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Landscape Beautification Advisory Board Meeting of November 6, 2008
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BOARD-AS-A-WHOLE APPOINTMENT: Discussion was held as to prospective nominees for the position of 'Board-As-A-Whole Appointment.' It is hoped that an appointment will be made at the December 4, 2008 meeting.
DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN: Dan Keys noted that trees were planted on Alhambra Circle. The Spanish Village project is moving along and proposed buildings on LeJeune Road known as Gables Gateway and DYL are moving forward in their respective processes. Streets in the area will be landscaped with new trees planted by the developers. There are no updates on Ponce Circle Park and the related Charrette. Discussion was held regarding the BID and the restaurant row and Miracle Mile area. Dan Keys reported that the BID has made recommendations for proposed design concepts for Miracle Mile and Giralda Ave which can be found on the BID Website.
WEBSITE IMPROVEMENTS: Photos of the 2008 Beautification Award winners have been posted on the City of Coral Gables website.
SPANISH VILLAGE/PONCE CIRCLE PARK: Dan Keys noted that design work for the streetscape is progressing on the project, but not for Ponce Circle Park.
Linda Lawrence asked what type of tree had been used to line Grand Ave. recently. Dan Keys informed the board that they were Yellow Cassia trees. Discussion was held regarding the pros and cons of the various types of trees.
GREENING OF THE GABLES: Dan Keys noted that there are no new proposals.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Robert Parsley made a motion to "Nominate Maricris Longo to serve as Chairman." The motion was seconded by Linda Lawrence. No other nominations were made and a vote was taken. Maricris Longo was elected Chairman by a unanimous vote. Barbara Katzen made a motion to "Nominate George Blet to serve as Vice-Chairman." The motion was seconded by Robert Parsley. No other nominations were made and a vote was taken. George Blet was elected Vice-Chairman by a unanimous vote. New Chairman, Maricris Longo, took charge of the meeting.
BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS: Maps were distributed to board members indicating areas that they are responsible to cover. Maricris Longo noted that she would like the board to focus on commercial properties. The deadline for nominations is December 31, 2008. It is also noted that nominations for awards may be made by any member of the public as well.
US #1 ISLAND 16: Island 16 is the northern most island on US #1 in Coral Gables at the intersection of Douglas Road. Dan Keys advised board members that the City is working on improving the condition of this island. He brought a landscape plan showing proposed plantings of Green Island Ficus and Dwarf Fakatchee Grass winding through the Royal Palms with Batik Crotons on either end of the island. Robert Parsley moved to support the proposal; the motion was seconded by Jack Elmore and approved unanimously by the Board.
Robert Parsley asked about the lack of plantings at the new building at US #1 and Santona Street. Dan Keys stated he would look into the issue.
BOARD ITEM/CITY COMMISSION UPDATE: No new items.
CITY PROJECTS UPDATE: No new items.
Donna Box noted that at the June 5, 2008 meeting, Suzy Amerkan was in attendance in her place. She requested that the record be corrected.
Linda Lawrence commended the Garden Club for the Ponce de Leon Blvd. and 8th Street entrance project which they recently completed.