Voters asked to weigh Homestead redevelopment bond issue

A bond referendum slated for May 13 will help determine the future of Homestead’s downtown revitalization efforts. Residents of the city will vote on a number of measures intended to jumpstart redevelopment of the area.

If voters approve next week’s referendum, the city will move forward on an $18 million police facility, which is currently housed in a radon- and mold-infested bank, according to an article in the Miami Herald. Another $3 million has been set aside for the refurbishment of the temporary headquarters while the new the structure is built.

The bond also calls for $5 million to be spent on the continued renovation of the Seminole Theatre, a project that stalled after updates commenced some time ago.

Future development plans, according to the newspaper, include the construction of a new city hall, library and parking garage, as well as a 556-foot observation tower offering up views of the Everglades and Biscayne national parks. [Miami Herald] – Kerry Barger