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The Downtown Area 

The Downtown Area . NOW:. Demographics confirm: Opa-locka’s population is aging, becoming poorer. It means disastrous fiscal consequences for the city if this trend is not reversed. Business as usual is not an option. . BIG IDEA: .

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The Downtown Area 

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  1. The Downtown Area 

  2. NOW: Demographics confirm: Opa-locka’s population is aging, becoming poorer. It means disastrous fiscal consequences for the city if this trend is not reversed. Business as usual is not an option.

  3. BIG IDEA: Over the next 10 years, increase the population of Opa-locka by 15%, raise average household income by 10%.

  4. HOW: Leverage Opa-locka’s unique character and location to become a desirable place to visit, to live.

  5. HOW? The key is the downtown area, specifically the city’s fanciful Moorish character, excellent access to rail transit and highways.

  6. VISION IN 2026 Downtown is a thriving regional cluster known for arts and culture, with affordable housing within walking distance of Tri-rail, shopping, and restaurants.

  7. NOW Opa-locka’s image is of violent crime, poverty, corruption.

  8. CHANGE IT. Build a new image, based on unique Moorish identity, add to it a top notch public art program. And, seriously tackle crime issues.

  9. NOW Downtown’s barren parking lots, vacant parcels feel uninviting. Litter and shabby buildings signal neglect. All in all, downtown feels unsafe.

  10. CHANGE IT. Same width as Opa-locka Blvd, with green median, trees, seating. Make downtown pedestrian friendly: add street trees and landscaping, lighting, seating.

  11. CHANGE IT. Same width as Opa-locka Blvd, except buildings flush with sidewalk, parking on street or at rear. Adopt new zoning policies that encourage pedestrian friendly development downtown.

  12. CHANGE IT Pro-actively manage downtown: spark business/CRA partnership. Give design assistance, grants for facades. Add streetscaping, trees, enhanced security. Informal security. Produce special events. Paint can transform!

  13. CHANGE IT Produce quality arts + cultural events quarterly, with music, food. Draw people to Opa-locka for a good time.

  14. NOW Little reason for anyone to come to downtown Opa-locka.

  15. CHANGE IT Put Opa-locka on the arts map. Repurpose the historic city hall complex for arts and cultural programming.

  16. CHANGE IT A Taste Festival in Sherbondy Park? Complement the restored city hall arts complex with a culinary attraction – a commercial kitchen with space for culinary events.

  17. NOW Getting to downtown is via unsightly and uncomfortable industrial corridors.

  18. CHANGE IT Artists make art from mufflers, car parts. Grants for artists to work with folks on Opa-locka Blvd from 27th Improve the appearance of gateways and corridors to downtown.

  19. NOW Opa-locka lacks appeal for market-rate housing for middle income buyers or renters.

  20. CHANGE IT Tallahassee Redevelopment model, Washington DC Encourage redevelopment of barracks area through pub/pvt development of mixed income housing within 10 min walk of Tri-Rail station.

  21. CHANGE IT Parking deck wrapped with retail at street level Work with Tri-Rail to build a parking deck near the station, to serve Opa-locka and neighboring communities. Give people another reason to come to Opa-locka.

  22. CHANGE IT With a vision for downtown and an action plan, work together to make it happen. Use PR well. A new chapter in Opa-locka’s history has begun

  23. TARGET: 2026 Opa-locka’s Centennial. 13 years to become one of Miami-Dade’s quality addresses, to become a destination as well as a community.

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