A legal challenge questioning the transfer of prime downtown Miami real estate for Donald Trump’s presidential library has been dismissed by a judge. The nearly 3-acre parcel, valued at over $67 million, was initially slated for transfer from Miami Dade College to the state, and subsequently to a foundation controlled by the Trump family. The dismissal clears a significant obstacle for the project, though the college has appealed a previous ruling that had temporarily blocked the land transfer.
Key Takeaways
- A judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the land transfer for the Trump Presidential Library.
- The lawsuit argued Miami Dade College violated open government laws.
- The college has appealed a prior ruling that had temporarily halted the land transfer.
- The property is valued at over $67 million and is considered a prime development site.
Legal Challenge Dismissed
Circuit Judge Mavel Ruiz dismissed a complaint filed by activist Marvin Dunn, who argued that Miami Dade College’s board failed to provide sufficient public notice and violated Florida’s open government law when initially voting to transfer the land in September. Dunn had sought to block the formal transfer of the nearly 3-acre property, a move initially supported by the judge who temporarily blocked the transfer in October.
However, the college board subsequently held a more than four-hour public meeting to re-vote on the land giveaway. Attorneys for the college argued that any alleged violation of state law had been "fully cured" by this redo vote. Judge Ruiz stated her decision was based solely on the facts of the case and the confines of the open government law, not on the political implications of the transaction.
Background of the Land Transfer
The property, currently an employee parking lot for Miami Dade College’s Wolfson campus, is situated on a desirable stretch of Biscayne Boulevard. It was initially gifted by the college to a fund controlled by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet. These officials then voted to transfer the land to the foundation established for Trump’s library. This foundation is reportedly led by Eric Trump, Michael Boulos (Tiffany Trump’s husband), and the president’s attorney, James Kiley.
Previous Appeals and Future Prospects
Despite the recent dismissal, Miami Dade College had previously filed a notice of appeal challenging a lower court’s injunction that had temporarily barred the transfer. The college’s attorneys planned to ask the court to stay proceedings pending the appellate court’s review. Eric Trump has expressed ambitions for the library to be a prominent feature on the Miami skyline. Real estate experts suggest the site could be developed into a lucrative condominium building under local zoning rules, highlighting its significant market value.
Concerns Over Land Use
Former Miami Dade College President Eduardo J. Padrón has voiced strong opposition to the land transfer, calling it "unimaginable." He stated the land was intended for the college’s expansion to accommodate its growing student population and expressed concern that the public had not been adequately consulted. The college purchased the land in 2004 for $24.8 million, with plans for a conference center or facilities for the New World School of the Arts. While some trustees argue the library will benefit the college and the community, Padrón laments the loss of the land for its original educational purposes.
Sources
- Judge dismisses complaint against Miami land transfer for Trump’s library – NBC 6 South Florida, NBC 6 South Florida.
- Judge dismisses complaint challenging Miami Dade College’s decision to transfer land for Trump’s presidential
library, CBS News. - Miami Dade College appeals ruling blocking land transfer for Trump presidential library – NBC 6 South Florida, NBC 6 South Florida.
- Miami Dade College land giveaway for Trump library is ‘unimaginable’, WLRN.