HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-93-0491TO: Mayor Xavier Suarez Fax: 305/354-4001
FROM: Pan C ' ''Olis
DATE: July 22, 1993
.xbmitted into the public
record in connection with
RE: Proposed Grove Planning Study Optioq&m PZ_'7A on 7 2a=
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atty Hirai
Dear Mayor Suarez: I City Clerk
It is my understanding that at tonight's' City Commission meeting, you
will be considering whether or not to approve two different methods of securing a
planner, and a planning study for Coconut Grove:
The first method, or the "City's method" would provide for three appointed
people, along with the City's planning department who would dominate the
selection process almost to the exclusion of the public (and the elected Village
Cotuicil).
The second method, or the "Village Council method" would provide for a
Village Council appointed group presently comprised of over 18 people from all
walks of life in the Grove, to be involved in the selection and later planning
process (along with the City's planning staff). Of course, the City would have
the final say in the planner and plan submitted by the Council, so the City is not
giving up its power, or authority.
The purpose of this MEMO is to express my strongest opposition the
"City's method", and my strongest endorsement of the "Village Council method".
These two methods could be paraphrased more appropriately:
"City's method" -'We don't trust the (Grove) people"
"Village Council method" - "we trust the (Grove) people"
After all, the voters of Coconut Grove represent the residents, and
according to the Dade County Tax Collection Department, the residents of
Coconut Grove (as defined by the NET area) account for approx: $ 11 Billion in
appraised real estate value, while the commercial property amounts to approx: $
:3 Billion ui appraised real estate value. T�ierefare �eresideuts ofCoc�ut
Greve ltcamiw in CWyAd Valorem Tax
contrlhrrlians
It is clear that the residents of Coconut Grove (the people that 'Ta; 6&
F njVVi are democratically represented by their elected Village Council. Over
37% of Grove residents voted in that election, which is more than in any previous
City election for that area.
It is clear that the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce does not
represent the "PEnple rf,hoPXF -bye-F er '-because;
1) The Chamber represents the commercial interests who comprise the
overwhelming minority_ of Ad Valorem tax contributors to the City's
coffers, and
2) The chamber is a paid member based organization of somewhat self-
appointed leadership, and not an elected body (according to the State
Statutes) such as the Village Council.
Please do the right thing, only vote for the "Village Council method" and
not the "City's method" - send a positive message of trust to youu• constitu is -
workwith the Council and therefore the residents. 40 JL
I hereby request that the contents of this MEMO be read into the minutes
at tonight's meeting. Thank you in advance, for your support.