Miami city commissioners will vote on a proposal that would allow developers to double the density in certain neighborhoods, starting with Edgewater. The plan, if approved, aims to use the city’s Resilience Trust Fund to finance flood control and climate-related projects.
The Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board gave its approval to the measure in October. The commission is expected to hold a first reading vote on Thursday, with a second reading required for final passage.
Currently, only two high-demand areas have been identified for this increased density, both located in Edgewater between the Julia Tuttle Causeway and Northeast Eighth Street. Watson Island is also included under the proposal due to planned new developments there.
Commissioner Damian Pardo is sponsoring the legislation. The proposed fund would be used for infrastructure improvements such as raising streets, replacing seawalls, and installing pump stations. Funds collected from development would generally remain allocated within their respective neighborhoods. Additionally, any project costing more than $100,000 would need commission approval.
Some critics warn that higher density could put additional pressure on existing infrastructure and contribute further to gentrification in affected areas.
Edgewater has faced frequent flooding during rainstorms, leading to damage of vehicles and homes. The neighborhood is also seeing significant growth in new construction projects. In October, the Miami Urban Development Review Board approved plans for a 47-story mixed-use high-rise at 3350 Biscayne Boulevard with nearly 500 apartments; the site is currently for sale. Black Salmon, Boschetti Group, and Constellation Group recently announced a partnership 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: “somewhat ironic that we’re incentivizing additional development capacity in an area that obviously is already flooding significantly.”
