FL Residents In Affordable Housing Given 60 Days To Move As The Property To Be Converted To A Hotel

Photo byRuddy CorporanonUnsplash

Floridians who have lived in the Sunshine State for a while likely already know that affordable housing in Florida is in short supply. According to UF's Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, Florida only has 24 affordable housing units for every 100 people or families who need it. And now, Floridians in Miami who already live in affordable housing are being asked to leave on short notice so that their units can become a boutique hotel.

About Riviera Plaza Apartments: These apartments in Miami sit on a .43-acre site on 337 20th Street. Although the property houses 56 affordable living houses today, nearly 100 years ago, in 1926, the property was originally a hotel.

In the spring of 2023, the owners approached the city of Miami about converting the apartments back to a boutique hotel. That proposal was approved.

Residents give the apartments 2.5 out of 5 stars. Most did not elaborate on their reason for the low reviews, but one reviewer named Ana lamented the lack of an intercom.

Affordable Housing Residents Were Recently Given 60 Days To Evacuate: Residents were reportedly recently told that they need to be out of their apartments by the end of August.

Brandon Aguillar has lived in the Riviera Plaza Apartments for the past twelve years. He said comparable apartments in the same area cost $1,000 more per month. He explained to NBC Miami:

“It’s crazy that all of these apartments, everywhere you go, are going up in prices and you don’t have anywhere to live."

Residents are reportedly being offered $500 to move out by the deadline.