November City Hall: Little Gables Annexation, Green Initiatives, and More

At its meeting in November, the City Commission:

Delayed Annexation Of Little Gables

The Commission voted 5-0 to direct city staff to come up with potential mechanisms to solicit input from Coral Gables residents on the annexation of Little Gables. The city has long sought to annex Little Gables, part of unincorporated Miami-Dade County which is surrounded on three sides by Coral Gables and on the fourth side by Miami on the city’s northern edge.

Annexation would reduce the number of ‘borders’ that city police must patrol; it would also allow the city to derive taxes from residents who now use Gables facilities. Many residents of Little Gables have also sought annexation to upgrade police, fire, and medical emergency services to the area, services now provided from distant county resources.

Despite a poll taken this year by McLaughlin & Associates, which showed that 55 percent of Gables residents support annexation, the decision to proceed was blocked by commissioners Ariel Fernandez, Melissa Castro and Kirk Menendez, who insisted that Gables residents be able to vote on the annexation — since it will initially cost about $5 million to bring Little Gables up to city standards.

“It’s an investment in the future of the city,” said Mayor Vince Lago, who advocates annexation. “I promised residents of Coral Gables that they would have a say in this matter,” said Commissioner Ariel Fernandez.

Voted To Budget For Cultural Arts

The Commission voted 5-0 to direct city manager Peter Iglesias to include cultural arts in the 2026-29 Coral Gables Strategic Plan. Sanctuary of the Arts Director Rafi Maldonaldo-Lopez spoke in favor of the issue, expounding on the economic benefits of supporting cultural arts.

“The return on investment on the arts is… over 100 percent [more than] some industries, including sports,” he said. “Pre-pandemic, the U.S. Economic Impact report [said] that sports was going to bring into the economy $71.5 billion. The arts were projected to bring in $538 billion. This year, we’re up to $422 billion. Yet, when we go to Tallahassee… [for] every dollar that is given to sports, the arts get 10 cents.” (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)

Voted To Permit A New School

The Commission voted 5-0 to permit a new school to move into the two-story building located at 141 Grand Avenue, on the corner of Grand and Jefferson Street. The Primer Microschool will be a small private school with just 35 students in grades three through eight. The applicants agreed to work with the county to extend the school zone and add signage. They will also add a crosswalk, landscaping, and traffic calming measures on Florida, Frow, and Oak avenues. Mayor Lago expressed concern over the project’s inevitable traffic. The project leaders then returned with a longer drop-off and pick- up time to reduce traffic, which was unanimously approved.

Discussed New Trolley Power

The Commission discussed implementing hydrogen-powered trolleys, a better option than electric cars because they would not rely on a power grid or harm the environment by releasing lithium from old batteries. Mayor Lago asked his colleagues and city staff to look at options for pilot programs.

Commissioner Castro cited concerns over costs, the maturity of the technology, and the transportation and storage of hydrogen. Lago said the tech was already being used “all over Europe” and in California. “It’s something that’s sustainable, a lot more environmentally friendly than electric cars, and would save the city money,” he said. Commissioner Menendez said he was ready to move forward now, calling the project “fascinating.”The Commission directed the city manager to return in six months with more information on possible implementation. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)

Discussed Monitoring Budget Changes

The Commission voted 5-0 to include an appendix in all city budgets presented to the Commission detailing specific changes made from each prior version and to include an item outlining changes to salaries by department. Presumably, this was to prevent a similar situation to that of “Raisegate,” when Commissioners Fernandez, Castro, and Menendez received 101.4 percent raises after adding the item to the official budget at the last minute. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)

Discussed Looking At Plastic Recycling

The Commission discussed installing a receptacle somewhere in a public space, like the Youth Center, where people can recycle “plastic film” items like grocery and produce bags, bubble wrap, and cereal box liners. Trex, a company that creates eco-friendly outdoor products made from such materials, could make outdoor benches from the waste and would provide the city marketing materials.

Mayor Lago suggested dedicating the benches to deserving individuals or companies to create further incentives for the program. He will return with more information at the next Commission meeting. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)

Discussed Waste Dumping In The North

The Commission discussed illegal dumping in the North Gables, where swales and empty lots are regularly used as dumping grounds for old furniture, green waste, and other trash. “I’d like to see some action because I think it’s important for the residents in this area who have to deal with this,” said Mayor Lago. Cameras and increased fines were suggested, as well as planting shrubbery in certain areas to dissuade dumping. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)

Discussed Incentives To Switch To Sewers

The Commission voted 5-0 to waive all city permit fees related to the conversion from septic to sewer for single-family residences and duplexes and to direct city staff to expedite those permits. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson).