Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jeri Beth Cohen rules the financing plan is not subject to citizen referendum, killing Norm Braman’s last challenge.
Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jeri Beth Cohen ruled today the financing plan for a new Florida Marlins ballpark is not subject to citizen referendum, killing Norm Braman’s last challenge to the project.
Though totally expected, it frees Miami-Dade County and the Marlins to finish negotiations on the final five contracts needed to make a new ballpark happen.
Braman had initially argued the financing plan, which involves various taxes and redevelopment funds dedicated to a variety of public projects, violated state and local laws. His argument then evolved into a claim it was subject to public referendum. Braman is a local auto dealer and former NFL team owner who is a dogged opponent of public funding for sports venues.