HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-24-0028 Exhibit AOita.
Omni
C R A
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Isiaa Jones
Interim Executive Director
TO: Board Chair Damian Pardo and
Members of the CRA Board
FROM: Isiaa Jones
Interim Executive Director
DATE: April 25, 2024
SUBJECT: 4/5ths Bid Waiver to waive
authorizing the allocation of Funds to
Palm Plaza to underwrite costs
associated with the rehabilitation of an
affordable housing project in the Omni
CRA
BACKGROUND:
The Omni Community Redevelopment Agency ("Omni CRA") is responsible for implementing community
redevelopment activities and projects within its redevelopment area, as outlined in the 2010 CRA
Redevelopment Plan ("Plan").
Palm Plaza, an 18-unit studio apartment building/hotel in Overtown, Miami, built in 1951, falls within the
Omni CRA's jurisdiction. The building was initially a full -service motel and was purchased by the Starke
family in 1977. The east corner of the building served as a mini convenience store named "Bennet's
Discount Grocery." The building has suffered from deferred maintenance over the years, resulting in less
than full occupancy. It has recently served the local community by providing affordable housing and sits at
the eastern entrance to Overtown on 14th Street at the FEC Railway crossing.
The 2010 Redevelopment Plan of the CRA highlights the importance of historic preservation, with a specific
focus on Palm Plaza. The project aligns with Section D of the Plan, page 42, which emphasizes
"Improvements to the Public Realm" to enhance the area's visual appeal for businesses and residents.
Additionally, the Plan includes provisions on page 42 A-1 to collaborate with private entities to incentivize
the redevelopment of blighted properties. Objective A-3 of the Plan is to promote the rehabilitation and
maintenance of existing viable uses and structures. Furthermore, the 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 workforce housing" and to make "Improvements to the Public Realm" by
"[enhancing] the areas' visual attractiveness to businesses and along with creating a variety of housing.
RECOMMENDATION:
Based on the background information provided, the need for renovation, and community enhancement, it
is recommended that the Board of Directors of the CRA adopt the attached resolution by a four -fifths (4/5ths)
affirmative vote. This resolution ratifies, confirms, and approves the Executive Director's finding that it is
most advantageous for the CRA to grant funding to Palm Plaza for renovation and community
enhancement.
OMNI COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
1401 N. Miami Ave' 2nd Floor l Miami, FL 33136
Tel (305) 679 68681 http://www.omnicra.com