Repeated deferrals and environmental concerns are pushing back the controversial UDB expansion
The future of the UDB expansion, set to be built on the outskirts of the urban development zone in Miami-Dade County, may be under reconsideration. The state of Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity wrote to Miami-Dade County, stating that the county made mistakes in the way it handled the authorization. It also requested that the South Dade Logistics and Technology District project may need to be voted on again by a new commission.
This is what we have learned about the issue so far:
About the UDB expansion approval
In November of last year, developers were successful in getting the county to approve an increase in the urban development limit. This was the result of several postponed votes, a veto from Mayor Danielle Levine Cava, and a contentious final hearing before a commission that ultimately decided to approve the project.
This expansion will redevelop 380 acres of farmland in Miami-Dade County into warehouses, call centers, and other industrial spaces.
Why environmentalists are against the UDB expansion
Environmental and legal objections about the development continue to grow. As soon as the permission was announced, environmentalists raised objections, arguing that the project would take up precious area that could have been used to restore Everglades. The expansion is also risky since the area is highly susceptible to floods and storm surges. It will also increase the amount of pollution entering Biscayne Bay.
This is also what Mayor Danielle Levine Cava was warning the developers about when she vetoed the expansion. Now the future of the project depends on the result of the re-vote with a new commission.
What do you think about this expansion? Will it do more harm than good for Miami-Dade County? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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