Potential agreement might maintain colossal advertisement structure at Perez Art Museum Miami
In a ongoing legal dispute, Miami residents and Commissioner Damian Pardo have raised concerns about a proposed settlement concerning a jumbo digital billboard near Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). The billboard, which generates revenue for the museum but frustrates neighbors due to light pollution and quality of life issues, has been a source of contention for over a year.
The city, which owns the land, has been fighting against PAMM, claiming the museum violated its lease by having the 10-story sign built outside the building it rents. Last year, city leaders claimed PAMM violated its lease, and PAMM sued for an injunction. However, recent developments have seen a settlement proposal being tabled.
The settlement proposal asks city leaders to accept the billboard in exchange for annual payments of $500,000 from PAMM, limitations on the sign's operation, and penalties for violations. Commissioner Pardo, whose district includes downtown Miami, has expressed concerns about the proposed settlement, stating that city commissioners have not discussed the settlement among themselves.
Residents, including the president of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance, believe the proposed settlement is wrong and a nuisance to residents, particularly those in downtown. Ashley, a Miami resident, stated that the sign is a nuisance and should be taken down. Torres also called for more transparency on the entire issue.
Commissioner Pardo was surprised by the proposed settlement, as he was not expecting to see it on the city's agenda. PAMM's counsel, Eugene Stearns, issued a statement supporting the proposed settlement. PAMM's statement emphasized the need to resolve the dispute and reaffirm the partnership between PAMM and the City.
Ashley's call for the billboard sign to be taken down is not a new demand. Residents have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the sign for a long time. Neighbors believe they have not been included in the settlement process, a concern raised by Pardo as well.
The city manager and Mayor Francis Suarez did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the City of Miami stated that the city manager was unavailable to comment. The next city commission meeting is scheduled for Sept. 25, where the proposed settlement might be discussed further.
Larry Seward, a journalist with over a decade of experience reporting stories in South Florida, is following the developments closely. The legal fight over the billboard sign near PAMM continues to be a topic of interest for the community and beyond.
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