cents inelu e ct total hall for the ifiregentatidh of shows 1Whidh..
also dill oe made mailable to local groups for the presentatioh"of
ply
concerts, and other cultural events), and a high -impact film
theater featuring films produced specially for Watson island. Rides
inolude a water flume, railroad train, 250-foot sky tower, loop
coaster, carousel, and a variety of, other smaller rides. Several
stages for the presentation of live musical' entertainment and small
shows reflecting the cultural heritage of the Miami area also have
been situated at various points throughout the extensively land-
scaped gardens. In total, the proposed park represents a special
blend of elements designed to produce an attraction uniquely suited
to the demands of the Miami market which project architects indicate
can be fully developed under the terms of the proposed $55 million
bond issue. From the planning standpoint, it also should be noted
that the attraction is situated on the south side of Watson Island,
where restaurants will enjoy the best views of the city and a strong
interaction can be established between the complex and the cruise
ship docks situated across the channel on Dodge Island, and where
intrusion on residential neighborhoods
island will be kept to a minimum.
The visitor attraction proposed for Watson Island is designed
to produce an average visitor stay of about five hours, or, viewed
from another perspective, content is planned to be sufficiently great
to establish it as the most important visitor attraction in the Miami
facing
the north
side of the
aroa r ids ihaepti6f14o ehdourage akittu i 0atronag 5iSth ama ig•
�.66a1 residents•and•tourists and to set the projeot oh a diffefent
competitve footingfrom the higher pficed•themeparks" ibperatithg
•throe bout the nation•a relatively low gate charge and a 6e4s6n
pass system has been proposed Included iri the gate charge wou1dbe
adiitiss on to the Grafts demoristration5, the gardens�'one:tiajdr ride,
• ati.d to'the•smaller sCa1•e cultural and musical presentations. i�nalysis
of••'the available markets indicates that the•8.� million tourists
to thethree-county metropolitan•region in Southeast"lorida�outnumber
the 3.3 million residents by a margin• of two and one-half to,one.
Tourists to the. area tend to be affluent,•drawn from the."urban northeas t
and midwestern states,•andmiddle-aged or older. For the most part
they are vacationing in the area for at least a week, providing
plenty of time'to take.in an attraction•of the sort proposed at Watson
Island. Finally, a large proportion of tourists to the area vacation`
here on a more-or-less...regular basis, so continuing to draw them over'
the•years.•will require attraction content which. is not dulled by rep
peatvisits. Compared with. tourists, the local market also has a•
greater -than -average proportion of older, retired persons,• but it
also is quite ethnically diverse, especially in Dade County and the
City of Miami. Ethnic and foreign nationalities are widely repre-
sented, so that the market is cosmopolitan in its tastes and has a
background which provides strong support for entertainment facilities
as well as a dining out tradition. The proposed plan is devised to
reflect the tastes, preferences, and needs of these markets by em-
phasizing entertainment with strong adult appeal: restaurants, a
waterfront shopping village, informal shows, a spectacular film, and
rides whose content is based on broad popularity.
1/ Consisting of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
CohSidering the strong built in appeal to the dui t Market
and the low date charger high fates of Market penetration at the
' attOn Island amusement/entertainMent complex are anticipated.
First year attendance of 2.25 million is projected, indreasi►t tip
2.60 million the second year, and leveling out thereafter at between
3.0 and 3.1 million visitors annually. Approximately two-thirds of
annual visitation is expected to be drawn from the tourist market.
The pricing structure proposed at the Watson Island visitor
attraction indicates that ari average expenditure of $10.19 is attain-
able (in current dollars), of which $1.71 would go for admission,
$4.00 for food and beverage service, $1.60 for merchandise, $2.40
for individually paid rides and shows, $0.25 for arcade games, and
$0.23 for parking. Based on attendance of 3 million being attained
by 1982 (and allowing for inflation), gross revenue of $37.4 million
is projected. Allowing for cost of goods sold at $8 million and an
operating budget of $16,5 million, net revenue from the attraction is
projected at $12.9 million in 1982. Of this it is estimated that
$4.2 million will:be required for debt service, leaving $8.7 million
for replacement and expansion, and for distribution to the City and
the developer. Financial calculations indicate bonds will be covered
approximately 3 times, and a breakeven analysis shows that the park
would meet all costs and debt -service if attendance of only 1.8 mil-
lion visitors wereto be attracted.
One of the key concerns in the community at large has been
the impact development on Watson Island will have on the local parking
and traffic situation, and this has been a key issue in developing
plans for the island. Unlike other in -park facilities for which a
certain amount of crowding is acceptable at peak periods, the pro-
Vision, of ah a ai1ab1e parking space is preregttis3.tL to attendance
at any visitor attraction for all but those who come by public trans-
rtation. Analysis indicates that visitor groups empeeted at the
Watson island entertaii inept center Will vary considerably by market
segment as to party site and propensityto travel by automobile.
Pot emarp1e, the resident market is expected to average 3.3 persons
per group, while those touring the state by automobile travel in
parties of approximately 2.5 persons. Both these groups have auto-
mobiles available, and for safety in planning it must be assumed
that virtually all of them will set out for Watson Island' by car.
Tourists to Broward and Palm Beach counties are characterized by a
group size of 2►3 persons, and those most inclined to travel to
Watson Island are highly likely to have an automobile at their
disposal. At 2.1 persons per party, visitors to Dade County have the
smallest group size, and only 25 per cent of them are expected to
utilize an automobile for transportation: Miami and Miami Beach
hotels are quite concentrated in their locations, a factor which
will facilitate bus or limousine service, and revenue planning has
allowed that some 30 per cent of all visits will be generated by
package tour programs arriving by bus at a discounted admission price.
On a combined basis, the 3 million annual visitor load projected for
the Watson Island amusement complex implies that 1.224 million
groups must be handled, of which as many as 685 thousand are expected
to arrive by car. Given the seasonal and daily distribution patterns
anticipated, the parking requirement for visitors comes to a total
of 2,070 spaces. When allowance is made for an employee parking
area of 375 spaces and for tour buses, which also must be parked
(although off -island parking is easily arranged for buses and employees) ,
t ie t tal ihinln available par tii g crimes to a Ito to ile and 7S•
fibs spaces &hd which cat be ekpande'd to Olb parking spaces
the plan devised by R. buel and !SSociates provides alj
the essential parking on``island. Compared with 'cohVentional theme
parks, the number of parking spaces is smaller in relation to the
level of attendance projected. The explanation is considerably
greater reliance on bus tour programs (only 56% of the Visitors will
come by automobile) and a shorter length of stay coupled With a more
eVen monthly distribution of attendance, which relieves pressure
on parking facilities. Watson Island also has the opportunity to
tie-in its attractions with nearby garages and parking lots, such
as those at Ball Point, Omni, and elsewhere in downtown' Miami, which
tend to be less than fully occupied on eveningsandweekends, when
local area attendance --and hence parking demand --is expected to be
greatest.
Proposed development at Watson Island will have an economic
impact on Miami and the Southeast Region in many ways. First and
foremost, proposed development will provide the annual equivalent
of 1,700 new construction jobs, and operation of the entertainment/
amusement complex will require the annual purchase of $6 to $8 million`
in food, merchandise, and other supplies, and will provide jobs for
an estimated 1,000 employees. Secondly, the establishment of a major
visitor attraction on Biscayne Bay will develop a new and much needed
focus of visitor interest in Miami. Another important point is that
expansion of facilities on the island, including marinas and a water-
borne transportation system, will produce continuing expansion of
the project's economic impact. Finally, and perhaps most important,
the entertainment/sports/recreation/amusement complex at Watson
t§land Will be a major visitor attraction, a d as sudb Will §erg,*e
AS a hety i1i octant teasoh fb ` tot 'ists and residents alike to seek
Out entertainment ih the Miaf`ni area t In general, the area suffers
from a lack of such fadiiities, and there are signs of ihdteasinc,
visitor dissatisfaction With the area. Watson Islandt therefore,
will serve in a major way to remedy this deficiency, and in so doing
inspire other forms of private investmont to seek out ways of
stimulatingvisitor interest.
78/p/4/21 HMA #5090
MACARTHUR CAUSEWAY,
WATSON ISLAND DEVELOPMENT
TRAFFIC REVIEW
DADE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION
h1ACARTNUR CAUSEWAY, WA tSoN ISLANb ocVLLOP 4tNt
TAAPIc REVIEW
Thig Department has reviewed the potential traffic impact on MacArthur
tauseWay associated with the proposed development On Watson Island
This review began a year ago when a conceptional plan was presented, bey
came More detailed recently as the preliminary site plan was deve100ed
and will, of CoUrse, become quite specific as the final desigh5 are pre"
pared,
The present plan provides an interchange to accommodate entering and exiting
traffic, There will be no median openings as traffic will reach the over
Oats lakes via additional decelaration lanes in both directions of sufficient
length to preclude delays to the three through lanes,
Our analysis of the traffic generation data prepared by the developer's
consultants finds the estimated volumes to be consistent with the travel
generated by similar activities elsewhere.
The greatest entering volume will occur between 10:00 and 11:00 AM. 0n
a peak day (weekends and holidays) it will normally range between 550 and
600 vehicles and should not exceed 860, (80T from the west and 20°- from
the east.) Directionally this would mean eastbound entering volumes ranging
from 440 to 480 vehicles not exceedinu 690. The exiting heavy period will
be late in the day with e 500 vnhicles per hour rate between 9:00 and
11:00 PM PM (projected park closinc is 10:00 Pig). An earlier evening exodus
will occur between 7:00 and 8:00 PM with an estimated volume of 445 vehicles,
The roadway capacity of the causeway in the area influenced by the develop-
ment would be 3,450 vehicles per hour for each direction without interrupt-
ions for bridge openings. The 15 bridge openinns per day could mean two
in each busy hour. Considering approximately five minutes of bridge opening
and traffic interruption per opening., this would indicate a reduction of
17 percent in usable capacity Which sets the capacity of the roadway at
2,865 vehicles per hour in each direction. This level of capacity is at
least 41 percent greater than the current volume and the added Watson Island
traffic. There is, therefore, no projected congestion or overloading problem
conceived in this area.
Presently, the MacArthur Causeway experiences an eastbound peak traffic flow
of 1,725 vehicles between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. During the 10:00 to 11:00 AM
eastbound park entering peak of 690 vehicles, present volume' on the Cause-
way is 1,335 vehicles eastbound. Combined park traffic and Causeway traffic,
(1,335 plus 690) would be 2,025 consuming but 71 % of capacity.
The State Department of Transportation plans to improve MacArthur Causeway
by widening the present 10' wide lanes east of Watson Island to 12' and
provide a shoulder area on the side of the roadway for improved safety.
The Causeway west of Watson Island now has 12' lanes. This change in lane
width will increase the Causeway traffic -carrying ability by more than 10
percent east of the attraction
It is projected that this development will generate mnifiial traffic on
tittayne Boulevard since the average patron will travel to this attractions
by expressway, Recent traffic signal timing improvements on tliscayhe
Boulevard and the improved roadway capacity created by the development Of
separate bus pullout bays, will accommodate any nominal increase in traffic
generated by the Watson Island development,
The existing expressway ramp from the Causeway to northbound 1=05 contains
two lanes serving the ramp and provides excess capacity over existing demand
and the potential increase generated by the attraction
It is, therefore, concluded that this proposed development of Watson Island
will have no adverse traffic impact on the roadways `serving the area,
Dade County Department of
Traffic and Transportation
115090/IF.'
PROM: HANK MEYER A85oCtAT15, INC
Jack A. Thale
2990 )3 scayne Boulevard
Miami, Florida 3313/
Telephone: (305) 576-5700'
ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES Or WATSON 15LAND i)t3Vt3LOP10NT
Development of Watson Island could have a multi -million
dollar a year impact on the Greater Miami economy and substan-
tially help turn around a tourist trend that has been declining
in recent years.
Additionally, it would generate about $5 million revenue
a year for the City of Miami.
Lagging development of new facilities and increased compe-
tition from such attractions as Disney World were cited as major
factors in the decline in tourism in this area in a review of the
tourist market by Economics Research Associates.
Using the resort center of Miami Beach as a barometer,
ERA pointed out the resort tax revenues there have fallen off
around 35 per cent in recent years, in terms of constant dollars.
Establishment of a visitor attraction such as Watson
Island, along with the development of new hotel and convention
facilities in Miami's New World Center and revitalization of the
area's hotels and associated facilities, ERA said, would support
"optimism regarding Dade County's ability to recapture the
visitor volume of pre-1975 years."
The ERA economic survey also notes:
"The entertainment/sports/recreation/amusement complex
at Watson Island will be a major visitor attraction, , and as such
will serve as a new important reason for tourists and residents
alike to seek out entertainment' in. theMiatii area] Its geerai�
the area suffers froi''n a lack of such facilities, and tire are
signs of increasing visitor dissatisfaction with the a.re Watson
Island; therefore, wi11 serve in a major way to remedy 'this
deficiency, and in so doing.. inspire other forms Of private invest`•
Mot to seek out ways•of stimulating visitor. interest."•
Since the average tourist spends $360 during his stay
•in Greater Miami, cacti 100,000 new visitors attracted here has •
a $35 million impact on the local economy.
• Additionally,. ERA•estimated there•will be a direct impact -
of about $25.million on thc•local economy through Watson Island
• development's payrolls and purchases of.•goods and services from
local' suppliers, in. terms Of •1980 dollars.
The devel.opincnt will provide about 1,000 permanent jobs
with_a S9 million annual. payroll..•: Local purchases would amount
to another $6 to,$8 million. The -remainder would be spent on`
operating supplies, live entertainment, utilities, advertising, etc.
In addition, there would be about 1,700 man-year construc-
tion jobs and additional local purchases generated during the 18-
month to two-year construction period. The construction payroll
alone would top $20 million. (A man-year equals a job for one
man for one year).
The City of Miami would receive $29`,231,000`in net revenue
from the Watson Island development in the first 10 years after
the park opens, according to Economics Research Associates'
financial forecasts.
This tvouid bo additional ttet incei e fo't the eity AtTR
aymetit of interest•and priticital on the toVctitle bonds issi ec� to
fifa ice the park, •atld. setting aside reserve f thds for;taetld7e0m0ttt
aitd of: 'park facilities
78/p/4/21
MIA N 5090/
F k M: •PAMf MBYF t-Ag8OCIATt$4 1MC
▪ aok Tiia.
▪ 990 F3isoayne boulevard
Miari, F ldt'ida 33131
Telephone: (305) 5165700
A normal yearly attenclande of 3,000,000 people is
forecast for the Watson Island theme park by toonoinics 1eseardh
Associates,_ of Los Angeles, Calif.
The break even point of profitability for the projected
park Would be about 1.8 million visitors a year, according to the
feasibility study conducted by the nationally=known firm.
That attendance would produce the gross revenues enabl-
ing the park to meet its debt service requirements, fixed costs,
variable expenses and cost of goods sold.
The study forecasts the theme park will be a solid
attraction forpermanent residents in the Gold Coast area as well
as a powerful magnet for tourists.
Of an anticipated normal year attendance of 3,000,000,
about 1,000,000 would be drawn from residents of Dade, Broward
and Palm Beachcounties and elsewhere in Florida, while 2,000,000
would be tourists.
About 1.35 million of the tourist visitors would be
Dade County tourists, 520,000 would be Broward/Palm Beach tourists,
and the remainder would be visitors touring the state.
Some 528,000 Dade residents could be expected to visit
the theme park in a normal year, according to the study, while
340,000 would come from Broward and Palm Beach counties, and
134 000 from the rest of the state.
'otal po at1ati°n of the thefte park•iiiarket ifieltidihc
Florida residents and tourist-s �� is estimated"at 21 tiAllot.iv.
with the -Watson t 1aiid park achieving a 14 per•cent penetration
•
o the available r'tarket ,•
PROM: HAN1C MEYER A55OC A!'t8, t 4C
Jack Thale
2990 tisdayne toulevard
Miami ► ?lordia 33137
Telephone: (305) 576 5700
MACARTHUR CAUSEWAY tlA8 AMPtt TRAPPIC CAPACITY
Visitor attendance studies prepared by tdononics Research
Associates and existing MacArthur Causeway traffic capacity studies
by Wilbur Smith & Associates` reflect that in 1980 the ;development
of Watson Island would result in only 51 per cent of the vehicle
capacity of MacArthur Causeway being used, compared to 43 per cent
of use of its capacity which would exist even if the island remained
undeveloped.
Therefore, with a fully developed Watson Island in operation
in 1980, MacArthur Causeway still would have available an unused
vehicle capacity total of 49 per cent.
Projections for 1985 in the same studies reflect that a
fully -developed Watson Island would only require use of 57 per cent
of the traffic capacity of MacArthur Causeway, as opposed to 49 per
cent of the causeway's capacity which would be used if the island
were not developed.
Thus, MacArthur still would have an unused traffic capacity
of 43 per cent in 1985 even with full development of the theme park.
These percentages reflect maximum demand during a four-hour
peak park period. The,averages would be lower during other times of
the day and night. A maximum of some 700 cars would enter or leave
the park during any peak one -hour period, according to ERA. Peak
entry and departure hours would be at different times of day.
In addition, traffic engineering design has eliminated any
grade crossings on Watson Island, thereby significantly improving
traffic safety.
78/p/4/21 # # # BMA # 5090/C
PROM! HANK M13YFit ASSOCIATES, tNC.
Jack Thale
2990 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, Florida 73137
Telephones (505) 576-5700
T111; I)1 VE OrMNT•T1 AM•
fiplom t World Enterprises, Ltd., was selected by
the City of Miami, after a nationwide search and public
bid process, to develop and operate the Watson Island
thane park. The Diplomat World Enterprise partnership
brings to the project a proven record of outstanding
managerial capability in the resort -amusement field.
Combined with their expertise in the resort and
mass merchandising field is the highly professional
talent and field experience of. internationally known
economists, -designers of recreational parks, and communi-
cations/promotion specialists.
Ileading the tears,as principals, are three highly-
successful and widely -known South Florida business,
professional and civic leaders
SAMUEL N. FRIIH)LAND founded and was for many years
president and chairman of the Food Fair and currently
is Chairman of the Executive Committee of the national
supermarket chain of 450 markets and 50 J.M. Fields
discount department stores, with annual sales of about
$2.5 billion a year.
Mr. Friedland also has been a leader in the tourist
and resort development field in South Florida. He
developed the famed Diplomat Resort and Country Clubs
in Ho11ywood .the Shelborne, one of Miami Beach's first
Modern luxury hotels, and seVeral other Miami peach hotels,
IRV1NC COWAN has been president since 1060 of the
Diplomat Resort and Country Clubs, a 600-acre resort complex
that includes 1,200 hotel rooms, two golf courses, a major
marina, 10 restaurants, some 50 shops and many other enter-
tainment facilities. 110 also developed three multi. -million
dollar apartment buildings with some 1,200 units in the Holly-
wood area and controls numerous other real estate properties.
Virtually every ono of the outstanding personalities
in the entertainment world has appeared at the Diplomat in the
course of recent years Jackie Gleason, Bob 11ope, Sammy
Davis, Jr., Judy Garland, Liza Minnellie
RONALD L. FINE is an investor, attorney, president
of Venture Development Corporation of Miami and a nationally
known fi;ure in the field of real estate investment and de-
velopment. Ile has been responsible for initiating and managing
joint ventures with national and local major public institutions
and lenders in development projects in Florida, Georgia and the
Caribbean.
Mr. Fine's experience in the mass entertainment field
is highlighted through his ownership in the Miami Orioles
baseball club and his participation i.n concerts and other en-
tertainment activities in Miami Baseball Stadium, "the home of
the Miami and Baltimore Orioles."
Other members of the Eiplomat World Enterprises teat!
bUIEL $ ASSOCIAtnS is a pioneer in the design of
recreational enterprises, themed environments and parks,
Encyclopedia Americana (1915) has this to say about the head
of the firm!
"Since Disney'- death, Randall buell., an architect
and former motion picture art director, has become the number
one force in theme park architecture
In addition to possessing the usual disciplines of
a major architectural organization, the R. fluell staff includes
specialists in historical themeing, graphics, transportation
systems, 'merchandising and food facility design,' During the
past 10 years R. Duell and Associates has successfully completed
recreational projects with a current replacement value of appro-
ximately ono -half billion dollars.
ECONOMICS RESEARCH ASSOCIATES (ERA) , founded in 1958
and headed by Wayne R. Wilson, has completed more than 4 ,200
national and international research and consulting assignments_
for both public and private clients, concentrated in the five
inter -related fields of real estate and land use; recreation,
tourism and leisure time; transportation systems; urban de-
velopment
Headquarters
and
planning, and management
are in Los Angeles
and marketing services.
California
with branches
in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Orlando,' San Francisco and Washington.
As a direct result of ERA favorable conclusions, there
are 21 major recreation attractions successfully operating at
present. Their combined annual attendance in 1976 approximated
$53.2 million and their peak employment level is about 52,400
persons.
78/p/,4/21 #E; I{ # IIMA #5090/A
The Mayor and Metflbers of the City Commission bATt! April 10, 1978
FROM: Herbert Lee Sitnoh, Chairman
Citizens' Committee for the Development of Watson Island
SUBJECT! Summary of a Poll Obtained from the General Membership of the Committee
Oh February 16, 1978, there was a general meeting of the entire Committee, held at City
Hall. The Committee saw a slide presentation and heard comments from Project Director,
John Gilchrist, and Jay Lewis, with Diplomat World Enterprises, Inc. Questions and
answers followed the presentation.
Enclosed, herewith,
as a result of this
Committee members,
however, attempt to
interest or concern
are photocopies of the comments received from Committee members,
meeting. There were 16 responses (enclosed herewith) from the 25 -.
I respectfully suggest that you read all of the responses. I will,
summarize those items that appear to me to be of the greatest
of the members.
Although there were a few "no" votes and abstentions and reservations, the majority
recommended City Commission approval for the proposed development.
There is some concern that there must be adequate dockage for all types of boats and
that the marine organizations, on the Island, not be biased in their membership.
Some members feel that there should be an ongoing citizens "watchdog" committee to
see that the operation of the Island's facilities, over the years, continues in the
best interest of the citizens of Miami.
There is the continuing concern about causeway traffic, even though the, experts tell
us that no problem will be created:
There is some concern that the Citizens'
sufficient input into this project.
It is interesting to note that almosteveryone feels that a family entertainment park
will be useful to the residents of this area, as well as economically sound. There is
some disagreement on the location and the development plan.
o Ali Metibdtt of the City of Miami't cite EN§ COMMIi'PEt bt 'FHB bEVELOPMtM 0
A'scM 1S1f4
the comthittee has now had the oppottunity to read, see and hear discussions pio
slid Con deV loptfient of the family recreation entertaihMent and ainutemeht
attfahtioh for Watson Island, Tohight, Pebtuaty 16e 1.578e aftet seeing the
deVelopet's slide presentation you have had the opportunity to taise questions
And Voice your concerns, You should now be prepared to complete the following
sUtVey,
the tesults will be compiled fot a report to the City of Miami Commission,
Bemeftbet, your answers should represent hot just your own pOi.ht of View, The
compiled reportwillsolve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
understanding of ccitniTunity goals,
Please use the space below to express your genera" comments on the proposed
dcvelopmeht.
After carefully reading all that has been written in the press for and against
this project, and the exposition made by the promoters of this business, I consider
that this project,in its Whole, will be of great benefit to the City of
Miarni and that it will also have a very positive economic influence in Dade
and Broward Counties.
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program•, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
I was mostly -worried, at first about the traffic problems at MacArthur Causeway
and Biscayne Boulevard. After the explanations given by the experts in this
matter, I realized that such problem was not as serious as the press previously
indicated. I do believe that with regard to the program of activities in this
Park, emphasis should not be made upon amusement, but upon cultural and -
entertainment activities. -Ithinkthat Miami, being the door from Latin America
to the United States, should have a Pavillion'in-which to present, on a permanent
and rotary.way, different groups representing each Latin American country, in the
performance of artistic, cultural and sporting activities that would show the way
of'life in these countries.
po you recommend •e9TVirn] scion approval of the proposed development for Watson
Island?,'" YES
$4gne4i ;
CrU1) giiiiO R, iij RMP4l,.Q
patec3 Februa7 174 978
Tb A11 Member§ of the City of Miami's C1T1LEi4g COMAi rTEt f'Ott THE bbVtLorMtFit Of
WAT8oi i5i3
The coiti ittee has hoW had the opportunity to tend,, see anci heat discusaiohs P
hid cot deVeiopmeiht of the family tecfeatioh, entertainment and amusement
atttactioh fot Watsoh Island. Tonight, t'ctituaty 160 1918, aftht seeing the
deVeiopet's slide presehtation you have had the opportunity to taise questions
and Voice your cohcetht, \ou should how be prepared to complete the fo lowihi
tutVey.
6
The results Will be compiled for a t''epott to the City of Miathi Commistioh:
itemember, your ahswets should tcpt.-esent not just your own point of VieWl The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the conrmissionets ih aiding their
understanding of community goals'
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
deVeloptnent:
o A L ,516.2.,,t- 4-44-e—
. ' 4,e.4.el btG � - - -
' t 'LI G,✓ `turf` '` �° 7
OetAL
1-6,-
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
Az& ,e4
/ 4-4 cm%).--e,(
i4,
74/
•
441:7/-e.4-4_411( s- ►` G
Po you recommend commission approval of the proposed cievelopmont for Watson
Island' 4(4/
(1
Signed...? _ .
Pates £+
TO Ail Metnbets of the City of Miathi
WWP bN' 15I AN6
Cll ttt CG i1't I' 8 f6ti'1ft b Lbi5Mtf T b `
The cotntfiittee has how had the oppottuhity to tread, see And heat discussions Pt°
and con c eVelopmeht of the family ttcteat oh, entertainment ahc amusement
atttactioh for Watson island. Tonight, February 16, 1978, after seeing the
developer's slide presentation you have had the oppottOnity to raise questions
atd voice your conceths. You should now be prepared to complete the following
surVey.
The results will be compiled for a teport'to the City of t4iathi Commission.
Remember, your answers should t-epresent not just your own point of view. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding theit
understanding of communitygoals.
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
development.
GENERAL COMENTS: The over=all plan has progressed considerably in the last four months.'
rp by
I'm not surprisedapparent a anent lost interest by our Committeemembers since the 2/16/78
meeting was only the first business meeting of our own since organizing last September,
However, the first effective interchange was accomplished this week from 9:45 to 11:00
P.M. between the seven members who remained, and John Gilchrist and Jay Lewis.
I suggested (and re=emip'hasixe) that a now, positive approach must be
strongly publicized regardinr the fact that this is a Ccmruni ty project,owned by the
Community (City cf i..iim.), yard for local residents and visitors cf all ages an interests.
Py example, the covered and open areas already sited for cultural activities and the 5
of Cross Income to 'oe set aside for such special and Civic_Ever.te should be clearly
stated in terms of their irportantance to the total mix for Watson Island. That this cork-
plea is not t privately owned theme or amusement park, b�?t is one for entertainment, recre-
atio, and relaxation, far outweir_hing its Coney Island type of rides which also are wanted
by the younger `elm nt of visitors.
If our Citi7..eno Ccrc,nittee, as a group, strongly favors ado relcpr ent
of Watson island, let's be charged with helping in publicizing it at co«u unity meetings.
To do so we'd need slides, statistics, literature, e+.(`., and train .ng in answering many of
the questions that might _arise. As a start, as I sugrrested, please give each member a com-
pilation of all the answers to t'ris survey. Also, why not let us have a list of the members
of our own committee, including; addresses and background information as to their talents?'
Now is the time for positive action, rather than waiting to react to misleading negatives.
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.'
k. sTN.ETICS ► good start has been made in landscaping and overall site planning. However,
the City agency that will represent Miami should have final approval on both interior and
exterior design of all structures, and contents of attractions. The planned landscaping'
should improve the visual environment from; what it presently is. I suggest more greenery in
the parking areas.
Pt:Cu?J S: Still incomplete, but nrast be better oriented to Civic Celebrations and other
Community activities such as fine arts, the performing arts, school erganizations,etc. BesideE.
being of broader interest for the Community, these will also stimulate repeat attendance.
ECCNOMIC 1ATACT: Seems both conne:vative and good from my experience, Also, ERA is one of
thetopprofessional evaluators in the U.S.A., if not the world.
TRAFFIC & ! ARIN FAC_ILITIE.3: I am not qualified to evaluate these areas. However, DOT"_' of
Yetrc has concurred with the Developer's planning for traffic that there is at least an
adr uate safety and leeway factoring involved in the traffic planning. I would envision
pF•Cple rover frorP ►iani'at the earlies4 Practical mo'r:Fnt when such a treed is assured,
T : m L n-;j = v2/16 TOWHICH u COI:CUR: a effe
......<.. �'; C' .�� � I._.,"_. C_ "olo_, ? (;O.;CL�. ( )L`er=onstruie ctivel;• and in
detail that development of Watson island will not increase Fi ri's tares. (b)That before any
v i to club or organization use Edlowed to occupy land or. Watson island, MamberP;ri i must be
open; to all on an equal basis. (c)Free adcc s should he provided to the site for Cort:rvunity
Celebrations, and silriil:. a ra.r jements for dining and for opecia.l events in the performing
arts,
Po you recommend commission approval of the proposed development for Watson
island? _ do with the proviso that an „i'e' cY of the Cit. of ''-:ri re provides With
\'ese power ane 'act as a watch doe _ even thci:gn sttc : action
m y be cc,mpletely unnecsssarY,
.;el nt Corn, Jr,Siyr}ed �'�,', t' pared
To All Members of the City of t4iafti'scitIttM§ CoMMtrTEt FoRt tgt bEVELOP?tE}SIT Off`
`WATSON /8LANti
The cotinittee has now had the opportunity to read, see and hear disdussiohs pro
and Con development of the family recreation, entertaihtfieht and amuserfteht
attraction for Watsoh Island. Tonight) Pebtuary 16, 1978) after seeing the
developer's slide presentation you have had the opportunity to raise questions
and voice your concerns. Vou should how be prepared to complete the following
survey.
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Commission,
iemembet, your answers should Yepreseht hot just your own point of view. The
compiled report Will. serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
understanding of community goals:
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
development,
'ace e /47' !'der t> P7Ye edp'eh€04AS I44'r dec'.t)
e4y/2-t°41-71 le'$44 ,s4/ ,s• ca. 4.) e.„07 iC."04,4111 et.•4111. 4441. egietZ '//14/6 Wfx/ %A /yip' -ise /Y A* 244(,4,/el.? C c /:r 47
Al Ps -I
11
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
- e4r 'C /1 -4 '44 e Aie e 4%S/OAS
60v e /94 e j;`r/,, 77 e &
•tte/2 G aiv cL l�s/a S •t� e O .Sec) O /LJ P e".e c,P.41'
Po you recommend commission approval of the proposed development for Watson
Island? ,,/e'--r
Signed
Dated )1l7
TO Ali hembett of the tit + Of iaTi 's Cd'T:1ZEl`ig COMI V1'1'Ei i+ett'T4t bEVEioPMENt OP
t s ANb
the comMittee has now had the opportunity to mead, see and heat disdussiohs pto
and con development bf the faith"ly recreation, entortainmeht and amusement
attraction tot Batson lsland, tonight, February 16, 1978, after seeing the
developer's slide presentation you have had the o portr.lnity to raise questions
and voice our concerns,'
y Vou s?,oitd how be prepared to complete the following
survey,
the results will be compiled for a reporttothe city of Miami Comrnissioh.
iletnember, your answers should represent not just your own point of view. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding them
Understanding of community goals.
please use the space below to express
development.
your general comments on the proposed
The development on Watson island can be an important element in the resurgence
of downtown Miami. To accomplish this goal, development on the Island must be
completed in a sophisticated manner indicative of a maturing metropolitan area.
A definition of this quality which will symbolize the maturing nature of metro-
politan Miami is where the true difficulty starts.
Projects cs this nature are traditionally sold as sophisticated entertainment
centers and are in fact merely a contemporary ride oriented Coney island project,
such as Six Flags Over Georgia, The present plans and presentations make great
emphasis on the rides being the newest machinery that the state of the art will
allow. The present design development team has gained it's recognition by the
creation of contemporary ride oriented projects, most of which in my judgement
will outlive their usefulness and will deteriorate with time.
We make much note of Tivoli Gardens as e good example of what should be done in
Miami. Tivoli, however, is an on going project which has become an institution
reflecting the recreational and cultural needs of a specific culture and may or
may not apply to Miami.
All of this leads me to believe the committee should recommend to the City
Commission the following;
cor
4
aestn
That the committe is generally in favor of the project and that the city
should proceed with all due and appropriate haste on the project.
• The project as presented has made great progress toward a viable asset to
.downtown Miami.
and
• The developmental work, as yet to be completed leaves substantial areas for
the project to drift into a downtownliabilityinstead of an asset.
• That the city should create a group of active citizens to work directly with
a more fortified city staff to assure that the project directly relates to the
aspirations of a maturing metropolitan area. This citizens group should be
enpowered to make decisions for and recommendations to the commission on a
detailed basis,
Do you recommend commission approval of the proposed development for Watson
Ts1and?
Sign -:
To All ;etnbete t f the City of Miathi' cttlttNg COtFi1 fiat kola 1 btVELoPMtigt o
` ATt o i 1 S LANb
the committee has now had the opportunity to teed, see and heat discussi.ohs ptt
and cdh deVelol,rtent of the family recreation, ehtertainfeht and amusetnent
attraction for Watson island. Tonight, 1elatuar-y 16, 1978, aftet seeihy the
developer's slide prt±sehtation you have had the opporttthity to raise questions.
and voice your Cohcetht, You nhould now be prepared to complete the following
survey,
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Commission,
ttemember, your ,answers should represent not just your own point of view, The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
understanding of community goads,
Please use the space below to express your general comments oh the proposed
development.
•
i
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marine facilities. /'
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Do YOU recommend commission approval of the proposed development for Watson
Island? /I.
.Signed
'-a'l.
Dated • -
J.
L
To Ail Membets of the City of Miami's CittZtNs CORMittEE P6A Tait b8VELOPMtNT 'OP
,WA`S'bp itLANti
The eOtiiiittet has hOW had the oppottuhity to read? see Ahd hear discussions pto
and Doti development of the family tecteatiohi entet-taihmeht and a atsemetit
attractioh for WatsonIsland, Tonighti Pebtuaty 16) 19181 after seeing the
developer's slide presentatioh you have had the Opportunity to raise questions
and voice your cohcerht, You should how be prepared to complete the following
survey,
The results will be compiled for a report to the
Itemetnber? your answers should represeht not just
compiled report Will serve as a guideline to the
Understanding of community goals,
City of Miami Commissioh,
your own point of viers, The
commissioners in aiding their
Please use the space below to express your general comments
devel
opme
nt,
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on the proposed
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Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities _ / /y
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Po you recommend commission approval of the proposed 4eve opment for Watson
island?•
///i�6'',
Signe
Ptcd i--`i'
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o All 'MQmhets of the 'City of Miami n Ci Tt"l.ENs CO.M MTTE 1•'O t THE bEVELOPME14T OP
WATEO t i W t4b
st
the comnittee has now had the opportunity to read# see dhd heat discussions Tito
and coh development of the fatniiy reci-eation> entertaihmeht and amusement
atttaction for Watson fsland. Tonight) February 16, 1978, after seeing the
developer's slide presentation you have had the opportunity to raise questiohs
acid voice your concerns. You should now be prepared to complete the following
sutveyr
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Cornmissioh4
tetnembet, your answers should fepreseht hot just your own point of view. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the coinmissiohe_rs in aiding their
uhderstanding of community goals
Please use the space below to expfess your ueneral comments'oh the proposed
development.
7 -6 / - - .
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Comment specifically -regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
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Do you recommend commission approval
ialand? � /, • , .r
Signed =`
(/ / ,�i= ft� r
W-4-64 r-e.-
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CGL� .�/.� G
4: l ri
f the proposed development for Watson
l� 2.,
Date
/7
To Ali Members of the City of P. iafni'S ti'tfZtNS COMM1T'EE EOk T}#t b V tO$MEN tit
' WATSbN ISLANb
The committee has how had the opportunity to road) see and hear discussions pro
and coh development of the family retteation► entertainment and amusement
attraction for Watson island, tonight) February 16 1978)eftet seeing the
developer's slide presentation you have had the opportunity to raise questions
and voice your concerns. You should how be prepared to complete the following
surtey,
The results Will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami. Conunission.
Renetnber, your answers should represent not just your own point of view. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
understandingof community goals,
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
deVelopment►
/J .�y....-mac.:.c � �--r •j -.6 1
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Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic` impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
Cc
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po you rec end commission approval of the proposed development for Watson
Island?{ .' 14./.
Pignyd
gated t r A
to All McMbers of £ha City or Miami s C1TIzENs Cof1M1TTEE PoR tRt bEVELOPMEWi t
WATgO i lsLANb
The committee has now had the opportunity to read, see and heat discussions pro
and con development of the fahtily- recreation, entertaihfheht and amti5erneht
attraction for Watsoh Island. Tonight, i,ebrifary 16, 1978, after seeing the
developeri s slide ptesehtatioh you have had the opportunity to raise questions
and voice your concerns. 'You should how be prepared to complete thefollowing
survey.
'rhe results will be compiled for a .report to the City of Miami Commission.
Remember, your answers should represent not just your own point of View. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the conunilsioners ih aiding their
understanding of community goals.
Please use the space below to eXpress your general commentson the proposed
development.
The Developer has given great time and effort to details of
the development so that it would be generally accepted by
most segments of the Miami Community. I would suggest that
some person or firm conversant with or having expertise as`
to the analysis of income and expenses be hired to recheck
all facts and figures submitted. This firm should be hired
to render an independent secondOpinionto substantiate or-
to dispute the information given by the developer with direct
reference to the ultimate economic success of the project. This
type of professional review is absolutely essential before a
final decision is made by the City. The confirmation or approval
of the developers facts and figures leading to economic success
must be concurred with by an additional independent party; given
all pertinent facts and figures.
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program,
marine facilities.
The Marine facilities planned for the island, should be built regardless
of any possible delays of the on -shore developments. It is a well known
fact that the City of Miami controls most of the navigable harbors and
waterways of Dade County, and that Dade County and The City of Miami are
far behind Broward County and Ft. Lauderdale in Marine facilities . The
treatment by; the developer of these marine facilities is excellent, and
should be encouraged and augumented immediately. They f:an-be constructed
even if the main theme park is delayed. From an economic standpoint,
these facilities will immediately bring a return to the City and will help
expand all marine industries throughout Dade County.
A second thought should be given to the Goodyear Blimp Base to make certain
that it stillcannotremain on the island. Bxpecially on that portion which
has been reserved for future development. The large amount of space dedicated
to vehicle parking could be reduced by a two story parking garage which would
possibly still have a low Profile and not be objectionable to nearby' islands,
All other commercial ventures which are now located on the island, such as
the Chalk Airlines, the-13e1iport and any smaller ship terminals could be built
along with the marinas in advance of the main theme park, as long as they are
economically feasible. A water ferry system between Bayfront Park and tVatson
Island would be a most inexpensive and inviting mode of transportation to and
from the mainland and help to disperse traffic in the City of Miami rather than
to encourage it to move to the isand, This mode of transportation
would be the least expensive and the least disruptive to traffic on the
Tntraeoastai Waterway and could be expanded to other points at relatively
low cost,
i All Members of the city o;` f iam+i rb CiTI s COMM1TTtt i;'bit THE' bEVtLOPM,i:i4T OP
the committee has how had the oppottunitj% to read, see Ahd heat discussions pto
slid coh development of the family recreation, ehtettainment and amusement
Attraction for t4atsoh ts1and, tonight, fcbruaty 16, 1978, after SEeing the
develcpet's slide ptesehtatioh you have had the oppottuhitY to raise questions
Ahd voice your concerhs; You should now be prepared to complete the following
surrvey=
the results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Commissioh�
Remember, your answers should represent hot just ,your own poi.ht of view. The
compiled report will serve as a yuideiitie to the commissioners ih aiding their
understanding of community goals:
Please use the space below to express your general comments oh the proposed
development.
We are happy the development of the Waston Island
will dean moth family amusement, ,in and out doors. In
the field of work, we are glad to know that the develop-
ment of Waeton Island will create more jobs, permanent
a4 well asttetnporary jobs. We are hoping that the dis-
tribution of jobs will be dealt with fairly, that there
will be no discrimina:.ion' due to color. We also hope
that there will be jobs for the elderly. Such' as` re
freehment helpers, child care, and names attendances.
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine'facilities.
We hope there will be Center's for the Senior
Citizens, who can not do too much walking. By having
a center where they can sit and talk with there peers
that would allow' the 'people they are with a chance to
vet around and see the Island. This will give them(Senior Citizen
a chance to sit down and rest before Going on to
other parts of the amusement.. park."
Dc� you recommend commission approval of the proposed development fPr Watson
lslanc?'--
Sigr e
,
p`d •
To All Membert of the City of Mi aini't C1TIZENS qt t1'tE POR 'fi}th bt'VELQP' tENT OP
WAT§ON fSLANki
The committee has hose had the opportunity to read, see Ahd heat discussions pro
and con cleVelopment of the family recreation, entertainment and amusement
attraction for Watson ttland, Tonight, Pebruary 16, 19/8, after seeing the
developer's slide presentation you have had the opportunity to raise questions
and voice your concerns, l'ou should now be prepared to complete the following
survey.
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of MiaMi Commission.
iemetnber, your answers should represent not just yotir own point of view, The
compiled report will serVe as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
understanding of community goals,
Please use the space
development.
The biplomat group did an excellent job in preparing their
Presentation on the Watson Island development, it was Most
impressive.
i am a proponent of the theme park concept. I ant highly in
favor of the development of Watson Island as an amusement
facility appealing to tourists as well as South'Florida
residents,'
Florida culture as the theme is interesting and most appropriate.
This theme is an excellent source to design programs and the
aesthetics of the park.
From reports presented by biplomat and information presented by
media, the additional traffic created will not adversely effect
traffic flow. If and when it does, that will be an indication
the park has created much needed additional visitors to the area.
For many years, marine interests have reported a shortage of
dock space in this area. If these reports are correct, the marine
facilities provided by the Watson Island development are needed
and this too would be a community service.
express your general cotrrnents on the proposed
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
Po yob recommend Commission approvalof the proposed development for Watson
slanc7)(47 3
s gns
151
to All Members of the City
wA` tON 18LANb
f f�3 ami � s Cf ti ti. to Aftttt FOit. T btVttoP 0
the committee has how had the opportunityto teadi see and heat disctissioht
and coh development of the family tecteatioiii entertainment and aitUseneht
atttactioh rot t,atsoh Island, Tonight, Pebtuaty 160 19/8# aftet seeing the
deVeloPerig slide ptesentation you have had the opportunity to raise giiestiohS
and voice your concerns, You should now be prepared to complete the following
survey:
The results will be compiled tot a report to the City of Miami Commissiohi
Remembet, your answers should represent hot just your own point of 'view, The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners i.h aiding their
Understanding of community goals,
Please use the space below to express your general
development.
Unfortunately the slides shown to us, were those of other attractions such as Tivoli
Gardens and Six Flags Over Georgia. It is hard to base an opinion on those and project
a total picture of the project,
As expressed earlier, I feel that the theme of the project would be more promotable if
it were in line with the concept of the City of Miami's new image of a New World Center
rather than nostalgia.
Florida is the site of the space center and the theme of the park could be an extension
of that. It should be "unique. Something that no one else offers. Otherwise we are
competing with Disney World and Six Flags Over Georgia,
p
I believe a quality contemporary theme would be less in cost than imitations of old
concepts. This is 1978 and we are living in the space age. Yet no one ever attempts`.
to project that.
Promotion wise it_ would not have to compete with existing theme parks and the uniqueness
itself would be the best promotable asset.
I also recommend some shuttle service from Bayfront Park Marina to alleviate any traffic
congestion that might occur.
Foremost and above everything else, quality should be a major concern for the sevelopment.
{CONTINUED)
_ Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
(CONTINUED)
o approve of the development of a them park on Watson Island.
.0 do Siet 1(4--t ath /toat /64; 06,P4ir.
044.d 4(Aet. fur AR.e-Ak ed/A-42;t40%.
1(4.0.44.4.e, rhe2t.
po you recommend come ssion approval of the proposed development for Watson.
Island?
Signed
Dated
A/f; 3/7cf
a Ali ?te>mbefs of the City of ttiatnirs CI'tfC} S COtta` I.1'.tE P0tt b V htiFMEN OFF
The committee has how had the opportunity to Lead► setandheat discussions pt•o
acid coh deVelopmeht of the family recreation, enteftainrneht and amusernet
atti-actioh tot Watson Island. tonight) February 16, 1978, attet s'ceihr the
developet's slide presehtetioh you have had the opport.uhity tb raise questiohs
wind voice your coincerns. You should now be prepared to complete the following
survey,
The results Will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Commission,
ttemember, your answers should represent hot just your own point of view.The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to t:he commissioners in aiding their'
understanding of community goals
Please' use the space below to express your general comments oh the proposed
development:
See Attached Statement
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
Po you recommend commission approval of the proposed) development for Watson
Island?
S1gned
P4t:o
Rol)ert lip S1mrns, PI -rector
Cnm►nuni:ty Re]_irnnn,,,-trd
General Comments oh the Proposed
evelopment
An After -the -tact \dvisorY Committee
I have very strong negative reactions to an advisory
committee which, in all practicality, could only react
to the plan presented, There is no way the public
interest could best be served without a thorough examination
of the alternatives, Since none were presented, thus the
Advisory Committee performs a rubber stamp process.
. Concerning the existence of the Miami yacht and Sailing
club on the proposed Watson Island Development:
--Under no condition should a private organization be
allowed to maintain utilization of public land especially
when the Public facility maintains a restrictive policy,
either by covenant or practice
--The involvement of development monies to enhance this
facility is at best abominable.
--Since the lease of the property by the Miami Yacht and
Sailing Club has not been renewed, (allegedly they operate
on a day-to-day basis) the following`optims are offered
in terms of priority.
1) The development of a "Sea Park". This facility to
be operated by the City of Miami Park and Recreation
Department. This will afford the full range of "water
activities" to all taxpayers and tourists.
2) Open membership policy by all yacht and sailing
clubs holding leases on public property.
To ; i Mt3tnbefs of the City bf f�J alttI CfTI t4S CO?
W `soi4. isi b
Itttt P011'THt bkVELOPM.Efi 'OP
The cofntittee has how had the oppottuhitY to read, see and heat discussions pto
aid coh deVeiopmeht of the fathi.iy recreatioh, ehtertaihmeht and amusement
attractibh for Watsoh island... Tohight, PebruarY 16# 19/80 after seeing the
deVelopet's slide ptesehtatioh you have had the opportuhity tits raise questibhs
and Voice gout concerns. You should now be prepared to complete the foilow.tiq
survey.
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Commissioh.
tzethetnbet, your ahswets should rept:esent not just your own point of vicW The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners ih aiding their,
understanding of community goals.
Please use the space below to express your general comments oh the proposed
development:
I have viewes the slide presentation a couple of times. I have heard
questions and answers. I have heard various citizens and groups
express their views. Yes, I have formed an opinion.
I say_ "all systems are go". The sooner we proceed with the project
the better off we shall be. Each phase of this project has been
devised by the most proven expert and/or team available. The project
is attractive and has beenpronouncedeconomically sound. Although
many questions have been raised, I have not heard one person say
that we do not need a good family entertainment area.
0f course each person has his or her own idea of what the project
should contain and where it should be located. The main questions
seem to relate to traffic, parking, aesthics and economics. Three of
these items have been declared no problem by our experts. (I must
respect their knowledge in their respective fields) The other item
(aesthics) I can judge for myself, and what'I see is beautiful and
will be a credit to Miami when viewed from land, water or air.
Although many voices have been raised against this development, I
firmly believe that most of these well me.ning persons have formed
their opinions from a biased press. If these persons would hear
and see the "other side" properly presented, they would sing a
different tune. This is a rare opportunity to have a public project
show .in black' inkiinstead of red.
Comment sped ical y regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
The marine facilities' are well designed, and, if they should prove
inadequate, they are designed for expansion. I believe that I
have answered above as to the other subjects.
Po you recommend pomm ssion approval of the proposed development for Watson
Island? vet defiriite1y, yeti,
z
signed )'�''>
pted
5
to All Members of the city of Miami's tftigtFis "COMMitttt t4011 t btVELO ME4' o
WATsCN lSh 4b
the eoiimittee hat now had the opportunity to read, sot and heat discussions pto
and con deveioptheht of the family recreation, entertainment and aifiusetnett
attractioh for Watson island, Tonight, pebruary 16> 1978, after seeing the
developer's slide presentation you have had the opportunity to rake questioht
and voice your cohcerht. y U should now be prepared to complete the following
surveys
The results will be compiled for a report Lo the City of Miami commissioh,
ltemembet, your answers should represent not just your own point of view. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aidi:tig their
understanding of community goals:
Please use the space beloW to express your general 'comments on the proposed
development:'
As a member of the Committee, I have had an opportunity to read all of
the material available both to the Committee and the newspapers to see
the audio-visual presentations by Diplomat World :nterprises and to spen
quite some time on Watson Island walking around the shore line and
observing the activities that take place right now.
There is no question about it, Watson Island is a very unique location for
Miami's Theme Park. There is an array of exciting activity going on even
before the development has been created. If you combinethis extraordinary,
location with the plan as put forth by Diplomat World Enterprises# it is clear
that we are going to have a most exciting and rewarding addition to our
community.
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic - and
marine facilities.
I remain with only one concern and that is that the traffic on and off the
island will be managed in such a way as not to disrupt the normal flow of
traffic between Miami Beach and the residential islands with the city and
the expressway system. Perhaps a study should be done to see what the cost
of an extra directional lane might cost between the Watson Island parking
area and the interchange between 195 and 836. Such a lane could handle
peak traffic and be used either eastbound or westbound as the traffic demand
dictated.
In summation, I think that the traffic problem' can be resolved both by additional
roads and other means of routing traffic on the Development and I believe that
the Watson Island project should go forward as quickly as possible and with the
greatest community support. Properly executed and publicized it will do much
to restore the image of a growing Miami, where leisure time activities are not
relegated to a center 40 or 50 miles away from the main community,
Po you recommytns 0 ..''ssion approval of the proposed development: for Watson
Island? (/
Signed
Paced. rr/i;
/4/
Economics Research ASSOCiate§
Los Angeles, California
Sari Francisco, Californil
Orlando, Florida
Oak Brook, Illinois
Boston, Massachusetts
Oallas, Texas
McLean, Virginia
PRESENTATION DRAFT
ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF THE
DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT PROPOSED FOR
MIAMI'S WATSON ISLAND
PREPARED FOR
CITY OF MIAMI
APRIL 1978
r
Atria. 18, 1978
Mayor and City Commission'
City of Miami
City Mall
Miami, Florida
Mr. Mayor and Commissioners
This report contains our economic feasibility analysis for the
City of Miami's proposed amusement and recreation complex on Watson
Island, an 87-acre island located less than 1 mile east of downtown
Miami in Biscayne Bay. In September 1977, Diplomat World Enterprises
was selected, in a competitive bidding process, by the City of Miami to
develop a plan for an attraction on the island. ERA was retained to
provide consulting and documentation of the economic feasibility of the
proposed DWE operated and municipally funded attraction. This report
has been prepared for that purpose.
Wayne R. Wilson, President of Economics Research Associates,
provided administrative supervision for this study, and Robert E. Shedlock,
Vice President, conducted the research in Florida and prepared the report.
The assistance of various local organizations in providing information
is ;acknowledged with appreciation,; as is the advice and cooperation of
various members of the consultant design and analysis team: Randal Duell
and Associates; Wilbur Smith and Associates; Greenleaf/Telesca; Sasaki
Associates, Inc'.; Post, Buckley, Schuh, & Jernigan, Inc.; The George Hyman
Construction' Company; Prescott, Ball & Turben; Blythe, Eastman, Dillon;
and the City of Miami Administration.
Respectfully submitted,
Wayne R.;Wilson
President
TA= OP CONTENTS
Section
I SUMMAM APID COtiCLUSIONS / . i i . . i 66 1 64 i i ti. l
1 ENVIRONMENT i 664 i i 1 1 II.' 1
II THE i�ARKE The Site Location. 1 1 1 . • ' • + + • i • • ► TIC l
The Resident Market. . i 61 . 1 ►' 1 II*. 4
The Tourist Market 1 1 1 1 66666 . 1 II.. 8
Tourist Characteristics, • . . •1 64 4 • • . II=29
Boat Slip Demand , . . • . 1 : r . 1 i . 1 • It-41
ATTRACTION PLANNING, . . . . . • 1 • . . III- 1
III _
Attendance . . . 1 ' . 1 . • • . 1 . 1 . 1 • II I`'1 i
Reven11e Planning . . . , . . . . • . . 1 ' ` i 11117--112592
1Physical Planning Parameters • • `1` • •Parking and Related Transportation Systems . •
Financial Performance. . • • • • " + • • . III-38
Economic Impact. . . . . . • 46 • . • •
Appendix A
ii
A- 1
1 i
1
t
LIST OP FIGURES
1 WATSON ISLAND AND ENVIRONS . • s • _ '
It 1
itESORT•TAt COLLECTIONS IN MIAMI BEACH= a 4 . = • a •II=21
3 TRENDS IN MIAMI AREA•CI ISE AND AIR PASSENGERS•=... II-14
4 LATIN AMERICAN VISITS TO MIAMI = _ ` 4
IIl7
.DOCK PRO3ECTION AND DOCI:AGE REQDIREMENTS,•
II-49
DADE COUNTYFLORIbA .
6• PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN--WATSON ISLAND DEVELOPMENT•_ III"• 2.
7 ...PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN--WATSON ISLAND PARK •
III 3
8 BREAKEVEN ANALYSIS FOR WATSON ISLAND PARK III-4
ATTRACTION . . •. •
•
iii
111
111
t
UST OF TABLES •
?1ufbe _ ge.
1 TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL NORMS IN THE MIAMI AREA. r II" 5
2 SELECTED WEATHER DATA FOR THE MIAMI AREA, . II- 6
3 LOCAL RESIDENT MARKET POPULATION G10Wt1H, 19751990, It- 7
4 SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OP DADS COUNTY RESIDENTS,
1970 and 1975 .
ORIGIN AND DESTINATION OF TRAVELIN THE
UNITED STATES BY STATE, 1972. 66 666 II'11
6 ESTIMATED NUMBER OF TOURISTS VISITING FLORIDA)
1965-1976 . + . , 6166666604 . 66 II-12
7 ORIGIN/DESTINATION OF TRAVEL IN THE UNITED STATES
BY SMSA, 1972 .' . . 666 . 66 666
TOURISM TO FLORIDA AND SOUTHEAST FLORIDA BY TRAVEL
MODE, 1961-1976 . . . . . 6 . . .
NUMBER OF HOTEL AND MOTEL UNITS IN SOUTHEAST
FLORIDA, 1969-1977. • . .•. . •► . • •
II 14
10 RESORT TAX COLLECTIONS IN MIAMI BEACH . • . . . 6 II.20
11 HOTEL/MOTEL-TOURIST COURT BUSINESS IN SOUTHEASTERN
FLORIDA, 1972 . . . • . . . . . II-22
12 TRENDS IN MIAMI-AREA CRUISE AND AIR PASSENGERS. 1I-25
13 LATIN AMERICAN VISITORS TO MIAMI BY COUNTRY . . . . 11-28
14 CHARACTERISTICS OF HOTEL GUESTS IN MIAMI BEACH. II-30
15 SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF TOURISTS TO DADE,
BROWARD AND PALM BEACH COUNTIES, 1976 . . . . 11-32
16 AVERAGE RESORT TAX COLLECTED IN MIAMI BEACH, BY
MONTH, 1974-1976. . . .
... .. . • .. • •
. . . .
II-35
3
i
t
t
LIST of TABLES
(Contittied)
Nttmbe PAge
17 SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION of ACTIN/TY AT SELECTED
MIA1 RECREATION FACILITIES, 19741975. , 1 tI-S6
15 LENGTH OF STAY AND PERCENTAGE OF REPEAT VISITS FOR
TOURISTS to DADE, BROi?A1tl AND PALM BEACH COUNTIES
1976. i . . 1 . . 1 i . 1 6 i . i . . . 11 L / . . . II =3$
19 EXPENDITURES PER PARTYPER DAY FOR TOURISTS TO
DADE, BROWARD, AND PALM BEACH COUNTIES, 1976. . . . 11-39
20 BOAT OWNERSHIP TRENDS IN DADE COUNTY, 1963-1975 . I1-42
21 DISTRIBUTION OF REGISTERED BOATS IN DADE COUNTY
BY LENGTH, 1963-1975. . . . . 1 . . . . 6 6 6 II-43
22 CCIARACTERISTICS OF COMMERCIAL DOCKAGE FACILITIES
1N DADE COUNTY, 1975.
. .
11-45
23 HULLS BERTHED AT COMMERCIAL DOCKAGE FACILITIES IN
DADE COUNTY, 1975-1976. . • . . 6 6 6 6 II-50
24 MAJOR ENTERTAINMENT COMPONENTS PROPOSED FOR
WATSON ISLAND AMUSEMENT AREA . . . • • • III- 4
25 PROJECTED NORMAL -YEAR ' ATTENDANCE AT A WATSON
ISLAND ATTRACTION . . 0 . 0 . • . . . ; . III- 7
26 PROJECTED PER CAPITA EXPENDITURES AT THE WATSON
ISLAND AMUSEMENT COMPLEX. . . . . . . . I1I-12
27 DESIGN DAY ATTENDANCE FACTORS FOR THE WATSON
ISLAND AMUSEMENT' COMPLEX. . . . . .
28 PROJECTED PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ATTRACTION
ON WATSON ISLAND.
29 SUGGESTED OPERATING SCHEDULE FOR AN ATTRACTION AT
WATSON ISLAND . . . • . . • . . . .
30 TOTAL MAN-HOURS REQUIRED PER DAY FOR RIDES. AND
ATTRACTIONS AT WATSON ISLAND. . . . • • •
111-16
III-20
III-23
III-24
111
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
i
T
LIST OF TALES
(Cohdltided}
Nutbet
31 TOTAL MAN-HOURS REQUIRED PER DAY FOR GENERAL'
SERVICES AT WATSON ISLAND i , • i •
32 TOTAL MAN-BOURS FOR RIDES, ATTRACTIONS AND GENERAL
SERVICES AT WATSON ISLAND i • ' .
33 ESTIMATED PAYROLL COSTS FOR RIDES, ATTRACTIONS,
AND GENERAL SERVICES AT WATSON ISLAND i i
34 PROJECTED OPERATING EXPENSES FOR AN ATTRACTION AT
WATSON ISLAND
35 PROJECTED OPERATING STATEMENT FOR WATSON ISLAND
ATTRACTION. ♦' ♦ ,'
• • ♦ .. • • • • i .
Pages
111-26
111-27
III-28
III-29
111-31
36 WATSON ISLAND PROJECT DEBT SERVICE ANALYSIS . . i III-33
37 DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS FROM PARK OPERATION 111-35
AVAILABLE AFTER DEBT SERVICE. . • . • , • • •
38 PROJECTED ANNUAL OPERATING, INCOMEFROM MARINA III-37
OPERATIONS AT WATSON ISLAND ♦ . •
t
'■
T
The visitor attraction for Watson Island planned by R. tueil and
Associates is well adapted to the market opportunity presented there►
The principal consideration is that the available market is strongly
dotnittated by tourists==compared with the 3 million persons who live in
Southeast Florida, the area attracts an estimated 8.5 million visitors
annually. The tourist market is strongly dominated by adults, tnoreoVer,
and the local resident market has a larger -than -average component of
retirement -age cititens'as well. Finally, a large proportion of tourists
are relatively frequent visitors to Florida. Because all these factors
indicate that the treatment for an entertainment complex should stress
adult -oriented activities capable of bearing occasional repetition, a
unique plan has, been evolved which embodies the original spirit of world
fatuous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Thoroughly adapted to the special
circumstances presented by Southeast Florida, the plan incorporates a
blend of sports, recreational, cultural and amusement facilities designed
to appeal to the entire community of residents and visitors alike.
The visitor attraction designed for Watson Island includes 50,325
square feet of food service and 40,000 square feet of shops and crafts,
much of it incorporated into village settings overlooking the waterfront
and the City of Miami in the distance. Entertainment elements include
a cultural hall for the presentation of shows (which also will be made
available to local groups for the presentation of plays, concerts, and
other cultural events),"and a high -impact film theater featuring films
produced specially for Watson Island. Rides include a water flume, railroad
train, 250-foot sky tower, loop coaster, carousel, and a variety of other
smaller rides. Several stages for the presentation of live musical enter
tainment and small shows reflecting the cultural heritage of the. Miami
area also have been situated at various points throughout the extensively
I-1
i
landscaped gatdens4 In total, the proposed park teptesehts a special
blend of elements designed to produce an attraction uniquely suited to
the demands of the Miami market which ptoject atchitects indicate can be
fully developed under the terms of the proposed $55 million bond issue,
trot the planning standpointi''it also should be toted that the attraction
is situated on the south side of Watson Island, where restaurants Will
enjoy the best views of the city and a strong interaction can be estab.
lished between the complex and the cruise ship docks situated across the
channel on Dodge Island, and where intrusion on residential neighborhoods
facing the north side of the island will be kept to a minimum.
The visitor attraction proposed for Watson Island is designed to
produce an average visitor stay of about five hours, or, viewed from
another perspective, content is planned to be sufficiently great to estab-
lish it as the most important visitor attraction in the Miami area from
its inception. To encourage maximum patronage both among local residents
and tourists and to set the project on a different competitive footing
from the higher priced theme parks operating throughout the nation a
relatively low gate charge and a season pass system has been proposed.
Included in the gate charge would be admission to the crafts demonstrations,
the gardens, one major ride, and to the smaller scale cultural and musical
presentations. Analysis of the available markets indicates that the 8.5
million tourists to the three -county metropolitan region in Southeast
Floridal/ outnumber the 3.3 million residents by a margin of two and one-
half to one. Tourists to the area tend to be affluent, drawn from the
urban northeast and midwestern states, and middle-aged or older. For the
most part they are vacationing in the area for at least a week, providing
plenty of time to take in an attraction of the sort proposed at Watson
Island. Finally, a large proportion of tourists to the area vacation here
on a more -or -less regular basis, so continuing to draw them over the years
1/ Consisting of Dada,Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
I-2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Will requite attraction content which is tot dulled by repeat Visits,
Compared with tourists, the local Market also has a gteatetuthens,average
proportion of older, retired petsohsf but it also is quite ethnically
divetse, especially in bade County and the City of Miami. Ethnic and
foreign nationalities ate widely represented, so that the Market is
cosmopolitan in its tastes and has a background which provides strong
support for entertainment facilities as well as a during out tradition,
The proposed plan is devised to reflect the tastes, preferences, and needs
of these markets by emphasizing entertainment with strong adult appeal:
restaurants, a waterfront shopping village, informal shows, a spectacular
film 4 and rides whose content is based on broad popularity,
Considering the strong built-in appeal to the adult market and the
low gate chatge, high rates of market penetration at the Watson Island
amusement/entertainment complex are anticipated. First year attendance
of 2.25 million is projected, increasing to 2.60 million the second year,
and leveling out thereafter at between 3.0 and 3,1 million visitors
annually. Approximately two-thirds of annual visitation is expected to
be drawn from the tourist market.
The pricing structure proposed at the Watson Island visitor attrac-
tion indicates that an average expenditure of $10.19 is attainable (in
current dollars), of which S1.71 would go for admission, $4.00 for food
and beverage service, $1.60 for merchandise, $2.40 for individually paid
rides and shows, $0.25 for arcade games, and $0.23 for parking. Based on
attendance of 3 million being attained by 1982 (and allowing for inflation),
gross revenue of $37.4 million is projected. Allowing for cost of goods
sold at $8 million and an operating budget of $16.5 million, net revenue
from the attraction is projected at $12.9 million in 1982. Of this it is
estimated that $4.2 million will be required for debt service, leaving
$8.7 million for replacement and expansion, and for distribution to the
City and the developer. Financial calculations indicate bonds will be
covered approximately 3 times, and a breakeven analysis shows that the
1-3
n
1
{
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
park would meet all costs and debtservice if attehdatlte of only 1,8 tii
lion visitors were to be attracted,
One of the key concerns it the cottimunity at large has been the
impact development of Watson Island will have .ot the local parking acid
traffic situation, and this has beet a key issue it developing plans for
the island. Unlike other in -park facilities for which a certain atnoutt Of
crowding is acceptable at peak periods, the provision of an available park
ing space is prerequisite to attendance at any visitor attraction for all
but those who come by public transportation. Analysis indicates that
visitor groups expected at the Watson Island entertainment center Will vary
considerably by market segment as to patty size and propensity to travel
by automobile., For example, the resident market is eXpected to average
3,3 persons per group, while those touring the state by automobile travel
in parties of approximately 2.5 persons. Both these groups have automo-
biles available, and for safety in planning it must be assumed that vir-
tually all of them will set out for Watson Island by car. Tourists to
Broward and Palm Beach counties are characterized by a group size of 2.3
persons, and those most inclined to travel to Watson Island are highly
likely to have an automobile at their disposal. At 2.1 persons per party,
visitors to Dade County have the smallest group size, and only 25 percent
of them are expected to utilize an automobile for transportation: Miami
and Miami Beach hotels are quite concentrated in their locations, a factor
which will facilitate bus or limousine service, and revenue planning has
allowed that some 30 percent of all visits will be generated by package
tour programs arriving by bus at a discounted admission price. On a com-
bined basis, the 3 million annual visitor load projected for the Watson
Island amusement complex implies that 1.224 million groups must be
handled, of which as many as 685 thousand are expected to arrive by car.
Given the seasonal and daily distribution patterns anticipated, the Park-
ing requirement for visitors comes to a total of 2,070 spaces. When
allowance is made for an employee parking area of 375 spaces and for tour
buses, which also must be parked (although off -island parking is easily
1-4
arranged fot buses and employees) , the total t ihi iuti available parking
cotes to 2,445 automobile and 75 bus spaces which can be expanded to ;O1O
parking spaces,
The plat devised by g. bue l and Associates provides all the essen
tial parking onvisland. Compared with conventional theme parks, the nutnbet
of parking spaces is smaller in relation to the level of attendance pro
jected. The explanation is considerably greater reliance on bus tour
programs (only 56 percent of the visitors will come by automobile) and a
shorter length of stay coupled with a more even monthly distribution of
attendance, which relieves pressure on parking facilities. Watson Island
also has the opportunity to tie-in its attractions with nearby garages
and parking lots, such as those at Ball Point, Omni, and elsewhere in
downtown Miami, which tend to be less than fully occupied on evenings and
weekends, when local area attendance --and hence parking demand --is expected
to be greatest.'
Proposed development at Watson Island will have an economic impact
on Miatni and the Southeast Region in•manv ways. First and foremost, pro-
posed development will provide the annual equivalent of 1,700 new construc-
tion jobs, and Operation of the entertainment/amusement complex will require
the annual purchase of S6 to $8 million in food, merchandise, and other
supplies, and will provide jobs for an estimated 1,000 employees. Secondly,
the establishment of a major visitor attraction on Biscayne Bay will develop
a new and much needed focus of visitor interest in Miami. Another important
point is that expansion of facilities on the island, including marinas and
a water -borne transportation system, will produce continuing expansion of
the project's economic impact. Finally, and perhaps most important, the
.entertainment/amusement complex at Watson Island will be a major visitor
attraction, and as such will serve as a new. important reason for tourists
and residents alike to seek out entertainment in -the Miami
eral, the area suffers from a` lack of such facilities
of increasing visitor dissatisfaction with the area.
fore, will serve in a major way to remedy this deficiency,
am area. In gen-
and there are signs
Watson Island, there
and in so doing -
inspire other forms of private investment to seek out ways of stimulating
visitor interest.
Section II
THE MARKET ENVIRoNMtND
The economic enVirotifnent for a visitor attraction at tsfatsdn Isl.ahtl
is determined by A cofnbination bf influences related to the availability
market and to the amenities afforded by the site locations ROW these
factors Soitertl potential attendance and what they suggest telative to ah
optimum development concept for the project is the subject of this secs
tion of, the report,
THE SITE LOCATION
Watson Island is situated in Biscayne Bay less than one mile east
of downtown Miami. Miami Beach lies about 3 miles east of the island,
as shown in Figure 1. The MacArthur Causeway bisects the island, linking
it to Miami Beach and the coastal cities via Route AIA; to Miami Inter-
national Airport, about 6 miles distant via I-395; and, via 1-95, to
Broward County, about 16 miles away, and some 40 miles further north, to
Palm Beach County. Consequently, it is quite centrally located and
easily reached from this stand-oint of Dade County"s resident population,
and highway access also is excellent for residents of the other Gold
Coast counties. By the same token, its position puts it within reasonable
traveling distance of all the major centers of Gold Coast tourist accommo-
dations, which rank in importance as follows: Miami Beach, Hialeah, Fort
Lauderdale, Miami, Hollywood, and Coral Gables,!" From a locational stand-
point, it is also important to observe that development on Watson Island
will, be visible to the large and growing number of cruise ship passengers,
who depart from Port of Miami docks on Dodge Island, across Government Cut.
Watson Island also is situated quite close to downtown Miami, and is served
by a bus route which runs between Miami and Miami Beach. Because it is so
The deployment of tourist accommodations throughout the area is dis-
cussed at greater length later in this section of the report.
VonetianAntis
WATSON
es ISLAND
Figure T
WATSON ISLAND AND ENVIRONS
1 IIIIIIIIII 1111 IIII M11IIII 1
close to downtown town and occupies a site on a taj of route cdttnectittg Miatii
With Miami Beach, Watson island is cettain to be included its atiy tapid
ttaiisit systet developed in the area, such as the people tttovet ttav4 under
considetatidn, Although the question of onvsite patking steeds Will be
addtessed in the next section of the report, the potential ability to
utilize dot"ttttot, n parking iota and garages during weekends and evenings
provides Watsoh Island with a strong advantage over projects which tdust
wholly satisfy their needs internally.; A ferry system sinking downtown
Miattii at Ball Point Bicentennial Park, the Miamarina, and other points of
visitor interest on Biscayne Bay is another possible means of providing
access to the island.
As mentioned above, Watson Island is traversedby the MacArthur
Causeway, which divides the island approximately into a 36-acre portion
on the north and a 38-acre portion to the south, in terms of usable space
remaining after the causeway and rights -of -way are considered. The plan
devised calls for the themed visitor attraction on the southerly section
of the island, while boating facilities and a major parking area are to
be situated on the north side. The Chalk Airlines terminal will be
relocated to a site near the southeast corner of the island, not far from
its present location. Later in the report, after data has been developed
in sufficient detail to allow criteria to be established for proper crowd
handling, Economics Research Associates sets forth specific recommenda-
tions as to space allotments. At this point it is appropriate to observe,
however, that the positioning of commercial recreation and entertainment
facilities on the south end of the island takes advantage of the best
views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, and as noted earlier, exposes
the complex to cruise ship passengers arriving and departing across the
channel. By the same token, the uses on the north side of the island
create less activity and noise and therefore complement existing residen-
tial development on the nearby Biscayne Island to the greatest degree
possible.
I1-3
It should be noted that Watson island, like the test of the ttiathi
atea, enjoys a climate which will permit yeas truhd operation, acid that
except fot Occasional petiods in hidywinter,; it is pleasant to be out''
doots duting the ettenings. As shout in Table 1, inadihufh tetiperatures
run between 75 and 80 in hinter, with tninitnuins ranging froth about 55 to
60 degrees. Buting the summer months a tninithuth of 75 and a tna timutn of
neatly 90 degrees is Common, The high summer temperatures and an abUt%..
dance of thunder showers, indicated in Table 2, enforces a need for a con-
siderable amouht of shelter both from rain and for shade. This considers-
tion has been duly reflected in the architectural planning.
THE RESIDENT MARKET
The resident market for a restaurant and entertainment complex in
the waterfront setting afforded by Watson Island consists principally of
persons residing not more than one and one-half hours° driving time
away from the Island, with the strongest support to be attracted from
those closest to the project. For practical purposes, this driving
radius limits the resident market to the Southeastern Florida metropoli-
tan corridor, which consists of Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
As shown in Table 3, Dade County presently has 1.4 million residents,
Broward County has a population of 888,000 persons, and Palm Beach County
includes just over one-half million citizens.li
By 1980, Dade County's population is projected to reach 1.6 mil-
lion, while Broward County grows to 1.1 million, and Palm Beach County
increases to 582,000. Confirmed growth at a healthy rate is forecast
through 1990, by which time it is anticipated that the three -county popu
lation will total 4.1 million, an increase of 1.3 million over the cur-
rent level.
The' current distribution of population by municipality within each
county is shown in Appendix Table A-1.
11-4
1
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
table 1
TEMPtRAtUkt AND 1.AINEAtt No1M8 1N
THE MtAMI AktAl/
Avetage Tempetatute
.(degrees ,1ahrettheit)R_..
M hittai Matithum
57.9
58.8
61.1
65.8
69.7
73.5
74.7
74.9
74.6
70.9'
64.6
59.1
75.8
77.0.
79.8
82;6
85.4
88.0
88.8
89.7
88.0
84.7
80.2
77.1
Ptecipitatioh
2.03
1.87
2.27
3.88
6.44
7.37
6.75
6.97
9.47
8.21
2.83
1.67
Annual 67.1 83.1 59.76
1/ Based on normals for the period 1931-1960 as recorded at Miami
International Airport, the most recent period for which published
data are avail.�:le.
Source:U.S.` Environmental Science Services Administration.
11-5
1
1
1
1
1
liable
SELEC1En ttATHER EATA FOR THE 41AMt EEA i /..
Exttetnes
(Mean _number of days).. _ y..0
Relative ; lumidity Thunder hearty 90°1' of
Month_ .. 1 P.m. 7_:1?.m. Showers Fog _More _
January 55% 73% 1 1 -.-
February 56 71 1 1 _,
March 55 69 2 1 --
Aptil 56 69 1 1
May 59 72 7 3
June 63 75 12 -- 11
July 64 76 15 - 17
August 63 76 16 - 22
September 65 79 11 11
October 64 78 7 1
November 60 75
December 59 '75
Annual
60% 74% 77 7 66
1/ Based on normals for the period 1931-1960 as recorded at Miami
International Airport, the most recent period for which published
•
data are available.
Source: U.S. Environmental.Science Services Administration.
11-6
Table
t0CAL RE81bENT MARKET B01'1ftAT1014 GROWTH
19751990
(thousands)
1975 1980. 1985 1990.::.
Dade County
1,438 1,597 1,745 1,885
Broward County
888 1,076 1,267 1,435
Paltn Beach County
518 582 668 739
Subtotal
2,844 3,255 3,680 4,057
Rest of Florida
6,000 6,691 7,557 8,363
Total
8,844 9,946 11,237 12,420
Source; Metropolitan Dade County Planning Department; Broward County
Planning Council; Area Planning Board of Palm Beach County;
University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research;
and Economics ResearchAssociates.
11-7
The c1osw=in inatket for Watson island consists of bade County;
and urban area with a unique characters As shown ih Table 4, 20 perdettt
of Dade County's population is of Latin American extraction —either
foreign bortY, or born of at least one ittigrart parent. Another 22 per
cent is of other foreign extraction and 15 percent is black, leaving 43
percent in the native-born white category. The result is a population
with a highly diverse ethnic and cultural background. This aspect is
even mote pronounced in the City of Miami, where it is currently esti-
mated that an even larger percentage of the population is Latin,
Dade County also is an important retirement center, as the age
distribution in the table indicates. Some 15 percent of the county's
population is 65 or older, compared With about 10 percent nationwide,
At the other end of the age scale, only 21 percent of Dade County falls
into the 14 and younger category, which is about 5 percentage points
lower than the national average.
Family composition in Dade County indicates that 77 percent of
all households are families, and that 23 percent are composed of
unrelated individuals living together. This represents a variation of
approximately 3 percentage points from the national average. Occupa-
tional categories show a broad distribution into all types of jobs.
Overall, the demographic characteristics of the population suggest that
an enthusiastic response to an amusement/entertainment complex of the
sort proposed for Watson Island can be expected.
THE TOURIST MARKET
The tourist market for a major visitor attraction at Watson'
Island consists of all tourists to the Southeast Region of Florida --
essentially Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties --including those for
whom the area is a principal destination, as well as those traveling
through the region as.part of a more extensive Florida trip. A combina-
tion of data from the` United States Census of Travel and the Florida
II-8
Table 4
StL1 CTED CHA tACTBktSTICSof bAUt COUNTY ktSttJttvTS
19/0 and 1975
kacial and Ethnic Distribution''
-1975
Native Born Whites utith Native -Born Patents 43%
Blacks 15
Latin Americans 20
0thet Foreign -Born Whites or Whites of Mixed Parentage 22
Total 100%
Distribution by Age Group
14 and Under
15 - 24
25 - 44
45 - 64
65 and Over
Total
1970 1974 1975
24% 22% 21%
15 16 16
24 24 25
23 23 23
14 15 15
100% 100% 100%
Family Composition--1970
Persons in Households 98%
Persons in Group Quarters 2%
Households Which Are Families 77%
Households Composed of One Person, or of Nonrelated Individuals 23%
Number of Children per Family 1.26
Occupation--1970
Professional --Technical.
Managerial
Sales Workers
Clerical
Craftsmen
Operatives
Transport Workers
Laborers
Service Workers
Other
Total
Source: U.S. Census, Florida Statistical Abstract, and Economics
Research Associates.
11-9
13%
9
9
20
14
10
4
5
13
3
100%
Division of Tourism helps ptoVide considerable insight into the Volute
of destination ttavel to Southeastern Fiotida and its recent treads.
The United States Census of Travel, taken in 1972, is the most
comprehensive study of travel on a nationwide basis ever undertaken, Its
value is that it provides coordinated estitntates of travel to all states
and to many cities it the United States. As shown in Table 5, the
census indicates that some 23►3 million person ttips were made to
Florida in 1972, making it the third most frequently selected visitor
destination in the United States, surpassed only by California and Texas.
The average trip to Florida is estimated to have lasted 7.1 days, result-
ing in the 166 million person -nights indicated in the table, a total
which was only4 percent lower than in California. The relatively long
average stay, consequently, stakes Florida a close contender as the state
with the greatest tourist impact in the nation
Using a completely different set of data, derived by monitoring
automobile traffic at state borders and airplane traffic at major air-
ports throughout the state, the Florida Division of Tourism has developed
the estimates of out-of-state travel to Florida shown in Table 6. Com-
paring the estimate of 24.2 million for 1972 with the United States
Census of Travel figure of 23.3 million visitors, the difference between
the two series amounts to less than 4 percent, indicating extremely
close agreement between the two methods. According to Division of
Tourism estimates, travel to Florida over the past 12 years has grown
approximately 16 million visitors in 1965 to 28.9 million last, year.
The energy crisis of 1974 produced the only decrease in tourism to
Florida during the past decade, and while 1975 was a
economic recession, travel to Florida` increased by a greater increment
than was experienced at any other time in the last 11 years. This
to be partly the result of pent-up demand stemming from travel
which was deferred in 1974 when gasoline shortages made trips to Florida
too chancy, and partly because the recession made Florida a good
from
appears
year of national
Table 5
ORIGIN AND 0tSTINATTON OF TRAM€.
IN tHt uNtftb stATES $'Y S'IAT1
1972
Origin bestinatioh...,___ .. , _
State.:..._. (persontrips) Petsoh=.Tiip3 Persoh_Nights-
U,S, Total 458,513,439 458,5234439 ji418242554844
Conhecticut 8,657,022 1,111,238 10,093,Si0
Mine 244144983 4,029,356 17,769,781
Massachusetts 12,797,996 8,944,316 33,648,021
New Hampshire 1,212,264 109,8/0 15,4254991
Rhode Island 2,035,036 187,441 3,6504962
Vermont 110,582 3,413,713 11,103,958
New York 27,178,289 20,811,391 14,124,806
New Jersey 10,475,346 7,950,203 26,960,122
Pennsylvania 20,182,410 19,492,558 60,182,116
Maryland 10,033,022 4,892,215 19,357,794
Delaware 10202,255 1,373,128 441524329
District of Columbia 809,821 3,671,110 11,106,301
Virginia 9,901,013 9,598,174 33,741,814
West Virginia 2,966,632 4,233,800 13,909,082
North Carolina 7,969,774 11,369,953 37,693,011
South Carolina 10,383,467 84052,048 25,580,545
Georgia 8,673,686 9,316,567 35,511,432
FLORIDA 14,864,365 23,329,578 166,231,962
Kentucky 5,536,403 6,773,662 23,473,899
Tennessee 5,515,259 7,618,392 30,197,083
Arkansas 4,532,390 5,766,869 18,682,088
Alabama 6,673,218 5,268,308 15,291,166
Mississippi 3,097,551 3,568,479 11,514,281
Louisiana 7;325,160 - 7,146,693 20,550,268
Michigan 21,488,765 20,195,427 65,991,565
Wisconsin 12,082,992 14,824,767 48,214,264
Minnesota 15,535,256 13,944,732 43,303,021
Ohio' 22,894,681 14,939,641 42,579,203
Indiana 11,499,337 8,994,748 21,921,128
Illinois' 25,048,015 15,949,625 47,175,490
Iowa 4,687,831 5,170,472 16,670,924
North Dakota 1,168,078 1,558,355 8,150,373
South Dakota 1,134,986 1,999,444 7,846,589
Nebraska 4,898,844 3,956,525 10,789,521
Montana 2,498,114 2,398,333 9,947,650
Wyoming 1,180,909 1,336,738 9,022,122
Colorado 5,246.756 7,293,859 36,196,062
Utah 5,383.539 3,984,507 13,381,008
Texas 36,114,034 31,937,605 92,257,399
Oklahoma 7,041,117 7,029,644 20,208,043
Kansas 7,431,071 5,379,136 14,869,592
New Mexico 1,968,360 3,695,237 17,017.926
Arizona 4,678,758 6,160,914 30,068,642
Missouri 10,470,017 12,594,285 38,622,334
Washington 9,054,209 7,778,480 26,790,498
Oregon 6,776,026 6,823,589 21,818,680
Idaho 2,028,228 2,526,533 10,633,224
California 53,251,280 46,741,375 172,583,103
Nevada 640,000 5,845,610 19,734,719
Alaska 379,896 420,111 3,347,117
Hawaii 474,334 1,395,303 14,460,795
PR-Vis 0 .1,013,895 7,950,386
•Canada 0 7,876,105 37,051,331
Mexico 0 3,431,873` 21,027,927
Ba-Car 0 1.719,177 11,757,533
Central/South America 0 491,364 8,931,611
Europe 0 3,180,504 77,420,734
W Asia 0 345,810 7,295,290
0 Asia 0 190.480 -5,436,321
AU-Oce 0 82,333 1,647,432
Africa 0 107,761 1,786,181
Source: 1972 National Travel Survey and Economics Research Associates.
1
1
1
1
i
1
1
Table 6
ESTIMATt1 VUMI3D11 OP TOURISTS
VISITING VtORIDA
19651976
Increase from
Number Previous Year
Year (tnilliotis) (milliots), ..
1965
16.1 1.6
1966
17.9 1.8
1967
19.5 1.6
1968
20.0 0.5
1969
22.0 2.0
1970
23.0 1.0
1971
23.2 0.2
1972
24.2 1.0
1973
25.3 1.1
1974
24.3 (1.0)
1975
26.7 2.4
1976
28.9 1.1
Source: Florida Division of Tourism and Economics
Research Associates.
1-12
substitute destination for trips to tore expettsiVe places like the
Caribbean and Europe. Atothet healthy increase was a cpetiettced itt 1976.
Although the context of strong growth in the state. de toutist
industry is a favorable sign, success of the proposed project at Watsott
Island depends tote ditectly on the ability of Southeast Fl.otida to
attract tourists. With regard to travel to the Southeastertt Gold Coest
Region, Census' of Travel data indicate that 32 million person trips
were trade to the Miami, SNSA-=consisting only of Dade Countr.it 1972,
and that the average length of stay was 10 days, as shown it Table 7.
No data ate available for Broward or Palm each counties from this source.
Statistics collected by the Florida Department of Tourism, pre=
seated in Table 8, provide fully definitive estimates for the Southeast
Region for the first time i► 1974. ' In previous years, the monitoring of
air traffic was tot sufficiently complete to properly assign it by region.
As shown in the table, total travel to Southeast Florida is estimated at
5.8 million persons in 1974. As was observed earlier, that year the
energy crisis caused a notable drop in automobile travel to the state as
a whole, and this particularly affected the Southeast Region. Data pre-
sented in the table indicate that automobile travel in 1974 was down by
1.8 million visitors, or about 40 percent from the level recorded in 1970.
The 5.8 million visitors to southeast Florida in 1974, consequently,
represent an unusual low point in travel to the region.
A strong rebound was made' in 1975, according to Florida Division
of Tourism data shown in the table, with 10.9 million travelers visiting
the Southeast Region. As indicated previously, 1975 was a year when "a
combination of pent-up, demand and substitution travel benefitted Florida
to an unusual extent, and the effect is reported to, have been particularly
strong in the Gold Coast area. Auto traffic dropped to below normal
levels again in 1976, while air travel increased significantly, resulting
in a combined total of 7.5 million visitors to Southeast Florida last
year.
• 'Table 7.
0Ri01%/DDSTINAttON o? t AVEL•
I `rit uMIThb StAtDS BY SMSA
i972
. 8MSA.�:�_:.
Anaheim -Santa Anascardett
Ctove, California
Atlanta
Baltimore
Boston
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Columbus, Ohio
Dallas
Denver
Detroit
Houston
Kansas City
Las Vegas
Los Angeles -Long Beach
MIAMI
Milwaukee
Minneapolis -St. Paul
New Orleans
New York
Orlando
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh'
Portland
Riverside -San Bernardino
Ontario, California
Sacramento
St. Louis
San Diego
San Francisco -Oakland,
California
San Jose, California
Seattle -Everett, Washington
Tampa, St. Petersburg
Washington, D.C.
Balance of United States
otigift Ileatiliatiohw
,(15..t0OffitttiA01 Per00.tit'tr,ips pe '0t1t Nigh, s
3,451,703 n=a. ilia+'
4,429,558 3,625,508 11,058,883
3,852, 813 ..
6,787,303 3,225,213 12,590,677
13,849,291 6,644,072 23,631,445
3,317,853 _ z:..
3,306,592 2,481712 7,451,138
3,976,226 2,729,569 5,767,789
7,249,051 3,044108 9,754,043
2,813,294 2,882,330 15,398,580
7,549,563 5,342,393 9,841,941
7,262,646 3,529,237 12,782,611
3,809,564 -- �...
2,726,693 10,582,467
12,245,804 7,345,227 39,396,856
=*- 3,260,756 32,272,074
3,441,932
7,188,604
2,627,775
15,257,893
8,679,420
3,935,279
3,235,071
2,487,539
3,274,812
5,019,051
4,368,098'
8,636,119
3,234,047
3,904,426
9,625,213
289,706,899
low 4km
3,861,744
2,267,051
8,480,030
2,920,366
4,109,198
2,780,060
11,568,739
9,393,439
32,163,372
14,324,987
14,626,284
8,845,450
3,926,768 11,953,723
3,541,397 8,978,381
4,029,312 11,178,187
4,473,482 15,295,923
6,098,745 30,385,742
1,916,986 7,671,135
3,092,553 25,989,023
5,535,915 20,103,350
356,652,974 1,369,249,601
na. means not available.
Source: 1972 National Travel Survey and Economics Research Associates
Table 8
TOURISM TO FLORIDA AND SOUTHEAST FLORIDA BY TRAVEL MODE
1961-1976
(Millions of Tourists)
Total Tourists Automobile Travelers Air Travelers
Total Southeast Percent Total Southeast Percent Total Southeast Percent
Year, State Floridaof Total State Florida / of Total State Florida f of Total
1961 12.8 10.7`' 2.9 277 1.4
1965 16.1 Not available 13.1 3.9 30 2.2 Not available
1970 23.2
18.5 4.6 25 4..2
1-1
1974 24.5 5.8 23.7%
17.3 2.3 16 6.8. 44%
tfi
1975 26.7' 10.9 40.8 19.3 7.8 40 7.4 3.1 42
1976 28.9 7.5 26.0 20.9 3.0 14 8.0 4.5 56
1/ Includes Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe, Martin, and St. Lucie counties.
Source: Florida Division of Tourism and Economics Research Associates.
Although data oh a±t ttaVelert are trot available for eatiier years
and thus comparison is iheicact, the Southeast Regidh dominated Florida.
air travel itt 1970 to a gteatet ektettt than it does ttota, sittoe this WAS
ptiot to the 1971 opetittg of bistiey 1Jotld attd the increase itt air travel
to orlardo. Allotting that ah estimate of 60 patcent of statat3ide air
travel of 4,2 Million is appropriate for the region during 1970,
Scototaids Research Associates calculates that combined air acid automobile
travel to the Southeast Region was ott the order of 7 trillion visitors itt
1970.
In summary, the evidence suggests that in the 1970=1972 petiod
Southeastern Ptorida attracted a level of approximately 7 tnilliott visitors
annually, that the energy crisis caused a drop to about 6 million visitors
in 1974, and that another unusual set of circumstances produced the
unexpectedly large total of approximately 11 trillion visitors in 1975.
Last year a total of 7.5 million visitors was recorded, with a relatively
low component of automobile travel. Further, based on United States
Census of Travel information, it would appear that the Miami -Miami Beach'
area attracted about 50 percent of the travel volumein the 1970-1972
period, and that the remaining 50 percent was divided between Broward,
Palm Beach, and the other small counties included in the Southwest
Region.!/ With respect to more recent periods, indications suggest a
shift away from Miami Beach in favor of Miami and Broward County, and, to
a much lesser extent, Palm Beach. In particular, although Miami Beach
has served as -a major destination resort since the 1920s, the city's hotel
business reached its peak in the 1960s, and this industry now is having
widely reported, difficulty retaining its hold on tourism.' Several fac-
tors can be cited which are contributors to its decline:
The Southwest Region includes Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe,
Martin,and St. Lucie counties.
Major totpetitioh has been developed et bishey World and air
travel time to Caribbean resorts and'othet pants of the World
have become increasingly reasonable, greatly ekpattding the
range of ttavei opportunities for residents of the eastern
half of North America who constitute Miatii heath's traditional
base of support.
The density of development, erosion of beaches, and aging cif
the once glamorous but difficult to renovate large hotels,
have left Miami Beach behind competing resorts in quality
standards. Miami's "Big 6" hotels Mere built over the 1955
to 1967 period, and because the city is locked into a configu-
ration which was largely determined in the 1950s and 1960s,
it is difficult to make the modifications necessary to provide
sufficient on -site facilities for the more active pursuits
such as golf, tennis, boating, and sailing which are popular
today.
The introduction of condominiums has had no effect on the
number of visitors to Miami Beach. Many wealthy patrons, who
formerly stayed for relatively long periods of time at hotels
have shifted to condominiums, however, which thereby has
contributed to the decline of the hotel inventory.
The impact which this situation has had on the accommodations indus-
try is illustrated in Table 9. In 1969, Dade County had a total of 64,324
hotel and motel units, or 69 percent of the Gold Coast total. Some four
years later, in 1973, the entire Gold Coast inventory had increased by
about 2,200 units, and the Dade County retained its position with 69 percent
of the total. During the following four years, however, Dade County inven-
tory decreased to 62,838 units, a loss of 2,537 units, reducing its posi-
tion to 65 percent of:the Gold Coast inventory. Some of this loss is
accounted for by the conversion of large complexes` to condominiums, but
a significant proportion was retired from the active inventory -due to a
Table 9
RUllztit 0V }1OTBL Agb iiOTB1, tt1 tT8
T SbtJT}BAST VtOttibA
1969-1977'
Count) 1969
197, 1975: 197f,
Dade
64,324 65,575 62,746 62,838
BroWard 17,419
18,388 19,773 22,062
Patti Beach 11, 027 11.2
13 11L-- 11,508,,
Total 92,770
94,976 94,301 96,408
Source: Florida Department of Business Regulation and Economics
Research Associates.
loss of business, Over the same 4-,eat period, it coitrast, the hotel/`
Motel inventory in Btowatd County increased by some 1,05 unit a 20
percent addition.
The recent decline it Miami teach tourist activity is confirmed
by the atitount of resort talc collected by hotels and restaurants in the
city. As shown in Table 10 and Figure 2, annual resort tax receipts have
ranged 'between $3.0 and $3,4 million over the past 10 years, with a peak`
reached in 1972, When the substantial inflation of recent years is fac==
toted out, however, a sharp decline is apparent, amounting to a decrease
of 35 percent of business volume in terms of constant dollars
With regard to identifying the centers of hotel activity in
Southeastern Florida, the 1972 Census of Business --which was conducted
prior to the recent decline in Miami Beach hotel volume- -shows the pat-
tern presented in Table 11, 0n the basis of the dollar volume conducted
at that time, the five most important hotel centers in the area were
Miami Beach, Hialeah, Fort Ltwderdale,Miami, and Hollywood. As
previously noted, Miami and Miami Beach are extremely convenient to
Watson Island, and the other centers of hotel activity are within easy
reach of the island by excellent highways.
It is imperative to recognize the situation described in Tables 9
and 10 which refers to the Miami Beach hotel industry only, and that the
decline in total travel to Southeast Florida is less acute. The shift
to condominium ownership in Miami Beach and the growth of the local
resident population elsewhere in Dade County alters the picture, since
the visitor segment which stays itt private accommodations, often with
retired friends or relatives, continues to increase. Another mitigating
circumstance is Miami's role as the air and sea gateway to the Caribbean
and Latin America, which brings passengers in transit to the Southeastern
Region. "Finally, the national reputation of Southeast Florida also
prompts a sizable number of visitors making a more extensive tour of
Florida to include at least a stopover in the area as part of their
itinerary.
-lad -edit -tad -lid nod nisi T " '" a mil M MI111 0'111111
Table 10
RESORT TAX COLLECTIONS, 18. MEA111 REACH,
(Thousands)
Month 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976; 1977_�
January $ 324.6 $ 358.6 $ 282.0 $ 302.9 $ 337.8 $ 397.3 $ 354.9$ 368.4 $ 357.7 $ 374..5
February 437.5 391.2 402.3' '174.1 442.8 442.4 406.2 442.8' 448.3 413.5
March 363.5 519.0 539.5 542.1 560.8 501.9 438.4 439.1 470f.1 505.T
April 504.1 364.1 328.0 418.5 396.0 391.2 386.7 391.9t 4.54.6 362.1
May 296.3 224.1 223.7 229.6 313.6 299.2 285.6 265..1 271.8 248.4
June 156.0 237.1 264.3 259.5 204.5 201.5 214.2 181.4 186.0 192.6
July 188.0 184.4 143.1' 142.9 152.3 180.7 191.1 168.2 185.1 109.6
August 175.1 268.2 179.1 225.8 222.9 204.7 180.4 140.4 205.1 184:6-
September 212.5 214.9 177.7 184.3 193.8 162.1 167.1' 186.3 162.,1 156.6
October 137.3 119.1 152.3 103.3 140.6 159.2 154.0 136.6 161.5 n.a".
November 77.7 77.4 133.7- 148.5 187.5 168.2 103.1' 75.0 t39.1f' n.a.,
December 203.8 262.5 160.5 223.9 205.7 196.9 712.8 254.0, 228.6 n.a.
Total:
Current Dollars $3,076.4 $3,222.n $2,986.2 $3,155.4: $3,358.3, $3,307.3 $3,096.9 $1,053.2 $1„277.4
Constant 1968 Dollars $3,076.4 $3,072.4 $2,666.3' $2,720.2 $2,798.6 $2,581..8 $2,180.9 $1069.8 $1„995.4 n.a.
n.a. means not available.
Source:- Miami Beach Finance Department and Economics Research Associates.
MILLIONS
S5.5
8.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0 ,
CURRENT DOLLARS
CONSTANT 1968 DOLLARS
1968
1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
Figure 2
RESORT TAX COLLECTIONS IN MIAMI BEACH
Table 1'1.
Hatt1,JMOTEL TOURIST COtfitT •BU8I1tESS
I�1 SOU'rHEAS'TERN PL01tI1;A•
• 1572
Percent of
Couttty_. Total
Percent
of Three
County_.. Total
Dade County
Miami Beach 45% 29%
Hialeah 21 14
Miami 11 7
Coral Oab1es 5 1
Other Areas / _.
18 11
Total 100% 64%
Broward County
Fort Lauderdale 44% 1O%
Hollywood 20 5
Pompano Beach 9 2
Other Areas'
27 77
Total 100% 24%
Palm Beach County 100% 12
Total -- 100%
1/ Other areas include unincorporated communities as well
as incorporated cities with comparatively small volume
of business.
Source: U.S. Census of Business and Economics Research
Associates.
11-22
With regard to the volume of travel through the Miami area, figure
and Table 12 show domestic and international a t at Miattti ttitiei natiofai.
Airport, as Well as the volume of cruise ship passengers through the
Pont of Hiathi and through Port everglades at Flirt Lauderdale, th 197 ,
air travel to 4iatni decreased due to the combined effects of the teces
siott-mahich tended to result in the p sstponetent of tote etcpettsive inter
ttatiot'tal trips=arid the longer term shift iti domestic travel atay from
Miami as a result of itnproVed facilities and service at Tampa and tort
Lauderdale, thereby ttecessitatittg fewer transfers at Miami. In Spite of
this, domestic air travel increased to neat 1974'levels again in 1976,
and international travel reached a new high. Looked at from the perspec
tive of long-term trends in travel to Southeast Plorida, the decrease in
the local service and transfer cotnponetit of dotnestit air traV'e1 through
Miami is not a factor which influences tourist in any tnajor way, and the
decrease itt international air tra-el appears to have been a tetnporary
condition.
Cruise ship travel, also shown in Table 12, has increased from
about 300,000 passengers per year to well over one million over the past
8 years. (It should be noted that the count includes both embarking and
debarking passengers.) Some 80 percent of this business is currently
handled via Miami, and 20 percent at Fort Lauderdale, and facilities are
being expanded at Miami to accommodate more ships. Most cruises out of
these ports last one to two weeks, and their passengers represent an
excellent opportunity for hotels and local attractions to attract stop-
over business prior to or after the cruise. With regard to the attrac-
tion proposed for Watson Island, it should be noted that ship arrivals
and departures are almost entirely timed for mid -afternoon on Saturdays,
Sundays, Mondays, or Fridays. To facilitate boarding, departing pas-
sengers are required to check in at Dodge Island as early as 10 a.m.,
which is several hours before the ship is available to board. Since
there is nothing to do between check -in and departure, an excellent
I1-23
CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS -
PORT OF MIAMI
CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS -
PORT EVERGLADES
0.1
1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
Figure 3
TRENDS IN MIAMI AREA
CRUISE AND AIR PASSENGERS
'NOUSANbS
d56 - .--
VISITS TO MIAMI
•
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Guatemala
Mexico
Panama
Peru
Venezuela
Other Countries
Total
Table 13
LATIN AMERICAN VISITORS TO MIAMI BY COUNTRY
(Calendar Years 1971-1974 plus First Six Months of Calendar Years 1973-1976&Y
1971
9,916
14,776
10,845
53,343
12,681
17,799
16,431
27,579
20,227
22,002
25,789
51,877
1972 1973 1974 1973
8,070 9,388 15,045 3,972
21,114 - 28,188 33,688 12,516
9,467 7,593 9,000 4,391
60,302 65,057 67,366 30,159
19,389 18,042 22,407 8,985
19,246 22,286 25,280 9,853
17,048 19,579 20,865 9,101
30,080 36,282 42,939 17,611
24,754 26,292 25,745 11,842
23,485 26,916 30,452 11,952
28,992 33,683 44,502 14,972
56,933 62,318 63',.088 28,819
283,265 318,880 355,624 400,377
January -June
1974 1975
5,847
15,844
4,219
32,321
10r,010
10,782
8,593
18,241
12,927
13,968
16,932
30,162
976-
10,722 fx,,,725
16,443 2} ,99&
4,553 5,380
33,464 39,673
10,748 11,328
14,519 14,808
10,021 10920.•
18,058 27285
13,282 22,579
15,141 11,880
21,012° 301,562
29,590v 67„7800
164,173 179,846 197,523 272„918
Note:- All figures include travel by air and seas.
Source: Immigration and Naturalization Service Reports of Passenger Trave.
Foreign Countries; U.S. Department of Justice.
Compiled by: Miami -Metro Departmentof Publicity and Tourism.
Between the Unite State s« an
In summary, the healthy tate of ek iaitsion ih Broward County hotel
accommodations, the increasing volume of Miamiis cruise ship business, afid
the 'strong probability of continued growth in travel by tatitt Ameticatts all
ate positive signs for the future of tourism to Southeast Florida. On the
other hand, decreasing hotel occupancy in Miati Beach is an unfavorable
factor, Considering that travel to Florida as a thole continues to grow
at a healthy rate, that destinations in Southeastern Florida have success
fully attracted betweet► 6 and 11 million visitors annually in recent years,
and that several million visitors per year tour a large part of the state,
the magnitude of the available tourist market is projected for purposes of
this report as shown below:
To bate County 4.5 Million
To Broward/Palm Beach Counties 4.0 Million
Touring Florida 2.5 Million
Optimism regarding Dad County's ability to recapture the visitor
volume of pre-1975 years is predicated on positive action in a number of
areas --revitalization of hotels and associated facilities, development of
a new convention center in Miami, and the establishment of a visitor.
attraction at Watson Island,
TOURIST CHARACTERISTICS
Analysis of tourist characteristics is extremely useful in attrac-
tion planning, since it can assist in determining project context and
flavor, as well as in helping to define group sizes, the seasonal dis-
tribution of attendance, travel mode, and other key factors influencing
attraction logistics. In 1975, Florida International University con-
ducted a survey of the characteristics of guests in Miami Beach hotels.
The results of this survey are summarized in Table 14. A comparable
survey is not available elsewhere, but information comparing the charac-
teristics of travelers to Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties by
quarter for 1976 is presented in Table 15 to help round out the overall
picture of tourism to the Gold Coast area.
II-29
NMI 1
H
w
0
Region of Origin
New York Metro
.Remainder of New
North;Central
South Atlantic
South Central
Mountain, Pacific
Foreign
Total
Trip Purpose
Convention
Business Only
Pleasure Only
Business and Pleasure
Total
Mode of Transportation
Auto
Rail
Scheduled Airline
Charter Airline
Bus
Total
Type of-
Destination
Primary
Secondary
Total
100%
10%
2
73
7
8
100%
84%
16
100%
!
Table 14
CHARACTERISTICS OF HOTEL GUESTS IN MIAMI BEACH
Percent
28%
England and Atlantic 20
13
9
4
4
22
100%
All Convention. Pleasure°
Guests Guests Guests
Age
18-24 5%
25-34 13
35-49 31
50-64 35
65+ 16
4%
13'
44
33
6
Total 100% 100%
Traveling Party Composition
20% Alone
3 Couple
62 Couple and Children
15 One Adult and Children
Business Associates
Friends:
Relatives
Total
6-%
10}
20
3R
26
100%
Percent_
19%
45
9
5
10
100%.-
Source: Characteristics of Demand for Miami Beach Hotels, Phase I and II, Florida llnternational
University, May 1976; and Economics Research Associates.
Origin
The heavy depetidence of Miatni Beath on tourists Prot New York is
dcicutnented by the hotel guest survey, which itiditates that approximately
28 percent of visitors reside in the New York Metropolitah Area, as shown
itt Table 14 Another 20 percent come trot other areas of; Nev England atd`
the titid-Atlantic states, followed by 13 percent from the north central
states and 9 percent from the south Atlantic regiott. Approximately 22
percent of Miami Beach visitors ate foreign, primarily from Latin
American countries. Visitors froth Latin American countries have become
a very visible and increasingly significant portion of tourists to the
Miami area, as shown previously in Table 13.
New York, Canada, and the other tore populous states in the north-
east and mid -west --Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and
Michigan --also figure very prominently as the principal contributors of
travel to the three major Gold Coast counties during the winter season,
as Table 15 indicates, suggesting that the general origin of travelers
throughout the Southeast Region is similar to that at Miami Beach.
Trip Purposes
As Table 14 shows, the majority of visitors to Miami Beach--62 per-
cent come for vacations. Convention visitors account for 20 percent of
total visitors, although they represent a much higher percent of the occu-
pancy at the larger and more expensive hotels. Only 3 percent of Miami,
Beach hotel guests are solely on business while 15 percent are combining
business and pleasure.
Pleasure visiting also dominates the picture in all 3 major Gold
Coast counties, as Table 14 indicates. Dade County'is the only area
Which attracts an appreciable volume of convention goers, on a year-round
basis, and almost all of them by air. Business travel is distributed to
all three counties, but again, air travel is Muchmore frequent for
businessmen instead of by automobile.
'origin: Top Five
air
r:,ble 15
SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF TIUR1STs Tn. DADE, BRnlARU
AND PALM H14ACH. COUNTIES
1976
Travelers,__} Air Travelers by Anto Travelers ti :tie Travelers, IlAnto
Dade Broward Palm Beach Dade Browsed' Palm Brach I):ede Hroward Palm Reach:. Dade - Browar I: Palm Beach,
First ,lnartert: 1976 Second I carter,; 1916
New York New York New York Pennsylvania Ohio. Neu' York - New York tlrw York New -York New York
Ohio Wisconsin Ohio New York New York Pennsylvanl:c Cnn,1i Ohio Ohio New Jersey
I111nois G,nada canado Illinois Michigan, Michigan Pennsylvania Illinois Mlchlgan. Ceorgla-
Canada Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Michigan. Illinois N.w Jersey Massachusetts' Georgia " Pennsytvani:► Canada
Indiana Rhode Island Illinois Ohio Indiana Indiana Ohio Pennsylvania: Connecticut C.Cltforniar-
Trip'Pnrpnsc 4i 32 1'
Convention 112 32 2Z 2Z -- -- 132
Nosiness 29 17 21 11 8 82 31 15 25 7 n.a.
Pleasure 60 80 71 86 92 92 56 61 72 92
Age
Under 24 62 8Z 52 72 62 , 11. 8Z 14Z 102 42
25-35 21 22 15 15 10 8 19 19 20 17 n.3. 0.:r.
36-49 30 17 28 27 17 it 10 26 21 17
50-64 30 40 11 11 46 44. 29 27 31 33
65`-and over 13 13 21 20 21 16 15 14 t4 28,
Persons per Tarty 1.9 1.9'- 1.7 2-6 2.4 2.3 1.9 1.7 2.02.6 n., n.a.
Origin: Top Five
Third tquarter, 1976 Fturth qn; rter, 1976
New York New York New York Crorgla Ohio Ohio New York New York New Jersey C.,nada ?tich kan nhio.
New .Iersey Pennsylvania Ohio New Jersey New York New York. Massaahosetts tlllnot. New York,.liar York C:,n,,I :R,•hlgarr
Pennsylvania Georgia Foreign Canada Cincinnati I:uli.uci New Jersey Pennsylvania Pennsylvania, Michigan Illinois ;New. -York
Foreign Connecticut California New York Georgia Ceorgta Minnesota Nov-Jarscy urine's Pennsylvanta Pennsylvania Indiana,
Maryland Foreign- Pennsylvania Ohio Illinois Pennsylvania, Georgia Michigan Connecticut Ohio Ohio- Pennsylvanl5,>
Trip Purpose
C.,,nientlon 132 222 32 -- 41 -- 102 52 122 72 12 22
Business 41 23 29 _ 13 If 62 31 21 51 k 9 1T
Pleasure 46 45 68 87 85 94 ` 19 i4, 15 89 90 SS=
Age
Under 24 62 92 142 112 72 4Z 62 142 42 42 5: 107
25-35 18 22 17 17 16 6 27 19 28 20 14 t6
36-49 37 33 19 37 37 10 30 15 34 17 25 16'
50-64 31 31 36 76 35 48 29 )4 26 4.5 46: 41,
65 and Over 7 5 14 7 5 f2 8 '5 8 12 10 14
Persons per Tarty 1.6 1.9 1.6 3.1 3.1 n.a. 1.5 1.9 1.7 2.6 1..5 2.Z
n.a. means not availabledue to small sample size.-
Source Florida Division of Tourism and Economics Research Associates:
Mode of, tfensportatio
in sharp contrast to most other vacation areas in the united States,
which ate heavily automobile oriented, approximately 80 percent of hotel
guests in Miathi Beach arrive by airplatte, as Table 14 indicates. This
dependence on air travel is explained by the lottg distance between Miami
Beach and its prime Market areas of the nottheast. It also ittdicates a
relatively affluent clientele.
rlorida Division of Tourism reports for 1976 show that 70 percent
of all tourists to Dade County arrived by air compared with slightly less
that half it Broward and Palm Beach counties
Type of Destination
Because of the geographic location of Miami Beach, the area attracts
very few pass -through visitors. Approximately 84 percent of Miami Beach
hotel guests had the city as their primary destination, while for 16 per-
cent, MiamiBeach was a secondary destination. As indicated earlier in
the report, there are expected to be some 2.5 trillion visitors touring
the state by automobile every year in the future, and a large proportion
of the visitors in this category are believed to include the Southeast
Region in their itinerary, although congestion and limited parking appar-
ently tends to encourage them to headquarter somewhere other than Miami
Beach.
The older age structure of Miami Beach visitors was also docu-
mented by the FIS survey. As shown in Table 14, only-18 percent of Miami
Beach hotel guests are under 34, while 31 percent are between 35 and 49;
35 percent are between 50 and 64; and 16 percent are over 65. Convention
guests tend to be middle age, while pleasure guests are older; 44 percent
of convention guests are between-35 and 49, while 64 percent of the plea-
sure guests are over 50. A more or less similar, age distribution is
II-33
shown for the three Gold Coast counties ih Table 15;`although it tan be
seen that Btoward County tends to attract somewhat More youthful visitors§
While Palm heath County has a distittt1V'ely stronger attradtiott for older
persons.
?arty,. Cotnpositibt
As shown in Table 14,Very 'feto children visit Miami Beach; only 15
petcent of Miami Beach hotel guests Were traveling with thildren. Couples
traveling alone represent 45 percent of Miami Beach hotel guests. A
similar pattern is true for the Gold Coast as a whole; as shown in
Table 15; the number of persot►s per party tuns about 2 persons for groups
traveling by air, and about 2.5 for automobile groups. Coupled with age
distribution data, this is a strong indication that there are very few
children in this travel market.
Seasonal Visiting Patterns
Based on the pattern of hotel taxes collected in Miami' Beach,'
which is shown in Table 16, mid -winter is the peak visiting period, with
each of the months of January through April accounting for 12-14 percent
of total annual business. Because hotel rates are higher in winter than
summer, the pattern shown in the table tends to exaggerate the importance
of the winter months in terms of the number of visitors. A truer picture
is presented by the local visitor attractions shown in Table 17, which
draw 12 percent of their annual volume during the top winter month com-
pared with 7 or 8 percent during mid -summer.
Length of Stay
Previously presented data from the 1972 United States Census of
Travel indicated that the average length of stay for travelers to Florida
was 7.12 days in 1972 (Table 5), compared with 10 days for those whose
destination was Dade County (Table 7). More recent data, covering 1976,
1I-34
Table 16
AVERAGE kSOkt TAX COLi'EECTED
TM MtAMI tEACU
Bt MONTH
18741976
Month... Petcei t
January 11.5%
.February 13.8
Niar ch 14.3
April 13.1
May 8.7;
June 6.2
July 5.8
August 5.6
September 5.5
October 4.8
November ` 3.3
December 7.4
Total 100.O%
Source: City of Miami Beach Finance Department
and Economics Research Associates.
I1-35
Table 1
StASoNAL DISTRIBUTION OF ACTIVITY
AT SELECTED MIAMI RBC1tBATtOi FACILITIES
1974-1975
Biscayne Be Soto Everglades Composite
NationalNational National Seasonality
Mc tttb.. Monument Memorial Park.Itdex
January
10.3% 11.6% 10.3% 11.0%
February 8,7 8,0 8.0 9.0
Match 7.8 14,8 124 12,0
April 8,3 8.8 11.6 9.0
y 12.2 6,8 5.0 8.0
June 11.2 6.1 4.4 7.0
July
7,3 8.0 6.8 7.0
August 9.8 6.4 8.7 8.0
September 8,4 4,5 5.2 6.0
October 5.5 7.3 5.3 6.0
November 4.0 8.4 11.4 8.0
December 6.5 9.3 10.9 9.0
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Source: U.S. National Park Service, Miami Beach Finance Department,
and Economics Research Associates.
1I-36
•
is ptesented ii table 18, These statistics indicate that relatively
lengthy stopovets chatacteri a the wihtet season, while briefer sut aer
stays teduce the annual average, The data also indicate that length of
stay by county is not materially different, etcept perhaps'to the ektent-
that business and convention visitors traveling to bade acid trot.tatd
counties tend to reduce average length'of stay itt these categories.
Under any citcumstahces, length.,of-stay data suggest that the average
visitor will have tore than "sufficient time at his disposal to take in an
attraction at Watson Island,
Frequenwy_.of._Travel
Recent data on the frequency of travel to Florida are not widely
available, but the figures presented in Table 18 on the percentage of
repeat visitors clearly demonstrate that first-time travelers are a
minority of less than 15 or 20 percent. Previous surveys have shownthat
repeat visitors tend to have visited Florida on a fairly frequent basis;
some 25 percent of those surveyed had visited the state 5 times or more,
implying that a trip to Florida every few years is a common pattern
among many of its visitors.
Spending Habits
Expenditure patterns for visitors to the three Gold, Coast counties
during the first half of this year are presented. in Table 19. In total,
expenditures per party averaged somewhere between $53 and $90-daily, with
a considerable share of .the fluctuation accounted for by lodging expenses-
which in turn depends on the degree to which travelers visit with friends
and relatives or utilize apartments:for long stays in place of patronizing:.
higher cost hotel facilities.
With regard to the, type of project under consideration at Watson
Island, expenditures for entertainment, food and beverages, and gifts are
of chief interest. Entertainment -expenditures -ranged from $5.22 to $15.65
11-37
Table 18
LENOT11 OF STAY AND FRRORNTAGF OF
RFFRAT VISITS FOR TOURISTS TO D ADR, tROWARD
AND PALM RRAc1# COUNTIES
1976
Fitst Second Third Fourth
Quetter Qtiat'tet Qua _ter Quarter,
hength dfrv:stay (average
number _ Of nights _it_Florida
of County*)
Dade County
Air 9.2 12.4 5.1 5,6
Autb 11.3 1666 8.0 7.1
Broward County
Air 9,2 8.8 6.5 10.7
Auto 14.0 n.a. 8.7 8.6
Palm Beach County
Air 14.4 9.5 9.4 9.3
Auto 15.2 n.a, n.a. 16,6
Percentage of. Repeat
Visitors
Dade County
Air 85% 85% 87% 83%
Auto 78 84 80 78
Broward County
Air 90 82 83 85
Auto , 85 n.a. 84 87
Palm Beach County
Air 97. 86 81 90
Auto 92 n.a. 88 89
*First two quarters in Florida; second two quarters in County.`
n.a. means not available.
Source: Florida Division of Tourism and Economics Research Associates.
11-38
0,1
®, T it 1 11► t 0P E T IR I(H
Table 19
EXPENDITURES PER PARTY PER DAY FOR TOURISTS
TO DADE, BROWARD, AND PALM BEACH COUNTIES
1976
Food/
Transportation Beverage Lodging Entertainment Gifts Other Total
First Quarter
Air
Dade County $10.54 $26.00 $29.67 $12.32 $3.67 $6=_48 $8&.68
Broward County 9.16 26.90 22.56 11_29 2..96 4.35 77.22
Palm Beach County 10.39 20.01 15.41 10.84 3.23 4.65 64.53
Auto
Dade County 12.06 20.22 16.71 15.65 7.90 7_85 80k..39,
Broward County 10.96 17.87 15.52 10.22 6.99 5..81 67.37
Palm Beach County 10.55 16.96 14.66 10.20 5.27 5.76 63.40
I -.Second Quarter
- + Air
Dade County $ 9.40 $23.07 $23.33 $ 8.88 $2.17 $4.68 $71_53
Broward County 11.22 22.20 15.57 9.90 2.83 3_93 65.65
Palm Beach County 11.90 28.60 14.28 10.00 4.30 3.59 72.67
Auto
Dade County 9.59 18.72 16.47 10.31 6.95 5.94 67_9s
Broward County n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.. n.a_ n.a. n.a.
Palm Beach County n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. nk.a.
Third Quarter
Air
Dade County $12.93 $27.81 $25.04 $ 9.56. $3.84 $5.43 $84.61
Broward 11.60 25.86 17.37 7.27 3.47 3.66 69.23
Palm Beach County 10.91 34.66 14.12 10.34 9.39 3_58 83_00r
Auto
Dade 10.72 22.21 17.00 10.33 5.32 4..98 70.5&
Broward 10.33 20.64 15.36 7.59 6.07 4.23 64.22
Palm Beach County n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a_ n.a. n.a..
IU
-4
0
Table 19
(Continued)
Food/
Transportation Beverage Lodging Entertainment Gifts other Total
Fourth Quarter
Air
Dade County $11.81 $27.04 $25.99 $ 8.35 $3.7& $4.42 $81.39
Broward County 11.37 30.25 17.81 9.92 4-75 3.62 77.72
Palm Beach County 15.74 29.21 20.84 10.51 8.91 3.53 89.64
Auto
Dade County 9.06 21.17 17.39 8.94 9.17 4.53 70.26-
Broward County 8.29 20.35 15.45 7.15 6.85 3.56 61.65
Palm' Beach County 7.30 17.66 12.70 5.22 6.20 4.09 53.17
n.a. means not available.
Source: Florida Division of Tourism and Economics Research Associates.
�4411IIIIII III IIII II I
per party, faith daily :expenditure of between $9400 atld $11.00 ct iffiitol ih
Most situations, Given an average party sine of approximately 2.2 Pet
sons per group, a daily expenditure of $4,00 to $5,00 pet person i§,
typical+ ty the same token, food acid bevetage expenses run about $22,00
per group, or $10.00 daily per person. The purchase of gifts for others
typically cotes to about $1,00 or $4,00 pet party for those traveling by
air; ease of transport results in expenditures which are roughly double
this amount for those traveling by auto,
BOAT SLIP DEMAND
Apart froth site location, and the site and characteristics of the
resident and tourist markets, a final consideration related to the
economic environment at Watson Island which must be considered in connec-
tion with Diplomat World Enterprises' proposed plan relates to boat slip
demand. A considerable amount of data on boat ownership and demand for
marina space is available on the Dade County market through recently
completed studies of the University of -Miami and the Marine Council.
The relationship between boat ownership and population in Dade
County in recent years is presented in Table 20. In 1975 there were
approximately 36,000 registered boats in the County, or 2.49 boats per
hundred residents. This was an increase of approximately 16,000 boats
from ten years before, which was more the result of increasingly wide-
spread boat ownership than of simple population growth. Allowing that
boat ownership will continue to attract an increasingly large proportion
of the population in the next ten years --but that the rate of increase
will be significantly lower than it was from 1965 to 1975--projections
call for a total of approximately 46,500 registered boats in Dade County
by 1985.
The distribution of boats registered in Dade County by size is
shown in Table 21 for the period 1963 to 1975. By far the most
popular and most rapidly growing category is the 16-25 foot class, which
Table 20
$0AT OVNERS1tIP TRRNDS IN DA1 t COUNT
196..1975
Total Registered
Number of $oat/
Registered Total Population
`Peat Coats_.. Population _.Ratio,
1963 16,695 1,065,000 1.57
1965 19,707 1,097,200 1.80
1967 24,193 1,155,800 2.09
1969 28,307 1,255,500 2.25
1971 31,726 1,302,600 2,44
1973 33,268 1,392,300 2.39
1975 35,923 1,442,000 2.49
1985 Projection 46,490 1,727,0001/ 2.69
Average Annual Rate
of Increase
1963-1969 9.2% 2.8%
1969-1975 4.1 2.3
1963-1975 6.6 2.6
1975-1985 2.6 1.8
1/ Midyear projection by the Dade County Planning Department.
Source: University of Miami Sea Grant, Recreational Boating in Dade
County, 1975-1976; and Economics Research Associates.
II-42
•
gr IF
Table 21
DISTRIBUTION OF REGISTEREDBOATS IN
DADE COUNTY BY LENGTH
1963-1975
15 Feet or Less 16-25 Feet 26-39 Feet 40 Feet or More
Percent Percent Percent Percent Total
Year Number of Total Number of Total Number of Total Number of Total Boats
1963 10,319 61.8% 5,531 33.1% 642 3.8% 203 1-2% 16,6955
1965 11,423 58.0 7,444 37.8 761 3.8 79 0'.4 19,7037
1967 13,313 55.0 9,513 39.3 1,065 4.4 302 1-2 ' 24„193
1969 14,484 51.2 11,971 42.3 1,356 4.8 496 1.8' 281,30GT
1971 16, 050 50.6 13,553 42.7 1,555 4.9 568 1.8 31,,726
H 1973 a n.a. ► 33,268,
4.4 1975 10,321 29.0 22,433 63.0 2,395 6.7 425 1 «3 35,923
Average Annual
Rate of Increase
1963-1975 n.c. -- 12.4% -- 11.6% - 6-4% - 6_6%.
n.a. means not available.
n.c. means no change.
Source: University of Miami Sea Grant, Recreational Boating in Dade County, 1975-197&; and
Economics Research Associates.
111 11 11111111 1 I
in 1975 accounted for 22,433 boats, of 62 percent of the totait The 26
39 foot class ekperienced a relatively high rate of attival ihctease,
although it accounts for a tnuch smaller shat±e of the tarket. Big boats
(those ovet 40 feet) grew rapidly as a class frot'1963 to 1971, although
their number has diminished slightly since theft, a fadt which local
authorities attribute to the scatcity of available slips.`tJnlike trailer
able stnaller boats, growth of the over 40-foot class is highly dependent
oh the availability of wet storage.
A survey of available dockage facilities in yacht clubs attd cot =
tnetcial marinas as of 1975 is presented in Table 22. Data ate provided
for each tnatina in Dade County, which shows a total of 3,175 wet slips
on a combined basis. Calculations of the Marine Council, shown in Figure
5, basically agree on a total close to this level, but their data indicate
another 2,700 unorganized private slips along seawalls and in canals,
bringing the total number of available wet slips to 6,000. The Marine
Council judges that this was adequate in 1970, but that by 1975 there was
a shortage of 2,500 wet slips. This number is based on waiting lists for
slips at local marinas, and on surveys which show that a significant
number of boats owned by Dade County residents are kept in Broward,Palm
Beach, and Monroe counties because suitable space closer to home is
unavailable. Marine Council projections show that the shortage in Dade
County will increase to over 4,000 wet slips by 1980,'
Based on 1975-1976 data, as shown in Table 23, some 20 percent of
the 3,000-odd wet slips now available itt Dade County's yacht clubs and com-
mercial marinas are occupied by, boats which are 40 feet or longer. Allow-
ing that at least this proportion characterizes the shortage of 2,500 spaces,
pen -up demand approximates 500 large spaces, based on Marine Council esti-
mates. Further, given the growth of 1,600 boats per year in the county shown
in Table 20, and allowing that 25 percent of these will require wet slips
of which at least 20 percent should be 40 feet or longer, the annual,
increase in demand for large slips is calculated at 80 per year.
1I-44
Name
Sheraton Beach Hotel
Gray Line Boats,
Jerry's Marine Center
Hi Lift Marine
Offshore Marine
Snug Harbor Marine
Maule Lake Marina
Blue Marlin Marina
Aqua Marina
Haulover-Park
Bal Harbour Club
Bay Harbor Hotel
Keystone Point
Biscayne Marine
Jockey Club •
Skyway Marine
Table 22
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMERCIAL DOCKAGE' FACILITIES
IN DADE COUNTY
1975
Type of Facility
Hotel dock
Commercial marina
Commercial marina
Commercial marina
Commercial marina_
Commercial marina
Commercialmarina
Commercial marina
Commercial marina
Public marina (county)lf
Private club
Hotel dock
Commercial marina
Commercial marina
Private club
Commercial marina
Number of
Berths.
Wet Dry
nmilT 1 29M T
Charges
17 -- $0.10/footfday, $0.20ffootfday (live -aboard)
20 -- $2.25/footfmontEu
25 -- $2.25/foot/month
-- 300 $46.80-$78.00fmontit
107 $2.25ffootfmonth: $15.00/month (trailer)
22 n.a. $0.12ffootfday (houseboats), $2.00/`foot/
month (dry)
150 200 $0.20f footfday (wet), $61.00-$61.00%`Mont%
(dry, rack)
12 - n.a.
60 - $2.00/footfmonth
14 -- n.a.
40 - n.a.
3 -- $0.50/foot/day
65 300 $0.15ffcotfday (wet), $2.50ffoot/month cIry,
inside) , $2.00/'foot (month (dry', outside)
97 $2.25/foot/month (rack)
53 -- $0.20f footfday
20 50 $2.50-$2.75ffootfmonth (wet) , $$50_00-$T0L0G/
foot/month (dry, rack)
Name
Little River Marina
Pelican Harbor
Harbor West Yacht Club
Table 22
(Continued)
Number of
Berths
Type of Facility Wet Dry
Commercial marina
Public marina (county)
Commercial marina
Racquet Club Private club
Flamingo Yacht Basin Commercial marina
King Cole Hotel and Yacht<Club Hotel dock
Palm Bay Yacht Club
Miami Yacht Club
Miami Outboard Club
'Watson Island Marina?/
Miamarina
Sheraton Four Ambassadors:
Marina
Dupont Plaza Hotel Marina
Atlantic Marine Boat Yard
Eighth Avenue Boat Slips
Anacapri Yacht Basin
Private club
Private club
Private club
Public marina' (city)
Public marina (city)
Hotel dock
Hotel dock
Commercial marina
Commercial marina
Commercial marina'
MIT ,Nri align afar MT
Charges
20 230' $3.30/foot/,month (wet), $56..00/month (dry,
rack).
19 - $0.05/foot/day, $0.10/foot/day (live -aboard)
27 -- $150_00-$200..0/month (houseboats)„ $135.00/
month (cruisers)
22 -- $0.I5-$0.20/foot/day
62 -- $0.17/foot/day, $0.=25/foot/day (transient'
32 - $2.25/foot/month (summer), $4.50/footimonth:
(winter)
$0.30/foot/day
35 --
42 120
50 35
43 -
n.a.3/
13
n.a._
$36.00-$48.00/month, $0.065-$0a08/foottda
(alongside)
208 -- $0..13/foot/day, $c 0$1foot/day (bulkhead),.
$020/foot/clay (transient)
18 -- $65.00-$I50.00/month, $0.30/foot/'clay
(transient)
- $0.20/foot/day
n.a. $I00.00-$I25.00/month (wet), $3.50ffoatI
month (dry)
40 - $'40.00-$75_00/month
35 $G.08/foot/day (open)6, $O..09ffootida3. (shed)
I u 11111111111
1
1
c
"7►. .'► ' ..�► , '71
Name
Tony's Marine Service
Miami Pioneer Club
Merril Stevens Dry Dock Company
Nuta's Boat Yard
Hardie Yacht Basin
Poland Yacht Basin
Florida Yacht Basin
Richard Bertram & Company
Jones Boat Yard
Coral Reef Yacht Club
Biscayne Bay Yacht Club
Monty Trainer's Bayshore Marina
Merril, Stevens YachtYard
Grove Key.Marina
Dinner Key Marina
Coconut Grove Sailing Club
Crandon Park Marina
Key Biscayne' Yacht Club
•
•'MIr+ :fit'
Table 22
(Continued)
Type of Facility
Commercial marina
Private club
Commercial marina
Commercial marina'_
Commercial marina
Commercial. marina'
Commercial marina
Commercial marina
Commercial marina
Private club
Private club
Commercial marina
Commercial marina
Commercial marina
Public marina (city)
Private club
Public marina (county) 125
Private club 92
Number of
Berths
Wet Dry
20 --
28 --
n.a. n.a.
160 --
100 -
29 --
n.a.4/ --
150 --
n.a.5/ -
72
56
n.a.
amm,t amyl mmul • mw
Charges
$130.00-$250.00'/mont l
n.a.
$0.20f foot/day (wet}
$0.0525/foot/'day
$0.06-$0.07/foot/day
n.a.
$O.15-$0.7/foot/day
$0..201footfday, $0.25f. foot/day (transient)
$0.12/foot/day (open, $0.201foot/day
(shed)
73 $0.35/foot/day
-- n.a.
$0.13/'foot/day, $0.15/'font/day aboard)
56 80 $0.17/foot/day (wet), $Oi tS/foot%day ('dam)
410
2506f
250 $0.16/foot!day (inside), $55_00-$67..00I
month (rack)
-- $40.00-$225.00Wmontfis
40 n.a.
$a.05/foot/dray
25 $0.06ffoot lay (slip), $0.08IfootIday
(alongside)Ti
4111.1111,i
+1010•11, II I
Name
w-1,
Matheson Hammock Marina
Snapper Creek Marina
King's Bay Yacht and Country
Club
Pirate's Spa
Snapper Point Marina
Homestead"Bayfront Park
Green's Place
Fred's Boats
Total
Ott
Table 22
(Concluded)
Type of Facility
Number of
Berths
Wet Dry
Public marina (county) 156 $0.05/foot/day'
Private club
Private club
Commercial marina
Commercial marina
Public marina (county)
Commercial marina
Commercial marina
n.a. means not available.
1/ Charter boats only.
2/ Closed as of January 1977.'
3/' Capacity varies; 1,000 linear dock
4/ Capacity varies 1,800 linear dock
5/ Capacity varies; 4,300 linear dock
6/ 'Moorings.<
7/ Rate increases pending.
feet
feet
feet
available.
available.
available.
29 10 n.a.
Charges
alw
NW SW
135 15 n.a.
16 37 $1.50/foot/month (wet), $.00/foot/month
(dry, trailer), $30.00/month (dry, shed)
15 $1.00/foot/month
72 - $0.05/foot/day
13 $20`.00/month
24 -- n.a.
3,175 1,969
Source: University of Miami Sea Grant, Recreational Boating in Dade County, 1975-19761. City of Miami; and
Economics Research Associates.
••=11■inn111uiul.nI1111•1 Nnul I1111111111 I1111 11111111111
17,500
15,000
12,500
10,000
7,500
5,000
2,500
1►579-c
1,082J
0
1970
1975
SOURCE: MARINE COUNCIL.
UNSATISFIED
DEMAND
FOR
BOAT SLIPS
UNORGANIZED PRIVATE SLIPS
EXISTING PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL SLIPS
PRESENT YA
KT CLUBS
PRESENT DADE,COUNTY AND CITY OF MIAMI
1980
1985
1990
1995
Figure 5
DOCK PROJECTION AND DOCKAGE REQUIREMENTS
DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA
2000
Table 23
HULLS EEPTHtD At co 1MEECIAt DOCKAGE FAOILITIES 1 /
tt1 DADF COti1 Dt
1575.,1976
1[1u,1 T.}+pe___
Sail.
25 Feet 26=39 40=64 65 Feet
or::Less Feet Feet. Or Mote Total
429 578 157 1 1,165
Power
Outboard 62 10 2L 74
Inboard or Outdrive 268 846 270 39 1423
Commercial2/
Fishing 27 37 19 3 86
Charter 25 28 54 11 118
Transport 2 3 6 3 14
Floating Homes 7 80 29 -- 116
Total 820 1,582 537 57 2,996
Percent 27% 53% 18% 2% 100%
1/ Includes private clubs, commercial marinas, and public marinas.
2/ Excludes boats or ships in the port of Miami and government -owned
vessels.
Source: University of Miami Sea Grant,,Recreational Boating in Dade.
County, 1975-1976; and Economics Research Associates.
11-50
Plans for eventual marina development at Watsoh Islafid call for 151
boat slips designed to accommodate ,larger boats on the island's test Side,
122 moderately sized boats slips on the torth side for petattent storage,
as well as 76 slips for ttansients. Despite plans for the eottsttuctioti
other the nett sevetal years of some 1;100 boat slips by Dade County, the
City of Miami beach, and some limited private deveiopmettt, it is calculated
that only a small portion of the new slips will be over 40 feet, and they
are generally less favorably located than Watson Islatid ► As a consequence,
it is estimated that the large slips proposed for'taatsotn Island's west side
will find ready absorption whenever they are built. This is especially
true in view of the high value of large boats, whose owners prefer to keep
them in places where extensive security is maintained, a feature which will
be true at the island. With respect to planned marina development of 122
slips in 25- to 30-foot class, on the north side, data show that this size
is sufficiently popular to again present no absorption problems. The
incorporation of 76 spaces for day visitor use is justified in terms of
the convenience of visitors to the entertainment;complex on the island,
and should be highly popular, since there are few such places available in
the area for boaters to go as a day -trip destination.
Section lit
ATTRACTION Ft,ANNING
The reviett of the market environment ptovided in the previous secs
ton indicates that the market available to Matson Island is strongly
domittated by tourists....compared with the 3 million persons who live there,
some 8.5 million visitors converge on Southeastern Florida each year.
The
tourist market is strongly dominated by adults, moreover, and even the
local resident market has a larger -than -average component of retirement -
age citizens. Finally, a large proportion of tourists ate relatively
frequent visitors to Florida. All these factors suggest that the treat-
ment for an entertainment complex on Matson Island should stress adult-
oriented activities capable of bearing occasional repetition. Earlier
planning recognized this point, and the new plan developed by Randall
Duell and Associates reflects and strengthens this viewpoint. In
response to the market profile provided by ERA, the design firm has evolved
a uniqueattractionembodying the spirit of Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen's
famous turn -of -the -century amusement and cultural center. A schematic
drawing of the layout is shown in Figures 6 and 7, and a list of rides and
attractions is provided in Table 24.
Recognizing the requirement that the plan evolved for Watson Island
must have strong adult appeal, the R. Duell and Associates plan features a
"hillside" village at the entrance to the park with a view of the water,
the city skyline, and the island's amusement area. This village incorpo-
rates a variety of interesting restaurants, bars, shops, arcades, and an
international food -fair bazaar. Other items throughout the park with
particularly strong adult appeal include an IMAX or other high -impact film
theater, featuring specially made films; an amphitheater for the presenta-
tion of shows which also will be made available to local groups for the
presentation of plays, concerts, and similar events; smaller stages where
presentations of live musicalentertainment reflecting the Latin -Caribbean
Till
Table 24
MAJOR ENTERTAINMENT COMPONENTS
PROPOSED 1OR WATSON ISLAND AMuSt ENT AREA
food SerVice _!aciiities Squate_, `eet
Caribbean International Village 8�525
Restaurants/Cafeterias
Caribbean International Village 23,000
Farmers Market -rood Bazaar 3,400
TaNern Air Museum and Chalk's Area Restaurant 6,400
Snack Stands 7,000
Total Food Service 50,325
Merchandise Sales Facilities Square Feet
Caribbean International Village Shops 26,200
Arts and Crafts Bazaar 10,000
Other Shops 3,800
Total Merchandise 40,000
Shows
Rides
Seats
Royal Palm Hotel Theater (IMAX) 500
Cultural Hall (Amphitheater) 1,500
Total Shows 2,000
Persons/Hour
Lighthouse Tower
Hurricane Coaster
Everglades Flume
Flagler Railroad Train
Car Ride. (Dodgem)
.Carousel
Three Flat Rides (Scorpio -Alligator -Wave Ride)
Children's World
Total Rides 9,650
1,200
1,800
1,440
600
960
350
2,700
600
Arcade and Games
Games Area
Arcade
Shooting Gallery
Total Arcade and Games
Source: R. Duel]. and Associates and Economics Research Associates.
III-4'
Square Feet.
5,600
2,600
1500
9,200
cultutal background of the patk can be giVent and an area whete demotisttai.
tions of handicrafts will be presented* hides have also been designed to
have as touch adult appeal as possible, and a'flutne) train tide, and a
25O foot towet Dieting a View from Palm Beath to the keys have been incor»
porated for this purpose► ty the same token, due consideration has been
given to the fact that tip to 15 petcent of attendance at the complex 'will
be made up of young people under 18 years old and•that this group is espe-
cially strong in tents of active participation; so a play areas carousel,
and coaster -loop have been incorporated primarily for this group. The
appeal of these £.ci ities is by no means strictly limited to young people,
however, and a considerable amount of adult satisfaction is to be expected
either via direct participation or by watching youngsters take part.
As at most themed amusement atttactions, a games area and arcade
are included as part of the entertainment package. Compared with other
theme parks the games area planned at Watson Island is quite small and
will include a balance of traditional pitching games of skill along with
the more sophisticated ttpongtt'games now found at airports, in hotel lobbies,
and in many other environments outside the amusement attraction industry.
The entire area will be attractively themed and decorated.
In total, the concept developed for Watson Island provides an
excellent balance in terms of market segment appeal, and the number and
variety of elements now ensures that the attraction will have strong market
impact, thereby attracting a sizable audience and providing enough activi-
ties to induce an average length of stay of about 5 hours. It should be
noted that in no way is the plan a copy of Europe's Tivoli Gardens, but
represents a careful and creative adaptation of some of its most success-
ful elements to the particular opportunities afforded by Miami. Neither
is the proposed attraction a copy of existing theme parks and, as later
materialwill demonstrate, comparisons with theme park experience else-
where must be carefully drawn or highly erroneous conclusions will result.
Finally, an area has been set aside for the gradual introduction of new
elements, to ensure that the project's appeal over the years will be
sufficiently great to attract repeat attendance.
AtttN0ANCL
Attendatite at an entettaitlment atttactiott on Watson Island is pto
jetted by tnatket segment iii fable 25. This table forecasts attetidattce for
a "norinal" yeat, i.e., after sufficient tithe has elapsed for facilities to
becotne established on a sound operational footing and khowt as a t4otthwhile
Visitot attraction in the local and tourist tnatkets. Normal attendatite
levels usually ate not teached until ati attraction has been operatitg for
a yeat or two, In taking this calculation, 1980 population is used,
although planning, construction, and the requited buildup in ettperiente
takes 1982 appearto be the first year that an attraction at Watsbn Island
could conceivably achieve full market acceptance, since it anticipated
that the attraction will open in 1980 at the earliest.
Because the proposed attraction at Watson Island is to have a low
gate admission with many elements on an individual charge basis, it is
estimated that high market penetration rates can be achieved. Major theme
parks achieve comparable rates to those projected for Watson Island with
much higher admission charges, but their content also is greater than that
planned for the island, so they have greater impact. Smaller parks with
more limited content almost invariably are characterized by lower rates
of market penetration, but this often is because limited theming`restricts
their appeal to a narrow segment of the available market, and pricing tends
to be on the high side considering the amount of entertainment provided.
Considering the amount of demonstrated resistance to advancing theme park
prices experienced in 1977, the more favorable strategy of a modest gate
charge and greater market penetration is suggested for Watson Island. A
low gate price and the content proposed for Watson Island is expected to
result in a touch higher frequency of repeat visiting than typical theme
parks attract, particularly from the close —in local market. This also
will be reflected in a high rate of market penetration.
Major theme parks typically achieve annual market penetration of
25 to 40 percent of their local markets, which are defined to extend for
a radius of 50 miles, and 12 to 25 percent in the 50- to 100-mile radius.
Table 28
PROitCTED NORMALYEAIt ATTENDANCE
AT A t4ATSON /StAMb ATTRACTION
Matket Area
Popuiatioii
of the Available Projected Projected
Matket1/, Market Attendance
(millions) ?enettatiOtt tthousatds)
Local.. Resident
Dade County 1.6 33% 528
Broward*Palm Beach_Counties 1.7 20 340
Rest of Florida 67 2 134
Subtotal 10.0 10✓ 1,002
Tourists
Dade County 4.5 30 1,350
Broward-Palm Beach Counties 4.0 13 520
Touring?/ 2,5 5
125
Subtotal 11.0 17% 1,995
Total 21.0 14% 2,995
1/ Based on• estimates for 1980.
2/ Tourists touring the state of Florida by automobile.
Source: Economics Research Associates.
lh the case of tietson island, it is estimated that ttatket pehettatioh of
33 percent can be achieved in Dade Comity (most of which is Within 25 miles
of the island) and 20 percent in Btowatd and Palm teach Counties (25 to
75 miles distant). In the tourist itatket3 established theme parks atttaet
anywhete,froni 5 to JO petcent of theit tiatketst given the long average
stay in Southeast Florida and the comparative lack of things to do; it is
estimated that 30 percent of Dade County's and 13 percent of BroWard*s and
Palm 'Beach's tourists can be attracted to Watson Island, in addition to
5 percent of those touring the state by cat. Applied to the available
markets in Southeast Florida; it is calculated that annual attendance of
appto:imately 3 million can be attracted to Watson Island, of which it is
anticipated that one-third will be local atea residents and two --thirds
will be out-of-state tourists. Considering that close to half a million
cruise. -ship passengers leave from Dodge Island across the channel froth
Watson Island, the projected attendance of 1►35 million tourists from. the
Dade County market shown in the table may be understated. Proportionately
less interest is expected among tourists to Broward and Palm Beach Counties
given the distance factor, while only 5 percent of all tourists making
multiple -stop visits to Florida by automobile are expected to be attracted,
in view of the fact that only a portion of this market elects to visit
Southeast Florida at all, and those who do already will have experienced
considerable exposure to the wide variety of competing attractions through-
out the state. Because two-thirds of its attendance is projected from the
tourist segment of the market, the success of Watson Island and the regen-
eration of Dade County's tourist reputation clearly are interdependent.
While many attractions achieve full market penetration in their
initial year of operation, the predominance of nonlocal tourists in the
Miami market suggests that it may take a year or two to establish a strong
identity.` For the purpose of prudent planning, a pattern of growth in
attendance based on 75 percent of normal year attendance being achieved
during the first full year of operation, 87 percent during the second`,
and full market acceptance during the third year has been adopted. Allow-
ing for local resident market population growth projected previously in
Table 3j attendance'oVet the first
Island entertainment atttactioh is
assuming that opening in late 19/9
1980
1081
1982-83
198486
1987�89
ten years of opetation at Vatboti
anticipated to develop as shots helm,
or eatly 1986 is achieved:
Because its scope is so much greater, the attendance level projected
for the entertainment complex at Watson Island is significantly greater
than those enjoyed by other Miami -area attractions, although it nould be
noted that such facilities as are available in the Miami area enjoy gener-
ous levels of support. Seaquarium currently is the area's leading attrac-
tion) and its attendance over the past 12 months totals approximately
850,000 paid admissions; when its sizable school -group attendance at dis-
count prices is considered, total visitation exceeds 1 million persons.
Attendance at this facility is limited in comparison with projections for
Watson Island for several reasons: performing sea -life shows appeal more
to families with young children than they do to the adult market which
dominates the Miami scene; very similar shows are available elsewhere in
Florida as well as in many of the market areas from which the bulk of
Miami's tourists are drawn; and the gate admission at Seaquarium is $5
for adults and $3 for children.
Other attractions in the Miami area are short -stay, low -investment
facilities which inspire very little repeat visiting and attract fewer than
one-half million visitors annually. These include jungle -setting displays
of parrots, monkeys, snakes and crocodiles, and Vizcaya, a Renaissance -
style palace filled with art objects. Admission for this attraction costs
$2.50 for adults, $0.50 for children, and $1.00 for admission to the gar-
dens only. Attendance in 1976 was 222 000, which is remarkably good
response considering price, limited interest and entertainment value, and
long exposUre of the attraction to the Miami Market, The bade toutty
Youth Fair, which runs for an 11-day period ahhua ly, last year dreto
attendance of 443,855 in total and over 70,000 persots oh its peak day,
A sut=vey froth over tt3o years ago indicates per capita revenues ran about
$12 excluding admission, another example of an enthusiastic response to
a much tore limited entertainment ekperience that is planned for W tsott
island
Because Watson Island will have a low admission charge tshich twill
encourage more frequent repeat visiting, its annual attendance is projected
to exceed that at many major theme parks which operate on a different basis,
bisney World currently is the leading park in the nation with annual atten,..
dance of over 13 million, followed by Disneyland at over 10'million,
knotts Berry Farm at about 4 million, and Cedar point at just over 3 mil-
lion visitors per year, however, at least 11 more parks generate atten-
dance of between 2 and 3 million visitors annually, including Busch Gardens
at Tampa, Magic Mountain, Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Over Georgia,
Six Flags Over Mid -America, Opryland, King's Island, Marriott's Great
America in Illinois and in Santa Clara, California, Great Adventure, and
Kings Dominion. Projected attendance of 3 million at Watson Island, there-
fore, puts the attraction relatively high in a comparative ranking of theme
parks. There are two main reasons why it is reasonable to expect this
result:
Most of the theme parks listed above draw their visitors over,
a much shorter operating season than Watson Island will enjoy,;
so there are more opportunities to attend. By the same token,
the comparatively long operating season at Watson Island snakes
the attraction much less susceptible to occasional periods of
adverse weather conditions than parks which are forced to rely
on a comparatively short operating season.
ITT-10
The theme parks listed above charge admission ptices that
range from 'a low of $6,50 to a top of $11,50 for adults, with
some 14 of thefn Priced at between $7.95 and $8,95 for adults,
Sot,e parks charge $0.S0 to $1,00 less for thildteno but there
is an increasing trehd toward charging the sate price for
adults and children, Said admission prices include all tides
and shows in the park at no additional charge, or a package of
8 to 15 events. This policy riorks veil in the family market'
and/or at at attraction like Disney World which is famous and
represents an investment of $275 million in highly sophisti-
cated entertainmentfacilities. Because Watson Island cannot
compete directly on the scale of a Disney World, and because
the market is dominated by adult tourists largely unaccompanied
by children, it is suggested that a pay -one -price admission
policy similar to the traditional theme parks would seriously
inhibit attendance and that a better strategy is to establish
low admission prices and permit the larger market to enjoy a
shorter, less intensive, and less costly entertainment
experience.
REVENUE PLANNING
A schedule of projectedvisitor expenditures at Watson Island is
outlined in Table 26. For the reasons explained above, it is suggested
that a gate admission be set at $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children,
and that a $3.50 season pass be made available to stimulate local repeat
visiting. Based on experience elsewhere, a relatively small. percentage
of such passes will be sold and their use will average approximately two
times per season, but once the actual pattern of season pass purchase and
use at Watson Island becomes established, an appropriate price adjustment
can be made. Allowing that 30 percent of all general admission tickets
will be sold at a group discount of 20 percent, the effective admission
price per capita is calculated at $1.71, in 1977 dollars.
Table 26
P1t0.!tCTED 1'ER CAPITA EXPtNO/TII t1 S
AT T1lt WATSON ISLAND At1JSE?YNT COHPb1X
Gate Charge!/
Parking?/
Food
Merchandise
Rides and Shows3/
Arcade and Games
Total
Per Capita txpehdittftes..,,
Current Projected to
1977. Dollars 1980 tollars
1.71
0,23
4,00
1,60
2,40
0.25
$10.19
$ 2,09
0.28
4.90
1.96
2.94
0.31
S12.48
Note: These calculations exclude marina income.`
1/ Based on a gate charge of $2.00 for adults, $1.00 for
children, a $3.50 season pass, and a 20 percent group
discount on 30 percent of all tickets.
2/ At $1.00 per car, 56 percent of all groups traveling
by automobile, and'2.5 persons per car.
3/ Based on an average of three events at $0.80 each.
Source: Economics Research Associates,
As previously indicated, the philsoophy behind a law gate charge
at Watson Island is to take it attractive to persons who otherwise tight
not attend As described earlier, admission prices at established theme
park throughout the country ate much higher, with the result that they
have begun to meet with significant price resistance during the 1977
season. Analysis of prices at the major theme parks operating ih the
United States (now about 18 in number) shows that visitor ekpenditures
have increased at an annual rate of about 8.5 percent oVet the period
from 1971 to 1976, compared with an average increase of 7.2 percent per
annum in the overall consumer price index. Since theme park attendance
is purely discretionary and some parks continued to institute increases
in gate charges in 1977, the result has been decreases in attendance of
up to 10 percent in a number of parks and/or forced reliance on an uses=
ually large proportion of discounted admission tickets.
Apart from this situation, it must be kept in mind that the avail-
able tourist market it Miami is overwhelmingly composed of adults unaccom-
panid by children, who often are the motivating force behind family
visits to theme parks. To overcome this situation the combination of a
low gate charge and a strong measure of adult -oriented entertainment has
been proposed for Watson Island, but without neglecting the interests of
the local resident family market.
In order to justify the gate admission contemplated, it is impor-
tant to provide an appropriate measure of attraction content without extra
charge. One feature which could be included in general admission for this
purpose is a ride or perhaps any single event at the option of the visitor.
Apart from something of this sort, the proposed Watson Island attraction
will feature a walk-through pioneer village, in which demonstrations of
20 or more crafts will be presented, including glassblowing, weaving,
candle making, spinning, basket making, soap making, wood carving, doll
making, and other appropriate handicrafts. Several stage areas also will
be provided within the park for the presentation of free musical and
other performances, and strolling tnusiciatis and other Street entertainers
ta11 provide interest throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds.
Finally, a cultural hall will be provided to be tirade available to tluali-
f.ed local theater, tiusica, and similar groups for the presentation of
special events to the public. A package like this clearly justifies the
small admission charge.
Returning to Table 26, it is contemplated that a charge of $1.00
per vehicle for ow -island panting will be made. Given tourist discount
programs for groups arriving by bus, parking fees are calculated to
result in an average charge of $O.23 per capita.
Ark extremely important aspect of the Watson Island entertainment
complex will be its restaurants and bars, particularly in view of the
fact that its large tourist audience takes most of its mealsout and
therefore is highly predisposed toward restaurant patronage. provided an
above -average job of restaurant design and operation is achieved at Watson
Island, the projected.$4.00 per capita expenditure shown in Table 26 may
well prove to be conservative. Merchandise expenditures are planned at an
average of $1.60 per capita, which should be easily attainable given the
combination of waterfront shopping and crafts facilities planned and the
strong shopping orientation of the adult market. At parks such as
Missouri's Silver Dollar City, where strong emphasis has been placed
crafts presentation, per capita expenditures on merchandise of twice
amount projected for Watson Island have been recorded.
on
the
Paid rides planned for Watson Island are principally non -thrill
oriented, and include all the attractions listed previously in Table 24.
Revenue planning in Table 26 is based on a scheme of individual prices,
although a package plan is another possible alternative. Given the avail-
ability of 10 rides and 2 paid shows, it is estimated that the average
visitor will participate at three paid events, contributing $2.40 to over-
all per capita revenue. With $0.25 spent on games and arcade devices, the
total expenditure at the Watson Island complex is projected at $10.19 per
capita in cufteht dollars. Given a 5-hout^ average stay; this amounts to
an hourly tate of about $2.04, which is in line ttith attractions tahete
dining and "shopping play P la. at important tole, Aithough average length of
stay at Major theme parks typically rusts 2 to 5 hours tote than is anti
dated at Watson Island, the total. eXpetditUte at these facilities cuter
gently tuns in the range of $12 to $16 pet capita, snaking an outing to
t4atsott Island comparatively less a cpensive and therefore tnore appealing
in terms of total cost,
PHYSICAL PLANNING_ PARAMETERS
Except for parking, it is neither' economical not necessary to plan
aphysical plant to accommodate absolute peaks in attendance at an out-
door entertainment attraction. A good balance is achieved if facilities
are planned for the "design day," an average of the top 15 or 20 days of
the year. At many attractions, the period of heavy draw occurs during
July and August; the double season experienced in the Miami area, which
is described in Section III, suggeszs that months in the November through
February or March period will at least equal and probably surpass the mid-
summer months in attendance. Under these circumstances approximately 12
percent of annual attendance is expected during the peak month, as shown
in Table 27.
Because the market for an attraction at Watson Island is so heavily
dominated by tourists whose stay is relatively long and whose time is
unstructured, attendance will not be heavily concentrated into weekends,
but will be more evenly distributed throughout the week. In similar situa-
tions the top day of the week has been found to account for approximately
16 percent of total weekly attendance, which results in an anticipated
design -day crowd of 13,000 visitors at the attraction under consideration,
as shown in the table. The comparatively even distribution of demand pro-
jected for WatsonIslandby month and day of the week results in much less
severe attendance pressures than are experienced at theme parks with short
Table 27
DtsIGnt-DAY ATTENbAl4Ct rACToRS Pbk THE
WATSON I$tAND AMHSPMENT COMPLtk
Projected Annual Attendance
Peak Month (12 percent)
Peak Week (+ 4.43)
Peak Day of Week (16 percent)
Peak In -Grounds (oo percent) 7,800
Source: Economics Research Associates.
3,000,000
360, 000
81,300
13,000
summer=only seasons slid a strong concenttatiot of Total resident attest
dance on weekends. For example, Six Flags Over Georgia, which is largely
depetident on a local thatket, must handle almost one thitd of its 2,4 tbil=
lion annual attendance during its peak month (resulting in a peak month
of 720,000), and the latge component of local area attendance results in
as much as 25 percent of the weekts crowd visiting on each weekend day)
The result is a design' -day attendance of about 40000 persons, compared
with Watson tsl:;tidis anticipated desigti-day crowd of 13,000. Moreover,
with a pay=one-price traditional theme park experience length of stay is
greater, and peak in -grounds crowds of 75 of 80 percent are experienced,
compared with the 60 percent anticipated at Matson Island. Under the
circumstances, a smaller in -grounds area and a smaller parking component
is more efficiently utilized and is able to accommodate a greater volume
of visitors on an annual basis at Watson Island.
Given the mix of restaurant and retail operations at the Watson
Island entertainment complex, it is recommendedthat a daily operating
schedule be adopted which calls for shops and rides to open at 10:00a.m.
and restaurants by 11:00 a.m., with facilities remaining open until about
midnight, according to function and season. This signifies at operating
day of 14 or 15 hours in summer. Somewhat earlier closings are expected
in winter, and it is recommended that facilities close one day per week
in the spring and fall. The restaurant orientation suggests that attend-
ance will cluster around the lunch and dinner hours, so it is expected
that as many as 60 percent of the day's patrons will be in -grounds simul-
taneously, producing the in -grounds crowd of 7,800 persons shown in the
calculations of Table 27. A 60 percent in -grounds factor is appropriate
for an attraction with a 5-hour length of stay, where the absence of a
pay -one -price rides and attractions policy does not make people feel"com-
pelled to participate in everything.
As previously indicated, it is planned that both merchandising and
restaurant space will play an extremely important role at the amusement
complex.` The combined sales of $5.60 per capita projected in Table 26
will produce ah annual gtoss sales voitii a of $16.8 tiiiliof office nerTh 1
attendance is achieved. Given the rathet intense use of facilities
throughout the yeat made possible by the telatively ever cutter and
fainter seasonal pattettt of toutistn to Miami, it is anticipated that an
average rate of sales of abut $i85 per square foot can, be achieved, imply=
ing that a total of approximately 90,325 square feet of such space will
be requited to satisfy demand. Some 40,000 squate feet is planned as
merchandise sales space, which tri11 include the International Village
shops near the entry to the park, the crafts village itt'the pioneer
section, and a small scattering of shops at other locations. The 50,325
square feet of food service will include a major food fair facility,
operating on the style of a farmers market, some fast food snack stands,
and a number of highly themed restaurants. While some of these may pro-
vide conventional sit-down service, at least some will serve cafeteria
style. The emphasis will be on good but reasonably priced food in an
interesting atmosphere. Analogies can be trade with such facilities as
Denver's Casa Bonita, Tampa's Kapok Tree Inn, The Chattanooga Choo-Choo
Restaurant in Tennessee, Springs Kitchen at California's Mt. Shasta, or
any number of other facilities throughout the country.
With regard to the amusement and entertainment facilities, Table 24
showed that planned rides are capable of handling a total of 9,650 riders
per hour, the equivalent of 1.24 rides per person expected in -grounds on
deisgn day. This is high in relation to most theme parks, but is a good
policy, since comparatively short lines are important in attracting people
to individually paid rides. In addition to rides, there are two major
shows. Since they will be individually paid events, daily schedules can
be adjusted to accommodate demand: the IMAX theater, with 500 seats,' will
run on a more frequent basis than the larger cultural amphitheater.
PARRII:G,A t kt .,AitD TfiA, 5PORtAttOtt, BIB8 Tt45
Unlike other in pack facilities for Which a certain atouttt Of etotid"=
ihg is acceptable at peak periods, the provision of art available patkitig
space is prerequisite to attendance at any Visitor attraction fot all but
those who code by public transportation, As shows its Table 28,'visitot
groups expected at the Watson island entertainment center vary considerably
by market segment as to party site atd propensity to travel by automobile,
rot example, the resident market is expected to average 3.3 persons pet
group, while those touring the state by automobile travel'in patties of
approximately 2.5 persons, Both these groups have automobiles available)
and for safety in planning it must be assumed that virtually all of them
will set out for Watson Island by car. Tourists to Broward and Paltn Beach
counties are characterized by a group size of 2.3 persons, and those most
inclined to travel to Watson Island are highly likely to have an automobile
at their disposal.At 2,1 persons per party, visitors to Dade County have
the smallest group size, and only 25 percent of theta are expected to
utilize an automobile for transportation. Miami and Miami Beach hotels
are quite concentrated in their locations which will facilitate bus or
limousine service, and revenue planning (see Table 26) has allowed that
some 30 percent of all admissions will be generated by package tour pro-
grams arriving by bus. 0n a combined basis, the 3 million annual visitor
load projected for the Watson Island amusement complex implies that 1.224
million groups must be handled, of which as many as 685 thousand are
expected to arrive by car. Given the seasonal and daily distribution pat-
terns explained previously, the parking requirement for visitors comes to
a total of 2,070 spaces, as shown in Table 28. When allowance is made for
an employee parking area of 375 spaces and for tour buses, which also must
be parked (although off -island parking is easily arranged for buses), the
total load comes to 2,445 automobile and 75 bus spaces.
The plan devised by R. Duell and Associates provides all the essen-
tial parking on -island. Compared with conventional theme parks, the number
of parking spaces is quite small in relation to the level of attendance
Table 28
PROJECTED PARl ING REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ATTRACTION
ON WATSON ISLAND
Visitors
asking Requirements (thousands)
Resident
Dade County Tourist
Broward/Palm Beach
County Tourist.
Touring Tourist
Total
Annual Number of Groups
Peak Month (12 percent)
Peak Week (T 4.43)
Peak Day of Week
(16 percent)
Peak In -Grounds Crowd
(60 percent)
Allowance for Absolute
Day (+15 percent)
Plus: Employee Parking"
Bus Spaces2/
1/ Assuming there
50 percent are
parking space.
2/ Based on 1.144
50 persons per
is 75 buses.
Source: Economics
1,000
1,350
525
125
3000
Persons
pet
Gtoup.:,.
Groups TraVeling
by..Automtbale
Groups Number
(thousands). Petcent_ ',(thiousartds)
1,3 303 100% 303
2.1 643 25 161
2.3 228 75 171
2.5 50 100 50
1.224 685
685,000
82,200
18,600
2,980
1,800
2,070
375
75
is the equivalent of 1,000 full-time employees, that
on -site per shift, and that about 75 percent require a
million arrivals annually by bus = 3,000:in-grounds at
bus 60 buses increased for absolute peak allowance
Research Associates.
III
ptojectedh The e planation is considerably gteatet teiiance oti bus tour
progtats, and a shortet length of stay coupled with a Mote eVen monthly
distribution of attendance, Which telieves pies ttre oh parking facilities.
To illustrate, it has been pointed out that Sid flags beet Georgia attracts
annual attendance of 2,4 million, and has 8,500 packing spaces Busch
Gardens in Tampa draws about the sate annual Visitor Volume, but its longer
season and mole even distribution of attendance permits it to operate with
4,000 spaces, or 38 percent fewer spaces than Six Flags °vet Georgia.
Furthermore, both parks are in suburban locations which encourage large
proportions of their audience to travel to them by autotmobile. They also
do not have the opportunity to tie it their attractions with nearby garages
and parking lots, such as those at Ball Point, Omni, and elsewhere in down-
town Miami, which tend to be less than fully occupied on evenings and week-
ends, when local area attendance and hence parking demand is expected to be
greatest.
With regard to the ability to handle large numbers of tourists in
a bus program, experience it Honolulu confirmsthat where hotels tend to
be clustered --as they are iti downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and other parts
of southeastern Florida --bus service is readily accepted if it is made
available. For example, the Pearl Harbor tour, located not far from down-
town Honolulu, attracts 95 percent of its patronage from the tourist inar-
ket, 99 percent of whom arrive by bus tour. The Polynesian Cultural Center
attracts 90 percent of its attendance from the tourist market, of whom 80
percent arrive by bus.
While attendance projections and economic feasibility of the planned
attraction at Watson Island are based wholly on a plan which relies on
existing systems, it is important to recognize that ferry boat transporta-
tion or the planned people -mover system could greatly enhance transportation
alternatives to the island.
Another important concern relative to traffic is the peak arrival
and departure times expected at Watson Island. 0n a top attendance day,
a total of some 3,500 automobiles is expected, Since the park will open
4
at 10 e,tn., the period between 10 and 11 anti, is projected to be the hour
dutitig which the makitnufn buildup in arriving traffic twill ticcut. Ekeri=
ence at other atttactiots suggests that about 20 percent of the daily
detnand will occur during this hour, which amounts to approximately 700
cats. Most visitors who arrive early at the park will time their depat'
tune to precede or follow the evening rush hour; later arrivals will tend
to stay until near the closing hour, which results it the peak egress
period. Once again, the proportion typically amounts to 20 of 25 percent
of the daily crowd, or 700 to 900-cars.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
In the interest of simplifying presentation of financial projections,
data related to the entertainment complex is presented first, followed by
an analysis of how the marina will perform financially when it is installed.
Financial Performance of_ the__„_ Entertaittment__Compl.ex
An operating schedule calling for a 10 a.tn, opening and the closing
hour varied anywhere from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., depending on the season and
the night of the week, is suggested. During the peak summer and winter
travel seasons it is recommended that the park operate daily, but that
operations be shut down one day in midweek during the low season months of
September, October, April, and Mai•. (When Easter vacation falls in April,
instead of March, the schedule should be varied accordingly.) As shown in
Table 29, the result is a 340-day season with 4,441 hours of operation
annually.
An analysis of the man-hour labor requirements per day for rides
and attractions associated with the' recommended operating schedule is
provided in Table 30; labor costs associated with shows', restaurants,
and other facilities will be considered later. This table indicates, for
example, that the flume requires 112 man-hours of labor on a 12-hour week-
day. This is based on the following' schedule:
111-22
1
Table 29
SUGGESTED OPERATING SCHEDULE
FOR AN ATTRACTION AT WATSON ISLAND
Number_Pf,“beYs
Weekdays Weekends!/
Summer
June 22 8
July 20 11
August 23 8
65 27
Total
Operating
,Hour$,.__.
65 at 14 houts/day3/910
27 at 15 hours/day4./ 405
1,315
Off=Season (closed
one day/week)
September 17 9 69 at 12 hours/days/ 828
October 17 10 28 at 14 hours/day3/ 392
April?/ 17 9 1,220
May 18 -9
69 28
Winter
November 20 10 104 at 12 hours/day5/ 1,248
December 21 10 47 at 14 hours/day3/ 658
January 20 11 1,906
February 20 8
March?/ 23 8
104 47
Total Operating Days 340 •
Total Operating Hours 4,441
1/ Includes major holidays.
2/ Schedule adjustments will be made to allow for the March -April shift
in the Easter vacation period.
3/ Opening at 10 a.m. closing at midnight.
4/ Opening at 10 a.m., closing at 1 a.m.
5/ Opening at 10 a.m., closing at 10 p.m.
Source: Economics Research Associates.
111-23
1
1
fable 30
totAL MAN -Honks REQU11tED DEk DAB
tot RILES Al,}t AttkAcTIONS
At t. AtS0N ISLAN1
rthelcenct
12=Hour 14-Rout 14 -Rout 1,5�tteur
RideOperations
Everglades Flume 112 128 144 145
Lighthouse Totaet 30 34 37 39
Carousel 36 40 50 52
Car Ride (Dodgem) 18 20 34 35
Scorpio Ride 30 34 37 39
Alligator Ride 16 17 24 25
Wave Ride 23 25 34 35
Hurricane Coaster 68 78 86 87
Flagler Railroad 44 50 58 59..
Subtotal 377 441 504 516
Attraction Operations
Children's Playground1/ 24 24 32 32
Dance Pavilion 39 57 65 96
Subtotal 63 81 97, 128
Support Staff
Relief Operators 71 71 128 128
Shift Supervisors 14 28 28 28
Line Supervisors 43 57 71 71
Maintenance 71 71 71 71
Subtotal 199 227 298 298
Total
639 749 899 942
1/ Assumes daily closing at 10 p.m.
Source Economics Research Associates.
III-24
¢L�
Period OPet•atgrs hatits Mah4101rs
10 a.tn.-Noon 8 2 16
Noon-8 p.tn. 10 $ 80
8 p.t. 10 p.m. 82 16,
Total
12 112
Another 2 hours of operation with 8 operators brings the total. to
128 than -hours on a 14-hour weekday, On weekends it is estimated that 12
operators will be required at the busiest tithes of the day, proportionately
increasing the man-hour requirements, Relief operators, supervisors, and
maintenance personnel are separately calculated at the end of the table.
A similar set of calculations for park general services is provided in
Table 31.
Given the ride operator and general service requirements outlined
in Tables 30 and 31, the total number of man-hours for rides, attractions
and general services is calculated in Table 32. Rides and attractions
are expected to result in 252,091 hours annually, while a 309,286-hour
total is estimated for general services. Applying appropriate wage rates
by subcategory, a budget requirement of $914 thousand for rides and attrac-
tions and $1.14 million for general services isestimatedin Table 33.
A complete operating budget for the Watson Island attraction is
presented in Table 34. In addition to the labor cost of rides and attrac-
tions and general services, calculated previously, the cost of operating
food service establishments, shops, the games arcade, and providing
administrative services is estimated at $7.32 million in current dollars,
or about $9 million if projected to 1980. For planning purposes, it
should be noted, all food and merchandise facilities are presumed to be
developer operated.
Show budgets --including the various theaters as well as an allow-
ance for strolling musicians, street characters, and informal cultural
presentations on the smaller, stages in the Park --come to $1.06 million
III-25
r
r
r
Table 31
TOTAL MAN-HOURS RtQtilkED PE t DA'
VOR GENERAL SEtViCES AT WAT80N ISLAND
_Weekday..._
124HoUt 14-Hour 14e=tiour 15'-hou
Parking Lot
Tram Operators 72,0 84.0 112.0 120.0
Cashiers 32.0 34.0 39.0 40.0
Attendants 32.0 34.0 53.0 55.0
Tickets
Sellers 52.0 56.0 69.0 71.0
Collectors 40.0 44.0 66.0 68.0
Guest Relations 30.5 32.5 37.0 39.0
Front Gate 13.0 15.0 15.016.0
First Aid 12.0 14.0 14.0 15.0
Lost Parents 8.0 10.0 10.0' 10.0
Housekeeping 125.0 128.0 128.0 128.0
Gardening 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0
General Maintenance 53.0 57.0 57.0 59.0
Paper Pickers 79.0 93.0 119.5 128.5
Time Office 31.0 33.0 33.0 34.0
Cash Office 56.0 62.0 62.0 65.0
Security 122.0 138,0 193.5 206.5
Shift Supervisors 17.5 19.5 19.5 20.5
Total General Services
815.0 894.0 1,067.5 .1,115.5
Source: Economics Research Associates.
111-26
Table 32
TOTAL MAN -MOORS FOR R1nr5, ATTRACTIONS, AND GENERAL SrRvrutTS
AT WATSON ISLAND,
Summer Off -Season Winter
65 Days 27 Days 67 Days 28 hays 106 I)ay., 47 pays
at (4 Hours at 15 Hours nt 12 Hours at 14 Hours at 12Hours at 14 Hours
Weekday Weekend Weekday = Weekend Weekday Weekend;
Rides/Attractions
Ride Operations 28,(65 13.912 76,011 14,112 39,208 21,688 141,618
Attraction Operations 5,265 3,456 4,347 ._.2,71fr 6,552' 4„559' 26r 895
Snhtotal 33,01R
10 t7,R 30;3(0 16.R24 45.760 2R,24T 171,f3'
Relief Operators 4,615 1.456 4,899 1.584 7,384 6,016: = 29,954
Shift Supervisors 1.820 716 966 ,84 1,4.16 1,116 - 7,.098
tine Supervisors 3,705 1.917 2,967, 1,988' 4.472 1„11/ 18,186
Maintenance 4,615 1,917 4,899 1,988 7...184 1,337 �24,140'
Subtotal 14.755 A.046 11,71f R.141. 20,fi7Fr 1�4„006 = 1?',S76
Total RLdes/Arr chaos 4R,685 25,134 44,991 25,172 66.c-7;"6 4X«7:r3" - 2-2,1')1
General Services
Tram Operators 5.4f�0 3.140 ��.96R 1,1)(- 7,4AR 5"«2frfr _ 20,55i
Parking Lot Cashiers 2.210 1.080 2',2UR' i,092' 3,T2Rr 1,R1'1 _ rl,75t
Parking, Lot Attendants 2.210 1,685 2,208 3 684• 3« )2R` 2.49'1` 1'1.206
Ticket Sellers T,61i0 l9I1 T,SRB' 1,9T2 5,Ji0R t,T�,;t 19?,71R'
Ticket Collectors 2.R60 r,836 7.760' 1'.,R4)l 4, f.1► 1f,107 _ L'6,,66•
i:ncst Relations 2,113 1,051 2.106 f,0`)6 ),r72 1`„7t7, _ 111,213T
432 897 420' 1.152' 705 _ 4 ,7R1!
Front Gate Control 9750 rF„t,�,p
First Aid 9)0 405 828 192' 1„248 658
Lost Parents 650 270 552 2110 812' 470 r,OSµ
Time`Office 2,145 918 2.119 924 3.221i i,)5•i = r0'„90Lf
Cash Office _41030 -1,7 5 �3rR6G 1,i3fr 5,82G- 2 914 20 P23i'
Subtotal 27,2(?) i/i,39f 2h,llfr 1'r,2H11 39t,Tfi/r r3,?T--O` l44r,324
Security 8,970 ,,7( R.41'8 5.41R r'L,:6ftR 9,094 - 50.164
Maintenance
Housekeeping 8.920 3,48ft R.R25' 3,584 11„00U' 6,Rf6 f 431 uoi
Gardening 2,600 1.OR0 2,760 `- r,r20' r,«I`60' 1,RA0 tr7),.600=
General lt,intenanee 3,105 1,593 1.657 1.596 5..`r17 2,679' C1r,742
Paper Pickers 6,045 3,470 5,4i1 3„31� R,.2r6 5- 616 _ 31 1'li�«
Subtotal 2U,fi70 9,Sr9 21r,491 9,646 10„B;IR' 1'6,L91 - 10i,48T
Shift Supervisors 1,26R 554 f,207 546 f,R2R 916 6, 311,
Total General Services 59,131 16.120 56,234 9,R70 Z�r,760° 50,171! - 101.286,
:Source: Economtrs Research Assoct,tecs.
Table 33
ESTIMATED PAR0LL COSTS tok
Rf13ES, ATTRATIONS, AND GENERAL sEkVICES
AT WATSON t8LANb
Total _ w,._:1917_bo11ars
Annual Total
Man,Rours Unit Cost Payroll
Rides/Attractions
Ride Operations 145,618 $3.45 $ 502,382
Attraction Operations 26,895 3.45 92,788
Relief Operators 29,954 3.45 103,341
Shift Supervisors 7,098 5.18 36,768
Line Supervisors 18,386 5.18 95,239
Maintenance 24,140 3.45 83,283
Total
252,091 $ 913,801
General Services
Operations 145,324 $3.45 $ 501,368
Security 50,164 4.60 230,754
Maintenance 107,487 3.45 370,830
Shift Supervisors 6,311 5.18 32,691
Total 309,286 $1,135,643
Source: Economics Research Associates.
III--28
Table 34
PROJtcTLb OPERATING LXPRi 8R8 FOR
AN ATTRACTION AT WAT80N IBtANb
Labor
Rides and Attractions (see Table 33)
General Services (see Table 33)
Food and Beverage (25% of sales)
Merchandise-(25% of sales)
Games (20% of sales)
Administration (3% of gross revenue)
Subtotal
1/
Live Entertainment-
Advertising and Promotion
Maintenance and Repair
Insurance
Operating Supplies and Equipment
Utilities
Property Taxes/
Miscellaneous and Contingencies
Total
Current
1977
Dollars
(millions)
$ 091
1.14
3.00
1.20
0.15
0.92
$ 7.32
1.06
1.50
0.48
0.41
0.75
0.68
0.63
0.67
Projected
to 1980
bollars
(ttilio�ns,� Percent
$ 1.11
1.40
3.68
1.47
0.19
1.13
8
22
9
1
$ 8.97 54%
1.30 8
1.84 11
0.59 3
0.50 3
0.92 6
0.83 5
0.77 5
0.82 5
$13.50 $16.50 100%
1/ Including the cultural amphitheater show, IMAX,theater staff,
strolling musicians, street characters, informal shows, and other
ethnic and cultural presentations.
2/' Calculated at $18 per $1,000 of assessed value on $35 million in
Construction.'
Source; Economics Research Associates.
111-29
annually. This dssutnes that the-watet ski acid amphitheater shone tail. be
ptesented three times daily on 167 days pet year and only twice oti the
remaining 173 days.
Advertising and promotion is budgeted at $1.5'tiiiltiott in current
dollars, tahich should afford a strongtnedia cattpaign. Maintenance and
repair is projected to cote to $480, 000. This is the equivalent of over
$1,400 per day of operation and$15 per unit of hourly tide capacity,
allowances tahich prove'tnore than adequate at established theme parks,
Calculated on a similar basis, insurance, operating supplies, utilities,
and property taxes total a projected $2.47 million. An allowance of
$0.67 million for miscellaneous expenses and contingencies brings the
operating budget to $13.5 million in current dollars, or $16.5 million
in 1980 dollars.
Given attendance and revenue projections estimated in preceding
portions of the report, Table 35 shows projected net operating income for
the entertainment complex proposed at Watson Island. Based on a 1980
opening year with attendance of 2.25 million, net operating income --after
cost of goods sold and operating expenses --is projected at $5.56 million.
By the time full attendance potential of 3 million visitors per year is
achieved, net operating income is projected to reach $12.9 million annu-
ally, after which`` gradual growth in attendance will result in increases
to $13.2 trillion by the close of the 1980s. This statement includes no
allowance for sponsorship income, which could add several hundred thou-
sand dollars or more to operating income.
Current planning for debt service is based on the issuance of
$55 million in bonds, from which approximately 44 million will be avail
able for project construction, as shown on the following page.
III-30
rII■!I!III 1
3l'3ojected Attendance (m111dous)
d:sptlmated Cross aevenue
-gate i(:Itargae and i'arlcdng
*ides
Food Service
le eltaudlse
Arcade andCanes
:Total Revenue
Estimated -Cost .of floods Sold
Food Sterv1ct. 435 percent)
Mertllauddbe (45 ;percent)
Games (25 percent)
Total Cost of ,Goods Sold
Estlar.tted Net .Revenue
1 iojectad Operating Expenses
filet ,Operating Income
As :a i'erc:uut ,tf ,Gross aevenue
Source: Economics;aesearcIi Associates.
Table 35
PROJECTED OPERATING STATEMENT FOR WATSON ISLAND A'lISArTION
(MIIIIions of 1980 Dollars)
1978 1979 1980 1981.1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
-- 2.25 2.60 3.00 3.00 3.05 3.05 3.05 3.10 3.10 3.10
$ 5.33 $ 6.16 $ 7.11
6.62 7.64 8.82
11.0i 12.74 14.70
4.41 5.10 5.88
0.70 0.81 0.93
$28.08 $32.44 $37.44
$ 7.11 $ 7.23 $ 7.23 $ 7.23 $ 7.35 $ 7.35 $ 7.35
8.82 8.97 8.97 8.97 9.11 9.11 9.11
14.70 14.95 14.95 14.95 15.19 15.19 15.19
5.88 5.98 5.98 5.98 6.08 6.08 6.08
0.93 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.96 0.96 _ 0.96
$37.44 $38.06 $38.06 $38.06 $38.69 $38.69 $38.69_
$ 3.86 $ 4.46 $ 5.15 $ 5.15 $ 5_23 $ 5.23 $ 5.23 $ 5.32 $ 5.32 $ 5.32
1.98 2.30 2.65 2.65 2.69 2.69 2.69 2.74 2.74 2.74
_ 0.180.20 0.23 0.23 _ 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24
$ 6.02 $:6.96 $ 8.03 $ 8.03 $ 8.16 $ 8.16 $ 8.16 $ 8.30 $ 8.30 $ 8.30
$22.06 $25.48 $29.41 $29.41 $29.90 $29.90 $29.90 $30.39 $30.39 $30.39
16.50 16.50 16.50 16.50 16.83 16.83' 16.83 17.17 17.17 17.17
$ 5.56 $ 8.98 $12.91 $12.91 $13.07 $13.07 $13.07 $13.22 $13.22 $13.22
19.82 27.4% 34.5Z 34.5% 34.3Z- 34.3Z 34.3Z 34.22 34.22 34.27.
r
Pat Value of fonds $5: 00b; 000
Less: Reserles $8,77!,000
Debt Service and Interest .000000
Total Reserves 9,375,000
Rxpense of Issuance �#000000
Net Construction Proceeds 43,625,000
Add: Interest Income During Construction 5,675,00 ?
Amount Available for Construction $47,300,000
Given that $20 million will be guaranteed by non -ad -valorem
revenues and that $35 million will be straight revenue bonds, Table 36
shows that combined debt for the project ranges from $3,634,000 prior to
the park's opening to a maxitnum of $4.7 million by 1988. As shown in
the table, debt service is covered more than three times once the park
is in operation, providing excellent coverage from the standpoint of
prospective bondholders
Looked at another way, Figure 8 shows that debt service would be
fully covered and all variable and fixed costs of operation fully paid
if annual attendance of only.1.8 million were attracted to Watson Island,
instead of the projected 3 million attendees. By the same token, at the
3 million visitor level an operating profit of approximately $8.8 million
after debt service is projected, indicating that operating expenses con-
siderably in excess of those projected could be absorbed without jeopar-
dizing the ability of the project to meet its debt service, requirements.
Table 37 shows the distribution of operating profits between the
city and the developer, after allowing a reserve for replacement and
expansion, which will come to an estimated $1.4 to $1.9 million annually.'
0f the remaining funds, the city will receive $456,000 the first year of
operation, with nothing returned to the developer. Thereafter, shares
1I1--32
dl
H
H
w
Projected
Funds Revenue
Available Bond
for Debt Debt
Service Service
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989 and
Thereafter 13,220 2,962 1,744
Table 36
WATSON ISLAND'' PROJECT
DEBT SERVICE ANALYSIS
(Thousands)
Tax Debt
Supported Service Total
Bond Debt Reserve Debt
Service Funding Service
-$2,434'
-- 2,434
$ 5,560 2,434
8,980 2,962
12,910 2,962
13,070 2,962
13,070 2,962
13,070 2,962
13,220 2,962
13,220 2,962
13,220 2,962
$1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,744
$70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
$3,634
3,634
3,704
4,232
4,232
4,232
4,232
4,232
4,232
4,232
4,706
4,706
Net
Revenue
Available'
After Debt
Service
$1,856
4,748
8,678
8f838
8,838
8 ,838
8,988
8,.988
8,514
Revenue Combined
Bond Bond
Coverage Coverage
2.28
3.03
4.3
4.41
4.41
4.41
4.46
4.46
4.46
8,514 4.46
Debt Serve Reserve Fund = $4,160,000, increasing to $4,720,000; Interest Fund = $7,268,00
Source: Prescott, Ball & Turben and Economics Research Associates.
1.50D
2.12
3.05
3,09
3.09
3.096
3.12
3.12
2..81
2.81
NMI
y-3 O
O :h
z
IvsnoH.
0 O
O
0
m I0
REVENUE AND EXPENSES (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS).
BREAK-EVEN ATTENDANCE
ur
0
Table 37
DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS FROM PARK OPERATION
AVAILABLE AFTER DEBT SERVICE
(Thousands)
Net Revenue Reserve for Funds
Available Replacement Available Funds
After Debt and for' Distributed to,
Service Expansion- Distribution City Developer
1980 $1,856 $1,400 $ 456 $ 456
1981 4,748 1,622 3,126 1,,298 $1,828
H
i
Ln
1982 8,678 1,872 6,806 3,436 3,370
1983 8,838 1,872 6,966 3,596 3,370
1984 8,838 1,903 6,935 3,510 3.,425
1985 8,838 1,903 6,93.5. 3,510 3,4255'
1986 8,988 1,903 7,085 3,660 3,425
1987 8,988 1,935 7,053 3,571 3,482
1988 8,514 1,935 6,5,79 3,097 3,482
1989 8,514 1,935 6,579 3,097 3,482
1/ At 5 percent of gross revenue.
Source: Economics Research Associates.
11
11
111111
i
111
increase rapidly and, once full scale operation is achieved, it is esti-
mated that annual shates in excess of S3 tniilon each Will be returned
both to the city and to the developer thereaftet.
Financial perform ti e , of_„the. Maria
Referring back to Table 22, it can be seen that rates for sotne wet
slips in existing tsarinas are comparatively inexpensive, but that a slip
in a ptivate, well -located, new marina commands a rate of $0.15 per foot
per day on an annual basis and $0.35 to'S0.40 per foot per day if rented
on a seasonal basis. The plan for eventual tsarina development on the
west side of Watson Island calls for an average slip of 46 feet, based
ott the following distribution:
Slip Size
(feet) Number Total Feet
35-45 69 2,760
40-50 60 2,700
60-70 15 975
70-90 7 560
Total 151 6,995
Some 122 slips for smaller boats --averaging 27 feet in length --are
planned in the north side marina, along with 76 transient slips for day
visitors. The transient slips will accommodate some large boats, but
most slips will be designed to handle boats of up to 25 feet, which
accounts for 92 percent of the Dade County boating market. Given the
varying rates applicable to each situation, Table 38 shows that slip
rental income of some $700,000 (in 1977 dollars) is projected for the
entire marina facility. Net revenue from fuel sales is estimated at
$100,000 annually. After meeting operating expenses of 50 percent of
net, revenue, it is calculated that the marina will produce some $400,000
in operating income.
111-36
Table 38
PROJECTED ANNuAt OPERATING INCOME FROM MARINA OPERATIONS
AT %4ATSON ISLAND
(Thousands of 1.977 dollars)
iestw-Sida Marina
100Permanent Slips at 46 Feet Each
$0.15 pet Foot per Day
51 Seasonal Slips at 46 Feet Each
$0.35 per Foot per Day In -Season and $0.20 per Foot
per Day Off -Season
1
1._
Net Revenue from Slip Rental
Ia
North. Marina --Contract Rentals
122 Permanent Slips at 27 Feet Each $21$
I$0.15 per Foot per Day
Less: Vacancy at 5 Percent
10
Net Revenue from Slip Rental $205
t North Marina--Day-Visitor Slips
76 Slips at 28 Feet Each $194
$0.25 per Foot per Day
Less: Vacancy at 50 Percent 97
Net Revenue from Slip Rental $ 97
Fuel Dock Net Revenue: 1 Million Gallons at $0.10 per Gallon $100
Total Net Revenues $800
Operating Expenses (at 50 percent) $400
$252
235
$487
13
7
Less: Vacancy
5 Percent on Permanent Slips
5 Percent In -Season and E60 Percent Off -Season on
Seasonal Slips
Operating Income
Source: Economics Research Associates.'
III-37
76
$ 89
$398
$400
ECONOMICAMPACT
Development of the proposed cotnple c oft Watson Island Will have a
tnajot econothic impact on the Miami area, ritst of all§ it is estitiated
that the proposed $55 million consttuction budget for the coftplek, infra=
structures and improvements oh the north side will provide the e jUi,alent
of about`1,700 tan -years of construction employment, which amounts to a
considerable input it the Miami economy, Secondly; Table 35 showed that
some $6 to $8 million in food and merchandise supplies will be requited
annually at the amusement complex, much of which will be purchased
locally. Moreover, the operating expense budget includes salaties for
an estimated 1,000 etnployees, as well as operating supplies, advertising,
laundry, and other services which will be purchased locally. It total,
consequently, the project will provide aconsiderable direct economic
impact on the area.
In addition, it must be recognized that when any major new industry
is developed in an area, the effect spreads far beyond the new payroll
established. Persons employed by the new industry invariably spend their
wages on the variety of goods and services offered by local businesses.
In turn, a major share of this sales revenue is paid out by such businesses
to their otan employees and to the employees of their suppliers, and is
again redistributed through the economy. This repeated redistribution is
referred to in economics as a multiplier effect, and has been measured
in many actual situations of this kind; under similar circumstances it
has been determined that for each new theme park job created an additional
1.5 jobs in service and other derivative industries are supported. When
account is taken of this effect, the total payroll supported by an attrac-
tion like Watson Island is more than double the direct outlay for on -site
jobs.
With regard to the role the Watson' Island entertainment complex
will play in Gold Coast tourism, it already has been observed that the
center has the potential to become the area's best attended visitor
I11-38--
1
r
1
1
1
1
1.
�1
1
atttaction from its inceptions As consequence, it will go a long tray
toward filling the void it things to do in the Hiaini area, and toward
creating a new cetitet of visitot activity on Biscayne Bay, a relatively
neglected hatutal tesoutcei idhile ah attraction such as Disney World,
with a cost in excess of $500 miiiio►, is capable of radically changing
the course of tourism to a given region, no themed attraction on any
investment scale car successfully compete on a head -Oh basis itt the
Flotida tnatket at this point, On the other hand, the attraction pro
posed for Watson island is properly scaled fot the market opportunity,
and it will go a long way toward creating new interest in the Miami area
and reversing the declining trends itt visitor enthusiasm indicated by
decreasing occupancy rates in MiamiBeachhotels
111-39
APPENDIX A
a
71
1
1
1
1
1
Appehdik'a,b1e A-1
POPULATION Off' TI-It LOCAL tESIOE NET MA11 t t
1975
bade Count
Bal'Harbour
Bay Harbor Islands
Biscayne Park
Coral Gables
El. Portal
Florida City
Golden Beach
Hialeah
Hialeah Gardens
Homestead
Indian Creek Village
Islandia
Medley
Miami
Miami Beach
Miami Shores
Miami Springs
North Bay Village
North Miami
North Miami Beach
Opa Locka
Pennsuco
South Miami
Surf side
Sweetwater
Virginia Gardens
West Miami
Unincorporated
Total Date County
Broward Count}*
Coconut Creek
Cooper City
Coral Springs
Dania
Davie
Deerfield Beach
A-2
?opttlatio►
2,118
4,100
2, 767
43, 908
2, 15 0
5, 365
893
125, 051
1,103
20,322
89
8
57
350,742
90,391
9,617
13,339
4, 536
44, 473
36,491
13,715
64
11,959
3,891
6,570
2,612
6,022
634, 525
1,437,999
3, 150
5,600
17,525
10,425
14, 000
28, 100
1
i
i
i
Appetidim Table A� 1
(Continued)
B rowa.rd Cou ty (coritti ued)
*rert crest Village 155, 350
l~°ort Lauderdale
Hacienda Village 105
Hallandale 33,600
Hillsboro Beach 1i400
Hollywood 123, 400
-:Hollywood Ridge Vartns --
Lauderdale -by -the -Sea 3, 025
Lauderdale Lakes 24, 325
Lauderhill 29,025
Lazy Lake 50
Lighthouse Point 12, 200
Margate 27,350
Miramar 30,200
North Lauderdale 8,825
Oakland Park 21, 320
Parkland 300
Pembroke Park 4,200
Pembroke Pines 26, 000
Plantation '40, 200
Pompano Beach 54,850
Sea Ranch Lakes 675
Sunrise 25, 000
Tamarac 20,450
Wilton Manors 14,000
Hardware Setninole Indian Res. 350
Broward Unincorporated 152
Total Broward County 887, 500
Palm Beach County
Atlantis 1, 101
Belle Glade 16, 192
Boca Raton 42, 709
Boynton Beach 34, 003
Briny Breezes 798
Cloud Lake 136
Delray Beach 33, 670
Glen Ridge 211
Golf 125
Golfview 210
Greenacres City 4,517
A-3
1
1
1
1
1
1
iJ
n
n
Alien dik '1+a.ble A . 1
(Concluded)
Palrti_Beach_Cbunty, (continued)
Gulf Stream
Haverhill
Highland Beach
Iiypoluko
Juno Beach
Jttpite r
Jupiter Inlet Colony
Lake Clarke Shores
Lake Park
Lake Worth
Lantana
Manalapan
Mangonia Park
North Palm Beach
Ocean Ridge
Pahokee
Palm Beach
Palm Beach Gardens
Palm Beach Shores
Palm Springs
Riviera Beach
Royal Palm Beach
South Bay
South Palm Beach
Tequesta
West Palm Beach
Uninco rporated
Po pulAtion
500
1, 134
1,444
385
1, 068
7,203
464
3, 376
8,934
28, 090
8, 373
267
1, 838
14, 746
1, 227
5, 823
9, 956
11, 167
1,044
9, 592
28,605
3,129
3,409
1,620
3.998
65,051
161.424
Total Palm Beach County 517, 539
Source: Metropolitan Dade County Planning Department;
Broward County Planning Council; Area Planning
Board of Palm Beach County; and Economics
Research Associates,
A-4
Joseph IA. drassie April 20, 1978
Cit•.y Manager I
4/27/78 agenda item
biplomat World Ehtetprises
;• y Watson Island Presentation
John E, Gilchrist
Project Director, Watson tsland /
Information package on the proposed
Watson Island Development
In accordance with the developer/Manager agreement between the City of
Miami and Diplomat World Enterprises, Ltd. dated November 11, 1977, as
authorized by Commission Resolution No.77-671, dated July 28, 1977,
DWE will present preliminary plans and financial feasibility documents
to the Commission for approval as required under the agreement.
Greater
l,p h,
center
April 26, 1978
Dear Mayor and Commissioners:
On January 24, 1978, the New World Center Action Committee received a
briefing of the Watson Island project by Mr, Ronald Pine and members of his
design team: Following this presentation all members of the committee
were asked to vote by written ballot. This poll substantiated our support for
the project:
On April 5, 1978, the Chamber Board of Governors approved the recommen-
dation of the New World Center Action committee to positively endorse the
project
This positive recommendation related to the concept of having a family
recreation and marina project ` on Watson Island consistent with the
presentation made by Mr: Fine and his associates:
We have followed this proposed development on Watson Island very closely
and are satisfied with the plans. We reaffirm our support.
Sincerely,
Alvah H. Chap an, Jr.
R. Rayoode
Chamber of Commerce .1200 Biscayne Boulevard • Miami, Florida 33132 • (305) 374-1800
- Te-iv
of l•• ctks
RICNAR) R. CUMMINS. President
Publisher. (in floating Magazine
!'At't Atit)RF., Vice president
Tres, Paul Andre Ins. Agcy.
%VII.LIAM G SAWYER, Vice Arts.
Tres., Marine Enterprises
Sit (I'R R. MERLI)I11i. Vice Pres.
Pres., Grose Kt) Manna
ROHLKT (i0G(iI•, Treasurer
\ ,I' , I hampson & McK mnnn
Auclirncldss Kohlmeser
J N"FRST1 K FlROW N. Setretars
Pres. Miami Shtplards t orp.
1)IK1:t1l)RS
R014I R I F _ Al HI RN
Tres , Hrs.asne Strscdnring Co
1 A%IH(51'H1:ICIIIR.JK
\' P . Itelchrr Oil ( nmpans
1110\1AS HII HOR's
Ihr Ike. Corot] .
lrenetalllescloprnent t'orp
J R011I KT (':ARITR
Pres . Richard Hertram Co
I'1 :\ lu ( (t\
Pres. Auto -Astatine I ngtneers. InC
RI( HARI/ li I)t)Ni 1\tr
H tarot, Irt.
LAI'IAIA. Jt 11A\ f F R\•\\OFZ
Pres. State lid An l',k r ('omm
DR N1111\M1 \111AN
Dean, R,sensttel School et
Marine h Atm sphertr Sctcncc
1110\IAS R P05)
Atrurnes
RIM/ it S K1( H. SK
Pres. Rt h Flrettu•o,,
RI'Sl 11 54'1l H
Sr \' l' Itert:am 1a.h1
RIC'HARI') 1 All 0R
t AI'IAI's ROM 1 \\ Al i)Rt)S
),rector. Pot! of Mtamt
It',ft)IlN N1 HF"R
•utsr'mp Consultants
J met national Inc
(.I(•ARI1 . VsI!SON
I'asri"c+rnmadote. M1+aru N aclrt Cluh
I K l Si t )S
Al'I \ 11A1I!"
%wine t onsultant, Aslernil•>tcuns
l)rs 1)os1.I.tnnpars
IREI) UKI\1 R
Pres. 1)rtscr. Associate
Kt)HlRI A 1 11't Ul k
Marine Manager. Cr:!errtar
l edhc•tter•Huchanan htc
JOIIN AAtip!' NI LAI. IR'
Pres . trrrenlrar• lelcsca
1 RAS3. At Hirt IN
hank Kerdsk. Kraltol
4053 PII M. KOI Is(•H
Pres .1.M1 Knitschto.
.11"SSS I AN'N(TRN
SI S 1'.. Southeast Mont:aye 4
!!ANI% 5 A/t)RKIS
Set I ryas : Istorris.A Res nuids:.ine:.
t,bORt.1 PAI II RSON
Past Commodore, Coral Keel
1'a.h: Cluh
RAIAMQ'sl)SIIANAHAN
Timru:Irrun K: Co_ Int
lt)WIN -H t'N1)FKNO0I)
fast (.'urnmodote, Ke) 'Htsea)ne
Yacht Club
,vECouvca
615 S,W. 20 AVE., MIAMI; PLA. 33136 PHONE et6-0 b6
RiCNARt) E. BRIOOS. become t)i ector
April'26, 1978
The Mayor and Members of the City Commission'
City of Miami
City all
Miami, FL 33133
Dear Mayor Perre & Commissioners:
The Marine Council wishes to commend Diplomat World Enterprises
on its imaginative plan for Watson Island.'
We are in accord with the marine aspects of the plan and urge
the city to accept the proposal.
Very truly yours,
Richard E. Briggs
Executive Director
REBtoa
FtICIIARb Ft. C1JMMISS, President
Publisher, tin Heating Magazine
PA1. L AS1)RF, 1'ice'President
tyres . Paul Andre Ins, Age).
WII_i.IAM G. SAWYER, Lice fires
Pres., Marine :Enterprises
SPENCER H- 51F1t1 I)11It Vice Pres.
Pres., (,ro+e ke% Marina
RORI:R1 (7O(i(iI , treasurer
h., "Ihornpsin & Mcktnnnn
Auchtncloss kuhlmeter
.i \i'FRSiI[R HK01Ak. Secretary
Prig . Mtarnt Shins arils orp
1)IRECLORS'
120I11 Ft 1. .AI HI RN
Pres , Htsca)ne Steiet1't ng (rt
.1 A\S11IttSl Hl I ('111 R, JK
1'_. Belcher t)d C tinrpati)
1 FIOMAS HILIi0R%
(it net 1)etelul+tnent l:nrp
I K(itil K 1 ('AR I I R
Pre.. It it hard Bertram Co
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Kll HARI) H I)01%1 I\0
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Apl •\I\ J1 11 \\ II RS•ASl'it /
iires . State Hd nt Pilot Comm
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p.011! R 1 5 RIt II. SK
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Itrt 11r,r► ('..anpaas
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101111141 :A 111 1 14
Marine Manager; C'n'cu;.ut
1 tdhetiet•Itu.t:anan Int
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1'rretrreenirat•leles u
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104)1'PH M 1.03 351 3i
PR, . I Ai koltsah Cn
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Set tread, titc.rrro.& ketit'3d.: InC_.
(iIOK(,) !':AI11KSi)\
(+,tnrnndure, Cora' Reel
\ atilt tluh
RA1"AS0SD) MIANAIIAS
Harrington & C. fnc
I l)u'i' 1i L51)1KN0(.1I)
11as1 t'ornnprdnre. Kr) as to:
\octal inn
'NE 4G!/NCll
616 S.W. 2ND AVE. MlAMI, PLA. 22120 PHt5NE 056aO O6
RIC1rARIL F.. HkItiGS, Eitecutive Director
Aptii 2'6, 1978
e
��
co d'
t.i
r
The Mayor and Members of the City Commission
City of Miami
City Hall
Miami, FL 33133
Dear Mayor Ferre & Commissioners:
The Marine Council wishes to commend Diplomat World Enterprises
on its imaginative plan for Watson Island.
We are in accord with the marine aspects of the plan and urge
the city to accept the proposal.
Very truly yours
Richard E. Briggs
Executive Director
REB:oa
{
eitu
ittribti
TO: The Mayor and Members of the City Commission BATE: April lO, 1978
FROM: Herbert Lee Simon, Chairman
Citizens' Committee for the Development of Watson island
SUBJECT:
Summary of a Poll Obtained from the General Membership of the Committee
On February 16, 1978, there was a general meeting of the entire Committee, held at Clty
Hall.The Committee saw a slide presentation and heard comments from Project,birector,
John Gilchrist, and Jay Lewis, with Diplomat World Enterprises) Inc. Questions and
answers followed the presentation.
Enclosed, herewith,
as a result of this
Committee members.
however, attempt to
interest or concern
are photocopies of the comments received from Committee members,'
meeting, There were 16 responses (enclosed herewith) from the 25
I respectfully suggest that you read all of the responses. I will,
summarize those items that appear to me to be of the greatest
of the members.
Although there were a few "no" votes and abstentions and reservations, the majority
recommended City Commission approval for the proposed development,
There is some concern that there must
that the marine organizations, on the
be adequate dockage for all types of boats and
Island, not be biased in their membership.
Some members feel that there should be
see that the operation of the Island's
best interest of the citizens of Miami
an ongoing citizens "watchdog" committee to
facilities, over the years, continues in the
There is the continuing concern about causeway traffic, even though the experts tell
us that no problem will'. be created.
There is some concern that the Citizens'
sufficient input into this project.
It is interesting to note that almost everyone feels that a family entertainment park
will be useful to the residents of this area, as well as economically sound. There is
some disagreement on the location and the development plan.
The mayor and MNetbers of the city Cominiesioh
April 10t 19/e
Iatje
1 have atteTipted to suItnnatize the taih points ' made by the Committee te1 bets ] Without
bias on Py part, iot] may obtain a better ihsight by reading the comments ih totol
t, personally, hope that the developmeht willptoceed as rapidly as possibleg l do
think that the cotnmeits from the members reflect the feelihs of the citizens of
Miathi and they should be given very careful cohsideratioh by the City Cotntnissioh:
1espectfully Submitted
Herbert Lee Simon
'Pa All l eMbers of the City of Miami i s` CI' ttE11B 'COMt iT'Y'E8 'ofi tgt MtM 6P
wMM8614 18
The eoi1l 'littee has how had the opportunity to reads see and heat discussions pro
a d coil deVelopteht of the 'family recreation) ei tertainTeht and sinuseiteht
attraction tot Watson Island+ 'onighti Pebruai-y 16) 1978i aftet seeing the
developer's tilde presentation you have had the opportunity to tai`se guestiofis
and Voice your concerns. You should how be prepared to complete the followifig
survey,
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Comtission,
Pemembet, your answers should represent not just your own poiht of View'he
compi.. i report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners i.n aiding their
understanding of community goals.
Please use the, space below to express your general comments on the proposed_
development
After carefully reading all that has been written in the press for and against
this project, and the exposition made by the promoters of this business, 1 consider
that this project, in its whole, will be of great benefit to the City of
Miami and that it will also have a very positive economic influence in Bade
and Brow•ard Counties
Comment specifically reaarding aesthetics, program., economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
I' was mostly worried at first about the traffic problems at MacArthur Causeway
and Biscayne Boulevard, After the explanations given by the experts in this
matter, I realized that such problem was not as serious as the press previously
indicated. I do believe thatwithregard to the program of activities in this
Park, emphasis should not be made upon amusement, but upon cultural and
entertainment activities. I think that Miami,' being the door from Latin America
to the United States, should have a Pavillion in which to present, ona permanent
and rotary way, different groups representing each Latin American country, in the
performance of artistic, cultural and sporting activities that would show the way
of life in these countries,
Lin you recommend c�urttnission approval of the proposed development for Watson
Island? . '' YES ,+
S grad
GU1j,i,EI M0 R. HSRMEI Q
(,
Pate d Febr'•vary 3,7, .978
-hem'
t'o All Members of the City of Mia li s tittttN8 COMMittEt Pbk Tgt btV'Ll tMt OP
MOW IttANb
'he committee has how had the opportunity to read i see and heat discussions pies
a#id doh deVelopmei t of the family recteatioh i entertainment and aTiiseTeht
attradtion for Matson tbland. !tohighti Pebruary-16i 19/8i after seeing the
developer's slide presehtatioh you have had the opportunity to raise questions
and Voice your oonbeths. Yod should how be prepared to complete the following
survey.
The results will be compiled fot a report to the City of Miami Commission.
ttememberi your answers should represent not just your own poiht of View The
compiled report Will serve as a guideline to the commissioners ih aiding their
understanding of community goals.
Please use the space below to express your general comments oh the proposed
development
e5/'t'4 /441-te ec.t e042.t.
Le4.z/Z i Wit- 147'% ?,4 w ,
e
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
.-€421(' Arr2t
if •vIr?';, �.
-
Po you recommend commission approval of the proposed development for Watson
Island? flee
t
_Signed
Signed
Dated_
It Aii Mtabett of 'the City of Miainirs eiTittNg OMM TEt k'btt Tfa btVELbipMENT 6P
W TtoN IttAMb
The Cothittee hat how had the opportunity to ready See and heat discussions pro
and coh development of the family recreation, enterteihmeht ahc arntisethent
attraction for Watson fsland. Tonight, Pebruaty 16, 19/8, aftet seeing the
deireloperls 'slide presentation you have had the opportunity to taise ciuestioht
end voice your concerns: You should how be prepared to complete the following
survey.
The tesults will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami (Commission.
'Remember, your answers should tepreseht not just your oWh poiht of View. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners ih aiding their
understanding of community goals.
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
development.
GENERAL CO'NTS: The over-all plan has progressed considerably in the last four months.
Irm not surprised by apparent lost interest by our Committee members since the 2/16/78
meeting was only the first business meeting of our own since organizing last September.
';owwer, the first effective interchange was accomplished this week from 945 to 11:00
P.N. between the seven members who remained, and John Gilchrist and Jay Lewis.
I suggested (and re-emp asite) that a new, positive approach must be
strongly publicized regarding the fact that this is a Community project,owned by the
Community (City of 1fi2mi), and for local residents and visitors of all ages: an' interest a.
By exurple) the covered and open areas already sited for cultural activities and the 5
of Gross income to be setaside forsuch special and Civic Events should be clearly
stated in terms of tOeir irportantance to the tote.l mix for Watson Island. That this con, -
piex is not a orivately owned there or amusement park, bot is one for entertainment, recce-
ation, and relaxation, far outweighing its Coney island type of rides which also are wanted
by the youn`-er see gent` of visitors:
If our Citizen* Ccrr'nittee, as a group, strongly favors de;relopment
of Watson Island, let's be charged with helping in publicizing it at cowrunity meetings.
To do so we'd need slides, statistics, literature, etc., and train ng in answering many of
the questions that might arise. e o start, as I suggested, please give each member a com-
pilation of all the answers to this survey. Also, why not let us have a list of the members
of our own committee, including addresses and background information as to their talents?
Now is the time for positive action, rather than waiting to react to misleading negatives.
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
'STIE 1CS: !: good start has been made in landscaping and overall site planring. However,
the City Agency that will represent Eland should have final approval on both interior and
exterior design of all structures, and contents of attractions. The planned landscaping
should improve the visual environment from what it presently is. I suggest more greener: in
the parking areas.
P GGRANS: Still incomplete, but must be better oriented to Civic Celel',rations and other
Community activities such as fine arts, the performing arts, school ergartizationspetc. Besides
being of broader interest for the Community, these will else stimulate repeat attendance.
EccnohIC IT '11CT: Seems both conservative and good from my experience. Also, ERA is one of
the top professional evaluators in the U.S.A., if not the world.
TRAFFIC & ?iAFi_I FACILITIES: I am not qualified to evaluate these areas. However, DOTT of
?•:etrc has concurred with the Developer's planning for tra'fic that there i$ at least ao
adr^hate safety and leeway factoring involved in the tr9ffic planning, l would envision
people mover fr'r►, l'j ami at the earli es# practical moment when such a need is asaured.
'� NT.:2. t'r 3 AT r,^'jrrt?rl^OF ^ TO H H N (� Derr steffectively
C ? * BYC __n..; .f 16 WHICH I C:G";CL' ).� ►�� .rate and in
th^ : development of ratsor: island will not increase ! iari's taxes. (b)That before any
rrivote club or organization be a ll.owed to occupy land or. W toon island, rramberf;hip must be
epon to all on an equal h asis, (c)Free access shouuld he provided to the site for Community
Cel Frat.ions, and similar a.rran ;ements for dining and for special events in the performing
fires
Do you recommend commission approval of the p,roppsed development for Watson
Island? , do with the Proviso that an aggencN' of the City of ? i-:i be provided with
ve=o power and act as a watch dog . ,given thought such action
may be complete.? unnecesR:;ry,
: elmont Corn, Jr.
to °All i eifibers of the City of ia. i e s cltitt'$1§ CC AMITTtt Ott 'fit btVttbi›MtNt bI
WMTtoN itLAMb
The cbmfiiittee has how had the opportunity to teadk.see and Meet disctissiohs pro
and coh deVelopfneht of the family recreatioh, ehtertaihmeht and amuseinef t
attraction for Watson island. Tonight j February 16, 1.78k after seeih§ the
developer's slide presehtatloh you have had the opportuhity to raise questio §
and Voice lour concerns: You should host be prepared to complete the fdllowiheq
sutVey.
The results Will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Cornissioh.
ttenember+ your ahswers should tepreseht not just yout oWh point of view. The
compiled report will setve as a'guideline to the commissioners ih aidihg their
Unaerstanding of commuhity goals:
please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
developmeht.
7141,'`' at,f 7eie 5 6.0c.h ,os ' er
44/ ' kv c" 4 ea, ,; ' b e` a me, /ciJrvi evil.* 4
09,400o ?vitt -4-24eA-0//0
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"of/ `7Pir.,cr,e4
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
/•� e. .� e ie es1.044r, 6-�( .�. e
e//L G aw c:.0 `sia tie.S ,¢ ,0 P e64t_, P O 41 e!.e e41,211,414
/014 ,41°, r Or,d o.vs c/ el'of 7ia
ear
Do you recommend commission approval of the proposed development for Watson
Island? f/er
Si9n 'd 0 _s.. pate e
/re
n All Meitbefs Of the City of Miarhi c1 i tM§ COMMl ttt bi VtLOPMl Wf P
WA sbfi 'i§
the c`ofitittee has how had the opportunity to read, see and heat discussions
and eoh deVeloptneht Of the fathily recreation, ehtertaihxneht and aiftt setheht
attraction fft Watsoh tslandr Tohight, i=ebruary 16, 1978 after seeing'the
developer's slide presehtatioh you have had the oppottunity td raise questiohS
and Voice yout co tcefnt. 'You should now be prepared to complete the following
survey.
The results will be compiled fora report to the City of Miami Commission+
Remember, your answers should represent not just your own point of view. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
understanding of community goals.
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
development.
pro
The developmeht on Watson Island can be an important element in the resurgence
of downtown Miami. To accomplish this goal, development on the Island must be
completed in a sophisticated manner indicative of a maturing metropolitan area.,
A definition of this quality which will symbolize the maturing nature of metro-
politan Miami is where the true difficulty starts.
Projects os this nature are traditionally sold as sophisticated entertainment_
centers and are in fact merely a contemporary ride oriented Coney Island project,'
such as Six Flags Over Georgia. The present plans and presentations make great
emphasis on the rides being the newest machinery that the state of the artwill
allow. The present design development team has gained ii-s recognition by the
creation of contemporary ride oriented projects, most of which in my judgement
will outlive their usefulness and will deteriorate with time.
We make much note of Tivoli Gardens as a good example of what should be done in
Miami. Tivoli, however, is an on going project which has become an institution
reflecting the recreational and cultural needs of a specific culture and may or
may not apply to Miami.
All of this leads me to believe the committee should recommend to the City
Commission the following;
aes
1. That the committe is generally in favor of the project and that the city
should proceed with all due and appropriate haste on the project.
2. The project as presented has made great progress toward a viable asset to
downtown Miami.
and
. The developmental work, as yet to be completed leaves substantial areas for
the project to drift into a downtown liability instead of an asset.
▪ That the city should create a group of active citizens to work directly with
a more fortified city staff to assure that the protect directly relates to the
aspirations of a maturing metropolitan area. This citizens group should be
enpowered to make decisions for and recommendations to the commission on a
detailed basis.
Pp you recommend commission approval Of the proposed development for Watson
Island?
.Si9
patecl
'C Aii N1eii iets•of the City of .,ia i s CITI E S OMMi 1 of ' � hOP f�1` O
WA bN 1StAi5
The comThittee has how had the opportunity to reach, see and heat discussiohs pro
aiidooh development of the family recreation, ehtertainfieht and aht9sefteht
attractioh for Watson itiand► 'Tonight, February 16, 1978, after seeing the
developer's tilde presentation ybuhave had the opportunity to raise questions
and Voice yottr concerns. You Should how be prepared to complete the foilotdhq
surveys
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Commission,
Remember, your answers should represent not just your own point of View. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
understanding of community goals.
Please use the space below to eXpress your general comments on the proposed
development.
t - . &6't..�/
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;.« tom✓ ,, ,
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
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•
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V % t
Po you recommend commission approval of the proposed development. for Watson
Island? t�
Signed + \-1
lR,
f Lf
e
To Ail MeMbert rat the 'City of Miami's ci '1ZEN5 COMMtTTEE gbh THE bEV'tt pMEW1 'b
WATt614 1t1
The coitale has how liad the oppottt hity; to read# see acid -heat discUssiohs pro
acid bbh de&elopfeht of the family recteatiohy ehtertaihtiheht and amusetteht
attractioh rot Wathoh 1sland, tonight# tebrtiary 16 19i$, after seeih§ the
developer' s slide presentation you have had the opportuhity to raise question
and Vbice your tohcerht, Voti should how be prepared to complete the followihc
survey:
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Conmissioh,'
Iiemembetb your answers should represent not just your own point of view, The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
Uhderstanding of community goals,
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
developmeht:
Thic- , ,mac; . ►. 7� Fi'%";,`t., r_�" c F r,�CG ,,ter.
�� .; tl �xr -� ,- r f� �..t. 5,� 4' y r� X ici ems,;
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Comment specifically regarding aesthetics,
marine facilities.
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icier _ 11 C$ COoK /';(2:,ne �'%% �'Hr �+.%'
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program, economic
rikiCe
f
or
Po you recommend commissipn approva
]sland?Y,4A ,. , ;, psi
r
impact, traffic and
66;4^E /ti: ti_-4:
As
7- r-,9T-VV /4,*/ " /(41
of the Proposed development for 'Watson
Aeted
eVir
$49ned_
/.
inn ?A1?^,j1 r.
16 All Mehbbtt of the City of Miami s CiT EEf.45 COMMiTTEE rbE THt btVELOPMENT OP_
WA' SON tStANb
r
f
•.r-
The Cofnttittee has how had the oppottUhity to tead> see And heat discussions pro
and con development of the family tecteatioh, entertainment and amusement
attraction tot Watson islands Tonight, February 16> 1978> after Seeing the
developers slide presentation you have had the opportunity to raise question§
andivoice yoilt ooncerris3 Yoti shoOid now be prepared to complete the following
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miaid Commission,
temember> your ahswers should represent hot just your own point of View. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
Understanding of community goals:
Please use the space below to express your general comments oh the proposed
development.
/1.40.
•
;A. r
.%yI
/,',! e % -
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics,
marine facilities.
71)
t
program, economic impact, traffic and
401.. 1,6074WPW 4.7'6" .744:424441
7 ,.eertc74-d
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•
-et-it-Ceti/.i,,;?, e
•
Do you recommend commission approval of the proposed development for Watson
Island? 1 i !'+ A..-te p ...11•••••
Signed
Dated
• To ,11 Mel iers o€ the ei.ty "df Miami r s •C 'tit t 5 CbMM1!'l'Pti P51 ° tiZ tOPMENT b
WM ''Sb14 L51:1ti
The ebfithittee has how had the opportunity to read, see And heat discussions pry
acid eon development of the family recreation, entertainment and amusement
$ttraetioh for Matson Island, Tonight, Pebruary 16, 19/8, after seeing the
developer's slide presentation you have had the opportunity to raise questions
and voice your concerns, You should "how be prepared to complete the followiho
survey.
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Commission,
1temembet, your answers should represent not just your own point of view. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
understanding of commun',ty goals:
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
development.
!//(1.1),c_ C....r <..ir %.1.c47, L..
41, f7
1.. (4:4i
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et--„„42
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/ l-SKr `47
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Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities. / •
y {iC Ges• G l e4 t„..c. ee6e Q t j � �r . - �.{
e_i•Lt-,4,1
/ 17
.- l f , f et N•C. C>-to'. �i ^" � C- C�s.d' 'ti i'
1-4-t ..c,. Li,. t L lea' ei CL .c Ce I. (.4° 1.L. t.c...../442;,frce—rt .-a„. <
L Lr� ,.,.•, '-
po you rec end commission approval of the proposed development for Watson
Island? �.
Signed.
/21
Patel
N
1
To All. Mefttiiers 'ot the 'City of Miami i CITIZEN§ COMM 'i' E POR btVEtt5k)AtMT b
WATtON f§tAtib
The coth1 ittee has now had the opportunity to read, see and heat discus,: ions pro
and eon deJelopteht of the family recreation, entertainment and aiiuseMtht
attradtion for Watson island, Tonight, February 16, 1978, after seeing the
developer's slide presentation you have had the opportunity to raise giiestiofi5
and Voice your concerns, Vou should now be prepared to complete the following
survey.
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Commission,
Remember, your ahswers should represent not just your own point of view, The
Compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners i.n aiding their -
understanding of community goals.
Please use the, space below to express your general comments on the proposed
development.
The Developer has given great time and effort to details of
the development so that it would be generally accepted by,
most segments of the Miami Community. I wouldsuggestthat
some person or firm conversant with or having expertise as
to the analysis of income and expenses be hired to recheck
all facts and figures submitted. This firm should be hired
to render an independent second opinion to substantiate or
to dispute the information given by the developer with direct
reference to the ultimate economic success of the project, This
type of professional review is absolutely essential before a
final decision is made by the City. The confirmation or approval
of the developers facts and figures leading to economic success
must be concurred with by an additional independent party; given
all pertinent facts and figures.
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
Signed
The Marine facilities planned for the island, should be built regardless
of any possible delays of the on -shore developments. It is a well known
fact that the City of Miami controls most of the, navigable harbors and
waterways of Dade County, and that Dade County and The City of Miami are
far behind Broward County and Ft. Lauderdale in Marine facilities The
treatment by the developer of t' .se marine facilities is excellent and
should be encouraged and augumented immediately. They •an be constructed
even if the main theme park is delayed. From an economic standpoint,
these facilities will immediately bring a return to the City and will help
expand all marine industries throughout Dade County.
A second thought should be given to the Goodyear Blimp Base to make certain
that it still cannot remain on the island. Expecially on that portion which
has been reserved for future development. The large amount of space dedicated
to vehicle parking could be reduced by a two story parking garage which would
possibly still have a low profile and not be objectionable to nearby islands.
All other commercial ventures which are now located on the island, such as
the Chalk Airlines, the Heliport and any smaller ship terminals could be built
along with the marinas' in advance of the main theme park, as long as they are
economically feasible. A water ferry system between Bayfront Park and Watson
Island would be a most inexpensive and inviting mode of transportation to and
from the mainland and help to disperse traffic in the City of Miami rather than
to encourage it to move to the island, This mode of transportation
would be the least expensive and the least disruptive to traffic on the
Intracoastal Waterway and could be expanded to other points at relatively
low cost,
Bated
t /v\
%L ki
to Members of the city 'oi MiaMirs CtT1ZE!4 tolTTkt toy b VtbbpT M' off'
WAttoH 1§tAttb
the committee has how had the opportunity to read, see and heat discussions pto
and con dettelopmeht of the family recreation, entertaihine t and amusement
atttactleh tot Watsoh lslandr Tohight, Febtuary 16 1978) after seeifitj_the
developet°s slide presehtatioh you have had the opportunity to raise gheatioh6
acid Voioe gout concerns, you should how be prepared to complete the following
sutvey, a
the results will be compiled tot a tepott to the City of Miami Cotninissioha
Petnember, your answets should represent not just yout owh poiht of -View, the
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding theft
understanding of community goalt,
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
development,
We are happy the development or the Weston eland
will mean more fairly amusement, in and out doors!. In
the field of work, we are glad to know that the develop-
ment of Weston Island 'will create more jobs, permanent
as well asttemporary jobs. We are`hopina that the dis-
tribution of jobs will be dealt with fairly, that there
will be no discrimination due to color. We also hope
that there will be jobs for the elderly. Such'as re-
freshment helpers, child care, and games attendances.
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic an
marine facilities.
We hope there will be Center 'e'for the Senior
Citizens, who can not do too much walking. By having
a center where they can sit and talk with there peers
that would allow the people they are with a chance to
get around and see the Island. This will give them(Senior Citizen
a chance to sit down and rest before going on to
other parte of the amusement park.
PP you recommend commission approval of the proposed development for Watson
Tslanc ? 1,+.0
sign,
Pater)
•
'o Ali embett Of the city of Miami's ciTIZE § CO 'IAItItt k'oit Tflt VEi oFMEN't or;
WATgoN ittAUb
The ooffittee has how had the oppoftuhity to Lead, see and heat distrussiohs pro
and Cob dev`elopteht of the family recreation, entettaiht5ef t and afln semeht
atttaetit h for Wettoh ttland, Tohight F'ebruaty 16, 197e, after seeing the
developer's slide presehtatioh yoo have had the opportunity to raise questions
Arid Vbice your concerns, you should now be prepared to Complete the foiloWiht
surveys
The:tesults Will be compiled for a report to the 'City of Hiahi Commission
ltemenibef, your answers should represent not just your owh point of view, The
cotnpiled report will serve as a gUideline to the commissioners in aiding their
understanding of community goals,
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
development
The Diplomat group did an excellent job in preparing their
presentation on the Watson Island development, it was most
impressive.
I am a proponent of the theme park concept. I ate highly in
favor of the development,of Watson Island as an amusement
facility appealing to tourists as well as South Florida
residents.
Florida culture as the theme is interesting and most appropriate.
This theme is an excellent source to design programs' and the
aesthetics of the park.
From reports presented by Diplomat and information presented by
media, the additional traffic created will not adversely effect
traffic flow. If and when it does,that will be an indication
the park has created much needed additional visitors to the area.
For many years, ' marine interests have reported a shortage of
dock space in this area. If these reports are correct, the marine
facilities provided by the Watson Island development are needed
and this too would be a community service.
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact► traffic and
marine facilities.
Do you recommend commission approval of the Proposed development for Watson,
Island? .yC
Signed
Nof
Da*ed
To All Me1fbets of the City of Miami's Oftf2tNS COMMITTEt POk tAt btVEhoPMMNt OF
WM'sb4 161ANO
The coMftlittce has now had the opportunity to read, see and heat discussiohs ptc
and coh'developmeht of the family recreation, ehtertaihhent and aMuseheht
attraction fot Watson /slang. Tonight, l'ebruary 16, 19/81 after teeing the
deVe1opet's slide presentation you have had the opport h ty to raise cuestioh
and voice your cohcerhs: 'You should i-iow be prepared to complete the following
survey,
The results will be compiled for a report to the City of Miami Commission,
tiemember, your answers should represent hot just your oven point of view. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
understanding of community goals.
Please use the space below to express
development,
Unfortunately the slides shown to us, were those of other attractions such as Tivoli
Gardens and Six Flags Over Georgia, It is hard to base an opinion on those and project
a total picture of the project.
As expressed earlier, I feel that the theme of the project would be more promotable if
it were in line with the concept of the City of Miami's new image of a New World Center
rather than nostalgia.
Florida is the site of the space center and the theme of the park could be an extension
of that. It should be "unique." Something that no one else offers. Otherwise we are
competing with Disney World and Six Flags Over Georgia:
I'believe a quality contemporary theme would be less in cost than imitations of old
concepts. This is 1978 and we are living in the space age. Yet no one ever attempts
to -project that.
Promotion wise it would not have to compete with existing theme parks and the uniqueness
itself would be the best promotable asset.
your generalcommentson the proposed
I also recommend some shuttle service from Bayfront Park Marina to alleviate any traffic
congestion that might occur.
Foremost and above everything else, quality should be a major concern for the .evelopment.
(CONTINUED)
(::
Comment specifically' regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
(CONTINUED)
o-approve of the development of a them park on Watson Island.
,ake 7Y4-12. atbiluxit
0,4 fur Ag,c41, si'd44,a,t(20,
1(4-94444-
Po you recommend commission approval of the proposed development foj Watson
Tsland?
Signed
Dat'"d GP. 7(
'i'o All Miefbers of the Oit.y of Miami s %3T±ZEN8 CoMMiTttE FOR TN bEVtt-OPMSNT 0;
WATSON iSLANb
The eotmittee has dhow had the opportunity to feud, see at,d hear discussions pro
and doh deVelopmeht of the fafiily tetteatioh, entettaihmeht and arnusefneht
attract oh ft3t t4atsoh 1"stand,* Tonight, Eebtuary 16, 19781 aftet seeihe the
developer4s Slide presentation you have had the opportunity to wise tquestiohe
$hd voice yotht cohcerhs, you should how be prepared to complete the fol.loWth
survey,
The results will be compiled for a report to the
Remembet, your answets should represent not just
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the
understanding of community goal,
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
development,
See Attached Statement
City of Miatti Commission:
your own point of view, The
commissioners in aidihtj their
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program,
marine facilities.
economic impact, traffic and
PP you recommend commisslon approval of the proposed development for Watson
Tslanc?
1
SignedF.`+Ei
Robert I= Simms pirec .ar
Community atel-eti.Ons Board
Patel
General CbfirnehLs bh the Proposed
beve loptnen t
An After -the=Fact Advisory Committee
I have very strong negative reactions to an advisory
committee which, in all practicality, could only react
to the plan presented, There is no wad' the public
interest could best be served without a thorough e:amiiation
of the alternatives, Since none were presented, thus the
Advisory Committee performs a rubber stamp process.
Concerning the existence of the Miami Yacht and Sailing
Clubon the proposed Watson Island Development:
y-Under no condition Should a private organization be
allowed to maintain utilization of public land especially
when the Public facility maintains a restrictive policy,'
either by covenant or practice.
--The involvement of development monies to enhance this
facility is at best abominable.
--Since the lease of the property by the Miami Yacht and
Sailing Club has not been renewed, (allegedly they operate
on a day-to-day basis) the following optims are offered
in terms of priority
1) The development of a "Sea Park". This facility to
be, operated by the City of Iiami Park and Recreation
Department. This will afford the full range of "water
activities" to all taxpayers and tourists,
2) Open membership policy by all yacht and sailing
clubs holding leases on public property.
To Ali' Membeirs of the city' of ii.ami s ciTIzt!SS cbM%ffTTi� FO t k b i i3O'N1 T Off`
•.A4-Attb$'t1,,ANO
The cbihnittee has now had the opportunity to read, see and hear disbussiohs pr i
aid coin debe1oprneht of the family recreation, entertaihmeht and amusemei t
attractibh tot Watsoh island, Tohight, Pebtuaty 16, 1978, after seeihc the
developer's slide presehtatioh you have had the opportuhity to raise questioht
and Voice your concerns, You should how be prepared to complete the following
surveys
The results will be compiled for a report to the city of Miami Commissions
Pemenber, your ahswers should represent hot just your own poiht of View. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners ih aiding their
understanding of community goals,
Please use the space
development.
I have viewes the slide presentation a couple of, times, I have heard
questions and answers. I have heard various citizens and groups
express their views. Yes, I have formed an opinion.
I say tall systems are go". The sooner we proceed with the pro ject
the better off we shall be. Each phase of this project has been
devised by the most proven expert and/or team available. The project
is attractive and has been pronounced economically sound. Although
many questions have been raised, I have not heard one person say
that we do not need a good family entertainment' area.
Of course each person nas his or her own idea of what the project
should contain and where it should be located. The main questions
seem to relate to traffic, parking, aesthics and economics. Three of
these items have been declared no problem by our experts. (I must
respect their knowledge in their respective fields) The other item
(aesthics) I can judge for myself, and what I see is beautiful and
will be a credit to Miami when viewed from land, water or air.
Although many voices have been raised against this development, I
firmly believe that most of these well maiming persons have formed
their opinions from a biased press. If these persons would hear
and see the "other side" properly presented, they would sing a
different tune. This is a rare opportunity to have a public project
whow in black ink instead of red.
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic :impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
below to express your general comments oh the proposed
The marine facilitbes are well designed, and, if they shoulo prove
inadequate, they are designed for expansion. I believe that I
have answered above as to the other subjects.
Po you recommend commission approval of the proposes development for Watson
Island? very definitely, yeo,
$ignec.
Pated
6 Ali t embeit's bt the city of iiaini's ti'tittN COMNi' ttk bk tgt btiittbi,Ml t4P np
WAMCSON 1tt
the ebfhtittee'has now had the opportunity to read, see and heat discussions pto
and ci h deVelopmeht of the family recteation, ehtettainineht and ahtusetnent
etttaction floc Watson Islands Tonight, February l6, 1578# after seeing the
deelopet'S §lide presentation you have had the opportunity tb raise questions
a d voice your conceth 'You should how be prepared to complete the following
sutvey,
the results will be compiled tot a report to the City of Miami Commission.
Remember, your answers should represent hot just your own poiht of view. The
compiled report will serve as a guideline to the commissioners in aiding their
understanding of community goals.
Please use the space below to express your general comments on the proposed
developments
As a metnbet of the Committee} I have had an opportunity to read all of
the material available both to the Committee and the newspapers, to see
the audio-visual presentations by Diplomat World Enterprises and to spend
quite some time on Watson Islandd walking around the shore line and
observing the activities that take place right now,
There is no question about it) Watson Island is a very unique location for
Miami's Theme Park. Thereis an array of exciting activity going on even
before the development has been created. > If you combine this extraordinary
location with the plan as put forth by Diplomat World Enterprises, it is clear
that we are going to have a most exciting and rewarding addition to our
community.
Comment specifically regarding aesthetics, program, economic impact, traffic and
marine facilities.
I remain with only one concern and that is that the traffic on and off the
island will be managed in such a way as not to disrupt the normal' flow of
traffic between Miami Beach and the residential islands with the city and
the expressway system. Perhaps a study should be done to see what the cost
of an extra directional lane might cost between the Watson Island parking
area and the interchange between I95 and 836. Such a lane could handle
peak traffic and be used either eastbound or westbound as the traffic demand
dictated.
In summation, I think that the traffic problem can be resolved both by additional
roads and other means of routing traffic on the Development and I believe that
the Watson Island project should go forward as quickly as possible and with the
greatest community support. Properly executed and publicized it will do much
to restore the image of a growing Miami, where leisure time activities' are not
relegated to a center 40 or 50 miles away from the main community,
ssion approval of the proposed development for Watson