On The Issues: Runoff Candidates Group II

What is your stance on development in Coral Gables?

Development has become too dense and lacks sufficient set-backs from property lines. Residents have strongly expressed their concern about the size, density, increased traffic, insufficient parking and loss of green/open space resulting from commercial and residential buildings. This results in a “canyon” effect with reduced pedestrian friendly areas, tree canopy and open space, and more traffic on surrounding residential neighborhoods and commuter routes through Coral Gables. Development projects such as the Paseo on U.S. 1 and The Plaza on Ponce de Leon fail to follow Merrick’s vision of transitioning from residential to commercial areas. Development should not detract from the quality of life, but should add to the tax base and the quality of life for all residents. Too many projects are approved with little, inadequate or no notice to residents. An example of no notice types of projects are the “as of right” projects such the Aloft hotel, and projects approved administratively such as the change of the low income housing/restaurant project in the MacFarlane district to the Wawa gasoline station. The Aloft project never was reviewed by the residents’ Planning and Zoning Board and no resident or property owner within 1,000 feet of the Aloft was ever notified of the project before it was apparent from the excavation of the site for underground parking. On the other hand, the site plan for the Wawa project was administratively approved without any input from the residents, the Planning and Zoning Board or a Commission vote. The Commission and our Boards cannot inform residents and design better projects if their involvement is administratively by-passed. As a result, I support notice and review of all “as of right” projects by the Planning and Zoning Board after full and clear notice to the residents in plain language with the physical address of the proposed development and a photograph of the front rendering with a URL or QR code where residents can review additional documents. In addition, I support having every commercial and multi-family project featured on the City’s website like it was before the last web-site up-date. For instance, if notice had been received on the Aloft hotel project, rather than leaving only 24 inches of space for pedestrians to walk in front of the building, the City could have traded a few feet of land from the under-used parking lot behind the Aloft to make a welcoming pedestrian walkway/corridor on LeJeune, with a continuous veranda and shade trees. Such a corridor would have improved pedestrian safety, enhanced the street and building, and encouraged residents to walk to Miracle Mile. Further, with resident input, pedestrian safety features could have been included at the cross-walks at LeJeune and Valencia to ensure that all pedestrians can safely cross without risking being run-over. In addition, I am in support of modifying the Mediterranean Ordinance/Bonus program because it gives developers far too much for too little. Mediterranean bonuses reduce set-backs and increase height and bulk (F.A.R.) of a building not otherwise permitted in the Zoning Code. This is a bonus program, not a property right. Therefore, it can be altered without risking the City (and ultimately the residents) incurring liability for changing or reducing the bonuses. During an amendment process of the Med Bonus, I will seek ideas and comments from residents regarding the features and designs that the residents would like to promote in buildings and the type of bonuses projects should or should not receive. Based upon the comments of residents I have received, bonuses should be geared to higher quality LEED certified buildings that satisfy key efficiency and sustainable features (green space, additional charge stations, solar panels, etc.).

My views on development in Coral Gables are centered around adhering to the building codes, ensuring scale, walkability, and environmental integration to live, work and play, and respecting the residents by participating in a respectful dialogue with neighbors.

If you had a vote, how would you vote on the upcoming Zoning changes on Miracle Mile?

The Commission voted on March 9, 2021 to down-zone the Mile. The vote on second-reading is on March 23rd. Before this vote, the Zain Friedman Overlay passed in the 1980s reduced the maximum height from 150 feet to 70 feet. Therefore,before the recent down-zoning, the code allowed a maximum height of 70 feet with a parking pedestal, and additional height with Med. Bonuses and TDRs (Transfer of Development Rights from another parcel). A prior attempt to build a 70 to 83 foot tall building occurred on the north side of Miracle Mile and was adverted by providing additional building rights for properties on the Aragon side of the block. Currently, property owners have begun purchasing/assembling contiguous lots on the Mile that could lead to a similar attempt to build a 70 to 83 foot tall building, with parking, facing Miracle Mile. Further, large parcels such as those at the Barnes and Nobel site, could be paired with tall mix-use buildings on the Anastasia side to achieve a 70 to 83 foot tall building, with parking, on the Mile. As a result, further down zoning of the height on Miracle Mile is clearly the preferable option if it can be done without incurring potential liability for the value of lost building rights on Miracle Mile. In order to determine how much the height of the Mile could be down-zoned without exposing the City to liability for lost building rights, the City ordered an appraisal to determine the possible options. An appraisal completed in February supported a down-zoning of Miracle Mile to a maximum 50 feet with a maximum of three (3) stories with a fourth (4) story with a minimum set back of 10 feet (or more) for roof-top activation, if off-site parking was allowed for all new buildings meeting these requirements. The appraisal supported this height reduction if the maximum FAR (Floor Area Ratio) was 3.0 without Med Bonus or 3.5 with Med Bonus. This proposal also prohibited use of TDRs. Because this is the only proposal that completely and mandatorily down-zoned the height of the buildings on Miracle Mile, and because a building with similar height and off-street parking currently exists on the Mile, it was the best option to prevent Miracle Mile from having a 70 to 83 foot building facing the Mile. Therefore, I agree with the vote taken on March 9 to down-zone the Mile.

I would vote no on Miracle Mile zoning changes. I do not believe that "building up" solves the retail street's problems and that the landlords need to work with their tenants to ensure that the market can support these establishments.

If you had a vote, how would you vote on the upcoming Zoning changes on the Crafts section?

The upcoming Zoning changes to the Crafts section are in Block 36, which is the block closest to the San Sebastian hotel, that is currently zoned Single Family Residential (SFR) or Multi-Family Duplex (MF1), to Multi-Family 2 (MF2) District on all lots of Block 36. I would vote “no” based upon the comments I sent to the Planning and Zoning Board on March 2, 2021. Those comments stated: Dear Honorable Planning and Zoning Board Members: With regard to the proposed rezoning of Block 36 the Crafts Section, which is the portion of the Crafts Section closest to the historic San Sebastian hotel, based upon the view in the attached photographs, the undersigned submits that the a height of no more than two stories, with an MF-1 designation, would be appropriate for Block 36. An MF-1 designation with two story height limitation would be consistent with the new duplexes in the attached photograph on the east end of the block, would properly transition for the surrounding residential neighborhood, and would best compliment the historic building. Thank you for your time and consideration.

This one is more difficult because the neighbors supported it. Still, I would probably have voted against it because I am concerned about establishing precedence in other areas adjacent to greater density and visibility, such as near SW 8th Street, 57th Avenue, etc.

What is your vision for Miracle Mile?

An eclectic combination of restaurants, services, culture offerings and specialized small retail shops offering a wide variety of goods that attract customers. In order to keep Miracle Mile an exciting place to visit, the City, the Chamber and the Business Improvement District need to partner to attract new brands and businesses. A multi-faceted approach will be necessary to find the optimum mix of retail, service and restaurant businesses that will draw pedestrians back to the Mile. The City must identify and consistently communicate with retail brokers. In addition, the City must designate a person well educated on the City’s current retail space inventory to attend the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) retail shows where the national and new brands pitch their companies and monitor retail trends and real estate. In addition, the City should engage our cultural boards to suggest new programs to attract customers. In the interim, the Mile must be cleaned up. Trash accumulation and dirty storefronts will discourage prospective tenants from opening a store or business on the Mile and customers to return.

My vision for Miracle Mile is a pedestrian-friendly street with shopping, restaurants, and services adjacent to Ponce de Leon and our central business district's expanding influence. We should have easy access, adequate parking, and various opportunities for residents and visitors to work, live and play.

Traffic is a large issue in the City. What would you do to address the gridlock?

The existing gridlock may be relieved with the following combination of solutions: (1) The synchronization of traffic lights on major thoroughfares. (2) Increasing trolley and Freebie service where feasible. (3) Pressing the County to expand rail to South Dade, because few individuals will take the extra time to wait for multiple transportation modalities to reach a destination (drive or walk to a bus, and then disembark and wait for a train, after which you use Metromover and/or walk to the final a destination). (4) Minimize City service trucks from blocking lanes of traffic during peak hours.

Coral Gables is located centrally in Miami-Dade County, and numerous cars pass through our city daily. I would encourage Metrorail and expand the trolley between the University of Miami campus and our city’s central business district. I would find ways to enhance the viability of the Ponce trolley and expand the freebee service too. Traffic calming devices can help to minimize safety risks and improve public welfare and safety. In an environment of expanding rideshare services, I would examine ways to encourage this type of transport to build our urban core with fewer cars.

How would you address cut-through traffic on residential streets?

With the agreement of the residents, propose the following solutions for the residents to select from: • Add diverters to prevent traffic coming into your street from a certain direction. Diverters are available in “T” and “L” shapes. The “T” shapes allow traffic to come in and out, but prevent left hand turns out and into the street — thereby reducing some of the traffic. The “L” shapes only let traffic in and out from a certain direction. • Add speed tables to slow down traffic. • Add curbing on each side of the speed table to prevent drivers from dodging around the speed tables. Curbing also provides a sense that the street is narrower than it is, which causes drivers to slow down. • Add brick in sections of the street. The smoother the street, the faster cars go. An example of this is available on the short section of Segovia north of North Greenway Drive that connects Alhambra Circle to Segovia. • Ad Rumble strips or narrow medians. If a street is not wide enough for a narrow median, rumble strips down the center would discourage drivers from taking the center of the road. Most drivers drive down the center of residential streets when they want to speed. • Add Traffic Circles where space permits, and/or • Add Signs prohibiting entering the street from one end during peak hours. (ie, 7 am to 9am, or 4 pm to 6 pm).

Cut-through traffic on residential streets can be improved with traffic calming devices such as roundabouts, narrowing turn lanes, and other innovations to enhance public safety.

What is your view on the role of residents in the Legislative process in the City?

Critical and essential. All residents need to receive notice of meetings in plain language, and all neighborhood associations should be able to register to receive electronic notice. Notice for development projects should electronically posted and sent at least 14 days before any public meeting. Meetings for development projects must done at hours most residents can attend in person or via zoom. We cannot make our City a better place without resident participation.

Our government system at the federal, state, and local levels relies on engaged citizenship. I would not only host forums to share ideas, collaborate and enhance mutual understanding; I would also actively engage in discussions to cooperate, dialogue, and seek input from engaged citizens. I would expand the governmental committees to focus on specific areas (arts advisory panel, code enforcement, disability affairs, etc.) and appoint individuals to serve who are committed to working with an engaged citizenry. I would also work with the city to collaborate with our engaged citizens to ensure a vital role for residents in the legislative process in the city.

How often have you participated in City Commission meetings?

	Frequently in the past 6 months, and periodically over the past couple of years.
	Over the years, I have participated in many meetings in person and virtually via Zoom and Coral Gables Television. Because of my brother’s involvement as mayor, I have not played a public role in our city.

What will your top 5 priorities be if elected Commissioner?

(1) Development issues described above. (2) Budget issues, including reducing unnecessary expenditures and achieving greater work force efficiency, and facilitating the local business community to recover from the impact of Covid and revitalization of Miracle Mile. (3) Expediting the streamlining and modernizing of the on-line permitting. (4) Improving notice and transparency to all residents of all issues, including all development projects submitted for review to the Development Services department. All commercial development projects should be posted to the City’s website like they were prior to the last website up-date. (5) Critical infrastructure improvements impacting the sustainability of the City from sea level rise, including but not limited to, septic to sewer conversion, raising bridges, revising zoning codes to meet anticipated sea level projections, and promoting and incentivizing “greener” building practices such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure, solar panels, and LEED Gold building certifications.

"My five priority areas – not in any specific order – are to work collaboratively with others. We need to enhance a dialogue to engage our citizens and city leadership for a shared vision. My five areas are: 1. Enhance traffic calming 2. Maintain a solid zoning code 3. Expand environmental initiatives and green / park spaces 4. Preserve our unique historic buildings and charm of our city 5. Manage our finances for long-term sustainability to maintain low taxes."

Do you believe City staff is doing a good job?

	Staff endeavors to do a good job, but like most organizations, there are areas that definitely need improvement. Each department needs reviewed, and delays in responding to residents’ inquiries and voicemail messages must be corrected.
	I think some areas are doing an outstanding job - but others need help to live up to the standards of our city.

The Commission will need to make tough decisions on the City’s financials in the 2021-2022 budget, what changes would you make to address shortfalls?

1. Review intergovernmental agreements to ensure the City has received all revenues due (ie, utility fees, gas taxes, etc.), and if those funds have not been paid in full, pursue collection. 2. Examine and implement appropriate impact fees for new construction of buildings that require increased fire, EMT and police personnel and equipment. The burden of those costs should not be placed on the existing businesses and residents. 3. Examine department organizational chart for opportunities to consolidate redundant positions for greater efficiency, and 4. Examine viability, feasibility and cost savings of utilizing a bond program to address the pension debt.

I believe the city should reexamine the city's budgeting perspective and engage in bottom-up budgeting to determine our objectives and align our finances accordingly. The budget should align with the city's goals, objectives, and perspective. We need a fresh look.

We live in Tree City USA, what is your stance on our tree canopy and its preservation?

The tree canopy of Coral Gables is one of the key features that make our City a special place to live. The canopy must be preserved and routinely maintained. Where feasible, development should embrace the existing canopy.

From the beauty of Old Culter Road to Coral Way, our city’s tree canopy is unique and vital to our identity, adds shade and beauty, and has a strong environmental impact. We should preserve these canopies around the Gables – and expand them too. This foliage adds beauty while enhancing comfort from the heat and helping to sustain our environment. But, I also want to emphasize that our sidewalks are essential, too – and we need to enhance the protection of these walking paths to promote human health and safety.

What is your stance on climate change and what role do you believe the City can play in curbing it?

1. Electric Vehicle Charging: In 14 short years, major vehicle manufacturers will only be producing electric vehicles. For new construction, the City should require at least 20% of all parking in new buildings as electric vehicle “Infrastructure Ready” and 20% of all parking in public parking garages to have Level 2 charge stations. Currently, only 2% are required to have charge stations and an additional 1% are required to be Infrastructure Ready. “Infrastructure Ready” only requires providing a working electrical outlet where the vehicle’s charge cable or an after-market charging unit can be plugged in. 2. Electric Fleet Expansion: Electric and hybrid trolleys and garbage trucks have been successfully purchased and used by other cities. The frequent stops and starts make them an excellent option for an electric fleet. For vehicles that must use gasoline, incentivizing the use of carbon neutral fuels would help the City reach a zero emissions goal. 3. Update the Zoning Code to Address Sea Level Rise. The recent up-date to the Zoning Code has not addressed sea level rise. For instance, in new construction, underground parking garages are still permitted. The City must coordinate with Miami-Dade’s Sea Level Rise Strategy. Currently, the elevation of the land is not reviewed for properties that are not next to the waterways. Our planning must look at least 50 years in advance and implement the ideas outlined in the County’s draft Strategy. See miami-dade-county-sea-level-rise-strategy-draft-mdc-hub.arcgis.com. 4. Septic to Sewer Conversion: The Septic to Sewer conversion must be expedited. First, all low-lying areas must be identified and prioritized for conversion. Second, we need to simultaneously determine which type of system will work best for Coral Gables (traditional gravity fed which may cease working as sea levels rise and require roads to be excavated for installation, or vacuum or pump systems that can function with rising sea levels and do not require road excavation for installation of pipes. 5. LEED Building Standards: The current ordinance only requires LEED Silver certification for buildings 20,000 square feet or more and does not mandate features or off-sets that will address the CO2 the building creates during construction and during use. LEED Certification should be incentivized for buildings 10,000 square feet or more. For buildings 20,000 feet or more, a LEED Gold standard should be required. Use of cement with carbon sequestration should be incentivized to encourage cement facilities to offer that product. Other federal or state incentives should be encouraged for carbon neutral or negative products (ie, lower sales taxes for carbon neutral or negative building materials). Desirable features such as solar panels or participation in the FPL solar program where roof space or design do not make it feasible to install solar panels should be encouraged. Capture and reuse of grey water for irrigation and/or toilet flushing should be required. In addition, rainwater should be reused for irrigation and pools or contained in a drain field where it can naturally recharge the aquifer rather than flow through streets where it collects pollutants before discharging in the waterway. 6. Planting of Shade Trees in our Central Business District. For many years, discussions have been on going about adding shade trees to the Central Business District and barren surrounding streets to encourage pedestrian traffic and reduce the heat island effect. This goal must be accelerated. In addition, new projects should be required to add the street trees to both sides of the street. For trees that die after planting, the developer must be required to replace the trees or pay a fine that would encompass the total cost for the City to replace the tree. For instance, after multiple requests for replacement of dead trees on Valencia, City staff declined stating it was the developer’s responsibility. That development was completed over 5 years ago. To this date, those dead trees have not been replaced.

We live in a community impacted by climate change, and we need to take action for our well-being and aid future generations as well. We need to expand the city's electric fleet while also recognizing that we need to be prepared for hurricanes (maybe we can't go completely electric; it is important to think globally and realistically about our approach). We need to educate residents and businesses about recycling and expand these initiatives. We can change light bulbs, build more robust sea walls, and prepare other initiatives for these changes. It is also vital that we collaborate with other cities, the county, and the state as partners. We can't work in silos and we must work collaboratively.

What is your vision for the City’s historic preservation?

Historic preservation must remain a priority, because like our tree canopy, historic properties make our City special and attract customers and visitors. The sole factors in determining whether an individual has the right to seek historic preservation of a qualified building should not be limited to only those residing within 1,000 feet of a property. That restricted criteria could result in the loss of many more of our historic buildings.

I live in a 1927 Paist and Steward home designated as historical because I love the house, and I am attracted to this charm. I believe in historic preservation, and I take pride in this unique attribute of our city. Historic preservation is vital for the various homes and buildings, but the entire city too. I would find innovative ways to encourage historic preservation to help homeowners also. This preservation is about various structures, but also about the city's scale as well.

What do you believe makes you best qualified for this job?

For 16 years I have passionately addressed development and traffic issues, and served on the Public Safety, Sustainability and Planning & Zoning Boards. During this service, I demonstrated the patience to listen and resolve issues, and gained the knowledge and experience in critical areas impacting the future of our City. My educational background and broad professional experience provides a perspective that the other candidates do not have. In my law practice, I have critiqued financial expert reports, and vigorously pursued disability access and pedestrian safety issues. My 33 years of trial and appellate practice have provided me the experience to critique proposed code changes.

I am gifted in working with numbers and finance, and I will put my 35 years of experience as a banker to work for the city. I retired as bank president many years ago, and I will focus my city endeavors in a full-time capacity. I have been involved in the community focused on health, education, and culture. I will use this knowledge and my sense of aesthetics and arts and culture to benefit our community. I am also passionate about our city, and my interests will fuel my commitment to our community.

What can be done to improve the state of our City’s pension system?

	Continue to pay down the existing debt and examine the feasibility of issuing bonds to decrease the cost of funding the existing debt. For non-police and fire positions, examine the feasibility of offering alternative retirement plans.
	I recognize our obligation to our loyal workforce and our responsibilities to adequately fund the pension for the sake of the city’s employees and retirees and the city’s overall wellbeing as well. We need to continue Mayor Casen’s work on lowering the deficit to ensure a fully funded pension for long-term sustainability.

How can residents learn more about you?

	Review my website at RhondaforCoralGables.com, email me at [email protected], or call/text me at 786-529-8766. I will be happy to meet with you in person or discuss issues over the telephone.
	Please visit us on our website at https://josevaldesfauli.com .