As part of the “Yes For Pickups In Coral Gables PAC,” I’d like to thank all who voted in favor of changing this outmoded zoning law ( It’s now OK to park a pickup overnight, Neighbors, Nov. 11).

The margin of victory confirmed that pickup trucks have indeed become widely accepted as family-friendly transportation, and are no longer solely commercial vehicles. We appreciated the manner in which the city worked with us, particularly the research done by the Planning & Zoning Board, as well as their second recommendation to the City Commission to modify the code.

The impetus and support from Commissioner Anderson was critical, but the Mayor and entire Commission are also to be thanked, as all had a hand in the eventual outcome regarding this becoming a ballot issue, and helping to craft clear, reasonable language for both the question and the restrictions.

The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the Ponce Business Association, and the Coral Gables Rotary Club were all gracious in allowing their members to hear both sides of this issue in a public forum.

How often does the Miami Herald Editorial Board listen to a local zoning issue? Proof of how much attention this aged code law attracted, and we appreciated their common sense statement and recommendation on the subject.

Throughout this effort our group sought to only provide factual details when explaining our position and goals. This is proof that if you can only provide fear to back up an argument, you don’t have much of an argument. The voting public easily saw through the claims involving “purple houses” and “paved lawns.” It was this factual approach that made up for our lack in other areas – we had no formal backing or organization, and to say we were on a shoestring budget would be an insult to shoestrings.

To those who were sincerely opposed to this change, we say please do not worry. Our group committed to honor the restrictions required by the city, and should a pickup owner ever stray from those restrictions, they should rightfully be treated as would any code violator in the city. Coral Gables will be fine.

William G. Rivenbark, Coral Gables

Grove pioneer turns 100

Mary Grace Pierce Schneider, the youngest of six children, was born Nov. 17, 1912, in Key West.

When the first school was built in Coconut Grove in 1913, the Pierce family boarded their boat with all their belongings and headed to Coconut Grove. There were no roads built yet from Key West to Miami. Mary attended Coconut Grove Grade school, and Ponce de Leon junior and senior high school.

In June, 1931, Mary married LeRoy Schneider at Plymouth Congregational Church in Coconut Grove, where she is still a member.

One year later their first child, Patricia was born, six years later, Shirley and fifteen years later, Lee. She has 6 grand children and two great grand children.

After living in Coconut Grove all her life, Mary, Roy and Lee their youngest moved to the suburbs in 1959. In November 1990, after her husband Roy’s death, Mary moved across the street to live with her daughter Patricia.

Mary is a faithful and gracious person. Everyone that meets her loves her, and she never has an unkind word for anyone. She is also a very strong minded woman who is proud, and still wants to do things for herself. Happy Birthday Mom, grandma, and great grandma.