Plan to build linear park along Allapattah railroad tracks gets funding boost
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The abandoned railroad track in Allapattah planned to be transformed into a park. Photo: Courtesy of Allapattah CDC
A plan to turn an abandoned rail line into a linear park in Allapattah has received funding to seek community input and conduct a feasibility study.
Why it matters: The idea is to connect longtime residents in Little Santo Domingo with the neighborhood's newer arts district amid long-standing concerns about gentrification.
- It comes after Miami leaders approved a Community Redevelopment Agency to boost development and investment in the neighborhood, according to reports.
Driving the news: The Allapattah Collaborative CDC, the nonprofit leading the project, received $200,000 from the Knight Foundation to kick-start the planning.
- The ACDC, which advocates for economic progress that does not displace locals, is modeling the project after The Underline.
Zoom in: The plan is to build a 2-mile linear park on the long-abandoned railroad tracks that cut through the neighborhood, ACDC CEO Mileyka Burgos-Flores tells Axios.
- The project would create a free gathering space for locals with pedestrian and bicycle access, arts space and local vendors.
What they're saying: Burgos-Flores says there is a "very big disconnect" between the people moving to Allapattah and the longtime residents.
- "We want to deepen that sensibility," she said. "We are here, welcome to our community. We don't need to be kicked out. That's why building that connection, that conversation is important."
Meanwhile, the nonprofit purchased its own piece of land and is developing an affordable residential project called Allapattah 3010.
- It will include ground-floor commercial space mostly for local businesses and over 40 residential units. Income limits for the apartments will vary, averaging 80% of Miami-Dade's area median income, or $69,400 for a single renter.
- In Allapattah, Burgos-Flores says, the area median income is around $40,000.
What's next: The park grant will help fund a 12-month planning effort that includes a feasibility study, bilingual community listening sessions and design workshops, guided by a resident steering committee.
- The study will help set the project budget.
- To eventually move the project into construction, the ACDC says it will need to raise money from public agencies and other benefactors.