By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Coral Gables commissioners moved through a wide-ranging agenda this week that touched on long-term planning, zoning changes, community projects, environmental preservation, and resident-driven concerns. From honoring a civic icon to amending the city’s strategic plan, the meeting blended policy action with neighborhood input and public tribute.

Strategic Priorities Plan amended to address garbage fee

The commission voted unanimously to adopt Mayor Vince Lago’s 2025–2027 Strategic Priorities Plan with a key amendment targeting the city’s garbage fee and rising waste costs. Though the document bears the mayor’s name, several commissioners stressed collaborative authorship and backed Commissioner Ariel Fernandez’s proposal to explore alternate revenue and waste-diversion options aimed at reducing or eliminating the fee. Resident Maria Cruz voiced support for the plan but criticized delays in installing automated external defibrillators in parks, noting that only Salvador Park has one despite the idea being raised three years ago. Lago warned that landfill capacity may be exhausted in five to seven years, and City Manager Peter Iglesias confirmed the city subsidizes more than half of its $15 million sanitation expense. The plan passed 5–0.

Rezoning clears first hurdle for former church properties

Commissioners also voted 5–0 on first reading to revert four Anastasia Avenue parcels from religious and institutional zoning back to their prior multifamily MF-3 designation. Project representative Joe Jimenez said the request would restore “eight units for eight units” and align the lots with the surrounding neighborhood. Resident Michael Chenoweth did not oppose the change but urged the city to preserve the character of the Golden Triangle, warning that pushing structures closer to the street could alter the area’s feel. Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson noted existing on-street parking and said rear-loaded townhomes could improve green space. Planning and Zoning Director Jennifer Garcia said staff found the request consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan.

Student’s little libraries expansion project wins support and funding

A Coral Gables Senior High student, Gianna Figueroa, earned enthusiastic backing for a proposal to install five new little free libraries at local schools. Figueroa began the effort through her school’s Interact Club after restocking two existing mini-libraries on campus and now hopes to expand to Ponce de Leon Middle, George Washington Carver Elementary, Francis S. Tucker, Coral Gables Preparatory Academy and Auburndale Elementary. Mayor Vince Lago, who met with her during office hours, pledged $5,000 of his own funds toward the project and encouraged philanthropic support. Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson said Books & Books Founder Mitchell Kaplan’s foundation has agreed to provide books and suggested adding public locations, such as the city’s micro-forest. Commissioner Richard Lara recommended tying in former Mayor Jim Cason’s book redistribution effort to give residents an outlet for donations. Lago asked Anderson to coordinate through the city manager to bring Figueroa back for follow-up.

New TDR program aims to protect pine rocklands and sensitive lands

In a unanimous vote, commissioners created a conservation-based transfer of development rights (TDR) program to help preserve ecologically significant land before it is sold or developed. Garcia said the program allows owners of natural areas—such as pine rocklands—to transfer development value using an appraisal-based formula. Anderson, who sponsored the ordinance, said the tool is meant to “save precious pieces of property” before residents later ask why action wasn’t taken. Lago called it “one of the best pieces of legislation I’ve seen in a long time” and asked staff to re-engage property owners near Santa Maria and the Girl Scout camp. The measure was approved 5–0.

Commission honors the life and legacy of Betsy Adams

The meeting opened with a resolution commemorating the life of the late Betsy Adams, a civic leader who shaped Coral Gables for more than six decades through her work with the Garden Club and beautification efforts. Lago read the proclamation and called her “one of the greatest champions Coral Gables has ever had.” Her sons, Ron and Thad Adams, spoke about their parents’ humility, faith and devotion to service. Anderson and Fernandez reflected on Adams’ work improving city entrances and civic spaces, and a memorial video produced by city staff was shown before the family joined commissioners for a photo.

Public comments spotlight ethics and pedestrian safety concerns

Residents used public comment to critique city leadership and pitch solutions. Former commission candidate Tom Wells accused Mayor Lago, Vice Mayor Anderson and Commissioner Lara of breaking campaign promises and raised concerns about a potential ethics violation involving a political consultant. He pointed to Nicolas Cabrera — son of former Commissioner Ralph Cabrera and operator of the city-permitted Giralda Plaza market — whom Wells said previously received nearly $16,000 in campaign payments from Lara, and argued that Cabrera’s work under a city permit may violate the ethics restriction. Lago dismissed the allegations and questioned Wells’ credibility. Lara added wryly that if critics insist on assigning an acronym to their voting bloc, they should call it “ALL,” not “LAL.”

Another former candidate, Marlin Ebbert, pitched a safety campaign she called “wear white at night,” arguing that dark clothing and unlit bicycles make pedestrians nearly invisible on neighborhood streets. She urged the city to hand out reflectors at the farmers market instead of waiting for residents to request them. Commissioners expressed support. Lara called the idea “worth backing,” and Commissioner Ariel Fernandez said he would bring it to the next Crime Watch meeting and look into sourcing reflectors through county and FDOT programs.