Two Miami-based grassroots organizations—Neighbors and Neighbors Association (NANA) and the Circle of Brotherhood—are calling out Miami-Dade Commissioner Keon Hardemon, alleging that he is deliberately blocking progress on much-needed affordable housing in Liberty City.
The controversy centers around 35 properties in Liberty City that were given to NANA for development under the County’s Infill Housing Program. While many of the homes have already been completed and are housing families, eight units remain frozen in the construction process. Community leaders claim bureaucratic red tape is to blame, pointing the finger directly at Commissioner Hardemon. However, no written proof has been provided to substantiate these claims as of publication.
“This isn’t just about politics. Families are waiting for homes, and their future is being stalled,” said Leroy Jones, Executive Director of NANA. “We’ve been waiting 579 days since permits were pulled to finish these homes. All we need is one signature—for an extension Commissioner Hardemon promised—but he hasn’t followed through.”
According to The Miami Times, the accusations were aired publicly at a press conference on Tuesday, March 25th, where frustrated community leaders, residents, and activists gathered to demand action. Speakers emphasized the urgent need for affordable housing in Miami-Dade, especially as rent prices continue to soar and homeownership becomes increasingly out of reach for many families.
“We can’t afford for politics to keep our people from having homes,” said one speaker at the event. “This is about ensuring our community gets what it was promised.”
The nonprofits also issued a letter to the Board of County Commissioners, questioning the legal basis of the funding freeze and challenging Hardemon’s portrayal of their organizations. They’re seeking answers—and possibly an ethics inquiry—before the next commission meeting, which takes place today, March 27th.
Despite the mounting pressure, COB and NANA say Commissioner Hardemon has yet to directly respond to them. Meanwhile, The Miami Times reports that Hardemon told them on Wednesday that he had not seen Tuesday’s press conference, which was livestreamed on Facebook.
“I look forward to hearing their complaints and will soon make a decision regarding their deficiencies of accountability, sound decision-making, and contracts,” Hardemon said in a written statement to the Times, per their reporting.
As the standoff continues, residents and advocates say they won’t back down until the remaining homes are completed. Hy-Lo News will keep you updated as this story develops.
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