HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #08 - Discussion ItemSTATEMENT REGART iG THE CITY MANAGER'S FIRST" 6-MONTH
STATUS REPORT ON T nE OVERTOWN INDEPENDENT REN W PANEL'S
FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
,
It was with a great feeling of accomplishment and hope
that I presented the Overtown Independent Review Panel's
Final Report relative to the Overtown Civil Disturbance
to the Honorable Mayor and Members of the Miami City
Commission on January 10, 1991.
In presenting the Final Report some 9 months ago, I
advised this Commission that the report had been
prepared based upon a rather extensive process which
included the testimony of numerous witnesses, a review of primary
and secondary research materials, and a tour of neighborhood
facilities and development projects. In addition to these factors,
the Final Report Concerning Economic Issues Relative To The
Overtown Civil Disturbance embodied the collective wisdom,
experience; and reflections of the members of the Panel relative
to economic and related conditions in Overtown.
The members of the Panel took very close to.heart your mandate
and remained steadfastly unified in their resolve to (1) thoroughly
investigate the causes and circumstances relating to the civil
unrest and violence which erupted in the Overtown community on
January 16, 1989, and (2) provide constructive observations,
criticisms, and recommendations in its Final Report.
The Final Report, which officially concluded the Panel's
nearly two-year long investigation into the Overtown civil
disturbance, contained some 10 findings and 12 recommendations
which were fully reflective of the Panel's view that immediate,
dramatic, and comprehensive action was desperately needed to
improve economic and social conditions in Overtown.
In the 9 months since the issuance of the Final Report, the
Panel and the community have awaited the City Manager's first
6-month progress report on the status of the recommendations
which the City Commission embraced through the adoption of
Resolution No. 91-20. Therefore, it was with sincere ant.ici-
pation that I looked forward to receiving the City Manager's
progress report today.
Before commenting further, I want to specifically acknowledge
the Police Department's very.positive effort in maintaining its
continuous monthly progress reporting to the Panel and the
spirit of cooperation and resolve which the Police Chief has
demonstrated in addressing the findings and recommendations
regarding police and community relations. In addition, I want to
acknowledge the City Manager for his leadership, and Dr. Hattie
Daniels and her staff for their efforts in carrying -out the intent
of Resolution No. 91-20. Submitted into fne public
record in connect_on-Ti
ftern -3 on �3
714-1
Matty irai
City Clerk
91- 714.1
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
+ INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO 5sar H. Odio DATE` September 9, 1991 FILE
City Manager
SUBJECT City Commission Agenda
• Overtown Independent
Review Panel
FHOM D• �at e M.ZD a n i e l s REFERENCES
Director
Department of Internal Audits ENCLOSURES
and Reviews
On January 10, 1991, the Overtown Independent Review Panel
presented to the City Commission the Final Report Concerning
Economic Issues Relative to the Overtown Civil Disturbance, This
discussion resulted in the adoption of Resolution No. 91-20 which
j directs the City Manager to report to the City Commission on
those recommendations implemented every six months for a period
i
of one year.
The Panel was originally scheduled to appear before the City
Commission on September 11, 1991. However, status reports from
City Departments were incomplete, therefore the Panel's
appearance was withdrawn.
i
Pursuant to Resolution No. 91-2U, the Panel respectfully requests
to be placed on the Commission Agenda for October 3, 1991.
If further information is needed, please advise.
HMD:ma
cc: Honorable Mayor A Members
of the City Commission
Angela Bellamy
Herbert Bailey
Frank Castaneda
Chief Calvin Ross
Sergio Rodriguez
OIRP Members
Having said this, I want to let this Commission know
that, in the Panel's view, the City Manager's progress report
represents a significant first, but an admittedly modest step
toward the full implementation of the recommendations of the
Overtown Independent Review Panel. While the City Manager's
report clearly demonstrates rather quick and aggressive action
relative to some of the recommendations, it also indicates a
glaring lack of action and initiative relative to several
important recommendations. Please bear in mind that these
comments are based on our view of a rather desperate
situation in Overtown which continues to cry -out for
solutions and which worsens with each passing day.
In this regard, while we welcome the start of the formal
reporting process mandated by this Commission, we would strongly
urge the City Manager to more aggressively pursue or initiate
action on the following specific recommendations: #2 regarding
the establishment of strict design and construction standards
for the rehabilitation of existing single and multi -family
dwellings; #3 regarding modification of the Dade County and
City of Miami Minimum Housing Codes; #4 regarding the negotiation
of a public housing "Memorandum of Understanding" with Dade
County; #6 regarding zoning and environmental code enforcement
in Overtown; #7 regarding the creation of a $10 million economic
development fund to serve as a source of financing for projects
developed under the auspices of community/neighborhood-based
economic development organizations; #9 regarding the vigorous
enforcement of the terms of the existing City/County Interlocal
Agreement for the Southeast Overtown/Park West Redevelopment
Project; and #10 regarding job training and placement activities
involving Overtown residents.
I want to thank the City Commission for this opportunity
to make these few remarks. Please_.. accept our thanks and appreciation
for your continued efforts in response to the needs and concerns
of Overtown.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item 3 on 0 A3 /mot I
Matty Hirai
City Clerk
91-- 714.1.
91.-- 714.1