What is a Choice Neighborhood?

The Choice Neighborhood (CN) program is a grant from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will help revitalize the Martin Luther King Jr. Station neighborhood.. Managed by the Miami-Dade County (MDC) Department of Housing and Community Development, the funding will support redevelopment of the former Annie Colemand 16 and Jollivette Homes - public housing consisting of 116 units. This grant will help with three main values:

People: connect former and current residents that reside in or around the MLK Station Neighborhood with resources that support their growth in education programs, access to affordable childcare, healthy food options, safe recreational areas, employment opportunities, and mobility;

Housing: redevelop housing units with financially viable, high quality mixed-income residential and other needs as part of a larger neighborhood investment strategy; and

Neighborhood: improve the quality of life for residents in the MLK Station Neighborhood by creating a viable, mixed-income community with access to services and amenities that improves living conditions and encourages investment (e.g., schools, educational programs, recreational areas, commercial development, public transportation, employment, and infrastructure).

MDC Housing and Community Development Received funding, what happens now?

MDC Housing and Community Development received a $500,000 CN Planning grant to support the revitalization of the MLK Station Neighborhood, specifically the Annie Coleman 16 and Jollivette Homes. They will lead a planning initiative to create a guiding document for neighborhood investment and redevelopment of public housing into a mixed-income community. The timeline for this project is about 2.5 years with an anticipated completion date in 2027.

Together with residents, public and private agencies, community and philanthropic organizations, and other stakeholders, MCD will work to assess existing conditions, identify needs, and leverage resources to help carry out and implement the plan.

What role do residents (current and former) play in the creation of this plan?

Residents are encouraged to participate in the planning process from start to finish to help create a plan that reflects their needs and concerns. Their knowledge, feedback, and insight on the MLK Station Neighborhood will help to reimagine, design, and implement the policy and physical changes necessary to revitalize the community. This planning initiative is about forming relationships, helping families and neighbors, and aspiring to create a thriving place for all.

Residents can engage with the plan by participating in community meetings and workshops, interacting in group activities, attending fun events, and applying to be a Community Ambassador (use this link to learn about Community Ambassador Opportunities).

What nieghborhood improvements are possible?

This depends largely on residents and market conditions. Previous CN plans have led the reuse of vacant school buildings, redeveloping retail storefronts, the development of new grocery stores, improved parks and open space, invested in safer sidewalks, streets, and bike paths, and created business incubators.

The planning process relies on the residents’ vision for the MLK Station Neighborhood, their goals, concerns, and identifying needs. Community involvement is necessary for this plan to work, especially when the project focuses on the Early Action Project (see the next question below for details on Early Action).

What is the Early Action Activity?

As part of the CN planning grant, approximately $150,000 will be dedicated to identifying and building an “Early Action Activity,” in the MLK Station Neighborhood. The short-term goal aims to encourage residents to help identify, lead, and implement a project that enhances the community with placemaking ideas such as public art, cultural promotion, and economic growth.

Are there hiring opportunities?

YES! The project will need Community Ambassadors to help with resident engagement, data gathering, plan feedback, help organize events + meetings, and participate in other project tasks. A stipend will be provided to those hired. Check here for the job description and openings.

What is mixed-income housing?

Mixed-income housing is defined as providing high-quality, affordable housing in an area for people of various income levels. Households, the people living within a residential unit, with low to moderate or higher incomes live next to one another. This helps long time residents remain in the community, reduces fear of displacement, and keeps them in proximity to city services and employment.

How much housing will be redeveloped and where would it go?

The quantity and type of housing will depend on community feedback, data analysis, and market conditions. A market study will be performed to help determine options that are financially feasible. Redeveloped housing will be located on the site of the former Annie Coleman 16 and Jollievette homes. The CN plan requires 100% replacement of the housing units as part of new mixed-income community.

Do residents need to move out during the planning process?

No, residents do not need to move out. The planning process will involve the exploration of potential future housing options.

What happens after the MLK Station Choice Neighborhood Plan is completed?

MDC will identify and create partnerships with public and private agencies, community and philanthropic organizations, and other stakeholders to generate funds that helps implement the goals stated in the plan. MDC will also apply for HUD’s CN Implementation Grant to help leverage additional financial resources.