Miami Commissioners on Wednesday approved a proposal that will help clear the way for a group led by David Beckham to purchase Miami land for a new soccer stadium and complex.
By a 3-2 vote, Miami Commissioners have agreed to let voters weigh in on whether the city should negotiate a deal to develop Miami Freedom Park at the Melreese Country Club.
That vote will be included in the upcoming November ballot.
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Miami city commissioners are expected to decide Wednesday on a proposal that would clear the way for a group led by David Beckham to purchase Miami land for a new soccer stadium and complex.
The 10 a.m. meeting will include the possible approval of a referendum that would be placed on the November ballot. It would allow voters to decide whether to change bidding laws in the city’s charter to negotiate a no-bid deal.
Such a move would allow the city to go forward with the potential approval of a plan to lease land that is currently occupied by the Melreese County Club near Miami International Airport.
The group has proposed a massive complex that would include a 28,000 seat stadium for a future Major League Soccer franchise as well as youth soccer fields and spaces for retail shops, hotels and offices.
There has been push back from the community. A lawsuit was filed in an effort to stop any proposed plan, arguing that they are ignoring mandatory parts of the city charter if such a stadium deal is approved.
The proposed stadium is also being opposed by members of the community who participate in the First Tee program based out of the course, which has been in operation since the 1940s.