By Coral Gables Gazette staff

The Coral Gables City Commission returns to City Hall on Tuesday, October 14, with a loaded agenda that spans zoning controversies, courtroom strategies, and the final vote on a decorum ordinance that has already stirred public backlash.

Among the headline items are a proposed legal challenge to a controversial state law, the second reading of revised public behavior rules, and the possible rezoning of two high-profile parcels near the Youth Center and Somerset Academy Gables.

Zoning reversion near Youth Center sparks new tensions

Commissioners will take up two ordinances on first reading proposing a land-use reversion for twin parcels at 627 and 635 Anastasia Avenue. If approved, the change would reclassify the lots from Special Use (Religious/Institutional) to Multi-Family 3 Low Density, aligning them with nearby apartment buildings and opening the door for redevelopment.

The parcels sit directly across from Somerset Academy Gables and caddy-corner from the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center—a high-traffic corridor that has long served as a buffer between civic, residential, and school zones. While the proposal is not accompanied by a development plan, the reversion could be a prelude to future housing projects in a sensitive location.

City planners say the reclassification would bring the parcels into alignment with surrounding land uses, but residents and past Planning Board discussions have raised red flags about density creep, traffic impact, and neighborhood character.

Expect commissioners to press for clarity on future intentions for the site—and for residents to weigh in on how much change they’re willing to tolerate along a corridor that blends schools, parks, and multifamily housing.

Decorum ordinance on second reading

After a heated public exchange last month, commissioners will vote on final adoption of an ordinance amending rules for public participation in city meetings. While described by officials as minor, the changes generated intense debate at the September 25 session.

The new rules include:

• No food or drink in chambers
• Silencing of all phones, with calls taken outside
• Quiet entry/exit protocols
• Shirt and shoes dress requirement

A ban on vaping was also added as a friendly amendment following a recent incident.

At the last meeting, Mayor Vince Lago framed the ordinance as a long-overdue effort to restore decorum and rein in disruptions. Critics, including vocal resident Maria Cruz and frequent speaker Rip Holmes, countered that the measure unfairly targets dissenters and could chill free speech.

Despite the friction—including a warning and recess issued during the last meeting—the ordinance passed unanimously on first reading. All eyes will be on enforcement mechanisms and tone as commissioners revisit the topic Tuesday.

City weighs joining legal challenge to state law restricting zoning oversight

In what could be a significant legal development, the Commission will vote on whether to join a lawsuit challenging Florida Senate Bill 180, a state law passed in May 2024 that restricts how local governments can regulate affordable housing projects under Live Local Act provisions.

The proposed resolution would authorize Coral Gables to join a growing coalition of municipalities arguing that SB 180 violates the Florida Constitution by undermining home rule and creating “an unfunded mandate.”

According to a memo from City Attorney Cristina Suarez, the lawsuit would be filed in Leon County Circuit Court and seeks declaratory relief against the statute’s most sweeping provisions.

The move reflects Coral Gables’ continued resistance to Tallahassee’s encroachments on local land-use control, especially amid fears of overdevelopment in key areas like the Crafts Section and the Ponce corridor. While the case has statewide implications, the Commission’s decision will send a strong message about its willingness to fight for zoning autonomy—even if it means going to court.

New TDR program aims to balance growth and preservation

Commissioners will consider a first-reading ordinance to establish a new “Conservation Transfer of Development Rights” (TDR) program, sponsored by Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson. The proposal would amend the city’s zoning code to create a framework allowing landowners to permanently preserve open space or historic sites through conservation easements, in exchange for the right to sell unused development rights to eligible properties elsewhere in Coral Gables. The measure outlines new definitions, appraisal standards, and legal procedures designed to incentivize preservation while concentrating future development in designated receiving zones.

Mayor to present 2025–2027 Strategic Plan

Mayor Lago will present his Strategic Plan for 2025–2027, a roadmap focused on six pillars:

• Infrastructure & Mobility
• Quality of Life & Services
• Sustainability & Resilience
• Economic Vitality
• Community Engagement & Culture
• Governance & Excellence

The plan—originally introduced by Mayor Lago at the Sept. 25 meeting and later withdrawn to allow for commissioner feedback—outlines proposed investments in public safety, stormwater improvements, historic preservation, and digital services. It reinforces a long-standing vision of Coral Gables as “a world-class city with hometown charm,” while emphasizing the importance of managing growth without compromising aesthetics. The document also nods to the city’s 100th anniversary and its designation as a national historic district.

Other notable items

The city will consider acquiring a $212,000 Sherp high-water rescue vehicle to enhance flood response and approve contracts for outside fire code review. A separate ordinance proposes new elevation and freeboard standards for homes in flood zones, part of a broader push for resilience.

A slate of first-read ordinances covers metal roof trusses, composite materials for decks and digital fire safety reports.

Another would cap the dollar amount allowed on consent agenda items.

Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson is backing a resolution (Item F-3) urging the state to limit special assessments on homesteaded condo units, citing growing affordability concerns.