HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Anthony Witherspoon-Letter to CommissionersP R E PM
tt.. C°ROVNUT
E
I OLI M Ili\ {\( HAUe/rAME
July 12, 2018 I
Offices of The Mayor Submitted into thep ubli
& City of Miami Commissioners record fo ite (s
Miami, Fla. 33133 r,
on City Clerk
Re: Save Coconut Grove Shot Gun Houses
I am a Coconut Grove native and Executive Director of the Coconut Grove Sports Hall of Fame
and CEO of Leadership Prep Foundation Inc., a community base 5010 3 non-profit organization
that provides community-based educational/sports leadership development programs, in addition
to providing hospitality and culinary work force training as an instructor with Miami Dade College
Culinary & Hospitality Institute.
The past year have seen a political shift to provide the necessary resources to economically
revitalize the West Grove. The Save Our Shot Gun Houses is another economic initiative that will
blow the winds of fortune on the citizens of West Grove.
The shotgun Houses are historically significant because they are among the first examples of
African architecture in the United States. I believe the West Grove can thrive once again if the
assets, energy, capacity and love starting at the local level can be nurtured by effective shifts in
public policy, coordinated advocacy, mutual learning about what works, and careful, strategic
implementation. The Save our Shot Gun Houses is the first step that will help identify, document,
promote and preserve the legacy of Coconut Grove.
Places with a strong sense of historic and cultural identity tend to be powerful attractors of
residents, visitors, and investment. Single historic buildings and structures alone can create unique
place markers that attract public attention and private investment. Individual landmarks help to tell
the story of historic places, and an ensemble of several historic buildings, together with other
distinctive "place -making" features that underscore a consistent character, can infuse a place with
a strong sense of historic and cultural identity that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Unique places with strong historic character represent the "sense of place" that enhances economic
competitiveness, attracting residents who want to live in distinctive neighborhoods; visitors who
seek interesting, vibrant places to work, shop or spend leisure time; and investors who view stable
and unique locations as attractive opportunities for investment.
With this unique historic opportunity before us, I strongly recommend your loyal community
support for the Save Coconut Grove Shot Gun Houses initiative.
Si ereI
CEO/Executive Director of
Leadership Prep Foundation Inc./
Coconut Grove Sports Hall of Fame
F
Kev, ��USSQcQ
,�J�j C
QP Swe-- r-)Vr , , tv
Submitted into the public
rec:�rlo
fi s
on ) City Clerk
Submitted into the pub
record f it ,
on CityClerk
Q�"�.ve.. o� s tic - 6110
acs
tem— 0