Parking garage in downtown Coral Gables can strike a balance between form and function | Opinion
The city of Coral Gables’ plan for an upgraded parking garage in the Central Business District has become a touchstone for a host of controversies central to urban living.
How do we balance the need for change and infrastructure improvements with the sensibilities and desires of our residents? We can debate the merits of the design, we pay for a redesign, but we need to replace an outdated facility that no longer meets the city’s needs with one that not only increases parking spaces in our business core but also meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Erected more than a half a century ago, the parking garage on Andalusia predates ADA mandates that public facilities provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The Andalusia facility does not meet these standards and, worse, is dangerous for anyone using a wheelchair or other mobility device. Retrofitting the building would be costly, with estimates exceeding $1.5 million just for ADA compliance alone. Further, the garage frequently operates at full capacity — 85% to 99% most of the time. A 2018 parking study found that, at a minimum, Coral Gables needs more than 1,000 additional parking spaces.
Available parking is a live-or-die issue for our business community. If residents and visitors cannot find parking, they will find alternate venues to do business. This hurts the restaurants and shops that contribute mightily to our city’s economic health. The Central Business District accounts for 27% of the city’s property-tax revenues.
There have been suggestions from the community that, rather than rebuilding a modern facility in close proximity to the historic Miracle Theater, we should relocate the garage to another downtown site. This is not viable without land acquisition. The city does not own property that could accommodate a new garage, and securing such property would cost taxpayers millions. Further, the Andalusia garage would still have ADA and structural issues that would require remediation. In addition, relocation overlooks the convenience factor as the current location is the closest parking for people frequenting Miracle Mile restaurants and entertainment venues.
Projected revenues from the new parking garage would allow the city to recoup construction costs within a decade. It is a financially wise decision. It’s also about accessibility, sustainability and prosperity for our city.
As the dialogue continues on the merits of the new structure — its design and size — let’s focus on what’s the best solution for our city if we are to remain a vibrant entity that serves residents and visitors alike.
Rhonda Anderson is vice mayor of Coral Gables.
