Miami Beach commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to temporarily stop the fast-tracked light rail project that would lay down tracks on South Beach’s streets.
The light rail or “modern streetcar” line, a centerpiece issue in Mayor Philip Levine’s second term, is now on hold after commissioners agreed to wait for Miami-Dade County commissioners to make a binding commitment to building a connection across Biscayne Bay, including a funding plan. A final contract for the project would also have to be approved by voters.
Wednesday’s vote effectively delays any contract negotiations for the $244 million South Beach train project by at least several months, and possibly longer. It’s unclear how the Beach’s chosen train provider, Greater Miami Tramlink Partners, might factor into Bay Link now.
Levine proposed the measure last week following several months of growing discontent among Beach residents and Commissioner Michael Grieco’s recently announced opposition. Most residents who have spoken at public hearings either completely opposed rail in South Beach or supported a train only if it is built with a connection to downtown Miami.
Read more at our news partner, at the Miami Herald.