The residents of Grove Isle are devastated over a new development
The millionaire residents of a secluded island in Miami say their private paradise has been destroyed, after the city allowed a developer to build a huge 91-foot high, seven-story block of condos that now blots out their waterfront views.
The new building shields their once-spectacular views
What once offered spectacular vistas of Biscayne Bay and the skyline of downtown Miami has now been blocked by an enormous stadium-like construction of new condominiums, leaving residents in the pre-existing blocks completely in the shade.
The residents of Grove Isle had fought for ten years to prevent the new condo from being constructed on their private island. Indeed, the new building, which they believe to have been illegally constructed, has been built in the exact same location, where a community clubhouse, swimming pool, Tiki hut bar, and waterfront restaurant used to stand.
Lawsuits allege violations of planning laws, but construction proceeds
The lawsuit alleges the city broke its own planning laws by granting building permits to Vita’s developers. ‘I don’t see how a judge can do anything other than revoke permits that should never have been issued,’ said attorney David Winker to The Herald. ‘What’s happened on Grove Isle would be like me selling you my backyard casita and then you tear it down and build a big single-family home that doesn’t belong. It’s another example of Miami lawlessness — just let the developer have his way and no one will dare tear it down,’ Winker said.
The Impact on Grove Isle Residents
Not only has the new building destroyed the once-spectacular views for the Grove Isle residents, but it has also created additional problems. The way the new block has been constructed with its curved design has created a wind tunnel effect, resulting in patio furniture on neighboring balconies being blown around. Moreover, the prices of the original homes are said to have plummeted by 30 percent.
‘When residents move in over there, they’ll be close enough to see what I’m watching on TV. Or what I’m reading. I’ll be able to see into their bathrooms,’ said Wendy Gordon to the Miami Herald.
‘We bought a peaceful island lifestyle. It was heaven. It’s gone. This used to be a kind and friendly place. Now everybody hates each other.’
Legal Controversy and Residents’ Frustrations
The residents have filed a lawsuit against the city of Miami, hoping to bring construction to a halt or possibly see the building downsized. However, construction is already well underway with completion expected this winter. The lawsuit claims that the city broke its own planning laws by granting permits for the development. The residents are seeking accountability for what they see as an abuse of power by the developer.
‘They bullied and manipulated residents into thinking it was a done deal and this new building was inevitable, so we should just be resigned to it,’ said Elizabeth Tamayo, who has lived in the building for 25 years. ‘I come from [Venezuela] where the rule of law no longer exists. We want the law to be followed. There has got to be accountability, or this type of overdevelopment in a city run by developers will continue. It’s time to put a stop to these abuses of power,’ Tamayo said. ‘The HOA dictators betrayed us. They screwed us royally,’ added Schaecter.
