Miami commissioners will soon vote on a proposal that could allow developers to double the density in select neighborhoods, beginning with Edgewater. The plan would utilize the city’s Resilience Trust Fund to finance flood control and climate-related projects, as reported by Coconut Grove Spotlight.
The Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board approved the proposal in October. It is scheduled for a first reading before the commission on Thursday and will require a second reading for final approval. The measure focuses on high-demand areas, specifically two zones within Edgewater, stretching from the Julia Tuttle Causeway south to Northeast Eighth Street. Watson Island is also included in the plan, where new developments are anticipated.
Commissioner Damian Pardo is sponsoring the legislation. The proposed fund would support projects such as street elevation, seawall replacement, and installation of pump stations. Funds collected must generally remain allocated to their respective areas. Any development project costing more than $100,000 would need commission approval.
Some critics argue that increasing density could further burden local infrastructure and speed up gentrification in these neighborhoods. Edgewater already faces flooding during rainstorms, affecting vehicles and homes. The area has seen significant growth in new construction projects recently.
Last month, the Miami Urban Development Review Board approved a 47-story mixed-use high-rise at 3350 Biscayne Boulevard with nearly 500 apartments; this site is currently for sale. In addition, Black Salmon, Boschetti Group, and Constellation Group have partnered with hospitality executive Sam Nazarian to develop a branded condo tower at 422 Northeast 29th Street.
Aaron DeMayo, chair of the city’s Climate Resilience Committee, supports the proposal but noted concerns: “somewhat ironic that we’re incentivizing additional development capacity in an area that obviously is already flooding significantly.”
