Top: Unsafe structure is demolished by BG Group. The City of Miami is making it a priority to get rid of abandoned buildings such as this one, which are havens for crimes including narcotics violations, trespassing, and stolen property. Bottom: Mayor Manny Diaz and City Manager Pete Hernandez look at unwanted trash inside an abandoned building, minutes before it is demolished. Photos: Jorge R. Perez/City of Miami.

(Miami, Fla.) – The City of Miami has undertaken a concerted effort to demolish abandoned structures that have been havens for criminals and eye sores for surrounding neighborhoods. On Wednesday, September 19th, the city demolished two abandoned buildings that are part of an industrial facility located at 650 NW 8 St (33,500 sq. ft.) and 601 NW 7 St. (41,700 sq. ft.). 

“We will continue to do everything in our power to rid our neighborhoods of these unsafe structures,” said Mayor Diaz. “This is one way this administration can augment police efforts to combat crime in our city.”

Mayor Diaz, City Manager Pete Hernandez, and officials from Building, Code Enforcement, and Police were present during the demolition. Just in the last year, more than 100 arrests have been made on this property for crimes such as narcotics violations, trespassing, and stolen property. This structure has been deemed unsafe due to the fact that is has been vacant, unsecured, and open. 

“I am committed to allocating resources to further this effort,” said the City Manager. “It is also important that property owners do their part to clear these lots and create places that will improve the quality of life for the community that surrounds them.”

In addition, in the past week, the city has demolished the property adjacent to the East Coast Fisheries (40 SW N. River Drive), and an abandoned house in Coconut Grove (3441 Thomas Avenue).  Currently, the City is acquiring necessary permitting to demolish an abandoned commercial business in Allapattah (1733 NW 33 St.) and also suing the owners of the Lerner building in Downtown for their failure to demolish that property.