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Landscape Beautification Advisory Board Meeting of May 1, 2008
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DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN: Dan Keys reported that there were no additions made to the map. He will bring it to the June 5th meeting.
TREE EDUCATION/WEBSITE CONTENT: Members requested that an IT representative attend the June 5th meeting to go through the City website with the board.
GREENING OF THE GABLES: Dan Keys stated that the Greening of the Gables committee has offered to finance more landscaping on Alhambra Circle. He explained that there are two landscape plans for the two block section of Alhambra Circle. The first which has already been approved by the City Commission featured only palm trees, and the second a combination of palms at the focal points and shade trees in center areas. The second plan could be completed with the funds currently being offered by the Greening of the Gables committee whereas the currently approved plan would cost 3-4 times that. Members discussed the two plans and their attributes with the thought of suggesting to the Commission that the second "palm/tree" planting be approved as an alternate. It was the consensus of the board that the initial plan had the idea of introducing palms as a signature element and the current plan has changed that by adding the benefit of shade trees for their ecological benefit along with keeping the boulevard as a botanical garden. They agreed that this would be more consistent with the original intent for Alhambra Circle making it a preferable plan in their view.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Dan Keys reviewed the City's policy for board attendance. He noted that there are two excusable reasons for absence; they are for illness or being out of town.
BOARD MINUTES AND AGENDA: Janet Carrasquillo informed members that all future meeting agendas and draft minutes will be sent via email.
BOARD ITEM/CITY COMMISSION UPDATE: No new items.
CITY PROJECTS UPDATE: Dan Keys informed the board about the proposed landscape plan for the Spanish Village area around Ponce Circle Park, with funds from the developer of one of the new buildings. He presented the preliminary plans to board members for their information and comments. Discussion followed regarding the purposes of the park itself, the size of the park, the designs being proposed, and the materials being proposed. Board members agreed that the park needs to be true to itself and reflect atmosphere of the City of Coral Gables as a whole. It was noted that Coral Gables' signature materials are oolitic limestone with stucco; members would like to see them used. Discussion also included the differences between urban and suburban parks; their features and the overall look of the park. The consensus was that Ponce Circle Park should be considered an urban park. Members agreed to research urban parks and what has worked, or not worked and bring their findings to the June 5th meeting.