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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There was a dashboard on the CG site, at first the links to it disappeared, then it was slowly not updated with new projects and then finally it was taken down.
Not expecting Fors or Mena to go along, which we’ll remember in two years.
Anderson, a smart public servant that follows through with bold meaningful ideas hopefully translate to change
Don’t be so naive! She just voted with the groupies on an item she had every reason to postpone the vote but did not!
City did not do a proper verification of signatures and failed to disclose its huge financial benefits from a Special Light District being proposed!!
You want transparency?? Ask Commission to ban any and all lobbying on development projects, else get the checkbook out, if you want them to vote with you!!
I’ve been a resident over 45 years and the current Commission is beginning to look more like Miami/Sweetwater/Hialeah, NOT the Coral Gables we use to know!!
Bravo Rhonda, I commend your position and courage to stand up in front of the commission and the new Mayor to present your position. This is exactly what you said you would do and your position has not waivered so far. Very rare to see politicians keep their word, hopefully this continues and I am happy I voted for you. Keep up the good work, you have my support.
Not surprised by Mrs Anderson’s proposal. Now let’s see whether her fellow commissioners and mayor support her and us the residents
….. You mean “decrease” set backs don’t you???
Variances are granted by the Board of Adjustments in accordance with strict guidelines one of which is the demonstration of hardship not caused by the applicant. These are all special cases involving the particular size, orientation, street sides or other specific attributes of the land.
The Planning and Zoning Board can only make changes to the setback requirements through changes in zoning or special Planned Unit Development projects (PUD). Any decision by that board must be ratified by the full commission in the acceptance of the P&Z board recommendations.
I think that while well meaning, Ms Anderson’s recommendations would benefit by reviewing by the city attorney or someone qualified to help her navigate the rules and laws applicable to the approval process.
It is, at least, a good start to a conversation about how we got here.
WOW ! FINALY Some Body is going to Fulfill their Promise ! Transparency 101 !
I love the dashboard idea! The city has the data, all they need to do is create the portal. When I served in the Miami-Dade County Kendall Community Council 12, notices would go out to the residents at least 10 days before the hearings for every variance and new project. We had great participation in zoning meetings because we held them at 6 pm. This change alone would increase public participation and greater transparency in zoning matters. I don’t think it’s legal to eliminate variances entirely. There are property rights and every case is different. The property owners must be heard. And as long as the variances fall within pre-established rules and have the support of neighbors, and the public for large projects, they can be granted.
Good to swing for the fences knowing she will never get all of it, but throw it all against the wall and see what sticks…..maybe she could also “provide” some more commission oversight to the Historical department which is so problematic even the chair of the historical advisory board will not let her own home be designated historical.