The North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency approved a $1,200,000 business rehabilitation grant for Nomi Village, a redevelopment and cultural hub on Northwest Seventh Avenue, by a 5-0 vote.

Martin Clark, speaking on behalf of Nomi Village, described the project as a build-out to more than double the site’s operational footprint and listed a scope that includes culinary-incubator containers (three commercial kitchens), an event pavilion tent and modular bar, perimeter fencing, lighting systems, entrance features, landscaping enhancements and site utility upgrades. Clark said the project’s projected total cost is $3,000,000 and that Nomi Village had invested more than $1 million of its own funds since taking on the site during the COVID period.

Clark said Nomi Village employs more than 40 people and that “80% of them have ZIP codes that reside within the North Miami area.” He also said the organization has commitments from event partners and is pursuing sponsorships and bookings, and mentioned past and anticipated partnerships including Southeast Food & Wine and a Formula 1–related opportunity.

Councilmember Charles proposed a friendly amendment on the floor to raise the grant from $1.2 million to $1.7 million to give the project additional cushion; that increase was not adopted. City staff and the CRA executive director explained that the $1.2 million figure reflects the CRA-eligible expenses identified in the applicant’s pro forma and a modest contingency, and that certain items in the applicant’s broader budget are not eligible for CRA funding. The executive director advised the board that raising the grant to $1.7 million would include costs the CRA cannot reimburse under its eligible-expense rules.

Staff also noted that 35% of the county tax-increment financing (TIF) allocation is legally dedicated toward Northwest Seventh Avenue projects; the CRA manager said approximately $1,700,000 remains in that Northwest Seventh Avenue line item at the time of the meeting, but that other commitments draw on the same allocation. Board members requested a report by late fall on drawdowns from a previously approved loan program and CRA reimbursements so the board could anticipate available cash flow for future awards.

Dilla Grant, a vendor at Nomi Village, told the board the market has been “a vital cultural and economic hub” that supports small businesses and helps build customer relationships, and asked the board for support. After discussion, Vice Chair Timothy moved to approve Agenda Item 3; the motion was seconded and carried 5-0. Several board members indicated the applicant may come back for additional funding if needed and that staff and city departments would work with Nomi Village on outstanding city obligations before additional disbursements.

The grant will be administered over three years with CRA oversight and reimbursement for eligible expenses as identified by staff.