Homestead approves development restrictions near military base — with one exception

Homestead’s City Council tentatively approved a measure last night that would tighten development restrictions on land near the Homestead Air Reserve Base. The measure came at the request of the military, which is looking to secure areas near the flight path of planes entering and leaving the base. But within the council’s agreement to the new rules was an exemption for the Homestead Park Chamber of Commerce — a major development planned by investors who bought a 270-acre parcel of land from the city three years ago with the intent to build offices and industrial facilities on the site. The investors paid the city $17.5 million for the lot and the city could face a lawsuit if it imposes new restrictions that lessen their return. [Miami Herald]