Miami-Dade County Commissioners have approved a zoning change allowing developer GL Homes to build 524 single-family homes on the site of the former Calusa Golf Course in West Kendall. This decision marks the culmination of a nearly decade-long dispute over the 168-acre property, which has been closed since 2011.
The vote, which passed 8-5, allows for the construction of hundreds of homes on the land located off Southwest 127th Avenue near Killian Parkway. The project faced significant opposition from environmental groups concerned about a rare bird rookery on the property.
Key Takeaways
- Project Reduction: The initial proposal by GL Homes was for 1,300 homes. A settlement with the Tropical Audubon Society led to an expanded buffer zone around the bird nesting site, reducing the planned number of homes to 524.
- Continued Opposition: Save Calusa Inc., a nonprofit that has actively fought the development, did not agree to the settlement. Its leader expressed disappointment, calling the decision a "tremendous loss for the community."
- Legal Uncertainty: The attorney for Save Calusa Inc. has not yet decided whether to pursue further legal action or appeal the commission’s decision. A previous lawsuit in 2021, following an earlier approval, reached the Florida Supreme Court and forced the developer to restart the zoning process.
- Developer’s Cautious Optimism: Richard Norwalk, a senior executive at GL Homes, expressed pleasure with the outcome but acknowledged the project’s contentious history, stating, "We passed zoning just like this in 2021, and here we are today, so you’ll get no predictions from me."
- Future Housing Market: While specific pricing was not disclosed, the new homes are expected to be priced higher than existing residences in the surrounding area. GL Homes plans to begin the permitting process immediately.
A Decade-Long Dispute
The redevelopment of the Calusa Golf Course has been a protracted battle, involving years of negotiations and legal challenges between GL Homes and environmental organizations like Save Calusa Inc. and the Tropical Audubon Society. The presence of nesting rare birds on a lake within the property became a central point of contention.
Environmental Concessions
Following extensive discussions, GL Homes reached a settlement agreement with the Tropical Audubon Society. This agreement included widening the buffer zone around the bird rookery from 100 feet to 330 feet. Additionally, the developer committed to expanding the lake and implementing landscaping to further protect the nesting site. GL Homes also agreed to delay the construction of 37 homes near the rookery until two years after the completion of the rookery improvements, allowing surrounding vegetation to mature.
Community Concerns Remain
Despite the concessions made to environmental groups, Amanda Prieto, leader of Save Calusa Inc., voiced ongoing concerns about the density of the proposed development and the potential increase in traffic in the West Kendall area. She indicated that the settlement did not fully address these worries.
Next Steps
GL Homes is set to commence the permitting process for the 524 homes and the rookery improvements. The timeline for completion remains uncertain, given the project’s history of delays. The developer aims to contribute to the county’s housing supply while navigating the remaining concerns and potential legal challenges.
Sources
- GL Homes cleared to build in West Kendall after zoning vote, Miami Herald.
- Takeaways: Miami-Dade approves 524 homes on golf course, Miami Herald.