Amidst concerns of affordable housing scarcity in Miami, local leaders are preparing on a new development. The Jose Marti Villas community, a promising affordable housing initiative for seniors and families, will begin with the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for October 3. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioner Eileen Higgins of District 5 will preside over the event, marking an important step towards addressing a critical need in the community.
According to a recent press release by Miami-Dade County, the development in the vibrant Little Havana neighborhood expects to welcome 146 affordable units split between an 8-story mid-rise and a 3-story garden-style building, crafted by The Related Urban Development Group. Each apartment promises to include essential amenities such as ceramic tile bathroom floors and high-efficiency central A/C. Residents can anticipate one to three-bedroom units, with a club room to facilitate community meetings and celebrations.
The qualifications for the new units at Jose Marti Villas are clear. A variety of income levels will be served, with a tiered structure encapsulating 25 units for those making 30% of the area median income (AMI), scaling up to 23 units allocated for residents at 80% AMI. This tiered approach ensures a diverse community within Jose Marti Villas, providing Little Havana's residents for a range of income in need of quality, affordable housing.
Jose Marti Villas is partially funded by Miami-Dade County, with a contribution tallying $4,475,000 from the Surtax. Projected timetables suggest completion of the garden-style building by October 2025 and its mid-rise counterpart by March 2026. The project is poised to enhance the surrounding area's infrastructure while providing a long-term solution to the perennial issue of affordable living spaces in urban centers.
The groundbreaking ceremony represents a beacon of hope for those challenged by the housing market's high entry barriers. It's set to be held at 154 S.W. 17 Avenue, Miami, FL 33135, beginning at 10 a.m. on October 3. Public Housing and Community Development Director Alex R. Ballina, along with Related Group President John Paul Perez and Related Urban Development Group President Albert Milo, will also be among the key individuals present to witness this important occasion.
