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Coral Gables is famous for its tree-lined streets, historic ambiance, and quaint downtown reminiscent of a bygone era. Our shopping, dining, and entertainment district’s walkability also adds to our community’s unique charms. I am proud to live, work and play in Coral Gables.
I am also concerned about Miracle Mile. Many businesses have closed due to the pandemic, changing retail landscape, and evolving business milieu. The challenges to the “mile” are not unique. If you drive around downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, South Miami, or Miami Beach, you will see the changing façade of American business too. We are not alone.
I am not a supporter of changing the code to allow more density and larger buildings. I don’t believe that this will solve the problems of missing retail on the ground floor. I think it might make it worse. The city can not solve these problems by changing the code.
I feel that the City should not solve a problem that is not theirs to solve. I believe that market forces should determine the outcome, and the concepts of supply and demand should prevail. The value of all these properties may be affected by the high vacancies, and the market will present new opportunities. The problem is one for the landlords to work out without interference from the City.
I am concerned about these businesses, but I am also troubled about the city’s finances. More than 40% of the city’s income is derived from the commercial district’s property taxes, and the city’s finances may be negatively impacted. We need to address this potential shortfall proactively.
We have too many vacancies and closed stores, and a reexamination of this area is natural at this time. While I remain concerned about the mile’s future, I am hopeful for the Giralda entertainment promenade, the Merrick Park zone, and the future opportunities surfacing on Ponce de Leon and our city in general.
I offer my perspective in the spirit of which I will campaign and hopefully govern. I share my thoughts, and I want to hear yours. My goal is to share your vision, and this is only possible with dialogue amongst people who care about our community.
Jose Valdes-Fauli
Candidate, Coral Gables Commission District II
