Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1995-02-02 Minutes;ITY OF MIAMI i �• INCOKI'���it Ida 96 iN T/ E. S OF MEETING HEIR ON PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK CITY WALL MATTY HIRAI City Clerk INDEX MINUTES OF SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING February 2, 1995 ITEM SUBJECT NO. 1. PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS / PROVIDE UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF PRESENT PLANS FOR THE PROPOSED CREATION OF AN INDEPENDENT OVERTOWN REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY -- CITY COMMISSION SITS IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) FOR THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN / PARK WEST REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT. LEGISLATION PAGE NO. DISCUSSION 1-25 2/2/95 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA On the 2nd day of February, 1995, the City Commission of Miami, Florida, met at its regular meeting place in the City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida to consider a matter of public import, namely the proposed creation of a Community Redevelopment Agency in Overtown. The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Mayor Stephen P. Clark with the following members of the Commission found to be present: Commissioner Victor De Yurre Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins Vice Mayor J.L. Plummer, Jr. Mayor Stephen P. Clark ALSO PRESENT: Linda Kearson, Assistant City Attorney Matty Hirai, City Clerk Walter J. Foeman, Assistant City Clerk ABSENT: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Cesar Odio, City Manager A. Quinn Jones, III, City Attorney An invocation was delivered by Reverend Livingston Rolle, followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag. --------­------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS / PROVIDE UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF PRESENT PLANS FOR THE PROPOSED CREATION OF AN INDEPENDENT OVERTOWN REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY -- CITY COMMISSION SITS IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) FOR THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN / PARK WEST REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT. Mayor Clark: Mrs. Range, would you come forward and give us an invocation, please. We're going to put you to work early tonight. Would you all rise for an invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance.. 1 ..-February 2, 1995 Ms. Athalie Range: Mr. Mayor, you had asked me to give the invocation, and I consider it an honor, but we do have a minister of the gospel in the house, and I would prefer to defer to him, if you will. Reverend. Reverend Livingston Rolle: Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity for this, thy people, can meet together, discuss our common problems. We pray, oh God, your guidance and direction. As you have been with Solomon, we pray tonight that you be with us. Lord, you know we have problems of long standing in this community, and we trust that we have come to the time when we could come together. Therefore, we ask your guidance and direction, in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Blessed Holy Ghost, in Jesus' name. Amen. Mayor Clark: Thank you, Reverend. Please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, the floor is now open, and the first person to speak will be my colleague, former Vice -Mayor and Commissioner Miller Dawkins. Commissioner Dawkins: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ladies and gentlemen, we appreciate your coming out, and I'd like to say that I asked the Mayor to call the meeting, since it is said that the City Commission never sits as a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Board, although we are the CRA Board, and actions that we have taken have been, even though we were sitting as a Commission, we acted as a CRA Board. So I would hope that tonight, sitting as a CRA Board, we would hear from you as to what you think about an independent CRA, what you think it ought to do, what you think it should not do, and we will go back to the City chambers and take that into consideration as we deliberate the issue of establishing an independent CRA. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Clark: Thank you, Mr. Dawkins. First one to speak tonight, Mr. Irby McKnight. Mr. McKnight, please come forward. And after him, it will be Mr. Don Benjamin. Mr. McKnight, are you present? Vice Mayor Plummer: I saw... Yeah, he's here. He's coming down now. Mr. Irby McKnight: Good afternoon. My name is Irby McKnight. I live at 224 Northwest 12th Street. I'm here this afternoon to speak in behalf of the Development Authority for the Overtown community. I understand that there are oppositions to this, but again, I'm still supporting it, because we need to make a change here. Our children are exposed to things you wouldn't let your children be exposed to. I understand your position on tax bases and all of that, but again, I am here to support the redevelopment of this community. I don't like what I see. None of the people in this room tonight like what they see. No one that comes before you tonight will tell you that they are happy with what is here. We want a change. We don't know any other way to reiterate this to you other than in this public form tonight, to plead and throw ourselves at your mercy, should that be. But if all else fails and you do nothing else in your careers as politicians, and during your lifetime on this earth, do this one thing, because if you do this one thing, you will please more people than anyone has pleased in this community in some time. Thank you very much. Mayor Clark: Thank you, Mr. McKnight. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Mr. Don Benjamin. After Mr. Benjamin, Ms. Dorothy Fields. Mr. Don Benjamin: Mr. Mayor, Commissioners, or CRA, whatever you are. 2 February 2, 1995 Mayor Clark: It is the Commission, seated as a CRA Board, which has been established for some time. Mr. Benjamin: Oh, OK, good. I am also very pleased to be here this evening to add some comments, in addition to Mr. McKnight's and the others. The... I have some papers before me which talk about two options, and as far as I'm concerned, and as far as the Overtown Advisory Board is concerned, either option is fine with us. Some time ago, about two or three years ago, you gave the Overtown Advisory Board $100,000 to develop a community redevelopment action plan and program, and that calls for the establishment of an Independent Redevelopment Authority. It didn't spell out in any particular detail, as you have done in your options. So our concern, really, it doesn't make too much difference how it's done, as long as it's done. Our main concern is that in both of your options and in the interlocal agreement, we are concerned about the identification of the area. This interlocal agreement and the options spend a considerable amount of time talking about the Southeast Overtown/Park West Project area. And one can very easily get the impression that this new, Independent Authority will, indeed, just supersede you, City Commissioners, as the CRA, and become the Independent Authority for the Southeast Overtown/Park West Project. Well, that doesn't sit well with us. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Benjamin: When the Southeast Overtown/Park West Project was set up in 1982 or whatever it is, there was some indication that it would benefit all of Overtown, especially the whole business of the Tax Increment Financing District. And that turned out to be false. The rest of Overtown has not benefited from the Southeast Overtown/Park West Project development at all, so that our plan, that is, the plan which is developed by the Overtown Advisory Board, calls for the redevelopment of the rest of Overtown, and that means all of Overtown. So we would hope that this new Independent Authority would cover not just the Southeast Overtown/Park West Project area, but all of Overtown, the rest of Overtown. And the rest of Overtown is included in the ordinance which was just passed by the City with respect to the Overtown Advisory Board, and that's Ordinance Number 11210, which was passed on January 12th, establishing a new kind of Overtown Advisory Board, and that Board certainly covers all of Overtown, including the Southeast Overtown/Park West area. So we would hope that whether you adopt option one or option two, as long as the end result is that you establish an Independent Authority, that that Independent Authority would cover all of Overtown, not just the Southeast Overtown/Park West area. And all of Overtown is fairly well defined in that Ordinance 11210, which was passed on the 12th of January. I thank you. Mayor Clark: Thank you. NOTE FOR THE RECORD: Commissioner Gort entered the meeting at 7:37 p.m. ity Manager Cesar Odio entered the meeting at 7:39 p.m. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Dorothy Fields. Is she present? Commissioner Dawkins: She's coming, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Clark: All right. 3 February 2, 1995 Vice Mayor Plummer: Here she is. Mayor Clark: All right. After that, Senator Daryl Jones. Senator Daryl Jones: I'll defer till the end. Mayor Clark: We may not be here at the end. Ms. Dorothy Fields: Good evening, members of the CRA Board. Mayor Clark: Yes, ma'am. How are you? Ms. Fields: I'm here as a former resident of Overtown, as the founder of the Black Archives Foundation, as a property owner of three properties that we have been able to not only secure, but to restore, and to make... soon to make available to all of the community, thanks to this Board, and the Commission, the City of Miami Commission. I'm here tonight in support of a Redevelopment Authority, and to say that it should be done in a timely manner. For more than 30 years now, there have been attempts to do something. We feel, and we urge you to go ahead and to either select option one or option two. At this point, we really would not select one or the other, but we would say that if you select option one, that it is important that you have a good mix of people involved, that people, not only from the community, but people, other people who can help move this project along should be involved. We are on hallowed grounds tonight. We',e at Booker T. Washington Senior High School, soon to be senior high school again, and you need to know that this community is out in full score tonight to support the efforts that you have done in the past, and the ones that you will have in the future. This is the Central Negro District, this is Colored Town, this is home for many of us, and we believe that to have a Redevelopment Authority that covers all of the area, not just Southeast Overtown/Park West, but goes from... uses the traditional boundaries from 5th Street to 20th Street, that it's important that all of Overtown be considered, be a part of the process, and that historic preservation, which certainly is important and has helped to save Overtown be considered. Thank you. Mayor Clark: Thank you, ma'am. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Dr. Ralph Ross, and after that, Reverend John White. Dr. Ross. Reverend Ralph Ross: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and Vice Mayor Dawkins, and to all of the Commissioners. I will try to make my remarks as brief and as favorable as possible. First of all, let me say that I am in favor of an Independent Redevelopment... (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD. AUDIO EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION) Mayor Clark: Blame that on the School Board. They run this place. Commissioner Dawkins: Try it again, Reverend. Reverend Ross: Let me say... Vice Mayor Plummer: It's still not on. Try it again. Commissioner Dawkins: Try it again, Reverend. 4 February 2, 1995 .1lr: Reverend Ross: Testing. Vice Mayor Plummer: Hello? Mayor Clark: One, two... No, it's not on. Vice Mayor Plummer: Are we calling collect? Mayor Clark: Well, it's been a great meeting. Now, I think it's on, Reverend. I think if you leave it in the handle, it's going to be better. Reverend Ross: As I was saying... Yes. I'm going to try to make my remarks as brief, and as relevant, and as positive as possible. I'm a native of Overtown. I was born in Overtown, and when I was four years old, I... my parents moved to Liberty City, because they were trying to do some positive things in Liberty City, to get us away from the blight in Overtown. And I'm talking some 50 years ago. And when I came out of the seminary, I served as the associate pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. And at that time, efforts were being made to revitalize Overtown, and to make it more livable for its citizenry. I left and I returned some five years ago as the pastor of the Historic Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, which sits on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 9th Street. And needless to say, I was appalled at the blight and the plight of the area, which you know much better than I do. I have tried my best to understand why it is possible to have the kind of development that we have seen in close proximity to where we are located and in close proximity to the area that's in question, and yet, that particular area, somehow, has been bypassed. Now, I realize the fact that some development has been taking place, and I do not look over that. But I am concerned about the area that we call Overtown, which includes the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Recently, we had a fantastic global, if I might say, Summit of the Americas in this area, and a lot of development took place right there on 9th Street, where Mount Zion is located. It came right up to 3rd Avenue, and stopped. Our church is across the street. And we have a little passage that used to be 9th Street, but because of the 95 Expressway, it was cut off. So we have just the little area of about 30, maybe 40 feet. I tried to get them to pave that, to make it look good, but because of whatever the designations were, they were designated to stop at 3rd Avenue, and not to go across. My point is this. As long as there are people who are making decisions who are not being affected by those decisions, they will really never represent us properly, in my opinion. (APPLAUSE) Reverend Ross: And I... So I feel that it is incumbent upon this august body, and imperative, in terms of the dire needs for redevelopment in the area, that we have an Independent Redevelopment Authority that will represent specifically the needs and concerns of the people, and the businesses, and the churches, and the civic organizations of Overtown, and that particular geographic area. The last thing I want to say is that, for some reason, I am biased toward a union between the City and the County. I believe that... I believe that Overtown is in Dade County, and Overtown is in the City of Miami, and all of you represent us, and I think you can represent us better in a partnership. Thank you very much. Mayor Clark: Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Reverend John White, and after Reverend White... Commissioner Dawkins: Reverend White had to attend church. 5 February 2, 1995 Mayor Clark: OK. Marion Smith? Or Manan Smith. Are they present? Ronald Fields, are you present? Commissioner Dawkins: Yeah, he's coming down. Mayor Clark: After Mr. Fields, we have Lester Simon. If you get in line... Mr. Ronald Fields: Thank you, Mayor Clark and fellow Commissioners. Just to say a couple of words, my name is Ron Fields. I reside at 12527 Southwest 144th Terrace. I'm a professional engineer, currently based in Miami and doing business in the Miami and Dade County area, and I just want to say that... (Cellular phone rings) Excuse me, never ending. Mayor Clark: Tell them you'll be late for dinner. Mr. Fields: ... that I urge the City of Miami Commission to move ahead with the establishment of the Revitalization and Redevelopment Authority. I stand here as a business professional based in the City, and I stand here to commit my energies in joining in with the County and with the City to do whatever is necessary to move things forward, and to help out with the establishment of the Authority, and to continue on with the other efforts in developing Overtown. I feel that I can speak for fellow professionals who are doing business in Miami, as well, that we're all here, ready, willing and able to help out in any way we can. Just call on us. Thank you. Mayor Clark: All right, sir. Thank you. Thank you very much. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Lester Simon. Yes, sir. Mr. Lester Simon: My name is Lester Simon. I reside at 20230 Northeast 3rd Court. I want to first of all thank you for the opportunity. This is my second time appearing before this body to talk about the Overtown Redevelopment and Revitalization Authority proposed. What I wanted to do today is just take a couple of minutes and somewhat give you a little background that I think is important in your deliberation. I am an investment banker by profession. I have been involved in Dade County and in Overtown before, and I think that involvement gave me a real appreciation for supporting this effort tonight. I was director of the Housing Finance Authority in Dade County, and I remember when I took that job the two apartment projects that are right next to the Arena were nothing but a dream. And we were asked to figure out a way to finance it. And it was very difficult, and I know some of you were around when we were trying to figure out and get the guarantees, and get the support for that kind of investment. It was that the people that buy the bonds wanted some assurances that there was stability there. Throughout that experience, we always heard from the investors and the insurers, you know, you got to look at this area holistically. You cannot single out one kind of investment, especially the investment of the magnitude that we were attempting to do. Every time I drive now... And by the way, we financed it. It was done during the period of time when I was at the Housing Finance Authority. And every time I pass it now, I see those buildings. But if you look all around, you can see that we still have not looked at it, we still have the same concerns and issues that are brought forward in a financial area, the holistic approach. I support the Independent Authority, and I understand, and I'm very involved in this community, I'm very involved in this region, I understand the demands, and the needs, and the value of this community, as it relates to the South Florida region. And there are a couple of things that I think, other than just a holistic approach, that could be useful. As we move into the nineties - and I think the taxpayers have made it very clear in this country, the money is just not there - what we must start doing is leveraging resources, looking at the most appropriate and efficient way to plan, to implement resources. The most 6 February 2, 1995 efficient way is to combine as much of the resources - the human resources, the financial resources, the spirit resources of a community - put it all together. That is the only way we can achieve the kind of development that can make a difference in this community. So I think that those factors of holistic, leveraging resources, and one last one is people buying in. One thing that has been consistent in all of these meetings is that the people are here. That's consistent. Even when they've not... (APPLAUSE) Mr. Simon: ... had an opportunity, when they've not had an opportunity to speak on the issue, they have been consistent. The people have been here, and as I have been involved of late in this effort, I find the Advisory Committee and many other people are involved consistently. I guess the major question, in conclusion, is, how long can you expect the people to buy in? How long can you expect for people to believe that there is an approach that works? An Independent Authority and your support can make a difference. Thank you. Mayor Clark: Thank you, sir. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Elaine Black, and after Elaine Black, David Robinson. Is Elaine Black present? Unidentified Speaker: Yes, she's here. Ms. Elaine Black: My name is Elaine Black, and I'm executive director of Tools for Change, the Black Economic Development Coalition, Inc. I'm here tonight to talk about a subject that has been very dear to me since I've moved to South Florida. That is Overtown. Overtown is a community that has tremendous potential. It is blocks away from downtown. It is in the heart of our potential entertainment district, with the development of the Arena, with the development that is going to occur as a result of our new entertainment centers downtown. But it only can occur in the event that we put forth our efforts to galvanize the resources to make it possible. And I started this process five years ago, as I said, when I first joined the Black Archives, and got involved with the history of Overtown, and it became a personal commitment of mine. And then I became involved with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and began to ask them how can we work together to make this reality. The Chamber recently approved a resolution supporting the creation of an Independent Authority. I feel that... I personally feel that the creation of an Independent Authority would be of significant benefit to bringing in new development to the area, which, in turn, will benefit the people of the area by providing jobs that are so needed in the Overtown area, and also creating the synergy that is necessary so that we can continue to develop downtown Dade County, downtown Miami to be the entertainment location, to be a place for jobs, to be a good residential neighborhood. I'm here to support the development of an Independent Authority, and that we should move very quickly to make sure that this happens, so that we can begin to see jobs coming into our community. Thank you. Mayor Clark: Thank you, ma'am. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: David Robinson. David Robinson present? After Mr. Robinson, it's Naomi Johnson... no, no, Naomi Troutman. Yes, sir. Mr. David Robinson: My name is David Robinson. I reside at 10200 Southwest 140th Street. I'm a Board member of the Saint John Community Development Corporation. And the Saint John Community Development Corporation is, obviously, very committed to the development of 7 February 2, 1995 the Overtown area. The most recent evidence of our commitment in that particular area are the townhouse units that we constructed recently in the area of Northwest 13th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. The Board of Directors of the Saint John CDC (Community Development corporation) are very much committed to the establishment of an Independent Revitalization and Redevelopment Authority. We believe that the collaboration between the County and the City is essential. We believe that options one and two fall short of the requirements that are necessary for a venture into... a successful venture, I should say, into this area. We think that independence is critical with respect to the Authority that should be developed. We think adequate financing is absolutely necessary. And we made a suggestion by way of a resolution, which I'd like to leave as an exhibit, as part of this particular public hearing. I cannot more strongly emphasize the fact that it is rather intriguing that as we come here tonight, the second day of Black History Month, and consider the future of Overtown, I think this is an unprecedented opportunity for the City to collaborate with the County closely and make a commitment, a strong commitment, and right a historic wrong that has been perpetrated in the Overtown community several decades ago. I think you should listen earnestly to the voices that are pleading with you to take this opportunity and run with it. I thank you very much. Mayor Clark: Thank you, sir. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Naomi Troutman. Is she present? Yes, ma'am. After Ms. Troutman, Norma Jean Walker. Ms. Naomi Troutman: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Naomi Troutman. I reside at 47 Northwest 83rd Street in Miami, Little River Acres. My parents were pioneers of Overtown. I was born and reared Overtown. My American roots are Overtown. And I would like to go back Overtown, although I have three houses elsewhere. I would still like to go back Overtown and live, because my roots are there, and I'm hopeful that the Commission, you Commissioners will make a decision, a beneficial decision for the City of Miami. Gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, this is not an ultimatum. This is an alternative for you to make a most beneficial decision for Overtown. Hopefully... You may choose either one of the options that you desire. However, I like option two. Hopefully, your decision will be... will be mature, and trustworthy, and honest. And truly, honesty, trustworthiness is the best policy. It's not the best policy as it has often been said. It is the only policy. It is the only policy. I am hopeful that you will decide to help us redevelop Overtown. Overtown is in the middle. It's like the center of Dade County almost. And we want it to bloom. We don't want it to be a corruptive area. We want it to bloom, like a beautiful flower. You can redevelop it so that we are... We have many, many ethnic groups in Dade County, and we don't want Overtown to be a closed community. We want it to be an open community, for we, the people from Overtown and black community, has enhanced other communities in many ways, and even if you will only say financially, because we have gone to other communities and bought the wares and the food. And we want Overtown open so that all ethnic groups... this is a multi -ethnic group community. And we want it open so that all groups can come in and enhance our community. We don't want to be loners. We want to share, and we want you to make a great decision today. We want your decision to be in favor, in favor of the redevelopment of Overtown. As I said, my mother and father, who were pioneers, they helped build this community. I remember from a little girl that this community, before we had letters, before we had names and streets with numbers, these streets were alphabets, "A," "G," and what have you, the alphabets. I was a little girl. I am 75 years old now. My daughter is here with me. She was born and raised Overtown. She don't know about the alphabets, only the things that I told her about. But this is a community that can be enhanced with all of Dade County, and we are hopeful that you will consider, consider us. We want to be considered. We should be considered. 8 February 2, 1995 Mayor Clark: All right. We thank you for your spirit and your understanding. Ms. Troutman: And please consider us, because we need to be considered, we want to be considered, and we are a part of Dade County. Thank you. Mayor Clark: Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Norma Jean Walker. After Ms. Walker, we have Annie Smith. Ms. Norma Jean Walker: Good evening. Mayor Clark: Good evening. Ms. Walker: My name is Norma Jean Walker. I live at 1767 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Number 7. My concern is that I support an Authority who would allow the community to be involved in whatever decision it should make. People in the Overtown community are very concerned about their area, and I'm here to ask you tonight to, please, pass the Development Authority for Overtown, and when you do pass it, please think of my grandchildren. They may have a future, and other grandchildren. Thank you very much. Mayor Clark: Thank you, Ms. Walker. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Annie Smith. After Annie Smith, we have Rosa Green. Rosa Green. Mrs. Smith. Ms. Annie Smith: Mr. Mayor and Commissioners, my name is Annie Smith. I live at 1620 Northwest 4th Avenue, Apartment 13-A. I am here tonight to support the Authority to develop Overtown. I have seen Overtown at its best. I am looking at Overtown now at its worst. Every way can clean it up and make it look like something. I hope that every voice, every speaker that was here tonight that you heard, have been heard, and I hope that you peoples of power will do something about it. 'Cause we love where we live at. It's not very much, but we do appreciate it. Thank you very much. Mayor Clark: Thank you very much. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: After Mrs. Green, we have L.L. Reddick, Reddick. Yes, ma'am. Ms. Rosa Green: To the honorable Commissioners, we're very happy that you came out to hear us tonight. My name is Rosa Green. I am a resident of Overtown. I want you to know that I'm basically a native. I was raised here, probably much longer than most of... older than most of the people that are in here. And I am here to tell you that I have grandchildren and great- grandchildren whom I feel need more than what we have. I am happy that we are in this building tonight, Booker T.... named after Booker T. Washington, because I believe he said, we have come a long ways, but we have a long ways to go. And that's basically people that look like me. I... We support you, but we want you to do something for us. When you need our votes, we go out and we vote for you. I'm very proud that we have somebody on the board that looks like me, but I know he can't do it alone. (APPLAUSE) 9 February 2, 1995 Ms. Green: He needs you all to feel like he feels. We know our needs. We know the problems. What we don't have is the finance to solve the problems. We believe that when the tourists come in Miami, they shouldn't have to go around us. We live there. If we live there, I'm sure they can walk through and visit there, or ride through. But it seems as though somebody warns them, stay away from Overtown. And the people that have the least have to pay the most. Now, we like the little mom and pop grocery stores and the restaurants, but why should we, those people who are living on public assistance, most of them, and I speak for them, I'm here on behalf of them, because I, too, was raised in Overtown... My first job was 50 cents an hour at the Blue Ribbon Laundry that set on 7th Court and 14th Street. (APPLAUSE) Ms. Green: And I'm one of the fortunate ones. It's a song that many didn't make it, but I was one of the ones who did. And even though I made it, I was able to raise six children, go back to college, and get not only a B.S. (bachelor of science) degree, I have a Master's degree in education, and I was able to give something back. But I worked two jobs. I worked at Miami Heart Institute for 11 years, and Dade County Schools, at the same time, so that I didn't have to go on public assistance. But I'm here on behalf of those that do have to go on public assistance. They don't want that. But if you don't put some jobs in that community where they can come out and work... Everybody can't go to college. Everybody is not college material. But I believe they can do better than sit and wait on a welfare check and food stamps. I know they can do better than that. (APPLAUSE) Ms. Green: And when they do it, they will take care of it. I believe if you put something there where they can raise their self-esteem and feel that somebody cares, that they will take care of it. Please, honorable Commissioners, hear us tonight, and give us that Independent Redevelopment Board. I challenge you to do so. I guarantee you, you will be happy, you can live in peace, and so can we. I thank you. Mayor Clark: Thank you. Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Eloise Reddick. Reddick. Yes, ma'am. After Ms. Reddick, Lillian Slata. Yes, ma'am. Good afternoon. Ms. Lucile Reddick: Good afternoon, honorable Mayor and Commissioners. Commissioner Dawkins: Pull the mike to you, please, ma'am. Ms. Reddick: I'm Lucile Reddick. I reside at 517 Northwest 10th Street. I am here tonight because I support the Development Authority and the cultural center for our young youth. They are our future. The senior citizens in this community need special care. Remember this when you approve the CD (Community Development) budget. And I have one more thing to say. At our center, Culmer Community Center, the lights has been out there over a year. It's dark around. You can't even see your car when you get ready to go out, if you have them. And we have meetings there just about every night, and I would like for you all to look into putting lights there. We don't have any lights at all around that center. Thank you. Mayor Clark: All right. Thank you so much. 10 February 2, 1995 (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Lillian Slata, and after Lillian Slata, Charles McFadden. Ms. Lillian Slata: Good afternoon. I... Good afternoon. I am very impressed this afternoon, to the Mayor, to the Commissioners, and to Commissioner Arthur Teele this afternoon, that I'm so happy that you all are here in Overtown. And I'm hoping what option you make tonight, that you will consider to come Overtown more and look in the community. Take a ride right over in this area. I live at 1640 Northwest 4th Avenue, right behind the Culmer Center. And this is where the Commissioners, the Mayor... We have plenty meetings in the center, and we advise you... I'm on the OB (Overtown Board) Advisory Board, Crime Watch, all the committees, and I really enjoy being there. I sit and hear at City Hall. You might have seen my face there. And I hear you all talking different things. I'm really happy tonight, that I heard that Commissioner Dawkins says... He made a statement there, and he said, let's have it in Booker T. Washington. You says, OK, the Mayor said. And I was so happy to hear this. And Chairman Teele, at one of his meetings, I heard him say he's willing to join hands with the Commission, the City and the County, and I am going to hold you all responsible tonight, that you all join hands and get Overtown together, where we can live happy here. We have jobs, homes, and everything else, and care for these kids. And I'm going to look down there, I'm going to be down there to City Hall. I'm going to look in the Mayor's face, I'm going to look in Miller Dawkins' face, and there's another one over there, City Commissioner over there. And I'm going to talk. I'm going to be just like our late Adker. I'm going to play her role some. And somebody must hear, because we need help Overtown. And I thank you tonight. Mayor Clark: All right. Thank you, ma'am. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Mr. McFadden. After Mr. McFadden, we have Dorothy... Margie... Margie "Streeter," is it? Is that right? Unidentified Speaker: Maggie Slater. Mayor Clark: Slater, all right. Mr. Charles McFadden: My name is Charles McFadden, and I live 342 Northwest 8th Street. And I'm here to represent the cultural and development here in Overtown. And we would like to continue our programs for the kids, and if we don't get the funds or whatever, then these kids is out in the streets. And whenever they're out in the streets, there are narcotics and everything else. Now, it's three of you that I know, Mr. Plummer, Mayor Clark and Dawkins. Please help us with our youths of Overtown. We need you. We really need you, because for what I see now, Overtown is devastating. It's devastating. Never, out of my 69 years, that I ever seen things like I have recently. And it shouldn't be. This is America. But I can understand. There's some good people, there's some bad ones. But I'm asking, Mayor Clark, Mr. Dawkins, and the other Commissioner, and Mr. J.L. Plummer, you know what I'm talking about, because I see Mr. Plummer when nobody else of the Commissioners. But I'm asking you to help our youths Overtown, please. If you ever did anything - I'm about on my way out - if you ever did anything, do something for the youths of Overtown. Mayor Clark: All right, sir. Thank you. Mr. McFadden: Thank you very much. (APPLAUSE) 11 February 2, 1995 Mayor Clark: Margie Slater, and after her, Adrean Lans. Those are the next two speakers. Ms. Maggie Slater: Good evening to everybody in their respective places. My name is Maggie Slater, and I'm also in favor of the revitalization and the beauty... beautification and the redevelopment of Overtown. I'll speak briefly, but I remember... I was born and raised in Overtown, and I remember when my father used to tell me about Overtown, how his parents was born and raised there, and how Overtown was such a good place, and how everybody loved each other. They worked together to make Overtown a better place, and it wasn't so much crime. So I'd like for you to please consider, you know, Overtown. And I'd also like to say, also, it's some crime going on in our neighborhood, and maybe you could... you would be able to, you know, help us out here. We have... I live in Town Park Village, and we have like a casino going on there. Well, it's unlicensed, as you know, and the guys there are gambling day and night. The kids can't play, and I think that's a shame. I would invite you guys to drive by there one day, and you can see it for yourself. Mayor Clark: What's that address? Ms. Slater: That's 17th... That's Town Park Village, 1680 Northwest 4th Avenue. Town Park Village. Mayor Clark: You got that? Ms. Slater: And also, I'd like to bring to your attention, my apartment is by the expressway, I- 95, and there's been some shootings off the expressway. And I've called the Highway Patrol. And there's been accidents, all time of night. And sometimes, I don't get any response and stuff, and people shooting off the expressway, saying racial slurs and all. So I was... I was wondering that, if you guys can put up like a barricade or something, maybe a wall, a beau... a nice, beautiful wall to protect the people in the building, the people in Town Park Village, and perhaps maybe the, you know, somebody... no one would get hurt. And also, we need more police in the area, because it's been a place where the people bring in cars that they've stolen, and I've called the police thousands of times. And we'd like to see more police around there, because not all of us are bad, and we want to see things work out in Overtown. Mayor Clark: All right. Ms. Slater: So I thank you. Mayor Clark: Thank you so much. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Adrean Lans. And after this person, we have Jimmie Beck. Is Adrean Lans present? Vice Mayor Plummer: Yeah. Mayor Clark: Yes, sir. Mr. Adrean Lans: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioners, members of the City Commission, City Manager. My name is Adrean Lans, and I reside at 124 Northeast 14th Street, Miami, Florida. Can you hear me? Mayor Clark: Speak up a little. 12 February 2, 1995 Mr. Lans: All right. Yes. You know, I'm not new to you all. You've seen me several times in City Hall. You see me again today, because I'm absolutely concerned. My concern is at 1701 Northwest 1st Avenue, which is Dorsey Park, and the building adjacent from it, which is the old Dorsey Library. I've been before you all before and previously, you sent me to the leadership of the Overtown Advisory Board, and I have not been steered properly, and I want to know what's happening and what's going to take place. I would like some assistance in getting the Old Dorsey Library fixed up so it could enhance the quality of life, as well as the people who live in the community, and I need your support, not just when it's election time and I got to vote. I need it today. And I would like to know if the Mayor can make a resolution or get me where I could work to see how we could secure this building and get going forward. Because looking back won't solve our problem. Looking forward, working together, we can fix anything. Mayor Clark: All right, sir. We appreciate your comments tonight. Thank you for your appearance. You're talking about refurbishing the library? Mr. Lans: Yes, sir, renovating the old Dorsey Library, as well as fixing up the building, Dorsey Park, which is the abandoned building right there, the recreation building. Mayor Clark: All right. We've made a note of that, and we appreciate your comments. Mr. Lans: Thank you. Mayor Clark: Thank you, sir. Jimmie Beck. After Mr. Beck, we have 011ie Dorsett. Mr. Jimmie Beck: Good evening. My name is Jimmie Beck. I reside at 4699 Northwest 7th Avenue, and I work at Overtown Neighborhood Partnership. And thanks for coming out tonight. There's some things that is on my mind. I would like to speak and say I'm a young man. First of all, I want to say that I was part of the problem, but today, I'm part of the solution. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Beck: And I want to say that it's important, or it's imperative that we put emphasis on the Redevelopment Authority of Overtown, so that we can have a cultural arts program, and so that the youth of Overtown can be able to understand or have some economics, because it's important, and if you have no jobs, violence comes in. You have different activities, kids stealing, and things of that nature. They don't want to go to school because of the value system. So one must have jobs. And not only jobs, we must be concerned, also, about the elderly, because most of the elderly are being pushed aside. You cannot push the past aside. So we must confront that issue, as well. I'm quite sure you have heard this situation over and over, even before I even was born. But today, as we prepare to go into the 21st Century, we must adhere to all the problems of Overtown, and not only Overtown, but throughout Miami, as well. We must also place emphasis on education, because most of the youth... It's not only a black or white issue, but it confronts the youth, period, that it's important that they have a chance. Like the lady stated before, that not everybody is college material. If we can begin to invest in our children's future, as far as everyone has a talent, and if we can begin to invest in our Board, our Board maybe can be able to fix a lot. Let's invest in this talent, so we can begin to have more technical schools. And without a vision, the people will perish. So the vision is, everybody must be a part of the vision, not one part, and this part, and that's why America is corrupt, because everyone is not a part of the vision. So I'm here to let you know tonight that Overtown desires to be part of the vision. Not just one part of Overtown, but all Overtown desires to be part of the vision. So I'm pleading to the Mayor, and to all of those that are in authority to take a look at the issues that confront Overtown, and the rest of Miami, as well. And I want to say one more thing. That people are destroyed because of a lack of knowledge, and that it's time that we, as people, from 13 February 2, 1995 l all races and nationalities, that we must confront the issues that affects everybody. The hand cannot say to the ear, I have no need of you. The head cannot say to the foot, I have no need of you. Everybody needs everybody. And without economics, there is no vision, you understand, and the people have placed power within your hands so that you all can be able to come up with solutions to the problems. And the reason, if you look at... And if you look out in the audience tonight, the majority of the people of Overtown is not even here, is not even represented. And some people stay in Coral Gables, some people stay in Carol City. The reason why that is, because they, those people of Overtown, they does not, they don't believe in the system. Why? Too many broken promises. That's why the auditorium is not filled. Why? Because too many broken promises, too many broken dreams. So that's all I want to say. That's why the auditorium is not filled. So we must begin, we must do it. If we don't do it, guess what? Everybody is doomed. You might don't be doomed now, but your grandchildren might be doomed. Why? Because there is no vision. Thank you. Mayor Clark: Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: 011ie Dorsett. And after 011ie Dorsett, Paul Berry. 011ie Dorsett. Ms. 011ie Dorsett: Good evening, honorable Commissioners. My name is 011ie Dorsett, and I live at 1736 Northwest 5th Avenue, and I'm here before you because I am very concerned about the area of Overtown. Not just Overtown, as the gentleman said before you, all of Miami. Every neighborhood where black people are is in blight. So far, I've been... I'm a second generation resident of this neighborhood, and I'm now raising my three kids here. And I go to a church at 1395 Northwest 3rd Avenue, which is Saint John Baptist Church. I've been fortunate. I never have been on public assistance. My mother was, though. She decided when she got an opportunity to get a job at Jackson Memorial to get off, and she made sure that her three kids never got on it again. And I have never been on it, and my kids will never be on it. I think that the Independent Authority is necessary, not just needed, necessary for the existence of this community. It needs to be established not ten years in the future, now, or this community will die. I have gone through ever program that was provided in 1970s, and some in the '80s. I went to Dorsey Park when I was a child, and I went to the tot center there, and believe me, it was a vast difference from what my mother went through. It helped me understand that it was important to speak up for what you believe in, and to work hard for what you believe in, and to make sure that you have enough pride in yourself to go out and get a good job, and not look out for a handout. And I come before you now, 30 years old, and I work for the University of Miami as a procurement specialist, and I've been there seven years, and I am disgusted by what I see in Overtown. A school that I went to 20 years ago, just, last year, has been revitalized, just last year. It should have been done 20 years ago. And the park that I went to, those bleachers out there in Overtown, Winner's Park, they need to be torn down, and new ones need to be established. And as far as the staffing is concerned of those parks, you need to put qualified individuals there, not teenagers or unresponsible [sic] people. As far as the management is concerned, they're trying, but the people you employee there do not care about my kids, and that's why I do not take them. If something is going to be done, you need to start in the churches, where there are responsible people that care about this community, and that Independent Authority Board needs to involve all of those people in those churches of this community, if you want something... If you want the support of these people, that's where you'll get it from. That's where they'll hear you, they'll listen, they'll understand. But as that man, gentleman said before me, and every speaker, too many broken promises. I heard a lot when I was a child, a lot. Only a few of those were ever brought to pass. Now, when I was a teen, those programs did help. It kept me out of trouble, but my mother was my driving force. She made sure I stayed out, not those programs. They helped a lot, they gave us something to do, but they did not educate us the way we need to be educated to self-support ourselves. We 14 February 2, 1995 really do need empowerment in this community. We need to have jobs in this area, businesses run by people of this area, not people brought from other communities that will thrive from our business for them. If you want to educate some of us, just go to our churches, you'll find them. They're looking for ways to make sure their children do not get on public assistance again. I, for one am going to do everything possible. If I have to get up and speak at every single meeting, I will be here. It is necessary - not asked, not request - it is necessary. That's the only way. If you really want to solve the problem, not put a Band-Aid on it, it's empower the people in that community where the problem exists. And the only other thing I have to say is that I thank several people, my mother, for one, God, foremost, that He saw to put people in my way to make sure that I made it. The last thing I want to tell you is that if you really want to help us with our children, don't just give them programs to play, help them, educate them. Make them understand... I mean, give them cultural programs where they can understand. Inform them about their community, because we do not have that. We have every other community doing that, but that's not being done here. I go to every other community, and I see the children remembering about their past. Our past was never taught to me until I got 25 years old, that, about this particular community; not just black history, just this particular community. It is not, never televised, you never hear about, unless you hear word of mouth, and that's something that needs to be addressed for this community. If you want to instill in our children pride, that's the way to do it. Let them know what these people have contributed to this community, not just in Overtown, but all of Miami, because we helped build this place. Also, I think you should look into an Upward Bound Program that was started at the University of Miami. That is the only other reason that I stayed out of trouble, because I was never here to be in trouble. It made sure that I was educated, it made sure that I got my homework done, it made sure that I had things to do that enhanced me, not just entertained me. Now, I work for the University, and I support the Upward Bound Program, and I congratulate them because they have helped a lot of blacks in this area to make it. We just need to have that Authority, Independent Authority Board done in ten months, as you proposed, and it needs to, like I say, represent the community; not just the businesses of the area, not just the business interests of the area, not just the Commission's wishes, but our wishes. Thank you. Mayor Clark: All right. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Paul Berry. After Mr. Berry, we have Jerome Starling. Yes, sir. Mr. Paul Berry: Hello. Mr. Mayor and Commissioners, folks, my name is Paul Berry. I live in the Spring Garden area of Overtown. I came here during the time of the Mariel Boatlift. I lived in 4th Street when the riots happened in Overtown. I was gone for a while, came back about a year and a half ago. I have a background in public works contracting, and I'm also a pedestrian, and I ride the public transportation system. And I'm here to talk to you just for a second and ask you to make some comment, if you would, please, concerning the East/West Corridor Project as it affects the Overtown redevelopment. We have seen Dade County last year tie the Empowerment Zone Project with this Corridor Project. Now, the Empowerment Zone is no more, apparently. The status of the Corridor Project is not receiving a lot of press. I hope there is somebody from the Herald here, because you're doing a terrible job with that particular project. Apparently, the people of Little Havana rejected this train system connecting to Miami Beach from the airport, and Little Havana rejected it, Grapeland Heights had tremendous concerns with it, my own neighborhood, Spring Garden, is opposed to having it come through a residential area. And what it comes down to, as I understand it, at this point, is that this train project will now be headed through Overtown, crossing by the 5th Street Bridge, and coming down either 5th or 6th Street to the Arena. I would like to have just some comment. Where does the City of Miami stand on this project? And I would like to say that I believe particular interest should be taken for the residents here in Overtown, specifically along the corridor, that this is 15 February 2, 1995 going to have a tremendous impact, if it is approved and it actually goes through. And I don't believe that the public outreach process that the corridor team has done has been adequate, and I believe that it has given the people a sense of helplessness in that they can't do anything to stop this train, much the same as the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) project which brought I-95 through Overtown. Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Thank you. Jerome Starling. After Mr. Starling, Robert L. McKinney. Mr. Jerome Starling: Hi. My name is Jerome Starling. To the Mayor and Commissioner... Commissioner Dawkins: Pull the mike down to you, sir. Mr. Starling: To the Mayor and the Commissioner, members on the board, about seven months now, I been running an organization called Overtown Black Business Association, walking door to door to businesses, talking to different business owners, in making their business look more beautiful. By rebuilding Overtown, we will look beautiful. But if we don't rebuild Overtown, we won't look beautiful. I look at the situation and I wonder if the members here that sit out here, and all the community members, and all your different organizations, if you join together and hold hands, and when they do pass it, and ask your nieces and nephews that's in college, and the ones that's in high school, involved in job programs, say, come home to Overtown, because they are rebuilding it. Come and put a business there. That's what we need from the community. But here, tonight, we stand, and we ask them to rebuild it, to pass it, to let it come and let it stand. They're going to rebuild it because they are going to upgrade the community, because of downtown, which we already know. Let's be common about this. All we need is our people to come on home. Come from Bethune, come from Florida State, come on from UM (University of Miami) and move back in Overtown, where your grandmother, and all of your aunts and uncles come from, Overtown. We need beautiful chandeliers hanging on the outside, not just inside. We need beautiful sidings and writings on the outside of the building, so it would beautify it, so people from Carol City that's here would come into Overtown and shop. Most of all, what I've been talking about for the longest with my business members, I've called Atlanta and everywhere else, in New York, and they say, well, we'll come to Overtown, we'll come, if they give us a chance, and build a corporation that will be... I don't care if it builds boats, screws or something, build us a company in Overtown so we can make some money! (Off mike). I want some money in my restaurant, in my store, that can come from a $7 or $8 an hour job. I don't care if they work in a boat company. People up there... We got all kind of companies in Atlanta, Detroit, they make hair products. They say, you know, we'd like to come down there, because in the wintertime, we just get backed up, because they can't come to work. Well, come on, let them come in, let them come on down here and subcontract companies down in Overtown. Let them come on here. That's where we need them at, so they can put money in the businessmen's pocket, so... What the lady is talking about, she won't have to cry up here no more, and I won't have to worry about... I won't have to worry about when a little kid comes to the store, I haven't ate because my mother's on welfare. I've gave out hundreds of hot sausage sandwiches, many a cookies, gave out many a dollars. I'm dead broke now. I'm trying to get assistance from the financial center up here. I ran out of money, because I'm trying to upgrade Overtown myself. It's time for us... It's time for us to call home all the college, get the high school, when they finish high school, get them involved in a vocational program, and it's time... When they rebuild, when they rebuild, make sure you get those kids in here, because I'm working with them out there. Mayor Clark: Bring them down. All right. Thank you. (APPLAUSE) 16 --February 2, 1995 Mayor Clark: Robert McKinney. Yes, sir. Mr. Robert McKinney: Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor and members of the Miami City Commission. This is probably one of the toughest talks that I'm ever going to be able... have an opportunity to make for me. That is, like many of these people, I was born in Overtown, and I spent the first 25 years... Unidentified Speaker: Can't hear you. Mr. McKinney: Like many of these folks here, I was born in Overtown, and I spent the first 25 years of my life here. Two of my favorite places were Dorsey Park and Dorsey Memorial Library. I had an opportunity to attend Phyllis Wheatley School here, and this great, great institution, Booker T. Washington High School, where we received a very great education. Before I do anything else, I want to introduce somebody to you, since it's not a speaker, and that's Charles Johnson somewhere. Charles Johnson is probably the reason why I'm standing here now. Back in 1983, when I had law offices at 155 South Miami Avenue in downtown, Charles Johnson came to me and he said, Bob, I want to incorporate the Overtown Advisory Board. Well, the Overtown Advisory Board was incorporated, and I got involved. Most recently... Most recently, my involvement has been as the past president of the Overtown Advisory Board for the last three years prior to September 1994. For a year and a half before that, I chaired most of the Overtown Advisory Board meetings. For approximately the last four and a half years, I've chaired every executive board meeting of the Overtown Advisory Board. I've chaired every regular meeting of the Overtown Advisory Board except one. Some of the things that we were able to do during that time was, you may be familiar with the Saint Agnes Rainbow Village Family Development Center. We were very instrumental in getting that done. Also, we were instrumental in the Jefferson Reeves Senior Health Care Center, which is going to be completed sometime in July or August. I've also had an opportunity to be involved with the plan for the redevelopment of the rest of Overtown, that part of Overtown that was not included in the Southeast Overtown/Park West Development Plan. And I feel very proud, when David Crane had become - that is, the people that we contracted with to do this plan, the Overtown Advisory - had become disillusioned and said that he was not getting the support that he should get out of this community from City staff or the Overtown Advisory Board, that I was able, at my own expense, to go to Tampa, Florida, and talk to David Crane, and keep him on task, and, in fact, today, we have an Overtown Redevelopment Plan for the rest of Overtown. There are some concerns I have, however, in reference to the Redevelopment Agency. See, I have problems, because I understand a little bit about Florida Chapter 166, which deals with community development. One of the things that concerns me is, we should not... Again, we're here tonight in reference to Southeast Overtown/Park West. What happens to the rest of Overtown? It's my understanding that the rest of Overtown would be included within a Redevelopment Authority. I hope this is so. I'm not sure. And I say to the people representing Dade County, one of the things that we should do is make Overtown whole again. I'm very concerned about the fact that Southeast Overtown remains attached to Park West. I think that what has happened is when the expressways came through, they divided Overtown - how would I say? - physically. What the County Commission did, after the vote in reference to single - member districts, now it has been divided politically. So what I'm saying is, Overtown should be one community, physically and politically, and that there should not be two or more districts within Overtown. I say to you, also, that the plan for the redevelopment of Overtown was the first vehicle for suggesting a Redevelopment Authority that we're talking about tonight. David Crane said to us, in fact, that if the City of Miami is serious about redevelopment of Overtown area, then a Redevelopment Authority should be created. However, I personally think that the City Commission is responsible for the redevelopment of Overtown area ultimately, no matter what they do. I also understand that, in fact, the Dade County Government, under Florida Chapter 166, and having home rule, the Authority comes to them, so you have to enter into an 17 February 2, 1995 interlocal agreement to bring about an Independent Redevelopment Authority. These are the things that concern me. The other matter that concerns me, in reference... and this is just a suggestion. So I'm saying that we should make Overtown whole again, and the County can help with that, and politically, the City can by... if we... We're going to have to modify the present Southeast Overtown/Park West agreement, interlocal agreement. It's going to have to be modified. So if it's got to be modified, why not take Southeast Overtown back out of it, and join it to the rest of Overtown? Another suggestion that I have, and I'm going to wind up here, is that I think that all of the historic Overtown area should be designated as a historic district, all of it, and that will save some of the buildings that we have remaining that we hope not will be destroyed. Basically, that's where I am... I am on this particular situation, but as I say to you again, that, in fact, the Overtown Advisory Board was the first one to suggest this, and I hope that whatever you decide to do, eventually, that you also will empower this community. I have heard the Empowerment Zone, and that's where we are now, talking about empowering communities. We've heard about government going locally. We have... The Manager has a... He has created NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) offices to bring government to the people. We have Coconut Grove and their Village Council. We have other groups wanting self- government. Overtown already has that. Why take away from Overtown the self-government that it has through the Overtown Advisory Board? Which, I understand, that most people don't know or understand, or are not aware of. And I understand you, sitting as a Community Redevelopment Board. Overtown Advisory Board sits as the Overtown Advisory Board, Incorporated. The Overtown Advisory Board sits as the official advisory board for the Southeast Overtown/Park West Development. The Overtown Advisory Board also sits as the Community Development Block Grant Committee for the Overtown Advisory... for the Overtown area. So that's three areas. That's a lot of power. And I say if you are sincere, this Authority should somehow contract with a group of groups in order to, in fact, give power to the people. However, I say this to you. We need people on these boards who can contribute. We need people on these boards who can understand line item budgets, millions of dollars, and whatever, not just putting people on the boards to sit there. And I say this, and as I've said before, it's the strength of the Overtown community and may not necessarily be the people that live here. All you have to do is look in these churches, like Saint Agnes, Saint John, and Mount Zion. The strength of those churches are the people who were born and reared here, and continue to come back to this community on each and every Sunday. So please, when you exclude them, you exclude people like Father Major. Evelina Bestman, and many others that I can think of. So consider them when we consider the people who are going to sit on whatever boards are created. Thank you very much for your time. Mayor Clark: All right. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: All right. Albert Miller. We have Albert Miller? Unidentified Speaker: He's here. Mayor Clark: All right. Now, there will be four speakers after Mr. Miller. Is Father Barry Here? Mr. Albert Miller: Ladies and gentlemen... Mayor Clark: All right. Yes, sir. Mr. Miller: My name is Albert Miller. Next month, I'll be 75 years old. I was born in Miami, 9th Street and 3rd Avenue, where Mount Zion Baptist Church now stands. I've often heard people tonight stand up here and talk about Miami, and they begin by talking about things that 18 February 2, 1995 recently occurred. I'm talking about Miami from its historical beginning, from my perspective. In 1926, at this very site here, Booker Washington High School. Miami did not have any high school. After ninth grade, you had to go away to school, and Daytona was one of the favorite spots where they went. D.A. Dorsey, a pioneer, said to the City of Miami, I will donate the land, for a school should be built. In 1920... 19... I think it was in 1926, or somewhere up in that neighborhood, Mount Zion Baptist School... Mount Zion... I mean Booker T. Washington High School began its construction. After completion, it was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan. I was in the fourth grade, in private school, and I entered and stayed there until I completed high school, and then went away to college. I was the first member of my family that had gone to college, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Morehouse College. Having come back to Miami, we began to do something, envision things. I came because of the death of my father, and had begun to return back to New York City, where I was living at the time. When I came back here to Miami, I encountered Dr. Ward, and I was like a little servant unto him. And then we envisioned a plan where we could be... bring the people together. At that time, the County Commission, Mack Vickers and a lot of other men that were on that County Commission Board, we met with them, and they began to iron out things. But the community, itself, was doing something in order to enhance its growth and development. Miami's known as the Magic City, and magic things were being done. Miami, among blacks throughout the country, was the envy, and they had come to see what we had done. We had a composite community built, with all the things and the trappings that make a community prosperous and striving. And on came urban renewal, which mean black removal. And then came, along with that, the highways, I-95 expansion, and that was a deliberate act on the part of the white community to divide Miami. And when that division came about, they were scattered, and there it was. And now, we come now to the point where we must do something for ourselves. We ask your help. We know eventually the health and the strength must come from us. I'm the last surviving member of a family of eight children. My two brothers, who made their marks, went to school, graduated from college, one a minister, one a lawyer, one is... everything else. And I was left here in the community. I'm the survivor of the Dade County Young Democratic Association, which Dr. Ward was the president. And I deferred to speak at that moment because I wasn't ready spiritually to assume that office. But I had touted young men like Sam Moncur (phonetic) and others to carry on in that absence. And I guess, as I think about it, there is a connection. When I was born, my mother told me that she was encouraged to let the baby lie down and die. And now, my younger sisters and brothers, I'm the only survivor. I think about when I went in the armed services. I went in the merchant marines to escape the danger that my brothers were encountering in going into the armed forces. Torpedoed four times. Somehow or another, I knew I wasn't going to die. I don't know what it was that survived or caused me to stay. And then, here recently, I was gung-ho, ready to go, braggedly and whatnot, and I was beset by an illness. I'm just now in the last few days feeling a sense of relief. And I guess in prayers, I asked the Lord to give me a mission or something to do, and guess it was. And my brother, who was a minister, often when I spoke with him, he said, sometimes you ask for the Lord, he says yes, but not right now. He said, just remember that a thousand years is but a twinkling of the eye of... in the face of God. And I guess in a man, a hundred years is probably a wink or whatever it is. My mother lived to be 104, and I'll be 75 next month. So then I could look forward to see a striving community, and the contribution that I make, I have an opportunity to see members of my family envisioned in there. I thank thee. I accept the prayers that was given by the Mayor, the reverend, that was done. And I think that I should bow my head, and ask all of us to bow our heads, asking my brother, who is a minister, to forgive me. Let us all bow our heads. Humbly, I bow my head and ask the Lord, with reverence to thee, to smile upon this community, bring thy presence, bring thy presence, and draw us all together, recognition of all of us as children of God, and it's time that we joined hands. Lord, help the providers of that service that would be rendered unto us. Give us the strength to give whatever it is that we can give. And Lord, let this community be whole again. Thank you, Lord. Mayor Clark: Amen. 19 February 2, 1995 (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Senator Jones. Senator Jones: Mr. Mayor and Commissioners. Mr. Mayor, you're right when you told me the first time. I do have to leave, and I appreciate you putting me at this part of the agenda. I... First of all, the last speaker was particularly inspiring. It didn't take me long to realize that there was something special about him. And then when he said he was a Morehouse man, I knew that was true. You know, the young lady in the green sweat suit still here, also made some very touching comments. And the reason I bring those two up is because it brings to mind something that we already always knew, and that is that there are really good people in Overtown of all ages. (APPLAUSE) Senator Jones: I can't help but wonder, how many of you thought, when that young lady was up here, when she said that she had never been on public assistance, and that she was 30 years old, I'm not sure if there wasn't a person in here who had some negative thought associated with that and said to themselves, "Well, with God's help, you never will be," or, "You know, just give it time and maybe you will be," because we know what the situation is like in Overtown. You know, there are a lot of people who, I know, were thinking those thoughts when she said that. And so a lot of us who may have thought that, or may not have thought those things, that are sitting up here, you know, you have to ask, well, we're the people who are elected, including myself, to try to help change those conditions for the people who are suffering from those kinds of conditions. And we have an opportunity to do that here. You already know - I've been before you before - you already know that I'm a supporter of the Overtown Redevelopment Authority. And I think that if there was any purpose in this public hearing to determine how the people of the community felt, I think it's clear that it's pretty much unanimous. Everyone in the community wants to see the Overtown Redevelopment Authority established. And I've had a look now at your proposed interlocal agreement, and I've noted some of the points of difference at this point, and I don't think that there's really an issue of whether or not it should be established, at least I hope there isn't. Maybe there is an issue of how it should be established. And I guess I have to wonder what, at this point, if anything, is going to slow the process down, if at all. One of the things that has not yet happened is that we haven't had any debate by the City Council. The issue has been brought before you, and we have not heard anything yet about how you feel, and what are the issues that are uppermost in your mind. I know that there is some disagreement as to funding, when the Authority should established, what the boundaries should be, and how the appointments should be made, to name a few of the issues. So if there is disagreement... And I don't normally inject myself in a process between two local governments, but if there is reason, you know, I certainly would like to have privy to those reasons for the differences. And hopefully, there is an opportunity for some compromise and some ability to come to agreement on how it should be established. Whatever the reasons are that are slowing the process down, maybe it's because you want to move with all deliberate speed, to be very prudent in the process. That's good. That's fine. Maybe it's because you don't think it will work, and you just delay, delay, delay. We do that sometimes in the Florida Legislature. If that's the reason, that's not good, and I'm not saying that it is. Maybe there is some concern, like we have in my governmental structure, with who gets the credit, jealousies, pettiness. I don't think that that's the reason, but if it is, that's not good either. Perhaps there's some fear of where the heck is 12 and a half million dollars going to come from. You know, we've got a $40,000,000,000 (forty billion dollars) budget at the State level, and if I had to pull 12 and a half million dollars out for one thing, I mean, it might be a little bit difficult, and I know that that's far more than the budget that you have to work with. If that's the problem, then we're going to have to try to work through that one. But... And I hope it's not the fact that because Overtown has traditionally been dumped on for so many years, and because it represents such a small part 20 February 2, 1995 of the constituency that elects you that it's not really worth it. And I don't think that's the issue, either, but I just wanted to get those out. I would just ask, as someone who also represents the area along with you, and someone who just wants to show a little bit of interest, that we do something to try to correct the problem. Thank you. Mayor Clark: Thank you, Senator. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Mrs. Range, do you want to say anything tonight? (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: After Mrs. Range... Father Barry is not here and George Knox is not here, so we'll wind it up with Chairman Teele. Mrs. Range. Ms. Range: Thank you very much, Commissioners, honorable Mayor, ladies and gentlemen. I purposely did not put my name on the roster to speak, because I promised you at the Commission meeting that I would just come, and sit and listen, but you've called me, and I can't fail you. What I will say will be very, very short, because I think anything of any length that I might say will simply be repetitious. I'd say to you that I am certainly, and want to have it known, that I'm in favor of the Redevelopment Authority. By the greatest stretch of any of your imaginations, I think the time has come that the people of Overtown must have a hand in its development. I'd say to you further that I think the time is now. I am so afraid over the years of my experiences, I've seen monies made available, and because certain things did not happen, monies dwindle away. And then when we got ready to use them, they were not there. I recall very vividly your own Mr. Herb Bailey, who said that we have $51,000,000. I don't know where it was coming from, but he said he had it, and I presume he still has it. (APPLAUSE) Ms. Range: I heard... I heard our Chairman Teele, of the County Commission, state that he had $12,000,000. I don't know where that is either, but I presume he has it. (APPLAUSE) Ms. Range: But I say to you, ladies and gentlemen, that unless the monies are utilized forthwith, I am so afraid. I am so afraid that unless tonight, you cast a vote in favor of the Overtown Development Authority. And because you're not in your Commission chambers, I understand you would, in all probability have to go back and ratify that vote. I would beg of you to cast your vote tonight, and then to go and ratify that vote in favor of Overtown. I simply say... (APPLAUSE) Ms. Range: I simply close these few remarks by saying, how long, oh, Lord? How long? Thank you. Mayor Clark: All right. Thank you, Ms. Range. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: All right. Chairman Teele. County Commissioner Arthur Teele: Honorable Mayor and members of the Commission, let me first acknowledge your presence in Overtown, and I think that the statement of Commissioner 21 February 2, 1995 Dawkins, who urged that the Commission have a hearing so that you can find and test what the true feelings of the citizens of Overtown was prophetic, and I think Commissioner Dawkins knew the importance, the symbolic importance of our Overtown residents being able to see, and touch and feel the City Commission of the City of Miami, and all of us, Mr. Mayor, are grateful for the fact that it's not just you. We knew you'd be here. Mayor Clark: I first came here, Arthur, '32, 1932. That's before a lot of the people here were born. And I know Overtown like everybody knows Overtown, and before that, so you know that I know what goes on. County Commissioner Teele: And we knew you'd be here, and we knew that Commissioner Dawkins and the other Commissioners, we were hopeful, Commissioner Gort and Commissioner Plummer, and we're grateful that you're here. Mayor Clark: Commissioner De Yurre. County Commissioner Teele: I want you to know, Mr. Mayor, that it's impressive you... It's late, it's after nine o'clock, and you're still here. You've been most patient. (APPLAUSE) County Commissioner Teele: You've been most courteous. The decorum is so appropriate, and this is, truly, I think, a giant step forward for our community, and indeed, for our City. I would also like for the public to know that the County staff is here. They're still here. We're used to people leaving early. But Dr. Morris, Dr. David Morris, the Assistant County Manager, should be recognized along with his counterpart, Ms. Diane Gains, from the County Attorney's Office, in addition, Mr. Khalid Salahuddin from the Manager's office is here. The department head for the County, who is the corresponding office for your economic development, Mr. Dean Taylor. Dean, are you still here? Dean Taylor is here, and his assistant, Mr. Harold Brijbasi, along with my office personnel, including the senior policy advisor for the office of the chair who has been responsible for this, Portia Palmer. Let me also report to you, Mr. Mayor, some good news. This past week was the Super Bowl weekend, and thanks to your City of Miami Police Department, Major Christmas and Sergeant Walker, and others, we had a star-studded event in Overtown. We had professional football players, we had the NFL (National Football League) media, we had children from the schools in Overtown to entertain them. All of this, of course, happened in the historic folk life village, near the Lyric Theater, on the 9th Street Mall. But we're making progress, and the City of Miami Parks Department, and Police Department, and I'm sure other departments responded beautifully, and we appreciate, Mr. Mayor, the proclamation that you and Commissioner Dawkins arranged to be presented. So things are not as bad as they've been. Just 30 days ago, we had the historic Summit of the Americas. And again, we were very happy that, not only were the senior White House staff and State Department staff, but also Secretary Ron Brown, who took the opportunity, not only to speak and walk through Overtown, but to symbolically sit on the train. As you know, Mr. Flagler parked his train in Overtown. Now, I now the African -Americans that came to Overtown did not come in a private car that the corporate car of the company that sent it down, and that Mr. Brown held a press conference in. But symbolically, again, we are scratching the surface, and a copy of that, Mr. Plummer, you might be interested to know, hangs prominently in the building with you and the Prime Minister of the Bahamas as one of the scenes that the County staff has picked out to highlight as one of the Summit. And so, again, because of our mutual commitment, just in the last 30 days, we've been able to make Overtown a part of the historic Summit of the Americas, and the Super Bowl, and none of that would have happened were it not for the City of Miami. But let's just review very quickly, because the issue is ripe, the issue is here tonight, and I, like Commissioner and Mama Athalie Range, would hope that the Commission would, tonight, tonight, express some sense by voting on something relating to this. This is the third time we've 22 February 2, 1995 had a public hearing or a public discussion on this. Not the first, and not the second, but the third. In fact, just one year ago and a month, Commissioner Dawkins and I, along with County and City staff, took that first step, in which we jointly went to Washington, D.C., to see what is viewed as the most impressive and important Redevelopment Authority in the world. A street, a corridor that was once the pride of America had deteriorated to something that was a slum. In fact, when President Kennedy walked down that street, he said, no street in Washington, D.C. should look like this. And with that, the Pennsylvania Avenue Redevelopment Authority was born. Today, if you go down Pennsylvania Avenue, along that redevelopment corridor, you have probably the most impressive and important preservation of historical buildings and monuments, such as the Willard Hotel, which was prominent in the era of Abraham Lincoln, and many other facilities that have been restored, along with a very functional pedestrian mall and promenades that has stimulated billions - I'll say it again - billions of dollars of development. The one thing that we saw was a Redevelopment Authority... We talked with the staff, and they said, there must be two things that you must have. You must first have a structure that is totally and single "focusedly" created and focused to do just one thing. Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, we have a Redevelopment Authority in Overtown. The Board of the City Commission sits as a Redevelopment Authority. But the fact of the matter is, the City Commission, just like the County Commission, just like every other unit of municipal government has an array, literally thousands of obligations, and responsibilities, and issues that you are confronted within a single month, and it doesn't either do intellectual honesty, nor justice fair, to believe that the City, whether it were all black or all residents of Overtown, of any City could spend the time on the redevelopment of Overtown and the other Citywide functions, and do both fairly. And so what we're asking, and what we're suggesting is what other communities have found, that first, you must have an authority that has staff that is dedicated, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to a single vision and a single focus, and that is the redevelopment of that area. The second thing, and even more impressive and important was the fact that you have to have money. You must have money if there is going to be redevelopment. And in that regard, the Pennsylvania Avenue Redevelopment Authority is unique. It's unique because it receives an appropriation from Washington, D.C. annually from the federal government to carry out the vision, the commitment that President Kennedy had to maintain the development and the redevelopment of Overtown. And so we came back, we discussed it, we debated it. 30 days later after December, I presented, as the State of the County in 1994, 14 goals, and missions, and objectives that we hope to accomplish in 1994; one of which, Mr. Mayor, was the creation, the establishment and the functioning of a Redevelopment Authority. And as I reported to the public, two weeks ago, a week ago, in the second State of the County that I have been privileged to present, I've pointed out, Mr. Mayor, that we've not met that goal. We've not even created it, so... and it's certainly not functioning. But we have recommitted ourselves in 1995, to working cooperatively with the City of Miami for this purpose. The real issue here, of course, is whether or not the County and the City can come together, can cut the dialogue, can cut the talk, and move about the business of appropriating the necessary funds, $10,000,000 from the City, $10,000,000 from the County, with a further commitment from the County of two and a half million dollars of in -kind services over the ten- year period for the establishment of this Authority. Mr. Mayor, I could not agree with staff... your staff more when they say $20,000,000 is not going to be enough. And it's not. We're going to need a board that's going to be out there hustling the Governor and the Legislature to create a State earmark for Overtown. We're going to have to have a board and a director, and staff that's out there working with foundations, historical organizations, preservation groups. But let's face it, Mr. Mayor, the problem that the City has is the same problem that the County has. It's much easier for an entity that has as a single focus and a single point of reference to go out and get foundation money than it is a municipal or County government. When is the last time the foundation gave you all money? They've not given us any lately. But they will give 501-C-3. They will give organizations that are created with a single focus. And I couldn't agree more with Mrs. Fields when she states that we should also work cooperatively to make Overtown a historical overlay for the preservation of all of Overtown as it is, and as it was in its 23 February 2, 1995 heyday and in its glory. Mr. Mayor, I will not go over the issues in any specificity tonight because we've gone over these issues twice before publicly, and many times privately. Our County staff and your City staff have exchanged letters, and those letters are a matter of record. I would only wish to call to your attention your own City staff's concerns when they note that, we question whether or not... That the City questions whether or not... It is our belief, as stated in the letter by Mr. Herb Bailey to the City Manager on January 25th, that the County resolution has been rendered invalid since the City... the County failed to get the support of the City. Mr. Mayor, the clock is ticking. The County resolution did expire after 180 days, but what needs to be very clear on the record is that we have been here. We have been working, we have been asking, give us a resolution. Give us an interlocal agreement. Pass a resolution, a sense of the City so that we can begin work. Mr. Mayor, since this resolution by the County was passed, much has happened. First, there was a revolution in America, and Speaker Gingrich is now in Washington, in the Speaker's chair. I cannot stand here today and tell you with all assuredness that the Federal funds that were intact and flowing in FY (fiscal year) '95 will be flowing in FY '96. But I can tell you this, Mr. Mayor. If we don't move before the budget process begins, which begins in two weeks... Two weeks, by law, the President of the United States is required to commence the budget process. If we do not act before that budget process begins, I can assure you that it's going to become very, very difficult, very, very difficult to continue this process. What else has happened since then? Well, the County has taken a very dramatic step. We've had six Commissioners who have wanted to roll back taxes for the last two years, and I have been the target and the brunt of much of the criticism for continuing to maintain our tax posture that we've had. Well, as you know, Mr. Mayor, I've joined the other six now, who say, let's roll back taxes. And we're going to roll back taxes. The $10,000,000 that the County has earmarked and set aside is not a part of the general fund, and is not going to be affected. But as time goes on, and as the competition for funds begins, if we're not careful, Mr. Mayor and members of this Commission, we're going to see a fight over food for budget dollars at both the County and at the City. Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission... Commissioner De Yurre, I apologize. I did not see you carefully staged there among staff. Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, if we don't act, and if we don't act now, it may be too late; not too late for you and me, but too late for Overtown. Won't you please act, Mr. Mayor, and act tonight? Overtown cannot afford to continue to wait. Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, how long? Thank you. Mayor Clark: Thank you. Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Commissioner Dawkins, you have the floor. Commissioner Dawkins: It's no secret that this Commission is wedded, married to and in favor of an Independent CRA, independent of strings attached by the County, independent of any strings attached by the City. Now, when that CRA comes forward, the City... Mayor Clark: Explain the CRA to them, what it means and everything. Commissioner Dawkins: Well, Community Redevelopment Authority. When that comes forward, you will see us joining hands, going forward for progress. It's very easy to get up with a prepared statement and don't react to what's being said. Chairman Teele said he gave us a resolution that was passed by the County Commission. Chairman Teele did not tell you that this Commission rejected that resolution because that resolution made the CRA, Community Redevelopment Authority, subservient to the County Commission. We rejected it because it said the County Commission was in charge of the board; the board being the board of the CA, Community Redevelopment Authority. We did not... We did not see any independence there. We've asked Chairman Teele, submit another resolution to your County Commission and have them OK it. That has not been done. I have written a letter to... I'll rephrase that. I've had the 24 February 2, 1995 Manager write a letter to the County Chairperson asking him, let me come before the County Commission, has he has come before the City Commission, and let me find out from the County Commission just how favorable they are to an Independent Authority. And once that is done, then it's time for us to talk about independency. But you didn't hear Chairman Teele say one time tonight, "an Independent Authority." He said, "an Authority." That's what he said. So I would say that when... once it is clear, that staff can come up with the County staff, with an Independent Authority... Mayor Clark: Subservient to no one. Commissioner Dawkins: We... It's gone. We'll do it, and do it with pride. And somebody else said that we have option one and option two. We presented... I've presented option one and two. I asked my fellow Commissioners to choose one or two. Commissioner Plummer came up with option three, Chairman Teele came up with option four, and this Commission has not said yet whether it's for one, two or three, or four. So there's a lot to be done, and headed in the right direction. We will have an Independent Authority, or none. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Dawkins: That's all. And it's just that simple. It... The County cannot claim ownership and dictate what shall be done, and the City cannot have ownership. And when that is done, Chairman Teele, I'll walk hand in hand with you to Washington looking for money, to the County Commission looking for money, and promise you money from the City of Miami. But if it's not independent of the County and independent of the City, we got the same thing, the County and the City telling Overtown what to do. Mayor Clark: Ladies and gentlemen, this meeting was called and suggested by Commissioner Dawkins so the people of Overtown could bring their thoughts to the Commission. We have spent a little over two hours listening to those thoughts. Mrs. Range, I apologize. There was no thought tonight that any official action would be taken, and it will not be, but the reason we're here tonight was to listen to the people. We have patiently listened for two and a half hours, and at this time, at twenty minutes to ten, we'll adjourn until another day, which will be very shortly in the future. Thank you. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 9:40 P.M. Stephen P. Clark MAYOR ATTEST: Matty Hirai CITY CLERK Walter J. Foeman ASSISTANT CITY CLERK 25 February 2, 1995