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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW CRA 2019-12-16 MinutesCity of Miami 819 NW 2nd Ave 3rd Floor Miami, FL 33136 http://miamicra.com Meeting Minutes Monday, December 16, 2019 5:00 PM Camillus House 1603 N.W. 7th Ave., Bldg. B Miami, FL 33136 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Keon Hardemon, Chair Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Board Member, District One Ken Russell, Board Member, District Two Joe Caro//o, Board Member, District Three Manolo Reyes, Board Member, District Four SEOPW CRA OFFICE ADDRESS: 819 NW 2ND AVE, 3RD FLOOR MIAMI FL 33136 Phone: (305) 679-6800, Fax (305) 679-6835 www.miamicra.com Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 CALL TO ORDER Present: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Russell and Commissioner Reyes Absent: Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla and Commissioner Carollo On the 16th day of December 2019, the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami met in regular session at Camillus House, 1603 Northwest 7th Avenue, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Hardemon at 5:00 p.m., and was adjourned at 5:21 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Cornelius Shiver, Executive Director, CRA Chanel Jefferson, Staff Counsel, CRA William Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Xavier Alban, Assistant City Attorney Todd B. Hannon, Clerk of the Board CRA PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Hardemon: At this time, for the agenda, we have three resolutions that are on the agenda. 1'd like to open the floor for public comment. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak on any of the items that are on the agenda? If so, you're allowed to speak. State your first name, your last name, you may state your address, and which item it is that you're referring to. You have two minutes to address the body. Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant: Good morning, board. This is Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant, with 480 Northwest 11 th Street, the Director at the Black Police Precinct. The item that I wanted to speak on is the -- 2 [sic], the Urban item, and just to reiterate the importance of having a space that is going to allow for a multitude of things to occur in Overtown. Overtown is somewhat bound by limitations. Some of our facilities are in functionality; some of them, not so much currently. That'll give us an opportunity for outside space, one that invites all the community, to participate in; also, for the potential for rental of that space. Currently -- the current use of that space has been used mostly by outside entities, but more and more and more of the community is becoming more aware of the space, and I think it'll be a great opportunity for future development as it comes up in Overtown, so thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. Ketron Hadley: Good evening, board. My name is Ketron Hadley, Assistant Program Coordinator Jroour Community Work Training Program, and I would like to defer my time to Mr. Emanuel Washington in regards to Items 1, 2, and 3. Javornie Brathwaite: Hello. My name is Javornie Brathwaite, Program Coordinator at -- Program Administrator at Community Work Training Program. I would like to give my time to Mr. Washington for Items 1, 2, and 3, as well. SEOPW CRA Page 1 Printed on 9/16/2022 Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Chair Hardemon: So only one person is going to be able to give his minutes, so he'll have four minutes. Unidentified Speaker: (INAUDIBLE). Chair Hardemon: Understood, though. Renita Holmes: Good evening. Happy holidays to each and every one, Mr. Chair and Commissioner. I'm Madam Holmes. I'm actually Executive Director of Wave of Women in Public Housing, Education, Finance and Development, as well as Our Homes Business and Property Services. I just wanted to give you a fine and hearty "thank you." You see me standing up here, recently having a transition in my health, but nonetheless, was able to take advantage of the opportunity to receive a education in culinary experience and certification through the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) program. 1'd like to thank you, Nate, for seeing me through my situation, recognizing that I'm great with industries. However, most important is that I represent several artists that live in the Overtown area that we recently began organizing, and I know I beat you down with it. And we have trucks. We have one particular truck if you would like to see it that we're refurbishing. And Professor Spoon was very receptive. There wasn't one idea, wasn't one of us that had already -- well, we're still in start-up, but he saw the vision. So we did not get quite the chance we wanted to place our trucks, you know, in Art Basel, which leads me to transition very quickly to Urban Strategies and the opportunity for us to place our trucks in our own neighborhoods. What makes us exceptional is that a lot of us are ex -felon women who are artists, so we don't just build our trucks. We paint our trucks, we do more than feed, and we also feed the homeless. We did a feeding this weekend. So the opportunity to place your truck in your neighborhood to make money, to showcase your artwork, to be where you live, to hire. I hired three women in this month alone just on that, with Cultured Crafters. And I'll just leave it like that. There's more to come. But giving us a space, not just giving us a program, not just giving us a project, not just giving other people administrative fees to teach us makes the big difference. And so, I wholly support you in what you're doing, because it gives an end to the beginning, and it gives a means to the way, and it gives Overtown artists and young women that are ready and eager to cook good food and show you a good time exactly where we are, at home. Thank you so much. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Harriet McDonald: Good evening, everyone. Good evening. My name is Harriet McDonald, and I'm a resident of Town Park Plaza South, and I'm here for Item Number 2, and 1 would like to thank the Commissioner JroItem Number 2 for Town Park Plaza South. I'm a resident there, and I'm also a board member, and I'm here on behalf of the board members and the residents of Town Park Plaza South. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. You're recognized, sir. You have four minutes. Emanuel Washington: Yes. Thank you, sir; appreciate it. Good afternoon, Mr. Chair, and board members, and audience. My name is Emanuel Washington. I'm President of Community Work Training Program, 1490 Northwest 3rd Avenue. We provide the Employment Assistance Center, and appreciate your support. But today we're here to recognize and let you know that we support all three items, you know; the parcel exchange, as well as Town Park South, and Urban Philanthropy. We support all three items for various reasons. Structural and economic revitalization is important to our community. The social economic part is really vital, because we know that there's a lot of people in the community who don't have the abilities to do jobs, so socially, we have to engage with them to get them to an economic point and -- which means more jobs and as well as businesses. As far as Item Number 1, we know SEOPW CRA Page 2 Printed on 9/16/2022 Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 that the creation of the CRA was designed to eliminate slum and blight, and revitalize the target area under the vision of a master plan, in accordance with, and the original document -- the original master plan and the redevelop plan, the historic, you know, in accordance -- and also the historic Overtown Cultural Event Master Plan. You know, after doing your due process, we recognized that Overtown associates were selected to proceed to this point with the board approval, with the selection under the 163.380 Florida Statute. And as I was going through the documents, I recognized in that statute -- it's very important -- that it had some language that I just want to speak on briefly. And it says that the CRA shall take account and give consideration -- those two words, "take account" and "give consideration" -- to long-term benefits to be achieved from incurring short-term loss and cost in the disposal of such properties. Well, the long-term benefits is what I'd like to speak about briefly. And the City of Miami, of course; the CRA; Miami -Dade County; CareerSource South Florida; and also, the Beacon Council and a host of other private and public entities have all expressed concerns about peoples [sic] and their living wages. So in this project, 1 just want to ask, you know, ask you that the language that they spoke about in Florida Statute 163, which is to take account and to give consideration to putting into the agreement that during the construction phase of the initiative that a living wage be paid to the workforce during the construction phase. I ask this, because, you know, Miami -Dade County has a responsible wage ordinance, and it makes sure that individuals can have a decent income so they can live on. The Beacon Council is doing the Miami Community Venture Project, which starts at 13.44 an hour. And, of course, the City of Miami even have some wage ordinances out there that allows for that. And I ask this because one of the most important factors of eliminating poverty, and slum and blight, which is -- the CRA is generated for; and even, Commissioner, your poverty initiative talks and speaks to that -- is income to the people, because one thing that the people talk about in the community is being gentrified or moving out of the community. Well, when you don't make enough money to stay in the community, then, of course, that's subject to happen. So with this project going -- and it's a massive project, and that's why I'm speaking on it, because it's -- I don't know the exact numbers, butt know it's going to be a lot of money -- but it's at least monies that the individuals who do get an opportunity to work, because if you're looking at the projects that you have funded already, we've had individuals working on those projects, making living wages. They become to move up in life, get their self boot- strapped up, where they -- now they can not only pay their bills, but they can save a few dollars. And most of them don't have pensions, but Community Work Training Program, coming in January, we even instituted some things where we're mentoring, and that's helping to identify how to now -- was that two minutes? Chair Hardemon: Four; that was four minutes. Mr. Washington: Oh, that was four minutes? Chair Hardemon: Yeah. Mr. Washington: Okay. Well, in wrapping it up, I just want to speak to Item Number 2, and it's basically for Town Park. I know that with unforeseen repairs, and cost overrun, change orders, and Mother Nature, you know, reading the information, it affected the cost of doing business. And -- but we do support that, because it brings -- it creates high -quality living places. And last but not least, the Urban Philanthropy. I just want to say that Overtown has always been a destination, and what they're doing helps add to that factor. Thank you very much. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. Jackie Bell: Jackie Bell, 1600 Northwest 3rd Avenue. Good evening. My contract will run out next month for Folklife Friday, and we don't want to stop, because every SEOPW CRA Page 3 Printed on 9/16/2022 Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 time we stop, it cost so much to rebuild. And Folklife Friday is really and truly being a great instrument for Art Basel. We had about 24 small businesses, and they did very well. So all 1 ask is that the same contract I have with the 10 percent interest, you grant it for next year, so we don't stop. I thank you. Chair Hardemon: Is there anyone else present that wants to speak for public comment? Seeing no other person. APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S): 1. SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST CRA - REGULAR - OCT 28, 2019 5:00 PM MOTION TO: Approve RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Ken Russell, Board Member, District Two SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Board Member, District Five AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Reyes ABSENT: Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo Chair Hardemon: I'd like to call into order the December 16, 2019 meeting of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency at 5 o'clock p.m.; noting for the record the attendance of Commissioner Manolo Reyes, Commissioner Ken Russell; and myself, the Chairman, Keon Hardemon. Our first order of business is the approval of minutes from the October 28, 2019 meeting. Board Member Russell: So moved. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve those minutes. Any further -- any unreadiness? Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: That motion carries. SEOPW CRA Page 4 Printed on 9/16/2022 Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 CRA RESOLUTION(S) 1. CRA RESOLUTION 6948 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A REAL PROPERTY EXCHANGE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND OVERTOWN ASSOCIATES, LLC; AUTHORIZING SUCH INSPECTIONS AND DUE DILIGENCE DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; NO BUDGETARY I M PACT. ENACTMENT NUMBER: CRA-R-19-0047 MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s) RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S) MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Board Member, District Four SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Board Member, District Five AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Reyes ABSENT: Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo Chair Hardemon: Is there any discussion on any of the agenda items that are present? Board Member Reyes: (INAUDIBLE). 1 -- yes. 1 -- you know the way 1 am. 1 am very concerned about one. I'm going to address Item 2. You see, 1 know that this is a project that, as I was reading, is totally geared to affordable housing, and 1 want to make sure that it's really affordable. Mr. Shiver? Cornelius Shiver (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes. Board Member Reyes: What is the rent that's going to be? Mr. Shiver: In fact, it doesn't get any more affordable. Thank you. Neil Shiver, Executive Director of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). Town Park South is still under the authority of HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development). It is a HUD co-op. Board Member Reyes: Yeah. Mr. Shiver: So it's one of three properties -- maybe -- probably one of five properties within the redevelopment area that's still taking Section 8 vouchers that are still targeting elder, low- and very low- and moderate -income people. Board Member Reyes: Define what you mean by "low," in dollar terms, or in a percentage of AMI (average median income), whichever you want; just how much the people are going to be paying there. Mr. Shiver: Well, 30 percent AMI is considered very, very low. Board Member Reyes: Absolutely. SEOPW CRA Page 5 Printed on 9/16/2022 Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Mr. Shiver: Right? And the median income in Miami -Dade County is 50 -- Board Member Reyes: 5. Mr. Shiver: -- 5 thousand, so that's around $15,000 per family. Board Member Reyes: Good. Mr. Shiver: You and I have had this discussion before, and we know that even though the median income in Miami -Dade County is 55,000, it's probably $20,000 in Overtown. Board Member Reyes: Absolutely. Mr. Shiver: Right. But again, at this particular site, along with five other sites, they do take Section 8 vouchers that encompasses those who have been historically locked out. So we're pretty much safe on this being a affordable housing -- long- term affordable housing development, Commissioner. Board Member Reyes: But you haven't answered my question. Mr. Shiver: What was your question? The amount? Board Member Reyes: You're dancing around it. I want to know how much people from Overtown are going to pay for an apartment. What is the range of rent? Mr. Shiver: You see, the -- I heard your question, but with Section 8 vouchers, some of them pay 15, 20 to 40 bucks a month. See that's -- Board Member Reyes: Yes. I mean -- Mr. Shiver: Right. Board Member Reyes: -- those are the ones that they are going to receive -- they're going to be designated as Section 8. Mr. Shiver: Right. Board Member Reyes: The ones that they are not Section 8, how many apartments are going to be there? Mr. Shiver: I think it's 116 units, right? Board Member Reyes: I know. Mr. Shiver: This is not a new development, by the way. These residents are currently already qualified through HUD regulations. They live there today. Board Member Reyes: Okay. Mr. Shiver: And so -- Board Member Reyes: Okay. Mr. Shiver: -- I can't tell you what they -- SEOPW CRA Page 6 Printed on 9/16/2022 Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Board Member Reyes: Well, you know, you can say, you know, that it's going to be - -1 mean, 40 percent are going to be 30 percent of MAI [sic], and the rest are going to be 60 percent or something. You know, whatl don't want is to go above 50 or 60 percent. Mr. Shiver: Right. Board Member Reyes: That's what I'm concerned. Mr. Shiver: It won't. Chair Hardemon: IfI may? Board Member Reyes: Yes, sir. Chair Hardemon: So this is -- the wonderful thing about this project is that this is one of the initiatives that we have that are -- that's giving better living conditions to residents who already, live in Overtown. So a lot of times, you know, affordable housing builds new projects that people move into from outside of the City, from outside the community. This initiative is for those residents that have already lived in Overtown, they've been living in Overtown; they will continue to live in Overtown. But now they have a standard of living that's equal to those who live outside of the community in nice places, and also those who live in the community in the rental units that you see that are being built by the CRA now. So this is the focus that we've been trying to make where it says those of -- the people who live in Overtown have a better opportunity to live in better conditions in Overtown. And I was said -- I said it before. I'll say it again. You know, Overtown doesn't necessarily need more affordable housing. What we need is a better standard of living in our housing, so the people who live in Overtown can afford to live there, and we're going to ensure that they stay there by making sure they have renovations that are good spaces. Board Member Reyes: I agree that we need to raise the standard of living, but that comes with better paying jobs that we have to attract to the City of Miami, and in particular; to Overtown; that's why I was very concerned about the business development and retaining a program that should come from out of Overtown/Park West Redevelopment Project. But I -- one thing that I want to make sure is that the people of Overtown, they can have a decent place, and those people that they -- at this time, they are not making more than -- I would say $20,000; 15; $18,000, because you know that the AMI for Overtown is very low, just as Liberty City. So 1 want to make sure that they will be able or they will have --1 mean, priority, you see, in this type of affordable housing that we are doing. The affordability should be -- mean place greater emphasis on low-income people, so they have a nice place to live; that's what I want to make sure, sir. Mr. Shiver: And we agree with that. Board Member Reyes: Okay. Mr. Shiver: And nobody does it better than this CRA, Commissioner. Board Member Reyes: Well, sir, you know, I trust, but I verify, man. You see? You know the way I am. You know me for many, many years, right? Mr. Shiver: Right. You know that, yes. Board Member Reyes: And you know that I always been -- this is -- have been my fight all along. SEOPW CRA Page 7 Printed on 9/16/2022 Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Mr. Shiver: Right. And this particular project is still under HUD, under the Public Housing Authority -- Board Member Reyes: Yes, I know. Mr. Shiver: -- and as a result -- right? -- you can be guaranteed that this will always be an affordable housing for the people that you really are talking about. Board Member Reyes: Okay. I'm going to be watching you. And having said that, I move to approve all the items. Chair Hardemon: Seconded by the Chair. You're recognized, Commissioner Russell. Board Member Russell: Thank you. A question on Item Number 1: There's' a -- two of the parcels that we're acquiring in the swap that are very attractive to me, because if I understand correctly, Mr. Executive Director, it allows us to complete an assemblage of already -existing CRA-owned property; is that --? Mr. Shiver.• Exactly. Right. Board Member Russell: That's right across the street from Island Living. Mr. Shiver: Exactly. On the southern border, there are two parcels. We own two parcels right south of Island Living, and we are acquiring two additional adjacent properties; will enable the CRA then to do a major development similar to Island Living. Board Member Russell: Do we -- so we don't have a plan, for them yet, but it gives us the assemblage to start work? Mr. Shiver: No, we don't have a plan, because some of the principals also own the remaining block, and I'm trying to get those, as well. Board Member Russell: Got it. Yes, that was my, only question. I understand we did the appraisals on both the properties we're acquiring, as well as the ones that we are swapping out for -- Mr. Shiver: That is correct; the same appraiser appraised the CRA properties, as well as Overtown Associates, LLC (Limited Liability Company) properties. Board Member Russell: And so, the properties we're acquiring, plus the additional cash makes this an even swap. Mr. Shiver: Right. The Florida -- the statute says, "fair value," and we think this is a -- Board Member Reyes: Fair market value. Mr. Shiver: -- fair value. I wouldn't say "even," Commissioner, because, you know, all properties are unique, but we do calculate these from the same valuations. Board Member Russell: Yeah, that's what I was seeing, as well, but I see the additional value to us, and that we're completing the assemblage, which gives us an advantage we didn't have before -- SEOPW CRA Page 8 Printed on 9/16/2022 Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Mr. Shiver: Thank you. Board Member Russell: -- which is good. No, I'm certainly in favor. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: The mover should recognize that there is a need for the language, "in substantially the attached form," to be -- so the motion will be amended to -- for CRA Resolution Number 1 to be "in substantially the attached form." Does the mover agree? Board Member Reyes: I accept that. Chair Hardemon: And the seconder agrees to that, as well. Seeing no further discussion on the items, all in favor of the items, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion carries. This meeting is adjourned. Mr. Shiver.• Let the record show it's 5:25. 2. CRA RESOLUTION 6950 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO TOWN PARK PLAZA SOUTH, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,602,658.00 FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING REHABILITATION PROJECT AT TOWN PARK PLAZA SOUTH; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE SEOPW CRA BOND SERIES 2014 AND THE SEOPW CRA, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. ENACTMENT NUMBER: CRA-R-19-0048 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Board Member, District Four SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Board Member, District Five AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Reyes ABSENT: Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number 2, please see Item Number 1. SEOPW CRA Page 9 Printed on 9/16/2022 Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 3. CRA RESOLUTION 6951 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING A GRANT TO URBAN PHILANTHROPIES, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $154,000.00, TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH RENOVATIONS TO THE URBAN, A FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE LOCATED AT 1000 NW 2ND AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33136; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FUNDING SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FUNDS. ADJOURNMENT ENACTMENT NUMBER: CRA-R-19-0049 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Board Member, District Four SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Board Member, District Five AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Reyes ABSENT: Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number 3, please see Item Number 1. The meeting adjourned at 5:21 p.m. SEOPW CRA Page 10 Printed on 9/16/2022