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C R A
Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
Beautification Program Proposal
Program Description:
The Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is dedicated to revitalizing our community
by enhancing the aesthetic appeal and mitigating blight across the Omni CRA district. Our
Beautification Grant Program, encompassing both residential properties and business fronts, is a
cornerstone effort to invigorate our neighborhood's charm and vitality. This program aims to erase
blighted conditions, boost the overall attractiveness of our area, stimulate new and rejuvenating
development projects, and cultivate a strong sense of pride and belonging among all stakeholders.
The Omni CRA Beautification Grant Program extends financial support to eligible residential and
commercial property owners within the Omni CRA boundaries, aiding in costs associated with
beautification endeavors. Eligible improvements for residences include exterior painting, minor
landscaping, and certain outdoor repairs that improve the property's curb appeal. For business
fronts, the program supports facade improvements, signage enhancements, and landscaping that
contributes to a welcoming and vibrant commercial environment. This initiative is designed to
cover expenses that are not eligible for funding from other sources or to complement grants from
other programs, with a project limit of $5,000 and $10,000 respectively, subject to exceptions at
the Executive Director's discretion.
To qualify, properties must be situated within the specified boundaries of the Omni CRA District.
Residential properties should be owner -occupied, homesteaded, and in need of aesthetic upgrades,
while commercial properties should demonstrate a clear plan for facade and street -visible
improvements that align with the program's goals. All properties must be free from municipal or
county liens, judgments, or encumbrances. Grant recipients are responsible for any costs that
exceed the grant amount provided by the CRA. Funding is allocated based on availability and in
accordance with the program's prioritized objectives.
Program Areas and Priorities
The Omni CRA Beautification Grant Program aims to improve the street -visible appearance of
both residential properties and business fronts within the Omni CRA district, offering support for
exterior paint, minor landscaping, potentially minor outdoor home repairs, and now including
graffiti removal. Despite the surge in commercial and residential development across parts of the
Omni CRA's redevelopment area, certain segments within the CRA district have lagged behind,
missing out on these investment benefits. Both the residential zones and business corridors within
the Omni CRA have endured issues with neglected properties, vacant lots, and unsightly graffiti,
contributing to an unwelcoming environment for residents and businesses alike.
This expanded grant program reflects our commitment to revitalizing all corners of our community
by addressing the aesthetic needs of both homes and commercial establishments. By making
businesses eligible for the grant, alongside residential properties, we aim to foster a more vibrant,
safe, and attractive community for everyone. The inclusion of graffiti removal as a covered
expense underlines our dedication to beautifying the Omni CRA district, ensuring it remains a
desirable place to live, work, and visit.
To address these challenges, the Omni CRA is offering the following grant programs:
Residential Beautification Grant:
The Omni CRA Residential Beautification Grant offers homeowners within the Omni CRA
district financial support for street -visible projects like landscaping, exterior painting, and
minor outdoor repairs, with a project cap of $5,000, subject to special exceptions. This
initiative addresses the challenges of property maintenance amidst construction, burglaries,
and natural disasters, providing assistance for urgent repairs, infrastructure replacement,
and other emergency -related costs to improve property conditions and enhance community
safety and appeal. Evaluated on a rolling basis by the executive team, this grant underscores
the Omni CRA's commitment to revitalizing neighborhoods, ensuring they remain vibrant
and welcoming.
Business Beautification Grant:
The Omni CRA Business Beautification Grant aims to rejuvenate commercial fronts in the
district, enhancing both aesthetics and safety. This initiative supports businesses with
grants for street -visible improvements like exterior paint, landscaping, graffiti removal,
and minor repairs. With a $10,000 cap per project (exceptions at the Executive Director's
discretion), the grant addresses challenges posed by infrastructure projects, burglaries, and
other issues. Eligibility requires the business to be within the CRA boundaries and the
proposed enhancements to significantly improve the area visually and functionally. Funds
are allocated on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability and alignment with the
CRA's vision for a vibrant district.
Eligibility:
These grants are intended for specific beautification and enhancement projects and are not intended
for routine maintenance. They should be part of a larger scope of improvements to the property or
area. The property should be actively used or planned for residential/business purposes.
To be eligible for the program, property owners must meet the following criteria:
• Located within the Omni Community Redevelopment Area.
• Approval from the property owner for any proposed upgrades or improvements.
• Must not have any delinquent ad valorem (Property) taxes and must be free of any
municipal or county liens, judgments, or encumbrances of any kind.
• Must be a legally conforming use per the City of Miami Zoning Code.
• Must be in need of beautification or improvement
Beautification Grant Project Procedures:
CRA= CRA Staff; CNTR = Contractor; PROP = Property Owner; TNT = Tenant
Application Process
CRA meets with Property Owner, verifies that the property is an eligible address and that
the property meets basic criteria for the CRA Residential Beautification Grant.
o Review property for eligibility — CRA
o Eligible scope of work and budget is prepared — CRA, PROP
o Property owner prepares application, detailing scope and budget — PROP
o BEFORE pictures are taken and delivered to CRA — PROP/CRA
o Letter of Grant Award or Denial is sent to property owner — CRA
Contract Process
o Contract includes scope of work exhibit.
o Property owner secures pricing (3 bids) and selects contractor (lowest bid wins) —
PROP
o Property owner submits contractor list and copies of estimates to CRA — PROP
o CRA prepares contract with scope of work as exhibit — CRA
o Contract is executed — CRA, PROP, CNTR
o Work authorization form is executed — CRA, PROP
o CRA gives 40% to the Contractor to begin the work
o CRA monitors progress — CRA
Project Completion
o AFTER Pictures are taken and sent to the CRA — PROP
o Final Invoice is submitted for payment — CNTR & PROP
o CRA makes the final payment to the Contractor (payment timeline 2-4 weeks) —
CRA
o Participants display signage acknowledging the Omni CRA's assistance.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Omni CRA Beautification Grant Program is a vital initiative aimed at enhancing
the visual appeal of residential and business properties within the Omni Community
Redevelopment Area. By providing assistance for exterior paint, minor landscaping, and potential
outdoor home repairs, as well as business improvements, the program aims to improve individual
properties and contribute to the overall revitalization of the community. With a focus on street -
visible enhancements and a commitment to supporting property owners and businesses, this
program plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant and attractive living and business environment
for residents and entrepreneurs alike. Through careful planning and collaboration, we can continue
to beautify our neighborhoods and create a more welcoming community for all.
umni uitA
Applicant Contact
Property Owners Name:
tseautiricauon
Information
rrogram rant Application r
orm
Mailing Address:
Telephone #:
E-mail:
Type of Grant Requested
Residential Beautification
Grant
Business Beautification Grant
•
Property Information (if different from above)
Tennant Name:
Address:
Telephone#:
document may
Project Details
Selected Contractor:
of project) - A separate
Phone #:
Address:
detailing scope and budget
I Total Cost of Project:
Proj ect Scope (description
be attached
Acknowledgements
As a current property owner in this community, I wish to participate in the Omni CRA's Beautification
Program Grant. I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Beautification Program Grant procedures
and will comply with all requirements should I be awarded a grant.
Print Name of Property Owner/Sign
Date