Miami Is Tearing Itself Apart Over Bonkers Plan to Move Homeless to Island
Some of Miami’s wealthiest residents may soon have a new neighbor—a homeless encampment on a hurricane-prone barrier island that’s miles from the nearest grocery store.
Pilar Melendez
Senior National Reporter
Published Aug. 06, 2022 10:51PM ET
On Thursday night, it seemed there was no more exclusive place to be in Miami than the District 7 town hall Zoom chat room.
As local officials, scientists, and advocates spoke during the one-hour conversation, Miamians were furiously typing their thoughts on what has quickly become the biggest topic of conversation in the area: the under-the-radar approval to pursue a pilot program for a homeless encampment in Virginia Key.
“This will be a bigger mistake than the Metro Rail system,” one commenter posted in the chat to over 200 residents at 7:10 p.m.
While the full effects of the niche insult can only be enjoyed by anyone who has suffered through Miami’s illogical two-line rail system, it speaks volumes about the public sentiment around the plan to erect up to 100 “tiny homes” on a historic barrier island with a stained racial history. The encampment plan has spurred outrage from every type of Miamian: environmentalists who are worried about destroying the island’s already endangered ecosystem, outdoor enthusiasts concerned about ruined recreational activities, and homeless advocates sounding the alarm about the lack of infrastructure in the area off Rickenbacker Causeway, which could leave relocated people without transportation, sewage systems, and even access to food.
More:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/miami-is-tearing-itself-apart-over-bonkers-plan-to-move-homeless-to-hurricane-prone-island-virginia-key
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