HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-25-0078 Backup_ProposalProposal to Omni CRA Agency
Subject: Activation of Community Venue for Sports, Entertainment & Events
Submitted by Howard Realty Partners
November 20, 2025
1. Executive Summary
We are requesting financial support from the Omni CRA to develop an underused property in the district
as a lively community engagement space. The space will be used for various services such as sports,
entertainment, and cultural events that will be enjoyed by both children and adults. The venture
proposes to bring social and economic value to the area through an otherwise un-used property.
2. Opportunity Overview
Site Description: The site is privately owned at the corner of NE 17th Street and Northeast Second
Avenue, and listed in the Miami -Dade County Property Tax Records as Folio #0131360910010, and
currently a vacant parcel of land and not an Omni CRA owned site. Because of the site's long-standing
inactivity, we have secured the rights to use the property and therefore are proposing it for an activation
for a community sports, entertainment and cultural events venue.
Activation Scope: The venue will include a facility and various other ancillary activities that will enable
the venue to host regular events including:
- Recreational sport and youth programs
- Family leisure programs
- Cultural festivals and seasonal celebrations
- Community health education and promotion programs
3. Quality of Life and Economic Revitalization
We believe that an arts, sports, and entertainment green space is not only supported by the Omni CRA
Redevelopment Plan, but is indeed directly aligned with the vision, priorities, and implementation
strategies outlined in the Omni CRA Redevelopment Plan.
A. Parks and Greenspace Development
* The CRA emphasizes the need for new green space due to anticipated high -density residential
growth. The plan supports the creation of pocket parks, public plazas, and larger active parks to
serve new residents.
* The plan highlights the importance of multi -use green spaces that support recreation,
relaxation, cultural programming and community gatherings.
B. Community Benefit and Activation
* The CRA Redevelopment plan encourages the use of public spaces for events and activities
that support local arts and culture, including open-air performances, markets, fitness programs,
and more, all of which align with the plan's vision of integrating arts, sports and wellness in
green venues.
4. Site Control
Howard Realty Partners will develop, activate and program the site. The main terms of such an
arrangement are:
- Lease Term: 5 years, with 2 one-year options.
- Site Management: Will be managed by a designated Property Management Company. No financial
exposure or operational risk will be taken on by the property owner for this venture.
- CRA's Role: We are requesting the Omni CRA provide financial support towards this initial Phase I of
the development.
5. Financial Terms
Financial Request: The request of the Omni CRA is to provide $900,000, which is a portion of the total
cost of Phase I, for the development of facilities, programs and activities. Phase II request will be for the
continued development of facilities, programs and activities.
_5. Community Impact
This project is in line with Omni CRA's goal of continuing to rid the area of slum and blight as the parcel
of land has become an eyesore amidst development and a changed environment. The fostering of
economic community development is as important as investments in major developments, all of which
create jobs on all levels and creates a healthy environment for continued growth of the area. So, our
project as proposed will create economic development opportunity, and cultural
enrichment. The anticipated outcomes are:
- Generation of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities
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- Additional traffic and business for the district
- A secure and vibrant atmosphere for families
- Enhanced provision of recreational and cultural programming
6. Principal
Jeffrey Watson is an accomplished executive and civic leader with more than 30 years of experience in
financial management, urban development, and economic revitalization. As the CEO and Founder of
Howard Realty Partners, LLC, and J. Watson & Company, he has led a broad portfolio of initiatives
focused on sustainable economic inclusion, capacity building, and strategic community investment. A
Miami native and Florida State University graduate in Accounting and Finance, Mr. Watson has advised
public and private sector clients across the U.S. and internationally, including engagements in Asia,
Brazil, South Africa, and Kenya. His work has consistently emphasized scalable solutions in urban
planning, finance, and infrastructure development, helping municipalities and governments improve
outcomes for underserved communities.
Mr. Watson's public service career includes his appointment as Commissioner for District 5 in the City
of Miami, where he championed community -driven development projects. His expertise in
intergovernmental affairs was further cemented through senior roles in the White House under
President Bill Clinton, where he served as Interim Assistant and Deputy Assistant to the President.
Additionally, his leadership as Chief Financial Officer of the City of Miami's Department of Housing and
Development and Chief of Staff to Mayor Xavier Suarez underscores his operational acumen and
strategic planning abilities. Mr. Watson expanded his economic development mission into the clean
energy sector with the founding of Solairgen Energy, a renewable energy startup focused on sustainable
growth and equitable infrastructure access.
6. Next Steps
We humbly request the opportunity to bring this proposal before the Omni CRA Board for its
consideration. Should it be accepted in principle, we will negotiate finalizing the site activation timeline.
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