Bahamians Face Gentrification in Miami

Gentrification along Grand Avenue, the heart of Coconut's Grove Black and Bahamian community, has many residents fearing displacement and pushing for affordable housing inclusion.

1 minute read

June 26, 2008, 1:00 PM PDT

By Mike Lydon


"The question has never been whether Grand Avenue's vacant lots and deteriorating buildings would be redeveloped, but when.The answer may come Thursday.

Miami commissioners will consider giving preliminary approval to the first phase of the massive Grove Village on Grand, which would reshape six blocks of the street that runs through the heart of Coconut Grove's black and Bahamian community.

Meanwhile, community activists are calling for subsidized housing and hoping for the protection afforded other Bahamian communities in South Florida.

'This is a story of survival,' says Pierre Sands, president of the Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association.

Grove Village, the $300 million vision of Pointe Group Advisors, headed by local businessman Peter Gardner, promises new life to a street that once thrived."

Thursday, June 26, 2008 in The Miami Herald

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

Large store in mall with yellow and black STORE CLOSING sign on front.

Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks

Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.

December 8, 2024 - Ruscena Wiederholt

Multifamily housing under construction.

To Build More Housing, Cities Must Be Smarter in How They Use Land

How strategic land use policy decisions can alleviate the housing crisis and limit unsustainable sprawl.

December 11, 2024 - John D. Landis

Heavy traffic on freeway in San Diego, California.

Why Traffic Never Gets Better

Despite abundant research showing that roadway expansions provide limited congestion relief and increase long-term traffic problems, they still occur due to wishful thinking: advocates claim that “this” project is different.

December 12 - Greater Greater Washington

Trolley bus in San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Tops ‘Urban Mobility Readiness’ List

An annual analysis of global cities assesses public transit, technology, and sustainability.

December 12 - Bloomberg CityLab

Cyclist on folding bike riding next to silver car on city street.

Bike-Mounted Sensor Could Improve Safety for Cyclists

A new camera technology can detect when vehicles pass too close to people on bikes.

December 12 - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.