Miami-Dade County commissioners approved on March 19 several measures that advance major development projects, including an affordable housing initiative, a residential community, and the creation of a taxing district to fund infrastructure at Miami Freedom Park.
The decisions are significant as they pave the way for more affordable housing in south Miami-Dade and support the financing of infrastructure improvements for one of the county’s largest mixed-use developments. The approval of these items reflects ongoing efforts to address housing needs and support economic growth through large-scale real estate projects.
Developers behind Miami Freedom Park received preliminary approval to establish a Community Development District (CDD) that would finance $129.5 million in infrastructure such as roads, water management systems, landscaping, and other improvements. CDDs are commonly used to fund infrastructure in large developments by issuing bonds repaid through special assessments. The project is led by Jorge and José Mas along with retired soccer player David Beckham. It will feature a 25,000-seat stadium for Inter Miami CF, retail space, offices, dining areas, a hotel with 750 rooms, and a 58-acre park. The developers lease part of the former Melreese golf course for this project. A public hearing and second vote on the CDD ordinance are scheduled for April 21.
In another move, Atlantic Pacific Companies plans to build 101 affordable and workforce apartments in West Perrine under the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. This marks the third phase of redeveloping public housing sites in Perrine Gardens and Perrine Village. Commissioners approved leasing the site to Atlantic Pacific under a 99-year term with payments totaling $17 million to the county. Of the planned units, half will replace existing public housing apartments while others will serve households earning between 30 percent and 140 percent of area median income. Amenities will include a computer lab, gym, game room, art installations in common areas, and open spaces.
Lennar Corporation also received approval for an over-200-unit residential project called Breezewood in Princeton. The site is planned for condos and villas with prices starting at $485,000 according to Lennar’s website. Land ownership is managed by TPG Angelo Gordon until construction begins.
These approvals highlight continued investment in both market-rate and affordable housing across Miami-Dade County as well as innovative financing mechanisms like CDDs that enable large-scale urban development.
