Miami gave away land for Little Havana affordable housing. Here’s what to know

In his final act before leaving office, former Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo arranged a no-bid deal transferring city-owned land to three developers to build 500 affordable apartments in East Little Havana. The arrangement, which included millions in planned subsidies, has raised questions about whether it’s a fair deal for taxpayers.

FULL STORY: Developers got city land for affordable housing in Little Havana. Is it a good deal?

Here are key takeaways:

• The deal: Carollo arranged for developers Nir Shoshani, Michael Swerdlow and Nuri Dorra to receive city land at no cost to build 500 affordable apartments. Two developers already hold properties worth a combined $8 million.

• Subsidies questioned: Each developer was set to receive $4 million from District 3 funds. New Commissioner Rolando Escalona required them to instead apply through a public vetting process. Two of the applications are up for review at a May 6 public hearing.

• Family connection: Dorra is Shoshani’s brother-in-law. All parties say it’s a coincidence and that they keep business and family separate.

• What’s planned: Shoshani will build 116 workforce and affordable units on Southwest Eighth Street. Swerdlow plans two 12-story towers with 300 apartments for seniors. Dorra plans a 12-story building with 105 affordable units.

• Deadlines built in: Developers must start construction within 30 months of land transfer and finish within 60 months after that, or control reverts to the city.

• What Carollo says: The former commissioner called the initiative his legacy to Little Havana, saying other city officials had failed to address the housing crisis.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.