The Allapattah District, nicknamed Little Santo Domingo, is one of Miami’s oldest communities. Once considered a hidden gem, the working-class neighborhood of 17th Avenue has been at the forefront of gentrification, fighting to preserve the neighborhood’s Dominican heritage and diverse cultural identity.   

Prior to 2018, at least 20 businesses in the 17th Avenue Commercial Corridor were forced to move out, displaced due to rent increases and a lack of viable options to own their long-term residences or storefronts.   

In some cases, rent increased by more than $1,000 per month over the last five years, with an average rent increase of $600 across all renters. Many attributed the sharp rent increase to a disproportionate influx of capital in real estate and new ownership of the buildings by investors. 

Yet, in a time of hopelessness, hope arrived in 2018, as NALCAB and the South Florida Community Development Coalition (SFCDC) saw a need to help these small businesses thrive in their neighborhood through wealth building, placemaking and advocacy.  

With grant money and technical assistance from NALCAB, the SFCDC was able to move forward with the 17th Avenue Equitable Development Action Plan, which evolved into the creation of the Allapattah Collaborative Community Development Corporation (ACCDC). Mileyka Burgos-Flores, a Dominican-American community activist and alumni of NALCAB’s Pete Garcia Community & Economic Development Fellowship, was selected as its Executive Director. 

This new nonprofit is a place-based entity has launched a series of initiatives to engage the community in ownership, wealth building, advocacy, equitable development and increased economic inclusion. One of ACCDC’s first anti-displacement strategies was to advocate legislation for “Right of First Refusal,” which allows business owners to have the first right to purchase their storefront, instead of being evicted by property owners.  

Additional steps have included identifying and securing funding to acquire and repair commercial buildings on NW 17th Avenue; as well as support to establish partnerships for the long-term economic development of the area. 

When asked about NALCAB’s contribution to the community and people of color of the Allapattah District she represents, Burgos-Flores said “NALCAB had the foresight to come to Miami and help solve this gentrification process with us, providing us with the tools and resources to find a solution together.” She adds, “NALCAB has been paramount to our success. Their focus on culturally relevant practices and the empowerment of Latino and immigrant communities has been priceless.” 

Recursos en Español

Para leer más sobre el trabajo de Allapattah CDC, haga clic aquí.