Miguel Gabela: Commissioner targets Miami Freedom Park’s development

Miguel Angel Gabela, elected in November 2023, serves as the City of Miami Commissioner for District One, representing Flagami, Allapattah and parts of Little Havana. A longtime resident and business owner in the district, Mr. Gabela has spent decades living, working and raising his family there, giving him a firsthand understanding of the community’s needs and potential.

Mr. Gabela was born in Cuba and came to Miami at age 6 as part of the Liberty Flights program. His family first settled in Allapattah, where he has remained ever since. Early on, he embraced a strong work ethic, opening his own automotive business in his early 20s and specializing in car restoration – a passion that continues to this day.

What drove Mr. Gabela into politics was witnessing challenges in his own neighborhood along the Miami River, where crime at nearby Sewell Park undermined residents’ quality of life. His first step was working to bring a stronger police presence to the park, and he later served on the City of Miami Zoning Board, experiences that reinforced his belief that real change comes through active public service.

Since taking office, Mr. Gabela has focused on initiatives that enhance quality of life for residents while fostering equitable growth. He has championed affordable housing projects, advocating for integrated communities that combine market-rate, workforce and low-income units to avoid past patterns of concentrated low-income housing. He is also spearheading the Allapattah Community Redevelopment Agency, securing seed funding to support development projects, improve infrastructure and enhance public safety.

Other priorities include mitigating flooding through proactive measures such as district-owned pumps, expanding public transportation with additional trolleys and bus routes and establishing the “Weed Eater Team” to maintain clean, safe streets. 

Mr. Gabela has also overseen improvements at Bayfront Park as chairman of its management trust and is helping guide the redevelopment of Miami Freedom Park as a major District One project, ensuring both community access and responsible management of public resources.

Grounded by his blue-collar roots, Mr. Gabela finds balance and perspective through his work in the automotive shop, viewing public service much like running a business, providing a service to meet the needs of his community. He emphasizes security, infrastructure and opportunity as pillars for the district’s continued growth, pledging to keep Miami District One moving forward while remaining closely connected to the residents he serves.

Mr. Gabela spoke with Miami Today reporter Genevieve Bowen.

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