The Miami-Dade Commission on Thursday voted 9-1 to approve American Dream Miami -- a $4 billion retail and entertainment complex that would become the largest megamall in the nation once completed.
The gigantic complex would be built on 175 acres of now-vacant land at the busy confluence of Interstate 75 and Florida’s Turnpike, northwest of Miami International Airport and just a few miles from the environmentally-sensitive Evergaldes.
Plans call for hundreds of retail shops, restaurants, 2,000 hotel rooms, and theme-park attractions such as an indoor ski slope, submarine ride, water park and skating rink.
“We’re not building a mall. We’re not in the mall business,” said Don Ghermezian, president of Canada-based developer Triple Five. “This is a park that is meant to compete with the best parks in America.”
Language was added during Thursday's vote to ensure no taxpayer dollars will be spent on the Miami project.
Supporters say developers will follow environmental rules meant to protect the Everglades, and pay for measures to address traffic concerns.
Environmental groups say it’s too close to the Everglades, threatens the region’s drinking water, could be swamped by rising seas and will require vast amounts of electricity.
Developers say the project — which still needs to obtain 32 local, state and federal permits — will create at least 14,000 permanent jobs, as well as thousands more during construction.
Supporters urged yes votes to help Miami compete against Orlando’s tourist mecca.