Partial demolition of Coconut Grove Playhouse could be stalled after challenge by neighbors

Plans to tear down part of the Coconut Grove Playhouse hit an obstacle Wednesday night when Miami’s planning board sided with neighbors who challenged the demolition.

The city’s Planning and Zoning Appeals Board upheld an appeal from Anthony Vinciguerra and Courtney Berrien, a couple whose home on Charles Avenue is within 500 feet of the Playhouse.

They want to stop MiamiDade County from demolishing part of the structure as part of a plan to restore a piece of the property and build a new auditorium.

The board voted 6-3 to grant the couple’s appeal, slowing plans for the demolition and possibly setting the stage for months or years of more debate on the future of the Playhouse.

David Winker, the couple’s attorney, told the Miami Herald that their goal is to force county officials to consider another option. Some residents have criticized the county plan and called for a more restoration that maintains a larger auditorium.

“We’re using the legal process to hit the reset button and force the county to then come to the table and talk to residents about a compromise,” Winker said.

Michael Spring, MiamiDade County’s director of cultural affairs, said in a statement that the county is committed to a restoration plan and the county vision improves landscaping, restores the Playhouse’s front office and reactivates a theater in a key corner of Coconut Grove.

“The plan will allow for great performances for residents and families to return to the Playhouse as well as provide additional parking not only for the theater but for the area’s businesses and educational institutions,” Spring wrote.

He did not say whether the county would appeal the decision, which would push the matter before the City Commission.

“Last night’s discussion — intended to focus exclusively on the tree preservation aspect of the project — was used as an opportunity to delay the renovation process for an unrelated appeal,” Spring wrote. “The Office of the Miami-Dade County Attorney is currently evaluating next steps.”

Controversy has swirled around the county plan for years, leading to many public hearings, votes, a veto from Mayor Francis Suarez, litigation and contentious debate.