Town outlines remediation costs for Legacy Park and Blue Heron Park, plans litigation and cleanup grants

At the Aug. 25 workshop, Town Manager Ralph gave a detailed accounting of remediation work required at Legacy Park and Blue Heron Park and the funding plan the town has committed. He told the council the town previously committed $12,800,000 for remediation: $6,500,000 from ARPA and $6,300,000 from town unrestricted reserves, and that some of the amount may be recouped via voluntary cleanup tax credits and other reimbursements.

Ralph described site specifics for Coastal Ridge Reserve and park hot spots, saying some areas require removal from 6 inches up to 2 feet in red‑flagged locations and that the town must clean the site before any transfer to Miami‑Dade County. He said a complaint/litigation against the prior owner is being prepared and the town is coordinating with its litigation department. "We have not forgotten about that... we're meeting almost, like, on a weekly basis," Ralph said of legal follow‑up.

The town indicated it has been selling voluntary cleanup tax credits at about $0.90 on the dollar and that FTEP non‑brownfield grants (up to $150,000) and additional 25% bonuses referenced by environmental counsel could help replenish reserves. Ralph cautioned that final cost scopes are pending Miami‑Dade County comments and that staff will bring formal contractual terms back to council for approval before any property conveyance.