HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1998-12-08 Discussion Item (7)CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO
Honorable Mayor and DATE: DEC 1 1 1998 FILE:
Members of the City Commission
SUBJECT: Overtown Redevelopment
Study
00
FROM: Donald Warshaw REFERENCES: City Commission Followup:
City Manager Meeting of Nov. 17, 1998
ENCLOSURES:
This is in response to a request by Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. at the November 17,
1998 City Commission meeting, concerning preparation of a Planning Study for the
Overtown communist that would be similar in scope and quality to the recently -approved
Coconut Grove Planning Study.
SUMMARY
A new, community -based Overtown Redevelopment Study and Plan, similar in
comprehensiveness, quality and detail to the Coconut Grove Planning Study but unique to
Overtown's situation, could be prepared by a consultant team within a period of one year.
Funding for the work could be from CDBG allocations, if available following final budget
reconciliation.
BACKGROUND
The Overtown community has been the subject of numerous planning studies over the past
two decades. Most of the studies have been targeted toward redevelopment, often driven by
prospects of utilizing one or more of the financial assistance programs available at the
time. Implementation of these plans has been spotty, but some significant improvements
have been accomplished nonetheless.
Recent attention to Overtown has revealed an important fact that has significant
implications for the neighborhood's future. Overtown contains the largest area of under-
developed and under-utilized acreage adjoining Miami's downtown. Current activity in
central area high -density residential and commercial building suggests that Overtown may
expect significant developmental activity in the near future.
This encouraging prospect focuses attention on the question of whether Overtown has a
plan that is ready to guide and make effective use of the impending redevelopment in the
community's best interest. A quick view of past plans suggests that a new approach is
needed that would consolidate the best thinking from past plans and present it for serious
review and critique by the community. Applying new knowledge of the area's prospects as
a major player in downtown Miami redevelopment, new planning goals and techniques
should be devised that will help Overtown capitalize on its assets and become a full
participant in downtown's new prosperity, enjoying the benefits of economic revitalization,
job creation, and new housing opportunities.
Such a planning effort should be comprehensive, detailed, and realistic, and be built on a
foundation of sound economic facts, realistic redevelopment prospects, and community
support. It should concentrate on goals and objectives that are fully capable of achievement
within a reasonable period of time, and for which necessary funding can be obtained.
The study and plan should be prepared by a consulting team similar to that engaged for the
Coconut Grove Planning Study. Upon authorization by the City Commission, including
identification of funding, the project could be accomplished in four major phases:
1, Preparation of scope of services and RFP, certification and selection of
consultant team, and negotiation of contract. (Four months).
2. Performance of economic, demographic, traffic, parking, infrastructure, and
similar studies to provide a current base of knowledge on the area, including
consolidation and critical review of past planning efforts. (Four months).
3. Community -wide planning charrette to produce a new Overtown
Redevelopment Plan. (Four days).
4. Review, refinement, and adoption of the Plan. (Four months).
Total time required: approximately 12 months.
The exact cost of such a study and plan can be determined following response to the RFP,
selection of a consultant team, and negotiation of a contract. Funding could be derived
from CDBG sources should they be available after a final budget reconciliation is
completed.
In a related development, the South Florida Regional Planning Council has expressed
interest in participating with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in a design
charrette for the N.W. 3rd Avenue Priority Business Corridor in Overtown. It is possible
that the Council's efforts might be utilized to help accomplish some of the work outlined
above.
DHW/DB*S/CPT/ct