Developers planning to build above the city’s current height limit will have to go back to the drawing board.

Miami Beach residents voted to stop the development of two high-rise towers in three different referendums last week, reports Deborah Acosta for the Wall Street Journal.
The project, slated for construction on the site of the now-shuttered Deauville Hotel at a height of 375 feet, would have required voter approval to be exempted from current zoning regulations, which limit building height to 200 feet. “Daniel Ciraldo, executive director of Miami Design Preservation League, said the voters signaled they aren’t ready to approve projects that could significantly change the character of Miami Beach, which is famous for its art deco architecture and lower-rise buildings.”
According to Acosta, “Even though the project is on hold, the hotel, which had been run into disrepair by the family who bought it in 2004 for $4 million, was imploded on Sunday. The nearly 4-acre site will now sit empty until new plans for the site are approved.”
Acosta points out that other developers have had more success in getting projects approved in Miami Beach. “New York developer Michael Shvo, for example, secured approval last week from the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board for one of his office developments,” with three total projects in the works in the city.
FULL STORY: Major Miami Beach Real-Estate Projects Nixed by Voters

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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