[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6313253,"mediaKeyId","2388576-66630b34a2df8d99f9bf9a2df6035a6c","parentId",2388576,"title","Commission roundup: zoning process change, school enrollment, centennial score and multiple grants and awards approved","audioSeconds",8941,"startMs",2353000,"endMs",11294000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2388576-66630b34a2df8d99f9bf9a2df6035a6c&start=2353&end=11294","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2388576-66630b34a2df8d99f9bf9a2df6035a6c/thumbnail_2353000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6313253/Coral-Gables/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Commission-roundup-zoning-process-change-school-enrollment-centennial-score-and-multiple-grants-and-awards-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313253-e4219d71ab355972d0147da1ba2c1cb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1777360253&Signature=dK4GRAD6yCRsUdtyXXJWIaAMHuZnOkEcPNiArfManThNhdWUL0hUv0XNKmCY~bRSwsVW8SmIrLk8cbYxrKTD7mpurxdIYRqsRwtPnF-ghciY~GdcYT0mQh-jeiDCGzaIYsIKVD9s3WHYZEtbe7mgJRNm6glnskhFYHc7LrbuIv6Dko6g9ZWAqQWkX~s1hcwcRp2MLbOw14Mq-yguRoaXfHKzHTfS0QDAL9rVnHQpjYYSeCCwUcCtYVDbBzQUZ8OMR6bIAm19jDPF7uBp5IsM4F3JHW4fmwwJFhbHKdCkLv1MtJjOvrISAfX9Gr~80v6cgCjkQWaLu~8NB5MHt7jrmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Coral Gables, FL","date","2025-02-25T18:33:39Z","article","The Coral Gables City Commission approved multiple ordinances, resolutions and contract awards during its Feb. 25 meeting, taking votes on changes to the city’s zoning review process, school enrollment limits, centennial arts projects and several grant and procurement items.

The commission approved an ordinance requiring a Planning and Zoning Board conceptual review of applications proposing land-use or zoning changes prior to preliminary Board of Architects approval. The measure (E1) also added a modest P&Z review fee (E3). The commission described the review as nonbinding feedback that aims to surface major land-use concerns earlier in a project’s timeline.

Also adopted were the second-reading ordinance increasing permitted student enrollment at St. Teresa Catholic School from 881 to 945, and a resolution authorizing the city to commission an original musical score for the city’s centennial “Gables Go” virtual experience in partnership with the University of Miami and the Frost Symphony Orchestra, led by composer Carlos Rafael Rivera.

On consent and procurement, the commission accepted staff recommendations to award a roster of civil and environmental engineering firms (RFQ 2024-023) and approved an amendment to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant extending the Septic-to‑Sewer conversion project expiration date from March 31, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

The commission also approved funding to begin a North Ponce/Flagler historic preservation study (item D4) and authorized several routine consent items.

Votes were unanimous on the recorded items listed below.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to name a downtown park in memory of Mark Trowbridge: mover — Commissioner Castro; second — Commissioner Menendez; vote 5–0, outcome approved. The commission asked staff to work with the Trowbridge family and the chamber to select an appropriate park.
- Ordinance (E1) to require Planning & Zoning conceptual review for proposed land‑use/zoning changes (nonbinding feedback): motion moved by sponsor; seconded; vote 5–0, approved.
- Resolution (E3) establishing a Planning & Zoning conceptual‑review fee: motion moved/seconded; vote 5–0, approved.
- Ordinance (E2) at second reading to increase St. Teresa Catholic School enrollment from 881 to 945 and allow a new multipurpose building (conditions remain in effect): motion moved/seconded; vote 5–0, approved.
- Resolution (G1) to commission an original centennial musical score and authorize agreements with the University of Miami/Frost School and partners: motion moved/seconded; vote 5–0, approved.
- Resolution (G2) accepting Quito, Ecuador as a sister‑city emeritus: vote 5–0, approved.
- Resolution (H1) awarding RFQ 2024‑023 for civil & environmental engineering: vote 5–0, approved.
- Resolution (H2) accepting amendment #1 to FDEP grant LPA‑0269 to extend Septic‑to‑Sewer project expiration to 06/30/2026 (amount $375,000): vote 5–0, approved.
- Item D4 — authorize contracting to begin a historic preservation study for North Ponce/Flagler (scope clarification and Flagler inclusion discussed): motion moved/seconded; vote 5–0, approved.
- Item F2 — direction to pursue a Centennial landscaping treatment at City Hall: motion moved/seconded; vote 5–0, approved.

What the votes mean
The conceptual‑review ordinance is intended to let the Planning & Zoning Board provide early, nonbinding comments before applicants make large time and design investments with the Board of Architects. The commission said the review is advisory only and will not transform P&Z into a binding board.

The St. Teresa ordinance received public comment focusing on queuing and traffic at school dismissal; commissioners asked staff and police to continue working with the school on traffic management.

The centennial music commission partners the Frost School of Music, composer Carlos Rafael Rivera and the Frost Symphony; the commission expects a live performance in fall 2025 following recording and production.

Details & implementation
Staff will return to the commission with follow‑up items: schedule and community meetings for the Granada rain shelters discussion, procurement steps for the preservation study and a timeline for the centennial score production and performance.

Sources: Coral Gables City Commission meeting transcript, Feb. 25, 2025.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Coral Gables City Commission approved multiple ordinances, resolutions and contract awards during its Feb. 25 meeting, including changes to the zoning review process, a school enrollment increase, a centennial music commission and several grant and procurement items.","taxTitle","Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, Florida","taxId",51824,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6313234,"City commissions original centennial score with University of Miami; composerCarlos Rafael Rivera to lead project",247,6883000,7130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2388576-66630b34a2df8d99f9bf9a2df6035a6c&start=6883&end=7130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2388576-66630b34a2df8d99f9bf9a2df6035a6c/thumbnail_6883000.jpg","/articles/6313234/Coral-Gables/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/City-commissions-original-centennial-score-with-University-of-Miami-composerCarlos-Rafael-Rivera-to-lead-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313234-9e39f6b7a64c468aba13baff2445ec29/orig.mp4?Expires=1777360253&Signature=R03Zy7jgwpPTB25dtTILKZFSjkdXphhmBnChFLYTWq4~OpdUPP0bu4pSBr2VLpbLvtEVdjaapK4aPXXrU1BbA9~0faMuX0YJdyOyfpwLZZX6lT4yBAuL8SCRlV7xfkXRmv4r1Eq5eohJYoBldd81JtJxWLzgZ9M46E6HFzMPL6a30jaZqiSbwD7fq-l1UVnj8toYc8yw1pfjsDeETINt6tL9FfrlqIj~WCvPuPa2NNEV0y2ShvjwfvN4CEVrmJT9sXSA~Ikd85145rXBncqMpU3SFOAnJMGsWzsm44DmVc2BEpIqq8czJRSkbh4GPvadi6sDtbLZypA3UYQ0lbkbRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Coral Gables will commission an original musical score for its centennial virtual experience after the City Commission voted to authorize the city manager to negotiate agreements with the University of Miami and associated artists.

Arts and culture staff presented “Gables Go,” a digital map of 30+ cultural sites across the city. Catherine Cathers, arts and culture coordinator, said the project will pair site‑specific visuals with an original score that can dynamically respond to live data — foot traffic, weather, time of day — so the music alters in real time to create a living, site‑aware audio environment.

Composer Carlos Rafael Rivera, chair of media, scoring and production at the Frost School of Music, will lead composition, recording and production. Rivera told the commission the Frost Symphony and students will participate and that a public performance by the Frost Symphony and the city is planned for fall 2025.

Commissioners praised the partnership and the timeliness of adding another centennial layer to the city’s cultural program. Staff will negotiate a professional services agreement with the University and composer, schedule recording sessions, and return with the production timeline.

Speakers quoted
- “This would ideally become the city’s interactive musical companion… depending on where you go, how you interact with the environment, you will hear music that's appropriate to it.” — Carlos Rafael Rivera, composer and UM faculty.

Sources: Coral Gables City Commission transcript, Feb. 25, 2025.","The commission approved a resolution to commission an original, data‑responsive musical score for the city’s centennial Gables Go virtual experience, partnering with the UM Frost School of Music and the Frost Symphony Orchestra.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6313239,"Commission directs staff to evaluate street‑parking loss and update fees; asks for a citywide parking study",746,7066000,7812000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2388576-66630b34a2df8d99f9bf9a2df6035a6c&start=7066&end=7812","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2388576-66630b34a2df8d99f9bf9a2df6035a6c/thumbnail_7066000.jpg","/articles/6313239/Coral-Gables/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Commission-directs-staff-to-evaluate-streetparking-loss-and-update-fees-asks-for-a-citywide-parking-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313239-98a3d35ffa13fc51d7070e224e08911b/orig.mp4?Expires=1777360253&Signature=HdUDLohi3nViZSL8qwyZxg099dNok9cBmc2b4rtzlAyhGjZYJarBML~nwl6UWNa7SP7S0faQckiI~yr8yXfYNbhiVmDy8hila-RM1iRPUUubrdRkekaQZndB6cRzysO20DKD8ZhCIN~5IZmAMCw9HZXMyzuO3xL~s7J-IldgKMAnQGx1PmYJJLBhex1OpaVLWAwOP0WECuXRPwSg6oFNqt3owihM8GYc78hKxOaK13eHpE7YCZGgoBITWHWisu8o02n-P-K5AXeeqdE9LeHn7te9IPbnoDdjyznVTfZl~K40XQMMFsqf4tA2bnGBvc~6yM-rWAa4R5fa4eR270nlJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission voted unanimously Feb. 25 to ask staff to evaluate the process used when developers request replacement parking, assess parking‑replacement fees, and prepare a comprehensive parking study to inform future development and policy.

The Parking Advisory Board (PAB) presented two resolutions: (1) a request that the PAB be engaged earlier in project reviews so the board’s advisory comments can be meaningful and (2) an updated evaluation of the city’s parking‑replacement fee schedule and related charges. PAB members and staff said the current fee schedule was last revised in January 2023 and may not reflect current market conditions.

Monica Beltran, parking and mobility services director, told commissioners the board felt it often appears “too far along in the process” to influence final project drawings. PAB member Lisa Detorney told the commission the board’s goal is to avoid “giving any more parking spots away” from neighborhoods and to ensure adequate parking remains for park users and residents.

Vice Mayor Anderson asked staff to include a comprehensive, citywide inventory and demand analysis that accounts for differing needs in downtown, the residential‑infill district and park/event areas. During the meeting Vice Mayor Anderson cited commonly referenced fee levels: a developer parking‑replacement assessment of about $42,000 per space, remote parking arrangements reported at roughly $10,000–$12,500 per space, and other referenced figures. (Staff will verify and report exact current rates.)

What the commission directed
Staff was tasked to:
- Review the city’s process for approvals, including how and when PAB and other advisory bodies are consulted;
- Analyze the appropriateness of the parking‑replacement assessment fee and related parking fees; and
- Conduct a comprehensive parking demand and inventory study, with results to be shared with the Parking Advisory Board and returned to the commission as a recommended parking master plan.

Speakers quoted
- “We were concerned that we weren’t being heard. So to ensure that we were all on the same page, we did take some time to meet with our attorneys and with staff.” — Monica Beltran, Parking & Mobility Services Director.
- “Basically, we don’t want to give any more parking spots away.” — Lisa Detorney, Parking Advisory Board member.

Sources: Coral Gables City Commission transcript, Feb. 25, 2025.","Following a recommendation from the Parking Advisory Board, commissioners asked staff to review the city’s process for replacing on‑street parking, evaluate replacement fees and start a comprehensive parking study to guide future development decisions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6313244,"Commission approves North Ponce/Flagler historic preservation study; vice mayor presses for detailed building‑level analysis",301,7159000,7460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2388576-66630b34a2df8d99f9bf9a2df6035a6c&start=7159&end=7460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2388576-66630b34a2df8d99f9bf9a2df6035a6c/thumbnail_7159000.jpg","/articles/6313244/Coral-Gables/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Commission-approves-North-PonceFlagler-historic-preservation-study-vice-mayor-presses-for-detailed-buildinglevel-analysis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313244-139747415c047d33ceeaa6253f786b7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1777360253&Signature=azUwc~uuWV4y5tSVDZaRyTJKu5WGsm6n0-xX30-hXSbHQbECxdWHW-pfkXbxfda3UgUhUpomAWduI3kOGN9hkjfGyQGbiIjsH8tqUFyN9NwAeg4~iF-os4uteMWUzCA98jQvEEqYAepQOo90d2VN0AJouRVSUFE50R6biAcyKVkr4cOHR0VJwmrFjzB-U459mqADBiUBV4KOTC1wv5B3h9kuSiXMa3A16bsN9Qdz8peSQ8mU~3H80gaff~ZsFGAMSfuXT6BwQt~H8rzjF3qHot21xDAE65Av1qi0LwzdDXLQvkWLfCYnkf8sDbEK38XHxXydcuwlpaz6mlmDM9txoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on Feb. 25 authorized a consultant study to evaluate buildings 50 years and older in the North Ponce and Flagler districts and produce Florida Master Site File forms for submission to the State Historic Preservation Office.

Vice Mayor Anderson, who sponsored the request, told staff the study should identify architects, construction dates and “what are the points that it makes on the evaluation of whether or not it should be a designated building,” not merely list structures over 50 years old. Planning staff confirmed the scope will use the Florida Master Site File form and the Secretary of the Interior standards to determine whether a property is contributing or noncontributing.

Anna (staff), who presented the scope, said the consultant estimated a roughly six‑month timeline to complete Master Site File entries and produce a comprehensive historic report for North Ponce. The commission agreed the Flagler District should be explicitly included; staff and the vice mayor discussed expanding the study later in phases to cover the rest of the city in future budgets.

Public speakers, including Carole Carmona and a representative of the Historic Preservation Association, urged fast action and warned the city had lost significant properties while the study was pending. Carmona noted the study had been discussed for more than a decade.

What the study will produce
Staff said the selected consultant will catalog every property over 50 years old in the study area, complete the State of Florida field documentation (Master Site File forms), register them with SHPO and deliver a narrative report that includes architectural descriptions, construction dates and information useful for potential designation decisions.

Speakers quoted
- “Every property over 50 years old will be evaluated through the Florida Master Site file form that will be then registered with the State Historic Preservation Office.” — Planning staff.
- “This study has been a long time coming…In the meantime, we’ve lost several significant properties.” — Carole Carmona, Historic Preservation Association.

Sources: Coral Gables City Commission transcript, Feb. 25, 2025.","The commission authorized a professional historic‑resource study for properties 50 years or older in North Ponce and the Flagler area, directing the scope to include Florida Master Site File documentation and architect identifications to support future designation decisions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6313249,"Granada Golf Course rain shelters: commission asks staff to return with a historically sympathetic, ADA‑compliant design",2840,10800000,13640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2388576-66630b34a2df8d99f9bf9a2df6035a6c&start=10800&end=13640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2388576-66630b34a2df8d99f9bf9a2df6035a6c/thumbnail_10800000.jpg","/articles/6313249/Coral-Gables/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Granada-Golf-Course-rain-shelters-commission-asks-staff-to-return-with-a-historically-sympathetic-ADAcompliant-design","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313249-884ef4449a76af85b570e7758330a6f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1777360253&Signature=ayhsafe5bMTdW2dg5X53mT8PykOzP76WygT~opGKAdPFo3EhvUoQVuCaiWuiiS5yCXthgfDdj0BK3Kh6mX-sfm2N8QFD4UrHtpEjBuoD3EJgFNXjJkApYCsg98-1emi5DGG8eEqaDYiKypdows0blwUSbpD6dFOv0qNv7QgyqTJ96dgTXZjnxC6Jfp7BPK6m1TwTtfJljvVVfc9m6V2nYgh61cfY8YvgNsjR8MzYIPAyc7Qrl7-nvGYp-Jw6hXCA77tjFjWFKQ3ds6JJK9GPTS~5u4L9jW4ilNHtqNppIy9XNetzEndFtpFXexXvphCDUHgTd9UZHQl51f9Jj3iI9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners and residents pressed city staff on Feb. 25 to find a faster path to replace deteriorating rain shelters on the Granada Golf Course while preserving the course’s historic character.

At a time‑certain item on the agenda Parks Director Fred Cucero reviewed prior designs and community feedback. Cucero said earlier plans—prepared with AECOM and refined by the city architect—proposed six new ADA‑compliant structures to replace nine wooden shelters that date from the 1940s. Community meetings in 2021 produced strong opposition to a modern look and calls to “come back with a design that mimics what is there now.”

“Residents wanted something a little bit more classical in nature,” Cucero said during the meeting. Commissioners agreed the shelters should be durable and code‑compliant but should also “hearken back” to the original forms. Commissioner Castro directed staff to return with a revised design that more closely mirrors the original wood shelters while meeting ADA and building‑code requirements. Castro said she favored a modest design that “mimics the existing structures, brings them up to code, and uses products that will withstand time.”

Public speakers, including long‑time resident and historian Patrick Alexander, urged restoration of the original style. Alexander said the 1940s designs are “simple, elegant and pleasing” and have withstood hurricanes and time. Insurance and risk managers also warned that absence of safe shelter during lightning events creates liability and public‑safety concerns.

Commissioners suggested retaining the same architect where feasible to preserve investment in earlier design work and asked staffs to present a schedule and community meeting plan at the next commission meeting so the project can move forward before the summer season.

What happens next
Staff will contact the existing architect, prepare revised design options that emphasize the classical/hexagonal footprint residents favor, confirm ADA and lightning‑protection requirements, and present a project schedule and community meeting plan to the commission at the next meeting.

Speakers quoted
- “They wanted us to work on finishing the pro shop … and come back to it. Many of them came to me and said, what’s the rush?” — Fred Cucero, Parks Director.
- “The design is simple, elegant and pleasing. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel.” — Patrick Alexander, resident and local author.

Sources: Coral Gables City Commission transcript, Feb. 25, 2025.","After years of debate, commissioners asked parks staff to work with the existing architect and community to develop a redesigned shelter that echoes the course’s original structures but meets modern building and ADA codes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission roundup: zoning process change, school enrollment, centennial score and multiple grants and awards approved

City commissions original centennial score with University of Miami; composerCarlos Rafael Rivera to lead project

Commission directs staff to evaluate street‑parking loss and update fees; asks for a citywide parking study

Commission approves North Ponce/Flagler historic preservation study; vice mayor presses for detailed building‑level analysis

Granada Golf Course rain shelters: commission asks staff to return with a historically sympathetic, ADA‑compliant design