Miami-Dade revokes strip mall funding after connection to controversial developer is revealed

Miami-Dade commissioners revoked millions in funding they allocated to clean up a strip mall, after reports emerged that it was connected to a developer with a checkered past and a conflict of interest with Commissioner Jean Monestime, the Miami Herald reported.

In January, commissioners promised to provide $3 million to help spruce up the shopping center at NW 79th Street and 27th Avenue in Liberty City. However, the Miami New Times found that the center belonged to the wife of develoepr Yoram Izhak, who has federal convictions for tax evasion and attempting to board a plane with a loaded gun. In fact, Izhak sold the site to his wife just last year.

Further, the commissioner who proposed the funding, Jean Monsetime, has a business relationship with Izhak.

The Herald reported that last week several commissioners withdrew their support for the funding, essentially killing it.