It's back to square one with the waterfront RFP's
As suspected, all the bids were thrown out for the waterfront property RFP's (Requests for Proposals) at the Scotty's Landing, Grove Marina and Chart House properties. The whole RFP process was done improperly, a lot of it in secret and rushed. It's nice to see that intelligent heads prevailed. I had this info early Thursday morning, but didn't think it was possible that this nonsense could be true. But then again, we are dealing with the City of Miami here.
The process will begin again. The three properties will go back up for bid.
It turns out that the $2.5 million in back taxes that the Marina and Scotty's owes is for 35 years. How do you get out of paying taxes for 35 years? If I am a month late in paying, I'm waiting for the phone to ring! When I am literally a day late in paying monthly sales taxes to the State, the State sends me an admonishing letter!
Another issue with the RFP was that no one with waterfront restaurant experience was on the selection committee and also many feel that someone from Coconut Grove should be on the committee, just to have a little Grove sensibility as part of the process. City Manager Johnny Martinez originally chose David One as the group who would move forward on the Scotty's property but it appears that the selection panel was asleep at the switch.
I love Jack King's take on the whole thing here in the Biscayne Times. He says, "The whole bidding process turned out to be another one the city’s famous clown shows. Some bids were not received within the time limit. The presentations from the bidders were held in secret with no residents or media allowed. Before the presentation, a city minion began handing out the bid documents to the media and then quickly snatched them back." Read his whole column, it's really good.
Is anything in this City done right and with respect? How about getting a panel that actually cares about what they are doing and has their head in the game?
So for all the Scotty's Landing lovers -- you have an extra year to enjoy Scotty's. Enjoy the view because we know that the food is not the reason you are visiting Scotty's. But maybe it's the ice cold beer, live music and camaraderie. That's always good at Scotty's.
posted by Tom Falco at 7:30 AM
YOU MAY NOT LIFT THE PHOTOS & TEXT. IT'S COPYRIGHTED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. YOU CAN HOWEVER SHARE A STORY ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY USING THE LINKS HERE.
For linking to this one story, just click on the time it was posted & just this story will open for sharing - only through social media. Not copying and pasting.
9 Comments:
The Grove really needs to become it's own City or join a City that is run properly like Coral Gables. Sarnoff this is not a Dictatorship with you calling the shots for everyone in the Grove! Also as it relates to Burn Notice how stupid can the City be? I agree with the below post from a previous comment: Adding that Peacock Park is also a hot mess.
Kennedy Park is a disgrace as a park. Because of Sarnoff's dog park area it has become poop park. The grass area's are not kept in any kind of shape for anything! The horrible rubber surface has ruined the Park for Roller Blades, scooters, skateboards and anything else on wheels. During the day the strange people lurking around are scary. The crime is so bad in the parking lot near the children's area with many cars being broken into daily and broken glass everywhere. The City of Miami Park's Department is another piece of the problem. The Parks Department can't maintain what we have now. Another Park will also be a disaster!
Thank you for your continuing service in the Grove. Keep the light on!
The "Northern-most Banana Republic" (Miami) continues...
Why is it that Master Plans continue to be formulated, agreed and yet seldom followed? And at what cost?
To not have local representation in the RFP review process is simply wrong. Stakeholders need to be involved in not only the review process but also in making any recommendations. And yes, what does government in the Sunshine actually mean?
Back taxes: how can a business manage to get $2.5 million in arrears? Is there no monitoring/oversight? Certainly any well-written lease agreement includes non-payment of taxes as an event if default. Has a tax lien been filed to secure the City's interest?
It appears our elected officials have once again demonstrated their inability to handle what has to be an open process. Disgusting!
How can they give Scotty's another year if they owe so much in back taxes?
I don't think Scotty owes taxes in the sense that they are not legally required to pay them as per a '70s era state law. They are on month to month and are currently paying taxes to avoid further issues with the matter.
RE: Kennedy Park
Aside from the car break ins, which must be occurring after dark and have been brought to the attention of the City of Miami police on several occassions, I'm not sure what the writer is complaining about. The vulcanized surface is runner and bike friendly (for those of you who jog and have suffered shin splints, you'll appreciate it). As far as "strange people" are concerned, the park is used more now than five years ago and is probably a safer place to exercise or get fresh air as a result.
To Anon July 15 at 9:20 PM, How do you know with such authority that car break ins must be happening after dark and have been reported to Police as you stated above? I know it's not true the break ins are mostly during the day (the park is closed at sundown)! Also the surface (as you call it vulcanized) sucks, ask anyone there unless they are AARP. Nice to walk on NOT FOR RUNNING. Again ask anyone at the park they will confirm the same , serious runners run on the grass due to the surface being way too soft and terrible for runners. Since you are so knowledgeable and seem to think you have inside information why don't you say your name? Also you should fact check before you do since you are mistaken on all your facts.
"serious runners run on the grass due to the surface being way too soft and terrible for runners."
I imagine that those that take part in the marathon are not serious runners as the course follows city streets.
Regarding what people think about the surface in Kennedy park: I imagine if the surface was that bad that they wouldn't be in the park for you to ask them what their opinion about it was. But people do strange things...
Since apparently you're the Grove fact checker, why don't you let us know what you're name is. Such valuable contributions shouldn't go unrecognized.
Kennedy Park is great for walkers, joggers, and dog owners. The surface is terrific for anyone with joint issues (or people hoping to void them). Sorry for the roller bladers, but you can't please everyone all the time.
Post a Comment
<< Home