The meeting’s most contentious topic was the proposed amendments to the future land use map and mixed-use overlay district map, which would allow for a change from commercial low-rise intensity to commercial high-rise intensity in the Coral Gables Riviera section. This change would integrate the University Station rapid transit district overlay, giving Miami-Dade County regulatory jurisdiction while the city proposed an overlay district to maintain local control. Planning and Zoning Director Jennifer Garcia explained the implications of these changes, including the potential increase in building height near the metro station without a change in density. The proposal sparked a debate among residents who were concerned about the impact on traffic and the character of their neighborhoods.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on public comments, with several residents articulating their opposition to the proposed high-rise developments. Kathy Burnwight, a resident of Cabayo Boulevard, voiced her anxiety about a planned nine-story building near her home, lamenting the potential for “brickalization” along the US1 corridor. Chip Withers, a long-time resident, praised one commissioner for protecting residential neighborhoods but highlighted the complexities of negotiating with county officials regarding zoning and development.

The meeting also addressed concerns about public safety and emergency response times. Dr. Betty Mortonson emphasized that increased density could adversely affect life safety by delaying emergency personnel. She stressed the importance of reconsidering higher density’s implications on traffic and access to medical facilities.

Residents like Denise Corvo and David Hartnett echoed concerns about traffic congestion and the lack of affordable housing in the proposed developments. Corvo criticized the absence of a traffic study and noted that many residents were inadequately informed about the county’s proposals. Hartnett expressed skepticism about the developments contributing to affordable housing, stating that high-rise apartments would likely be unaffordable for many.

The conversation extended to the broader implications of the RTZ, with a county commissioner explaining the history and intention behind creating urban centers. The commissioner noted that the RTZ aimed to align municipal zoning codes with county guidelines and demonstrated benefits through successful developments like the Link project. However, some residents expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of public transportation in the area, noting existing traffic challenges and questioning the rationale for increasing density in a region primarily composed of single-family homes.

Residents underscored the need for a thorough evaluation of the potential impacts of increased building height and density on their neighborhoods. There was a consensus that while development is necessary, the scale of proposed projects was a point of contention, with many advocating for a more measured approach to ensure the community’s long-term well-being.

Discussions about traffic and transit issues further illustrated residents’ concerns. The municipality had undertaken initiatives to improve intersections, with particular attention to problematic areas like the Cabayto intersection. Efforts to enhance public transit connectivity were also discussed, including creating joint trolley stops to streamline connections between different systems.