Title
Landscape Beautification Advisory Board Meeting of March 6, 2008
Summary
DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN: Dan Keys reported that the City is working on the Giralda project and will probably landscape both sides of the street according to the Landscape Master Plan. He stated that when opportunities arise and monies are available, that City staff will work together with developers to complete streetscapes whenever possible.
In response to questions from the board, Dan Keys informed the board that a proposal had been made to build a parking facility and townhomes in the parking lot area of the Biltmore Hotel. Underground parking would also be installed in front of the hotel.
TREE EDUCATION/WEBSITE CONTENT: Joanna Lombard asked if the downtown streetscape master plan be included on the City website for the general public to view. Dan Keys suggested that this could be started with the addition of photos of recent installations.
Donna Box, Coral Gables Garden Club President, reported on the Ponce de Leon Blvd. entrance project. She stated that this project is underway, but she was unsure as to its completion date. Barbara Katzen asked if the clock was purchased or donated. Donna Box stated that it had been purchased by the club and will be installed at the appropriate time.
Discussion was held regarding various ways to obtain content for the website that would not require numerous hours of research, editing, etc. Suggestions included the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce pedestrian guide and linking other sites to the City site. Members were asked to think about how they would like the information presented and were encouraged to take photos of completed projects and submit them with a paragraph or two of facts regarding the projects.
GREENING OF THE GABLES: No new business.
ARBOR DAY: Arbor Day will be held at Ingraham Park; LeJeune Road and Ingraham Highway starting at 11 a.m. The speaker will be Raymond Jungles, who will be presenting a slide show. As this years tree planting project, City crews will be expanding the existing pineland area of Ingraham Park.
BOARD ITEM/CITY COMMISSION UPDATE: No new items.
CITY PROJECTS UPDATE: The new traffic circles on Hernando Street were brought up by Maricris Longo. She stated that the choice of palms was not desirable. Dan Keys noted that this project had been done by the Public Works Department.