Miami Breaks Ground on Affordable Little Haiti Townhomes

City and county leaders broke ground on a new townhome development named Place Louverture, which will bring 13 permanently affordable homes to Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood. The project is part of the South Florida Community Land Trust model, where buyers purchase the home at reduced prices while the nonprofit retains ownership of the land.

Residents like Sampson Lisca have expressed concerns about property taxes and living expenses making it difficult for longtime residents to stay in their homes. Commissioner Christine King emphasized the need to ensure that long-time community members are not priced out by these developments, highlighting the importance of stability for current homeowners.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava pushed back against skepticism over future displacement, stating that strict legal covenants govern community land trust properties and guaranteeing their permanence. The project aims to provide affordable housing opportunities while addressing concerns about potential long-term instability.

Salvadoran President's Campaign in Haiti

Salvadoran troops have been deployed to Haiti following the disappearance of four aviation technicians working with a U.N.-backed mission, which El Salvador views as an opportunity to combat gangs and bolster Bukele’s image ahead of February elections. However, this operation faces growing international scrutiny over potential human rights violations.

Skepticism Surrounding Operation

Experts such as Roberto Dubon argue that President Nayib Bukele is using Haiti's gang crisis for political gain in El Salvador, portraying himself as a superhero to secure votes and maintain popularity. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has distanced the U.S. from this intervention, supporting instead the U.N.-backed mission.