Miami-Dade Legislative Item
File Number: 072980
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File Number: 072980 File Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Version: 0 Reference: R-1262-07 Control: Board of County Commissioners
File Name: SIMILAR TO LONDON EYE @ THE PORT OF MIAMI Introduced: 10/2/2007
Requester: NONE Cost: Final Action: 11/6/2007
Agenda Date: 11/6/2007 Agenda Item Number: 11A8
Notes: Title: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MANAGER TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF LOCATING AN OBSERVATION WHEEL, SIMILAR TO THE LONDON EYE, AT THE PORT OF MIAMI
Indexes: SEAPORT
Sponsors: Carlos A. Gimenez, Prime Sponsor
  Audrey M. Edmonson, Co-Sponsor
  Dennis C. Moss, Co-Sponsor
Sunset Provision: No Effective Date: Expiration Date:
Registered Lobbyist: None Listed


Legislative History

Acting Body Date Agenda Item Action Sent To Due Date Returned Pass/Fail

Board of County Commissioners 11/8/2007 11A8 Adopted P
REPORT: Commissioner Seijas noted that the proposal in the foregoing proposed resolution to locate an Observation Wheel at the Port of Miami had been made many years ago. She further noted that even though 9/11 had not yet occurred, security measures and security concerns regarding the Port of Miami had been intense when the Observation Wheel was previously proposed. Commissioner Seijas noted her concern that this proposal should not be revamped, and added that the proposal was not sensible. Hearing no other questions or comments, the Board proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed resolution.

Board of County Commissioners 11/6/2007 11A8 Carried over 11/8/2007
REPORT: See Thursday, November 8th BCC Meeting (Legistar Key Number 2408).

Transit Committee 10/10/2007 2D Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation P
REPORT: Commissioner Gimenez that the County Manager be asked to study the feasibility of locating an observation (Ferris) wheel at the Port of Miami, similar to the London Eye, which is one of the world’s largest ferris wheels. He apologized for not providing Committee members with an update on this proposed resolution before this issues appeared in the newspaper(s). Commissioner Gimenez noted the preliminary study was conducted by the public works Department and he commended Public Works Director, Ester Calas, for doing an excellent report. He explained that the London Eye was created for the millennium and was originally intended to exist temporarily; however, it turned out to be a huge success, Commissioner Gimenz noted, and consequently became a part of the London landscape, attracting about 3 ½ million visitors per year. At $30 a ride, this system had a tremendous economic impact. Commissioner Gimenez said after reading an article in The New York Times, he proposed that a similar observation (Ferris) wheel be located at the Port of Miami for the following reasons: 1) The use of green space would not be required; 2) the revenue profits could be used to offset some of the capital cost, etc., at the Port; 3) the County was planning to invest millions in museums and other facilities at Bi-Centennial Park and the proximity of the Port to Bi-Centennial Park, Bayside, the Children’s Museum, Watson Island and the Flagstone Project, Parrot Jungle and the Performing Arts Center, etc., was ideal for this structure; 4) the distance of the Port or Miami from residential communities; and 5) the spectacular the wheel would provide of the ocean and the downtown skyline. Commissioner Gimenez provided photographs of the observation wheel, and noted he had discussed this proposal with the Seaport Director, Bill Johnson, who was supportive of the study. He noted the County would act as the landlord, charging rent and percentage of the profits. He explained that this project would not be funded with taxpayers’ monies; that the County would solicit companies to invest in this project. He stated that his discussion with a company assured any doubt that his structure could be built to withstand a category five hurricane. Commissioners Edmonson, Jordan, and Sorenson spoke in support of this proposal. Hearing no further questions or comments, the Committee proceeded to vote.

County Attorney 10/2/2007 Assigned Transit Committee 10/10/2007

County Attorney 10/2/2007 Assigned Jess M. McCarty 10/2/2007

Legislative Text


TITLE
RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MANAGER TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF LOCATING AN OBSERVATION WHEEL, SIMILAR TO THE LONDON EYE, AT THE PORT OF MIAMI

BODY
WHEREAS, in 2000, the London Eye, then the world's tallest observation wheel, opened on the banks of the River Thames in London; and
WHEREAS, the London Eye stands at a height of close to 450 feet and offers breathtaking views of more than 15 miles in all directions in capsules that provide comfort and safety; and
WHEREAS, the London Eye has become an iconic landmark, comparable to Big Ben and the Tower of London, and is now the most popular paid visitor attraction in the United Kingdom; and
WHEREAS, more than 3.5 million people ride the London Eye each year, paying close to $30 per person; and
WHEREAS, similar observation wheels have been built at Niagara Falls and Nanchang, China, and are being built in Las Vegas, Orlando, Beijing, Singapore and Berlin; and
WHEREAS, more than 11.6 million visitors come to Miami-Dade County every year and spend $16.3 billion; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Miami is the Cruise Capital of the World and the Port of Miami last year saw 3.9 million cruise ship passengers come through its facilities; and

WHEREAS, the Port of Miami has numerous infrastructure and capital improvement needs; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Miami is situated in an ideal location for an observation wheel with breathtaking views of the ocean and downtown skyline,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Directs the County Manager to study the feasibility of locating an observation wheel, similar to the London Eye, at the Port of Miami.
Section 2. Directs the County Manager to provide the feasibility study to this Board within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this resolution.



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