Miami historic board approves demolition of contributing house at 888 NE 70th St., allows two new homes

The Miami Historic and Environmental Preservation Board voted 6–2 to approve a special certificate of appropriateness allowing demolition of a contributing structure at 888 Northeast 70 First Street and the construction of two new houses on the lot.

The board’s approval followed a staff recommendation that initially urged denial of demolition but offered conditions should the board authorize the change. Several neighbors and the applicant’s architect testified at the public hearing; neighbors described the existing building as dilapidated and a nuisance, while the applicant said the structure is structurally compromised and that prior attempts to restore it were blocked by permitting and elevation issues.

Staff planner Christina Zhang told the board the property had undergone alterations over decades — enclosed porches, changed massing and other changes —…