POLL: Do you approve or disapprove of how Vince Lago is handling his job as mayor of Coral Gables?
NEWS
Mayor Vince Lago addressed residents in his October newsletter, highlighting transparency, heritage restoration, and park investment as guiding themes for the new fiscal year.
The mayor had been acting like a bully before, now he’s a bully on steroids. No respect for his peers. No respect for the residents/voters in CG.
How many more voices are needed to stop the horrible window replacement at city hall? How many historians? How many architects? Apparently the contract with the window manufacturer is worth plenty the the mayor and CM when they overlook all of the objections from the residents and historians and do whatever they want.
This is just one of many reasons. Not enough time in the day to elaborate on all of the reasons I have to state he is doing a poor job.
I live near a building that is being constructed, between Le Jeune and Salzedo. There was a huge controversy, because the new building would completely block out the sun, for the much smaller building in front of it. At the end of it all, King Lago said it must be built! WOW!
I do not think we should continue to re-zone or utilize park green space for high rise apt buildings. This threatens the very concept and vision of Merrick for Coral Gables.
For years the citizens of Coral Gables have yelled ” no more construction” and it seams to increase everytime we complain. He does not care about us and what we want. Everything is his agenda with little Anderson in his pocket. I have never voted for him and never will. He has kissed his developer friends and family members at the expense of our beautiful City. ENOUGH !!! Do you hear us or again are you deaf and blind to what the people of this City want? You are taking parks, 200 year old trees and covering our City with concrete with your arrogance. NO MORE BUILDING !!!!!!!!!! And keep your agenda of septic tanks out of our neighborhoods. If you want $55,000 to convert us, then you pay for it with Anderson.
its funny how confused people are..You guys should read bubble in the Sun.A book about the realestate boom in the 1930s in Florida and they talk extensively about George merrick and carl Fisher and whats funny is that a lot of people here say,” Oh construction and building goes against what George merrick envisioned for Coral gables and nothing could be farthest from the truth..George Merrick in the beginning owned 300 acres of orange groves in the middle of Coral Gables and he started to build,develope, construct and sell real estate at an insane rate, to the point that he was borrowing money left and right and when the depression hit he lost everything..So all you people that say,” oh developement and const goes against what merrich envisioned” couldn’t be further from the truth..
Jose Menendez, what developer do you work for? There always comes a time when our limit has been hit. Traffic, congestion, empty apts. because there are not enough people to fill them. I am sure Merrick did not envision taking away our quality of life and beauty for concrete. Building beautiful homes with beautiful landscaping that respects green spaces and the light of the sun is what he meant. Not these towers that are ruining our quality of life and beauty. Drive down US1 and a few other streets in Coral Gables and see what a mess it is. It is a parking lot. No I do not believe Merrick would appreciate what Coral Gables has turned into.
Mr. Lagos has a HUGE chip on his shoulder and truly believes (in his warped mind) that he won by a landslide. People didn’t vote is NOT winning by a landslide. lol
Mr. Lagos cares nothing about the opinions of others. Mr. Lagos disparaged “Republican” voters (and I’m an Independent) in a Spanish radio show.
His developer friends are what got him elected- not the people. Nothing has changed. Hoping Lara will wake the hell up! He’s using you bud!
Miracle Mile is under continuous attack. We walk almost daily and almost daily there are new businesses closing, it looks as if another pandemic is hitting and the mausoleum of the Plaza continues with many places empty, putting more stress on it. More development not only punishes residents, bringing more traffic and changing the look and nature of the city. It also punishes businesses.
Mayor Lago (and some supporters) are transactional as evidenced by PAC and real estate developer money that was raised and spent to buy the election for the LAL voting pact. For example, Lago’s biggest supporter, Aesop’s Gables (“AG”), recently posted a picture of Wolfe’s Wine Bar. How did AG get that picture if the owner of the wine bar did not take it and does AG own a wine bar? In 2017, Lago changed our City Code to allow Wolfe to sell open alcohol (Resolution No. 2017-34). Per City Code Section 6-4, in order for a Coral Gables nonrestaurant to qualify for a retail beverage license (i.e., sell open alcohol), such sale “shall only be incidental to the primary function of the business” and “shall not exceed 25% of its total annual gross receipts.” “It shall be the responsibility of the nonrestaurant facility to maintain records open for inspection by the city to demonstrate compliance with this requirement.” Does the City request records from this wine bar to demonstrate compliance? Friday night open bottle revenue is an important part of Wolfe’s viability. And Wolfe had lots of revenue this year from open alcohol election parties (see AG’s picture). In 2019, Lago changed our Zoning Code to allow Wolfe’s Wine Bar to sell open alcohol to people sitting at tables on Miracle Mile outside of the store. Lago is a regular Wolfe customer (see 7/9/2019 Commission minutes). I want Coral Gables leaders to support all residents – not just the ones who purchase support.
One message I continue to see is people spewing hate against Lago yet, these same people didn’t have any call for concern when Fernandez, Castro and Menendez gave themselves a raise, didn’t want to lower the milage rate, gave themselves more money for cars and expenses ALL THE WHILE saying to residents that they can’t find money to renovate and preserve historic landmarks. Don’t forget, they had a majority and could have done as they pleased during this time. Also, no one is concerned that Fernandez essentially runs ‘rogue’ news outlets to write hit pieces to then repeat the messaging during Commission Meetings? Let’s be real and stop gaslighting!
Why are we still talking about raises? Isn’t this a new day of civility, transparency and ethics? It is for everyone but El douche. Lago is a bully that cares about himself and his agenda more than residents. The only reason he won re-election is due to the almost million in his PAC from developers and land use attorneys – oh and Francis and ADP.
Unfortunately Lago has proven to be a conceited bully who has no respect for the residents of this city. He acts like a child and treats anyone who doesn’t agree with him with disdain and anger, instead of listening and serving his constituents as the leader he was elected to be. Lago, grow up and start representing the City Beautiful with the class and professionalism it deserves.
What I have observed is that no one is talking about the crimes in Coral Gables. There is no security, and police presence is poor. There are robberies being committed in broad daylight, outside a d inside homes and apartments. Plus, there appears to be a huge “privacy issue” with groups, clusters or networks spying directly in peoples’ apartments in particular. They watch and hear everything and also get into private citizens’ cellphones to watch and manipulate personal activity. Where is the legal authority vigilance, security and investigation of these crimes?
Lago has destroyed the City Beautiful. Those monstrous buildings being developed in the middle of single family home areas are awful, not to mention ruins the privacy and peace and quiet of the surrounding homes, many of which have been owned for years. The demolition of beautiful old Coral Gables homes to be replaced by modern two story houses, killing the essence of what the city is. House renovations on Alhambra getting approval on things that Coral Gables would never approve. He doesn’t care about anyone, but himself and his pockets that are being filled with kickbacks from his developer buddies. I’m so happy people are finally starting to see his truly colors and truly hope the residents vote him out! He is disrespectful to anyone that goes against what he says, he is a bully and very unprofessional.
Much too much construction growth, awful traffic especially t’ween the hours of 7-9:30am and 4-6:30pm, too much noice from cars, trucks, gardener power tools. Losing the “beautiful” in City Beautiful. Sad!!!
This Post Has 26 Comments
The mayor had been acting like a bully before, now he’s a bully on steroids. No respect for his peers. No respect for the residents/voters in CG.
How many more voices are needed to stop the horrible window replacement at city hall? How many historians? How many architects? Apparently the contract with the window manufacturer is worth plenty the the mayor and CM when they overlook all of the objections from the residents and historians and do whatever they want.
This is just one of many reasons. Not enough time in the day to elaborate on all of the reasons I have to state he is doing a poor job.
I live near a building that is being constructed, between Le Jeune and Salzedo. There was a huge controversy, because the new building would completely block out the sun, for the much smaller building in front of it. At the end of it all, King Lago said it must be built! WOW!
I do not think we should continue to re-zone or utilize park green space for high rise apt buildings. This threatens the very concept and vision of Merrick for Coral Gables.
Is this a new phishing attack to identify the Internet address of Lago’s supporters?
For years the citizens of Coral Gables have yelled ” no more construction” and it seams to increase everytime we complain. He does not care about us and what we want. Everything is his agenda with little Anderson in his pocket. I have never voted for him and never will. He has kissed his developer friends and family members at the expense of our beautiful City. ENOUGH !!! Do you hear us or again are you deaf and blind to what the people of this City want? You are taking parks, 200 year old trees and covering our City with concrete with your arrogance. NO MORE BUILDING !!!!!!!!!! And keep your agenda of septic tanks out of our neighborhoods. If you want $55,000 to convert us, then you pay for it with Anderson.
its funny how confused people are..You guys should read bubble in the Sun.A book about the realestate boom in the 1930s in Florida and they talk extensively about George merrick and carl Fisher and whats funny is that a lot of people here say,” Oh construction and building goes against what George merrick envisioned for Coral gables and nothing could be farthest from the truth..George Merrick in the beginning owned 300 acres of orange groves in the middle of Coral Gables and he started to build,develope, construct and sell real estate at an insane rate, to the point that he was borrowing money left and right and when the depression hit he lost everything..So all you people that say,” oh developement and const goes against what merrich envisioned” couldn’t be further from the truth..
This vision was not to make coral gables a concrete jungle. Your post is misleading.
Jose Menendez, what developer do you work for? There always comes a time when our limit has been hit. Traffic, congestion, empty apts. because there are not enough people to fill them. I am sure Merrick did not envision taking away our quality of life and beauty for concrete. Building beautiful homes with beautiful landscaping that respects green spaces and the light of the sun is what he meant. Not these towers that are ruining our quality of life and beauty. Drive down US1 and a few other streets in Coral Gables and see what a mess it is. It is a parking lot. No I do not believe Merrick would appreciate what Coral Gables has turned into.
Mr. Lagos has a HUGE chip on his shoulder and truly believes (in his warped mind) that he won by a landslide. People didn’t vote is NOT winning by a landslide. lol
Mr. Lagos cares nothing about the opinions of others. Mr. Lagos disparaged “Republican” voters (and I’m an Independent) in a Spanish radio show.
His developer friends are what got him elected- not the people. Nothing has changed. Hoping Lara will wake the hell up! He’s using you bud!
Miracle Mile is under continuous attack. We walk almost daily and almost daily there are new businesses closing, it looks as if another pandemic is hitting and the mausoleum of the Plaza continues with many places empty, putting more stress on it. More development not only punishes residents, bringing more traffic and changing the look and nature of the city. It also punishes businesses.
Mayor Lago (and some supporters) are transactional as evidenced by PAC and real estate developer money that was raised and spent to buy the election for the LAL voting pact. For example, Lago’s biggest supporter, Aesop’s Gables (“AG”), recently posted a picture of Wolfe’s Wine Bar. How did AG get that picture if the owner of the wine bar did not take it and does AG own a wine bar? In 2017, Lago changed our City Code to allow Wolfe to sell open alcohol (Resolution No. 2017-34). Per City Code Section 6-4, in order for a Coral Gables nonrestaurant to qualify for a retail beverage license (i.e., sell open alcohol), such sale “shall only be incidental to the primary function of the business” and “shall not exceed 25% of its total annual gross receipts.” “It shall be the responsibility of the nonrestaurant facility to maintain records open for inspection by the city to demonstrate compliance with this requirement.” Does the City request records from this wine bar to demonstrate compliance? Friday night open bottle revenue is an important part of Wolfe’s viability. And Wolfe had lots of revenue this year from open alcohol election parties (see AG’s picture). In 2019, Lago changed our Zoning Code to allow Wolfe’s Wine Bar to sell open alcohol to people sitting at tables on Miracle Mile outside of the store. Lago is a regular Wolfe customer (see 7/9/2019 Commission minutes). I want Coral Gables leaders to support all residents – not just the ones who purchase support.
lago, from my direct personal experrience, is a grifter and only looks out for himself, not best interests of Coral Gables, only his self interests
One message I continue to see is people spewing hate against Lago yet, these same people didn’t have any call for concern when Fernandez, Castro and Menendez gave themselves a raise, didn’t want to lower the milage rate, gave themselves more money for cars and expenses ALL THE WHILE saying to residents that they can’t find money to renovate and preserve historic landmarks. Don’t forget, they had a majority and could have done as they pleased during this time. Also, no one is concerned that Fernandez essentially runs ‘rogue’ news outlets to write hit pieces to then repeat the messaging during Commission Meetings? Let’s be real and stop gaslighting!
Guess who just decided not to lower the mileage rate? And who is behind Aesop’s Gables and the troll accounts that simp for Lago?
Why are we still talking about raises? Isn’t this a new day of civility, transparency and ethics? It is for everyone but El douche. Lago is a bully that cares about himself and his agenda more than residents. The only reason he won re-election is due to the almost million in his PAC from developers and land use attorneys – oh and Francis and ADP.
Unfortunately Lago has proven to be a conceited bully who has no respect for the residents of this city. He acts like a child and treats anyone who doesn’t agree with him with disdain and anger, instead of listening and serving his constituents as the leader he was elected to be. Lago, grow up and start representing the City Beautiful with the class and professionalism it deserves.
I voted for Lago and would do it again. I see Construction as PROGRESS as Merrick did too. .
Bottom line: The developers WON !!!……It seems Lago was a cheap purchase!….not to mention he is a BULLY!
The developers “WON”…………….and Lago complied!
What I have observed is that no one is talking about the crimes in Coral Gables. There is no security, and police presence is poor. There are robberies being committed in broad daylight, outside a d inside homes and apartments. Plus, there appears to be a huge “privacy issue” with groups, clusters or networks spying directly in peoples’ apartments in particular. They watch and hear everything and also get into private citizens’ cellphones to watch and manipulate personal activity. Where is the legal authority vigilance, security and investigation of these crimes?
Lago has destroyed the City Beautiful. Those monstrous buildings being developed in the middle of single family home areas are awful, not to mention ruins the privacy and peace and quiet of the surrounding homes, many of which have been owned for years. The demolition of beautiful old Coral Gables homes to be replaced by modern two story houses, killing the essence of what the city is. House renovations on Alhambra getting approval on things that Coral Gables would never approve. He doesn’t care about anyone, but himself and his pockets that are being filled with kickbacks from his developer buddies. I’m so happy people are finally starting to see his truly colors and truly hope the residents vote him out! He is disrespectful to anyone that goes against what he says, he is a bully and very unprofessional.
Much too much construction growth, awful traffic especially t’ween the hours of 7-9:30am and 4-6:30pm, too much noice from cars, trucks, gardener power tools. Losing the “beautiful” in City Beautiful. Sad!!!
Too much construction all over the Gables….ruining our city and isn’t Lago a builder?
Lago is a psycho.
no longer like Lago but the trio that we got rid off , one still to go , is also corrupt stop the developers and the building
no longer like Lago but the trio that we got rid off , one still to go , is also corrupt stop the developers and the building