Submitted By Natalie Leon
MIAMI-DADE —Representatives from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) presented a $39.9 million grant to Miami-Dade County through Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD) and the City of Miami to support the revitalization of the Overtown neighborhood through the FY2023/24 Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI).
“You cannot overstate the transformative nature of Choice Neighborhoods investments in these communities. Not only are these awards made in neighborhoods in greatest need, but awardees demonstrate the vision, diligence, and capacity to leverage these funds to expand housing supply and provide vital resources to residents,” said Richard J. Monocchio, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. “This Administration recognizes the importance of providing access to employment opportunities, public transportation, healthcare services, and a wide range of other amenities to people living in these communities.”
The CNI program aims to transform distressed public housing into vibrant, mixed-income communities. Miami-Dade’s proposal represents a unique partnership between the County, the City of Miami, Atlantic Pacific Communities (APC) and Camillus House and many other partners to coordinate investments in the Overtown neighborhood as part of a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy. APC is the designated developer for the Culmer Place/Culmer Gardens public housing sites, with Camillus providing case management and supportive services to both public housing and neighborhood residents. The County and City will ensure that this revitalization strategy extends beyond the borders of the public housing sites to encompass every corner of Overtown.
“This is about even more than housing – this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for entire neighborhood revitalization. We will leverage these funds to create a stronger, more equitable, and resilient Overtown,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Just one year after receiving the same grant for Goulds, this announcement is a transformational step forward as our county tackles the housing crisis from north to south.”
District 3 Commissioner Keon Hardemon remarked, “This grant will empower our community, bringing much-needed investment to Overtown.”
PHCD Director Alex R. Ballina emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “This initiative will foster engagement among local leaders and residents, ensuring a comprehensive approach to revitalization.”
The grant must be utilized by September 2032, ensuring all HUD-assisted units are replaced on a one-for-one basis, with a commitment to the right-to-return for affected residents.
About Miami-Dade County Public Housing and Community Development:
Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD) provides affordable housing solutions and improves the quality of life for residents in Miami-Dade County. PHCD administers a variety of federal, state, and local funding programs to support housing development, rehabilitation, homeownership, and communit
