Miami residents fight development that blocks their view

Real estate

By Mary K. Jacob

Residents of Miami’s serene Grove Isle haven say their lives — not to mention their property values ​​— have been ruined by the intrusion of a colossal seven-story condominium complex, towering 91 feet high.

This development, permitted by the city, has eclipsed the picturesque waterfront vistas that once defined the area.

Previously, residents enjoyed the breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Today, they say, their prospects are obscured by the new condo building, casting the pre-existing homes in perpetual shadow.

Additionally, the unconventional curvature of the structure caused a disruptive wind tunnel effect, allegedly wreaking havoc on the furniture on adjacent balconies.

The repercussions extend even further, with a 30% drop in property values ​​in original homes, they add.

Wendy Gordon, a resident, lamented Miami Herald“When people move there, they’ll be close enough to see what I’m watching on TV. Or what I read. I will be able to see into their bathrooms.

What was once a sanctuary of tranquility has transformed into a battleground of animosity between neighbors.

For a decade, Grove Isle residents fought to block the construction of this condominium. Yet their efforts were in vain, as the new structure now occupies the very spot where communal amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, Tiki Hut bar and waterfront restaurant once thrived.

The opulent new development, dubbed Vita, has seven stories and 65 units, with prices ranging from $2.7 million to $22 million.

Its affluent occupants will enjoy the same coveted views that longtime Grove Isle residents have cherished for decades. Additionally, Vita promises a range of exclusive amenities, including private elevators, a poolside bar and expansive terraces.

David Schaecter, a resident since Grove Isle’s inception, mourns the loss of his sight.

“It’s invasive. We will have to keep our blinds closed,” he told the outlet. Legal challenges have been pursued, with a lawsuit filed against the city of Miami, challenging the legitimacy of the building permits granted to Vita’s developers.

The lawsuit alleges a violation of the city’s planning rules, saying the permits were issued in error.

Lawyer David Winker highlights the seriousness of the situation, comparing it to an unauthorized invasion of private property. “This is another example of Miami lawlessness,” he told the Herald.

The genesis of Vita dates back to a 2020 settlement, negotiated clandestinely between the developer and homeowners association leaders, without the participation of Grove Isle residents.

Elizabeth Tamayo, a long-time resident of 25 years, denounces the coercion used to advance development, emphasizing the need for respect for the rule of law.

“We want the law to be respected. There has to be accountability,” Tamayo said. This sentiment is shared by Schaecter, who feels betrayed by the homeowners association’s capitulation to the developer’s agenda.