HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW-CRA-R-01-0135SEOPW/CRA ITEM 4C
S OPW/CRA
RESOLUTION NO. O
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO FUND FLORIDA
INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY'S "ROOTS IN THE
,CITY" PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$23,700.
WHEREAS, the CRA is responsible for carrying out
redevelopment activities and projects in the CRA Redevelopment
Area established pursuant to the CRA Redevelopment Plan; and
WHEREAS, for the past three years Florida International
University (FIU) has conducted a project entitled "Roots in the
City" in the area underneath and adjacent to the I-395
expressway between 3rd Avenue and 1st Place; and
WHEREAS, the project is committed to hiring Overtown
residents who, under normal circumstances, face hiring
challenges, but will be able to learn a skill and increase their
opportunity to gain employment; and
WHEREAS, in order to continue the program additional
funding is being requested in the amount of $23,7000 by Dr.
Marvin Dunn of FIU.
fi SEOPW/C RA
1/ ' - 135
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the
Preamble to this Resolution are incorporated herein as if fully
set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The CRA Board of Directors approves the
funding request of FIU of $23,7000 for its "Roots in the City
project.
Section 3. The Resolution shall be effective upon its
adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED on this llth day of December, 2001.
ARTHUR E. TEELE, JR., CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
WALTER J. FOEMAN
ACTING CITY CLERK
APPROVED A O FORM AN ORRECTNESS:
1C0ATTORNEYROVILARELLO
SEOPW/CR A.
Page 2 of 2 0 1 - 13
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
4C
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM ITEM
December 11, 2001
TO: Chairman Teele and DATE: December 11, 2001FILE:
Members of the CRA Board
SUBJECT: Authorizing the funding
request for FIU project
FROM: REFERENCES: entitled "Roots in the City"
Annette E. Lewis Resolution
Acting Executive Dire ENCLOSURES:
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board of Directors of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami ("CRA") approve the attached Resolution,
authorizing the request for funding the "Roots in the City" project for an amount not to exceed
$23,700.
BACKGROUND I.
Dr, Marvin Dunn, Chair for the Psychology Department at Florida International University,
submitted a request for funding, in the amount of $23,700 for the FIU project entitled "Roots in
the City". This was established as a public service project for a community garden and has been
in existence for the past three years. University students and community volunteers perform the
necessary activities required to maintain and service the garden. As of last December the
program has employed three -full time employees who live in Overtown has embarked upon a
horticultural training program that Ieceived $25,000 worth of funding from the Empowerment
Trust. The program requires additional funding to continue the program in an appropriate
manner especially since its impetus is to hire residents of Overtown, specifically targeting those
who have employment challenges.
` Funding Source: SEOPW General Operating
J' Account Number: 689004.550011.6.340
01- 135
SEOPW AND OMNI/CRA
CITY CLERK'S REPORT
MEETING DATE: December 11, 2001
Page No. 3
ITEM 4C A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SEOPW/CRA R-01-135
OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
MOVED: WINTON
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SECONDED: SANCHEZ
("CRA") AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE
UNANIMOUS
DIRECTOR TO FUND THE REQUEST OF DR.
MARVIN DUNK, CHAIR FOR THE DEPARTMENT
OF PSYCHOLOGY AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY (FIU), FOR THE UNIVERSITY'S
"ROOTS IN THE CITY" PROJECT FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $23,700.
ITEM 7 A RESOL ION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SEOPW/CRA R-01-136
OF THE S THEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
MOVED: SANCHEZ
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SECONDED: REGALADO
("CRA") AU ORIZING THE EXECUTIVE
UNANIMOUS
DIRECTOR TO ET THE CITY MANAGER TO
DISCUSS THE ON,TOWN SHOPPING CENTER
AS IT RELATES SO ELY TO THE OVERTOWN
NET ACTNITY AND PLANS BASED ON ITS
IMPENDING TO RELOCA E SAME.
SEOPW/CRA
01- 1.35
ITEM 4C
December 11, 2001
RESOLUTION NO. SEOPW/CRA
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO FUND THE REQUEST OF DR.
MARVIN DUNN, CHAIR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
PSYCHOLOGY AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY (FIU), FOR THE UNIVERSITY'S "ROOTS IN
THE CITY" PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$23,700.
WHEREAS, the CRA is responsible for carrying out redevelopment activities and
projects in the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Area established
pursuant to the CRA Redevelopment Plan; and
WHEREAS, for the past three years Florida International University has established a
public service project entitled "Roots in the City" whereby a community garden involving
students and community volunteers was developed in the area underneath and adjacent to the I-
395 expressway between Third Avenue and First Place; and
WHEREAS, the "Roots in the City" having embarked upon a horticultural training
program, and was granted $25,000 from the Empowerment Trust, now employs three full-time
workers from the Overlown Community; and
WHEREAS, the horticultural program is committed to hiring Overtown residents who
under normal circumstances face hiring challenges will be able to learn a skill and increase their
opportunity to gain employment; and ,
WHEREAS, in order to continue the program additional funding is required and is being
requested in the amount of $23,700 by Dr. Marvin Dunn of FIU who heads the program; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN PARKWEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are
incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The Executive Director is authorized to approve the funding request for
$23,700 to the FIU "Roots in the City" project.
Section 3. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon its adoption.
SEOPW / CRA
01- 1.30
1
PASSED AND ADOPTED this I Ph day of December, 2001.
Walter J. Foeman
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND CORRECTNESS:
Alejandro Vilarello
City Attorney
Arthur E. Teele, Jr., Chairman
ITEM 4C
December 11, 2001
2
SEOPW / CRA
TO: Chairman Teele and
Members of the CRA Board
FROM:
Annette E. Lewis
Acting Executive Dire
RECOMMENDATION
.w.4
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM ITEM 4C
December 11.2001
DATE: December 11, 200VILE
SUBJECT: Authorizing the funding
request for FIU project
REFERENCES: entitled "Roots in the City"
Resolution
ENCLOSURES:
It is recommended that the Board of Directors of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami ("CRA") approve the attached Resolution,
authorizing the request for funding the "Roots in the City" project for an amount not to exceed
$23,700.
BACKGROUND
Dr, Marvin Dunn, Chair for the Psychology Department at Florida International University,
submitted a request for funding, in the amount of $23,700 for the FIU project entitled "Roots in
the City". This was established as a public service project for a community garden and has been
in existence for the past three years. University students and community volunteers perform the
necessary activities required to maintain and service the garden. As of last December the
program has employed three -full time employees who live in Overtown has embarked upon a
horticultural training program that Ieceived $25,000 worth of funding from the Empowerment
Trust. The program requires additional funding to continue the program in an appropriate
manner especially since its impetus is to hire residents of Overtown, specifically targeting those
who have employment challenges.
r,
Funding Source: SEOPW General Operating Fund
Account Number: 689004.550011.6. 340
EOla'W i CRA
: - 135
q ITTE4,hA
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v � �
FIU
FLORMA INTERNATIONAL UNWERSn Y
Project Proposal
Prepared for:
City of Miami, Community Redevelopment Agency
300 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Suite 430
Miami, Florida 33131 r
Contact Person:
Ms. Annette Lewis, Acting Director
Phone: 305-579-3324
Fax: 305-372-4646
Project Title: Roots in the City
Applicant:
Florida International University (Roots in the City)
Contact Persons:
Marvin Dunn, Chair Department of Psychology
305-348-3466
-or-
Anjenys G. Eilert, Coordinator
305-348-1827
Department of Psychology SEOPW / CRA
College of Arts & Sciences C.
University Park, Miami, FL 33199 - Tel: 305-348-2880 - Fax: 305-348-3879 - www.fiu.edu . Qg 3 a 1
R
September 13, 2001
Ms. Annette Lewis, Acting Director
Community Redevelopment Agency
City of Miami
300 Biscayne Blvd Way
Suite 430
Miami, Fla 33131
Dear Ms. Lewis:
For over three years I have headed the public service project Roots in the City, based at Florida
International University. Using university students and community volunteers, we established a
community garden at NW Third Avenue and Fourteenth Street. We are also planting and
maintaining the area underneath and adjacent tQ the I-395 expressway between Third Avenue and
First Place. Through my efforts, FIU and tte Roots in the.jCity Project hired three full-time
workers from the Overtown community last December and has embarked upon a horticultural
training program for them through an recent 25,000 dollar award to the University from the
Empowerment Trust.
My work with the project has provided me with the experience and contacts necessary for me to
be able to launch a private sector initiative for my company, Black Reflections. I have developed
working relationships with growers, suppliers, irrigation and pest control companies and other
entities. We hope to be involved in planting vegetables, fruit trees and decorative plants and trees
to sell to the public. To this end, the company plans to use more than forty sites in Overtown for
agricultural purposes. In fact, we planko establish a nursery on vacant land in Overtown. We will
farm vacant lots obtained through purchase, leasing or other agreements with the owners. We
may also operate a farmers market in Overtown where residents and people from outside the
community can come to purchase fresh produce and decorative plants and trees. We will also
use what we grow in our various landscaping projects in landscaping contracts which we expect
to obtain. Such a venture could put quite a few people to work from the Overtown neighborhood
and from other poor areas of the city. Our plan is to acquire the use of trashy vacant lots, clear
them; bring in tons of new and fertile soil, irrigate the sites, fence them in and plant them.
Our company is especially interested in hiring the difficult to employ such as high school drop
outs, welfare recipients, persons with substance abuse problems and people who may have had
difficulties with the law. These are the types of individuals we now employ in the Roots in the
City Project with considerable success. Black Reflections will replicate and expand this aspect of
the Roots in the City model in the private sector.
I believe that in order to resolve inner-city ills, we must provide dignified work that unskilled
adults can do for a decent wage and which is within walking distance of where they live. With
your help, we can be successful in this effort. I believe the business community and the public
SEOPW / CRA
M
IM
sector will support our efforts and that the company will ultimately employ many workers from
Overtown.
I am requesting start up support from the CRA in that much of our activities will be in the
Overtown CRA area. Specifically, we are asking for funds to be used to hire workers, install
irrigation and fencing and for the plants and materials needed to put in our first cycle of crops to
be harvested this coming spring. Below is a general breakdown of how the funds would be used:
Personnel (field workers, supervisor and administrative support)......................10,04
Irrigation.................................................................................................................4, 000
Fencing........................................... " ... ".................................................................... 2,000
Plant material and supplies including soil...............................................................4,000
Toolshed....................................................................................................................700
Tools......................................................................................................................11000
Total ........ 23,700
If additional information is needed to complete this application please so advise. I can be reached
at 305 273-0673 or 305 389-1602. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
President
Black Reflections, Inc.
5275 Sw 7701 Court
Unit H-206
Miami, Florida 33155
SEOPW / CP .A
1.
Project Information
Background on Overtown: During the 1930s to the 1950s, Overtown was more thanjust
the business district and home to thousands of African -Americans. It was the cultural heart of
black Mami filled with life, music, sports, parades and history. With the construction of
Interstate Highway 95 which ran straight through this black community, the neighborhood seemed
to loose some of it's magic, as the highway partially destroyed Overtown and displac.6d thousands
of it's black residents. However, the darkest moments of this formerly lively community came in
the decade of the 1980s when the Nfiami riots plunged Overtown into a period of fires, looting,
violence and constant police presence. In 1998, Overtown still remains a downtrodden
neighborhood that seems to be drowning in decay.
Overtown Garden Objectives: Our project, the maintenance of a community garden in
Overtown, seeks to address several needs of this community. Through volunteers representing at least
three ethnic groups, the garden project will bring people from different ethnic groups together with the
common objective of beautifying the area. This is a need which our project serves. As a result of the
construction of the interstate highway system, the area is very dark and aesthetically unpleasant. Our
garden not only brightens and beautifies this area, but also serves to rejuvenate the celebrative spirit of
the community.
The project initiative is to maintain the garden area which is located northwest of the N.W. Third
Avenue and Fourteenth. Street intersection- With support from other entities, like the Mrami Dade
tr Empowerment Trust we Will continue to install plants and trees in the garden, and continue the field staffs
horticultural tranring. Currently, the Roots in the City project mVk)y= two full tines field employees.
P�
Our project brings together diverse ethnic and racial groups in a constructive relationship, on a
voluntary basis, to achieve a common objective; to beautify this area of Overtown. By rejuvenating
and beautifying the area, we are also assisting those whose needs are not being met adequately by
existing community resources. Our approach brings people from neighborhoods outside the
community to help on a voluntary basis to meet this need and builds on their willingness to help, not
only to beautify this area, but more importantly, to establish ongoing relationships with people from the
Overtown community. This project thus gives people who would not normally work together an
opportunity to do so in order to achieve a common goal. We believe that this helps to address the
problem of ethnic separation which has plagued the community of Overtown.
SF,OPW / CRA