Affordable Housing Development Unveiled in Overtown

The Beacon is about inspiring people for change, Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones said

Bloodshed, guns and violence continue to plague the city of Miami.

Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones seems to know where the problem lies.

"Gang violence, whether or not we want to admit it or not, it’s on the rise in the city of Miami, especially in my district,” she said.

The issue of crime is one of the main reasons the public and private sector have joined together to create a safer environment for her district’s residents. On Wednesday morning officials unveiled The Beacon, a high-rise affordable housing building in the heart of Overtown for those less fortunate.

"It’s about really inspiring the people for change,” Spence-Jones said.

Reginald Munnings has already seen a change in his life. As he stepped onto his balcony at the Beacon on Wednesday, he was reminded of the place he called home for more than two decades, not too far in the distance.

Munnings said he’s seen about three murders take place.

"I've seen so much violence and so much negative things going on that at times I would turn off my TV and open my door and watch live entertainment,” he said.

But in his new home, he said, “I feel safe and secure."

Carlisle Development Group hosted the grand opening of the Beacon, the first affordable housing development built in Overtown’s historic district in more than a decade. Its 90 units are designed for people making between 28 percent and 60 percent of the average median income. The LEED-certified complex includes 2,900 square feet of community space for the Center for Empowerment and Education, which is operated by an Overtown nonprofit, called Urgent, Inc., that provides residents with after school supplemental education, and youth development and intergenerational programs.

During the last few weeks, many shootings have been left unsolved with no motives or suspects in custody in Miami-Dade County. Spence-Jones said when you're trying to fight crime, you have to start by cleaning up the neighborhood.

“When we start creating these type of good, clean, safe environments or developments, then that attracts a whole new energy,” she said.

An energy where residents like Munnings can live in peace.

"The Beacon has become a beacon of hope, yes. Here I feel safe,” he said.

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