Developers Propose 480-Unit Live Local Project Near El Portal

A new multifamily project is on the horizon near El Portal, as developers Barbara and Sebastian Cobas of Miami have filed an application for a 19-story development called NoMi 7|90. The project, which would be built on nearly 3 acres at 9001 Northwest Seventh Avenue and 663 Northwest 90th Street in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, would offer 480 units and take advantage of the state's Live Local Act to increase height and density.

The Live Local Act, a state law aimed at addressing housing affordability, allows developers to build up to the tallest height within a mile and the greatest density permitted within a jurisdiction, in exchange for designating a certain percentage of apartments for moderate-income households. In this case, the developers would reserve 40% of the units for households earning up to 120% of the area median income.

The project's location, west of Interstate 95 near El Portal, is seen as a prime spot for development, given its proximity to major transportation routes and employment centers. The developers are seeking a pre-application meeting with Miami-Dade County staff to gauge their input on the project before filing a formal application.

This project is just one of several multifamily developments that have been proposed in the area in recent months, as developers seek to take advantage of the Live Local Act's incentives. The law has been seen as a key tool in addressing the region's housing affordability crisis, by encouraging the development of more affordable units.

According to county records, the developers, who are managed by the Cobas, have filed an application for a pre-application meeting, which is a preliminary step in the development process. The meeting would allow the developers to discuss their plans with county staff and address any concerns or issues that may arise before submitting a formal application.

The NoMi 7|90 project would be built on a site that is currently vacant, and would feature a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The development would also include amenities such as a pool, gym, and community room, as well as parking for residents.

The project's density would be increased under the Live Local Act, which allows developers to build at a higher density than would normally be permitted under county zoning regulations. In exchange, the developers would be required to reserve 40% of the units for moderate-income households, which would be priced at a level that is affordable to households earning up to 120% of the area median income.

The Live Local Act has been seen as a key tool in addressing the region's housing affordability crisis, by encouraging the development of more affordable units. However, some critics have raised concerns about the impact of increased density on local infrastructure and services.

As the project moves forward, it is likely to face scrutiny from local residents and community groups, who may raise concerns about the impact of the development on the area. However, the developers and county officials see the project as an important step towards addressing the region's housing affordability crisis, and providing more options for moderate-income households.