From City Hall: Live Local Debate, New Development, and More
At its meeting in November, the Coral Gables City Commission:
A Clean Water Solution?
Voted 5-0 to find a location for a water decontamination technology developed by AquaChar to be tested in the city. Coral Gables resident Richard Ricardo invented the tech, which uses “aqua graphene” (essentially reclaimed hardwood) to remove water pollutants, kill off the pathogens, and replace them with oxygen that remains in the water for three to six months. The decontamination device runs on solar power and is carbon-negative with no emissions. Ricardo, who runs the nonprofit AquaChar, explained that lack of oxygen – and the presence of pollutants – in water is a huge issue, one that affects everything from marine life health to the smell of the water. His aqua graphene binds with contaminants like lead, microplastics, PFAs, ammonia, heavy metals, and organic waste and transforms them into nutrients. It can be used in personal gardens and aquariums or in larger waterways. University of Miami has certified his technology, which Ricardo is hoping to test in oxygen-depleted areas of Coral Gables’ canals. Mayor Vince Lago and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, both known for their environmentalism, were visibly excited by the idea.
Live Local Controversy
Let a motion die on a resolution to urge the state legislature to amend the Live Local Act to account for municipal-based median incomes rather than area median incomes. Commissioner Melissa Castro, who sponsored the item, explained that under the current rules, developments in Hialeah, for example, are charging the same Live Local rental rates as they would in Coral Gables. Her proposal would make rates for affordable housing higher in Coral Gables, where the median income is significantly higher than the rest of the state. Mayor Lago vehemently opposed the proposal, asserting that it would “not produce more affordability,” but would rather “produce more profit” for developers who see a better chance to build more expensive units in the Gables. “It actually encourages more high-density projects,” said Lago. “If we now voluntarily raise the income threshold, we’re simply sweetening the deal, making Coral Gables even more attractive for larger, taller projects…. This proposal makes it easier for developers to build more towers, more density, more high-rises, while offering fewer truly affordable units for the families we claim to be helping.” As part of his argument, Lago pointed to “significant progress” on negotiations he’s made with RTZ developers on issues like design, height, parking, impact, and Art in Public Places projects (RTZ stands for the Rapid Transit Zones surrounding Metrorail stations, where the county can override local zoning and allow greater eight and density). Commissioner Castro seemed unable to understand the idea that her resolution would encourage, rather than discourage, development. She was unable to gain support from any of the other commissioners.
City Environmentalism Honored
Listened to a presentation from the Keep Coral Gables Beautiful team, which hosted the Keep Florida Beautiful Conference from November 5 to 7 at the Hyatt. Over 100 attendees from around the state came, while the City of Coral Gables was honored specially for its innovative work in sustainability.
New Development
Voted 4-1 on first reading to approve the 760 Ponce development, which involves re-zoning a commercial block north of SW 8th Street, on the corner of Ponce de Leon Blvd. and Boabadilla St, which is currently home to a medical office building. The development will include benefits to the community, including intersection improvements, streetscape beautification, traffic calming measures, a public plaza with trees, and improved sidewalk and pedestrian crossings. The project will also remain under six stories (about 61-feet) and will use less than half of its available density. The developer has worked extensively with nearby residents to get their approval on the final project; one even showed up to advocate for the project. City staff, as well as the Board of Architects, recommended approval. Mayor Lago asked for a detailed breakdown on the developer’s new traffic calming measures and sidewalks, signed off by nearby residents, before second reading. He and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson were adamant about including shade trees on the median and around the property. Commissioner Castro was the sole dissenter, though she did not provide reasoning for her vote.
New Art
Listened to an update on the Art on the Plaza program, which hosts an ongoing, rotating public art exhibition curated by the Coral Gables Museum. A new work of art – “Minna” by famed Spanish artist Jaume Plensa – is coming to the Cora building next to Shops at Merrick Park (4241 Aurora Avenue) as part of the program but will be displayed first at the museum. The 11-foot bronze head will be painted white and set on a marble base for a combined weight of approximately 4,000 pounds.
New Dog Park
Voted 3-0 to develop an off-leash dog park at 520 University Drive on the corner of University and Segovia Street across from the Coral Gables Library. The park, spearheaded by Vice Mayor Anderson, will include two areas for larger dogs and one for smaller pups. A coalition of residents came to express their support, showing a petition signed by over 225 nearby residents in favor of the park. Commissioners Castro and Ariel Fernandez were absent for the vote.