City vision blurred

Coral Gables has always been known as the City Beautiful which has always been attributed to its strict zoning codes.

Houses could only be painted specific approved colors. All restrictions were in place to protect the individual homeowner who knew they could rely upon the city commission to uphold some of the strictest standards in the nation. That is why I , and so many others, moved there.

Unfortunately, the time has come when developers huffed and puffed until the city changed its path and houses came tumbling down to provide space for high-rise developments next to the single family homes. Not since the David William became the first high rise in Coral Gables has the change been so dramatic — and unfortunate. George Merrick would turn over in his grave if he saw the picture of the so-called Mediterranean Village, which is anything but Mediterranean. Any vision we had for the City Beautiful is now blurred.

This story was originally published July 18, 2015 at 1:00 PM with the headline "City vision blurred."