Newly-elected Coral Gables Commissioner Rhonda Anderson is already delivering on her campaign promises, proposing sweeping changes to the zoning code at her first commission meeting Tuesday.
Anderson sent Mayor Vince Lago and her colleagues a memo on May 4, just over a week after winning the April 27 runoff, detailing a bunch of suggestions that include making certain zoning changes go before the commission, as well as a moratorium of sorts on the Mediterranean bonus that allows developers more intensity for Mediterranean designed projects.
The memo was also distributed to her supporters and other city people, leading to pre-meeting congratulations on her commitment and drive.
But Anderson needs two more votes to make any of this official. Will she have them?
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“During this past election cycle, residents clearly expressed frustration with the lack of transparency and notice regarding development projects, zoning changes and plans altered or approved without notice to the public,” she wrote. “In addition, residents have expressed that the current zoning code fails to require and promote the walkability, tree canopy and quality of design that makes Coral Gables special.”
Anderson believes that commissioners should amend ordinances that allow “as of right” commercial and mixed use projects without review from the planning board or noticing business and property owners within 1,500 feet any proposed development.
She also said the commission should not allow the city attorney or city manager to amend or alter site plans to change the type of use, increase density, decrease set-backs or parking requirements or green space. Her proposal would also take away the administrations ability to issue permits for tree removal or destruction.
This is most likely in response to the two giant and old oaks chopped into fire wood by the developers of the Wawa gas station on Grand Avenue.
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But the best thing she proposes is an online “dashboard” of city projects that would allow anyone a bevy of information at their fingertips.
“At a minimum, the dashboard should include a map of the city, with a photograph of the proposed project, which if clicked-upon provides clear drawings of a project from all sides, a photograph of the current appearance of the location, and a clear description in plain language of all zoning or site plan changes needed for the project to proceed.”
She also said that residents have become wary and suspicious of abuses of the Mediterranean Ordinance and that it should be amended. But before it is, all Mediterranean bonuses “should be immediately suspended in order to avoid the approval of a flood of projects during the amendment process.”
Smart cookie.
Anderson also wants the commission to look at the procedure for granting variances — or, rather, eliminating it. requirement to seek a variance to increase set-backs should be eliminated.
Tuesday will be Anderson’s first big test and voters will know if she is able to convince her colleagues and get anything passed. She started with a doozy.
Rhonda Anderson proposes sweeping zoning reforms right off the bat added by Ladra on
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