Watson Island Referendums Pass, Allowing Four New Towers

Miami voters voted yes on two separate items on the ballot yesterday relating to Watson Island, paving the way for new development.

The two separate ballot questions were:

Charter Amendment: Partial Conveyance for Revised Development at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail on Watson Island

Shall Miami’s Charter be amended authorizing sale and/or lease of 5.4 acres on Watson Island based upon fair market value of $135,000,000 to Ecoresiliency Miami LLC for residential and commercial uses pursuant to applicable zoning, waiving bidding, and requiring:

  • Returning 13 acres to City to construct new public waterfront park at no cost to City;
  • Cancelling existing theme park and hotel lease; and
  • Contributing $15,000,000 for affordable housing, infrastructure, and other public benefits?

Charter Amendment to Revise Mixed-Use Leases on Watson Island

Shall City Charter be amended to revise existing leases at 888 MacArthur Causeway, sell 3.2 acres of leased property to tenant for fair market value of not less than $25,000,000, reduce overall development, extend term 24 years, waive bidding and authorize, at no cost to City:

  • $9,000,000 contribution to affordable housing plus infrastructure improvements;
  • Timeshare units become condominiums;
  • Mixed-uses to include office; and
  • Expanded public waterfront and pedestrian promenade along Biscayne Bay?

Nearly 59% of voters were in favor of the Jungle Island question, while nearly 62% voted yes to the 888 MacArthur Causeway (Island Gardens) item.

The developers of the Jungle Island parcel are planning two 40-story towers with between 500 and 600 residential units.

On the south side at 888 MacArthur Causeway, developers are planning a 30-story lifestyle hotel with 350 rooms, and a 40-story tower with 105 condos and 150 hotel rooms. There will also be office and retail space.

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Jenna
10 hours ago

Let’s hope they build something iconic like the Marina Bey in Singapore or better!

Marina
10 hours ago

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Anonymous
7 hours ago

I never liked the triple towers with a surfboard balanced on top, but the next phase for an even taller tower is indeed a game-changer.

Ramona
4 hours ago

Ugly !

Anonymous
10 hours ago

I live in a building where I can clearly see Watson island ….this agreement with the city is finally one that can actually come to fruition….they will be beautiful buildings and the cafes restaurants and bay walk will provide captivating views of our skyline ….im not even mentioning the park that’s planned…..I’m pleased the referendum passed

Dexter
9 hours ago

It would be great if the Metromover had a stop here on the way to South Beach.

Go MIA
8 hours ago

That would make sooooo much sense!

Anonymous
7 hours ago

No Metromover. Metrorail please!

Go Miami
10 hours ago

Excellent news!!!!

Anonymous
10 hours ago

Great news!

casey
10 hours ago

Does this mean Jungle Island will close?

anon
9 hours ago

I hope they rename the entire island to Jungle Island. Watson Island isn’t so fitting, sounds like the town in Cyberpunk or somewhere cold.

Anon
9 hours ago

Jungle Island sounds tacky and touristy…..sorry…

Joe
9 hours ago

How about Miami Island, Santa Cruz Island, or Emerald Island?

Anonymous
7 hours ago

No, it’s named after John W. Watson Sr., mayor of Miami in the 1910s, when a village became a major city.

Mixed bag
8 hours ago

Amendments require >60%, so, this was a “No” for the Jungle Island and “Yes” for Island Gardens?

Anonymous
7 hours ago

That’s a state thing. These were local referendums.

Cover the Podiums
9 hours ago

This would have been a great area for large parks to hold oceanfront venues, music festivals, walking trails, and much needed greenspace for Miami. Instead we get 4 new towers with multimillion dollar condos…

Anonymous
9 hours ago

If these referendums had failed, would that have been an option?

Jared
7 hours ago

No.

Anonymous
9 hours ago

“oceanfront venues”….guy doesn’t know Biscayne Bay from the Atlantic Ocean, yet he demands that Miami should get more parks.

Anonymous
8 hours ago

Imagine the traffic clusterf– like the marine stadium fiasko when there are events. Common sense really isn’t so common.

Anon
9 hours ago

You must have missed the part where there is going to be a large park with oceanfront views, walking trails, and much needed green space.

Cover the podiums
7 hours ago

Yes but on half the land

Anonymous
5 hours ago

This would have been a great area for large parks to hold music festivals, walking trails,green space etc,ect I think we can have both ,the towers and all those amenities since the towers will only occupy a small piece of land