Latest news with #greencommunity
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Miami Tropical Botanic Garden founder secures funding to save it from developers
The founder of the Miami Tropical Botanic Garden has secured funding to buy the land his garden sits on, successfully fending off developers and preserving a rare green space in the heart of Little Haiti. Developers back off as green space is preserved Casey Zap, who started the lush three-acre garden, was leasing the land and faced losing it last year as developers eyed it for potential high-rise or retail development. Now, with private investors stepping in, the land will remain in the community - a victory for environmental preservation and local education. "Even when we thought we might lose the property, we just kept planting," Zap said. CBS News Miami first covered Zap's efforts in May 2024, when he was racing to raise $4 million to purchase the property. At one point, a developer nearly closed a deal, but Zap said it fell through, giving him a second chance. He then took out a $300,000 loan to place a deposit on the land. Personal stakes, community mission "I had to pay interest on it too," Zap said. "But I honestly don't have a wife and children. This is my passion." That deposit bought him time to secure investors who could help buy the land outright in cash. Now, Zap says, the garden's future is secure and it will serve as a resource for the neighborhood. "This is a prime area for an educational center. All these are very rare tropical plants," he said. Ashley Toussaint, vice chair of the Little Haiti Revitalization Trust, said protecting this rare urban green space is a win for the entire community. "There's so much development coming to Little Haiti, both known and unknown," Toussaint said. "It's good to know that this will be protected." Plans for resilience and education Zap has big plans for the space, including using it to help manage stormwater in flood-prone Miami. "By being the green infrastructure that Miami needs desperately, we will be able to take on this enormous amount of stormwater flooding," he said. Though the deal isn't finalized yet, Zap said the closing is expected by the end of the year.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Town centre regeneration project delayed
A scheme to develop part of a town centre in Worcestershire has been delayed. The project connecting Worcester Street to Bromsgrove Street in Kidderminster, creating a new green community area, is now expected to be finished by the end of the year. The delay has been caused by the need for additional drainage, said Wyre Forest District Council. The finished space will improve access to the Bromsgrove Street car park, and is part of the council's vision for the town, Kidderminster 2040, it said. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Park revamp set to begin after badger delays Plans revealed for former Woolworths building Town council aims to reopen paddling pool in 2026 Wyre Forest District Council
BBC News
01-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Kidderminster town centre regeneration project delayed
A scheme to develop part of a town centre in Worcestershire has been delayed. The project connecting Worcester Street to Bromsgrove Street in Kidderminster, creating a new green community area, is now expected to be finished by the end of the delay has been caused by the need for additional drainage, said Wyre Forest District Council. The finished space will improve access to the Bromsgrove Street car park, and is part of the council's vision for the town, Kidderminster 2040, it said. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
UAE Moments
12-05-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
Dubai to Turn Jebel Ali Racecourse Into 5km² Green Urban Hub
A huge urban project is in the works that's set to give Dubai a brand-new look—and it's all happening around the Jebel Ali Racecourse. UAE-based investment firm A.R.M. Holding has partnered with internationally known architecture studio BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group to design a massive 5-square-kilometre development in the area. The goal? Create a green, people-friendly community that blends sustainability with modern city living. Focus on sustainability, connection, and green spaces The upcoming project is part of Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan, which focuses on building livable, eco-conscious communities. The new district will feature interconnected urban 'islands', wrapped in greenery and linked by a central park that runs through the entire neighborhood. It aims to promote walkability, open space, and a stronger sense of community. Inspired by local heritage and global design At the project's announcement, BIG founder Bjarke Ingels described the design as a new direction for Dubai—one that highlights both social and environmental sustainability. A.R.M. Holding CEO Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi added that the project reflects a balance between Emirati culture and modern innovation, aiming to create spaces where people feel a sense of belonging and identity. Construction begins 2026 Work on the project is expected to kick off in early 2026. Once complete, the development will add a major new green space to the city and become a model for future urban living in Dubai.
