Proposal to Establish an Inter-American Community Park in Miami, 1961

Refugees

Refugees--Employment

Cuban Americans

Refugees--Government policy

Refugees--Services for

Parks

Public works

Proposal submitted by Frank F. Stearns of Miami for an Inter-American Community Park to be developed with labor from Cuban refugees. The proposal includes a related newspaper clipping and a map showing the proposed location near Opa-Locka.

Stearns, Frank Foster, 1898-1980

State Archives of Florida, Series S756

1961-02

proposals

eng-US

Text

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Postwar Florida (1945-1968)

Miami (Fla.)

Miami-Dade County (Fla.)

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NON COMPETITIVE FOR POLITICAL REFUGEES START IMMEDIATE CONSTRUCTION To promote friendly understanding and better relations between nations and to provide work for political refugees non-competitive with United States citizens, I request that serious consideration be given to the following proposals: 1. Establish much needed Inter-American Community Park in Miami area without delay. Because of the critical Cuban situation with the growing number of exiled patriotic Cubans, many of the high caliber, coming into the Greater Miami area; because of national concern for the welfare and friendship of many of these displaced person and because of their efforts and willingness to take any kind of respectable work rather than ask for charity; because Miami is the focal center for Inter-American activities relief could be provided by starting work to develop here an attractive Inter-American parklike community of nations subdivision. Such a community of nations subdivision would not only provide employment but could become a permanent medium for understanding. The workers would feel that they are helping to build good will. The project should be developed in such way as not to interfere with that but rather to augment and early start on the planned Interama on the 1600 acre Graves tract. The Inter-American Authority has been steadfastly working to create a real Center of the American here. Senator George Smathers as one of the original sponsors has long been an enthusiastic supporter of such a Center. 2. The United States government-owned and now disused Marine Corps Airport (Masters Field) on the west side of N.W. 27th Avenue immediately south of Opalocka appears to have possibilities and is well located for such a (National, States, County, or Municipalities) project. Because this area does not need filling or material regarding, work for the greatest number of persons could be provided without delay on a community-of-nations subdivision, Fairgrounds and Industrial Park. See accompanying map for location.

3. Subdivide a part of the large acreage into plots of uniform size, say 125 x 200 feet each somewhat in accordance with the former official City of Miami Pan American Center plan for the west bend of McArthur causeway. See accompanying photostatic copy of Columbian newspaper clipping illustrating the plan. Assign each site to a particular nation giving each an opportunity to approve or object to the proposed location of it’s plot in the subdivision. Where proper government officials do not appear to be interested at this time, still proceed to designate plots for such countries. 4. Invite each nation to improve its plot by landscaping and possibly by erection of a suitable building thereon all subject to controls especially as to minimum yard spaces and architectural harmony. Install a tall flag pole at the front of each plot so that each nations flag could be raised and displayed every day to fly in harmony with the others. These national flags would give life and color to the entire area. 5. Employ screened political refugees and others to work under proper supervision clearing the plots and planting or transplanting trees and plants. 6. Existing residential type building could be used for temporary housing. 7. Present unused hangers could be used for a Fair or Exposition of products of the Americans. 8. Remainder of area particularly along the railroad would become increasingly valuable for private development as an Industrial Park. Again I call attention to the fact that the land does not need to be filled therefore the maximum amount of employment could be provided in the shortest time. Because of the International character of such a public project, even though the workers would be paid by local or national or international interests, there would be no real competition with United States citizens who may need work. If, after part of the area has been improved as an Inter American community park, the entire area would be needed and become more desirable for other purposes,

Participating nations would undoubtedly be willing to move and join with the Inter American Center Authority in developing the Graves Tract as a magnificent Inter American Cultural and Trade Center. At any rate, I suggest that because of the extreme urgency for action on constructive plans for building good will among nations earnest consideration be given to the foregoing proposals. Respectfully submitted Frank F. Stearns Copies to: Governor Farris Bryant Mr. Abraham Ribicoff Dean Homer E. Marsh, U of M Dr. Irving E. Muskat William C. Lantaff, Chairman Inter American Authority Alan Courtney William F. Pawley

[Map of Metropolitan Miami area, published by the City Planning Board of Miami]

[Reprint of a newspaper article titled "ADMIRABLE INICIATIVA DEL CONSUL OF COLOMBIA EN MIAMI, D. GABRIEL SARAVA"]

MIAMI --- THE MAGNETIC CITY IN THE HEART OF THE AMERICANS FRANK F. STEARNS COMMUNITY CONSULTANT PLANNING AND ZONING PHONE PL 9-2139 77 N.W. 48th Street MIAMI, FLORIDA