The uncertain future of the empty lot where the tower collapsed in Miami

More than two months have passed since the collapse of the South Champlain Tower in Surfside, where 98 people have died. Survivors and family members of the victims must find out what will happen to the lost properties, some of them left homeless to live on.

Losses due to building collapse estimated at $ 1 billion. With a faulty insurance policy, the building will hopefully receive $ 50 million. Many plan to increase the amount of money available to distribute if the land that is now empty can be sold.

In the area, there is permission to build a twelve-story tower, as it existed. A real estate company, Avison Young, offered to sell the lot without taking any commission on the sale. Without waiting, already this week they released the land as available for purchase. According to the company page, in the next 60-90 days there will be a live auction where the land can be acquired.

Early August, an anonymous investor offered $ 120 million for the land. This figure will be used as the basis for the auction. The site’s listing for the land describes it as “a 1.88 acre beachfront property with approximately 200 feet of direct beach access on Collins Avenue.”

The judge of property, the magistrate Michael hanzman, authorized Avison Young to hold the auction, if they all agree to it being sold for further development.

Problem is, the judge is considering various plans that have been approached that don’t all include this sale. Another option would be to do a land swap, leaving that land to the Municipality of Surfside, and taking in exchange a property two blocks north., on the same Collins Avenue with access to the beach, where the town’s community center is currently located.

In this way, the land where the tragedy occurred would be left to make a memorial to the victims and build a new community center.

Some survivors and relatives of the victims would agree with this proposal. At the last community meeting last Tuesday, a dozen survivors and their families spoke out in favor of leaving the grounds where the tower stood for the memorial, rather than paying homage elsewhere. Corn within the surfside commission there would be resistance. At least three of the five members of the commission would not consider it.

“Leaving the community center will never, ever be an option,” the commissioner said in an email. Eliana Salzheaur.

“The properties that belong to our municipality are not for sale,” said the commissioner. nelly velasquez it is a statement.

Although the judge said he would consider the option of a land swap as a valid path, without the support of the commissioners, it will have little future. The judge assigned an assistant to study the proposal but confirmed that Ultimately, the final decision will be made by the authorities of the Town of Surfside.

At first, it was speculated that Miami-Dade County would purchase the land to make it a memorial to the victims. However, Mayor Daniella Levina Cava has already confirmed that this will not happen.

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