One item at the meeting was the approval of a resolution for an interlocal agreement with Kimley Horn to provide pre-development services for landscaping on Northwest 7th Avenue. This agreement is part of a broader initiative to enhance the corridor through landscape beautification and irrigation, addressing previously incomplete work on the medians. The project will cover the area between Northwest 155th Street and Northwest 80th Street, involving collaboration with the City of Miami, the CRA, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to identify utility locations and gather site data.

During the public hearing on this agenda item, a board member emphasized the necessity of effective irrigation for landscaping and raised concerns about inadequate street lighting. They suggested exploring alternative lighting options and incorporating outlets for holiday decorations to enhance community celebrations. The project team acknowledged these suggestions.

In an effort to maintain transparency and ensure satisfactory landscaping outcomes, a midway briefing with the CRA board was proposed. This comes after past experiences where dissatisfaction with tree selection led to their removal. The board stressed the importance of selecting native tree species that contribute positively to the visual appeal of the avenue, with the executive director of the Northwest 7th Avenue CRA affirming that irrigation would support vibrant landscaping.

Another resolution approved during the meeting involved the Greater Miami Service Corps (GMSC) for a beautification program targeting 15 single-family residences within the redevelopment area. The $150,000 budget aims to empower local youth through workforce development while enhancing community aesthetics. The program will provide $10,000 worth of improvements per residence, focusing on landscaping, facades, and minor energy efficiencies. Youth participants, aged 18 to 24, will be selected from among North Miami residents to ensure local involvement.

The meeting also addressed various ongoing projects and financial commitments. The executive director reported on the upcoming launch of the residential rehabilitation program, with applications opening December 1 and closing January 23. A lottery will determine recipients, although the date for this event is pending. Additionally, the Solo Miami initiative was discussed, with applications for five units available at 80% Area Median Income (AMI) due by November 7, and a lottery scheduled for November 12.

Concerns about projects currently in default were raised, with the executive director explaining that no grants had been rescinded. Instead, the CRA is working with developers to resolve funding shortfalls and project delays. A financial balance of $4 million owed to developers was noted, with payments planned over the current and next fiscal years. The Redwood project’s status was discussed, with the developer expressing cooperation but requiring further submissions before agreements could proceed.

The meeting concluded with a review of financial arrangements for a separate project involving $8 million from city funds, with plans to revisit this matter in the November board meeting.