There seem to be some misconceptions about the opinions of neighbors on North Greenway regarding the proposed outdoor cafe at the Coral Gables Country Club.

Those of us who are opposed are not opposed to outdoor dining (historically, the club was known for its outdoor dining, but not in front) nor do we wish to sabotage the efforts of the new owners to make it a success.

We also know that short-sightedness and repeal of zoning laws establish precedents for the future that are not easily undone.

We are opposed to the cafe in the front of the historic facade. We would support the outdoor seating on the pool side (behind a wall) or on the Granada side (behind a wall/hedge) that is open and can be seen on North Greenway side.

It is the construction of a commercial restaurant in a residential neighborhood -- on the street -- that concerns us.

If he fails, and we do not want that, what happens to that business, and what comes next in front of an historic building, on the street?

CAROL DAMIAN

Coral Gables

CORAL GABLES

MAJORITY DON'T WANT SIDEWALK DINING

As a resident and owner of my home on North Greenway since 1975, I strongly object to any form of sidewalk dining on North Greenway at the city-owned property of the Country Club.

The quiet enjoyment and protection of property values have been maintained with restrictive ordinances, such as no trucks or boats parked in the front yard, and paint colors to conform to the city standards. Surely our city ordinances would prohibit sidewalk dining in a residential neighborhood.

Contrary to the belief of a few vocal residents and many unaffected nonresidents, North Greenway is not the Village Green. It is a residential street intended for automotive traffic.

Those of us who live on North Greenway pay higher property taxes and increased prices for the desirability of our property being on the golf course.

We are the silent majority who have long lived here, obeying the laws and rules of the city and paying our property taxes.

We deserve protection from sidewalk dining and liquor service in our front yard. In a five-minute stroll, adjacent neighbors to our street could stroll to the commercial center of our town, where there are multiple sidewalk dining venues.

Consider the numerous failures of commercial ventures in our city-owned properties, which has been at considerable cost to the city's taxpayers. Would not now be the time to convert the valuable Country Club property to a Coral Gables Community and Senior Center?

Finally, the citizens of Coral Gables would enjoy the benefits from this historic George Merrick-donated property as was originally intended.

DOROTHY McSTEIN

Coral Gables

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