City of Miami Commission Archives

BREAKING: Miami Freedom Park initiative passes, clearing way for Inter Miami CF stadium negotiations

By Matthew Bunch on Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Jorge Mas (far left) and David Beckham speak to a crowd at the Douglas Entrance in Coral Gables after claiming victory in the Miami Freedom Park initiative. Photo via Gabriel Gabor, MLS.

It wasn’t easy, but after two efforts in front of the City of Miami Commission and a hard-fought campaign for the support of Miami voters, Inter Miami CF is one step closer to finally claiming a permanent home. Voters approved a change to the city’s charter that would allow the team and the city to negotiate on a no-bid contract to redevelop Melreese County Club into Miami Freedom Park.

The next step for Inter Miami CF is to negotiate with the City of Miami for terms of a lease. Four of the city’s five commissioners must agree on the terms before any development can move forward. Only three commissioners (Joe Carollo, Keon Hardemon and Ken Russell) supported the initiative in July.

The initiative passed easily, clearing the 60-percent threshold in the city. Perhaps even more critically, the initiative met or exceeded expectations in precincts located in the Grapeland Heights community where the project is expected to take place.

Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami CF names Jurgen Mainka as Chief Business Officer

By Matthew Bunch on Thursday, September 20, 2018

Jurgen Mainka, right, is pictured as part of CONCACAF on June 1, 2015 in Miami Beach. Photo by Elito J. Schechter / AFP Photo

This afternoon, Inter Miami CF added to its front office personnel. Jurgen Mainka was announced as the Chief Business Officer for the team.

Inter Miami CF

City of Miami commission approves Miami Freedom Park ballot initiative

By Matthew Bunch on Wednesday, July 18, 2018

City of Miami commission chairman Keon Hardeman bangs his gavel as the commission grants approval to a ballot initiative on the November general election ballot related to Miami Freedom Park and Soccer Village. The commission meets in chambers at Miami City Hall in Coconut Grove on July 18, 2018. Photo by Matthew Bunch.

The City of Miami commission has voted to allow a ballot initiative in support of Miami Freedom Park and Soccer Village to appear on the city’s general election ballot on Nov. 6. The vote was 3-2. Commissioners Keon Hardemon, Joe Carollo and (critically) Ken Russell voted in support. Commissioners Manolo Reyes and Willy Gort voted against.

The day appeared to start where last Thursday’s meeting left off, with commissioners airing their grievances with the deal. The two most prominent voices in the morning were those of Reyes and Carollo.

Inter Miami CF

Term Sheet for Miami Freedom Park made public before City of Miami commission meeting

By Matthew Bunch on Tuesday, July 17, 2018

A rendering of the development that would be Miami Freedom Park and Soccer Village. Rendering provided by Miami Freedom Park, LLC.

Just hours before the start of the City of Miami commission meeting that could potentially decide the deal’s fate, the Term Sheet that establishes the proposal between the ownership group and the city regarding Miami Freedom Park and Soccer Village was made public.

First shared by local columnist Grant Stern, the three-page term sheet covers a number of issues, some dealing in terms already established and some touching on concerns that commissioners shared last week.