Designate Miracle Mile an historic landmark

The March 23 online article by reporters Andres Viglucci and Samantha Gross, “Miracle Mile changes are meant to spur limited redevelopment,” really means denser development. According to one commissioner at the March 23rd meeting, the final vote on Miracle Mile was an up-zone. Meaning, a four-story can be built with no required onsite parking.

The vote opens the door to a new paradigm: from shopping on the Mile to living on the Mile. A fundamental change to George Merrick’s vision when developing the commercial downtown he created close to 100 years ago.

On behalf of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables, an application for local historic designation for Miracle Mile has been submitted to the

Coral Gables historic preservation office.

The four-block commercial area qualifies under the city’s development code Section 3-1103. This area is part of Merrick’s 1920s city plan, which was designated a local historic landmark in 2018 by the city’s Historic Preservation Board.

The development of a downtown — the corridor along Coral Way between LeJeune Road and Douglas Road — fulfilled Merrick’s vision of his City Beautiful precepts. One of the original entrances on LeJeune continues to welcome visitors to “one of the few remaining developments of its type that has maintained its original purpose and significance.”

We all know it is historic. Let’s now make it official.

– Karelia Martinez Carbonell,

president, Historic Preservation Association, Coral Gables

THE RIGHT PATH

We all deserve to live in a society where everyone feels safe and no one has to live with the fear of being deported or detained by police officers. I came to the United States when I was 12 years old, but never qualified for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. I have seen and experienced the ways immigration status has left me and my community vulnerable to attacks.

On March 18, the House of Representatives passed the Dream and Promise Act, a bill that would provide a pathway to citizenship for me and more than 3 million other young immigrants. If passed into law, it would allow me to continue my college education, which has been jeopardized because of my immigration status. I would also finally have the opportunity to walk across the stage at graduation.

For millions of young immigrants, a pathway to citizenship means safety, opportunity and hope.

With the Dream and Promise Act passing the House, the Senate must do everything in its power to pass the bill for our communities. Most Americans already support this bill. Now the Senate must act.

– Heyleng Castro,

Coconut Creek