From City Hall: Pop-Up Gallery Approval, Parking Rate Extension, and ADA Transition Update

At its first City Commission meeting in July, the Coral Gables City Commission was without Commissioner Ariel Fernandez, conspicuously absent following allegations that he violated multiple state statutes by conducting illegal surveillance as a sitting city commissioner on residents of Coral Gables. In his absence, the Commission:

School Speed Zone

Voted 4-0 to award a contract to Jenoptik Smart Mobility Solutions for school zone speed detection systems to be implemented around Coral Gables High School. Police Chief Ed Hudak said the systems should all be installed before the midpoint of the fall semester. The Commission also voted unanimously to upgrade police radios to align with the newer ones used by the Fire Department.

Public Art for Art Week

Voted 4-0 to approve an art series for Miami Art Week/Art Basel called “Intervals,” featuring five art installations in public spaces across Coral Gables. Funding of $110,000 will come from the Art in Public Places fund to create and market the program. Both the Arts Advisory Panel and the Cultural Development Board voted unanimously to approve the project.

Nov. Election Confirmed, Castro Censured

Failed to move forward a proposal sponsored by Commissioner Melissa Castro that would repeal the decision to move the city’s elections to November. Castro argued that the matter should be put to a vote by residents, and cited quotes from the attorney general (AG) to support her claim that there could be legal implications for moving forward without official resident input. The attorney general, however, was quoted as referring to the City of Miami’s potential decision to move elections – and therefore grant its elected officials an extra year in office; in Coral Gables, moving the elections would actually reduce sitting commissioners’ terms. Commissioner Richard Lara and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson argued that the voters had already decided on the matter by voting for Lara in April, with one of the biggest differences between him and his opponent being their respective stances on changing elections. “I don’t think it’s prudent for you to… invite scrutiny… almost, it appears to me, [to seek] intervention from the attorney general to create the very legal challenge that you’re saying right now that we should avoid,” Lara told Castro, who requested an opinion from the attorney general, which has not yet been issued. He added than an opinion does not constitute an order, and that there are proven legal grounds for moving elections without balloting – something done by other Florida cities.

Vice Mayor Anderson moved to censure Castro, a largely symbolic motion that passed 3-1, for requesting an opinion without Commission consensus or discussion on the matter. The Commission then voted 3-1 again to show support for other cities moving their elections to November if such a lawsuit is brought against them.

New Windows for City Hall

Voted 3-1 to approve the window replacements at City Hall and listened to an update from Deputy City Manager Joe Gomez on the overall restoration efforts. To expedite matters, the project has been broken down to only one phase that encompasses both the initial design and final design and permitting processes. The city intends to have permits by the end of June 2026, with construction starting immediately afterwards. The target completion date is December 2027. Commissioner Castro voted against the window replacements, citing the Historic Preservation’s Board desire for an assessment on repairing the existing windows. “We can repair the windows… but [then] we’re getting the same product that caused the same problem [of water intrusion] again at a very high cost…. [without] hurricane resistance,” said City Manager Peter Iglesias. At the last Historic Preservation Board meeting, the board did not renew its request for an assessment, which Iglesias considered too costly and time-consuming. A presentation on the windows will be shown at the August meeting. The Commission later voted 4-0 to accept a contract for the construction of temporary offices at the Minorca Garage for the Commission to occupy whilst repairs are being made at City Hall. 

Accelerating Permitting

Voted 4-0 to add 20 full-time positions and transfer $1.3 million to the Building Division in the General Fund for the cost of the added positions and replacement of existing equipment. This move is in effort to revamp and accelerate the city’s permitting process.

Pop-Up Art Gallery

Voted 4-0 to approve a temporary license agreement with Pedrido Arte at 290 Miracle Mile for a pop-up art gallery and studio. Contemporary Cuban artist Alejandro Pedrido will run the space as a personal gallery and to host other artists, art classes, and workshops. Pedrido has been a resident artist in Coral Gables for some time, known for his community events. Pedrido Arte will also take part in the city’s monthly Gallery Night.

Venetian Pool Delay

Voted 4-0 to accept an extension of the grant given to the Venetian Pool for structural repairs and renovations, the completion of which has now been delayed until early 2026.

A State Rep at Home

Voted 3-0 to negotiate an agreement with State Representative Demi Busatta for use of an office space at the City Hall Annex Building for one year. “It’s going to be great to have someone who has such a significant role in the appropriations process literally 10 feet from our front door,” said Mayor Lago. Commissioner Castro was absent for the vote.

Parking Reduction Redux

Voted 4-0 to extend the Resident Parking Rate Pilot Program through the first City Commission meeting in January 2026, in order to collect additional data and better determine the long-term feasibility of the program. The program gives residents a 25% discount when using the PayByPhone app. 

Crosswalk Pavers Questioned

Discussed removing the pavers at crosswalks on Miracle Mile, which Mayor Lago believes cost too much money to maintain and present a liability for those who might trip on the uneven surfaces. Other options to beautify the crosswalks and surrounding areas will be presented at the next meeting.

ADA Access Reviewed

Listened to an update on the city’s ADA transition plan, a document that guides conversion of public space from “not accessible” to “accessible.” As part of this plan, the city has evaluated its physical facilities and their adjacent rights-of-way (14 buildings, 33 parking areas, 42 recreation facilities, 55 trolley stops, and all public right-of-way sidewalks and parking spaces within the Central Business District) to identify what modifications are necessary. Audible push signals are being installed at approved crosswalks across the city.

City Rents Online

Voted 3-1 to make the rent report on city-owned properties available on the city website and requiring a supermajority (four-fifths) vote of the Commission to approve grants to tenants for improvements of those properties that are the obligation of the tenant under their lease.

Youth Center Ownership in Question

Discussed the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center (WMYC) property, which recently came under scrutiny for its stewardship and potential fraud. In 1958, after the WMYC moved to its current location, the property was deeded back to the city with a clause stating that the property must be used for the recreation and benefit of the youth of Coral Gables; otherwise, it would revert to the WMYC Association. Under former Commissioner Kirk Menendez, the nonprofit that operates the Center lost its 501c3 status, making its ownership potentially in question. “I’m asking for there to be a formal investigation,” said Mayor Lago. City staff is expected to bring a report back in August, based on a request to the Youth Center Association on its documentation.

Parking Charges at the Biltmore

Voted 4-0 to authorize the operators of the Biltmore Hotel to charge for parking at its west parking lot. Funds generated from parking fees will be used on restorations for the hotel and the parking lot

Resident Reviews Prioritized

Voted 4-0 to prioritize residential building reviews by establishing an Order of Business for Board of Architects (BOA) meetings. As part of this restructuring, additional architects will be added to the BOA to further expedite reviews and time-certain presentations will be allowed based on the project types.