Miami’s Underline and the Threat of Gentrification

Adina Solomon reports on the Underline, a new 10-mile linear park project under the Miami Metrorail tracks, which broke ground in November last year and will provide bike and walking trails, open spaces, and other public and art spaces. The first phase of construction, a half-mile stretch in downtown Miami, is underway.

The Underline is facing concerns about gentrification and housing affordability — issues that have challenged similar projects such as the High Line in New York and the Atlanta BeltLine. "Friends of the Underline is about to embark on a study looking at neighborhood connectivity, accessibility and equitable growth, which will also explore a component for workforce and affordable housing," says Solomon.

The Underline’s leadership also plans to hold community meetings as the project continues. In addition, the organization is working with the High Line Network, a group of infrastructure reuse projects using an equitable impact framework.