Power U Miami wins battle to stop Crosswinds Development - County votes to reclaim it
by Power U staff Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008 at 11:59 AM
info@poweru.org

On January 10th, 2008 the county voted unanimously to reclaim the Overtown property, leaving the city financial officer speechless at the podium and taking a position to redevelop for the community. The City refused to drop their lawsuit against the county yet they wanted another extension. They had more than 20 years, plenty enough time to build a development for the people of Overtown if their intentions were good!

power_u.jpg, image/jpeg, 400x161

Miami Dade County Commissioners first action to take back the Overtown public property (referred to as Crosswinds) was at the December 18th commission meeting where they passed a motion to enforce the reverter on the property. On December 31st the County filed for the deeds on this property while the City of Miami filed a lawsuit against the county. Another ridiculous City act we are all too familiar with. What was really going on the last 20 plus years that the City of Miami held this property? Why have they spent millions of dollars on behalf of one luxury condo developer? Secret deals, secret letters, secret memos.

Commissioner Edmonson is eager to begin development for the community. She indicated her interest and intent was to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for low income rental housing, economic development for Overtown and mixed income housing. These decisions will be made in her Economic Development and Human Services (EDHS) Committee.

Power U is proud to have been the catalyst behind this success!! Our commitment to development for the Overtown community and fight against gentrification did not come easy. For over 3 years we held to the community vision that this property represented an opportunity to reflect on the glory of the past while building the base for a better future.

Power U worked with many local organizations throughout these years, the Miami Workers Center – LIFFT/MIA; Take Back the Land; South Florida Jobs With Justice; ACORN; FIU-RISEP; AFL-CIO/CLC; and SEIU. All of these organizations showed their commitment to justice for the Overtown community which was pivotal and greatly appreciated. Thank you!

add your comments

skewed
by overtown resident KM Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2008 at 9:39 AM

An empty lot does NOTHING for the community. Preventing development for fear of gentrification does not benefit anyone. Here you have a developer eager to bring the community a new, fancy mixeduse into an area that is completely run down. Let them lay down attractive sidewalks and open shops. And affordable housing to even just a few is better than to none! And what is the fear in bringing other classes/incomes to the area anyway? Bringing to this area a "nice" development is a GOOD idea. What better way to get on the road of restoring the area. I believe this whole "oh, but they are gentrifiers" mentality is hurting the community more than if new developments moved in. New developments like Crosswinds' are a step in the right direction.

add your comments