Rent prices increase as sea levels rise

Miami, Florida is facing the urgent need to adapt as sea levels rise globally. As property investors start focusing on inland areas instead of the low-lying beaches, residents in poorer neighborhoods at higher elevations are being forced out due to rising rents. Little Haiti, a neighborhood situated five miles inland, is one such community. It is known for its vibrant Haitian community and culture. However, it has a higher poverty rate and lower household incomes compared to the city's average. Little Haiti's proximity to popular areas like the Design District and Wynwood has attracted developers. Entrepreneur Tony Cho, who developed parts of Wynwood, has plans for a $1 billion high-rise development called Magic City in Little Haiti. This has led to increased rents for businesses in the area, forcing many to close or relocate. Residents like Reina Cartagena, who owns a cafe in Little Haiti, are struggling to make ends meet due to the rising costs. The development of Little Haiti is seen as a form of "climate gentrification," where wealthier individuals displace poorer communities in areas that are better equipped to withstand the effects of climate change. With its location on a limestone ridge about 18ft above sea level, Little Haiti is considered safer from flooding than Miami Beach. The Florida Climate Center reports that sea levels in Miami have risen 6 inches in the past 31 years, and projections suggest a further rise in the next 15 years. While the Magic City development includes plans for affordable housing, many residents still oppose the construction of skyscrapers in a neighborhood where most buildings are no more than two stories high. Some residents believe they are being pushed out to make way for wealthier individuals seeking safety from rising sea levels. Tony Cho, who is no longer involved in the development, believes that investors are driven by the desire for a return on investment, and Little Haiti's higher elevation makes it less appealing for them. He notes that both Little Haiti and Miami Beach are on porous limestone, and rising sea levels impact both areas. Despite the challenges, community activists like Renita Holmes are fighting to protect their neighborhood and the residents who call it home. They advocate for affordable housing and emphasize the importance of sharing their stories to prevent their community from becoming "a concrete city." In conclusion, Little Haiti is facing gentrification due to rising sea levels and the allure of its higher elevation as a potential safeguard. Residents are being displaced as investors focus on developing the area. Activists like Renita Holmes are actively working to protect their community and its cultural identity in the face of these challenges.