Jewish Community Services seeks county conveyance of 610 Española Way site for affordable and workforce housing

Jewish Community Services (JCS) President and CEO Miriam Singer asked the committee to urge the Miami‑Dade School Board to lease or convey a parcel on the Feinberg‑Fisher campus at 610 Española Way to Miami‑Dade County for affordable and workforce housing.

Why it matters: The proposal would use underused school campus land and co‑locate housing with JCS social services, including senior programs and counseling. JCS said the project could serve seniors and school district employees, but the funding sources will determine exact unit counts and the split between senior and employee units.

Singer told the committee JCS holds a $1‑per‑year 15‑year lease with the school system and wants to work with county housing officials and the school district to develop a ground‑lease arrangement so the county can build and operate housing on the site. “We see an opportunity to provide affordable and workforce housing on the campus and to co‑locate it with our services,” Singer said.

Staff and commissioners discussed jurisdiction and design review: commissioners noted the parcel is school district property and asked whether the city would retain design review or building‑safety authority if the district or county owned the site. Staff said the city would seek to urge the parties to use the city’s historic‑district and land‑use review processes but that county and school district properties can present legal limits; the city attorney’s office will research governance and possible language.

Scale and funding: Singer said a preliminary study estimated up to 80 units might be possible; she suggested a conservative estimate of 65–70 units pending further review with planning staff. JCS and county staff have discussed a mix of funding sources and that final unit mix (seniors vs. school employees) will depend on restrictions from federal, state and local funders.

Committee action and next steps: The committee voted unanimously to return the resolution to the City Commission with a favorable recommendation and one amendment that adds flexibility by urging development of “affordable and/or workforce” units. Commissioners requested staff and counsel provide suggested language to urge the parties to use Miami Beach’s design review processes, if feasible, and asked staff to research whether a conveyance versus lease would change local jurisdiction.

Ending: The item will go to the full commission for consideration. JCS and county staff will continue discussions with Miami‑Dade and the school board about site control and funding.

Speakers quoted or referenced: Miriam Singer (Jewish Community Services), Commissioner Richardson, Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez, Commissioner (others).