On July 17, 2025, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners convened to discuss the Comprehensive Development Master Plan and zoning agenda, with a significant focus on a proposed affordable housing project by Blue Nest. The meeting highlighted a divide in community opinion regarding the project, which aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the area.

Supporters of the Blue Nest project, including local pastors and community members, emphasized the importance of affordable housing as a means to achieve homeownership and build generational wealth. Reginald Joseph, representing the Haitian Homestead Pastor's Association, articulated the struggles many face in affording homes, stating that the project would provide essential support for those in need. Similarly, law enforcement officer Jeremy Young noted that the project could stimulate the local economy by creating construction jobs and enabling more residents to realize the American dream of homeownership.

However, opposition to the project was equally vocal, with residents expressing concerns about the proposed density of 500 new housing units in an already crowded area. Critics argued that the project would exacerbate existing traffic issues and strain local infrastructure. Jessica Gowie and Guillermo Bustamante, residents of Homestead, voiced their frustration over the definition of "affordable," pointing out that homes priced at $400,000 are out of reach for many families, including themselves.

Additional opposition came from community members who raised ethical concerns about the project's promotion. Vanessa Brito accused local officials of orchestrating a deceptive campaign to garner support for the development, claiming that some community voices were not independent but rather tied to political interests. This sentiment was echoed by others who felt that the project was being pushed through without adequate community engagement or consideration of its impact on existing neighborhoods.

The meeting underscored the complexities surrounding affordable housing initiatives in Miami-Dade County, where the demand for housing continues to rise amid economic challenges. As the board deliberates on the proposal, the community remains divided, with supporters advocating for the potential benefits of increased homeownership and critics warning of the risks associated with rapid development in residential areas. The outcome of this discussion will likely shape the future of housing in the region, reflecting broader trends in urban development and community planning.