HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-14-0069 Submittal-Grady Muhammad-Peacemakers Project•
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SEOPW & Omni Boards of Commissioners Meeting
April 28, 2008
Item # 11
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
AND OMNI
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Board Chair Michelle Spence -Jones Date: April 18, 2008 File: 08-00465
and Members of the CRA Board
Subject: Resolution Authorizing a Grant to Progressive
Land Development International, Inc. for its
Overtown Peacemakers Project
From: James H, Villacort ( References:
Executive Directo
Enclosures: Supporting Documentation; Legislation
BACKGROUND;
The attached Resolution authorizes a grant, in an amount not exceed $150,000, to Progressive Land
Development International, Inc., to underwrite costs associated with its Overtown Peacemakers Project Pilot
Program ("Pilot Program") for the Southeast Overtown/Park West Redevelopment Area.
On October 29, 2007 and March 31, 2008, Progressive Land Development International, Inc. appeared before
the Board of Commissioners to present its Pilot Program. The final proposal, submitted to CRA staff on April 16,
2008, provides for a five (5) month pilot program that will address public safety and quality of life issues within
the Redevelopment Area. The first month of the Pilot Program consists of training. For the next three (3)
months, a team of fourteen (14) service workers will serve as the initial point of contact for residents. An
additional eight (8) peacemakers will assist residents with reporting community issues and will serve as role
models for youth. The final month of the Pilot Program will consist of meetings with the community and focus
groups.
The Pilot Program promises a reduction in drug -related activity, illegal dumping and vandalism, while increasing
drug rehabilitation and community involvement.
JUSTIFICATION:
Section III B, at page 13, of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Redevelopment Plan lists "emphas[is on] crime
prevention and maintain[ing] security in the area" as a stated redevelopment objective. This Resolution carries
out that objective.
FUNDING: $150,000 from SEOPW Tax Increment Fund, entitled "Other Grants and Aids," Account Code
No. 10050.920101 883000.0000.00000.
.11-IV/pk
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
Item 3 on 12-29-1'i
Todd B. Hannon
Clerk of the Board
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City of Miami
Legislation
CRA Resolution
City Hall
3500 Pan American
Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 08-00465 Final Action Date:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST
OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$150,000, TO PROGRESSIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
FOR ITS OVERTOWN PEACEMAKERS PROJECT PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST REDEVELOPMENT AREA;
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT HIS DISCRETION, TO
DISBURSE THE GRANT FUNDS ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY
TO VENDORS UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY
DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE
ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW
TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT
CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000.
WHEREAS, the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency
("CRA") is responsible for carrying out community redevelopment activities and projects within the
Southeast Overtown/Park West Redevelopment Area in accordance with its approved
Redevelopment Plan; and
WHEREAS, Section III B, at page 13, of the Southeast Overtown/Park West
Redevelopment Plan lists "improv[ing] the delivery of human services" and ". . ,maintain[ing]
security in the area" as stated redevelopment objectives; and
WHEREAS, on October 29, 2007 and March 31, 2008, Progressive Land Development
International, Inc. appeared before the Board of Commissioners and requested support for its
Overtown Peacemakers Project pilot program; and
WHEREAS, the Overtown Peacemakers Project consists of a five (5) month pilot program
that will address delivery of human services, quality of life, and safety issues within the
Redevelopment Area; and
WHEREAS, Progressive Land Development International, Inc. has requested a grant, in
the amount of $150,000, to underwrite the costs associated with the implementation of this pilot
program; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners wishes to authorize the grant;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA:
i/�• of -Miami
Page I of 2 Printed On: 4/21/200N
Clerk of the Board
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File Number: 08-00465
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are
adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. A grant, in an amount not to exceed $150,000, to Progressive Land
Development International, Inc. for its Overtown Peacemakers Project pilot program is authorized.
Section 3. The Executive Director is authorized, at his discretion, to disburse the grant on a
reimbursement basis, or directly to vendors, upon receipt of approved invoices and satisfactory
documentation.
Section 4. The Executive Director is authorized to execute all documents necessary for
said purpose, in a form acceptable to General Counsel.
Section 5. Funds are to be allocated from SEOPW Tax Increment Fund, "Other Grants and
Aids," Account Code No. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000.
Section 6. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
r
JULIE O. BRU
4111 GENERAL COUNSEL
C ity of Miami
Page 2 of 2 Printed On: 4/21/2008
Clerk of the Board
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AGENDA ITEM
FINANCIAL INFORMATION FORM
CRY OF WAN
COMMUNrrY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SEOPW CRA or OMNI CRA (if applicable)
CRA Board Meeting Date: April 28, 2008
CRA Section: Finance
Brief description of CRA Agenda Item:
Authorizing the issuance of a grant in an amount not to exceed $150.000, to
Progressive Land Development International, Inc. for its Overtown Peacemakers
Project Pilot Program for the Southeast Overtown/Park West Redevelopment
Area.
Project Number (if applicable):
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kccount Code:
Q
C 1 C JV 1cAen Un a In me e .
10050.920101.883000.0000.00000 (SEOPW)Amount: S150,000
NO (Complete the following source of funds
Amount budgeted in the line item: $
Balance in the line item: $
Amount needed in the line item: $
Sufficient funds will be transferred from the following line items:
information):
-ACTION
ACCOUNT NUMBER
TOTAL
Project No./Index/Minor Object
From
$
To
'$
From
$
To
$
Comments:
Approved by: ket,_ V A Date: �lsc
CRA Executive Director/Designee
Financi:11 Ot -Ler:
Date: 4. 18 '08
APPROVAL
Clerk of the Board
Progressive Land Development International, Inc.
Overtown Peacemakers Project
Progressive Land Development International, Inc. (Progressive) is a 501c3 organization which
functions as a subsidiary of Progressive Land Development, Inc. We are committed to
establishing and maintaining programs that provide moral, social and economical benefit to the
community. Our philosophy is rooted in the premise that if people are empowered to take control
of the development of their communities, they will take ownership and embrace a progressive
approach to change and renewal. It is with this focus that we embark upon our mission of
developing community and family enhancement projects that promote public safety, provide
education to prevent and combat substance abuse, educate and support to youth and families,
deliver health education and prevention programs, and provide assistance and support to the
homeless.
Our programs and services have brought international notoriety to our organization and have
made marked differences in the transformation of people and communities that would normally
be characterized as unsalvageable. A good example would be the trainer who now will be
joining PLDI, Inc. and who was featured in a documentary series by the BBC in London
England and he will be providing the training for the project. He has taken twelve (12)
chronically unmotivated, unskilled, and unemployed youth between the ages of 17 and 27, of
which some were homeless, heavily involved in drugs, and /or crime and transformed seven of
the twelve into literate, employable, and educable prospects within a time frame of three weeks.
The techniques employed by the Progressive Land Development International, Inc. team are the
same techniques needed by the Peacemakers and the Peace Service Workers in our proposed
project in order for them to engage the subjects targeted. Their proven success with organizations
such as YouthBuild U.S.A. in Sommerville, Massachusetts (attachment B) is another testimony
to PLDI's ability to train and implement projects that target individuals who are deemed menaces
to society and unsalvageable.
Peacemakers Project
Concept
The Peacemaker concept was modeled after several successful programs in cities like Chicago,
Detroit, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Buffalo that had similar
issues to those in Overtown. These programs were run by national affiliates of Progressive Land
Development International and included gang warfare intervention, truancy programs, unarmed
security in drug infested communities and other projects that were relative. c ▪ t
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The Peacemakers Project is designed to provide a community based component to support s •0
efforts to clean up and make safe the streets of Overtown. It will serve to compliment the City of o c
Miami's Overtown Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) office. This project is a separate • 0
entity and not a part of the City of Miami, but a non-profit organization whose interest in the .c`,r)1
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revitalization of Overtown is such that we have been moved to act. We have been motivated by
the NET office's hands own approach and feel that our project can further enforce what they are
attempting to change the Overtown Community. Our approach will be two pronged. We will
provide a consistent visible means of safety through the Peacemakers and provide a link to
community services which can assist those persons we encounter on the street with making
changes to their circumstances thus deterring criminal and drug activity while eradicating social
ills and barriers. Our proposal holds the following inherent qualities:
• More Overtown residents will be connected to needed services
• Children and Seniors will feel a heightened sense of security and public safety
• Habitual criminals will not be able to operate business as usual
• A collaborative partnership will be forged between Law enforcement, social service
agencies, health agencies, sanitation workers and the community
• Community residents will be empowered and engaged in the community revitalization
process
The project will provide a visible presence in the Overtown community at peak hours when
school is starting and ending and during the time that seniors are active. It will also provide
referral services for those who need critical social, medical, health and drug rehabilitation
assistance and act as a conduit to report criminal and drug related activity to the authorities. The
community will also play a role in the process by serving as a direct link to the community
through door to door contact with the residents. Their purpose will be to collect complaints and
other information about community safety issues and relay it back to the Peacemakers so that
they can take action. This provides the community with a way to report problems without being
labeled a snitch.
Overtown Peacemaker Project Rationale
Overtown is plagued by ramped drug activity, gun violence and homelessness. It also touts one
of the highest unemployment rates in the City. It is a community that once had flourishing
businesses and was the center piece of Black Miami. It was referred to as Colored Town and
became Overtown by people who were living and visiting in Colored Town providing a
reference point as to where they were going when coming from work on the beach and in the
City. They were crossing the City of Miami and going "over town".
Overtown is one of Miami's original neighborhoods, where African Americans settled in the
early 20th Century. This was the heart of the African American community where there were
churches, restaurants, residences, nightclubs, theaters and other businesses. Today the population
of Overtown is approximately 9000 people of which 74% are African American. Y m
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Overtown is presently home to several historic landmarks and is in the infancy stages of Y c� o
revitalization. Projects such as the development of the Folk Life Village, the renovation of the, 0 • e = v
Historic Lyric Theatre, the first legitimate theater built in Miami,VETS Miami Works, v CO"
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"Hospitality Institute" in the historic Greater Bethel AME Church, the 3rd Street Streetscape
improvements, the Black Police Museum and other projects are cited to make Overtown a tourist
destination and a community that anyone would be proud to live and work in. There are just a
few problems that stand in the way. The first being the drug activity that takes place from NW
3rd Avenue to NW 1st Avenue (East/West) and from NW 14th Street to NW 8tn Street (North /
South ), the second, which is related to the first, there have been a rash of murders in the
Overtown community, and thirdly, there is the problem of chronic unemployment and
homelessness. Progress cannot and will not take place until the community is perceived as safe
and the above problems remedied.
Overtown Peacemaker Project
Scope of Work
The Peacemaker project proposes to pilot, for three months, a public safety project that will
address the drug activity and public safety issues preventing substantial progress from being
made in the redevelopment of the Overtown community. The Overtown Peacemakers project
will seek support from the City of Miami Police Department, City of Miami Solid Waste, and
community based resources to support the project implementation. It will provide a protective
presence in the community during peak hours, provide a system to identify and assist with the
eradication of drug trafficking and use, and provide assistance to persons identified by the Peace
Service Workers who need housing assistance, drug rehabilitation, health support or other social
services. The project will be structured as follows. There will be one Project Manager, one Lead
Peacemaker, eight Peacemakers, twelve Peace Service Workers, two Intake Specialists, and two
Trainers.
Project Manager (1)- responsibilities include but are not limited to the organization and
management of all components of the project, reporting and program accountability, trouble
shooting, fiduciary management, personnel oversight, and partnership development and
sustainability.
Lead Peacemaker (1)- will coordinate field operations of Peacemakers and Peace Service
Workers, oversee day to day operations, including recruitment of Peace Service Workers,
scheduling post and community canvassing assignments, first responder to emergency situations,
and act as the liaison between, City police department, government services and social and health
service agencies.
Peacemakers (8)- will function as a non -armed community safety and response team and
provide community peace keeping services. They will serve as role models for youth, model
good citizenship practices for the community, and assist the community residents with reporting
crime, sanitation, and health related issues that exist or arise.
Clerk of the Board
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Peace Service Worker (14)- will serve as the initial point of contact for residents. They will be
responsible for relaying information to the Peacemakers regarding community health and safety
issues, and resident referrals for assistance. Conduct door to door canvassing and data collection
of community safety complaints.
Intake Administrator (2) - will be responsible for receiving clients referred to the Peacemakers
by the Peace Service Workers, collecting client information and providing that information to the
Lead Peacemaker for referral to the appropriate agency, clerical support and other duties as
assigned by the Project Manager.
Trainer (2) - will provide program specific training to Peacemakers, Peace Service Workers and
Intake personnel. PLDI will provide the training and curriculum. See attached trainers resume
(Lyle Grandison).
SCOPE
The project will provide 504 hours of public safety services in the Overtown Community. These
services will consist of Peacemaker posts at strategic points near schools and business/restaurant
district at peak hours (NW 14th Street to NW 8th Street (North/South) and NW 3rd Avenue to
NW 1st Avenue (East/West) in three two hour sifts (7:00am-9:00am/2:00pm-4:00pm/
6:00pm-8:OOpm M-F & S from 12 noon to sundown). Eight (8) men will be posted two per main
street with two rovers who cover the designated perimeters and the main streets. 504 hours of
fourteen (14) Peace Service Workers door to door canvassing to identify public safety issues
plaguing the immediate residents and businesses, 504 hours of access to public and community
service agencies for crime, drug and health related assistance, a minimum of 12 hours of
professional development training per participant to be provided by PLDI, Inc., and a
comprehensive report of intake data, program progress, and impacts on crime within the
parameters of the project's boundaries provided by the Project Director to the CRA, City of
Miami NET, District 5 Commission office, City of Miami Police Department.
This pilot will show a 25% reduction in drug related crime, produce 30% increase in community
assisted drug rehabilitation, 50% decrease in illegal dumping and vandalism and 40% increase in
community involvement in the revitalization process.
Training will be provided by Lyle Grandison (see attachments A& B) and will consist of the
following modules:
• Self Improvement as a Basis for Community Development
• The Proper way to Handle People
• The Self Enhancement Relationship Building Concept
• Life Skills and Employment Training 101
Three implementation meetings will be held for schools, churches, homeowner associations,
business associations, and senior centers in the area to apprise them of the project and its purpose
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