Jackson expansion, Coconut Grove project on lengthy ballot

From left: Renderings of Shula’s Steak House and Oceano, and Jackson Memorial Hospital
From left: Renderings of Shula’s Steak House and Oceano, and Jackson Memorial Hospital

Miami-Dade County and Miami voters face several key ballot questions today, including the potential expansion of Jackson Memorial Hospital and an extensive renovation of Coconut Grove’s waterfront.

Jackson officials are asking voters to approve an $832 million bond issue for new construction and equipment at 1611 Northwest 12th Avenue, the Miami Herald reported. Plans call for nearly $500 million in construction, ranging from a new rehabilitation facility to as many as 12 urgent-care centers throughout the county. New equipment would include hospital beds, furniture, cardiology X-ray machines and oncology radiation instruments.

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The bonds would be repaid with property tax revenue.

The potential renovation of seven waterfront acres in Coconut Grove is on the city ballot. Numerous area residents oppose the $18 million project, which would replace the popular Scotty’s Landing and Chart House with three new restaurants. The development plan also includes retail space, a promenade connecting Bayshore Drive to Biscayne Bay and the restoration of two historic Pan American Airways hangars. The developer, Jay Leyva, has pledged to provide $5 million to help fund Miami Parking Authority’s construction of a three-story parking garage. [Miami Herald]Eric Kalis