Blogging Black Miami

CRA continues demolition in Overtown

2010-03-07T21:12:55-05:00

CRA VIOLATES DEMOLITION STAY ORDER, NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANS UP 'CRACK DEN' DESPITE GRANT REFUSAL

Late Friday evening the City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency cut electrical service to the threatened building housing the Apostolic Revival Temple, proceeding with the demolition process despite a Miami-Dade County Judge's temporary stay on the demolition order. "We think it was done illegally," Pastor Allen of the Temple stated, "I called FPL and they said there was no cut off order for my service, and how can they do that - I thought there was a stay on the demolition until Friday," he said, "what if we win? - how are we going to have service next Sunday without power?" Doris Hall, representative of the property owner said "this again shows how the CRA is manipulating the system to get what they want - they probably showed FPL the demolition order and 'forgot' to show them the Judge's stay order." she noted "we will inform the Judge first thing Monday morning of this blatant disregard and violation of her order." James Villacorta, Executive Director of the CRA, gleefully watched as the power was cut. "he's out here all happy and jumping up and down acting like he did yesterday when they demolished Moe's garage," said a local resident, getting emotional, "it's not right - this is all we have left." Ernest King, a well known local artist who had been looking to put a live/work art gallery in the old Moe's Garage property confronted Villacorta, who had been attempting to lobby support for the CRA. "don't come out here all boasting about your big projects," he said, "It's disrespectful to us 'cause we know we aren't part of them."

Ms. Hall also blasted the CRA in a letter to Jim Villacorta for refusing a $4,000 grant request to eliminate the 'crack den' stating:

" If the urgency of the demolition stems from the public liability from people entering the property and the trash strewn around the property, why would you not allocate funds on an emergency basis, as you are allowed to fund up to $4,500 without Board approval. Would this not be considered negligence on your part, since the CRA trust fund is holding over $70 million dollars needing to be reinvested with the taxpayers and residents in Overtown to create jobs and revitalization of these properties?.. We believe that the true intent of the CRA is to demolish and acquire the properties through an eminent-domain like procedure in violation of Federal, State, and Local laws, in order to assemble the remaining parcels for a large development project."

March Financial Tip by Lisa Rogers-Cherry

2010-03-07T19:40:57-05:00

For the past few months the number of people who have called me about drowning in debt is overwhelming. Many of them are struggling to make ends meet. My first suggestion is to do a budget, then I ask them to look at which expenses they can reduce or totally eliminate. When was the last time you sat down and looked at your income versus your expenses? Take a little time and track your spending for a month or two. You may be surprised to see exactly where you money is going.

Lisa Rogers-Cherry is the author of Lifting the Burdens of Debt: A Helpful Guide to Getting Your Debts Paid and Your Life Back on Track (2005; $14.95). Lisa writes monthly financial tips for www.bloggingblackmiami.com and writes articles for various newpapers and magazines. If you have a question or for more information go to www.redpenpress.com, e-mail her at Lisa@redpenpress.com, or write Lisa Rogers-Cherry, Red Pen Press, P. O. Box 1196, Dania Beach, FL 33004.

WARNING: 809, 284 or 876 area code scam

2010-03-06T09:01:56-05:00

Periodically, e-mails warning of a scam involving calls from the 809 area code circulate. The e-mails contend that there has been fraud associated with unscrupulous pay-per-call operators in that area code. However, the message contains some misinformation, especially the highly exaggerated cost of a phone call to the 809 area code, which is a legitimate area code for the Dominican Republic. Fortunately, this scam is less prevalent in recent years as a result of work done by AT&T to eliminate access to fraudulent pay-per-call operators.

This long distance phone scam causes consumers to inadvertently incur high charges on their phone bills. Consumers usually receive a message telling them to call a phone number with an 809, 284 or 876 area code in order to collect a prize, find out information about a sick relative, etc. The caller assumes the number is a typical three-digit U.S. area code; however, the caller is actually connected to a phone number outside the United States, often in Canada or the Caribbean, and charged international call rates. Unfortunately, consumers don't find out that they have been charged higher international call rates until they receive their bill.

AT&T offers the following information and tips:

Return calls to familiar numbers only. As a general rule, return calls from numbers that contain familiar or recognizable area codes. You may call your directory assistance or long distance operator to check the area code location.
Carefully read your telephone bill. Make sure that you only receive charges from your provider of choice. Ensure you thoroughly understand charges listed on your phone bill, have chosen to do business with all of the listed providers billing for those charges and have authorized additional fees invoiced. If your local service provider has changed, you will receive a final bill from the former provider and a notice of service disconnection.

If you believe that you have been scammed:

Contact the carrier with whom the charge originated, whose name and toll-free telephone number should be printed on the same bill page as the charge in question. Often, the problem can be resolved with a single phone call.
If the carrier with whom the charge originated does not agree to resolve the problem, contact AT&T. AT&T will work with you and the carrier to help remove fraudulent charges from the phone bill.

You may file a complaint online with the Federal Communications Commission about this and/or related phone scams.

Closure of Jackson North and South proposed, 4,400 jobs to be cut

2010-03-06T08:36:00-05:00

Well, it would be ludicrous to think the financial problems at Jackson Health System would not come without a big cost so yesterday's announced proposal to close Jackson North and Jackson South and cut 4,400 jobs really should not come as a surprise.

This announcement is tantamount to the first blow in a fight or the first tackle in a football game. If those numbers don't get the public engaged in the resolution of this issue; nothing likely will.

It's time to speak up people. It's difficult to imagine Miami without Jackson North and South. Call your County commissioner...contact the Public Health Trust...do something.

City of Miami CRA continues demolition of historic Overtown despite judge's orders and neighborhood outrage

2010-03-06T08:07:05-05:00

R.I.P. MOE'S GARAGE, CRA CONTINUES DEMOLITION OF HISTORIC OVERTOWN IN SPITE OF NEIGHBORHOOD OUTRAGE

by Bradley Knoefler

Despite a Miami-Dade Judge's order to stay the demolition of two historic properties, stating that she "didn't see the rush," the City of Miami's Community Redevelopment Agency continued with its plans to demolish what little is left of Historic Overtown yesterday with the demolition of the former Moe's Garage building, which was located at 163 NW 11th street. The building, which was structurally sound and completely secured against vagrants, simply needed the roof replaced in order to revitailize the property. Plans were underway to propose an adaptive reuse of the property, which included a live/work art gallery for local artists who currently must paint in the street as well as several apartments which would help increase the supply of affordable housing stock in Overtown, the shortage of which is another major problem for the community.

The timing of the demolition was indeed suspect and appeared to be in spite of community outrage against the demolition of the last few remaining stuctures in the "Historic Overtown" neighborhood. The Overtown Community Advisory Board unanimously voted to request a stay on the demolitions and Irby McKnight, well known local activist in a letter to Commissionere Dunn, noted that the CRA is "charged with redevelopment as well as preservation." In strongly worded letter to Commissioner Dunn The Black Archives, guardian of Overtown's historical legacy stated:

"There is a repeated offense being perpetuated against a once vibrant community which has done so much for the establishment of the City..what makes these structures historic is the fact that they represent the last remaining remnants of what Second Avenue once was. While other neighborhoods are allowed to build off of its historic nature and offer house and neighborhood tours, as well as the opportunity to point to their past by hand, Overtown has been given the finger."

Frank Rollason, former Executive Director of the CRA said in an e-mail that former Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones and Chairman of the CRA had plans to demolish the historic Ward Rooming House for a big affordable housing project, even after the CRA had spent more than $600,000 to rebuild the entire building. "What is wrong with this picture," he said, "here you are the black Commissioner representing Overtown wanting to tear down what is obviously a historic part of what is to become the Lyric Village and here I am, a white boy, arguing with you to save it!.

"It's almost like they did it out of spite to prove a point and retaliate" said Bradley Knoefler, President of the OMNI/PARK WEST REDEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION a neighborhood group concerned about the lack of preservation and affordable housing in the area. "every time we start looking to do an adaptive reuse project on a historical structure, they pull out all the stops to demolish it to continue with their plans for big new developments." Rosa Green, community leader and Overtown Resident for nearly 70 years said "more than 85 percent of the Overtown that I knew has been demolished. We are losing our history."

The groups plan to continue to reach out to elected officials, who have so far ignored Community concerns on the issue. "Mayor Regalado campaigned on listening to neighborhoods for a change and limiting 'big projects' that destroy neighborhoods", said Knoefler, "maybe he can rein in the CRA and the City Unsafe Structures dept. to stop this outrage against one of the most historic parts of Miami."

For more info on this issue, read: Real Redevelopment for Downtown Miami

Message NAACP on Census Sunday March 14

2010-03-05T16:40:00-05:00

The NAACP has designated March 14 as Census Sunday. The NAACP is urging all Pastors to highlight the importance of everyone mailing back the Census forms they have received in the mail.

Over 600 billion dollars are distributed on the basis of the Census numbers and the traditional undercount in the Black community ensures that monies that should go to these areas goes elsewhere. The return rate of mail in forms in some predominantly Black areas is about 45% while communities such as Hialeah and Sweetwater return almost 80 percent. In April the Census workers will try to go door to door to get the persons who did not respond but that is difficult and persons are missed.

In addition to the allocation of Federal dollars the numbers are used to draw voting districts. Be sure and count everyone in your household as they are not likely to be counted elsewhere. For the Black vote to have the greatest influence all persons of African descent need to check the box African American/Black.

We urge everyone to bring this important issue to be brought to the attention of their Pastor. Let us know if your church needs fliers and is participating. Visit the NAACP web site for more information. www.NAACP.org.

City of Miami Gardens Officials Host Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Application Drive in support of the South Florida Haitian Community

2010-03-05T16:40:00-05:00

MIAMI GARDENS - Mayor Shirley Gibson and the City Council of Miami Gardens are joining the Haitian American Lawyers Association in presenting a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) application drive on Saturday March 6, 2010 from 10:00 AM - 4:00PM -Miami Gardens City Hall, located at 1515 NW 167th Street, Building 5, Miami Gardens. ... Read More...

From South Florida Caribbean News

FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY SEARCH COMMITTEE TO ANNOUNCE CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT POSITION

2010-03-05T16:39:00-05:00

Presidential search yields large pool of qualified applicants

MIAMI GARDENS, FL [MARCH 5, 2010] – Eighty applicants vying for the position of president at Florida Memorial University might learn of their standing in the national search sooner than expected. "The Presidential Search Committee plans to narrow down the list of candidates within the next thirty days," confirmed local attorney JoLinda Herring, Esq., chair of the Search Committee and member of the Florida Memorial University Board of Trustees. "All of the applicants have excellent reputations and are leaders in the academic community," she continued.

In December 2009, the Board of Trustees charged executive search firm Ayers & Associates with the task of compiling a list of potential candidates. From this list, a Board of Trustees-appointed Search Committee, consisting of a cross-section of the University's constituencies and the community, will select the top prospects for on-campus visits with the Board, administrators, faculty, staff, and students.

Charles W. George, chairman of the Florida Memorial University Board of Trustees, was pleasantly surprised to discover the amount of applicants yielded during the search process. "The pool of prospective candidates is actually triple the size that I anticipated," stated Mr. George. "Receiving so many applications from qualified candidates really speaks to the level of interest in the position and affecting change at our institution."

When asked about the qualities the new president must possess, Mr. George shared the following: "One of the most important responsibilities of the Board is to select the right leader for the institution. Therefore, the selected individual will be a dynamic, creative, and accomplished leader with the vision and integrity to advance the University's goals. The next president of the university must be an individual who is a successful fundraiser, can provide visionary leadership in the development of the University's teaching, research, and public service programs, and effectively and efficiently manage its fiscal resources."

The new president will replace former president Karl S. Wright, Ph.D., whose tenure spanned from July 2006 to August 2009. Upon Dr. Wright's departure, Sandra T. Thompson, Ph.D. was appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve as interim president, creating a milestone as she became the first woman in the University's 131-year history to serve in the leadership position.

About Florida Memorial University:

Located in the City of Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a private, historically Black institution offering 41 undergraduate degree programs and 4 graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its inception in 1879, the University has upheld a commitment to providing a solid foundation for thousands of young people and opening doors to educational opportunities that may have otherwise been closed to them. As South Florida's only Historically Black College or University (HBCU), it is widely recognized for being the birthplace of the Negro National Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" and the home of Barrington Irving, Jr., the first and youngest pilot of African descent to fly solo around the world. Florida Memorial University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at (305) 626-3624 or visit www.fmuniv.edu.

Judge issues stay in demolition of historic Overtown buildings

2010-03-04T06:19:16-05:00

JUDGE ISSUES TEMPORARY STAY, CRA CRITICIZED FOR NOT FUNDING CLEANUP REQUEST

As reported by a WSVN Channel 7 News report, Judge Valerie Manno-Schurr ordered a temporary stay to the demolition of three historic buildings in Overtown Tuesday until a full hearing could be held within two weeks. "the order is more than a year old," she said, "I don't see a rush to demolish it now." However, no one can enter the building until the formal hearing, which means that the Apostolic Revival Church is without a home, albeit temporarily. For Pastor Allen of the Temple, it was just another consequence of the misrepresentation by the City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency of the two different buildings, one abandoned and the other structurally sound and containing the church as one and the same. "This is not the church." he said frustratingly pointing to a picture of the abandoned building next door, "THIS is the church."

The CRA, meanwhile continued its campaign to categorize the three very different properties as "the building", "overrun by drug addicts", "locks can't even keep out the crime" and a "liability to the City" which was echoed in the news media. "It might come down at any time" said the City Attorney after the Judge's ruling. "I guess that's why we have a City Agency Director inviting the news media and camera crews inside the building for tours every day, why isn't that a liability to the City?" said Brad Knoefler, whose organization applied for a CRA emergency grant more than a week ago that would have cleaned up and secured the property against tresspassers, the very things the CRA claim make it urgently need to be demolished.

UniverSoul Circus Miami-Dade County Employee Family & Friends Night

2010-03-04T05:47:06-05:00

Click here to view UniverSoul Circus on BET.

Please click here if you are unable to see the above image.

BUY TICKETS HERE!

South Florida Council- Boy Scouts of America- Community Kickoff

2010-03-02T23:10:50-05:00

Since 1910, Scouts have raised their right hand and declared … On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty, to God and my Country & to obey the Scout Law. To help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

Today, the youth of our community face numerous challenges. A number of which are much different than what we faced growing up. Therefore it is imperative that those of us that have benefited from and those that understand the impact of the Scouting program, come together to help support this much needed program. For 100 years Business leaders, concerned citizens, and Scouters, have laid the foundation for scouting to be available for the youth of our community. They have now passed the torch onto us, to continue this important work, for future generations.

DON'T SLEEP ON THIS: County Budget Workshop, Thurs March 4

2010-03-02T06:43:56-05:00

From The Children's Trust:

This is a message from our friends at the Human Services Coalition.
For questions about this event, please call them directly at 305-576-5001.
For directions, please visit the Human Services Coalition website.