HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-26-0043 Backup - A.M. Cohen Temple Proposal v08_27_2026Mr. James McQueen
Executive Director
Miami Community Redevelopment Agency
819 NW 2nd Avenue., 3rd Floor
Miami, FL 33136
A.M. Cohen Temple, Church Of God In Christ Inc.
Grant Proposal
A.M. COHEN
TEMPLE
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(786) 261-8728
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SHELIA P. COHEN, MBA
Chef Operating Officer (COO)
A.M. COHEN TEMPLE c.o.ca.c.
1747 NW 3rd Ave. Miami, FL 33136
A.M. Cohen Temple, Church Of God In Christ has faithfully served the Historic Overtown community for
more than 100 years. The church was established by Bishop Amaziah Melvin Cohen, whose name
appears on the original charter of the City of Miami.
Throughout its history, A.M. Cohen Temple has been recognized as a pillar of faith, leadership, and
community service. The church became known throughout South Florida for its inspiring worship,
generous spirit, and commitment to supporting both national and international missions.
Following the passing of Bishop Amaziah Melvin Cohen in 1959, leadership transitioned to his son,
Bishop Jacob Cohen, who continued his father's vision while leading extensive renovations and
expanding the church's ministry.
In 1967, the congregation officially renamed the church A.M. Cohen Temple in honor of its founder.
Bishop Jacob Cohen would later become Jurisdictional Bishop of the Eastern Florida Jurisdiction and
devoted his life to ministry and community service.
Following Bishop Jacob Cohen's passing, Pastor Quincy Cohen, the great-grandson of the church's
founder, was appointed Pastor in September 2021 by Bishop Jimmie L. Williams. Today, Pastor Quincy
Cohen continues the family's legacy by strengthening the church's ministry while expanding outreach
efforts that support children, youth, seniors, and families throughout Overtown.
More than 100 years later, A.M. Cohen Temple proudly remains:
"The church in the heart of the city, with the people of the city in its heart."
Statement of Need
A.M. Cohen Temple serves a diverse congregation that includes senior citizens, individuals with
disabilities, youth, and families from the Historic Overtown community.
Although the ministry has remained strong, the church facility requires critical improvements to ensure
that it remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone who enters its doors.
Several facility needs have become increasingly urgent:
• Existing handicap access requires new safety railings to better serve elderly members and
individuals with mobility challenges.
• The church property requires perimeter fencing to improve security and protect members,
visitors, and church assets.
• The parking lot has deteriorated over time and requires resurfacing to eliminate safety hazards
and improve accessibility.
These improvements will allow the church to continue providing worship services, youth programming,
community meetings, educational activities, and outreach ministries in a safe environment.
Project Description and Funding Request:
Funding will be used to complete the following facility improvement projects:
Project Cost
Handicap Ramp Railings $18,650
Fence Installation $10,200
Parking Lot Re -pavement $9,500
Total Funding Request $38,350
These capital improvements will:
• Improve accessibility for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
• Increase safety for church members and visitors.
• Enhance the appearance of a historic community landmark.
• Preserve church facilities for future generations.
• Support continued community outreach and youth programming.
Community Impact
A.M. Cohen Temple serves far more than its congregation. The church functions as a trusted community
resource where residents gather for worship, fellowship, mentoring, educational activities, family
support, food distribution and neighborhood engagement.
The proposed improvements will directly benefit:
• Senior citizens
• Individuals with disabilities
• Children and youth
• Families
• Community organizations utilizing church facilities
• Residents of Historic Overtown
By improving accessibility and safety, the church will continue serving as a welcoming center where
community members can gather, receive encouragement, build relationships, and participate in
programs that strengthen families and improve quality of life.
Conclusion
Your investment will help preserve a historic institution while improving the quality of life for seniors,
youth, families, and residents throughout the community.
We sincerely appreciate your consideration and look forward to partnering with you to continue
strengthening the Historic Overtown community for generations to come.
jacqulinelanier@yahoo.com
The Symonette Project
Invoice
Bill To: A.M. Cohen Temple Invoice No: 16
Queallencohen@gmail.com Date: 05/21/2026
786-8736353 Terms: NET 0
Due Date: 05/21/2026
Description Quantity Rate Amount
church renovation
278 linear feet of aluminum rail material, fabrication, paint and install.
1
$18,650.00 $18,650.00
parking area 1 $9,500.00 $9,500.00
patch and resurface parking area and add parking lines and bumper
Gate 1 $10,200.00 $10,200.00
69 linear feet steel 8' gate with motor.
demo, materials, fabricatio, paint and instal
Subtotal
TAX 0%
Total
Paid
$38,350.00
$0.00
$38,350.00
$0.00
Balance Due $38,350.00
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