HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter- Power U CenterPOWERUCENTER Rd
212 NE 24`" Street, Miami, Florida 33137 Phone: 305-576-7449 Fax: 305-576-7392
January 26, 2005
Dear Commissioners Gonzalez, Regalado, Sanchez and Winton:
ORGANIZING
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TRAININC
We are writing on behalf of our members to urge you not to approve, in its current state, the
Settlement Agreement of the Poinciana Village/Sawyer Walk Litigation, which includes terms
and conditions for the Crosswinds Development project.
Based on a preliminary review of latest settlement agreement, which we received only yesterday,
we have the following concerns about the terms and conditions proposed:
Environmental and Structural Racism
The Crosswinds project and its development are examples of a systematic failure to
address the needs of a community of color that has historically faced racism and
discrimination and that continues to be locked out of the circles of power, where
decisions are made regarding their environment and society. The stakeholders who will
benefit most from this project are not the residents of this historically black community or
of surrounding low-income communities ofcolor, but rather decision -makers, developers
and potential buyers who are disproportionately of higher income and not of these
disadvantaged communities. The development will result in further community changes
that will disrupt the lives of these residents and cause gentrification that will change the
face of the neighborhood.
2. Minimal community benefit
The proposal indicates no real community benefits for this area. In an extremely low-
income community with a dire need for jobs and social services, there is no guarantee
that these will be the direct or indirect result of the project.
3 Not enough affordable housing and no rental housing
The majority of area residents are renters, and in fact, home -ownership may not be the
highest priority or the best solution for the housing crisis facing these residents. The
proposed terms for affordable housing still exclude most of these residents because unit
prices are too high and current residents' incomes and credit too low. The agreement also
contains no provisions for rental housing.
4. This plan doesn't represent development effective for current residents
The Crosswinds proposal, in the City Manager's own description, is based on a "trickle
down" theory. With no guarantees of living wage jobs, job training, or other support
services, it is unclear what economic benefits will "trickle down" to area residents.
5. Displacement
There will undoubtedly be displacement as a result of the Crosswinds project. As
housing prices and property values surge due to the development, low-income people
who now live there will be unable to afford to stay in the area and will be forced out of
their homes. This same sort of gentrification has happened in many other cities.
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6. Lack of effective community planning
This project is an isolated economic development project that fails to address the needs of
existing residents.
7. No space for community input
The process of development and negotiation of this agreement has lacked public
disclosure and transparency, sufficient community review or input. While there have
been a few public gatherings, these have not provided adequate time or opportunity for
community members to be fully informed, to examine and understand the proposals, to
formulate and ask questions, or to provide their own ideas and opinions on the proposed
development. The most recent meeting (January 22, hosted by Commissioner Allen) was
disrespectful and ineffective. Community members were not provided with any advance
information to review. At the event, not enough infoiiiiation was provided to enable a real
evaluation of the proposals, and there was no mention of how community input would be
incorporated.
8. Lacks effective accountability ($20,000 fines)
The language in the agreement that purports to hold the developers accountable to even
the minimal commitments made in the agreement are weak and almost negligible.
9. No public report of impact studies —community, environmental, transportation,
employment or economic impacts
Studies have not been publicized regarding the impact of the project on the community in
the above areas.
10. Lack of fair, public bidding process for the properties
The Crosswinds Development should not be the only considered proposal for the
development of this area. The current proposal is problematic in too many ways to
proceed. We believe the litigation should be settled and the City /CRA should call for
bids or proposals from the public at -large for the development of this area, in accordance
with city rules, and proposals should be considered with adequate time and opportunity
for community input.
We believe these concerns warrant further consideration. We believe this settlement
agreement should not be approved without further review and urge you to support our
position for the good and welfare of all your constituents and all current residents of Mia
Thank you. Please contact us to discuss any of these concerns, telephone: 305-576-7449.
On behalf of Power U members,
Denise Perry
Co -Director
Cc: Commissioner Allen
Mayor Diaz
City Manager Arriola
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