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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-10-0026 Cover Memo 05-13-2010SEOPW Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2010 SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Board Chair Richard P. Dunn II and Members of the CRA Board n�ti! Fro +a s H. Villacorta Executive Director Date: May 3, 2010 File: 10-00533 Subject: Resolution Authorizing Purchase of the Property at 300 N.W. 11th Street, Miami, FL. References: Enclosures: Supporting Documentation; Legislation BACKGROUND: It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency ("CRA") approve and adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the purchase of the property at 300 N.W. 11th Street, Miami, Florida, for an amount not to exceed $300,000, plus customary closing costs, adjustments, and prorations. The property at 300 N.W. 11th Street, Miami, FL, also known as Ebenezer Methodist Church, is listed on the registry of historic sites for both the City of Miami and the State of Florida. Moreover, the 2009 Southeast Overtown/Park West Redevelopment Plan recognizes the Ebenezer Methodist Church as a historic structure of major importance within the Redevelopment Area. The owners have advised that they have not received viable offers, and cannot afford to maintain the property as a historic landmark. Additionally, to reduce the cost of renovation, the CRA would apply for Historic Preservation "HP" Zoning Overlay District permits, which provide certain modifications to zoning and building code regulations. The CRA wishes to preserve the historic character of Overtown by restoring one of the Redevelopment Area's historically significant structures. Restoration of the property would provide for potential new uses, such as: 1) A One -Stop Center providing workforce development services to veterans, individuals with disabilities, ex -offenders, displaced homemakers, etc. One -Stop Centers consist of several federal programs that train or support the workforce, with emphasis placed on industries with current openings and future growth (see City of Miami One -Stop Center Proposal Summary). 2) A neighborhood activity/meeting center. This location would be an optimal venue for hosting and sponsoring events that attract residents and visitors to Overtown. With the absence of Gibson Park, this community center will provide a viable option for keeping children off of the streets, and away from drugs, crime, and violence. It would also offer an air-conditioned space for seniors to meet and/or volunteer their time. 3) A banquet hall. This location is a great venue for hosting parties, receptions, showers, and other social and corporate events at a reasonable cost to residents and businesses in the area. 4) An international cultural complex capable of providing information and developing broad based awareness and appreciation of historic achievements of the African -American community through the programming of special cultural events, tours, exhibits, and media. This location would serve as a tourist information center, directing tourists to attractions, restaurants, hotel accommodations, and historical sites throughout 'Historic Overtown" and the City of Miami. JUSTIFICATION: Section 4.4.D., at page 42, of the 2009 Omni Redevelopment Plan lists "[e]Iiminat[ing] conditions which contribute to blight' and '[e]nhanc[ing] the area's visual attractiveness to business and residents," as stated redevelopment objectives. This Resolution accomplishes these objectives. FUNDING: $300,000 from SEOPW Tax Increment Fund, "Purchase Land," Account Code No.10050.920101.662000.0000.00000 .