MIAMI (AP) - A crucial vote is set for a gigantic $4 billion retail and entertainment complex near Miami that would become the largest mall in North America once completed.
The Miami-Dade County Commission scheduled a final vote Thursday for American Dream Miami. More than a mall, its developers say it would include theme-park attractions such as an indoor ski slope, submarine ride, water park, skating rink, retail shops and restaurants and 2,000 hotel rooms.
Although it's close to the environmentally sensitive Everglades, most concerns have centered on traffic. Canadian developer Triple Five estimates it would draw some 30 million visitors a year. Neighboring Broward County has threatened to sue if developers don't take steps to ease traffic gridlock.
The project is planned to be built near the intersection of Interstate 75 and the Florida Turnpike, near Miami Lakes.
Developers say the project will create 14,000 permanent jobs.
(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)