"Dominant": Inside Lennar's housing empire in south Miami-Dade
South Miami-Dade County's sprawling suburbs give way to vast open land, where homebuilding giant Lennar plans to construct a mega-subdivision.
When one of south Miami-Dade County's sprawling suburbs ends, the landscape changes. Streets of master-planned communities level off into a vast expanse of open land and row crops that stretch into the horizon for a mile and a half, west toward Krome Avenue and Everglades National Park. This is where, on a nearly 1,000-acre tract, homebuilding giant Lennar wants to build a mega-subdivision: homes, jobs, schools and entertainment.
In business-friendly Miami-Dade, government officials have long catered to developers in an ongoing bid for new towers, complexes and homes. With real estate being a major economic driver and tax base for the county, developers like Lennar hold significant sway over local politicians and agencies.
Lennar's dominance in the housing market is evident in its sprawling empire in south Miami-Dade. The company owns thousands of acres of land and has significant influence over local planning and zoning decisions. They have been able to push through controversial projects and secure favorable deals with little resistance.
One example of Lennar's influence is their partnership with the South Florida Water Management District. The agency, which is responsible for managing water resources in the region, has allowed Lennar to develop on land that was previously reserved for Everglades restoration. This move has been heavily criticized by environmentalists and conservationists.
Despite these controversies, Lennar continues to expand its empire in south Miami-Dade. The company recently announced plans for a new mega-subdivision, which will include homes, jobs, schools, and entertainment. With their significant influence and control over local officials and agencies, it