Miami City Commissioner Rolando Escalona says he stopped the five-acre park project to reconsider how best to expand green space in Little Havana. His predecessor says there’s another explanation.
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David Villano
Latest from David Villano
Inside City Hall: How Miami Firefighters Retire With Six-Figure Pensions
A Spotlight analysis of retirement records, labor contracts and city payroll data explains why Miami firefighters are far more likely than other city employees to retire with six-figure pensions — and why those costs may continue to grow.
Former City Attorney Sues Miami Over Disputed Pension Cap
Former Miami City Attorney Victoria Mendez argues a $100,000 pension cap adopted during Miami’s 2010 financial crisis became unenforceable after many of the emergency measures were struck down in court — a position the city’s civilian pension administrators say has left the retirement system underfunded by the City of Miami.
City to Consider Sale of Historic Jackson Building to Ken Griffin Company
The city-owned landmark, home to Dade Heritage Trust, would be sold for $2.98 million — without competitive bidding — to a company controlled by billionaire Ken Griffin, completing his acquisition of an entire Brickell city block.
Event Ordinance Affecting The Hangar Returns for City Vote
Deferred in January amid neighborhood opposition, the citywide proposal would allow event venues in designated historic buildings and could help formalize operations at the controversial waterfront venue on Coconut Grove’s Dinner Key.
Commission Sends $450 Million Public Safety Bond to November Ballot
A divided City Commission voted 3-2 to let Miami voters decide whether to authorize borrowing for new police and fire facilities after amendments helped secure the support of a key swing vote.
Lawsuit Seeks to Block Virginia Key Marina Referendum
The operators of Rickenbacker Marina contend the redevelopment deal headed to Miami voters this fall differs materially from the proposal selected through a competitive bidding process nearly a decade ago and includes ballot language that misstates the proposed leaseholder’s financial obligations.
City May Require Sidewalk Protection at Construction Sites
After months of resident complaints, a proposed ordinance would require temporary pedestrian protection at commercial construction sites, addressing one of Coconut Grove’s most persistent frustrations: prolonged sidewalk closures.
City Borrowed $142 Million Last Year, Pushing Debt Near $1 Billion
With city commissioners set to consider a series of bond-related measures next week — possible groundwork for a proposed $450 million public safety bond — the city’s own audited financial statements show last year’s borrowing increased debt and borrowing costs while new fiscal pressures continue to mount.
Inside City Hall: The Rise of Six-Figure Public Safety Pensions
As Miami officials ask voters to approve $450 million in borrowing for new police and fire facilities, a Spotlight analysis of retirement records reveals another major long-term public safety cost: The city’s police and fire retirement system paid out nearly $192 million last year in pension and cost-of-living benefits.
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