HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-20-0001 Bid Waiver Memo 2019-10-30Ken Russell
Board Chair
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Jason Walker
Executive Director
TO: Board Chair Ken Russell and
Members of the CRA Board
FROM: Jason Walker
Executive Director
DATE: October 30th, 2019
SUBJECT: Recommendations and
and Findings to Waive Competitive
Negotiation Procedures per City
Code, authorizing the allocation of
Grants funds to NR Investments 11
LLC for the development of
properties located at 70 NE 17th ST,
90 NE 17th ST and 1642 NE 1st Ave,
Miami, Florida.
BACKGROUND:
The Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency ("CRA") is responsible
for carrying out community redevelopment activities and projects within its redevelopment area
in accordance with the 2010 CRA Redevelopment Plan ("Plan").
On September 13, 2016, the CRA approved and adopted Resolution No. CRA-R-16-0042,
adopting the City of Miami's procurement ordinance as the process in which any and all services
and goods are procured by the CRA.
The NR Investments 11, LLC company ("NR Investments) submitted a grant proposal request to
the CRA. NR Investments., a for profit entity, possesses a unique approach to affordable
housing. The principals of NR Investments have a history of developing successful housing
units in Miami- Dade County. Their proposal for development of this mixed use project consists
of ground floor office retail, ground floor commercial space and approximately 252 units
affordable housing. This concept is an ideal project for the Omni CRA area.
The 2010 Redevelopment Plan on page 41, Section C-2 lists the objective of the CRA to,
"Provide incentives for the development of a variety of housing choices, including affordable,
special needs and a workforce housing." Additionally on page 41, Section C titled, Variety of
Housing", subsection D-3 specifically states the "Provision of incentives for the construction of
new housing to attract downtown workers." The proposal is also consistent with Section D of the
plan on page 42 Section D "Improvements to the Public Realm" "to "[e]nhance the areas' visual
attractiveness to businesses and residents." This project is consistent with Florida Statute 163
and also the goals and objectives of the 2010 Omni CRA Redevelopment Plan.
The plan also highlights working with private entities on page 42 A-1 to, "Provide incentives for
redevelopment of blighted properties."
NR Investments now requests grant funding for the development project in the amount of
$6,500,000.00.
RECOMMENDATION
In light of the above mentioned background information, rehabilitation of the building and the
Grantee's past business successes and the CRA's identified objectives in the CRA's plan to
reduce slum and blight, and in consideration of the Executive Director's pledge to allocate grant
funding to further the plan and activate the area, an approval of a bid waiver is recommended.
An approval of a waiver of the formal requirements of competitive sealed bidding methods as
not being practicable nor advantageous to the CRA as set forth in the City Code of Ordinances,
as amended, specifically Sections 18-85 (a), and the affirmation of these written findings and
the forwarding of the same to the Board of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District
Community Redevelopment Agency for ratification by a four -fifths (4/5th) vote is respectfully
requested.