The popular Miami Tropical Botanic Garden in Little Haiti is once again on the verge of disappearing as developers have their eyes on the 3-acre site to build luxury condominiums.
It is the last open green space of its size in Little Haiti, as the area is suffering the same fate as other Miami neighborhoods, including Wynwood and the Design District.
The nonprofit botanical garden’s director, Casey Zap, said they were able to buy some time from the original June deadline by coming to an agreement with the owner, but the new deadline to raise $4 million is likely just a few months away.
“We have a limited time frame and limited opportunities to do something positive for our community that will be there after we are gone, and if we don’t do it now, it will be lost forever,” Zap said.
The Miami Tropical Botanic Garden features several walking trails, hideaways, a huge greenhouse, a large pond with a fountain, and plenty of wildlife.
“There’s no such thing… a functioning ecosystem in the downtown core,” Zap said. “I mean, it’s paradise. The idea that this could become condominiums, given what you see here today, is heartbreaking.”
5th District Commissioner Christine King recently spoke about green spaces in her district, but did not mention the botanical garden. In a statement sent to NBC6, she said:
“Green spaces are an essential part of any community, especially in concrete jungles. These patches of nature are vital to our emotional, physical, and mental well-being. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that future generations have green spaces to enjoy. I have advocated for community vegetable gardens in District 5, including one in Liberty City and one in Overtown. I make a conscious effort to preserve and maintain green spaces like the Rev. Edward T. Graham Greenway in Overtown. When I heard about the potential of another green space in District 5, I was naturally excited. Although this project did not come to fruition, I am confident that we will find more green spaces for the Little Haiti community. Gardens provide the community with a place to enjoy nature, provide a way to combat food insecurity, and create an educational component so our children learn about nature and learn to respect it.”
Zap said the next possible deadline would be in October.
While rumors are circulating that developers want to fill in the pond to build luxury apartments, no specific developer has yet been identified.
Zap told NBC6 that the property owner is neutral on the issue and is willing to sell the property to the nonprofit if it can raise the necessary funds.
Click here for more information about the Miami Tropical Botanic Garden and how you can help.