Wednesday, December 26, 2007
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CONTENTS:Historic Designation Grants Financial Benefits To Homeowners
Oh, I Love A Parade
City Celebrates DeSoto Fountain Restoration
Special Municipal Election Set for January 29
Gables Receives CRS Class 8 Rating
Coral Gables Still A Tree City USA
Commission Approves Art In Public Places Ordinance
How Do We Communicate?
Traffic
Junior Orange Bowl Parade
Events Roundup
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Historic Designation Grants Financial Benefits To Homeowners >>> Coral Gables properties that are at least 50 years old and that have architectural, aesthetic or historic value can be designated as historic landmarks. The same can be done for a neighborhood or a district within Coral Gables, designating all the homes in a geographically defined area as historic. Besides public recognition, the granting of historic status provides several benefits to the property owner, including a financial incentive. If your home or district is designated as historic, property owners can apply for an ad valorem tax abatement program when making improvements to the property. This important benefit can provide a 10-year freeze on the value of those improvements. If you live in a local historic district, property owners have a say on the growth and development of the neighborhood, protecting the historic area from new construction and incompatible changes. Recent studies suggest that historic districts nationwide may have a higher resale value than comparable properties and neighborhoods not within a designated district. Historic designation does not complicate or delay the issuance of building permits and it does not make the process a more costly one. If you want to get more information on the historic preservation program in Coral Gables, call 305-460-5093.
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Oh, I Love A Parade >>> You’re going to love the rat-a-tat-tat and the blare of horns on Saturday, December 29, beginning at 7 p.m. for the “Fun & Games” Junior Orange Bowl Parade through the streets of downtown Coral Gables. Bring your children to witness this celebration that continues to be the best parade in town after 59 years of existence with a vivid arrangement of marching bands and colorful floats. Disc Jockey Rick Shaw will be the emcee this year for the parade. The parade route begins on Biltmore Way along Miracle Mile (from LeJeune Road to Ponce de Leon Boulevard), and then along Ponce de Leon Boulevard (from Miracle Mile to Alhambra Circle). The best seating for the Junior Orange Bowl Parade is located in the Parade grandstands which can be purchased by calling 305-662-1210. Check the traffic information below for a listing of all street closures.
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City Celebrates DeSoto Fountain Restoration >>> Mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 8, at 6 p.m. to join the Coral Gables City Commission on a Celebration of the DeSoto Fountain Restoration at the intersection of DeSoto Boulevard and Granada Boulevard. The event is free and open to the public. Throughout this year, the fountain has been going through intricate renovations to restore this historic landmark built in the early 1920s. The process began with the collection of samples of the original materials used to build the foundation in order to duplicate it, followed by the restoration of the basins, central pier and column of the fountain. The pump was replaced and a new pump room was installed at the parking lot across from the Venetian Pool. Funding for the renovation was possible through a $240,000 grant from the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources with the assistance of the Florida Historical Commission and with matching funds from the City of Coral Gables Capital Improvement Fund.
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Special Municipal Election Set for January 29 >>> On Tuesday, January 29, 2008, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. the City of Coral Gables will hold a Special Municipal Referendum Election for the purpose of calling the qualified electors to vote on one amendment to the Charter of the City of Coral Gables. Voters will have an opportunity to retain or remove Section 22 from the City Charter. This provision allows a special Trial Board to be impaneled at the written request of any Coral Gables officer or employee not represented by a collective bargaining agreement who is removed, suspended, laid off or reduced in grade by the City Manager. The special Trial Board can convene to investigate and determine the propriety of the City Manager’s decision. All residents are encouraged to vote on January 29, 2008. For further election information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 305-460-5207.
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Gables Receives CRS Class 8 Rating >>> Thanks to good floodplain management activities implemented by your local government, this community is getting a discount in the premium cost of flood insurance. The City of Coral Gables was given a Class 8 Community Rating System by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary incentive program that encourages floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. This Class 8 rating means that citizens of Coral Gables qualify for a 10 percent discount in the premium cost of flood insurance for Special Flood Hazard Area NFIP policies and five percent for non-Special Flood Hazard Area policies issued or renewed on or after October 1, 2007. This savings is a tangible result of the flood mitigation activities that Coral Gables has implemented to protect lives and reduce property damage. The Community Rating System program is administered by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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Coral Gables Still A Tree City USA >>> It’s been 23 years of good tree canopy and it shows. The National Arbor Day Foundation again named the City of Coral Gables as a 2007 Tree City USA, the 23rd consecutive recognition for the City Beautiful. The designation recognizes communities that have proven a commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry program. Trees in Coral Gables help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into daily lives. Trees are vital components of the infrastructure of the City of Coral Gables and provide an enormous environmental and economic benefit to residents and visitors.
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Commission Approves Art In Public Places Ordinance >>> The Coral Gables City Commission gave the final approval on December 11 to a new ordinance that will integrate public art into new private and public development in the City. In the case of municipal construction projects paid by the City on City-owned land, one percent of the construction cost will be placed in an historic public art fund that will go toward the restoration, maintenance and acquisition of historic public art. For any non-City construction or renovation in Coral Gables in excess of $1 million, excluding single family homes, developers may petition to have the public art acquisition incorporated within their project, provided there is regular public access at no charge to the public. The art acquisition, to be incorporated within the project, must have a minimum appraised value of one percent of the construction costs. Instead of providing artwork on the project site, the developer may choose to contribute one percent of the aggregate project value as the required art fee. The works of art located in either a municipal or non-municipal project must be highly visible and accessible at no charge to the public.
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How Do We Communicate? >>> The
City of Coral Gables would like to know what you think about its communication program and vehicles.
To participate, simply log on to the City’s homepage and complete the on-line survey titled “How
Do We Communicate?” The information gathered will help the City evaluate the effectiveness
of all external communications. To go directly to the survey, click
here.
Don’t forget to listen to GABLES Radio 1620 AM on your car radio
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Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road between S.W. 16 Street and South Dixie Highway: Florida Department of Transportation has completed its Le Jeune Road Project.
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Junior Orange Bowl Parade >>> In order to prepare the Downtown area for the parade there are a series of road closures that will affect traffic. Beginning on Monday, December 24 at midnight, Biltmore Way from Le Jeune Road to the fork at Andalusia Avenue will close. The closure will allow crews to construct VIP sections and bleachers for guests and a stage. On Saturday, December 29 starting at 12 p.m., Alhambra Circle from Le Jeune Road to Merrick Way will close as will Biltmore Way on the north side from the fork at Andalusia Avenue to Segovia Street. At 3 p.m. police will close off Biltmore Way from Anderson Road to Segovia Street and Segovia Street will close from Coral Way to Valencia Avenue. At 5:15 p.m. the actual parade route will close to traffic at the following locations: Miracle Mile from Ponce de Leon Boulevard to Le Jeune Road, Ponce de Leon Boulevard from Miracle Mile to Alhambra Circle, Biltmore Way from Hernando to Segovia Streets, the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Alhambra Circle, Alhambra Circle/Plaza from Le Jeune Road to Merrick Way and all perimeter streets surrounding the parade route. At 6 p.m. the north and southbound lanes of Le Jeune Road will close in front of City Hall. All streets will reopen as soon as it is practical after the conclusion of the parade. For more information, contact the Junior Orange Bowl Committee at 305-662-1210.
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Events Roundup >>> Here is a partial list of upcoming cultural events in Coral Gables. Please call ahead to confirm, as dates and times may change. For a complete list of events in Coral Gables, click here.
Ongoing: The historic Merrick House, the family home of Coral Gables founder George Merrick, is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays for tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. The tour of this charming home built of coral rock, still home to the artwork and early possessions of the Merrick family, lasts about 45 minutes. Tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for senior citizens (ages 65+) and students with ID; $1 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. The Merrick House, a remarkable example of South Florida architecture, is located at 907 Coral Way. For more information, call 305-460-5095.
First Friday of The Month: Art lovers flock to Coral Gables the first Friday of every month for Gallery Night. Boasting dozens of galleries, Coral Gables is the premier destination for art and cultural events. The City offers free trolley service to most of the galleries locations from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some galleries may feature musicians for your entertainment. For a list of art galleries in Coral Gables, click here.
Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays: Promote relaxation after a hard days work with the gentle postures and breathing techniques of Yoga. Basic Yoga is offered at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Create harmony in your body, mind and spirit. Members pay $11 for a single class or $41 for four classes, residents pay $15 per class or $55 for four classes, and non-residents pay $19 per class or $69 for four classes. The Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
Mondays: The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center is offering a special yoga class just for seniors. Yoga for Seniors is meant to build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination in the older generation. The class is held on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the classroom next to the Fitness Center. Wear comfortable clothing, don’t eat two hours prior to the class and bring a towel. Registration is required at the front desk before attending the class. The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. Classes cost $11 for members or $41 for a series of four classes. Residents pay $15 per class or $55 for four classes. Non-residents pay $19 a class or $69 for four classes. Call 305-460-5600 for more information.
Mondays: Seniors are invited to start every Monday morning with a fresh cup of coffee at the City of Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church. Chat with friends and get caught up on the latest news all over a free cup of coffee. The Morning Coffee Club will meet in Room 112 every Monday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue.
Wednesdays: Starting in January, spend Wednesday afternoons at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center for Social Hour. Meet at the Chapel of University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to catch up with your friends, play a few games or just relax.
December 27 – 30: The golf stars of tomorrow shine at the City of Coral Gables Biltmore Golf Course where the Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship will be played. The Main Draw will take place on December 30th between the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 305-662-1210 or click here.
December 29: Thousands of people are expected to attend this year's traditional Junior Orange Bowl Parade themed ‘Fun & Games.' The parade is a tribute to the community's youth and features marching bands, colorful floats and much more. The parade starts at 7 p.m. with a route that begins in front of City Hall on Biltmore Way and heads east on Miracle Mile, then heads north on Ponce de Leon Boulevard to Alhambra Circle. For more information, call 305-662-1210 or click here.
Through December 29: The Actors' Playhouse Musical Theatre for Young Audiences presents Ludwig Bemelmans' classic tale of Madeline's Christmas. This play is sure to please the young audience. The production will take place on Saturdays at 2 p.m. with additional holiday performances will be held Sunday, December 23 at 5 p.m. and Monday, December 24 at 7 p.m. Admission costs $15 for adults and children. The Playhouse is located at 280 Miracle Mile. For more information, call 305-444-9293 or click here.
January 4: Historian Arva Moore Parks offers lectures and tours of the Preview Exhibition of the Coral Gables Museum during Gallery Nights. On this night, Moore Parks will focus on The Visionaries: The People Who Created Coral Gables. This special lecture and tour will highlight the talented men and women who envisioned and planned an ideal community and how they turned this dream into reality. The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Old Spanish Village Sales Gallery located at 2901 Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
January 7 – February 4: There are several classes being offered for seniors at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center. The winter session of classes includes sessions on creating Autobiography & Memoirs, Mosaics, Floral Arrangements and classes in Music Appreciation and Knitting/Crocheting. It's never too late to learn a new craft. All classes will be taught at the Adult Activity Center located at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue. Courses range in price from $44 to $72 for residents. For more information or to register, call 305-460-5609 or go to the Registration Office located at the War Memorial Youth Center.
January 9: Performers ages 10 through 21 are encouraged to audition for the Miami Childrens Theater's Mainstage Production A Year with Frog & Toad. The auditions will take place at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Theater located at 405 University Drive from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A one-minute monologue and up-tempo song is required and you must come prepared to dance. For more information, call 305-274-3595.
January 9: Join fellow seniors for an enjoyable afternoon with a delicious catered lunch every Wednesday. Let's Do Lunch will be held at the Chapel at University Baptist Church, the home of the City's Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. On this day, enjoy a boneless breast of lemon chicken, oven roasted potatoes, tossed green salad, roll and homemade cookie. The menu for the entire month of January is available by calling the Recreation Specialist for Senior Services, Anastasia Smith. The fee for residents is only $8 per meal, $10 for non-residents. Please register for lunch every Monday of pay for the entire month by calling Smith at 305-460-5609.
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