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Landscape Beautification Advisory Board Meeting of November 1, 2007
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DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN: Dan Keys reported that the streetscape plan North of Zamora Ave. will be adhered to in most cases. Bump-out planters are still the norm South of Zamora. George Blet asked if the 3D Google Earth idea had been considered. Dan Keys was not sure if based on the available technology this will be possible to implement. The IT Dept. is looking into what will work best. Maricris Longo asked if a process had been set up for small projects to contribute monies toward future landscaping. Dan Keys and Alberto Delgado are working to develop a program for this purpose. Dan Keys reported that a current streetscape projects map has not been created as yet.
WEBSITE CONTENT: Dan Keys stated he would email the edited information he had on the Ponce de Leon Blvd. project to members. Regarding the Frank Button article, he received a photocopy of the article, but it was not very clear. When a clear copy is found, it will be posted on the City website under Historical Landscape information. Mr. Keys stated that the article was like a sales pitch for Coral Gables, kind of a snapshot in history of the beginnings of our City's landscaping ethic. Maricris Longo asked if the City website could be tracked so that it could be determined whether the work applied to different aspects of the website was worth the effort and money that goes into it.
GREENING OF THE GABLES: Dan Keys reported that the City Commission had authorized the Coral Gables Community Foundations' Greening of the Gables project to go ahead with the planting of Date palms in the median of Alhambra Circle. The Commission had also been advised that the Alhambra Rambla idea would be discussed at the November 1, 2007, meeting of the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board.
Presentation of Alhambra Circle landscape development options: Alberto Delgado, Public Works Director, gave a brief history of the projects in the downtown area beginning in 1997. Due to the current situation, it is felt that allowing the Greening of the Gables committee to plant palms in the Alhambra Circle median would be a good way to begin beautification efforts. Issues involved with creating a Rambla were discussed.
George Blet asked Alberto Delgado what is being planned for Ponce Circle Park. Mr. Delgado reported that the developer of the Old Spanish Village is paying for the creation of bump-outs with landscaping and crosswalks around the park.
BOARD ITEM/CITY COMMISSION UPDATE: Reported under Greening of the Gables
CITY PROJECTS UPDATE: Dan Keys noted that the City is building a senior housing unit on Andalusia Avenue. The City masterplan streetscape will be installed adjacent to this project.