Miami-Dade Mega Mall Proposal Wins Approval For Land Deal
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A developer's plan to build the nation's largest mega-mall in west Miami-Dade faced its first hurdle Tuesday.
Miami-Dade Commissioners approved just a small step toward the mammoth mega-mall.
Tuesday's vote was to endorse the sale of surplus state land, about 80 acres, so that the developer will have enough room to build the proposed 200 acre retail theme park.
However there are still countless regulatory, zoning, environmental and other hoops the project has to clear to be approved.
The proposed American Dream Miami, will feature a water park, submarine rides and an artificial ski slope. It would be built at the intersection of Florida's Turnpike and I-75 near Miami Lakes.
The company behind the proposal, Triple Five, owns and runs Minnesota's Mall of America. The proposed American Dream Miami site sits within the county's Urban Development Boundary, meaning Triple Five will need a change in the land's zoning and purchase it to move forward, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald.
Click on the image below to see more of the American Dream Miami.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the venture promises to provide a historic boost to the county's economy.
Triple Five said it plans to employ 25,000 people during construction, and create that many permanent jobs once open. Gimenez said the planned private investment will instantly vault Triple Five into a top taxpayer, with an estimated $50 million yearly bill.
Click here to watch Gary Nelson's report.
CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed to this report.