FYI Miami: November 17, 2022

Bellow are some of the FYIs in this week’s edition. The entire content of this week’s FYIs and Insider sections is available by subscription only. To subscribe click here.

SOUTH MIAMI SCRAMBLE: By the beginning of 2025 pedestrians at the intersection of Red Road and Sunset Drive in the heart to downtown South Miami should be able to cross the street on a diagonal in what is called a scramble crosswalk. Miami-Dade County is working with the Florida Department of Transportation to fund the change at the intersection, now estimated to cost $216,453, of which the state would, pay $188,220. The plan is to design the project before the end of this year, with a construction contract to be let by August 2023 and work to be finished by December 2024.
MORTGAGES IN LOW-INCOME AREAS: FirstBank Florida has initiated a homeownership program for loans targeted to low- to moderate-income households interested in purchasing a home in targeted areas, including the African-American communities of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The bank is citing loan-to-value ratios of up to 97% to those homebuyers. The programs applies to both first-time buyers and refinancing of existing homes. The bank is citing flexible credit guidelines and says borrowers may qualify for up to $6,000 in closing costs, with mortgage insurance and appraisal and credit reports all paid by the bank, which also promises homeownership education and counseling. Single-family homes and condos can qualify.
CIRCLING WAGONS: Robot food deliveries in little red wagons will be launched on Miami streets in 2023 as an alternative to car-based deliveries that contribute to traffic and pollution, Anna Dailey, Coco’s chief of staff, told Miami Today. Coco, a remotely piloted delivery service, intends to partner with local restaurants and markets to make deliveries more affordable and sustainable.
GAS PRICES RISE: Average gasoline prices in Miami rose 11.4 cents per gallon in the past week to $3.55, according to GasBuddy. Prices in Miami are 14 cents higher than a month ago and 24.9 cents higher than a year ago. The national average price fell 2.6 cents per gallon in the week to $3.76. The national average is down 14.3 cents from a month ago but is 36.3 cents higher than a year ago.
BRICKELL FIRE STATION: Swire Properties, the Hong Kong-based firm responsible for developing Brickell Key and Brickell City Center, is collaborating with the City of Miami to build a temporary and then permanent fire station downtown. A Swire spokesman told Miami Today that the temporary fire station will open within four months of receiving the outstanding city approvals, which are in process.