Options for Rickenbacker Causeway Plan Z considered after county analysis

RFP may go out anew but privatization still considered

The Rickenbacker Causeway Plan Z project may not exactly be dead, but it could take on a new form after a virtual meeting Monday with Key Biscayne stakeholders.

A recent “value for money” assessment of the request for proposals that was written very specifically around an unsolicited bid from architect Bernard Zyscovich found that the county will get a better deal if it ditched the $500 million Plan Z-like parameters and began a new, truly competitive process.

This seemed to have vindicated the Key Biscayne Council — who voted to start the process over — and other village residents who have been opposed to the Plan Z fancy overhaul.

But the county analysis still found that privatizing the causeway could provide the best long-term scenario because although construction costs were higher, the risks to public money were lower.

So could the county still give the causeway away?

The analysis provided the mayor with two scenarios, she said in a Nov. 19 memo. The first would be to cancel the procurement and start over — which is most popular with the Key Biscayne crowd. The county should firts allow time to confirm federal funding that could be available, further develop the project for future needs, engage stakeholders and complete a National Environmental Policy Act process, which requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of and prior to any proposed actions.

It is also suggested in the value for money report that the county first issue a request for qualifications to pre-qualify proposers, then issue the RFP.

If the county continues this RFP, it is still suggested that a prequalification period is added, the NEPA process is initiated and the deadline is extended to confirm federal funding and allow for community input.

Both Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Raquel Regalado, whose district includes Key Biscayne, have said that the county should scrap the request for proposals out now and start anew. But what will that new RFP look like?

Regalado, who called for a refresh of the process first and wants to include a group of “key stakeholders” that will include the school board and the city of Miami, said the most critical part that needs to be addressed immediately is the repairs and sustainability improvements to Bear Cut Bridge.

Perhaps Key Biscayners will get a chance to shape that RFP at a virtual meeting Monday with both the mayor and Regalado where the analysis will be presented. Village Manager Steve Williamson published an open letter in the Islander News asking residents — many of whom booed the commissioner at an earlier meeting — to be grateful and respectful.

“It is now our opportunity to show our appreciation to our County Mayor and our District Commissioner for their thoughtful and deliberate assessment of the project,” Williamson wrote. “On Monday, let’s give them both the respect they deserve as well as clearly express the reasons why the community believes the entire process should be refreshed.

“Let’s explain our interests in starting anew, addressing the most critical infrastructure first, seeking federal funding support, and creating a key stakeholder working group with the Village of Key Biscayne as a principal member. In the end, I believe most of the community wants to see a new path forward that leads to competition, creativity, community input and the best solutions for the residents of Miami-Dade County and Key Biscayne.”

To participate in the virtual meeting, which starts at 6 p.m., register here.

Options for Rickenbacker Causeway Plan Z considered after county analysis added by Ladra on December 5, 2021
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