HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-11-0005 01-31-2011 Submittal-Overtown Folk Life FridaysCity of Miami
South East Overtown Park West
Community Redevelopment Agency
Richard P. Dunn, II, Chaiiinan
December 12, 2010
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RECORD FOR
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Re: Overtown Folk Life Fridays- Sustained Funding Request
Dear Chairman Richard Dunn,
Please find below New Washington Heights' summary of activities for the
SEOPW CRA grant project: Overtown Folk Life Fridays for 2010.
Summary of Activities
Project: Overtown Folk Life Fridays
Background: The Overtown 9th Street Mall was conceptualized by New Washington
Heights CDC and community stakeholders in 1979 and was incorporated into the original
SEOPW CRA Redevelopment Plan in 1981. Put forth as an integral project to help rid the
Overtown area of slum and blight (brought on by the federal government's policy of
urban renewal) and promote sustainable economic development activities in thc area, the
project has seen sporadic investment by the SEOPW CRA over the past 30 years. Fast
forward to 2009, the SEOPW CRA rediscovered one of the hidden jewels of the Historic
Overtown Community —the Overtown 9th Street. Mall and began investment anew. Under
the management of New Washington Heights CDC, Overtown's 9th Street Mall has been
home to Folk Life Fridays, the only hub of economic development activity within the
Overtown community which gathers together soul food, Hispanic and Caribbean food
venders. entrepreneurial retailers, internationally renowned entertainers, local DJ's and a
mix of residents, professionals and tourist enjoying good food, fun in Miami's sun and a
blend of pop, R&B and oldies but goodies music.
Accomplishments: In order to understand the true success of Overtown's Folk Life
Fridays one has to recognize the current and prior state of affairs of economic
development activity within the Overtown community. Formerly home to one of Miami's
homeless tent cities, the Overtown 9th Street Mall once helped to paint a stark picture of
Miami's economic disparities and of the historical inequities of the Historic African -
American and Caribbean Black community. Moreover, at the height of the 80's drug
wars, Overtown's negative reputation loomed larger than life while the slum and blight
grew further. And today when the City of Miami has seen unprecedented economic
growth and development, Overtown sits stagnant uptown from Miami's booming
Downtown corridor. So, while Miami's Downtown Development Authority stakes the
claim that Miami's Downtown is the, "Epicenter of the Americas (DDA, 2009),"
members of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce aim to make Miami a, "World
Class City (VIGLUCCI, 2010)" and along Brickell Avenue line skyscrapers which are
home to the world's 5th largest international banking community, (BNET, 2003),
Overtown's business corridor is laden with empty retail bays, the residential community
is speckled with dilapidated housing and empty lots and the slated arts and entertainment
district along 29(1 avenue is virtually bare.
It is against this desperate backdrop that the success of Overtown's Folk Life
Fridays is undeniable. For the last six months, New Washington Heights has been
successful in contributing to the economic development activity of the Overtown
community. On average, twenty-five food and retail vendors participate each month
during Folk Life Fridays. Each vendor staffs their booth with an average of 2 employees
and generates approximately $300 in revenue during the project's four hours of
operation'. As a result, each day of the project's operation success includes:
$7500 worth of economic activity is generated
50 City of Miami residents are employed
25 local businesses/entrepreneurial ventures are sustained
The positive reputation of the Overtown community increases
Crime is deterred for no incidents of crime or civil dispute have been reported
during hours of operation
Slum and blight decreases because the maintenance of a public facility is
maintained
Annually, this amounts to
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$67,500 worth of economic development activity for an area that prior to this
project did not exist
1800 hours of employment for City of Miami residents that would not be
possible if this project did not operate
Next Steps: In order to maintain past gains and build on Folk Life's successes, New
Washington Heights will continue to strengthen its ties with Overtown businesses,
including the Historic Lyric Theatre (once through with renovations), community
partners and the business and tourist industries. Moreover, we will pursue additional
operating support generated from corporate sponsorships and grant funds. For example,
New Washington Heights was just awarded $4500 grant from Miami Dade County's
Office of Cultural Affairs to support this project.
In summary, Overtown's Folk Life Fridays is a generator of viable economic
development activity for the Overtown community and warrants the sustained
investment of the SEOPW CRA. Businesses make money, residents are employed,
public space is maintained, crime decreases and the reputation of the community
New Washington Heights obtained this information from tracking utilized tents, observation and with the
help of vendors through surveys via phone interviews
improves. It is at this time, that we request $ to manage Overtown
Folk Life Fridays for December 20] 0 and 10 months in 2011begining January 2011.
We thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the economic development of the
Overtown Community. On behalf of New Washington Heights, local venders and the
Overtown community we thank the SEOPW CRA and you for your help, forward
thinking and sustained investment in the economic development of Overtown. We look
forward to managing Folk Life Fridays this December 2010 and throughout 2011!
Sincerely,
ckie Bell
xecutive Director
Project Manager- Overtown Folk Life Fridays
PUBLIC REC
EM ON
Io HE
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Overtown Folk Life Friday 2010
Open Alt Market an NW .97H Street Pedestrian Mall
Vendor Survey
Name:
Company Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Type of Vendor (please list items sold during
market):
1. How many Folk Life Fridays in 2010 did you attend as a vendor?
2. How many employeeswork your booth?
3. Estimate your Gross Earnings during this period?
(1) $100.00 to $200.00
(2) $300.00 to $400.00
(3) $500 and over
4. Will you continue to support Folk Life Fridays?
5. Would you rather the hours remain 11:00am — 3:00pm or should they be extended?
6. Additional Comments or Suggestions:
Thank you for your continued participation & support!
Fax to: Jackie Bell, New Washington Heights (305) 576-2089
If you require additional information please call (305) 576-30E4