The firm has obtained a 90- year lease on an adjacent one-acre plot of public land, which will house a 300 room hotel over the Miami Omni bus terminal, with access to the adjoining Adrienne Arsht Center Metromover station just north of downtown Miami.
As part of the deal, Genting has agreed to make improvements to local mass transit and other systems, including a US$ 16 million renovation of both the station and the bus terminal.
The company has expressed interest in constructing a casino on the site, although current state laws prevent this, some commissioners expressed support for the idea.
"I am willing to live with a casino there because it is coming,” said commissioner Joe Martinez. Genting’s previous efforts to build a 5,000-room casino resort on the waterfront have been stymied, with company’s lobbying attempts calling for a change in state law failing so far.
Standing in its way is the Seminole Tribe, who could provide Florida with up to US$ 7 billion if their compact is renewed, as well as numerous anti-gambling organizations who don’t want to see gaming move offered and expand beyond the pari-mutuels.
Getting permission for a casino could be a drawn out process, which would require a change in Florida law, local approval of a gambling expansion, and then a change in zoning to allow for slots or card games on the site.
