Team submits zoning application to work in parallel with lease negotiations;
Plan for MFP includes future permanent home for Inter Miami CF
On Monday evening, Miami Freedom Park (MFP) submitted a Special Area Plan (SAP) application for the rezoning required of the Melreese site, marking an important milestone in bringing the project to fruition.
The rezoning of 20.9 acres of the total 131 acres of the project is needed in order to follow through on the vision for Miami Freedom Park, which 60% of Miami voters supported. The plan for Miami Freedom Park includes a 58-acre public park, a 25,000-seat soccer stadium that will be home to South Florida’s own Major League Soccer team Inter Miami CF, a tech hub, hotel, shops and restaurants for the entire community to enjoy.
“With the goal of following through on the will of Miami voters, we are submitting the Miami Freedom Park zoning application so it can be reviewed as we continue to advance lease agreement negotiations,” said Jorge Mas, managing owner of Inter Miami CF. “This parallel path will allow us to more quickly bring the creation of one of the City’s largest public parks, the future home stadium of our MLS team, more than 15,000 jobs, and contributions of $42.7M in annual tax revenue, all at no cost to City taxpayers.”
Highlights of the Special Area Plan application include:
Improved walkability with a one-mile wellness loop, a one-mile bike path and signalized crosswalks for better connectivity to the surrounding neighborhood
131 acres of environmental remediation at no cost to the City
Contribution of $42.7M in annual tax revenue and $3.5M annual lease payments to the City of Miami; and creation of more than 15,000 jobs
Inter Miami launched its historic inaugural season with two road games before MLS paused its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Club will resume its season in the closed-door MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando on July 8, before resuming games at its temporary facility, Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, when it is safe to do so.
