Miami Pauses JEM Residences Construction Over Noise, Traffic Complaints

MIAMI, FL — October 14, 2025 — Construction at the JEM Residences in downtown Miami has prompted multiple complaints from nearby residents over noise, traffic disruptions, and alleged permit violations, leading the city to temporarily halt work last week.

Videos and photos shared with CBS News Miami Investigates captured early morning and late-night disturbances, prompting city staff to review the complaints and pause construction on Friday, according to City Commissioner Damian Pardo.

"We want to make sure that everyone is abiding by the agreements they've entered into and that our residents are protected," Commissioner Pardo said. He encouraged residents to report complaints to code enforcement, noting,
"For residents [downtown], I think the key is to always call code. That is the number one thing we need residents to do. After three times, they're out."

Residents frustrated by after-hours work

Local resident Tyler Ramirez, who lives five blocks from the site, described the construction as disruptive:

"It's a bugaboo. It seems pretty random. Sometimes it's before eight o'clock [in the morning] and sometimes it's going well into the night. So, I feel like there should at least be a time frame for it."

Neighbors have documented pre-dawn activity dating back to August, including instances where construction workers stopped traffic without police assistance, further aggravating the community.

Permit issues and violations

CBS News Miami Investigates obtained a copy of the City of Miami permit for the JEM contractor, which allows work during daytime hours, including delivery of materials and equipment behind a construction fence, as well as “occasional concrete pouring” within the fenced area.

City inspectors temporarily stopped work on Friday after discovering that one of the contractor’s concrete-pouring permits had expired two months earlier. The permit was corrected later that day. Inspectors also issued two noise violations for after-hours construction.

City plans stricter enforcement

Commissioner Pardo said the city commission is planning updates to Miami’s noise ordinance, which could include:

• Limiting construction between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Requiring contractors needing exemptions to meet inspectors on-site
• Charging fees for permit exceptions

"We want construction projects to move forward, but residents’ quality of life matters," Pardo added.

Construction set to resume

City staff confirmed that the JEM Residences contractor now has permits in place to resume work during daytime hours starting Tuesday. The developer did not respond when contacted for comment.

This incident reflects ongoing tensions in downtown Miami, where dense urban development often clashes with community expectations. Advocates for stronger enforcement say more stringent oversight and timely permit checks are essential to balance development with residential life.

Key Takeaways

• Construction at JEM Residences paused due to noise, traffic, and permit violations.
• Residents report early morning and late-night disturbances, including unsupervised traffic control.
• City inspectors cited expired permits and issued noise violations.
• Ordinance updates planned to limit early work hours and enforce stricter oversight.
• Work is set to resume during daytime hours after permits were corrected.

Originally reported by Larry Seward in CBS News.