The Special Town Council Meeting for Cutler Bay, held on December 4, 2024, focused primarily on the ongoing development and remediation of the 16-acre Legacy Park. Emma Jones, the owner's representative from Stantec, provided a detailed update on the project's progress and the necessary steps moving forward.

Jones began by outlining the historical context of the site, which has been used for agricultural purposes since the 1840s. This history has resulted in soil and groundwater contamination, particularly with arsenic, posing potential health risks to the community. The council was informed that the site is located within a federally designated floodplain, complicating the remediation efforts.

The original plan to encapsulate contaminated soils on-site was deemed unfeasible due to geotechnical issues. Consequently, the team proposed a new remediation strategy, which involves excavating contaminated soil and replacing it with clean fill. This approach, identified as Alternative 2, was recommended for its effectiveness in ensuring public safety and long-term reliability.

The estimated cost for the first phase of the project, which includes site remediation and preparation for future construction, is approximately $12.8 million. This figure was derived from a bidding process involving four subcontractors, with two specializing in contaminated soil management. The council discussed the potential for cost fluctuations and the importance of moving forward promptly to secure tax credits and funding, including allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Council members expressed concerns regarding the overall costs and the need for clarity on the second phase of the project, which involves the construction of park facilities. Vice Mayor Callahan emphasized the importance of understanding the financial implications of both phases before proceeding. However, other council members argued for the necessity of immediate action to remediate the site, highlighting the risks of delaying the project.

In conclusion, the council agreed on the urgency of commencing the remediation work while continuing to refine the design and cost estimates for the subsequent phases. The meeting underscored the town's commitment to addressing environmental concerns and enhancing community safety through the redevelopment of Legacy Park.