Chalks Seaplane Base May Finally Become A Reality

The Miami, FL City Commission has voted 4-1 to remove a major roadblock to the construction of a new seaplane base at Government Cut proposed by Chalks airline.

The proposal has been tied up for years by litigation and zoning issues, according to a report from the Miami Herald. But on Thursday, the commission approved a rezoning on the southwest corner of Watson Island giving Chalks a green light to seek approval for its new headquarters.

Early plans for the nine-story building were revealed for the first time Thursday. They include about 50,000 square feet of commercial space and terminal. The ninth floor would be an observation deck where people could watch the airplanes take off and land.

In 2014, a new 30-year lease was announced for Chalks by the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority (MSEA) and Chalks' new owner, Ignacio “Nacho” Vega, whose Nautilus Enterprises bought Chalks from its previous owner. But the lease did not account for a previous rezoning designating Watson Island's aviation hub as park space, which would preclude any new construction.

The dissenting vote was cast by Commissioner Frank Carollo, who has sought to close down MESA.

The commission is expected to consider legislation that would have leases with MESA go before the voters in a form of a referendum, but with this action, Carollo said that a referendum on Chalks' headquarters would come "in 30 years."

(Image from Chalks' presentation to the Miami City Commission)

FMI: www.miamigov.com