IMPORTANT NOTICE: A separate Workforce Housing application has been submitted by the applicant!
SUMMARY:
Weeks before the appeals hearing has been scheduled, the developer has submitted for Workforce Housing, a provision that allows them to bypass zoning rules, contribute to the county workforce housing fund and build duplexes and triplexes that are not even meant to meet the financial requirements of workforce housing.
This relatively new Miami Dade County law has been causing significant disruption to neighborhoods like Schenley Park and others in Miami-Dade County. The workforce housing exemption allows for the construction of multi-unit buildings—such as duplexes or multiplexes—on lots originally zoned for single-family homes. This undermines the character of our neighborhood and threatens to replace it with overdevelopment. It is important to note that this new law applies to all residential properties within unincorporated Miami Dade County, so it could be applied to any lot in our neighborhood.
WHAT TO DO:
It is our understanding that the Assistant Director for Development Services, Eric Silva, is solely responsible for approving this application.
It’s imperative that we email Eric Silva to express our opposition to the Workforce Housing application at: Eric.Silva@MiamiDade.gov
Below are some sample letters (click for download) for your convenience:
Subject: Request for Review of Workforce Housing Application R2025000020
Dear Mr. Silva,
I am a resident of [your address], Miami, Florida, and a member of the Biltmore Heights Neighborhood Association. I am writing to formally request your review of Workforce Housing Development Program application R2025000020 for the property located at 5979 SW 56th Street.
It is my understanding that the Miami-Dade Workforce Housing Development Program grants the Planning Director significant authority in ensuring applications meet the required standards of conformity.
Based on the provisions of the ordinance, I believe this application does not align with the established criteria.
Given the potential impact on our neighborhood, I respectfully request your thorough review and expert evaluation of this matter to ensure adherence to the program's intent and guidelines.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Request for Review of Workforce Housing Application R2025000020
Dear Mr. Silva,
I am a resident of [your address], Miami, Florida, and a member of the Biltmore Heights Neighborhood Association. I am writing to formally request your thorough review of the Workforce Housing Development Program application R2025000020 for the property located at 5979 SW 56th Street.
I have attached a PDF of our neighborhood map, which clearly illustrates that 90 acres of the 186-acre Biltmore Heights neighborhood is zoned EU-1.
Currently, 48% of our community consists of one-acre properties, a defining characteristic of the neighborhood. There is no question that, the higher density requested in the application referenced above does NOT meet the standard of conformity as outlined in Sec 33-193.
Biltmore Heights is a historic neighborhood that has thrived for over 70 years. We urge you to closely examine this application and, as part of your review, visit Biltmore Heights to see firsthand the character and unique qualities of the neighborhood that would irreversibly be changed if this application is approved.
I respectfully request your thorough review and expert evaluation of this matter to ensure adherence to the program's intent and guidelines.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Aerial view of Biltmore Heights
89.59 of acre properties
97.39 varied sizes
