Hi, I'm Ashley, and as a proud resident of El Portal, Florida, I am deeply concerned about the future of our magical village nestled on the edge of Miami. El Portal is more than just a place to live; it's a designated bird sanctuary and boasts neighborhoods adorned with an extraordinary collection of historic homes, schools, churches, and facilities. These structures are exceptionally maintained and have been notably recommended for historical designation. They embody the spirit and history of our community, which is a rarity in South Florida which is continuously under new development.

At this moment, our beloved community is under threat. Four culturally and historically significant buildings are slated for demolition. These include:

1. Our Main Street's beacon, the former Rader Church, completed in 1952 by notable architects Steward and Skinner, located at 205 NE 87th Street. This church and campus is a significant example of Mid-Century Religious architecture and meets Criteria A & C for historic designation.
   
   
2. Three multifamily apartments, located at 190 NE 90th Street, 8940 NE 2nd Ave, and 8950 NE 2nd Ave, all built in the early 1950s, are excellent examples of Ranch-style architecture and provide affordable housing for our increasingly expensive area. Unfortunately, residents of 8940 have been given a 60-day eviction notice. These buildings are part of the original section 2 of El Portal subdivision created in the 1920s by Lee T. Cooper with the intention of "protecting buyers from unscrupulous development".

The purpose of demolishing these notable buildings? To pave the way for a new private school and a parking lot. If this plan goes forward, a part of our heritage, a part of what makes El Portal unique, will be lost forever.

Why should we preserve these buildings, you might ask? For one, they are a testament to the rich history and diverse culture that has thrived here for generations. They have witnessed countless stories, celebrations, and community gatherings, acting as pillars of our local identity. Destroying them would not only erase our past but diminish our community's character and charm.

Furthermore, El Portal’s unique status as a bird sanctuary, an important archaeological zone, and its ecological significance will be jeopardized. The construction and subsequent changes in land use could disrupt local wildlife habitats, including the numerous bird species our sanctuary protects. In a world where biodiversity is increasingly at risk, it is crucial to maintain these havens. The destruction of our Tequesta artefacts and heritage is in severe danger too. Our village is far too fragile for major development and cannot bear this level of disruption to its small streets and walkable natural areas.

Instead of demolition, we propose exploring alternative solutions that respect and preserve our community’s history and ecology. Options like rehabilitating and integrating these historic structures into the new development or finding nearby locations for the new facilities could allow progress without sacrificing our irreplaceable heritage.

Please join me in urging our local authorities to rethink this development. Let us make our voices heard and demand that the rich history and natural beauty of El Portal are safeguarded for future generations. This is a call to action for our community, our wildlife, and our future.

Sign this petition to prevent the demolition of our historical buildings and ecology of El Portal and ensure that this unique village remains a testament to our collective past and a sanctuary for all its residents.