Voters in the South Florida city voted “yes” for referendum 378, which will allow the construction of a stadium at Melreese Country Club.
The Election Day in the United States, which determined the partition of the country’s legislative system for the next two years (the House of Representatives, in Democratic hands; the Senate, for Republicans) also had repercussions in the world of sports. Miami Voters and San Diego, in addition to electing their representatives in Congress, their state governors (Florida and California), and their local public offices, also had to approve two initiatives-endorsements in favor of the construction of new stadiums, actions that would open the way to the confirmation of two new professional soccer clubs in each city. In Miami, the team, owned by former English player David Beckham, won the approval of the public. In San Diego, the project commanded by Landon Donovan, suffered a serious setback, not having the popular vote.
After at least three years of litigation and negotiations, David Beckham won the support of the Referendum 378, which would give the city administration legal powers to grant Miami Freedom Park LLC, a private construction company, granted no-bid permission to build a new stadium on land currently occupied by the Melreese Country Club, golf course that has public space status. The project includes a stadium of 25,000 attendees, offices, hotels and a shopping center. According to figures from Miami Freedom Park, the plan will have an investment of one billion dollars, will contribute 44 million in taxes and will generate 11,000 jobs over nine years. 60% of the vote gave Beckham and MFP the possibility to negotiate directly with the local administration the terms to manage the construction.
Beckham was exultant after the support for his project, seconded by the Cuban-American businessman Jorge Mas. In a private event after the close of Election Day, the former soccer player thanked the citizens of Miami who voted in favor: “We wanted you to decide our future, your future, the future of your children. Today, that happened, so thank you. Thank you very much, let’s go to Miami,”He said speaking in Spanish at the end of his speech at a private event in front of several followers of the initiative. “We want to create entertainment, we want to create public spaces, something that people can enjoy. Not just football, but a place they can enjoy before and after matches. A place where children can be inspired to be the next Messi or Cristiano.” he added in an interview with the local CBS affiliate after the celebration.
In San Diego, the news for the Soccer City San Diego business group, propped up by celebrated former American soccer player Landon Donovan, was anything but flattering. With 18% of votes counted, the position in favor of Initiative E, which would authorize SCSD to dispose of the land on which Qualcomm Stadium is currently located, former home of the NFL’s San Diego Chargers (now the Los Angeles Chargers), It has been rejected by 71.88% of voters, a trend that, according to statistical methods, will be difficult to reverse.Some celebrate, others lament. Democracy.
Source: https://us.as.com/us/2018/11/07/futbol/1541569584_632666.html
