Big box retail stores and banks are buying up properties and razing historic buildings along the historic corridor of Calle Ocho in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. They are trying to persuade our elected officials to change local zoning laws so they can do so.
We locals are trying to preserve the historic character of our unique neighborhood, which attracts thousands of tourists every year because it has not lost its soul and has many unique small and independent businesses.
Fortunately, the City's Planning Department has usually recommended DENIAL of these zoning changes. We hope that the Commission will also listen to their constituents and other stakeholders with the help of this petition!
If you live in Miami, if you visit Miami, or if you're planning a visit or a move to Miami -- especially Little Havana, and do not want this neighborhood to become another boring suburban style landscape, we urge you to please weigh in and sign our petition. Please explain WHY you are signing it!
In summary, why does this petition matter?
- The zoning changes that allow out-of-character big box stores destroy the look-and-feel of the neighborhood;
- Zoning changes may also allow big parking lots which serve as heat collectors/radiators, making our neighborhood even hotter during summer months (and also serving as eyesores);
- Little Havana is a major tourist destination in large part because of our cultural and historical assets. These zoning changes are enabling out-of-town corporations to raze our historic buildings, and meanwhile they do nothing to constribute to our local cultural offerings!
- Our neighborhood is undergoing a renaissance and now many people want to move to the neighborhood because they like its historic and cultural character. These types of stores serve as a deterrent to these new residents;
- If a big box store insists on moving into the neighborhood, they should be working with local stakeholders to at least preserve local character.
Share your own reasons for signing the petition, and -- on behalf of the residents of Little Havana -- we thank you!
Mr. Mayor and esteemed Commissioners:
We residents and other stakeholders in the future of Miami's historic Little Havana neighborhood urge you to not give in to proposed changes to zoning law that would effect the area's historic and cultural character, as well as its walkability.
We do not want any more out-of-character, out-of-scale, ugly buildings in our neighborood. We need preservation, not demolition. Re-use, not destruction.
Thank you for listening to your constituents, as well as those who affect our economy -- people who visit Miami, plan to visit Miami or whom are thinking of moving to Miami!
Sincerely,
Corinna Moebius
Little Havana Resident
