Key Takeaways
- • Citadel founder Ken Griffin's plan to add a private helipad to his approved megayacht marina at 120 MacArthur Causeway in Miami Beach faces organized opposition from residents of eight luxury condominium buildings, representing about 2,000 apartments.
- • The proposal requires a zoning change that would allow a private helipad as an accessory use in the Terminal Island industrial district, which the city's Land Use and Sustainability Committee was scheduled to consider at a 1 p.m. Thursday meeting.
- • Opponents cite helicopter noise and disruption, while Griffin has support from residents of Palm Island, Hibiscus Island and Star Island, according to Bloomberg.
- • One headline in the coverage reports that the committee voted 2-1 to approve the heliport, though the timing and conditions of that vote could not be confirmed from the available material.
Summary
Billionaire Ken Griffin's plan to build a private helipad in Miami Beach is drawing growing resistance from neighbors, setting up a dispute between one of South Florida's most prominent newcomers and residents of the city's most expensive waterfront condominiums. The helipad would sit alongside Griffin's already approved private marina at 120 MacArthur Causeway, a 3.5-acre waterfront property next to the U.S. Coast Guard Station. Griffin, founder of Citadel, moved the investment firm to Miami in 2022.
The helipad was introduced after the original marina plan was approved, and it requires a change to Miami Beach's zoning rules. The proposed amendment would permit a private helipad as an accessory use in the Terminal Island industrial district, where the megayacht marina will be built. The Miami Herald first reported the helipad plan, and opposition began to form after the request became public in July.
Leaders of eight luxury condominium buildings near the site have asked city officials to reject the plan, according to Bloomberg. Those buildings contain roughly 2,000 apartments, with prices ranging from under $1 million to a $78 million triplex penthouse currently on the market. Residents argue that helicopter noise would disrupt their homes. Griffin, however, has support from residents of Palm Island, Hibiscus Island and Star Island, nearby enclaves that Bloomberg reported are backing the proposal.
The matter was scheduled for review at a 1 p.m. Thursday meeting of the city's Land Use and Sustainability Committee. One headline in the coverage reports that the committee voted 2-1 to approve the proposed heliport. Griffin's attorney, Neisen Kasdin, is among those representing the project. The outcome of the vote and any subsequent steps required for final approval were not clearly established in the available reporting.
The helipad was introduced after the original marina plan was approved, and it requires a change to Miami Beach's zoning rules. The proposed amendment would permit a private helipad as an accessory use in the Terminal Island industrial district, where the megayacht marina will be built. The Miami Herald first reported the helipad plan, and opposition began to form after the request became public in July.
Leaders of eight luxury condominium buildings near the site have asked city officials to reject the plan, according to Bloomberg. Those buildings contain roughly 2,000 apartments, with prices ranging from under $1 million to a $78 million triplex penthouse currently on the market. Residents argue that helicopter noise would disrupt their homes. Griffin, however, has support from residents of Palm Island, Hibiscus Island and Star Island, nearby enclaves that Bloomberg reported are backing the proposal.
The matter was scheduled for review at a 1 p.m. Thursday meeting of the city's Land Use and Sustainability Committee. One headline in the coverage reports that the committee voted 2-1 to approve the proposed heliport. Griffin's attorney, Neisen Kasdin, is among those representing the project. The outcome of the vote and any subsequent steps required for final approval were not clearly established in the available reporting.
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