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.
Rickenbacker RFP looks like a done deal set-up for no-bid Plan Z proposal added by Ladra on
View all posts by Ladra →
