From City Hall: RTZ Update, Mobility Hub Design, and More

During its late (and only) meeting in August, the Coral Gables City Commission continued to meet without embattled Commissioner Ariel Fernandez, who has been absent from city meetings since allegations of illegal activity were raised against him in late June.

RTZ Update

Voted 4-0 to request that Miami-Dade County incorporate amendments to its proposed Rapid Transit Zone (RTZ) near UM, to address Coral Gables’ character, quality of life, and municipal concerns. County Commissioner Raquel Regalado was on hand to discuss the matter, pointing out that the Gables is the only municipality that has had any kind of RTZ participation – something she advocated. Many of the city’s requests, she said, are up to the developers, though she agreed to amend her legislation to include lighting, signage, open space, and a minimum separation of 100-feet for structures abutting single-family homes. During the discussion, multiple issues were raised, including how the Live Local Act could allow a much larger development should the RTZ not be approved, and one member of the Planning and Zoning Board’s inflammatory treatment of Regalado. (That member, Sue Kawalerski, was later removed from the board by a 3-1 vote with Commissioner Melissa Castro dissenting.) Ultimately, the city has virtually no power over the RTZ, though Regalado has agreed to work with the Commission.

Art Cinema Expansion

Listened to an update on the expansion of the Coral Gables Art Cinema, which will be taking over the space currently occupied by Patio & Things next door. While there is no definitive timeline yet, final renovation plans have been submitted, which include a new 90-seat auditorium and lobby café. Donations can be made at gablescinema.com.

Spanish Murals

Voted 4-0 to accept the gift of new murals from the Spanish consulate to celebrate Coral Gables’ 100-year anniversary and the influence of Spanish culture in the city. A Spanish artist will paint the two murals at McBride Park, each of which will feature symbols from Malaga, Spain, and Coral Gables, including Pablo Picasso and George Merrick.

New Mobility Hub Design

Voted 3-1 to move forward with a new design for the Mobility Hub behind the Miracle Theatre. The evaluation of a potential Mediterranean Revival style garage showed that it would be difficult to incorporate those stylistic elements within the narrow space of the property. Mediterranean Revival style architecture requires enclosure, heaviness, and depth, while the garage needs openness and airflow for sustainable performance and public safety.

The designers presented three options. The option that won out, “Carved by Nature,” was like “looking through dense tree structures and conceptualizing them into an abstract shape,” according to the designers. Mayor Vince Lago, Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, and Commissioner Richard Lara all voted for that option. Commissioner Castro advocated for two separate, shorter garages and for more resident input.

New Art on Ponce

Voted 4-0 to approve commissioning a public art piece by Michele Oka Doner in conjunction with The Aurelian luxury apartment development at 912 E Ponce de Leon Blvd. The 10-foot cast bronze sculpture will be in the lobby rotunda, visible from the street. Total cost is estimated at $300,000, paid for by the developers as part of the Art in Public Places program. 

Election Date to be Decided by Ballot

Voted 3-1 on first reading to call for a vote by residents to change the city’s general elections from April to November, to coincide with state and federal elections. Ballots will be mailed out by April 21, 2026. Anderson also requested that ballots contain questions about establishing an inspector general’s office and prohibiting use of the city’s financial reserves except by a four-fifths vote. Lago also moved to add questions regarding the timing of the city’s charter review, making salary increases only be referendum, prohibiting election date changes via ordinance, and allowing Commission members to remove their board appointees without a Commission vote. Castro said mail-in balloting would be too expensive (around $80,000), and advocated putting the questions on the April 2027 regular election ballot. She said she believes the mayor’s reasoning for a 2026 special election is to force her and Commissioner Fernandez out of office earlier. (All current Commission members would lose five months on their terms if elections are moved to November.) Lago and Anderson both pointed out that there would still be roughly $120,000 in savings if elections are moved to November, even with for the special election.

Youth Center Scandal

Voted 4-0 to request documentation regarding the War Memorial Youth Center, which has come under scrutiny for its association’s lapse in 501(c)(3) status under the stewardship of former Commissioner Kirk Menendez, who also appointed multiple family members to the association’s board. Castro argued that the Commission was overreaching its bounds by tussling with a private entity.

New Police Officers

Listened to an update on the hiring of public safety officers. The year started off with 37 vacancies in the police department. As of the Commission meeting, there have been 27 hires with 10 more expected before the end of the year.

Renovations Moving Forward

Voted 4-0 to award the Philips Park renovation project to HG Construction Development & Investment, Inc. for approximately $3.9 million; and voted 4-0 to approve a contract with Ocean Impact LLC for the replacement of windows and doors at City Hall for approximately $3.5 million.