Monday, October 29, 2012

Bruce Matheson on the Tennis Center Expansion Question on the Ballot: Vote NO. By Geniusofdespair


• Florida law requires that notice of a referendum proposal must be “clear and unambiguous,” cannot “fly under false colors” or “hide the ball as to its true effect.”

• Why haven’t any actual plans or specifications for this massive development ever been provided to the public? How could voters possibly know what you’re asking them to vote on?

• Where does anything you’ve provided tell voters that a professional tennis promoter and its political allies in County government are proposing a 50-year sweetheart contract requiring $50 million in County bonds to finance a massive expansion of the structures and commercial uses on the Crandon Park Tennis Center site in the heart of Crandon Park, the public’s pristine sylvan retreat on Key Biscayne?

• Why haven’t you told the public who will have to pay the $50 million in County bonds if the tennis promoter decides to leave or goes out of business during the 50-year period?

• Why haven’t you told the public that none of this proposed expansion would be permitted by the existing Crandon Park Master Plan and restrictive covenants on the land?


11 comments:

Anonymous said...

When businesses can't open, customers can't access their businesses, tourists can't party, insurance companies won't cover, banks won't finance, people will care. By then, it will be too late.

Anonymous said...

1st anon you lost me. What are you talking about?

Thanks for posting this. I am voting NO. I was going to vote yes because it sounded a lot different than the reality written in the ad.

I should have known dade county politicians and their shenanigans. You can never take anything for granted with the BCC.

Anonymous said...

I think 1st anon meant to post comment under the video of Miami Beach under water.

Anonymous said...

Glad to see the opposition finally awakened. The multiple extensions of this tournament contract with a particular sponsor did not seem appropriate. 30 years, plus 10 years, plus 10 years...Really? I am voting NO.

Anonymous said...

Now tennis is the enemy. According to EOM, is there anywhere in this county you think it's ok to do anything?

Anonymous said...

Vote no
And lose tennis in key biscayne when the current contract is done

Anonymous said...

I've already voted no to extending the 2 week traffic nightmare. Sadly, most people who vote on this measure are completely unaware and unaffected. All they can think is, "Cool! Tennis!"

Anonymous said...

The current lease is up in nine years. That gives the county plenty of time to come back with a proper plan for the voters.

This is the result of the lobbying firm representing the issue being very cunning in getting it on the ballot in a rush without informing the public.

Anonymous said...

This is a marquee event in the tennis world that brings recognition, prestige, and revenue to Key Biscayne and Miami. Are residents of the Key really so selfish and egotistical that they would deny the significant benefit to all so they don't get held up by the traffic. Typical Miami. Fuck you, it's all about me.

Geniusofdespair said...

Last Anon...
So you would rather say FUCK YOU to the Matheson's intent for their gift? I like Bruce and respect his persistence in protecting the park. If not for him Key Biscayne would have loaded the park with ball fields. But I fear there are ball fields in the mix because Key Biscayne was bought off somehow.

Livescore said...

I am also voting for no and also want other to not say yes for this. Thanks