HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Andres Althabe-Letter from Biscayne Neighborhoods AssociationSubmitted into the publ'
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Association
Esteemed Mayor Suarez, City Manager Gonzalez and City Commissioners,
My name is Andres Althabe and I am writing in my capacity as president of
the Biscayne Neighborhoods Association (B.N.A.), regarding a proposal
before the commission to negotiate a ten-year contract with Formula One.
Having only recently learned of this proposal through social media and news
media, I have nonetheless received multiple calls and emails from our
members regarding the impact such an agreement will have on their quality
of life as Miami residents. I would like to address their concerns with you.
We understand and applaud your efforts to find new and innovative ways to
boost the city's economy and brand, and respect the intention of thE?
proposal in this regard. However, as with any economic development idea
that disrupts residents' way of life, there needs to be consideration as to
what is the right balance between economics and livability.
As history has shown, past races including the Formula E experiment held in
2015 have presented many problems. To name a few: lengthy traffic
disruptions and street closures that worsen our gridlock by affecting both
vehicle and pedestrian traffic, security issues for residential buildings near
the event, restricted access to public parks during long event setup and tear
down periods. We are concerned given past history as to how event
organizers would restore and repair damages after all the wear and tear to
our streets and green spaces resulting from the race. A glaring example of
what can go wrong occurred during the aforementioned Formula E race,
where sections of public space behind the American Airlines Arena promised
as a "public park" were covered in asphalt and arguably still haven't been
brought back to their prior condition.
Given the promised economic boost, we want to understand what financial
benefits will be allocated specifically for the areas of downtown Miami
bearing the burden and suffering the repercussions from this event. How will
a ten-year commitment affect the deployment of public open space ,projects
planned for this area such as Biscayne Green, completion of Museum Park
and the park at Parcel B. Is it truly possible for these spaces promised to the
community to actually co -exist if the proposed race route?
Submitted into the publ�__LLL record for ate_ (s _
on 1 City Clerk
These are questions our residents need answers to. A ten-year commitment
negotiated without having a chance to gauge its impact is concerning to the
thousands of members that B.N.A. represents. We urge the city to study
these factors, set up meetings with neighborhood associations, and contact
previous Formula One host cities to understand the pros and cons of such a
race. Until that is done, we humbly ask you to defer the decision on entering
negotiation. We would like to give our communities a chance to have their
voices heard.
Respectfully,
Andres Althabe
Presiden t
Biscayne Neighborhoods Association
(917) 407-0032
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