Michael Swerdlow Proposes 5,720-Unit Affordable Housing Development in Miami's Little River​

Key Points:

• Major Redevelopment: Michael Swerdlow's firm seeks a 99-year lease to transform public housing sites in Little River, introducing 5,720 affordable and workforce apartments.​

• Comprehensive Plan: The project includes residential units, commercial spaces, a potential Tri-Rail station, and extensive green areas.​

• Upcoming Decisions: The Miami-Dade County Housing Committee will review the proposal on March 11, with a full County Commission vote tentatively set for April 1.​

Developer Michael Swerdlow has unveiled an ambitious plan to revitalize Miami's Little River neighborhood by redeveloping existing public housing sites into a sprawling mixed-use community. This proposal aims to address affordable housing shortages while enhancing the area's infrastructure and amenities. In this article, we explore the project's details, its potential impact on the community, and the forthcoming approval process.​

Project Overview:

• Developer: SG Little River Holdings LLC, led by Michael Swerdlow​

• Scope: Redevelopment of public housing sites totaling 35.32 acres​

• Residential Units: 5,720 apartments, comprising:​

  • Affordable Housing: 2,284 units

  • Workforce Housing: 3,446 units

• Additional Components:

  • Commercial/Office/School Space: 370,000 square feet

  • Green Space: 250,000 square feet.

  • Transportation: Potential Tri-Rail station on the FEC Railway.

Community Impact:

• Current Residents: The existing 314 affordable housing units would be replaced, with plans allowing residents to move into new buildings before their current apartments are demolished, minimizing displacement.​

• Economic Development: The inclusion of commercial spaces and improved transportation infrastructure is expected to stimulate local economic growth and job creation.​

• Partnerships: Collaboration with AJ Capital could add 2,100 market-rate apartments and 293,000 square feet of retail space on adjacent private land, further diversifying housing options and amenities.​

Approval Process:

• Housing Committee Review: Scheduled for March 11.​

• County Commission Vote: Tentatively set for April 1.​

Michael Swerdlow's proposal represents a significant investment in Miami's housing infrastructure, aiming to blend affordability with modern urban living. As the project moves through the approval process, it holds the potential to reshape Little River, offering enhanced housing options and community amenities.