In a recent letter, ( Mile plan needs merchant input, Soapbox, Feb. 12) Coral Gables Commissioner Ralph Cabrera wrote of the need for greater transparency in government, specifically with regard to the Miracle Mile Streetscape Project. The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce agrees that transparency should be a minimal expectation of our elected officials, at all times.

While it is true that the special taxing district known as the Business Improvement District (an entity that was envisioned, championed and created by the chamber) currently boasts 26% of its businesses as members of our chamber, it is the singular mission of our chamber that we support 100 percent of the business community, member or not.

The Miracle Mile Streetscape Project is a game-changer for our entire community and a priority for our chamber. It is our hope that Commissioner Cabrera will embrace it as something that is critical for all of Coral Gables for several reasons, most notably economic prosperity, jobs and business growth. Our retailers and restaurant owners along the Mile have been waiting for years to see our downtown improved, and with the chamber and city manager’s stalwart support, progress is now finally being made.

The project will bring wider sidewalks, more lush foliage, more vibrant lighting and a retail and dining district that is worthy of Miracle Mile. It will create a stronger sense of place. This will attract new consumers, which in turn will grow our businesses and create jobs. There is no better time to embrace change, which is both transparent and crystal clear.

Downtown Coral Gables has every opportunity to continue to be a premier destination in South Florida and we are well on our way to making this happen with the Streetscape Project. Now, we need everyone to lift in unison.

Drew Kern, Chairman, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce