HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-14-0053 Cover MemoSEOPW Board of Commissioners Meeting
July 30, 2014
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Board Chair Keon Hardemon
and Members of the CRA Board
From: Clarence E. Woods, III
Executive Director
,)\)
Date: July 18, 2014 File: 14-00696
Subject: Resolution Authorizing Grant to Bieck
Archives for Ward Rooming House Gallery
Cultural Tourist Center
References:
Enclosures: Supporting Documentation; Legislation
BACKGROUND:
The attached Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency ("CRA") authorizes 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.
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 Plan recognizes the Black Archives as a
community stakeholder responsible for the promotion and preservation of the community's cultural heritage.
The CRA currently owns the Ward Rooming House, which has been designated as a historic site within the
Redevelopment Area. The Black Archives sought to bring programming activities to the Ward Rooming House
in order to activate the site and to attract visitors to the Redevelopment Area. On January 30, 2012, the Board of
Commissioners, by Resolution No. CRA-R-12-0007, 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
Housing as a tourist destination in the Redevelopment Area. Thereafter, on March 25, 2013, the Board of
Commissioners, by Resolution No. CRA-R-13-Q022, authorized the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to
exceed $50,000, to the Black Archives for the continued operation of the Ward Rooming House.
The programming of the Ward Rooming House has proven successful in attracting visitors to the
Redevelopment Area, and the Black Archives seeks assistance from the CRA to continue its operations of the
Ward Rooming House for a one (1) year period. Anticipated 'operations would include a year-round rotating
visual arts exhibition featuring the Black Archives' collection and works of art from local and national artists.
Additionally, workshops and networking mixers showcasing local artists would also be held at the site in order to
encourage both residents and visitors to the area to view the Ward Rooming House as a cultural destination.
JUSTIFICATION:
Section 2, Goals 1, at page 11 of the 2009 Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Plan
("Plan") Lists "preserv[ation of] historic buildings and community heritage," as a stated redevelopment goal. 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.
FUNDING:
$50,000.00 from SEOPW Tax Increment Fund, entitled "Other Grants and Aids," Account Code No.
10050.920101.883000.0000.00000.