To the Editor: As a long-time resident of Coconut Grove, I’ve watched our city change — and not always for the better. I’m writing to express deep concern over the proposed Transit Station Neighborhood Development (TSND) overlay that’s now before the City Commission. This isn’t thoughtful planning. It’s overreach. The[Read More…]
Letters to the Editor
Spotlight readers weigh in on community topics.
Let’s Slow Down Before We Change the Face of Our Neighborhoods
To the Editor: Last week, something big happened that could change life for a lot of families in Miami. It didn’t make headlines, but it should have. The city’s Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board reviewed a proposal called the Transit Station Neighborhood Development (TSND) overlay. It sounds technical, but the[Read More…]
New Zoning Rules: A Hammer Poised to Crush Miami
To the Editor: Last week, the City of Miami’s Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board (PZAB) reviewed a sweeping ordinance that would drastically amend Miami 21 by providing a framework for the development of high-density high rises up to one mile from any fixed rail station by creating a “Transit Station[Read More…]
Public Officials Should Serve the Public Interest
To the Editor: Regarding PZAB Agrees to Split South Grove Property, I asked ChatGPT to give me an iron cage (opposite of a straw man) analysis of the responsibility of local officials to their constituents. This is what I got. I concur. IRON CAGE FRAMEWORK FOR DETERMINING OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN[Read More…]
Elected Officials Should Address Playhouse Concerns
To the Editor: The Historic Coconut Grove Playhouse is a publicly-owned, civic zoned property – intended for cultural and community use. Miami-Dade County plans to replace the Playhouse with a tiny (300 seat) theater, surrounded by more than 52,000 square feet of offices, restaurants, and retail (i.e. the definition of[Read More…]
Is the PZAB a Rubber Stamp for Developers?
To the Editor: Another outrageous lot-splitting looms on June 4 at Miami City Hall and the city’s Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board (PZAB) needs to hold the line. PZAB is often our last hope to combat over-development and lot-splitting in Coconut Grove. Our canopy, green space and culture is a[Read More…]
Finding the Playhouse’s Beauty
To the Editor: This morning (May 27) as I walked past the Coconut Grove Playhouse discussing with my friend how we are looking forward to its renovation and completion as a functional space, another walker comes up behind us and says, “What an eyesore. Can’t wait to see that thing[Read More…]
My Grandfather Saved the Playhouse. We Should Too.
To the Editor: Most people knew my grandfather, George S. Engle Sr., as an oil tycoon. He made his fortune pulling crude from the swamps of Louisiana and the sands of Venezuela. He lived in what is now the Coral Reef Yacht Club, overlooking Biscayne Bay, and could have spent[Read More…]
The Obligation is Clear: Save the Playhouse
To the Editor: Dade Heritage Trust is deeply alarmed and profoundly disheartened by the latest structural failure at the historic Coconut Grove Playhouse, which resulted in the collapse of a portion of the third floor and now threatens the integrity of the building’s iconic façade. There will undoubtedly be investigations[Read More…]
Action Needed to Address Crime
To the Editor: I am writing to express my deep concern about the recent surge in incidents, including shootings, drug-related crimes and burglaries in West Coconut Grove. As a resident of this beautiful community, I am worried about the safety and well-being of our neighbors and my family. While Coconut[Read More…]
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