Javier Baños
Baños is the Editor of Gables Insider
As the election approaches on Tuesday, the decision on whether Coral Gables should annex Little Gables looms large. This vote could reshape the city’s boundaries and future, with passionate arguments on both sides. While there are potential benefits to annexation, it’s essential to carefully consider the possible downsides, particularly the financial impact on the city and its residents.
The Case for Annexation
Proponents of annexation argue that incorporating Little Gables into Coral Gables would create a more cohesive and unified community. Little Gables, though part of unincorporated Miami-Dade County, already relies on Coral Gables for certain services, such as police and fire protection, upon a mutual aid request by the County. Bringing Little Gables officially into the city would align its governance with the services it already receives, potentially leading to more efficient service delivery and better integration into the city’s planning and development efforts.
Additionally, the annexation could boost property values in Little Gables. Coral Gables is known for its strict zoning regulations, aesthetic appeal, and well-maintained neighborhoods. By becoming part of Coral Gables, properties in Little Gables could see an increase in value as they benefit from the same standards that have helped preserve the City Beautiful’s charm. This could attract new investment to the area, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for current residents.
There’s also the argument that annexation could help address some long-standing issues within Little Gables. The area has struggled with blighted properties and less desirable businesses that have persisted under county jurisdiction. With Coral Gables’ reputation for strict code enforcement, these areas could be revitalized, leading to a cleaner, safer, and more attractive neighborhood.
The Case Against Annexation
Despite these potential benefits, the negative aspects of annexation, particularly its financial implications, cannot be overlooked. One of the most significant concerns is the cost that annexation would impose on Coral Gables. The city would be responsible for absorbing the costs associated with upgrading infrastructure in Little Gables, expanding public services, and addressing any existing issues that have been neglected under county oversight. Estimates suggest that the annexation could cost the city upwards of $23 million over the first five years. This financial burden would come at a time when the city is already grappling with budget constraints and competing priorities.
The revenue generated from the newly annexed area might not be sufficient to cover these costs, at least not in the short term. Although proponents argue that property values will eventually rise and contribute to the city’s tax base, there is a significant risk that the initial outlay could strain the city’s budget. This could lead to higher taxes or cuts to services elsewhere in Coral Gables, affecting residents who already enjoy a high level of city services.
Another issue is the potential impact on Coral Gables’ character. The city has worked hard to maintain a distinct identity, characterized by its historic architecture, well-kept streets, and strong community standards. Some residents worry that annexing Little Gables, which has different development patterns and challenges, could dilute this unique character. Incorporating an area with existing issues, such as blighted properties and businesses that don’t align with Coral Gables’ aesthetic, could require significant resources to bring it up to the city’s standards. This might divert attention and funds from maintaining and improving existing neighborhoods.
Public sentiment also plays a critical role in this debate. While some residents of Little Gables may support annexation, hoping for improved services and higher property values, others might be wary of the changes it could bring. They may prefer the more relaxed regulations of the county or have concerns about increased taxes and stricter codes that could accompany annexation. Likewise, many Coral Gables residents are hesitant about taking on the challenges of annexing Little Gables, fearing that it could lead to increased costs and a dilution of the city’s character.
Moreover, there is the question of whether the annexation would actually solve the problems it aims to address. While it’s true that Coral Gables has a strong track record of maintaining high standards, there’s no guarantee that the city would be able to turn around the more challenging aspects of Little Gables quickly or without significant cost. The area’s blighted properties and less desirable businesses might prove difficult and expensive to manage, especially if the city’s resources are stretched thin.
In summary, while the annexation of Little Gables offers potential benefits like increased property values, improved service delivery, and the revitalization of blighted areas, it also comes with significant risks. Voters get to provide their final say in this election.
This response is not about annexation. It’s about the influx of High Rise Buildings in CG. If Fire & Rescue do not have the resources for the Current Coral Gables & High Rises, why is CG allowing more and more and more high rises?
Wow, wow, wow…. the Coral Gables wellbeing is in the hands of people that they don’t care or has a tremendous envy to people that lives in Coral Gables.
Sneaky movement from Miami-Dade and Coral Gables Mayors!!! The last question of the voting ballot that was not even recorded on the guide sent to all voters. The WHOLE County will be able to decide on Coral Gables future!!!
The City of Coral Gables currently doesn’t even have enough Police and Fire resources to keep up with the city. Officers leaving to other agencies by the dozen. Yet, they want to Annex Little Gables. Insanity at work.
I am against annexation for many reasons. I want to:
Avoid neighbors losing their homes
Avoid taxes increasing
Avoid waste and overall cost of living increases
Avoid overdevelopment from Coral Gables
Avoid government overreach from Coral Gables
Avoid Coral Gables home strict codes and regulations
Avoid the hassle of changing address details
Avoid further straining Coral Gables police and fire department
Avoid Coral Gables city budget going negative
Avoid Coral Gables losing its prestige
Avoid a decline in Coral Gables & Little Gables home values
@michael maxwell. Speaking as a little gables resident. NO WE ARE NOT FOR IT!! CORAL GABLES HAS ENOUGH PROBLEMS. WE DONT WANT YOUR BS. LEAVE US ALONE!! GERALDA IS A BIOHAZZARD, MATHESON HAMMOCK DESTROYED… UNENDING TRAFFIC PROBLEMS, DEVELOPMENT, ONE ROAD IN? (LEJEUNE..) TRASH PITS, NO RECYCLING BINS, HIGHER TAXES. THANKS BUT NO THANKS…
They have an agreement with the County, that if the county can’t make it, the nearby cities will attend any emergency. It has to be with the request of the county
Roof Tiles instead of shingles & a tree in the grassy swale. These are the only characteristics that distinguish Gables streets from Little Gables. Many Gables streets are without sidewalks. Residents of Alhambra Circle 33146 near Bird Road even oppose them so that there’s no foot traffic and have the illusion of bigger front yards. Same jerks who opposed bike lanes servicing UM students. Agave developers created swales and planted trees for the people near their project. Why? Those streets did not look like Gables streets. Roof replacement is required every so often. Many Little Gables residents have already paid a little more for tiles. Many have grassy swales. On the Gables side trees not pruned and planted so close together, grass has been decimated. We now have sandy or gravelly swales. This is shameful! So many CG garages and carports turned into more living space, so there’s less space for the cars. At night I see so many cars on the swales and even parked atop sidewalks.
Roof Tiles instead of shingles & a tree in the grassy swale. These are the only characteristics that distinguish Gables streets from Little Gables. Many Gables streets are without sidewalks. Residents of Alhambra Circle 33146 near Bird Road even oppose them so that there’s no foot traffic and have the illusion of bigger front yards. Same jerks who opposed bike lanes servicing UM students. Agave developers created swales and planted trees for the people near their project. Why? Those streets did not look like Gables streets. Roof replacement is required every so often. Many Little Gables residents have already paid a little more for tiles. Many have grassy swales. On the Gables side trees not pruned and planted so close together, grass has been decimated. We now have sandy or gravelly swales. This is shameful! So many CG garages and carports turned into more living space, so there’s less space for the cars. At night I see so many cars on the swales and even parked atop sidewalks.
For those that want to annex, please sell your home in Little Gables and purchase one in Coral Gables – it’s that easy. Most of those favoring annexation could not afford to buy in Coral Gables so they bought in LG (I call these Coral Gables Wannabes) and now want to force those of us who have lived here (and are happy NOT being CG) to annex. Leave LG alone already, enough is enough! Again, if you are not happy in LG, move, but don’t ruin it for those of us who have been here for years and want to remain in our homes.
Can you please expand on the claim that Coral Gables Police and Fire Department already serve the area? This claim is confusing some people.
In 10 years living in Little Gables, I have never seen any Coral Gables Resource in Little Gables. Only County resources patrol and attend emergencies in the neighborhood. Police response has improved with the 2 resources assigned to patrol the area. But it is undisputable that the Coral Gables promise of assigning more resources would benefit the area, and improve North Coral Gables Security.
The $19.3M collected in taxes would finance as per the official presentation
If annexed, Little Gables would have additional resources
3 police officers
1 Neighborhood safety aide (NSA)
Zone coverage
If annexed, Little Gables would have additional resources
6 firefighters for 24/7 coverage
https://www.coralgables.com/sites/default/files/2023-10/Little%20Gables%20Annexation%20Presentation%202023%20-%209-27-23.pptx
No, I’m not in favor of annexation! The Little Gables residents I’ve spoken to (and some are my friends) are all against annexation. What right does Coral Gables have to take over a neighborhood that doesn’t want to be annexed? The thought of the City spending over $23 million on annexing Little Gables is unbelievable! Sidewalks in my neighborhood are in disrepair, and the repairs are being done by grinding down uneven sidewalks and filling in missing areas with asphalt, instead of replacing them. It looks absolutely awful. It’s all about the money, but the City isn’t concerned with sinking money into an area that doesn’t want to be part of Coral Gables. Take care of what needs to be done in our City instead of stretching our resources even thinner.
Annexation is not a new topic for our City. What is new is the ability of the residents of Coral Gables to voice how they feel about annexation of the unincorporated area called Little Gables.
Previously only the residents of the unincorporated area proposed for annexation could voice their opinion. Prior to this election, we were denied any opportunity, as the residents of Coral Gables, to express how we felt about annexation. Now it’s our moment.
The proposals to annex this unincorporated area keep coming back… like a bad meal. In fact, in the 2013 commission elections, then candidate Marlin Ebbert wrote to me on March 24, 2013 her view of the negative impact of annexation to the residents of Coral Gables and I quote:
“I think of the strain that this [annexation] will put on existing services – police, fire, garbage and trash pick-up. Not to mention code enforcement, construction inspectors, etc. We would need to hire new employees to keep up the “Gables’” standard level of services and that takes time.”
A few years later, annexation proposals came back. On April 8, 2019, then candidate for Coral Gables commission Jorge Fors, articulated his position on annexation of the unincorporated area of Little Gables. He was the only candidate who ran on a platform to oppose annexation. When elected, Comm. Fors was true to his word and he single-handedly kept the City from annexing Little Gables.
What he said about the negative impact of annexing Little Gables into our City was true then and it’s still true today. Below is a verbatim quote of his stated position against annexation including his own emphasis on the word “NOT”:
“The residents of Coral Gables should always come first.
Annexation is NOT the answer.
Expanding Coral Gables to incorporate areas that will require our City’s services will negatively affect the level and quality of services that our residents currently receive.
It would strain critical emergency services, like fire and police, and risk tax increases against current residents to make up for this shortfall. I am the only candidate who outright opposes any and all annexation.”
One of his campaign flyers also spoke forcefully against annexation and in support and defense of the residents of Coral Gables.
ANNEXATION IS NOT THE ANSWER!
“Annexation will compromise our city’s services.”
– Jorge Fors
“The reality of annexation is that our fire and police department will be forced to assume responsibility for a larger area and more households without additional resources. The same problem applies to other departments such as solid waste, code enforcement, public works and the rest of Coral Gables personnel. Eventually, we will need additional resources to service these areas and they will come at a cost to the taxpayers.”
Many of us oppose uncontrolled development which so changes the character of our City and our quality of life. But what is annexation if not more growth for our City, more congestion and more demands on our City’s services and its infrastructure. How can any one be against uncontrolled development but favor annexation?
Wait there’s more. Our very own City prepared a glossy PowerPoint presentation to persuade residents of the unincorporated area of Little Gables into voting in favor of being annexed. (Remember, you as a resident of Coral Gables, didn’t have a say in the matter…until now.)
Well, all of us who have lived in Coral Gables a while (my family and I since 1975) abide by our City’s strict rules for zoning, architectural code, color of paint for your home, tiles for your roof, etc. Fair enough. We residents believe that the restrictions are worth it to maintain the Coral Gables standards.
But the City is telling the residents of incorporated Little Gables that our City’s zoning rules, our code, etc., will not apply to them if annexed. Their chain link fences, their flat roofs, their lack of a garage or carport, the non-existent setbacks, the decrepit trailer park, the unkempt front lawns, and on and on, will not have to comply with our City’s code. The County’s code is still going to apply to them after being annexed into Coral Gables.
Not just for existing structures but they will have a “special” code for any future changes they wish to make. One standard for them if newly annexed into Coral Gables and a different standard for you and me.
Don’t take my word for it. Read the excerpt below from the City’s proposal and read the full document for your self at https://www.coralgables.com/department/city-managers-office/facts-regarding-annexation-coral-gables.
“Zoning Code:
Another frequently asked question relates to zoning and building codes. If annexation occurs, city officials will work with property owners to adopt a zoning code specific to these neighborhoods that allows for a gradual and reasonable translation of requirements. Site-specific regulations for the annexed areas may reasonably deviate from the city’s zoning code, and such a model has been used in the past with annexations. In many cases, single-family residential zoning and its uses permitted by the County Code will remain.”
We won’t get another bite of this apple. We cannot let this opportunity to express how we feel about annexation pass us by.
Voting “NO” to this question of annexation of unincorporated Little Gables is the only reasonable response which is in the best interest of all the residents of Coral Gables.
Coral Gables Fire Rescue has great guys, but they are overworked and understaffed. Adding Little Gables to their areas to cover just waters it down for current Gables residents. Little Gables is serviced by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. They do a good job…let’s figure out what to do with our fire department’s problems BEFORE we go trying to water down service elsewhere.
Annexation benefits both the city of Coral Gables and the residents of Little Gables.
As a small pocket of unincorporated Dade County, the area is supposed to receive its services from County Services located in Doral. In reality, Coral Gables already provides emergency responses to the area for emergency police, rescue, and fire, given the long distance and response time required by the County.
The primary issue is the zoning and development control. The County allows much more dense and higher development with no architectural standard. By NOT annexing Little Gables we can see the same development happening there as we now see on US 1 that everyone is complaining about. If the City has no control over development in this pocket, surrounded by Coral Gables on three sides and the City of Miami on one side, then expect the worst because County zoning and development standards allow uses like the former “hot sheets” motel and multistory storage buildings.
Lastly, the majority of Little Gables property owners have expressed their desire to join Coral Gables.
It is shortsighted to consider annexation as too costly or as a power grab by the City to take this pocket into our city. Rather, this is an opportunity to deliver more efficient services in a rational manner. Not only will it pay for itself over time, but it will also greatly benefit our city.
Imagine if the United States had said, “Nah, we’re good,” to the Louisiana Purchase, or decided that the Oregon Territory wasn’t worth the hassle. We’d have missed out on some pretty epic land grabs! In the same pioneering spirit, annexing Little Gables into Coral Gables is like our own local version of the Gadsden Purchase—minus the dusty deserts and wagon trains, of course. By bringing this enclave into the fold, we’re not just expanding borders; we’re securing a future where our community is safer, prettier, and a whole lot more cohesive. So let’s channel our inner Thomas Jefferson and make this annexation a done deal—no need for a transcontinental railroad, just a YES vote on August 20th!
Tough to vote yes to improve someone else’s neighborhood when the City Beautiful cannot presently keep up with the needs of its present ones. Annexation has been talked about for too long by numerous commissions and city administrators, with the expected results of no action prevailing. From plenty of broken, uneven and asphalted sidewalks, a dilapidated North Ponce area, among many other flaws, and a continuous degradation of our overall quality of life, our city has fallen into disarray and lost its lustre, including our present commission’s third-world governance model. Enough of the hype on annexation, as it will rob us further of much needed monies to correct present and growing deficiencies in the city. Sorry, Little Gables, the timing is not good and we need to clean our dirty laundry that has been soiled by previous and present administrations and commissions. Three household votes already cast for a resounding NO.
As a longtime Coral Gables resident I favor the annexation of Little Gables. The benefits will require time but are real. If not incorporated this area and poor county management will let it fester and run down. Bad development along Flagler will also happen. Lets save this community.
NO, NO. NO. It is not Gables standards and some if it needs to be torn down and rebuilt. Cost is also too high. This leadership has allowed total blackout construction on some streets from sunlight. All the new condos, all the new tax rolls. You have enough. You destroyed the Gables with construction, now you want to bring down our city by adding a dilapidated area. NO !!!
I already voted NO to the annexation. This is a half-baked idea that will damage the residents of Little Gables and force them to “get with the program” when they have no money to do so. This in turn would now bring developers and friends of Lago to acquire properties by displacing residents and businesses.
So, the Trailer Park will be the first to be dismantled. This is home to many low-income families. Is Coral Gables going to build them new homes? Of course not.
Little Gables fire rescue and police service is provided by Miami Dade County, not Coral Gables.
Annexing little gables would lower the prestige of coral gables. The main issue that I, and other residents, are against annexation is because of the increase in the cost of living for the residents. We do not want our fellow neighbors to be homeless. There are houses in LG that do not meet Gables’ standards and probably never will. Increasing the costs of living for these homeowners is going to result in the deterioration of the LG neighborhood. The value of LG homes has already increased. Overdevelopment is rampant in Coral Gables, probably due to Mayor Lago’s real estate ties. Please vote no on annexation.
The advertised promise of luring people to move to Coral Gables:
“Winding boulevards, lush green treescapes and uniform architecture”…which Little Gables does not have.
Little Gables does NOT look like Coral Gables and was never meant to be Coral Gables.
Many of my Little Gables neighbors (including myself) bought our homes in Unincorporated Dade County over 35 years ago because we could afford to live here.
And we love our neighborhood just as it is.
We never wanted to live in Coral Gables…and still don’t.
I personally believe:
If anyone believes that any “Grandfather Clause” will hold up…you are delusional.
Laws change. (Think Roe v Wade.)
Elected officials change.
Who in Little Gables will be profiting from annexation?
Hmmmmmm…
Realtors?
People who bought homes here on the assumption we would be annexed?
People who publicly claim they live in Coral Gables…but don’t?
Coral Gables voters need their tax dollars to fund their own services and needs.
Why in the world would they spend $23,594,000 ?
Coral Gables Voters: Vote No!