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The Neighborhood Stabilization Program aims to soften the blow of the recent collapse of the housing market.
Laura Gonzalez
The real estate bubble that collapsed with the recent economic recession has affected not only those in the industry, but also people who have purchased homes and those in the market to buy.
Though the media have reported the highest foreclosure rate in U.S. history, Werginn Carvajal says that now is the time to buy. “This is the best time to buy since banks are giving great rates at the moment. Plus, you got really cheap homes that were double the price four years ago.”
Carvajal has been a realtor for the past 8 years and experienced the housing bubble as well as its crumble. “The real estate market hasn’t been affected,” stated Carvajal. “A lot of people are buying and investing in real estate, and the rest that can’t buy are renting.”
Not only has the City of Miami seen a steady increase in property purchasing, but also from international investors, according to Carvajal. “These investors buy in order to rent to the locals.”
The City of Miami is trying to assist the controversial issue by implementing the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which started in 2008 nationwide. If you meet certain income criteria, then you may qualify for the NSP program.
The program’s intent is to allow cities, counties and states throughout the country to buy vacant or abandoned houses, renovate them and sell them to middle-income families.
Numerous calls were made to the office of Community Development at the City of Miami for comment with no response.
I spoke with Adrian Gamon, a local business man contracted by the
City to buy dilapidated homes and remodels each into a house fit to live in. “Thanks to the NSP program, work has been steady.”
Eviction Entrepreneurs Popping up in Miami
Eviction Entrepreneurs Popping up in Miami
Laura Gonzalez
Aiming to cash in when the housing boom was at its peak, Daniel Velez got a real estate license in May 2003. Then came the crash, and he put his business on hold. Now, he makes money not by putting people into homes, but by booting them out.
Velez, 35, a Miami entrepreneur, scratches out a living in the evictions industry. But Velez isn’t a licensed attorney or a sheriff’s deputy. He is part of an enterprising group of legal free agents, sworn notaries who for a cut-rate rate help toss out deadbeat renters.
“The number of local tenants removed has increased for two straight years,” said Sgt. Mitchell Kogod of the Miami Dade Police Department — whose office receives about 400 eviction requests each week.
The entrepreneurs advertise on the Web and with crudely made sidewalk signs, offering “affordable, fast and efficient solutions.”
At least that’s the promise made by Evictions 99, a Miami-Dade outfit that offers removal services that start at — fittingly — $99. These firms help a landlord who’s owed money fill out the necessary papers and run to court to make sure they are properly filed, all in the hopes of a quick and painless resolution.
“I owned property in the past, and when I went to do my own evictions, I found lawyers want to charge you an arm and a leg,” said Velez, founder of Miami-Dade Eviction.
Come to us, goes his sales pitch, and we can do the same job for less.
He says his business has nearly doubled since 2009.
But that business model — without the time and financial hassle of law school — walks a legal tightrope, and raises significant concerns that such businesses could be engaged in the unlicensed practice of law (UPL), a third-degree felony in Florida.
While there had been no complaints filed against Miami-Dade Evictions or Evictions 99, another South Florida firm — Accountable Business Services — has had three, the most recent two years ago. The North Miami-based group offers $164 evictions but makes clear on its website: “We are not attorneys; we provide paralegal work.”
To understand the difference, at least when it comes to evictions, one needs know how the process works.
The Florida Supreme Court makes do-it-yourself forms available for a wide range of common legal procedures, including divorce, child custody and landlord-tenant relations. The latter includes evictions, which require that property owners follow a multistep process. First, the landlord must notify the tenant that he or she is delinquent, then file a complaint in court, obtain a writ of possession, then finally have a police officer remove the renter from the apartment.
The law also allows non-attorneys, for a fee, to help complete and file the paperwork, but in a limited scope. The eviction companies fill in the blanks with the appropriate information (names, addresses, amount owed).
But even if they remain firmly on the right side of what’s legal, such businesses may be ill-equipped to handle the complexities that can arise with what appears to be the simplest case, said Miami-based attorney Palmer Heenan. His office receives more than 100 new cases a month, due in large part to his fee, which he says is competitive with the non-attorney businesses. Nearly a third end in settlement — an option not available to those who use (sans) credentials competition.
Plus, there’s no way around using an attorney when things really go haywire. Heenan is currently representing a landlord who recently evicted a tenant from an $800-a-month unit. A few days after security removed all of the personal effects from the home — which is allowed by law when an eviction request reaches its legal completion — the renter claimed more than $200,000 worth of jewelry had gone missing and is now suing the property owner.
“We all know it’s a joke,” Heenan said. “But that landlord has paid me thousands of dollars in legal fees, and we’re going to trial.”
On the Evictions 99 website, the business has an eviction process flowchart advising that in many instances, hiring an attorney is a landlord’s best option. Basically, if the tenant fights the eviction at any point in the legal wrangling, the business suggests consulting an attorney. To which, Heenan asks rhetorically: Why not just hire one in the first place and save time, and in many instances, money?
“It’s really not that hard,” argues Velez, who also advertises small claims and lease agreements among his paralegal services. “You have to know what you’re doing.”
“I get some people who have tried to do their own evictions, and at the end they come to us.”
Transportation
Ashley Hewlett
Transportation in the City of Miami
“We should look to our major contemporaries to revamp our transportation system. By adopting layouts more like Northeastern cities it wouldn’t be as difficult to get around or necessary to have a car,” stated Randy Estevez, an artist and activist anchored in the downtown district of Wynwood.
Miami often leads the nation in motor-vehicle accidents and traffic difficulties. With the nation-wide pressure to “go green” and most major cities following suit, it is becoming difficult for the local government to ignore the demand for easier mass-transportation, better traffic regulations, and importantly, specialized bike lanes on the roads in highly populated areas.
The Miami Metrobus is a public service with more than 100 routes to cater for the people of Miami. It is the first transit line to get priority improvements with the frequent additions of new buses, routes, and on board updates such as wi-fi internet service. The Metrobus also integrates with other public transport like the heavy rail system, Metrorail, the Downtown Miami Metromover, and the Paratransit (STS) systems.
In the face of funding holds and cuts, the demand for better transit from Miami’s citizens is only growing stronger. As of 2011, Miami Metrobus drivers earn between $29,494 and $47,881 per year, depending on years of service and job classification. In face of the recent budget cuts, Miami’s faithful transit employees have been targeted for salary and job cuts. Acting regional administrator, Linda Gehrke stated that “transit passengers and employees of Miami-Dade County shouldn’t be punished due to the management problems at MDT.’’
“Nobody benefits from the sort of funding cuts planned – not our public servants, and certainly not the thousands of residents who rely on these vital transit services every day,” Loraine Washington, Miami-Dade County Metrobus Driver stated.
The Metrorail has one 22.4 main line from Hialeah to Kendall and an under construction line known as the Airport link to Miami International Airport. A similar Light Rail project for Miami Beach is on the planning board. It connects most major neighborhoods throughout Miami and is sufficient for established areas. At Government Center, the Metrorail links to the Metromover. The Metromover runs in a loop around the city, but is excluding of the booming downtown districts of Wynwood and Midtown. Hi-speed rails are needed to easily transport workers into these newer areas of commerce; which would allow more consumerism and tourism in these rising areas.
The City of Miami continues to press FDOT for more safety improvements around the Biscayne/Brickell area of the most congested car and bike traffic.“The spa I work at is located inside a hotel near my downtown condo, I enjoy being able to bike to the close location, but Miami is behind the times for bike commuters,” stated Shayna Nolan.
The bike commuter community is growing as economic times get more difficult and the ‘green’ society grows. If the local government listened to that community and funded safe bike lanes, it would help cut down traffic and progress Miami amongst national cities going green and efficient.
A multimillion dollar project is underway in Tampa, Florida to add bicycle lanes along Bayshore Boulevard; a road much alike Miami’s Biscayne Boulevard. The overall plan is to calm four-wheel traffic; which officials hope will save lives for people on two wheels and two feet.
According the South Florida Bicycle Coalition’s website, monthly meetings with Miami’s city government and constant activism has achieved new bike lanes and even the implementation of DecoBike bicycle rentals in Miami.
Facilitating better transportation is beneficial economically and socially; bringing people to up and coming areas that were once avoided and slowly eliminating those neighborhoods that are marring Miami.
Crime in Wynwood
By: Emmanuel Genao
Located in Midtown Miami, Wynwood is an area that has seen a lot of changes over the past 10 years. The emergence of art has completely revitalized the area of Wynwood now known as The Art District.
This past weekend Wynwood’s Art District was the sight of a satellite Art Basel fair. Art Basel being a 4 day long art event that takes over Miami for a weekend, with many artist and art lover from all over the world descending on the city.
With Wynwood quickly becoming Miami’s art Mecca, with its giant street art murals and amazing art studio collections, many people came out to enjoy the many gallery’s and restaurants that have recently opened up there.
Courtesy of Spot Crime
Although Wynwood has come a long way in recent years, crime is still very prevalent.
Sebastian Jofre, a local visitor to the Art Basel event said his cars rear view mirror was bashed off while his car was parked on the Wynwood street. He said, “It looked like an accident but no one left a note.”
In August a local restaurant named Joey’s was robbed at gun point. According to theMiami Herald, “three men with bandanas covering their faces walked into the Italian restaurant, showed their guns and demanded everyone to lie on the floor.”
According the The Miami Herald’s crime blotter, also in August, “A burglar picked the front door lock of an apartment in the 2100 block of Northwest Fifth Avenue and ransacked the apartment between 4 and 11 p.m.”
Violent crimes are not the only things happening in Wynwood. In October, a pill mill was discovered in the area. According to an article by Janie Campell of NBC Miami, “Police and federal agents busted an alleged pill mill in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.”
Crime in the area of Wynwood seems to be tarnishing the vision that many have for this area. With new business owners and artist trying to get more area citizens and tourist into The Art District, reducing crime seems to be a big priority, especially in times like this past weekend’s Art Basel fair.
Source: spotcrime.com/Miami Herald/NBC Miami
By: Emmanuel Genao
Miami is not one of the safest cities in Florida or even in the country, and after interviewing people around the community it became clear that many are affected by Crime.
The city has a crime index of 6. This means that the city is only safer than 6 percent of other cities throughout the U.S. With Miami being such a populace city with so many tourists coming in and out, it is no surprise that crime is a major problem that residents face.
Courtesy of Google
Pedro Pena a resident of Miami says “the city should have more police officers on duty and more surveillance.” More officers to patrol the streets seems like a great idea to stop the spread of crime, but with Miami going through so many financial troubles, the reality is some cops may have to be laid off, making it harder for an already struggling police department.
Miami-Dade mayor Carlos Gimenez is looking for ways to cut cost for the city and is hoping to cut over 200 million dollars of the county’s budget. Some of those cuts may come from the police department. 90 officers were set to be laid off by this November, but for now the layoffs will not happen as the Miami-Dade police Union and Miami-Dade County are in negotiations to come to an agreement to prevent the layoffs.
Kenia Reyes, an officer and spokesperson for the City of Miami police says “Sometimes crime is down but there is no real way to gauge that.” The chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Miami are 1 in 19. That is still lower than Florida overall with chances at 1 in 24. Violent crimes include murder with about 60 occurring per year, rape with about 40 occurring per year, robbery with about 2,400 accruing per year and assault with about 3,000 occurring per year. Reyes goes on to say “There are no specific programs to prevent crime, that would be impossible, but we continuously give out tips to prevent it.”
Aside from violent crimes, Miami also has a large rate or Property crime. This includes burglary with over 4,000 a year occurring, theft with over 13,500 occurring and Vehicle theft with over 3,600 occurring per year. Pena says, “I’ve been robbed three times in my own parking.” He goes on to say “My brother’s house was robbed and they took just about everything.”
Robberies don’t only occur in the home. They can happen anywhere you might find yourself. Dianne Neria another resident from of Miami said, “I left my purse in the car to pick up my children in school. They broke my window and stole my purse. The police were called and 2 hours later they found my purse in a hospital parking lot.”Some people don’t feel safe in their neighborhoods. Janelle Joseph a resident of a Miami suburb says she doesn’t always feel safe where she lives. “I hear about all the things that have happened to my neighbors, and it scares me a lot. People get robbed here and sometimes even mugged,” she said. “I try to keep my family safe, I don’t go out at night alone and I put an alarm system. Anything to keep my family safe,” she said.
Crimes with vehicles are also a big issue in Miami. Crime involving vehicles can include drunken driving, theft and red light infractions. The city has taken steps to try and prevent some of these crimes by installing red light camera. Some may argue that the red light cameras cause more trouble than they prevent.
“Nancy Burgos, a resident of Miami, has an issue with all of the red light cameras that have popped up in the city. She says “people see a camera and stop all of a sudden in the middle of the road and start driving in reverse.” This seems to be a problem for a lot of people, since the issue often shows up in many local news cast. She goes on to say “They either hit you because they drive in reverse or stop too abruptly.
Ricardo Montalvo of the Florida Department of Transportation says “I don’t think the cameras help to prevent crime. I think they were installed to make the city money.” It seems that people in fear of breaking the law actually end up causing more trouble. Montalvo says, “I feel the people who have gotten tickets before are aware of the camera and slam on the breaks in fear of getting another, and cause more accidents.
The crime in Miami has no hint of going away anytime soon. The best thing to do is be informed and try to be as safe as possible.
Proposed Gaming May Not Be As Beneficial As Once Thought
Florida’s Proposed Gaming May Not Be As Beneficial As Once Thought
December 3, 2011-Muller
Florida’s gaming laws continue to confuse, allow loop holes and create an atmosphere of uncertainty for its citizens, especially those close to the gaming and tourist industry in Miami. As the Miccosukee Tribe began their gambling plight, the government decided to allow them to continue as a way to promote fiscal independence as well as other important factors like the establishment of fair and honest gaming and the prevention of organized crime. As the times continue to change, the laws between the state and the Florida tribes are beginning to shift and cause friction.
Not only are Florida’s Native people’s concerned but florida’s citizens are just as unsure of what the future would hold for them should the bill allowing the three mega-casinos (one being the largest in the world) pass. “I know everyone is talking about new jobs, but are they sustainable jobs or are they low income jobs,” said Rachel Lore, 34, an administrative assistant who is also a bartender on the weekends . “I have two kids and we live downtown, not the best part, but I wouldn’t want to live here if there was a giant casino a few blocks away.”
Genting’s casinos are said to have the ability to create 100,000 jobs in Miami, but according to reports workers would be earning $33,000 annually. “I would still be struggling with that amount, I’m a single mother of 4 and child support hardly helps” said Maria Guerra, 39. “What would I be doing? Dealing cards? I don’t know how to do that.” Guerra’s concerns echo those of many citizens that aren’t supportive of the bill. Many believe that the casino will only benefit those those that are already rich and can afford to invest money into the casinos, like the republicans who have invested money into hiring lobbyists to push the bill forward.
The proposed casinos could create revenue that helps the state, but local restaurants, companies and citizens could be the ones paying the price.
Casino Proposal Causes Uncertainty
Florida’s gaming laws continue to confuse, allow loop holes and create an atmosphere of uncertainty for its citizens, especially those close to the gaming and tourist industry in Miami. As the Miccosukee Tribe began their gambling plight, the government decided to allow them to continue as a way to promote fiscal independence as well as other important factors like the establishment of fair and honest gaming and the prevention of organized crime. As the times continue to change, the laws between the state and the Florida tribes are beginning to shift and cause friction.
Not only are Florida’s Native people’s concerned but florida’s citizens are just as unsure of what the future would hold for them should the bill allowing the three mega-casinos (one being the largest in the world) pass. “I know everyone is talking about new jobs, but are they sustainable jobs or are they low income jobs,” said Rachel Lore, 34, an administrative assistant who is also a bartender on the weekends . “I have two kids and we live downtown, not the best part, but I wouldn’t want to live here if there was a giant casino a few blocks away.”
Genting’s casinos are said to have the ability to create 100,000 jobs in Miami, but according to reports workers would be earning $33,000 annually. “I would still be struggling with that amount, I’m a single mother of 4 and child support hardly helps” said Maria Guerra, 39. “What would I be doing? Dealing cards? I don’t know how to do that.” Guerra’s concerns echo those of many citizens that aren’t supportive of the bill. Many believe that the casino will only benefit those those that are already rich and can afford to invest money into the casinos, like the republicans who have invested money into hiring lobbyists to push the bill forward.
The proposed casinos could create revenue that helps the state, but local restaurants, companies and citizens could be the ones paying the price.
City of Miami 