James McQueen, Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency

In an interview with Invest:, James McQueen, executive director of the Southeast Overtown / Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, discussed significant milestones in the development of Overtown, including the completion of the Sawyer’s Walk project. McQueen highlighted ongoing efforts to address affordable housing, job creation initiatives, and community safety.

What have been the most significant milestones for the agency over the last 12-18 months?
The biggest recent milestone is the completion of a project that has been in the works for the past six to seven years, known as Sawyer’s Walk, located on what we identify as Block 55. It includes residential housing, 589 senior citizen units, a Burlington Coat Factory, Target, Five Below, and an Aldi. Additionally, the largest shipping company in the world, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), is relocating there and bringing with it between 400 and 600 permanent jobs.

What efforts are being made in terms of affordable housing?
We recently completed 589 units of affordable housing for seniors, but in addition to that, we have a bond issuance scheduled for funding in December or January. That will enable us to address housing issues further with four additional affordable housing projects. We’re entering the second phase of Courtside, which will add between 160 and 180 affordable units. This is a public housing project supported by bond funding. It offers almost 600 units for residents within the 30%-80% of the area median income (AMI) range. From a rental standpoint, we are always trying to increase our affordable housing stock. We’re also planning two condo developments that will allow people to achieve homeownership in Overtown.

How has the economic landscape impacted your projects or strategies?
A major challenge in developing housing projects is the rising cost of construction, which directly impacts unit and rental prices. This issue isn’t unique to Overtown, though, as the broader economy is still grappling with supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, causing prices to continue increasing. I’m not sure what we can do about that, but we are hopeful that interest rates will eventually decrease, improving affordability for more people.

What initiatives have you implemented to foster job creation?
The CRA continues to support businesses trying to start in Overtown and Park West. We are completing the buildout of a space called Lyric Point, which will house a new restaurant and a relocated establishment from Little Green House, alongside a pizza shop, a floral design company, and others. We’ve also funded the buildout of two small businesses – an urban wear company and a smoothie shop owned by two young Black female entrepreneurs. We continue to invest in companies and individuals who want to come to Overtown. Additionally, we’re supporting the development of a supper club called Harlem Square, a multilevel venue with a $4.5 million investment to make it a true destination.
We continue to support job-creation programs and encourage companies moving into the area to prioritize hiring from within the community. One of the great things about having stores like Publix and Target in the area is that it enables more local job opportunities within walking distance. A big challenge in Miami, especially, is transportation — it’s among the worst for major cities. To address this, we’ve made a $17 million investment in Tri-Rail, a transit line connecting downtown with other areas. Qualified residents can now ride the train for free as part of the agreement with our investment, which dramatically expands their employment opportunities to areas like downtown Miami and even as far as West Palm Beach. This broadens job access across multiple counties and creates many more opportunities for employment.

How do you collaborate with law enforcement and other stakeholders to foster safer neighborhoods?

We allocated an additional $1 million to the police department’s budget to enhance safety in Overtown, including installing cameras on light posts, improving lighting, and, most importantly, developing programming for children. We’re working with multiple groups to create safe spaces and new opportunities for young people so they stay away from crime.

What are your top priorities for Overtown over the next few years?

Our focus remains on building affordable housing and rehabilitating existing units, with 400 units already completed, totaling $60 million in investment. We’re also investing in beautifying the neighborhood, including a $14 million redesign of the 9th Street Mall and walkway to make it a vibrant attraction for visitors. Enhancing aesthetics and improving the housing stock will remain our primary focus for the sake of community improvement.

How do you see Overtown impacting Miami’s broader development landscape?
With continued investment, Overtown could transform into a major arts and entertainment district. Combined with what we are doing with the 9th Street Mall, I believe we can become a major travel destination. Historically, before I-95 split the community in two, Overtown was a destination for travelers worldwide. By supporting the arts, we believe we can revitalize the area as a tourism hub like it used to be. Overtown’s history, especially its churches, plays a central role in our revitalization efforts. The Black church has been a significant property owner and pillar in the community. Our priority is to protect these institutions, ensuring their safety while preserving their historical value and role in the community. We have invested a lot of money in making sure these buildings remain safe and viable because, without them, much of the history of the community would be lost.
Another key consideration is recognizing that many residents still face struggles despite the progress we’re seeing. We need to remember everyone in the community, especially our youth. Recently, I visited a high school where the chairwoman encouraged young women with the message, “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t be.” This community can only achieve its full potential if we include and support all residents in this journey.

What legacy do you hope to leave for future generations?
Our vision is to ensure that long-term residents remain a part of this community’s future. We want those who grew up here to benefit from the growth and prosperity of Overtown, ensuring that the neighborhood retains its heritage and identity.