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: Over the next 10 years, increase the

population of Opa-locka by 15%, raise average household income by 10%.

HOW: Leverage Opa-locka’s unique

character and location to become a desirable place to visit, to live.

HOW? The key is the

downtown area, specifically the city’s fanciful Moorish character, excellent access to rail transit and highways.

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.

NOW Opa-locka’s image is of violent

crime, poverty, corruption.

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.

NOW Downtown’s barren parking lots, vacant

parcels feel uninviting. Litter and shabby buildings signal neglect. All in all, downtown feels unsafe.

CHANGE IT. Make downtown pedestrian friendly: add

street trees and landscaping, lighting, seating.

Same width as Opa-locka Blvd, with green median, trees, seating.

CHANGE IT. Adopt new zoning policies that encourage

pedestrian friendly development downtown.

Same width as Opa-locka Blvd, except buildings flush with sidewalk, parking on street or at rear.

CHANGE IT Pro-actively manage

downtown: spark business/CRA partnership. Give design assistance, grants for facades. Add streetscaping, trees, enhanced security.

Produce special events.Paint can transform!

Informal security.

CHANGE IT Produce quality arts

+ cultural events quarterly, with music, food. Draw people to Opa-locka for a good time.

NOW Little reason for anyone to come to

downtown Opa-locka.

CHANGE IT Put Opa-locka on the arts map. Repurpose

the historic city hall complex for arts and cultural programming.

CHANGE IT Complement the restored city hall arts

complex with a culinary attraction – a commercial kitchen with space for culinary events.

A Taste Festival in Sherbondy Park?

NOW Getting to downtown is via unsightly

and uncomfortable industrial corridors.

CHANGE IT Improve the appearance of gateways

and corridors to downtown.

Artists make art from mufflers, car parts.

Grants for artists to work with folks on Opa-locka Blvd from 27th

NOW Opa-locka lacks appeal for market-

rate housing for middle income buyers or renters.

CHANGE IT Encourage redevelopment of barracks

area through pub/pvt development of mixed income housing within 10 min walk of Tri-Rail station.

Tallahassee

Redevelopment model, Washington DC

CHANGE IT 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.

Parking deck wrapped with retail at street level

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

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.