Billionaire's Mixed-Income Push Faces Royal Criticism

In a move that underscores the growing need for affordable housing, billionaire Steve Ross's firm, Related Ross, has launched a mixed-income multifamily division with a new project in downtown West Palm Beach. The development, called Sapodilla, will feature 164 units, with 66 set aside for residents currently living at Ballet Village, a nearby low-income complex acquired by Related Ross in 2022.

According to the Palm Beach Post, the seven-story, 120,000-square-foot complex will also include a three-story parking garage at the southwest corner of Sapodilla Avenue and 2nd Street. This project marks the first under Related Ross' new mixed-income housing division, led by Jordan Davis, a former affordable housing executive with Miami-based Related Group.

As Related Ross embarks on this new venture, a different kind of controversy is brewing across the Atlantic. In the UK, Members of Parliament (MPs) are openly criticizing Prince Andrew, a development that reflects a shift in tradition. In the Commons, MPs shared their personal experiences of meeting the former prince, all of which were resoundingly negative.

This shift in tradition is notable, as it marks a departure from the usual deference shown to members of the royal family. The criticism of Prince Andrew comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of his associations and behavior. While the UK's royal family has long been a symbol of tradition and stability, the current controversy surrounding Prince Andrew highlights the evolving nature of public perception and the willingness of politicians to speak out against those in power.

In contrast, Related Ross's mixed-income housing project in West Palm Beach represents a proactive approach to addressing the growing need for affordable housing. By setting aside units for low-income residents and planning to redevelop the Ballet Village block, the firm is taking steps to bring housing options to underserved neighborhoods.

As the Sapodilla project moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Related Ross's mixed-income approach plays out in practice. Will this development serve as a model for other affordable housing initiatives, or will it face challenges in meeting the needs of its residents? Only time will tell, but for now, it represents a promising step in the right direction.

In the midst of controversy surrounding Prince Andrew, the launch of Related Ross's mixed-income housing division serves as a reminder that there are still efforts underway to address pressing social issues, such as affordable housing. While the two stories may seem unrelated at first glance, they both reflect the complexities and challenges of our times, and the need for innovative solutions and a willingness to speak truth to power.