Grove Residents, Here’s How We Can Preserve Miami’s Coconut Grove
We are exceedingly fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful and lush communities on Earth (in our humble opinion). Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood is this perfect paradox where peace meets vibrancy, and where city-life meets nature. But the Grove needs our help if we’re going to continue enjoying the paradise we call home.
As we speak, the City of Miami Planning Department is holding public workshops for changes to the Coconut Grove zoning code. They already got the ball rolling with the first workshop, which was held this past Saturday. At the workshop, residents were invited to discuss the upcoming changes being proposed for the building and zoning laws in the NCD (Neighborhood Conservation District) overlay.
It was a very good turnout and discussions went on from 9:30 until 1:00.
If you missed this first workshop, don’t sweat, there will be another.
The second workshop will take place Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ambrister Park’s multi-purpose room, located at 400 Grand Ave. During the workshop, residents will review the proposed ideas gathered at the past meeting and collaborate on solutions.
Not sure if you should attend? Our founder, Marcelo Fernandes, explains why we need our voices heard:
“I do believe the NCD needs to be updated to preserve the village of Coconut Grove. One of the main reasons we’re facing our current problems is due to a historical lack of enforcement of existing rules and regulations.
Overall, the main items that I believe we need to change with the NCD include:
- Preserving tree canopy.
- Restricting lot splitting. This process needs more detail from the property owners that apply to include intent and what is proposed.
- Reducing FAR (floor to area ratio) to eliminate large structures on small lots.
- Encouraging and incentivizing sustainable building practices.
- Creating more attainable housing and make it possible for the workforce to live here.
- Eliminating land banking practices.
If we, as a community, can find ways to work together on these issues and come up with solutions for the zoning boards, then we’ll be working to preserve our community for future generations to enjoy.”
For more information on these upcoming workshops, contact the City of Miami’s Sue Trone (305- 416-1445; STrone@miamigov.com) or Jacqueline Ellis (305-416-1446).
This is an effort that has been promoted by the Grove 2030 group. Contact info@grove2030.org for details.