Miami residents to protest The Village Green development

Residents are threatening to protest a project designed to give shelter to those in need. Read why

In theory, this seems just what the city needs.

In practice, it’s already seemingly becoming a disaster.

A development application lodged with the City of Gold Coast to build a nine-storey, 31m tall tower with 109 studio apartments for short-stay accommodation in the coastal suburb of Miami makes sense on paper - other than breaching current building height restrictions.

Designed for residents looking for short or short-to-medium term transitional or emergency accommodation, the site at 11 Kedron Avenue is ideally located with infrastructure including schools, public transportation and medical facilities all within a short walk.

Artist impression of The Village Green development which is proposed for Miami

The Village Green has been pitched by a private company. However, the the project plans to be registered as a ‘Residential Services’ development with the Department of Housing.

While the DA has not yet even gone out for public consultation, the community is already up in arms. And, for once, it has nothing to do with height.

Now, to be fair, the difference between a developer’s architectural plans and the built reality can often be two very different things.

I’ll admit that I’m mildly suspicious when a private for-profit company pitches a project aimed to fulfil a social service, but at this point beggars can’t be choosers.

We have mothers and children living on the streets, and you better believe some of those kids are students at Miami schools, so let’s at least embrace this suggestion in theory.

We’re begging our government to build such social and affordable housing sites, yet here we have a private business undertaking this on their own. How are they turning a profit with this build-to-rent scheme? I guess that’s their problem … perhaps it’s a matter of applying for government subsidies, perhaps it’s all a pipe dream.

As for the civic and town planning practicalities, I’m willing to take council’s advice as to whether or not this project measures up (and at 31m it certainly does measure up).

What I’m not willing to accept is NIMBYs slagging off people in need as ‘less-than’s who don’t deserve a roof over their head. At least, not if that roof is next door to their own palatial residence.

Artist impression of The Village Green development which is proposed for Miami

They’ve got theirs, you don’t get yours.

When a resident posted about the project in an online community group, incorrectly describing it as a ‘commission housing building’ planned by council, the reaction was immense and intense.

“Great news for dole bludgers, ex-prisoners, mental health problems and unemployable dead beats. Watch the crime rates rise when you put all these losers in a building together in a nice area,” said one.

“We all make choices in life and I chose not to be a dead beat, worked hard to get where I am and now these council pricks want to put all their s*** right next to me! No thanks not happening,” said another.

One commenter stated they would ‘picket’ the building should the development be approved. Guess the neighbourhood welcome wagon isn’t quite what it used to be.

On the other side of the figurative street, however, other residents were supportive of the project.

“There’s already over 100 social housing houses/units/apartments in that area - you just don’t know which ones they are. There’s a huge housing crisis and not all social housing tenants are ‘Housos’, they’re families and people in need of shelter, a basic need. Strong NIMBY vibes,” said one.

“The way the costs are going some people have lost jobs, not all should be placed under the umbrella as being drug addicts. People need a home for better socialisation, self-respect and a reason to wake up. Sure, it’s close living but better than having cars and vans living in your street … and using the gutters,” said another.

Miami beach Gold Coast.

Another pointed out that money does not always mean class, or good neighbours:

“Personally, I find the cashed-up clowns driving their ‘super cars’/small-appendage-compensation vehicles well over the speed limit on my street in Nobbys - where my daughter and other kids are on the sidewalk - a far bigger risk.

“More money doesn’t necessarily correlate with safe and respectful conduct.”

I do understand people’s concerns about losing their neighbourhood character, but the insane price of coastal living means that’s already happening. Families are leaving because it’s unaffordable.

Looking at the project’s pretty architectural drawings, and given the site’s location near commercial and industrial premises, as well as all the promised benefits like a shared electric car, sustainable design and its intention to become a community hub, it sounds almost too good to be true.

And perhaps it is.

But let’s give the project a chance, at least in theory. Because if it’s not a complete fairytale fantasy, it could give some residents an opportunity for a happy ending.