Despite a “listening” session for stakeholders to raise concerns, the request for proposals on the Rickenbacker Causeway overhaul (and privatization) went out exactly as it was first expected to: As a near total replica of the unsolicited Plan Z proposal that looks like a done deal.
Guess nobody listened.
This is just theater, pretend transparency and process where there really is none. Because nobody can compete with architect Bernard Zyscovich and his team on the very plan they have spent about seven years perfecting. Especially in less than 90 days. The only reason we’re going through the motions is because Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and the commission don’t want to be accused of giving away a juicy no-bid contract in a secret backroom deal. But that is actually what they’re trying to do.
The $510 million project — a price tag the Plan Z team no doubt provided — must include repairs on both the Rickenbacker and Venetian causeways, even though they have almost nothing in common, but the focus is almost exclusively on the Rickenbacker. The RFP calls for the replacement of Bear Cut bridge, maintenance of the beaches (and concessions?) on Virginia Key, gazebos, dedicated bike lanes, an observation deck — that will become Miami’s version of the Verrazzano Bridge for suicides — and a fancy schmancy information center with a coffee bar, bike shop and banquet space for Carolina to have her quinces. Really.
Know more: More questions than answers on makeovers for Rickenbacker, Venetian
In exchange for the design and build, the county will give the developer an 80-year run of the place, including toll operations. This basically means privatizing our public road and beaches. Worse, it’s like selling the island. And giving control of the only way on and off the island for thousands who live and work there.
Will there be toll hikes? Will pedestrians and bicyclists have to pay?
Well, how else do you expect them to get their $510 million back? This is a business venture, after all. A public private partnership, emphasis on the word private. Sure, commissioners will tell us that any toll increases have to go through them first. But why would they listen to us then and not now?
Miami Beach officials and Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman wanted the Venetian Causeway taken out of the RFP. They were ignored. Key Biscayne officials and residents wanted it to be less cyclist-centric — did we mention there’s a bike shop? — and offer more solutions to traffic. They were ignored.
It seems to a lot of people that this project has La Alcaldesa’s seal of approval and is on the fast track. Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz wants it to succeed because it would be the first test of his unsolicited bid ordinance, which is what triggered the RFP. Diaz did not return a call and text from Ladra, but expect him to say that they need to have plans for the federal infrastructure money coming. But this is the best use of those funds for Miami-Dade infrastructure? A banquet hall? A bike shop?
Why does this look and smell like a land grab real estate deal disguised as a bicycle path?
Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado, whose district includes Key Biscayne, had a town hall zoom to address the concerns of islanders. But she is also adamant that the county address sustainability and repair Bear Cut Bridge.
“My understanding is that there can be proposals that do different things,” Regalado told Ladra. “It can include things that are not in the RFP. People can go bigger or they can go smaller.”
Know more: ‘Secret’ plans for Rickenbacker reboot makes Miami-Dade mayor seek bids
And does anybody else find it fishy that former Miami-Dade Parks Director Jack Kardys is part of the Plan Z group? Nah, they don’t have an inside track. Riiiiiight.
This RFP should be tossed out on its ass and the commission should direct Levine Cava to issue a new one that has a little more room for different options and approaches.
Maybe we don’t need a Rolls Royce project. In other words, give up the heated leather seats so it doesn’t cost and arm and a leg.
The right thing to do is to let anyone who wants a shot — and there were more than 200 people on that “listening” call — compete on an even playing field.
Then, but only then, the commission can truly and transparently choose the best option for all of Miami-Dade’s residents. And it might be a Volvo.
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We think there were more bike riders along Old Cutler Road. It may be we’ve changed the hour we drive there, or it may be that bikers aren’t willing to take the great risk that is driving on the side of the road in Miami-Dade’s crowded streets. You’ll forgive us if this magnificence has something to do with accommodating leisure bike riding In dangerous streets’ conditions.
Gary Simon is not Zyscovich – he actually knows how to ride a bike.
Gary Simon must be Bernard Zyscovich or Carlos Gimenez Jr. Both pigs earthing at the through.
Instead of spinning all the nuances of the proposal in the RFP, I think you should spin that the county will never get its act in gear to do all the work that’s necessary for these two causeways. The county has been looking at it for decades. It’s always been a piecemeal approach. It’s going to take a private public deal to make these two Causeways into the magnificence they deserve. Work to make it happen with all the bells and whistles.
This is why I never voted for Daniella Levine-Cava. Folks she has been in Office for almost a year. Just like President Biden “stupid is as stupid does”.
Hence, judge them for their actions and not their appearances. In both cases, their appearances and actions is one of the same. “Plain stupid”. Neither has accomplished a single thing so far….
Just saying the truth!
Seems to me there are several related issues that need be considered, for example:
Are we going to privatize the causeway? That one looks like a done decision, so move on.
Have we put privatization up for competition (literally open to entities worldwide)? Would love the hear the reasons why not.
Why the 90-day decision window? The rush does not give me the sense of transparency I expect from my government. Want to hear why such a short window.
Will non-residents of Key Biscayne have to pay more than residents? I, a non-resident, don’t want to pay more than they do.
How much will the tolls be (for the entire duration of the lease)?
I would play this game differently:
a. We (Miami-Dade) decide how we want to modify and manage the causeway and related land.
b. We specify the project in an general bid proposal.
c. We put out the bid, evaluate the responses and pick the best competitor.
d. We do the deal.
Am I missing something here? I must be.
Key Biscayne? What do Key Biscayne leaders say? This is their only access route.
#OURPAYTOPLAYBCC ? How are “the Donations ” Coming Along ?
Another scam. So many lies. Remember when the idiots at the County promoted and pushed that disaster called Marlins Stadium? They said it would help revitalize Little Havana? How did that work out? $3 Billion screwed from taxpayers as the private owner, Jeff Loria, left Miami with $1.2 BILLION in his pocket. Vote No. Speak up. This Plan Z looks like another scam.
Land grab? Of course. Wrapped in bike safety. Bikes were never part of Crandon’s masterplan, it grew organically starting in the 70’s with some daredevil rides and the parks has been playing wack-a-mole ever since. Yes address the bikes holistically but as distinct and separate project. The PROS (Parks and Recreation and Open Spaces) department has nothing in their job description about roadways and bridges, nor the staff to evaluate it. . Other than they both make use of asphalt, recreational bike parks have nothing in common with hurricane proof toll bridges. The Parks department should not be managing the roadway and certainly not this entire POS bid process.