Coral Gables Watch

COVID-19 Vaccine Administration: Florida and City of Coral Gables

We know the organization and access to vaccines is chaotic in Florida.  There is political manipulation of the vaccine allocations by state authorities.

I urge that the City of Coral Gables be especially careful and open in managing any vaccines acquired, being transparent and fair.

Also, the City of Coral Gables should regularly publish vaccine information, the number obtained and assignments.

TODAY! COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY MARCH 9 — ZONING CHANGES TO THE CRAFTS SECTION & MIRACLE MILE –

MIRACLE MILE– KEEP IT COMMERCIAL. “What has been dubbed as the “compromise” plan…seems to have left one thing out, the clear message sent by residents that they do not wish for any changes to be made to the Mile”. [GABLES INSIDER] 1. REQUEST TO KEEP ZAIN/FRIEDMAN OVERLAY. MERRICK CONCEIVED THE 4-BLOCK STRETCH AS A COMMERCIAL THOROUGHFARE [LATER A SHOPPING DESTINATION] NOT A RESIDENTIAL HUB. LIVING ON THE MILE IS NOT THE ANSWER TO REVITALIZING THE MILE. “Miracle Mile  is composed of small boutiques and is one of the few remaining developments of its type that has maintained its original purpose and significance” [Miracle Mile Historical Marker]  CLICK LINK BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT “MIRACLE MILE: THE EVOLUTION OF A STREET” CORAL GABLES EXHIBIT 2016

Miracle Mile: The Evolution of a Street

ADDITIONALLY, HAS ANYONE ASKED THE SHOP OWNERS WHAT IS BEST FOR BUSINESS? MANY OPPOSE REMOTE PARKING, STATING. “Shoppers want the convenience of parking on the Mile to shop on the Mile”.  2. FROM A FORMER COMMISSIONER: “When the Commission, upon which I served, adopted the current regulations [ZAIN/FRIEDMAN OVERLAY] we (1) placed a protective zoning overlay to preserve the Mile’s character and charm and (2) continued the requirement that appropriate parking be provided on-site for new construction. In doing so, we fully realized that there would be very little interest in the cost of consolidating properties in order to provide a footprint large enough to erect a six story building especially if on-site parking had to be provided – such a project would be a “non-starter” economically. Furthermore, access to the parking would have to be acquired from behind the building as no Commission would approve driveway entrances leading directly onto Miracle Mile. We appear to have been right: there has been no such construction over the past two decades. Allowing off-site parking will open the door to such construction on an accelerated pace, changing the character of one of South Florida’s last true “main streets” and, simultaneously, providing inferior parking choices which will not be attractive to shoppers or diners who already complain about the lack of adequate, convenient parking.” 3.  Remote parking works in certain situations BUT NOT in Coral Gables and certainly NOT ON MIRACLE MILE as evidenced by the number of people who use valet parking – or by those who quit shopping on the Mile once on-street parking was removed.   TO DATE OVER 2000 RESIDENTS HAVE VOICED THEIR OPINION AGAINST THE MIRACLE MILE & CRAFTS SECTION REZONING  INCLUDING A RALLY OF 50+ IN FRONT OF CITY HALL, SIGNED PETITIONS, LETTERS, PUBLIC COMMENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA, ETC. 

TODAY! COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY MARCH 9 — ZONING CHANGES TO THE CRAFTS SECTION & MIRACLE MILE – stephenmcgy@gmail.com – Gmail