MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Debate continued over a proposal to build a waterpark at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach.
A bill is on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk that would allow the project to move forward without public input.
During a meeting Wednesday, Miami Beach city leaders discussed taking possible legal action against the state of Florida over the legislation of House Bill 399.
Legal experts say it’s a sweeping land-use preemption bill that city leaders say strips local control from development decisions and doesn’t allow residents to be a part of the approval process.
The governor has not signed the bill.
“This governor has a reputation for retaliatory political engagements,” said Miami Beach Commissioner David Suarez. “I think we’re going down a dangerous rabbit hole here on challenging this.”
Commissioners discussed allowing the city attorney to explore possible legal action, and officials also want to bring the Fontainebleau to the table.
“If the direction of this body authorizes litigation, I would feel comfortable taking action,” said Miami Beach City Attorney Ricardo Dopico. “If the direction is come back and get further direction, then I would need further direction.”
The commission voted to have the mayor, city attorney, city manager and residents from the Mid Beach Neighborhood Association negotiate with the Fontainebleau over the proposed water park project.
Details of the project feature as many as 11 water slides, including one that is 120-feet tall.
Residents are concerned about environmental impacts, noise and traffic.
After the meeting, a staff member for the mayor of Miami Beach said this is very preliminary and that they’re trying to get all parties involved to get compromise.
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