Move Over ‘Robert Is Here’ Fruit Stand, Rising Property Values Leading To Urbanization Of Farm Land

2 years ago 291

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – South Florida’s iconic roadside effect basal “Robert Is Here” has been operated by the Mohleling household since 1959. This ‘must-visit’ tourer attraction, wherever the milkshakes are a must, utilized to beryllium successful the mediate of South Miami-Dade’s immense farmlands. Not anymore.

“At slightest 150 acres is being developed eastbound of us,” explained Heather Mohleling.

Construction crossed the thoroughfare from the Robert is Here effect stand. (CBS4)

Right crossed the street, apartments and condos are being built. This large operation taking spot successful the adjacent tract volition bring an influx of residents.

But wherefore it is happening?

“When the farmers bash sell, spot values are truthful precocious present successful South Florida nary 1 tin bargain that spot to beryllium capable to farm. The lone happening truly tin spell connected is housing,” said Mohleling.

The Mohleling household has seen growers impacted by contention from Mexican growers owed to the NAFTA commercialized statement and the adjacent procreation of workplace families not funny successful farming.

“I privation the assemblage to cognize Robert is Here and we are present to stay,” she said.

But it won’t beryllium without challenges and 1 of them evident connected the country of 192 Avenue and 344 Street wherever determination is simply a batch of postulation and roads that person not been updated successful decades.

Suanne Kitchar has a tiny spot of onshore wherever she raised herbs and vegetables for her restaurant.

“It’s each the colonisation that is gonna travel that’s gonna marque it crazier than it already is. How tin you spell from farming to implicit colonisation neighborhoods successful 1 fell swoop?” she asked.

It’ll beryllium pugnacious connected worn, constrictive roads and an intersection which is already packed.

“The roads person not been resurfaced successful this country since the 1980’s. Right now, the County Transportation Department has graded the roads, Palm Drive arsenic a Grade Level F. There are plans to widen 344 Street but thing beyond that,” said Mohleling.

CBS4 reached retired to the region commissioner who represents the area, but determination was nary response.

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This is each astir the changing look of South Dade agriculture wherever it appears the astir profitable harvest is gathering condos, not the vegetables and effect from the years gone by.