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Miami, we have an exciting opportunity on the horizon, and it’s one we can’t afford to miss. After years of delays and uncertainty, Watson Island is poised for a transformation that will benefit all residents. This November, Referendum #2 will be on the ballot, and with your support, we can make Watson Island Park a reality. I urge you to vote YES on this critical referendum to unlock a vibrant, world-class public park for future generations—at no cost to taxpayers.
For far too long, our community has seen Watson Island’s potential remain untapped. Now, we have a chance to take a major step forward by replacing the current Jungle Island site with a 13-acre public park and two residential condo buildings. This isn’t just another development—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve public land and turn it into a green oasis that will connect residents and visitors to the beauty of Biscayne Bay. Let’s finally move forward after years of stalled efforts and turn this underutilized space into a community hub for all to enjoy.
A Park That Benefits All of Miami
With views of Downtown Miami and Edgewater, Watson Island Park will feature over a mile of walking and jogging trails, along with play areas for children. This initiative ensures that the land becomes a public asset, protected for future generations. Environmental advocates are already praising the plan for incorporating resiliency measures and coral restoration efforts, ensuring that this park aligns with Miami’s environmental priorities.
This isn’t just about building a park—it’s about creating a lasting legacy that makes Miami more livable, vibrant, and connected. The park will also link seamlessly with the 2.2-acre public promenade planned as part of the Watson Harbour development, giving residents even more access to the waterfront and stunning views of Biscayne Bay.
Privately Funded, No Cost to Taxpayers
One of the most compelling reasons to support this project is that it comes at no cost to taxpayers. ESJ Capital Partners and Terra are fully funding both the park and residential condos, ensuring that Miami residents won’t bear any financial burden. Instead, the development team will contribute $15 million toward affordable housing and infrastructure upgrades across the city, addressing some of the most pressing challenges we face today. These funds will help longtime residents and working families continue to call Miami home, while also improving infrastructure that makes our neighborhoods safer and more resilient.
Good-Paying Jobs and Economic Growth
Voting YES on Referendum #2 means supporting the creation of hundreds of good-paying local jobs, in construction and other industries, providing meaningful opportunities for Miami residents. The development of new condominiums will also generate new property tax revenues, which can be reinvested into essential public services like public safety, parks, and climate resiliency efforts.
This project offers the rare combination of environmental stewardship, economic growth, and community investment—all without adding any financial burden to taxpayers. With the additional property tax revenues, Miami can continue to thrive while ensuring that its residents receive the services they need and deserve.
A Chance to Move Forward—Together
For years, we’ve watched Watson Island sit in limbo while other parts of Miami surged ahead. It’s time to change that. By voting YES on Watson Island Park, we can unlock this site’s full potential and transform it into a community space for everyone. We’ll create a world-class public park, boost our local economy, and secure critical investments in affordable housing and infrastructure—all through a plan that is privately funded from start to finish.
This is our opportunity to leave a positive legacy that benefits all residents—whether they come to the park for a jog, take in the views along the promenade, or find a more affordable place to live thanks to the housing investments this project will generate.
The Time to Act is Now
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the time to act is now. Absentee ballots are already arriving in mailboxes, and early voting begins on October 21. Election Day is November 5. Every vote counts, and this referendum is our chance to ensure that public land is used in a way that benefits the entire community.
Let’s stop talking about what Watson Island could be—and make it a reality. Vote YES on Referendum #2 to support Watson Island Park, a project that will transform our waterfront, create jobs, and deliver millions in community benefits—all without costing taxpayers a dime. Together, we can build a more connected, livable, and inclusive Miami.
This is our moment—let’s seize it. Vote YES on Referendum #2.
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This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
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