HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittals at PZAB Mtg (12.7.2022)2 tre2.- 1zggq
RESOLUTION
DECEMBER 7, 2022
WHEREAS, the urgency to make real estate available to substantially address the existing affordable housing
needs in Coconut Grove Village West [Little Bahamas of Coconut Grovel looms over us;
WHEREAS, those property owners desirous of addressing and providing such housing should be held
accountable in strictly adhering to the guidelines of Neighborhood Conservation District 2 Overlay of the
Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami (Miami 21 Code), indigenous to Coconut Grove Village West;
WHEREAS, the owner of the properties at the southwest corner of Grand Avenue and Douglas Road
(referenced as Assemblage A in Agenda Items 4 and 5) has stated unequivocally and continually that the
proposed buildings will not contain any residential units;
WHEREAS the owner of the properties located generally in the 3400 blocks of Thomas Avenue, William
Avenue, Hibiscus Street and Elizabeth Street (referenced as Assemblage B in Agenda Items 4 and 5) has
stated that the proposed building(s) will contain residential units for senior citizens.
WHEREAS, the owner of the several properties located generally on Mundy Street and Day Avenue
(referenced as Assemblage C in Agenda Items 4 and 5) has stated that the proposed building(s) will be utilized
as a residence for a long -neglected segment of the community classified as at -risk youth and former foster
care youth;
WHEREAS, the request in the area referenced as "Village West Island District and Charles Avenue
Neighborhood Conservation District 2" in Agenda Item 6 to modify the existing Ordinance to reflect cultural
district boundary changes, parking fiexibilities and the creation and development of affordable housing
guidelines,
NOW BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Grove Rights and Community Equity Inc. (GRACE) does not support the
request for the change in land use and zoning classification for Assemblage 1, and;
NOW BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Grove Rights and Community Equity Inc. (GRACE) supports the
request for changes in land use and zoning classification for Assemblage 2 and Assemblage 3.
NOW BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Grove Rights and Community Equity Inc. (GRACE) supports
amending the Ordinance 11314 related to the Village West Island District and Charles Avenue Neighborhood
Conservation District 2 Overlay of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami (Miami 21 Code) to modify the
existing mixed use cultural district boundary, to introduce development and parking fiexibilities and to create
and develop affordable housing guidelines, etc.,
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My name is Kori Counts. I live & run a small business here in Coconut Grove. The Counts
family came to the Grove in 1896 from South Carolina and have been here ever since. I'm a
5 generation resident & my daughter makes 6.
During my 41 years of living I have seen the black Grove disappear right before my eyes.
In my opinion, as well as evidence will show, Black people have been economically
decimated in this city ever, since 195 was put directly through Colored Town in the 1960s. It
destroyed a very important black middle class & upper black middle class neighborhood
here in Miami. Black hotels, banks, and other thriving businesses were ruined while the only
explanation given was Eminent Domain & Urban Renewal. This pulverized our economic
base for future generations to come. My generation and beyond.
As a result, this is where we are right now. Black people as a group don't have the money to
sustain in an area we built, and been in since before Miami was even incorporated.
40 year planning directly targeted against us, economically phased us out. You can see the
disparities as clear as day when you ride down Grand Avenue in the black Grove. We all
see, we all know it.
Almost 20 years ago I remember speaking to Mary Elas Smith of Christ Episcopal Church.
wShe is one of our elders in the neighborhood who lives and owns her home on Thomas
Avenue. She was struggling to pay her property taxes then as prices began to rise
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3noticeably higher than they had ever been before. Since then they have gone up
consistently on average about $400 each year. This is something all of us as faced and
°many have fallen victim to.
$e-zoning this residential area, without a substantial plan for its original residents, will only
ipen the flood gates even further for us to be systematically erased. This is wrong and
could not be allowed to happen.
CD
e solution 1 propose before rezoning can ever take place, is to reserve a substantial
rcentage of Affordable housing and business spacing for legacy residents of Coconut
Grove.
For example, If a condo is built, 10-15% of the units should be regulated for affordable
housing. The other units can still maintain their costs at market prices. The
owners/developers will still make their money while the original people here can sustain &
be a part of the neighborhood where their legacy was created.
I cannot take credit for this idea. It's been thoroughly thought out and cultivated by Mrs.
Linda Williams formally of the Collaborative. I request her to be the head liaison of this
effort.
We have to conduct business for the future of Coconut Grove with special r�s for its
original people. I ask this committee to always do so. c'ec�vods
Thank you. V
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