Nearly $40 million in federal funding is geared to breathe new life into Overtown, transforming distressed housing, sparking fresh investments and creating a vibrant, connected future for one of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods. Today (11/21), the Miami City Commission is poised to accept a $39,968,424 grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a comprehensive revitalization plan for Overtown. The funds from the Choice Neighborhoods program will support redevelopment of Culmer Place and Culmer Gardens, which are part of a larger $332 million “Transformation Plan” to reinvigorate the surrounding area. Created in 2010, the Choice Neighborhoods program leverages public and private dollars to support local strategies that address struggling areas with distressed public or HUD-assisted housing. It emphasizes an all-encompassing approach, aiming to replace aged public housing with well-managed, mixed-income units while enhancing residents’ income, health and education and fostering sustainable, inclusive communities through investments that drive economic growth and improve local amenities. After applying for the program, Miami was awarded the $39.9 million grant in July to execute its broader “Transformation Plan” and enhance the historic Overtown neighborhood. The funding is earmarked for redevelopment of the Culmer Place and Culmer Gardens public housing. “Built in the 1970s and 1980s [the sites] are now obsolete and disconnected from major commercial and residential investments in the surrounding Overtown neighborhood,” reads the HUD press release announcing the grant. “In recent years, the east side of Overtown has experienced socioeconomic and population growth, but commercial and residential investments have not spilled over into the west side of Overtown, where the public housing sites are located.” The release details that Overtown, once known as the “Harlem of the South” due to its thriving entertainment venues and commercial corridors, has since been fractured by years of racial discrimination, disinvestment and the construction of two major interstates. However, the neighborhood has a rich history and resilient residents who want their community revitalized. Together, the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County have already leveraged $332 million in public and private support toward the “Transformation Plan” for the area around the developments. The housing aspect of the plan includes a commitment to one-for-one replacement of all HUD-assisted units with a right-to-return clause, ensuring current residents can come back after redevelopment. Developer Atlantic Pacific Companies will lead the effort, increasing units on the properties from 226 to over 1,000. While the 226 original units will remain public low-income housing, the additional units will be designated for households with incomes ranging from 80% to 120% of the area median income. The new buildings will be designed to align with the neighborhood’s look and feel and include a full spectrum of amenities for residents. Units are to feature the latest in energy-efficient design and modern aesthetics. The master plan also includes new green spaces, clubhouses, community rooms, gardens and improvements to security and lighting around the building. Per the Choice Neighborhood program’s guidelines, the county will serve as the lead grantee, with the city as a co-grantee. As such, the county has sole access to the grant funds and is responsible for ensuring proper use and disbursement throughout the transformation, which extends through September 2032. As the lead grantee, the county is also to fulfill the 5% matching funds requirement by providing $2 million through its Building Better Communities General Obligation Bonds funds. The resolution before the commission, sponsored by area Commissioner Christine King, empowers the city manager to formalize the partnership with the county. Related Posts:Fourth phase of Liberty Square housing gets its startMajor Overtown affordable housing project wins OKCarver Theater in Liberty City to become apartments siteCounty grants $2 million for Sawyer’s Walk added…First vertical North Miami housing in decades ready to goThe post Five new offices cost Miami-Dade $30 million appeared first on Miami Today.