After reading the letter to the editor headlined “Gables doesn’t need another downtown tax” (Soapbox, Jan. 29) by F. Michael Steffens, I felt compelled to respond.

Mr. Steffens suggests that there was not enough notice given for a resolution, which, without imposing a special assessment or requiring the City Commission to do so, merely notified the county that the city is considering levying an assessment on certain downtown property owners. To the contrary, the proposed resolution was advertised four times. An ordinance, which is a law and has far greater significance to the community, is advertised only once. Actual adoption of a special assessment would require a public workshop, followed by two public hearings, so Mr. Steffens will have plenty of opportunity to express his objection.

Mr. Steffens describes the potential special assessment as a “tax”. The potential special assessment is not a “tax,” and there will not be any residential property tax increase as a result of this initiative. A special assessment would only affect downtown property owners who directly benefit, such as Mr. Steffens who owns commercial property on the Mile.

Over the decades, the Mile has never lived up to its potential. The community has suffered with dingy walking areas, a mishmash of sidewalk surfaces and lost opportunities that have gone elsewhere. The streetscape initiative will transform the Mile and Restaurant Row into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly experience where retail can thrive with plazas, gardens and wider sidewalks accommodating al fresco dining. This beautiful and unique environment will reflect the history, culture and architecture of the community and is inspired by the aesthetics of the Alhambra in Spain. The resolution, supported by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and downtown Business Improvement District, passed on Jan. 10 with a 4-to-1 vote (Commissioner Ralph Cabrera against) advancing the effort to put the Miracle back in the Mile.

Pat Salerno, City Manager, Coral Gables

Civility triumphs in Coral Gables

I wish to commend the citizens of Coral Gables! Tuesday, Jan. 24, was the second reading of the Somerset Grace Charter School application before the City Commission. As a 23-year resident of the Gables and a close observer of City Hall issues, this has been one of the most contentious matters to come up in years — pitting neighbor against neighbor.

I attended part of the marathon Dec. 13 commission session when this application was presented for first reading; the remainder of that meeting I watched on television. Almost nine hours of testimony was given by members of the community on both sides of the issue. I would estimate that more than 50 residents and experts spoke — some with great passion, some with great skill — but all showing great respect for the opposing side. Not a moan, not a jeer, not a raised voice – it was truly a pleasure to observe democracy working in that chamber. At the end of the long day a compromise was reached.

My father, an attorney, always told me that no one is ever totally happy with a compromise. I feel certain that that is true in this situation. But I am proud of my fellow residents. This is the way the system is supposed to work in a civilized society.

Our leaders in Washington could learn a lesson from our small city.

Marlin Ebbert, Coral Gables