When Miami last invited businesses to submit proposals for a restaurant and marina on city-owned property, companies with outstanding property taxes were automatically disqualified.
The rule no longer exists, according to a revamped version of the request for proposals published this month.
That’s good news for the current operator, Scott Wessel. Wessel bid on the project last year, but has been involved in a legal dispute over $2.5 million in back taxes owed on the popular Scotty’s Landing restaurant and Grove Key Marina.
Miami City Manager Johnny Martinez insists the change in rules had nothing to do with Wessel or his business.
“Nothing is cooked for anybody,” he said, referring more detailed questions to Public Facilities Director Henry Torre, who declined to comment because of the ongoing litigation.
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