How "Save Gramps" rallied Miamians against ultra-luxury takeover

Six weeks ago, Gramps Getaway owner Adam Gersten took to social media, urging Miami residents to "Save Gramps" by voting "No" on Referendum 3, the proposed redevelopment of the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas.

Since then, the response — both online and in person — has arguably turned the ballot item into this election's most-discussed issue locally, far outweighing chatter of local and statewide races.

Why it matters: The response underscores how many Miamians are fed up with the influx of outside development at the cost of local, beloved institutions.

But it also raises the question: With so many other closures, why is this the potential closure that's causing the outpouring of attention?

What they're saying: Gersten and others, including former elected officials, argue it's simply a bad agreement — an under-market deal struck a decade ago by now-former officials that does nothing to protect the environment and the city's natural resources.

Moreover, they argue, the deal gives private development control over public land.

Yes, but: For Miami native Natalie Rivas, it's that the conversation is happening "in the context of already losing all of our third spaces."

Locals lost Gramps Wynwood last year; Willy's Neighborhood Bar the year before, she said.

"We just got Las Rosas back [last year]," Rivas told Axios. "One thing is development, another is displacement. I hope Miami is waking up to what's happening."

The other side: Supporters of the referendum argue it will revamp the aging marina into a "more active, welcoming waterfront destination" and "expand public access" at no cost to taxpayers.

The big picture: In recent years, establishments like Shuckers were replaced with luxury developments and a slew of longtime bars and restaurants closed, with owners often citing skyrocketing rent and changing environments.

Meanwhile, luxury condo towers have infiltrated Wynwood and major tech companies have moved in.

Most recently, billionaire Ken Griffin purchased Mana Wynwood to make room for a Carnegie Mellon University campus.

Zoom in: While the conversation was already occurring, questions about who gets to call this city home and who its future is being built for have come into sharper focus, in part because of the referendum.

Gersten launched information sessions at the restaurant, encouraging folks to canvass and phone bank about the referendum and important election deadlines.

Local bars like Las Rosas have organized panel discussions about Miami's future and The Roots Bookstore & Market has a weekly series to educate residents about the November ballot.

The intrigue: Rivas, who attended Las Rosas' "Road to the Midterms" kickoff event, said the referendum is what got her activated in this year's midterm elections.

What's next: Virginia Key's future will be determined on Election Day, Nov. 3.