18 Aug Southeast Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency Extension
Photo Credit: Azeez Bakare Studios
Southeast Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency Extension
On July 7th,2022 the life of the Southeast Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPW CRA) was extended to the year 2042. The extension provides the SEOPW CRA the opportunity to continue serving the community, in our efforts to eliminate slum and blighted areas within its boundaries. “The extension is critically important to the residents and business owners of Overtown. Through innovative programming and development, we at the SEOPW CRA seek to enhance the quality of life for those who call Overtown home.
There are 15 CRAs in Miami-Dade County. SEOPW CRA has built and rehabilitated more affordable housing than all the other CRAs in Miami Dade County combined with an investment exceeding $113 million. It has additionally invested $17.5 million for transportation, bringing the Tri-Rail to downtown Miami.
The presence of the SEOPW CRA has led to the resurgence of business development and resilience in a community long ignored. We have worked to improve nonexistent infrastructure, lighting, water, and sewage. We have supported innovative policing in the area and the crime statistics support our successful efforts. We support youth organizations that are changing the lives of thousands of young people who are generally untouched by the greater community.” – James McQueen, Executive Director, SEOPW CRA.
The SEOPW CRA’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of residents within the Redevelopment Area by expanding the tax base, creating job opportunities, promoting dynamic economic growth, and fostering safe neighborhoods. From its inception, the SEOPW CRA has invested $27.2 million into job creation and economic development, providing work training programs and youth employment within our community. Which, Overtown has been designated as a culture and entertainment district, and the SEOPW CRA has invested approximately $8.8 million into cultural programming, historic preservation, and cultural tourism.
“We thank Commissioner Hardemon and the Board of County Commissioners for their support. We look forward to continuing to serve Overtown and its people.”
– James McQueen, Executive Director, SEOPW CRA.