The opposition to David Beckham’s proposed PortMiami soccer stadium is mounting.
A group of 13 Miami-Dade County mayors and vice mayors agreed to become members of the Miami Seaport Alliance, which is campaigning against the idea of a Major League Soccer venue at the seaport, according to a written announcement released on Wednesday. The politicians join Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, the Latin American Business Association and several other trade organizations as alliance members.
Town of Cutler Bay Mayor Ed MacDougall led efforts to recruit other county mayors and vice mayors for the alliance. New members include Coral Gables Mayor Jim Cason, Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and South Miami Mayor Philip Stoddard.
“These mayors and vice mayors join me in opposition to a stadium at PortMiami because of the risk it would pose to jobs, security and cruise and cargo operations,” MacDougall said. “As community leaders, we look forward to advocating with our fellow alliance members for port property to be used only for port-related development.”
Alliance president John Fox is slated to debate the stadium issue with Beckham lobbyist Neisen Kasdin on Wednesday. — Eric Kalis