HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-13-0022 Cover MemoSEOPW Board of Commissioners Meeting
March 25, 2013
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Board Chair Michelle Spence -Jones
and Members of the CRA Board
Date: March 15, 2013 File: 13-00348
Subject: Resolution Authorizing a Grant to the Black
Archives for the Ward Rooming House
i�
Gallery Cultural Tourist Center.
From: Clarence E. Woods, III 00 References:
Executive Director
Enclosures: Supporting Documentation; Resolution
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 issuance of a grant,
in an amount not to exceed $50,000, to the Black Archives, History & Research Foundation of South Florida,
Inc. ("Black Archives") to underwrite costs associated with the continued operation of the Ward Rooming House
Gallery Cultural Tourist Center for a period of one (1) year.
The Black Archives is a non-profit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve and disseminate the history
and culture of black South Florida from 1896 to the present. The CRA's Redevelopment Plan acknowledges the
Black Archives as a community stakeholder responsible for the promotion and preservation of the community's
cultural heritage.
The Ward Rooming Housing is designated a historic site within the CRA's Redevelopment Area. In turn, the
Board of Commissioners, by Resolution No. CRA-R-12-0007, passed and adopted on January 30, 2012,
authorized the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $50,000, to the Black Archives to underwrite
costs associated with operating the Ward Rooming House as a tourist destination in order to promote the
Redevelopment Area. The Black Archives seek to continue the operation and programming of the Ward
Rooming House as a tourist destination. It is anticipated that such programming will include the exhibition of art
work in partnership with other museums and artists in an effort to promote and market the Redevelopment Area.
JUSTIFICATION:
Section 2, at page 11, of the 2009 Southeast Overtown/Park West Redevelopment Plan (the "Plan") lists the
preservation of historic buildings and community heritage, and the promotion and marketing of the community
as stated redevelopment goals.
The Plan, at pages 15-16, also provides that local cultural events, institutions and businesses should be
promoted, older buildings that embody the area's cultural past should be restored and maintained, and the
area's sense of community should be restored and unified culturally.
This Resolution furthers the aforementioned redevelopment goals and objectives.
FUNDING:
$50,000 from SEOPW Tax Increment Fund, "Other Grants and Aids," Account Code No.
10050.920101.883000.0000.00000.