Miami City officials and the marine industry continue to butt heads over development of the Miami River. [Photo: Miami River Commission]

On the surface, the two changes seem innocuous: One, a vote by the Miami City Commission to change the official name of the Miami River from “Port of Miami River” to “Miami River”; two, led by Commissioner Angel Gonzalez, another city commission move that weakened zoning regulations protecting the marine industry from development along the Miami River. Both measures were bundled into one of several proposed amendments to the city’s Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan, a longstanding land-use plan.

Below the surface, however, the proposed changes reflect an ongoing tug-of-war between the marine industries and those, including the commission, who want to see the riverfront redeveloped [“Cross Currents,” July 2007].

Advocates for the marine industries argue that the sector creates 6,100 jobs with an average salary of $60,000. Fran Bohnsack, executive director for the Miami River Marine Group, a private port cooperative, says the commission’s recent move is a “bone-headed, dumb position.”

Value of Miami River Shipping Industry
Region	Revenue (millions)	Jobs	Earnings (millions)
Miami-Dade	$683	6,101	$339
South Florida	$805	6,741	$406
Note: Based on 2004 data. Figures exclude non-shipping commerce, such as fishing or boat manufacturing and repair.
Sources: Miami River Commission, FAU Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions and Biscayne Bay Economic Study

The marine industries’ position was buttressed last year by an appeals court ruling that overturned the city’s approval of two riverfront projects. The court found that the proposed developments were inconsistent with the comp plan.

The marine sector also is finding support from the South Florida Regional Planning Council, which has authority to review planning initiatives. It hopes to work with Miami officials to preserve marine activities. Additionally, the planning council’s board has the authority to file objections with the state, and the agency plans to use that authority.

“I’m very confident that our recommendations will be considered by the state,” says Carolyn Dekle, executive director of the planning council.

The commissioners, however, seem determined to move ahead. “That river is dead. It’s totally dead. Nothing is happening,” Gonzalez told the Miami Herald.