Spotlight 85-2503013

Good morning. In today’s Spotlight:

“Micro” Condos on Grand Avenue
The Miami Mayor’s Race
A Calendar of Weekend Events

“Micro” Condominiums Proposed for Grand Avenue

The Miami City Commission agreed this week to provide $4.2 million in funding to support another affordable housing project in the West Grove.

By Don Finefrock

The City of Miami agreed on Thursday to provide $4.2 million in funding for another affordable housing project on Grand Avenue in the West Grove, this one with 56 “micro” condominiums priced for sale to low-income families in the city.

The proposed Grand Bahamas Place project is the sixth major development announced in the last year for a long-neglected stretch of Grand Avenue.

Five of those projects promise to bring new housing to the neighborhood. Of those, three will include housing priced for low- and moderate-income families.
Grand Bahamas Place is a collaboration among three partners – Prospera Real Estate Collective, the Collective Empowerment Group and Believers of Authority Ministries.

Believers of Authority is led by pastor John H. Chambers III. Chambers is the president of the Coconut Grove Ministerial Alliance and the vice chairman of the Collective Empowerment Group.

Ken Russell Running for Mayor

If elected, the former District 2 city commissioner and long-time Grove resident says he will fill a role his predecessors have shunned: chairing the City Commission.

By David Villano

Alarmed by what he describes as a culture of corruption and legislative dysfunction at Miami City Hall, former District 2 City Commissioner and Grove resident Ken Russell has filed paperwork to run for mayor in November’s general election.

He becomes the most prominent candidate, to date, to replace Francis Suarez, who will vacate the seat this year because of term limits after eight years in office.

Russell, 51, attributes his decision to run to growing frustration over efforts by the existing City Commission to chip away at the legislative achievements he championed while in office from 2015 to 2022.

“I’ve been watching the commission try to repeal things that mattered a lot to me, during my time [on the City Commission] – the tree protection ordinance, a more robust recycling program, a check on lifetime pensions,” Russell tells the Spotlight.

The “final straw,” he adds, was the recent decision to redirect $10 million earmarked for acquiring new park space to the Freedom Park sports complex near Miami International Airport.

Thoughts on Permitting Process for Tree Trimming or Removal?

City officials are proposing changes to Miami’s tree protection ordinance. Among the outcomes they hope to achieve is a less costly, streamlined process for residents and property owners to trim or remove trees.

The Spotlight is keen to hear your experiences with obtaining permits for tree trimming or removal – or the consequence for the failure to do so – in Coconut Grove and other Miami neighborhoods.

Can the process be improved? In what ways did city staff — and the policies they implement – fall short of your expectations?

Send your comments to [email protected]. Please include your full name and a phone number in case we’d like to follow up. Your name will not be used without your permission.
Thanks,
The Coconut Grove Spotlight Team

Where We’ll Be

Catch a Rising Starlet

The Grove’s own (and perhaps youngest) published author Emilia Ramos Sampler, 16, has released the second book in her fantasy trilogy, “The Shadow Heir.” Her new book, “Thieves of Time Forgotten,” continues the saga begun in her first work, published when she was 10. An award-winning author, Emilia won first-prize in the La Plume young writers’ contest. She also recently performed the lead role in the Area Stage production of “Anastasia.” Emilia will discuss her novels and life as a teen author at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables. Sunday 3/16 at 11:00 a.m. Free.

The Kampong welcomes “Revenant Florida,” an exhibition of drawings by Christina Pettersson that explores the myth of Florida’s youth by presenting natural beauty in the context of dramatic events. Biscayne Bay sites find prominent display in the show which runs through June 7. The opening reception is open to the public at a modest fee. The Kampong, 4013 Douglas Road. Opening Saturday 3/15 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Information and tickets.

Coconut Grove continues its art vibe with the first Art Walk through downtown. Live music will accompany those that stroll among the 30-plus local artist displays. Much of the artwork will be for sale. Sunday 3/16 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Downtown Grove. Free. Make the most of a beautiful day by arriving on your bicycle and checking it in with the free bike valet courtesy of Bike Coconut Grove and the Business Improvement District (BID). You can find the bike valet at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on McFarlane Road. Free.

Bike Walk Coral Gables returns with their annual Bike & BBQ. This long ride (11 miles) is rewarded with the BBQ picnic at the end in Matheson Hammock Park. As the Spotlight went to press, some advanced tickets remained. Sunday 3/16 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Detailed instructions, locations and requirements are found here. Modestly priced.

Alhambra Orchestra’s March concert presents works from around the world connected by folk and classical traditions. Coral Gables United Church of Christ, 3010 DeSoto Boulevard, Coral Gables. Sunday 3/16 at 7:30 p.m. Free.

“Lady Miasma” – showcasing the young aspiring professional performers of Area Theater – continues its limited run. The production marries fairytale images with mature themes. Weekend performances from 3/15 to 4/6. Times vary. Area Stage’s Black Box Theatre inside The Shops at Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Drive, Suite 286. Metrorail to University Station. Tickets.

Save Me a Seat

GableStage hosts the Miami premiere of “Summer, 1976,” a story of motherhood, ambition and independence contrasting the journeys of a strong-willed artist and a naïve young housewife. Pulitzer-winner David Auburn wrote the play that the New York Times called “sharply observant.” Although opening night is already sold out, tickets are available for performances from 3/29 through 4/20. GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables. Dates and times vary. Tickets.

The world’s fastest cats can’t outrun a changing habitat, but you can catch up with them during a discussion by Dr. Laurie Marker of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Saturday 3/22. 4:00-5:30 p.m. Advanced registration required for venue information.

Start gathering your obsolete electronics for the recycling event at Regatta Park. Saturday 3/29.

Choose from a wide variety of free trees or shrubs in Miami’s tree-loving Arbor Day celebrations run by the city’s building department. Details and pre-registration are found here for the various distribution dates on Saturdays in April. Pro-tip: Tell your neighbors.

Coconut Grove’s singular atmosphere serves as the setting for the locally-produced feature film Ethan Bloom. Thirteen-year-old Ethan and his father navigate a complicated life after the death of Ethan’s mother. Herschel Faber produced and directed the film starring Joshua Malina. The world premiere is part of the Miami Film Festival and its first showing is Sunday 4/6 at 8:00 p.m. Olympia Theater, 174 East Flagler St., Miami. Advanced tickets.