Outdated infrastructure hinders development in Coconut Grove

Developers and retailers alike have been served a blow by the Coconut Grove government: a moratorium on new toilets, sinks and showers in the neighborhood, the Miami Herald reported. Due to rain and a recent sewage increase, Pump Station #9 has reached maximum capacity, forcing the county to take action. The moratorium became effective in August and is already staling developments in the area, such as the planned overhaul of West Coconut Grove.

In the meantime, the city is scrambling to make the necessary improvements at the pump, which is located at 2202 SW 26th Lane, and will continue for 18 months. The repairs could cost as much as $1 million.

“This is the biggest job killer that will hit our neighborhood for the next 10 years,” Marc Sarnoff, vice chairman of the Miami City Commission, said. “Restaurants that could open in CocoWalk are going to go to Midtown or Miami Beach.” [Miami Herald] — Christopher Cameron