HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-15-0026 Cover MemoSEOPW Board of Commissioners Meeting
June 29, 2015
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Board Chair Keon Hardemon
and Members of the CRA Board
Date: June 19, 2015 File: 15-00742
Subject: Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of
Property and Land Located at 1021 N.W. 2"d
Avenue, Miami, Florida,
From: Clarence E. Woods, III I/id References:
Executive Director
Enclosures: Supporting Documentation; Legislation
BACKGROUND:
The attached Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency ("CRA") authorizes the purchase of the former law office of the Honorable Judge
Lawson Edward Thomas ("Judge Thomas") located at 1021 N.W. 2nd Avenue, in an amount not to exceed
$253,000 plus closing costs, provided that the purchase price is substantiated by no less than two (2) appraisals
from a certified member of the Appraisal Institute and the purchase price does not exceed 10% of the appraised
value.
Judge Thomas moved to Miami and opened his law practice in 1935. In Judge Thomas's early years as an
attorney, he tirelessly advocated for his clients during a time when blacks were not allowed to enter a courtroom.
Due to his perseverance and dedication to equal rights, Judge Thomas became Miami's first black attorney to
present his case at trial. He later went on to become Miami's first black judge and the first black judge in the
South since reconstruction. Judge Thomas presided over a municipal court located within the Miami's Black
Police Precinct, which is owned by the CRA. Judge Thomas closed his law office in 1988 and passed away less
than a year later at the age of 91.
In furtherance of its goal to preserve historic buildings and the heritage of Overtown, it is recommended that the
Board of Commissioners of the CRA approve and adopt the attached Resolution.
JUSTIFICATION:
Section 2, Goal 1, at page 11, of the 2009 Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Plan
("Plan") lists the "preserv[ation] of historic buildings and community heritage," as a stated redevelopment goal.
Section 2, Principle 8, at page 15, of the Plan provides that "[o]lder buildings that embody the area's cultural
past should be restored."
FUNDING:
$253,000 allocated from SEOPW Tax Increment Fund entitled "Land Acquisition," Account Code No.
10050.920101.661000.0000.00000.