Ken Griffin has made some progress on his plan to construct a personal helipad at a Miami Beach marina he’s developing for his yachts, despite some opposition from affluent condo residents nearby.
On Thursday, Miami Beach’s land-use committee voted 2-1 in favor of Griffin’s proposed heliport. This came after leaders from eight luxury condo buildings situated along Biscayne Bay expressed concerns about potential noise to local officials.
The condo representatives raised alarms, indicating that the helicopter traffic could bring unwanted noise and disturb the residents’ quality of life, as reported.
These eight condo buildings, located roughly a third of a mile from the proposed heliport and housing about 2,000 apartments, opposed the plan through a joint email to city officials on September 1.
According to John Stimmel, president of the 42-story Icon condominium, “He’s claiming that his helicopter is the quietest model, and that noise won’t be a problem for us.” Stimmel continued, “I asked an AI about landing helicopters close by, and it said, surprise, it’s going to be noisy.”
Other city officials are expected to review the helipad proposal later this year.
This controversy arises less than a year after Griffin obtained unanimous approval from Miami Beach’s planning board for a private marina close to the Port of Miami, intended for his larger yachts that can’t dock at his nearby Star Island home.
The marina, which is under construction, is designed to accommodate nine vessels, with plans to regularly berth four, according to Griffin’s attorney, Neisen Kasdin, who previously served as Miami Beach’s mayor.
“This project is like an extension of his residence, allowing for his larger boats to be moored here,” Kasdin explained during a meeting last year.
In addition to the marina, there are plans for a two-story building for Griffin’s personal use, which will include a private pool, an art gallery, and office space. There will also be a separate facility designated for yacht crews, complete with a gym and pool.
Griffin is now requesting permission to install a helipad at the marina for his Airbus H160 helicopter, which reportedly starts at $14 million.
Kasdin has been advocating on Griffin’s behalf and informed Miami Beach Commissioner Joe Magazine that the H160 is one of the quieter models available.
A consultant working with Griffin suggested that noise from a helicopter would be similar to “normal conversation between two people” on nearby condo balconies, based on findings presented to the city.
A spokesperson for the marina project stated that experts confirmed any sound impact would be minimal, especially compared to the frequent noise from nearby cruise ship horns.
The marina project itself was scrutinized during the approval process last year, particularly when Griffin sought to host large events for up to 300 people.
Although Miami Beach’s planning board ultimately approved the project, they imposed conditions on events, such as traffic restrictions, limits on amplified sound, and the requirement for certain gatherings to get authorization from the local US Coast Guard base.
“Ken is putting money into revitalizing an industrial area of Terminal Island,” a Citadel spokesperson mentioned at the time, adding that the initiative reflects Griffin’s commitment to Miami.
Griffin has made substantial investments in Miami, including a $2.5 billion headquarters for his hedge fund, Citadel. However, work on this project was halted this week after a drill rig collapsed, injuring several people and damaging cars.
Inquiries have been sent to Kasdin, Griffin, and Stimmel for comments.
