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HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit AFinding of Necessity For Proposed Expansion Areas For Omni Community Redevelopment Agency City of Miami, Miami -Dade County, Florida Prepared For Omni Community Redevelopment Agency Prepared by BusinessFlare® Omni April -May 2023 C R A Acknowledgements This Finding of Necessity report was undertaken by the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency ("Omni CRA") in collaboration with BusinessFlare®, LLC ("Consultants"). The team is grateful for the many who provided direction and participated in the discussions held during the Omni CRA Plan Update 2023, which leads to the implementation of this report. Omni CRA Board of Directors Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Chairman, Commissioner District 1 Sabina Covo, Board Member, Commissioner District 2 Joe Carollo, Vice Chairman, Commissioner District 3 Manolo Reyes, Board Member, Commissioner District 4 Christine King, Board Member, Commissioner District 5 Omni CRA Team Humberto "Bert" Gonzalez, Executive Director Frances Llop-Noy, Executive Assistant Danielle Hernandez, Director of Planning and Policy Miguel Valentin, Financial Officer Yani Martelly, Marketing Coordinator Timilehin Wiwo, Community Liaison City of Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez City of Miami Manager's Office Arthur Noriega, City Manager Larry Spring, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Consultant Team Kevin Crowder, CEcD, Founder, BusinessFlare® Allison Justice, FRA-RP, Sr. Project Manager, BusinessFlare® Camilo Lopez, Planner, Strategic Economic Designer, BusinessFlare® Alicia Alleyne, COO, Real Estate Professional, BusinessFlare® Stacy Kilroy, Chief Innovation Officer, BusinessFlare® BUSINESS FLARE® Omni C R A Table of Contents Section 1 Executive Summary Page 1 Legal Requirements ("Slum" and "Blight" Defined) Criteria Table Section 2 Introduction Page 8 Omni CRA Proposed Expansion Areas Allapattah Watson Island Zoning, Land Use, and General Characteristics Socioeconomic Profile Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Page 12 Inadequate Street Layout, Parking Facilities, and Roadways Faulty Lot Layout Unsanitary or Unsafe Conditions Falling Lease Rates Incidence of Crime Section 4 Conclusion Page 42 Section 1 Executive Summary 1. Executive Summary Omni CRA Proposed Expansion Area The Omni CRA Expansion Areas are located in the Southeast Region of the State of Florida, in Miami - Dade County (pop. 2.6 Million), and within the City of Miami (pop. 439,890). More specifically, it compromises two (2) areas in need of strategic investment and improvements: 1. Allapattah (The zip codes for Allapattah include part of 33125, 33127 and 33142) 2. Watson Island (The zip code for Watson Island is part of 33132) These areas have lagged the redevelopment, revitalization, and economic growth experienced by other parts of the city, including the success of the Omni Community Redevelopment Area ("CRA"). There have been many efforts, through the redevelopment plan, and most recently including land development regulations code changes, as well as other efforts that have contributed to successful revitalization. Through this finding of necessity, the Omni CRA proposes an expansion to the current boundary to serve an area of need. This will allow a dedicated team (Omni CRA staff) to allocate funds to specific projects and implement strategies, projects and programs to make improvements. A Community Redevelopment Area is a tool created pursuant to State Law, Florida Statutes Chapter 163 Intergovernmental Programs Part III Community Redevelopment (ss. 163.330-163.463), which designates an area for redevelopment and authorizes the governing body to exercise certain powers to implement redevelopment. The Omni CRA proposed expansion area can benefit from the public and private investments that a designation as a CRA can bring. The City of Miami has demonstrated experience with redevelopment success through CRAs: This expansion will improve the quality of life of the area's residents, generate economic development, and improve the physical environment for the city, county, and state. To this end, BusinessFlare® has conducted an analysis and review of the expansion areas. A Finding of Necessity is an assessment of an area, supported by data and analysis, that provides evidence of slum and blight as defined in Section 163.355, Florida Statutes. The Finding of Necessity report is used as a planning resource by government entities to identify area(s) of need within their jurisdiction that may impose an onerous burden to the entity, decrease the tax base, and which constitutes a serious and growing menace, injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of residents. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 1 Section 1 Executive Summary Proposed Expansion Areas The proposed expanded area in Allapattah is approximately 2,730 acres, and is generally defined as beginning at the intersection of NW 7th Street and NW 27th Avenue; then north on NW 27th Avenue to NW 38th Street; then east on NW 38th Street to NW 19th Avenue; then north on NW 19th Ave to NW 39th Street; then east on NW 39th Street to NW 12th Avenue; then south on NW 12th Avenue to US Hwy 27; then east on US Hwy 27 to NW 10th Avenue; then south on NW 10th Avenue to NW 32th Street; then east on NW 32th street to the western edge of Interstate 95; then south on Interstate 95 to the Miami River; then northwest on the Miami River to NW 17th Avenue; then south on NW 17th Avenue to NW 7th Street; then west on NW 7th Street to the starting point. The proposed expanded area in Watson Island is approximately 35 acres, and is generally defined as beginning at the northwest shoreline of MacArthur Causeway and Watson Island; then east along the north side of the MacArthur Causeway right of way to the eastern shoreline of Watson Island; then south along the eastern shoreline of Watson Island to the southernmost point of Watson Island; then west on Watson Island shoreline to the starting point. These proposed areas are depicted on the maps on the following pages. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 2 Section 1 Map of Omni CRA Expansion Area LITTLE HAITI BROWNSVILLE NW 46th St MIAMI DESIGN NW 39th St DISTRICT K. US Hwy 27 LITTLE HAVANA Omni CRA Existing (468 AC) Allapattah Expansion Area (2,730 AC) Watson Island Expansion Area (35 AC) 1-195 Executive Summary WATSON ISLAND Dodge Island A NORTH PREPARED BY BUSINESSFLARE 2023 Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 3 Section 1 Map of Omni CRA Expansion Area within the City of Miami Executive Summary G re Hialeah Gardens Dora! Flag Sunset Corners en -Mar cres Pinecrest Little River Canal Hialeah Miami International Airport South Miami Coral Gables NW 396 S.- Allapattah GEED MIan11 gEncianclgeh INortn Miami 1-19.5 Omni CF, Eascing Islands North Bay Village sr on Jalaair L Key Biscayne Bay Harbor Islands Miami Beach 04/28/2023 City of Miami Mi Omni CRA Existing (468 AC) Allapattah Expansion Area (2,730 AC) Watson Island Expansion Area (35 AC) 1:139,432 0 1 2 I � 0 1.75 3.5 7 km 4 mi Miami -Dade County, FDEP, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph. GeoTechnologies, Inc, METIINASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 4 Section 1 Executive Summary Legal Requirements ("Blight") Under Section 163.340 Definitions, Florida Statutes, the requirements of the Finding of Necessity are established. This analysis examines the criteria identified below and provides a final determination that Blight exists in the proposed expansion area. Blight Determination Chapter 163.340 (8), Florida Statutes (2 must be present) (8) "Blighted area" means an area in which there are a substantial number of deteriorated or deteriorating structures; in which conditions, as indicated by government -maintained statistics or other studies, endanger life or property or are leading to economic distress; and in which two or more of the following factors are present (the proposed expansion areas for Omni CRA meets at least four or more of the following factors, see criteria table on the following page) : (a) Predominance of defective or inadequate street layout, parking facilities, roadways, bridges, or public transportation facilities. (b) Aggregate assessed values of real property in the area for ad valorem tax purposes have failed to show any appreciable increase over the 5 years prior to the finding of such conditions. (c) Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness. (d) Unsanitary or unsafe conditions. (e) Deterioration of site or other improvements. (f) Inadequate and outdated building density patterns. (g) Falling lease rates per square foot of office, commercial, or industrial space compared to the remainder of the county or municipality. (h) Tax or special assessment delinquency exceeding the fair value of the land. (i) Residential and commercial vacancy rates higher in the area than in the remainder of the county or municipality. (j) Incidence of crime in the area higherthan in the remainder of the county or municipality. (k) Fire and emergency medical service calls to the area proportionately higherthan in the remainder of the county or municipality. (I) A greater number of violations of the Florida Building Code in the area than the number of violations recorded in the remainder of the county or municipality. (m) Diversity of ownership or defective or unusual conditions of title which prevent the free alienability of land within the deteriorated or hazardous area. (n) Governmentally owned property with adverse environmental conditions caused by a public or private entity. (o) A substantial number or percentage of properties damaged by sinkhole activity which have not been adequately repaired or stabilized. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 5 Section 1 Existing Conditions Summary Organized by Statutory Criteria Executive Summary Under Section 163.340 Definitions, Florida Statutes, the requirements of the Finding of Necessity are established. The following table identifies the Blight criteria items that were found in the Omni CRA proposed expansion area in order to meet the Florida Statute requirements. Florida Statute Blight Criteria Minimum 2 Criteria Must Be Present Predominance of defective or inadequate street layout, parking facilities, roadways, bridges, or public transportation facilities. Aggregate assessed values of real property in the area for ad valorem tax purposes have failed to show any appreciable increase over the 5 years prior to the finding of such conditions. Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness. Unsanitary or unsafe conditions. Deterioration of site or other improvements. Falling lease rates per square foot of office, commercial, or industrial space compared to the remainder of the county or municipality. Tax or special assessment delinquency exceeding the fair value of the land. Residential and commercial vacancy rates higher in the area than in the remainder of the county or municipality. Incidence of crime in the area higher than in the remainder of the county or municipality. Fire and emergency medical service calls to the area proportionately higher than in the remainder of the county or municipality. A greater number of violations of the Florida Building Code in the area than the number of violations recorded in the remainder of the county or municipality. Diversity of ownership or defective or unusual conditions of title which prevent the free alienability of land within the deteriorated or hazardous area. Governmentally owned property with adverse environmental conditions caused by a public or private entity. A substantial number or percentage of properties damaged by sinkhole activity which have not been adequately repaired or stabilized. TOTAL CONDITIONS PRESENT Allapattah Watson Island X X X X X 8 X 3 Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 6 Section 1 Executive Summary In addition to this Finding of Necessity to evaluate the presence of blight criteria in the proposed expansion area, the CRA has previously taken action regarding an extension of life of the CRA, and completed an Assessment of Need pursuant to Miami -Dade County Resolution No. R-611-15 establishing guidelines for CRA extensions of life. On February 19, 2019, the Board of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) accepted and approved an Assessment of Need study for the extension of the life of the CRA. This resolution found that at the time the study area (Omni CRA) still constituted a slum or blighted area as defined in Statute and that the guidelines established by Resolution No. R-611- 15 were present and that the CRA met criteria for an extension of life. The consultant team has conducted data research, analysis of city and county maintained statistics, and multiple site visits to confirm the presence of blight as defined by Florida Statues, within the Omni CRA proposed expansion area. This Finding of Necessity report presents conclusive evidence that if left unattended, will persist and undoubtedly extend to and beyond the boundaries of the Omni CRA. These conditions may lead to an economic and social liability to the City of Miami and Miami -Dade County, and could consume additional resources to address the myriad of issues outlines above, while potentially reducing the local tax base. This document includes information for each item listed here with visual, descriptive, and/or research - based information that supports the finding of blight. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 7 Section 2 Introduction 2. Introduction Context Background The City of Miami was incorporated in 1896 with 444 citizens. Along with the railroad, Henry Flagler financed and built streets, water and power systems and a resort hotel. Canals were made to drain water from the everglades that covered a majority of the land. Given its strategic location, it was no surprise that Miami soon became an instant tourist attraction and retreat for the rich and famous. This prompted the first of many real estate booms. In 1926, post a major hurricane, Overtown, an area slated for African -Americans, was a hot spot for the Harlem renaissance elite. Once known as "Little Broadway" headliners like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and others frequented the area. Since the late 1960`s, Miami has become a mix of cultural influences. The city experience a large population growth with neighborhoods known as Little Havana, which was established with over 500,000 Cuban -Americans. Prior to this population growth, the African -American and Caribbean population made up approximately one-third of the total population. The late 1970's saw yet another immigration influx when over 100,000 Haitians and Nicaraguans fled their countries` newly overthrown governments. Finally, in 1980, the Mariel boatlifttransported an additional 150,000 Cubans to Miami. Al lapattah The Allapattah community, which name has its origins in the Seminole word for alligator, began in 1856 and covers 4.653 square miles within the core of the City of Miami. The neighborhood is east of the Miami International Airport and bounded by major highways and the Miami River, which are important to local area businesses. Allapattah is served by the Metrorail, with three stations: Civic Center, Santa Clara and Allapattah. Today the area has a large wholesale produce market and a cut flower district, which is served by the South Florida Rail Corridor running east -west between NW 22 and 23 Streets. Additionally, the area is also well known for its clothing outlets, serving as a trading ground for buyers and sellers especially from Latin America and the Caribbean. Allapattah was predominantly White until the late 1950s, when there was a large influx of African -Americans displaced by the construction of Interstate Highway 95 in Overtown, and southern migration of blacks from the Liberty City and Brownsville neighborhoods. Cubans began moving into the neighborhood in the 1960s. In the 1980s there was an influx of Dominicans, Nicaraguans and later Haitians. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 8 Section 2 Introduction Watson Island The Watson Island community is a neighborhood and man-made island in Biscayne Bay, in Miami, Florida. It is located Immediately east of the Central Business District and Arts & Entertainment District neighborhoods of downtown Miami and is connected to the mainland and South Beach, Miami Beach by the MacArthur Causeway. The island was deeded to the city in 1919 with the restriction that it only be used for public or municipal purposes. The city gave it to the state and the state deeded it back to the city with similar restrictions - both in the 1940s. The City through this Finding of Necessity seeks to move forward with the expansion of their Omni CRA boundary located in an underserved area to attract investment and bring it back to its glorious days. This report will showcase that the existing conditions of these areas shows disinvestment and blighted conditions that need to be remediated. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 9 Section 2 Introduction Zoning, Land Use, and General Characteristics Allapattah Watson Island Zoning Categories Existing Land Use (Note: This is a sample of the predominant existing land uses within the Omni CRA proposed expansion area, not all existing land uses are noted.) Major Developments Crime Perception T3 - Sub Urban T4 - General Urban T6-8 - Urban Center D2 - Industrial D3 - Marine CI -HD - Health District CI - Civic Institution • Sales and Services (Spot commercial, strip commercial, neighborhood shopping centers/plazas). Exclu* • Two -Family (Duplexes). • Residential MF-- government -owned or government subsidized multi -family residential or elderly house* • Multi -Family, High Density (Over25 DU/Gross Acre). • Other Industrial Intensive, non -noxious. • Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Adult Congregate Living Quarters. Miami Produce SAP (Special Area Plan) River Landing SAP (Special Area Plan) "Although Allapattah's crime is not excessive, there are pockets of crime throughout the neighborhood. Unfortunately, there are shootings in Allapattah, which gives it a bad reputation in Miami. Even though there's a large police presence, crime rates are still 125% higher than the national average." CS — Civic Space Zone CI — Civic Institution Zone T6-36A-O Urban Core Zone Vacant, Non -Protected, Government -Owned or controlled. Potential Mixed -Use Project Not Found at the Moment. 1 Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 10 Section 2 Socioeconomic Profile Introduction Esri Data (2022) Miami -Dade County City of Miami Allapattah Watson Island Population Average Household Size Owner -Occupied Housing Units Renter -Occupied Housing Units Vacant Housing Un its Median Household Income Median Home Value Per Capita Income Median Age Hispanic Origin Black Alone Bachelor's Degree White Collar Blue Collar/ Services Tapestry 2,739,385 455,738 2.74 45.2% 2.31 25.3% 44.7% 62.1% 10.1% 12.6% $61,377 $51,954 $360,081 $393,173 $33,780 $36,697 39.5 39.9 70.3% 71.2% 18.9% 19.2% 52,757 (11.5% of city) 0 2.55 17.7% 0 0 75.1% 0 7.2% 0 $32,145 0 $289,956 0 $18,717 0 38.9 0 82.9% 0 10.6% 0 20.6% 20.7% 11.8% 0 59.0% 54.5% 41.0% 45.5% Southweste m Families (7F) Southweste m Families (7F) 38.1% 0 61.9% 0 Southwestern Families (7F) 0 Notes: 1. Minority population above city and county. 2. Educational attainment below city and county. 3. More blue collar/ services workforce than city or county. 4. Overcrowding found in Liberty City, due to comparison of the average household size with its counterparts. 5. Allapattah and Liberty City lower per capita income than city or county. 6. Allapattah and Liberty City younger population than city or county. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 11 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis 3. Finding of Necessity Analysis Analysis In this section the team of consultants demonstrates evidence of slum and blight within the expansion area. This is done via a combination of reliable data sources, photographic evidence, and reports and documents from government agencies. The initial site reconnaissance visit to gather photographic evidence of the physical existing conditions took place February 23, 2023. A second visit to the expansion area took place April 20, 2023 to collect additional photographs at a different date and time. A third site visit to the expansion area took place May 5, 2023 to assess conditions and collect additional photographic evidence at a different date and time. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 12 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Predominance Of Defective Or Inadequate Street Layout, Parking Facilities, Roadways, Bridges, Or Public Transportation Facilities ("Blight" Requirement) Multiple commercial and industrial areas within Allapattah present inadequate parking facilities and street layout with large underutilized parking lots and dead -ends. In addition, while there seems to be a good transit system, the expansion area lacks adequate transit stops with shelter from the weather and seating. Exhibit: This diagram illustrates evidence of defective or inadequate street layout. These dead -ends at the NW 22nd Avenue and NW 21 st Terrace and NW 21 st Avenue and NW 21 st Avenue impede the flow of traffic. Exhibit: Inadequate public transportation facilities due to lack of shelter and seating. In addition to creating a non -pedestrian friendly environment due to sidewalk obstructions via the utility post and speed limit sign. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 13 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: This diagram illustrates evidence of defective or inadequate parking facilities near NW 27th Avenue and NW 21 st Terrace. These parking facilities are overcrowded, unsafe, unkept, and difficult to access. " 1 "" in ir.i IIr iii'" Exhibit: This diagram illustrates evidence of underutilized parking facilities near NW 14th Ave and NW 17th Street. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 14 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: This photo illustrates evidence of inadequate transportation facilities along NW 20th Street. Lack of appropriate transit shelter. , or Marine Stipp)) 305.855.0080 _ 1.1.1 1MESUPPLY.C. i' j ® WEEP MIAM ECK MARII SUPPL Exhibit: This photo illustrates evidence of site deterioration and inadequate transit stop. These defective conditions contribute to disinvestment. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 15 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: This photo illustrates evidence of inadequate transportation facilities along NW 20th Street as multiple trucks line up in the middle of the street waiting to access the transfer station. Exhibit: This photo illustrates evidence of inadequate transfer facilities as a solid waste truck attempts to exit the transfer station into vehicular heavy traffic. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 16 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: This photo illustrates evidence of inadequate parking facilities. Underutilized parking (at NW 17th Ave and NW 26th St - Juan Pablo Duarte commercial corridor) Exhibit: This photo illustrates evidence of inadequate residential parking facilities with signs of overcrowding. Site deterioration and inappropriate parking. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 17 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: These photos illustrate evidence of inadequate commercial parking facilities and unsafe conditions created throughout the study area. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 18 Section 3 Inadequate Parking Facilities (Watson Island) Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: These photos demonstrate the unsafe conditions created by the lack of parking and transportation facilities on Watson Island, creating unsafe conditions, especially for pedestrians. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 19 Section 3 Inadequate Parking Facilities (Watson Island) Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: These photos demonstrate the unsafe conditions created by the lack of parking and transportation facilities on Watson Island, creating unsafe conditions, especially for pedestrians. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 20 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Faulty Lot Layout In Relation To Size, Adequacy, Accessibility, Or Usefulness ("Blight" Requirement) Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness. The expansion area shopping plazas showed a faulty layout with large parking lots in front and large big box buildings on the rear. Its usefulness is underutilized as a potential mixed -use redevelopment project with sidewalk activity and better parking solutions. Exhibit: These photos show evidence of faulty layout dead-end parking facilities and dangerous accessibility onto a major thoroughfare. In addition, limited buffer and/or transition space between commercial and residential uses exists, and space geometries make it difficult to maneuver. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 21 Section 3 Unsanitary Or Unsafe Conditions ("Blight" Requirement) Finding of Necessity Analysis The expansion area shows unsanitary and unsafe conditions with trash dumpsters in plain sight, un- asphalted areas, holes in asphalt, cracked sidewalks, and overhead power lines, giving the impression of a deteriorating environment. Unsanitary and unsafe conditions exist in the Study Area due to the existence of numerous environmentally contaminated sites, criminal activities, illegal dumping, and homeless activity. Exhibit: This photographic evidence shows unsafe conditions in the right of way, in addition to unsanitary conditions due to exposure of waste and debris with open dumpsters at the roadway. �l,�l�,�� III UEAIA:�I�SUPPLY � e� Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 22 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: This photographic evidence shows unsanitary conditions due to exposure of waste and debris on public right-of-way. Exhibit: Exhibit: This photographic evidence shows unsafe streets (found throughout the area). Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 23 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: This photographic evidence shows unsafe conditions (cracked sidewalks) for pedestrian and people with disabilities. Exhibit: This photographic evidence shows unsanitary and unsafe conditions that may lead to negative impacts including illegal activity and crime. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 24 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: This photographic evidence shows unsanitary and unsafe conditions. This is also a sign of site deterioration and vandalism that creates a negative image. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 25 Section 3 ARNIWAVISO ■ NO DUMPING UNDER POLICE SURVEILLANCE 00 EINE OR ARREST ENOBAAj $5�ULTA:,,EST o Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: This photographic evidence shows unsanitary and unsafe conditions, including at pedestrian crossings. The team observed two pedestrians and one bicyclist narrowly miss getting hit by trucks at NW 20th Street and NW 12th Avenue (below). If SIDEWALK CLOSED 111Mmiliimillo CROSS HERE Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 26 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: Unsafe conditions for were also observed on Watson Island for pedestrians and vehicles, along with unsanitary conditions and exposed debris, garbage and evidence of illegal dumping. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 27 Section 3 Deterioration Of Site Or Other Improvements ("Blight" Requirement) Finding of Necessity Analysis The expansion area shows a large amount of inadequate and outdated buildings. The Omni CRA proposed expansion area suffers from site and structural deterioration, evidenced by the numerous dilapidated buildings, neglected properties, and a deteriorated public right of way including broken, chipped, or cracked sidewalks and roadways in need of repair or striping. These conditions present a safety hazard to pedestrians and motorists, and project a negative image for, which, in turn, discourages private investment. An example can be seen in areas where many industrial properties have significant structural defects to due poor maintenance. Exhibit: This diagram illustrates evidence of site deterioration and underdevelopment within the expansion area. Examples similar to this conditions are found along NW 7th Avenue. Exhibit: A large site on Watson Island demonstrates clear site deterioration to the visitors travelling along the McArthur Causeway. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 28 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: This photographic evidence shows site deterioration (vandalism, unpaved and cracked streets, and lacking appropriate landscaping). Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 29 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: This photographic evidence shows signs of building deterioration. In addition, the basic infrastructure of curbs, sidewalks and streets throughout the Study Area is in poor condition or in disrepair, and fail to meet current American with Disabilities Act ("ADA") standards. Multi -family residential buildings exhibit deteriorating conditions resulting from long-term neglect. Some buildings have been demolished because they were deemed unsafe, and in turn, the number of vacant, unimproved properties in the Study Area has increased. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 30 Finding of Necessity Analysis Section 3 Dilapidated and Deteriorating Property (Allapattah) `53 S9nE Esc -. rglll 111s� famE:SU _- ®....li Cunt --111uIIUu*IE2 E. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 31 Section 3 Dilapidated and Deteriorating Property (Watson Island - North Parcel) Finding of Necessity Analysis Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 32 Section 3 Dilapidated and Deteriorating Property (Watson Island - South Parcel) Finding of Necessity Analysis Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 33 Section 3 Vacancy and Rent Criteria ("Blight" Requirement) Finding of Necessity Analysis RESIDENTIAL VACANCY Omni CRA Allapattah Watson Island Miami Miami -Dade 2020 Vacant Housing Units 18.0Y 5.8% 0.0% 11.7% 10.0% 2022 Vacant Housing Units 17.8(% 7.2% 0.0% 12.6% 10.1% Meets Criteria? Yes No No COMMERCIAL VACANCY Omni CRA Allapattah Watson Island Miami Miami -Dade 2022 Vacancy Rate 11.9°/ 2.2% 0.0% 6.3% 5.9% 2023 Vacancy Rate 14.4%� 3.4% 0.0% 6.5% 6.0% Meets Criteria? Yes No No Commercial Vacancy needs a Windshield Survey because many properties may not be in the system in these areas RESIDENTIAL RENTS Omni CRA Allapattah Watson Island Miami Miami -Dade Asking Rent $2,302.00 $1,570.00 $- $1,977.00 $1,958.00 Market Rent $2,334.00 $1,592.00 $- $2,022.00 $2,014.00 Meets Criteria? No Yes No COMMERCIAL RENTS Omni CRA Allapattah Watson Island Miami Miami -Dade Asking Rent $45.85 $37.94 $91.90 $41.87 $42.63 Market Rent $49.46 $40.73 $96.24 $44.58 $45.14 Meets Criteria? No Yes No Although the statistics maintained by real estate data services demonstrate a vacancy rate that is lower than the citywide rate, in the expansion area, as in most areas in need of revitalization, many of the properties are not listed on listing services. In many cases signs are put in windows and owners attempt to lease the property through word of mouth. Therefore, the vacancy rate can be higher. The team performed an inspection of the expansion area and estimate that the actual vacancy rate along NW 20th Street is between 7-10%, and closer to 10-15% along NW 36th Street. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 34 Section 3 Commercial Vacancy (Allapattah) Finding of Necessity Analysis Exhibit: (above) this photographic evidence shows signs retail vacancy, site deterioration on a commercial corridor. (below) this photographic evidence shows lack of signage uniformity on major commercial corridor making it disorganized. HORIZON PROPERTIES 30.364.9945 L."' 111,1„._ Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 35 Section 3 Commercial Vacancy (Allapattah - NW 36th Street) , FOR RENT 7,000 SF +/- 305-330-9488 Finding of Necessity Analysis Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 36 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Incidence Of Crime In The Area Higher Than In The Remainder Of The County Or Municipality ("Blight" Requirement) Per the Miami -Dade County Crime Incident Map and data provided by the city it demonstrates that the expansion area is a hot spot for delinquency and criminal activity. Summary Table of the Type of Crime Incidents within the Expansion Area in the Past 4-Weeks Incident # Type Description DRUG ABUSE / PERSON IN ACTUAL OR CONSTRUCTIVE POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 2301270006769 Drugs / Alcohol Violations 2301270006690 Vehicle Break -In / Theft THEFT - FROM MOTOR VEHICLE PD230217057709 Assault ASSAULT 2301270006667 Assault BATTERY / L.E.O., FIREFIGHTER, EMT, NONSWORN OR LICENSED SECURITY OFC, ETC 2301270006790 Theft / Larceny THEFT - ALL OTHER 2301270006770 Motor Vehicle Theft THEFT / GRAND THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE PD230131035778 Robbery ROBBERY PD230131036485 Drugs / Alcohol Violations DRUGS/ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS PD230209047478 Burglary BURGLARY 2301270006702 Theft / Larceny THEFT - MOTOR VEH PARTS And ACC 2301270006614 Assault SIMPLE BATTERY 2301270006802 Burglary BURGLARY / UNOCCUPIED DWELLING UNARMED (multiple records at same location) 2301270006746 Burglary BURGLARY - RESIDENCE 2301270006813 Vandalism CRIMINAL MISCHIEF / VANDALISM PD230209047780 Weapons WEAPONS PD230208045805 Vehicle Break -In / Theft VEHICLE BREAK-IN/THEFT PD230203039562 Theft / Larceny THEFT/LARCENY 2301270006803 Theft / Larceny RETAIL THEFT PD230215055434 Burglary BURGLARY PD230202038425 Motor Vehicle Theft MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT PD230210048313 Vandalism VANDALISM 2301270006792 Theft / Larceny THEFT - MOTOR VEH PARTS And ACC / PETIT THEFT $100 TO $750 PD230207045028 Burglary BURGLARY PD230204041806 Assault ASSAULT PD230128032782 Robbery ROBBERY PD230131035992 Burglary BURGLARY PD230202038920 Theft / Larceny THEFT/LARCENY 2301270006729 Burglary BURGLARY - OTHER STRUCTURE 2301270006614 Assault SIMPLE BATTERY Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 37 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis The ESRI Crime Index is an indication of the relative risk of a crime occurring and is measured against the overall risk at a national level. Values above 100 indicate the area has an above average risk of occurring compared to the US. Values below 100 indicate the area has a below average risk of occurring compared to the US. The Allapattah expansion area's ESRI Crime Index is 151. The Crime Indexes provides an assessment of the relative risk of seven major crime types: murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. It is modeled using data from the FBI Uniform Crime Report and demographic data from the U.S. Census and Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS). Allapattah City County Personal Crime Index 197 179 127 Murder Index 258 228 139 Rape Index 47 60 74 Robbery Index 265 237 159 Assault Index 195 176 124 Property Crime Index 143 157 125 Burglary Index 125 119 98 Larceny Index 141 165 128 Motor Vehicle Theft Index 188 164 143 Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 38 Section 3 Fire Department Calls ("Blight" Requirement) Finding of Necessity Analysis Omni CRA Allapattah Watson Island Number of Calls in Year 2022 2,821 13,047 21 3,761/sq mi 2,804/sq mi Common MPDS Corrected Descriptions: • Abdominal Pain • Abnormal Breath/Other Lung Prob • Accd Od/Poisoning Unconscious • Animal Bite Serious Hemorrhage • Assault Chest Or Neck Inj W/Db • Assault Not Alert • Assault/Poss Dangerous Area • Assault/Unknown Stat 3rd Pty • Chest Pain - Clammy • Choking-(part/Obstru)-liquid • Continuous / Multiple Seizures • Coronavirus Suspected • Diabetic - Abnormal Behavior • Diff Speaking Between Breaths • Faint Epis/AIrt>=35 W/ Card Hx • Fall Not Dang Body Area On Grn • Fall- Poss Dang Area -on Ground • Fall/Not Alert/On Ground • Gunshot - Central Wounds • Gunshot Unk Status 3rd Party • Medical Alert -unknown Problem • Obv/Death - Unquestion-decom • Od/Poisoning Unk Status • Psych/Suicide Att-unk Status • Psych/Threatening Suicide • Psych/Violent-threat Suicide • Sexual Assault Poss Dangerious • Sick Person Altrd Lev Of Consc • TrafficAcc Pedestrian Hit • TrafficAcc/High Velocity • Traffic Accident - Rollover • Traffic Accident W/ Injuries Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 39 Section 3 Finding of Necessity Analysis Governmentally Owned Property with Adverse Environmental Conditions Caused by a Public or Private Entity. ("Blight" Requirement) The Allapattah expansion area includes a significant number of properties with adverse environmental conditions, including property owned by the City of Miami and Miami -Dade County where real and perceived environmental contamination exists. There is a large area of government owned property on NW 20th Street with uses that include: • Central Transfer (solid waste) • Miami Property Maintenance Division • Jackson CEP Power Plant • Miami Parks and Recreation Maintenance • Miami Solid Waste Division • Miami Fleet Division • Miami Public Works Operations • Miami General Services Administration City of Miami General Services Administration (GSA) Site. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 40 Section 3 Miami -Dade County Central Transfer Station Finding of Necessity Analysis Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 41 Section 4 Conclusion 4. Conclusion Summary of Recommendations In accordance with Florida Statutes Chapter 163 Intergovernmental Programs Part III Community Redevelopment (ss. 163.330-163.463), BusinessFlare® completed a comprehensive analysis of conditions within the City of Miami and Omni CRA proposed expansion area and determined that redevelopment of the community is necessary to ensure the safety and economic welfare of its residents. The findings are documented throughout this report. The proposed expansion areas for the Omni CRA met the measures of "blight" as defined in ss.163.330-163.463. Next Steps: Following acceptance of this Finding of Necessity by the Board of Commissioners of the Omni CRA, the City of Miami Commission must approve the Finding of Necessity by resolution. The City must give proper notice for the public hearing and inform all other taxing authorities of their desire to approve the findings 15 days prior to the actual adoption of the report. After that, the Finding of Necessity must be approved by the Miami -Dade County Commission. The County generally follows a three -step process, meeting first with the TIF Committee, then with a Commission Committee, and finally with the County Commission. During this process, the City and the CRA in conjunction with the Consultant will complete an amendment to the current Community Redevelopment Plan to incorporate the new expansion areas. The process will include public engagement and further analysis of existing conditions and land use and design guidelines and principles. Once both the Finding of Necessity and Community Redevelopment Plan have been approved and updated, the City will add the expansion areas to the Redevelopment Trust Fund for purposes of funding projects within the Omni CRA. Omni CRA Expansion Area Finding of Necessity I April -May 2023 42 The Finding of Necessity took place in Miami, FL. BusinessFlare® is a full -service redevelopment, revitalization, analytics, economic impact, planning and urban design firm with offices in North Miami, Stuart, and New Port Richey, Florida. The firm specializes in all aspects of strategic economic design, with focus on finding the right balance of economic feasibility, regulatory efficiency, and identity and place brand. We ground our work in a community's unique connection to its place: its aesthetics, social offerings (Third Places), and openness. This framework allows us to develop strategic and tactical recommendations for successful implementation of actionable economic growth strategies. This is a team that works together in their disciplines and across skills with a common goal of redevelopment, revitalization, and improving the tax base to enhance quality of life. We have experience creating and amending redevelopment plans and we are often called on by our clients to implement the plans we work with them to design. Our team includes professionals that have served in the CRA executive director, municipal department head, and redevelopment roles and have overseen some of the most successful community redevelopment initiatives and investments in the State of Florida during the last 30 years. 1175 NE 125th St Miami, Florida 33161 T. (305) 281-2279 https://businessflare.net/