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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Development Pressures and the Need for Low-Income Housing Options in OvertownDevelopment Pressures and the Need for Low -Income Housing Options in Overtown The University of Miami School of Law Center for Ethics & Public Service Community Economic Development and Design Clinic My name is Quinn Smith, and I will be speaking to you today on behalf of the Community Economic Development and Design Clinic, a part of the Center for Ethics and Public Service at the University of Miami School of Law's Center for Ethics & Public Service. I am speaking for my colleagues about development pressures and the need for low- income housing options in Overtown. :9MITTED INTO THE iijUC RECORD FOR 1 vL ] ON µy r tta, 1(t.'2 r :. 'or Low- ..Lrrc,,r,c 'Houk,` OFti o in QVer ?Ow ic) mtamiinvesLCOm C, LK.tion As we can see from this map, the vast majority of land in downtown Miami is privately owned and either developed, under construction, or planned for development. This presents a challenge to provide low- income housing because it is difficult to acquire affordable land that can meet the community's needs but still be the site of a successful low- income housing project. The fact that we have public land in Overtown provides a unique opportunity to build high -quality, low-income housing. SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBUC RECORD FOR tTEMf?JL°NjZjL91 2 Key Components of Exemplary Low -Income Housing ✓ Meets Tenant and Community Needs ✓ Rates Within Reach of all Segments of the Population ✓ Incorporates the Character of the Community ✓ Beautifully Designed We have researched countless successful low-income housing projects from across the country, and there are four key components that we have identified in exemplary low-income housing that we'd like to highlight for you. These are things that have been done across the country and can be done here in Miami. Exemplary low-income housing meets tenant and community needs, offers rates within reach of all segments of the population, incorporates the character of the community, and is beautifully designed. SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD FOR lTEMnONJJ0_' 3 Meets Tenant and Community Needs First Floor Space occupied by the Village Library, complete with public meeting room, computers & Internet access. Burnham Building Irvington, New York When we say "meets tenant and community needs," we're talking about the Burnham Building in Irvington, NY. The first floor is a public library while the above floors are beautiful housing targeted at low income families, providing a place for these families to meet their educational goals and begin the path to their personal dreams. http://www. rose- network.com/projects/index.html?cat toc.html&top.html&burnham.html SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD FOR ITEMi� J1 ON iz-i3 0, . 4 Meets Tenant and Community Needs Winchester Greens, Richmond, VA U A revitalized federally subsidized project with 240 units and large number of households headed by single mothers now has: ➢ On -site child-care center and adult education and training classes ➢ On -site branch bank ➢ On -site library branch ➢ Food cooperative We're also talking about Winchester Greens in Richmond, Virginia. Developers realized that the project housed a large number of single mothers, so on -site child care was provided as well as rooms for adult education classes. SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBUC RECORD FOR 1TEMLiLOMJkJ!.' 5 Rates Within Reach of all Segments of the Population Cedar Forest Apartments Tampa, Florida ➢ 200 units: 40 one - bedroom, 160 three - bedroom ➢ 85% of the units are targeted for 60% AMI ➢ 15% of the units are targeted for 35% AMI ➢ Amenities include laundry room, playground, pool and fitness pool There are large number of projects that offer rates within reach of all segments of the population. Appendix F to the environmental assessment reinforces what has proven feasible and successful across the nation: a mix of income levels with the vast majority of units targeted at low-income families. One example we have identified is the Cedar Forest Apartments in Tampa. Cedar Forest has 200 units, the majority geared toward families and targeted at those earning less than 60% of the area median income, which in Miami means $814 per month. A sizable percentage of the units are targeted for those paying an estimated rent of $475 per month. Its success is illustrated by its long waitlist, but not only does Cedar Forest offer more affordable rents, it accepts Section 8 vouchers to make rent feasible for all families. SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD FOR ITEM P217 ON - 07, Rates Within Reach of All Segments of the Population Cricket Court Commons Philadelphia, PA ➢ 228 units in eight buildings ➢ 143 units designated for low-income senior citizens, single adults and families ➢ Market rate units are interspersed throughout the project When we use the words "within reach of all segments of the population," we're talking about Cricket Court Commons in Philadelphia. Not only does it offer affordable rates for all levels of residents, but it is built with low-income senior citizens in mind, providing low-income housing for the young and old alike. SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBUC RECCRD FOR ITEMI2I7_ONz!-o7. 7 Rates Within Reach of All Segments of the Population ➢ 49 total units targeting those earning between 30-50% of AMI ➢ 21 units target tenants who are homeless and or disabled ➢ 40% of the units have Project -based Section 8 rental assistance Pantages Apartments Seattle, Washington We have found dozens of successful low-income housing projects, but we couldn't fail to mention the Pantages Apartments in Seattle, Washington. Not only is the project gorgeous, but it offers great rates for all different segments of the population and makes the project affordable to everybody with Section 8 vouchers. SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBUC RECORD FOR LTEM rz n ONz-ia off. 8 Incorporate the Character of Community Maintaining the integrity and feel of the existing neighborhood by adopting similar styles and materials. Orchard Village & Oak Hill, Chattanooga, Tennessee It's just as important for exemplary low-income housing to incorporate the character of the community. This means adapting the project to the existing neighborhood and making it a part of the area that everybody can be proud of. http://www.designadvisor.org/ SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBUC RECORD FOR ITEMzii ON 9 Incorporate the Character of the Community Field Street Detroit, Michigan Traditional building designs used in new projects fit seamlessly with the surrounding community. Field Street is an excellent example of incorporating the character of the community. It uses traditional designs to become part of the community and develop the unique culture already present. SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD FOR ITEM o . 10 Beautifully Designed Mural Incorporates local artists' work into design reflecting the character and culture of the neighborhood Pinnacle View Miami, Florida Like the dozens of low-income housing projects that offer affordable rates for all citizens, there are numerous projects that are beautifully designed. In particular, right here in Miami at Pinnacle View, a beautifully painted mural incorporates local artists' work and makes a beautifully designed low-income housing project that everybody in the city can be proud of. SUBMITTED INTO THE Ft !RUC RECORD ITEM fez ,7C-� IZ �3 0� 11 Beautifully Designed Incorporating aspects of local residents' cultural heritage into design and decor. La Ramona Morales Memorial Apartments Benson, Arizona Beautifully designed low-income housing reflects the local character, like the Ramona Morales Memorial Apartments in Benson, Arizona. Beautiful design is the final piece in a recurring theme across the country, that low-income housing can be a source of pride for everybody in the area. SUBMTTED INTO THE PUBLIC RFCORD ITEM 172 / 7 ON lz- r- - 07,. 12 Beautifully Designed Partnership with a for - profit developer and the inclusion of retail space on the ground floor allowed for more units with room for larger families saw - The Views at 270 Los Angeles, CA Finally, I'd like to show you the Views at 270 in Los Angeles, CA. It's perfect to show you the constant theme, that these are examples not exceptions. There are countless low-income projects across the country that exemplify all four things that exemplary low-income housing does: meets tenant and community needs, provides rates for all segments of the population, incorporates the character of the community, and is beautifully designed. In this debate concerning Crosswinds, there are a lot issues being discussed, but one of those issues should not be whether beautiful and successful low-income housing is possible. I believe that we have shown that it is. http://www.nbm.org/Exhibits/online/affordable_housing/ah_index.html SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLJC RFCORD FOR ITEM rz i 7ON (2 -13 - fn. 13