Saturday, August 31, 2013

Casting call for children for "Seussical"

Coconut Grove children ages 6-13 are invited to attend a Casting Call and read through for the Miami Conservatory of Music's production of "Seussical the Musical".  No prior acting or musical experience is necessary. Rehearsals will start on Saturday, September 14 through May 17. 

Casting is this Saturday, September 7 from 1-2:30 pm.

The musical will be staged later in May of 2014. Tuition for participants is $50 at registration and $425 due in September 2013 and $425 in January 2014.  

There will be thirty rehearsals, most on Saturdays from 1-2:30 pm, with three scheduled on Fridays from 6-7:30 pm in January and February. Each year the Conservatory produces Broadway musicals providing young people an opportunity learn acting and singing and add a bona fide Broadway Musical credit to their resumes. 
For more information, call 305-442-2283 or visitwww.miamimusicconservatory.com to see the schedule and apply online.

Shake-A-Leg Miami receives $100,000 grant

Recently the Batchelor Foundation issued a $100,000 grant to Shake-a-Leg Miami for its efforts to help special-needs and able-bodied youth go attend summer camp. Of that amount, $50,000 was a Challenge Grant, which presented the organization with an incredible opportunity to raise the necessary funds to operate its summer program.

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff was proud to kick off the group's fundraising efforts with a District 2 grant of $5,000, which was matched 100 percent by the Batchelor Foundation.

"I'm proud to support Shake-a-Leg, which represents the true spirit of inclusion and holds forth a positive vision for today's youth that they can overcome any obstacle and lead healthy, fulfilling lives," Commissioner Sarnoff said during the announcement of the District 2 grant.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Streetcar Named Desire at Gables Cinema

If you've never seen this classic movie on a large screen, now is your chance. The Coral Gables Art Cinema( 260 Aragon Avenue), is presenting a special screening of the Oscar-winning, classic film, “A Streetcar Named Desire” this Saturday, August 31, at 1 pm. 

Starring Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh, the 1951 movie is the story of Blanche DuBois and her unexpected arrival on her sister and explosive brother-in-law’s doorstep over the course of one hot and steamy New Orleans summer. 

For tickets, show times & more info, call 786-385-9689 or visit gablescinema.com.

Free movie nights starting this weekend

We wrote about free movie nights earlier in the month, but this is worth repeating. 

 The Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables is offering free movie nights starting this weekend, on August 31, with the showing of "Jaws." 


The film series, called, Rediscover the Miracle Community Film Series at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is offering the movies for free (they do ask for a donation at the door). Jaws will be screened Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, September 1. This is a great opportunity to see the movie on the big screen, after so many years of seeing it repeat on tv.


Coming up in the season are "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." How many of you went to Rocky Horror when it played at the Grove Cinema every weekend for years? That was at the corner of Grand and McDonald, where the post office is now.


Refreshments will be for sale.


The Schedule: 

Jaws, Aug. 31-Sept. 1 
The Bad Seed, Sept. 21-22
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oct. 26
Annie Hall, Nov. 23-24
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Dec. 21 only
A Star Is Born (1954 version), Jan. 25-26
Monty Python and the Holy Grail, March 15-16
Midnight in Paris, April 19-20
The Great Gatsby (2013 version), May 17-18 
Something’s Gotta Give, June 28-29

Call 305-444-9293 for info, RSVP at www.actorsplayhouse.org

Some interesting thoughts on waterfront lease

Got this in email, long-time Grovite Jack King wrote this:

These are my comments regarding the lease.  I am not an attorney, however there is an attorney reading this lease.  I cannot comment on many sections of this lease; however, I did own a restaurant in Manhattan and signed restaurant leases in the past.  Usually these leases are written by the Landlord's (Taxpayers in this case is Landlord) attorney.  Did we the taxpayers write this lease? 

If we want to save our hangars and develop the waterfront, we need to amend this lease.  

The amended lease needs to be sited in the referendum and it needs to be attached to the ballot just as is done with GOBs.  The changes agreed to by the Citizens and the lessee; and the ballot wording must prohibit any changes or tweaking at any future time after the referendum-just as this lease states now in its current form. The lease amended will still provide ample return to the lessee/licensee while protecting the interests of every city taxpayer and the quality of life of the citizens, taxpayers and visitors to the Coconut Grove Waterfront. Ron tells me the developer is willing to make changes.  I am really happy to hear this.

As a taxpayer I do not want to pay to refurbish or rebuild or upgrade functional obsolescence in the buildings, or any infrastructure after 30 years.  Nor should tomorrows taxpayer be responsible for subsidizing the leaseholder 30 years in the future.

As a taxpayer I want a plan tied to the referendum with specified standards. 

 As a taxpayer I want a specified standard of upkeep-not this vague nothingness referred to in the lease.  I was in Shula's when it was first built and several times thereafter.  I would not call this an A-class operation by any means.  I would prefer a high end chain operator such as Morton's or Ruth Chris which will meet specified standards.

As a taxpayer I want to see a landscape plan and standard for landscape  upkeep. 

We do not want any possibility of gambling or arcades attached to our waterfront.  We do not want a Trust for the Waterfront who answers to no-one.  Please take a moment to read the lease which I am sure Ron can get for each one of you.  We can have a good plan which suits the lessee and the taxpayers if we work together.  This should be a win-win.

As my friend David said in a comment here: "This is the same gang that gave us the useless baseball stadium....enough said. " We need this to be a bumper sticker.

STOP THE PROJECT. PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION NOW.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Special Crime Watch Meeting

There is a special Crime Watch meeting set for Thursday, September 5 at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive), start time is 6:30 pm.

Neighbors have been concerned lately with the spike in crime and have decided to do something about it, starting with this meeting.

Our new Coconut Grove Police Commander, Manuel Morales will be attending as well as District 2 City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff. Invitations will also be made to Mayor Regalado, Police Chief Orosa, City Manager Martinez and the other members of the City of Miami Commission.

A strong turnout of homeowners and residents from Coconut Grove will send the best message that people are all extremely serious about city leaders and law enforcement tackling crime problems, so if you can attend, that would help the issue.

Silly Monkey's holding Music Together event

Silly Monkey's, which is located on Virginia Street, next to The Grove Spot, is having a Music Together @ Kennedy Park event on Friday, August 30, from 9:45 to 10:30 am.

Join them for outdoor singing, drumming, jamming, playing, and Fiddle-Drum Tambourine! All passed, present, and future Music Together members are invited at NO cost, just bring your singing voice and fun silly attitude to celebrate the end of summer and beginning of fall! 

For more details: www.sillymonkeysplayhouse.com

Traffic study, water and sewer study?

You know what? At first I thought there were just a handful of people who were against the new waterfront project, Grove Harbour, which they have now dubbed "Grove Horror," but this thing has taken on a life of its own. A handful of people want the project, the locals and voters do not. Everywhere I go, I overhear people talking about the project. The consensus is that they don't want it.

The owners of the Grove Harbour  development are preparing a voting campaign. They want to get together with groups and at civic meetings to push their plan on people. Why do they need to shove this down people's throats? You know, the Wal-Mart way and Home Depot.

Glenn Terry, as usual, has some interesting reading today here and I received this open letter to the Commissioners and Miami-Dade Mayor from Grovite Tom Boyce:


Dear Miami Commissioners and Miami-Dade Mayor :

As I understand it developer's of major projects must have a traffic study completed.  With regard to the Grove Harbor project I know that the widening of 27th Avenue is underway but what about South Bayshore which is two lanes through residential neighborhoods and past a very busy park and children's playground and yacht clubs and then four lanes again only to end at the complex and slow stop light in front of CocoWalk in the center of the Grove.  Has a traffic study been completed, or will it be completed and made public, before we are asked to vote on this project?

I have read in the Miami Herald that not even a sink can not be added to an existing business in the Mayfair due to the strain on existing  service of the Water and Sewer Department  and that a moratorium is in place for the Grove area.  It seems that this project will  be replacing two small restaurants with four larger restaurants and banquet facilities with over 620 seats occupancy without the "casual restaurant" seats or retail added in.  Can you enlighten me as to when additional services will be added to our area?

Will the the private interests in this development be paying into the infrastructure fund as required by private developments or will the City of Miami, or Miami-Dade County, be absorbing the costs entirely?

Could you please tell me if and where these two items, with regard to the Grove Harbor development that you are proposing the voters approve, are to be found?

Commissioner Sarnoff I know you have fought hard to end the 5 AM closings of the bars in the Grove,  and I thank you for that, what will be the closing times for these new establishments?

Respectfully,

Tom Boyce
Coconut Grove

From the Editor: That little coffee shop that was to open on Fuller Street, which was about 400 square feet, if that, cannot open because of the problem with the water and sewer system. They had built the place, but the city did not permit them to open, so it's a store now. 400 square feet could not get a water and sewer permit. How is this waterfront project getting one? They using the bay water?

5 pounds! That's a BIG Burrito!

I had a hard time eating my burger after watching the 5 Pound Burrito Contest at The Sandbar, yesterday afternoon! Three guys vied for winner, bragging rights and a bar tab. They had to eat a 5 lb. burrito in one hour and in the end Tom Schaefer, shown, did it with over 10 minutes to spare!

Tom, at left, along with Nate Melvin, center and Sean Meyer, right, took up the challenge. Channel 7's Deco Drive was there filming. It is scheduled to be aired tonight, Thursday, at 7:30 pm.

This is the burrito, it's hard to tell the size, but it was like the size of a cake, with all the burrito fixin's - meat, rice, tomatoes, etc. Very large.

 This challenge can be taken up any time at The Sandbar (3064 Grand Avenue), just order it on the menu, it's about $25 and if you eat the whole thing, your name goes up on the wall and you don't have to pay!

The clock kept ticking and time seemed to go quite slow. The cooks, the waitstaff, all the customers cheered the eaters on. It was sort of like the Hot Dog Eating Contest, but not a race and not as messy. Nate fell out of the contest first, followed by Sean.

Then it was all Tom, with just a little left, which seemed to be the hardest part. But in the end, he did it!

Tom's final words? They were "I cannot move right now!"

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Buying Burn Notice online

A couple of us stopped by the Expo Center to watch the Burn Notice auction after lunch, only to realize it's online today, yesterday was the fire sale on site. The security guard swiftly kicked us out on our posteriors, well almost. What a difference a day makes.

It's getting pricey, people are bidding $100 for a prop beer bottle or $325 for sunglasses, even boxes of chewing gum that Sam would use are going wild. I hate to see what the Hawaiian  shirts go for.

Here is the online auction for the Burn Notice items -- props, costumes, etc.

They wanna keep the Mom & Pop feel

The City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department received an appeal yesterday to the "class II special permit" approved with conditions on August 12, for the development of a parcel located at 3055 North Miami Avenue.  This development is proposed to contain a Walmart store fronting both North Miami Avenue and NE 31 Street, designed by Gensler Architecture and also a liner retail building fronting Midtown Boulevard, designed by Zyscovich Architects as well as other supporting improvements, as appropriate.

Neighbors are upset because they don't want a big box store to destroy the Mom & Pop feel of their neighborhood, sound familiar? We went through all this years ago with Home Depot.


The appeal documents along with the $500 appeal fee have been received and will be processed, leading to a public hearing which is expected to take place in the month of October before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board of the City of Miami.

A little of what went on last night

Glenn Terry was one of the few who showed up to the neighborhood meeting last night at the Nelsons' house. I wish I was talking about an episode of "Ozzie and Harriett," but it was about our waterfront, which who knows, maybe in this day and age, Ozzie Nelson would sell himself out, who knows . . . 

At last night's meeting the same story has been told on and on, with one of the developers' attorneys present. Glenn and his friends feel that Scotty's should be left alone, fixed up and maybe changed owners, but keep the feel and footprint. I agree. You can read Glenn's great review of last night here.

Glenn feels like many when he says, "I'm glad I attended the meeting. It was hosted by friends. I needed to hear their point-of-view. Unfortunately I did not agree with it.
I think they've been hanging out with jaded politicians and developers who don't care about the Grove, too long." That says it all.

Another issue going around is gambling. Some see this 80-year-lease turning into gambling on the Grove waterfront, a la Monte Carlo. Is this getting out of hand now? With an 80-year-lease, anything can happen. Is the lease changeable? Once this is voted upon and the commissioners have their say, is it a done deal?

Nina West said this in an email: "We taxpayers cannot sue or vote to change one word over a period of 80 years. The city commission cannot change one word for 80 years after this lease is signed  I do not wish to rely on our Commission to vote no and protect us. A YES VOTE BY THE COMMISSION is what we will get concerning gambling and that will be fixed until the end of the lease."

Scary thought. 

One other thing that I don't know the answer to. I was told that the Garage is NOT PART OF THE VOTE. That is a done deal. IS THIS TRUE? ANYONE? ANYONE?

A VOTE AGAINST THIS PROJECT IN NOVEMBER WILL KILL IT, FOR THE TIME BEING OR FOR YEARS.

Here is the PETITION TO STOP THE PROJECT NOW. Please don't just look at it and sign it.  I have to admit I just signed it, I thought I had signed it the first day, but that was not the case. If you are not sure, please look it over again.

More from Ron Nelson

This was sent to me on August 2, 2013 from Ron Nelson, Comm. Sarnoff's Chief of Staff. I did not receive it until he sent it again earlier this week. I would have published it had I had seen it earlier, I may just not have received it. It has been crazy regarding this waterfront project, I get dozens of emails a day. It's taken a life of it's own.

Here's Ron:

The petition that is circulating portrays the Grove Bay project “The Harbour” in a highly inflammatory manner, and misrepresents the scope and spirit of the project. The Grove Bay proposal follows the Sasaki Waterfront Master Plan which you will remember was put together through a public charette process. Implementation of the waterfront plan has been stalled by a lack of funds and political will, but the reality of our waterfront has not changed. We, the residents of the Grove, and our visitors upon whom our merchants depend, have limited access to beautiful Biscayne Bay which lies within a tantalizingly close distance. The Waterfront plan intends to convert this unused wasteland of parking lots and rundown buildings into valuable public and private spaces, assets to the neighborhood. If it seems hard to believe that a commercial space can be a valuable asset- just think of the positive impact of Fresh Market!




 The four images here show:

1.     the overall master plan

2.     the master plan zoomed into site specific

3.     an aerial photo with a few site notes

4.     the proposed site plan

Please click on each image to see a larger version.



Provided below is a link to the Sasaki Waterfront Master Plan, and if you take the time to peruse it you will see that the Grove Bay project is only a piece of a larger plan. One which was developed with ample public participation. And adjacent to the “The Harbour” is the 9 acre "Regatta Park," which will be constructed simultaneously. The only way to create “Regatta Park” is to remove the 9 acres of asphalt and parking and put it into a parking garage. Note when you read the master plan that the parking garage with a retail liner is referenced no less than six times. Remember that the 2 hangers on the site have been declared historic and are listed in the National Register. The master plan encouraged the restoration and adaptive reuse of these buildings, again like the Fresh Market. The proposers went to great length to develop at least 3 new sightlines to Biscayne Bay and in doing so added much more green space to the site than currently exists. The achieve this by removing buildings that block the view and building ones that are open to the view, and by the ability to remove asphalt and placing cars in the parking garage. Also provided below are 2 links the Grove Bay project “The Harbour” one illustrative and the other technical.


There is a large boating community that currently exists along the Coconut Grove waterfront, to which dry stack storage and marinas are a vital part providing hundreds of jobs and thousands of visitors. This plan allows us to share the waterfront with the non-boater as well. The master plan envisioned moving the “Seminole Dock” (boat ramp), but as promised if another location cannot be found it will remain. Due to strict environmental regulation and the lack of other access points we do not anticipate closing the ramp.

The petition being circulated skews the facts. It is easy to oppose change, especially when the change is (incorrectly) portrayed as a rape of our community and its values. It seems the petition intentionally does not disclose the fact that this is part of a Waterfront master plan, which residents of the Grove since the early 2000s will recall was done through an extensive public process, with more than 40 engagements and 3 years of work. It is easy to find fault in one element of a plan if you are unaware that the larger plan exists! We can debate the architecture that’s subjective, but you cannot ignore the facts.


Sasaki Waterfront Master Plan:

http://www.miamigov.com/Planning/pages/master_plans/Coconut_Grove_FINALREPORT-12_08_WEB.pdf


Grove Bay project “The Harbour”

http://www.miamigov.com/PublicFacilities/pages/1213001/RFP12-13001_Illustrative%20Boards.pdf

http://www.miamigov.com/PublicFacilities/pages/1213001/RFP12-13-001_Technical_Proposal.pdf



Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Labor of Love Concert this Saturday

The Labor of Love concert is taking place, Saturday, August 31. It is a wholesome, family friendly rhythm and blues, soul, Motown and Jazz Concert as part of the Coconut Grove Historic Black Heritage Music Series.

Soul Man, Bobby Stringer with The Special Touch Band, Ladies of Soul and Mr. Jazz Pizzazz are performing. Corkie Dozier is Emcee.

The event is being held at the Coconut Grove Cultural Arts Center at the Greater St. Paul AME Church, 3680 Thomas Avenue from 5 to 7 pm.

Tickets are $30 for general seating and $35 for premium seating.

Transport, pickup and drop off from designated areas. For additional info, please call 305-790-5836 or visit: www.cgcap.eventbrite.com

Burn Notice is up for sale!


The Burn Notice fire sale started today, Tuesday and continues tomorrow at the Coconut Grove Expo Center. Just show up and window shop if you like.

It's like a party for Grovites as it seems as if all of Coconut Grove is there now sniffing around for bargains. Most are curious. Many are sad to see the show go and told me they were just being nostalgic, a little early, as the season just ended, but still the same. Michael Westen's car, up for grabs along with others, must be the number one object of desire.

Many folks told me they were interested in Hawaiian shirts for the memories.



Many mentioned this Porsche, too, but I suspect shirts, lamps and chairs are the fastest items to go.

Jay Sugarman, the auction house is selling off everything from clothing to props. Own a piece of Michael Westen's house or maybe even yogurt cup!





Ran into Erika and Burt Korpela from Discovery's tv show, "Shipwreck Men," also filmed right on the same waterfront as "Burn Notice."

Tuesday's sale started at 11 am and is expected to run into the night. On Wednesday, the online auction begins at noon eastern time You can login via Sugarman's website. If you want to bid, you'll have to put down a $100 deposit, but you'll get it back if you don't buy anything.


There are thousands of items, it's amazing how few items they reused for episodes. Hundreds of lamps, dozens of living room setting, hundreds of chairs, etc.

I love what Glenn has to say

My friend Glenn Terry wrote a post on his blog "The Grove Guy," called "So Long Scotty's?" on Sunday and it seems to have become required reading. You can see it here.

Glenn goes on to tell how he was incredulous like most of us after seeing the waterfront plan. Glenn is a real Grovite, he started the King Mango Strut, and what Glenn feels makes me feel that I am not so crazy for my initial and continued feelings.

Glenn's initial reaction to hearing the news was, "What?  Are they crazy? It's the best damn thing in this town!"

When you think about it, Bubba Gumps and other restaurants of that genre try to emulate the real thing. We have the real thing here, you would think that some new wood, fittings and a coat of paint could keep the thing going for years. "Real Florida," or "Real Coconut Grove" is what it is. Think of Jimbo's on Virginia Key, that was one of the most popular places here around town. I think people want "real."

I didn't think of this, but Glenn says, "Many of us were away for the summer and while we were gone, the City made plans to demolish two of our bayside restaurants, Scotty's Landing and the Charthouse."

That sounds about right for the City of Miami, wasn't Coconut Grove stolen by the City of Miami in 1925 by Miami when everyone was away?

Please read all of Glenn's piece here.

Ron Nelson's side of the waterfront issue

Ron Nelson, Commissioner Sarnoff's Chief of Staff sent me answers to the questions I asked yesterday, in writing, so I can just copy and paste and have the original email in case there are any questions. I appreciate it. I also apologize for offending him and his wife. I am just trying to get a handle on this story and why this project is so important to a handful of people. I really didn't feel right about posting the story on Saturday. I've been drawn quite far into this debate about the waterfront plan. I've always taken great pride on debating the issues and not getting personal. I will try not to do that anymore, simply because I don't like it.

I still disagree with the project, I feel it is out of place for the waterfront, especially the garage.


Ron did send me responses, to these questions, and he also explained the Sasaki Plan from his viewpoint. He sent that August 2, I did not see it or I did and didn't think it was a response, I don't really remember, but I'll post it tomorrow.

Here are my statements and then Ron's responses in bold below them.

Tom: Is there a reason why Joyce Nelson, Ron Nelson's wife, is holding a meeting at their house in favor of the Waterfront Mall project? It is not a “mall”. What is her interest? 
Ron: Joyce spent 12 years working on the historic designation of the hangers and the master plan. Her husband Ron, of course is Chief of Staff of Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.

Tom: Is this legal?
Ron: Yes it is legal to meet with friends at your own home.

Tom: Is this just a private resident meeting to discuss the subject which supposedly has nothing to do with them, and why? It has as much to do with us as it does any other resident. And why is she so gung ho about it?
Ron: Because, she cares about the Grove and the waterfront. 


Tom: This is throwing up a big red flag. Here is the email she is circulating. I only share it here because a bunch of people who are not thrilled with her meeting and non stop push for the project, sent this to me. Her neighbors and friends are not amused. Keep in mind, I am not part of their email list, I feel that says A LOT, I am on everyone else's email lists, so I get these complaint emails from their neighbors who think there is something strange going on here. 
Ron: This is not an email list. It is an invitation sent to friends.  

Tom: I got a lot of complaints about this. Neighbors may go out of curiosity and obligation, but not because they are in favor of the development. That is exactly what it is about, friends getting together and discussing the issues.
Ron: That is exactly what it is about, friends getting together and discussing the issues.

Tom: With all due respect, I have asked Ron Nelson via email why he is so in favor of the project, is he getting a job there after he leaves Sarnoff's office at the end of the term? Is Joyce getting a store for her jewelry, which is amazing, but still? 
Ron: Thank you for the backhanded compliment. This type of conjecture is uncalled for. I am not getting a job nor is Joyce getting a store. In fact, to answer your question directly, neither one of us is getting anything more than any other resident will get once this project is complete. I repeat: Neither Joyce nor I is getting anything, either now or in the future. 

Tom: He wanted to talk on the phone or in person, I wanted a typed answer that I could copy and paste, as most things I write, Ron tells people that I get incorrect, so copy and paste is the answer I would like. 
Ron: Tom I emailed you a letter that you refused to publish.  Responding to your email just leads to an endless back and forth string of questions and answers. Why not sit and discuss your issues in one sitting? So I can have a written copy to verify the answer. Attached is the original letter I sent you along with your response. Please publish both with the pdf attachment and links. 

Tom: They are more than welcome to email me the answer now. What's with the meeting? Why not leave it all alone unless you have a major interest in the waterfront project?
Ron: Once again Joyce spent 12 years working on waterfront issues such as historic designation of the hangers and probably every Sasaki meeting. I work for the Commissioner and the City of Miami. Both of which are attempting to fulfill the Coconut Grove Waterfront and Spoil Islands Master Plan. We believe this project does that and you disagree. Your personal attack is uncalled for.


Tom: Again I apologize for any personal attacks and also for not publishing the information that was sent to me, on August 2, but I will publish it tomorrow. The readers can debate it. I appreciate Ron's response to Saturday's post. 

Monday, August 26, 2013

Charles Corda explains his garage math

Local architect, Charles Corda has made a name for himself in the wake of the new waterfront project. He is featured in today's Miami Herald and of course, I have been featuring him here and so has Al Crespo and a number of other blogs and publications. Charles has made it is mission to be the watchdog of the Coconut Grove waterfront and I don't see a thing wrong with that.

Charles is entitled to his opinion and entitled to do the long, dirty legwork that he has done in order to get the story out. I know many people like to leave comments here, saying that he and I for that matter, are juggling the facts around, but what would we have to gain from this? We or I should say, he, is trying to clarify what is going on at the water's edge. 

Here is the Miami Herald story.


Below is a letter I received today, regarding a recent letter that Art Noriega, head of the Miami Parking Authority, sent out regarding the new parking garage for the waterfront project. Charles Corda and Al Crespo have been quite busy: I do have to admit, I was wondering how so few parking spaces would accommodate just the mall workers alone. BUT HERE IS THE LETTER FROM CHARLES CORDA:

Good Morning Mr. Falco;

Attached is a Letter and Drawings from Art Noriega re the Parking Garage to be built along with the Grove "Harbour" Project. Al Crespo obtained these drawings as part of a public records request.

Mr. Noriega states in his letter below to Mr. Crespo  "Here is the original, conceptual layout, that was put together back in January". Mr. Noriega also mentions this "conceptual layout we did months ago" in the letter from him to you published in the Grapevine.

Unfortunately there are a few inconsistencies here. In the Grapevine Letter Mr. Noriega states the number of spaces to be "671" .Yet in the actual conceptual drawings attached below the Total number is 1,167.



Click on this image for a much larger version.


Those are not my numbers. Those are Mr. Noriega's numbers. This is not my "misunderstanding". This is Mr. Noriega throwing out widely varying and misleading numbers. You don't have to take my word for it. Anyone can look at these drawings themselves. I am not calculating. I am not assuming. I am not misunderstanding.

Mr. Noriega's Drawings speak for themselves.

One Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty Seven.- 1,167 PARKING SPACES! NOT "671" as Mr. Noriega states in his letter. NOT 476 as stated in the "lease"

Also Note that these "Conceptual Drawings " show a building 6 stories in Height NOT 4 stores as Mr. Noriega states in his letter to the Grapevine.




In all fairness to Mr. Noriega he has stated that this is not what he intends to build. BUT Mr.Noriega is clearly contradicting himself in these two letters.

If Mr. Noriega himself has no idea what will be built on this site, how can I know? How can the voters know? The Problem as I see it with the Garage is that no one knows what is going to be built including Mr. Noriega!

Mr. Noriega has "promised" to develop a final Garage plan for this site. Hopefully we will get a look at it before the referendum. As of today the "conceptual plan" indicates that a Garage for as many as 1,167 Spaces may be built.

It is also painfully obvious that Commissioner Sarnoff, Ron Nelson, Joyce Nelson and others who ardently support this ill-conceived development have either no understanding of what has been "conceptualized" or simply could care less. it is they who are deliberately misleading the public. Not I. 

Charles Corda
Coconut Grove






A cause for city corruption?

The following comes from Hector Roos, local activist, his reasoning for so much city corruption in large land parcels is very interesting:

To my neighbors who read those long email chains about important yet under appreciated subjects like public land deals:

We have seen many public land deals over the years such as African Square Park, Crosswinds (Overtown), Virginia Key, Watson Island, Lummus Park Landing, the Marlins' Stadium debacle, and many others including the Grove Harbor development project.

Allow me to pose a question: Why do these projects come about at all, why so often and why are they so costly?\

First, you should already know that our City has a problem with corruption but its not what you might think. There is mostly a conspiracy of silence. The obvious and most easily remedied problems with the City are hidden from public view. There is little pressure to fix things in a long term sense because of internal politics.

Second, these policy shortfalls that continue despite our good intentions for reform only permit large scale development in the City.Since development follows financing, the only developments that qualify for financing are those that have public funding involved or are sufficiently large and thus profitable to cover the costs such as impact fees and developing public infrastructure (i.e. streets, sidewalks, water and sewer). These are "bankable" projects and qualify for financing.

Third, because of the self-imposed limit caused by current policies the only way to make money from developments is to go BIG. This means out-of-scale, disproportionate developments that lack any resemblance to the surrounding neighborhood.

I have had the opportunity to speak with some of you personally but I think writing how I feel on the one subject like Grove Harbor is insufficient. We have to examine root causes.

With that said, I acknowledge that Grove Harbor is a bad deal as is. Once you build on that vibrant piece of open land (even if it is mostly a parking lot now), you can NEVER get it back... the building is there permanently and even more so with a long-term lease (which is required to qualify for financing).

There is so much up-potential for development in the City and for the profits involved but not just in the form of projects like Watson Island or Grove Harbor. Look at Wynwood. That did not require special permits or land lease deals. Just vision and work. Much of the underdeveloped parts of the City resemble Wynwood in fact so imagine the possibilities.

SOLUTION: Reform City policy to encourage development on smaller parcels.

The current business model advocated by City policy requires that a developer sit on vacant or underutilized property for years assembling enough parcels to apply for a bigger "bankable" project. Those years of vacant, under-used land means immediate blight.

Change policy now. Make it easier for development to take place elsewhere and the pressure on well-established neighborhoods will diminish because it'll be that much easier to build elsewhere and make money. This does not automatically mean up-zoning, although that may be required in specific instances. This does mean a focused approach on lobbying for a change in permitting practices by County and City building departments, advocating for improved "customer service" from the City and making "strategic" infrastructure investments to open new markets for development where it is actually needed the most.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Next Chamber Networker at Jaguar Therapeutics

The next Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce Networker is at Jaguar Therapeutics, this is not at Jaguar, the restaurant, it's at the therapeutics place at the Oak Street Garage.

Date: Wednesday, August 28
Times: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Jaguar Therapeutics

Join the Chamber's August Cocktail Networker at Jaguar Therapeutics. Promote your business, make contacts, have a great time and wine prizes! Admission: $10.00 for members, $15 for future members. Includes complimentary drinks and hors d' oeuvres. Parking available at the Oak Ave. garage! 

For more details: www.coconutgrovechamber.com

Can you eat a 5 pound Burrito; in an hour?

Al Borrero, one of the owners of The Sandbar, had invited me to the Sandbar on Wednesday for the Burrito Contest, at first I didn't realize it was so big -- it's one of Miami's 5 Toughest Eating Challenges and will be filmed by Channel 7's "Deco Drive" and it involved a five pound burrito. The challenge is to fill the burrito with your choice of meat, rice, cheese, chipotle, you know, the filling, and then, you have one hour to eat it all!

Sandbar is known for their famous fish tacos, but burritos? Five pound burritos? Yes!

The winner gets their name on a plaque on the wall. This sort of is like the 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, so come empty and prepared to eat it all down to win the bragging rights!

The contest starts about 4:30 pm, get there early if possible. This should be fun.

The Sandbar is at 3064 Grand Avenue.

The rest of the Top 5 contest options are here at the Thrillist.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

What are they hiding?

Is there a reason why Joyce Nelson, Ron Nelson's wife, is holding a meeting at their house in favor of the Waterfront Mall project? What is her interest? Her husband Ron, of course is Chief of Staff of Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.

Is this legal? Is this just a private resident meeting to discuss the subject which supposedly has nothing to do with them, and why? And why is she so gung ho about it? This is throwing up a big red flag. Here is the email she is circulating. I only share it here because a bunch of people who are not thrilled with her meeting and non stop push for the project, sent this to me. Her neighbors and friends are not amused. Keep in mind, I am not part of their email list, I feel that says A LOT, I am on everyone else's email lists, so I get these complaint emails from their neighbors who think there is something strange going on here. I got a lot of complaints about this. Neighbors may go out of curiosity and obligation, but not because they are in favor of
 the development. 

And for those of you who think we are NOT in favor of anything new and different, no, we are in favor of honest, upfront development. Secret meetings like this are a BIG part of the problem.


Here is Joyce (and dare I say Ron's) email:

"The Civic Club worked to preserve the Historic Pan Am hangers, got them on the National Register of Historic Places, and made the city resend their order to have them torn down. 

"This also included the Coast Guard hanger that is now Shake-a-Leg. All of this took 12 years to preserve the waterfront.

"Preserving the waterfront is very important to me as I am sure it is to you. 
I would like to get together to discuss the Grove Bay Waterfront issue Tuesday, August 27 at 6 pm at my home.

"I believe there needs to be communication on what is happening instead of the emails that are being sent.

"If you would like to being someone else just let me know first. 

"Please let me know if you can join me ASAP."

END OF EMAIL 

With all due respect, I have asked Ron Nelson via email why he is so in favor of the project, is he getting a job there after he leaves Sarnoff's office at the end of the term? Is Joyce getting a store for her jewelry, which is amazing, but still? He wanted tot talk on the phone or in person, I wanted a typed answer that I could copy and paste, as most things I write, Ron tells people that I get incorrect, so copy and paste is the answer I would like. So I can have a written copy to verify the answer. They are more than welcome to email me the answer now. What's with the meeting? Why not leave it all alone unless you have a major interest in the waterfront project?

Free kayak fishing clinic today

It starts at 10 am today (til 1 pm), Saturday, August 24. Adventure Sports Miami, a local store in Coconut Grove  is having a Kayak Fishing clinic/demo at Matheson hammock Park. It's a free kayak fishing demo. No reservation is necessary.

Lecture and fishing demonstration given by Guides David Gauzens and David Patlan. Lecture will cover different rigging techniques for Kayaks, bait choices, etc. Focus will be to emphasize fishing and lobstering.

Come try out the fantastic range of Hobie kayaks both paddle and the Miarge Drive pedal kayaks.

Single and tandem models will be available.

For more info please contact: Adventure Sports Miami tel: 305-591-3559
Matheson Hammock Park 
9610 Old Cutler Rd
Coral Gables, FL 33156

Friday, August 23, 2013

Prayer Vigil honors sacred site

On Tuesday, August 27, at noon, a special Native American Prayer Vigil will be held at the recently uncovered sacred site at 300 SE 3rd Street in downtown Miami, just east of the J.W. Marriott Marquis Hotel on SE Biscayne Way.  

Archaeological excavation has revealed several circles of manmade post-holes, a well which was cut into the stone, and, most poignantly, over a thousand human bones. 

The find confirms that this entire area on both sides of the Miami River was a thriving Tequesta settlement, approximately 2,500 years old, with many stories to tell.  Thus, a precious part of Miami’s history, hidden for centuries, has come to light. The Prayer Vigil is an invitation to the entire, diverse community to participate in recognizing, honoring, and appreciating this remarkable discovery.

Parts of Miami's Royal Palm Hotel from 1896 have also been discovered. 

This is Miami's birthplace. 

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Burn Notice items up for auction

As Burn Notice winds down, all of the items are going up for auction! Sets, cars, furniture, clothes, props -- they're selling it, beginning next Tuesday.

Jay Sugarman, local auction company is handling it all. The sale will take place both in person and online. 

On Tuesday, August 27, stop by the Coconut Grove Expo Center and sniff around. If you show up Tuesday, expect to score some deals. 

Coconut Grove now has two Starbucks

The new Starbucks is open at Monty's today! 

Registers were down, so now things are free. This is good news for the North Grove. Easier than finding parking at CocoWalk. 

New Indian Pop-Up restaurant planned

New at the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove is a new Indian Pop-Up restaurant and food demonstration. Executive Chef, Remesh Kaduru, shown here, will be featuring dishes from his hometown, Chennai, India.

"A Passage to India: An Authentic Indian Pop-Up Restaurant" begins Thursday, October 3 and runs through Sunday, November 3, 2013, at Bizcaya, the signature restaurant of The Ritz-Carlton (3000 SW 27 Avenue).

Vibrant and sultry are how the restaurant are being described. Chef Remesh has been with the property for 10 years. 

Masala Shrimp, Chicken Tikka Masala, vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are all part of the menu. 

Festivities of Diwali, "festivities of light" will illuminate the colorful restaurant. 

Menu and more details to come. 

Movement at The Playhouse

Gov. Rick Scott and his cabinet have approved a proposal for FIU and Miami-Dade county to lease the Coconut Grove Playhouse. 

$20.5 million will now be releases for restoration. Are you ready to go see plays again? What will be the impact on business? 

More here: blogs.miaminewtimes.com

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Is Coconut Grove Bank historic?

According to www.ExMiami.Org, Jorge Perez and Stephen Ross have partnered with Terra Group to buy the 5.2 acre Coconut Grove Bank site for $55 million. The sale was recorded on August 2nd.

Two 20-story condo towers are likely to be built on the site, but Terra and Related could run into headwinds from preservationists who consider the Robert Law Weed-designed building to be the epitome of the ‘Miami Modern’ style.

Bird Festival Photo Contest

Calling all photographers, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is now accepting entries for its "Birds of South Florida" Photo Contest as part of the Bird Festival presented by Fairchild and the Tropical Audubon Society on October 12 and 13. Entering the contest is free and open to all amateur photographers. Photo submissions must be sent with the Registration Formwww.fairchildgarden.org filled out and attached via email to Vanessa Cook dt vcook@fairchildgarden.org by Friday, September 27, 2013.

Expert judges will review the submissions and select the top 20 photographs. Finalists will be notified on October 5. The top 20 photos will be on display digitally throughout the Garden during the Bird Festival, and the top three photos will be announced before the Keynote Lecture on Saturday, October 12.

Winning photographers that place in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will receive a Fairchild Membership or renewal if they are already members. Members receive free admission into the Garden and special benefits throughout the year.

Fairchild's Bird Festival brings together leading ornithological experts and beginner birders to learn about our avian friends. Keynote speaker Ted Floyd, editor of Birding Magazine, will present lectures on birding and ornithology. Two days of offsite birding tours to local bird habitats will also be offeredon Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11. Fun activities, food, tours, and lectures will be held at Fairchild on October 12 and 13.

For more info about the Bird Festival and photo contest rules, please call 305-667-1651or visit the Bird Festival webpage at www.fairchildgarden.org