Proposed 2021 Miami GP to progress after crucial local vote
The Miami Grand Prix has scored a major victory in its battle against local opposition as it continues to prepare for a slot on the 2021 Formula 1 calendar
The GP has faced stern opposition from local residents and will no longer use public roads, with the proposed circuit instead being built around the Miami Dolphins NFL stadium.
Although commissioners tied 6-6 in a vote held on Wednesday, a potential roadblock for the planned event, it means the approval of both the city of Miami Gardens as well as the county will not be required going forward.
The Miami Dolphins' owners can now proceed with plans to build the track within its grounds, which hosted the Super Bowl for the sixth time earlier this month.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said that a number of concessions have been made to local residents following a meeting, including the removal of section of track planned to use the public road at NW 199th Street.
Assurances over noise pollution, and no track activity during school hours nor at night were also made.
"We are happy that the commissioners reaffirmed again today that the Hard Rock Stadium entertainment complex is a regional facility that exists to benefit all of Miami-Dade County," said Miami Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel.
"We are glad to put this long-delayed vote behind us so we can begin to make the multi-million dollar private investment required to bring a race here, and have positive and productive conversations with local leadership about the many benefits that a global event of this nature brings."
However, local Miami Gardens commissioner Barbara Jordan - who successfully led a campaign of disruption by residents against the race so far - has vowed she will continue to fight against the event, which included a protest during Super Bowl Sunday.
When asked if she would continue to oppose it, she said: "Absolutely. I will try to put something on every agenda if I can."
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