CRA authorizes negotiations for Homestead Live activation grant after mixed public comment

The City of Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency on June 2 instructed staff to negotiate a license agreement with Foodie Town/Homestead Live and to prepare capital improvements on a CRA‑owned site that would not be handed to the operator but paid directly to vendors and contractors up to $175,000.

Proposers Arthur Sorey and Adrian Lazaga told the board their Foodie Town model is a weekly, 52‑week activation with curated food trucks, live music, a children’s play area and security. They said they have more than $100,000 in private investment ready to deploy, expect 25–35 local vendors at full scale, and projected 20,000–60,000 visitors annually by year three. “Day one, we’re ready,” Sorey said, explaining the operator would install restrooms, power hookups and site fencing and start operations upon receipt of permits.

CRA director Beck clarified that the CRA would pay for on‑site infrastructure items (portable restrooms, barriers, electric hookups) and retain ownership of those improvements rather than handing cash to the operator. Beck also said the proposal was unsolicited and that staff had not found a prior formal solicitation for this site.

Board members asked about procurement and contract terms. Councilwoman Erica G. Avila asked for a short renewal cadence and a termination clause so the city could change operators if needed; she also sought clarity about whether CRA investments would be recoverable if an operator left. Beck said CRA improvements would remain city property, minimizing exposure if operators changed.

During public comment, Brandy Ramirez asked council to clarify whether the proposer had prior employment ties in North Miami and recommended issuing an RFP to local businesses instead of negotiating directly. Ramirez said she was concerned about “boldness” in accepting an out‑of‑town operator. In response, Mayor Lawson said staff would have private conversations with any staff members implicated and that questions about proposers’ past employment would be addressed before final approval of any contract.

After additional board questions and direction to staff, the CRA voted to move forward with negotiations and the package that would allow staff to bring back a detailed agreement, funding plan and procurement steps at a later meeting. The board recorded a motion to proceed and a roll call vote; the motion carried.

Next steps: staff will prepare a license/operating agreement, a procurement path for on‑site improvements to be paid by CRA to vendors, and return to the board with a formal agreement for final approval.

(Reporting based on CRA presentation and subsequent board discussion at the June 2 meeting.)