Village Council meets Tuesday

The Cocoanut Grove Village Council meets this Tuesday, Oct 3 from 7 to 9 pm at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

On the Agenda:

OLD BUSINESS
Police Report
County Metrorail Expansion
Coconut Grove Playhouse

NEW BUSINESS
Post Office Tree Cutting and Reforesting the Grove
5:00 AM Club Closing

Town Hall Meeting

There is a second Town Hall Meeting with Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, tomorrow, Oct 1, 2007 at the Kampong (4013 SW Douglas Road). 7 to 9 pm. Parking is limited. Same agenda as last week's meeting.

Grove artist makes good in Woodstock

Grove resident and celebrated Florida artist Fred Hunt spent the summer in Woodstock, NY visiting and showing his Florida and Grove-inspired works at TALEO (http://www.taleo-arts.com). He just had a nice write up in the local paper here with quotes by the Art Editor Paul Smart who says" "The man is an unpretentious joy to converse with." and "He's got the attention of redolent detail and mood that the best of classic Woodstock art has."

He will be back in the Grove soon, so if you see him ask him about his northern adventures and maybe you can see some of the wonderful art produced up there or check out his web page and click on the Woodstock Pics link (http://web.mac.com/fredhuntart).

The photo above is one of Fred painting a work inspired by his trip to the Duchess County Fair, an area event around Woodstock. Woodstock is a noted artist colony and post hippy hangout, made world famous when its name was used for a concert back in 1969.

27th Ave. saga continues

There had been a discussing going back and forth about the power lines along 27th Ave. during the renovations. Residents wanted them buried since they were required to be moved out of the easement, but as storm weary residents know after checking, the cost is quite high to bury the lines, so FPL wants to just move the concrete poles back.

But the Cocoanut Grove Village Council unanimously voted last week to have the lines buried and they would like the city and/or county and FPL to pay all costs. They feel that eventually the lines will be buried and it makes no sense to put new poles in only to have them removed in the near future.

Easement issues

One issue that came up at the Town Meeting last night was the pink wall on US 1.

Three property owners refuse to give up the five-foot easement to the city in order to replace the pink wall along US1 from 17th Ave. to the Museum of Science. So rather than fight, the city has agreed to let those people keep their wall. It will look like crap, but guess the whiners have some sort of political pull.

Wonder if Slice 'N Ice and E-Z Kwik will have the same pull since they don't want to give up their easement for the 27th Avenue project. I guess this is a great precedent for them to use when that issue comes up.

If three selfish homeowners can screw up a project, maybe two businesses, which we want to stay, can do the same -- I'm sure they give more tax money to the city, county and state than the homeowners.

Town Hall Meeting tonight

Don't forget the Town Hall Meeting tonight. Looks like the rain is lettering up, too.

City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff will be discussing Grove issues at a town hall meeting tonight at Ransom Everglades School (2045 S. Bayshore Drive) from 7 to 9 pm.

The Grove Playhouse, Home Depot, Miami 21, historic designation, traffic calming, code enforcement and the new wall along US1 are on the agenda.

New bookstore coming to the Grove

Rejoice, something good is coming to the Grove. Something that everyone will enjoy. The Bookstore is coming. Probably around Thanksgiving.

It's actually called "The Bookstore in the Grove". It will be located at the corner of Grand Ave. and Virginia. Great location.

It's an independent bookstore/cafe created for the community -- a place to hang out, to read, enjoy friends, have some coffee and pastries and just get a little culture.

Right now they are looking for experienced bookstore managers, cafe managers, part-time workers and volunteers. They also would like to know what you would like to see there -- what you like to read, what programs you would like, etc.

You can contact Felice at 305-389-1879 or email feldub@aol.com

I am counting the days. :)

Questions

A reader wrote:

I walked by Wet Willies last night and noticed they were closed due to the fact they lost their lease. Do you know anything about this? Why wouldn’t their lease be renewed? It’s looking more and more like a ghost town in that part of the Grove.

Also, how can I find out more info on the business district that is going to be implemented? I heard somewhere that residents were going to have to foot part of the new tax that will be required to run the business district. I would like to ask someone why I should have to pay taxes, when the owners of Mayfair and the other buildings in that area are making no attempt to attract/keep their current tenants.

Anyone know the answers?

At The Barnacle this week

The next "Barnacle under Moonlight" concert series begins with September's full moon on tomorrow, September 26 when singer/songwriter Alex Kash (shown here) takes the stage. It will be an evening of soulful music from 7 to 9 pm. Admission is $5.00.

Saturday, September 29 is the perfect night to kick up your heels at the Old Time Dance in the Micco Pavilion with Mudhole Control playing the tunes and Rae Newoman calling the steps.

And each Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 pm, "Yoga By the Sea" with Renee Douthat takes place on the lawn out back. A great tranquil way to end the day.

The Barnacle is located at 3485 Main Hwy. For more info: 305-442-6866

Marina discounts are gone

Grove residents who received a 30% discount to dock their boats at city-owned marinas will no longer enjoy the discount. They will now be required to pay the full $18-per-foot fee.

In order to receive capital improvement grant money form the Florida Inland Navigation District, the city was required to eliminate the discounts. You can't cry poor and give discounts to your friends.

As usual, some local residents are fighting the change. They feel the city over-charges as it is and the discount is only fair.

Post office problems

It seems that the post office people have no qualms about killing trees, but the employees are another story. I was there today and someone who works there had a little talk with me outside as I was leaving.

I heard that there is asbestos upstairs at the post office, the roof is caving in and it is so bad that the men's locker room has been closed off. On top of that, most of the area is not even air conditioned, just the old side that used to house the movie theater.

The asbestos markers on the floor upstairs also have been painted over -- literally painted over so you cannot see the areas where asbestos was found.

Remind me not to breathe the air there. Hell -- remind me not to go there period.

Elections

City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff will be discussing Grove issues at the next town hall meeting this Wednesday, Sept. 26 at Ransom Everglades School (2045 S. Bayshore Drive).

The Grove Playhouse, Home Depot, Miami 21, historic designation, traffic calming, code enforcement and the new wall along US1 are on the agenda.

Comm. Sarnoff is up for reelection for District 2. Qualifications have closed. The candidates now are: Marc Sarnoff; Ellen Brickley, a socialist party candidate; and Ray Cantillo, a Bay Heights resident and political consultant that you can view on www.politicaldoctors.com.

As you know, candidate Mike Suarez is running against Angel Gonzalez. Mike is falling way behind in contributions. Mike is for quality of life in the Grove.

Contributions may be made by mailing a check to:
Mike Suarez Political Campaign
5201 NW 7 Street, #410
Miami, Florida 33126

Autumn Evening in the Grove

Please click on the image to see it larger.

Sarnoff fundraiser

Over 300 people attended Commissioner Marc Sarnoff's fundraiser last week at Christabelle's Quarter. Even the mayor showed up with an arm sling! For all the photos, please go here.

Coconut Grove Village West meeting

The Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners & Tenants Association meeting is tomorrow, Monday, September 24, 7 p.m. in the Frankie Rolle Center (3750 S. Dixie Hwy, Room 115).

Refreshments will be served and they will roll out the long-awaited community band. Baby sitting is available on site.

For info: Wesly (305) 445-0123; Ms. Blanton (305) 443-1234
or TJ (305) 446-2432

Changes at Grove Playhouse

On Sept. 30th, the Miami Parking Authority is terminating its management lease at the Coconut Grove Playhouse because revenues declined by 30% since the playhouse closed. (Is that all? I thought it would be more).

But Aries Development Group stepped in to take over. They are the developers of Grove Garden, in the old Taurus location.

I don't know if I like a developer being in charge of an empty lot, but they say they are doing it for the good of their tenants Cafalo's Wine Cellar and Marcanio's Deli and the other businesses at that end of the Grove. They say it was worth it not to have an abandoned lot next door.

Aries Development Group are the ones who paid off off the debts that were due earlier this summer in order to avoid foreclosure of part of the playhouse property known as the Bike Shop.

They provided another mortgage for the playhouse after paying off the last debt.

Paradise Parking Service is taking over management of the parking lot. While the lot is still open, they will renovate the lot and clean it up.

Aries Development Group, headed by Rick Kalwani (also a member of the Grove's Business Improvement Committee), wants to help the playhouse be solvent and not depend on city or county money. He is planning a charrette with all interested parties involved.

Fall's here

I've been waiting for the Boys and Girls Club ot set their pumpkin patch up so I could get some fall pictures for the blog, but The Fresh Market (2540 S. Bayshore Dr.) beat them. They are all decked out for the season already. Pumpkins and candy are all over the place. I bought a huge pumpkin pie for only $5.99. Yum!

Community Bay Day at Shake-A-Leg

This Sunday, Sept. 23, is Community Bay Day at Shake-A-Leg Spend the first day of Fall with free kayaking, sailing & rides on the motor catamaran. It's all from 1-5 pm For more information, please call Shake-A-Leg Miami at 305-858-5550. Or visit: www.shakealegmiami.org/

Woman almost kidnapped while jogging

Four men attempted to force a woman jogging on the Rickenbacker Causeway into their 1999 Ford Explorer early Monday morning. They had a gun, rope and duct tape. Luckily they were arrested.

Jose Manuel Nuñez, 21, Nelsin Escobar, 20, Allan Soriano-Lopez, 19, and Alberto Aquino Alvarez, 21, are charged with attempted armed kidnapping.

One of the men had bruises and scratches all over him which led police to believe they had tried this before and someone in self defense caused the wounds. Police came upon the scene as it was happening and that appears how this one particular woman was saved.

It occurred around 5 am, a common time for runners and joggers. Surprisingly there are a lot of people out at that time but apparently these guys were brazen enough to not care.

Just a warning to people that maybe they should run in pairs and stay alert.

Trees massacred at Grove post office

Seven large mahogany trees, some as tall as 50 feet, were destroyed at the Grove post office today because roots were coming through the sidewalk and the morons powers that be felt that people would trip over them.

So the federal government moved in, no warning, no permit and they whacked down the shade trees.

Miami code enforcement officer Marlene Castellanos was shocked at the sight and tried to get involved, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. She contacted her boss, code enforcement director Mariano de Mola, who also tried to stop the madness, but he was told off by the feds.

Apparently they can do what they want, when they want, without warning.

''I would be fining someone $500 a piece for cutting down these trees,'' de Mola said. "They apparently don't have to get a permit. But they should have notified the city of Miami of their plans.''

Some of the trees were 50 years old, but alas, nothing gets to be old in Miami. Before it can become history, it's knocked down, paved over and rebuilt. Apparently that is what the post office is going to do -- add some flowers and greenery where the trees were.

Thanks Harry Emilio Gottlieb for the photo.

Qdoba is coming

They told me today at Qdoba on Miracle Mile in the Gables, that Qdoba is moving into the spot vacated by Häagen-Dazs Hagan on Grand Avenue.

I'm not sure how it is going to affect Tacos and Crepes Land since they basically sell the same thing.

But at least we are moving in the right direction. We need a restaurant where you can pick up the food at the counter and sit and eat and not be waited on. The Grove is lacking those.

Now if only we can pick up so many more places that Miracle Mile has like Chicken Kitchen, California Pizza Kitchen, Atlanta Bread Company, etc.

"Chair Affair" in the Grove

The Heart of the Grove Art Gallery & Gift Shop will celebrate its one year anniversary November 9-11 with a slate of activities including the first-ever “Chair Affair,” a design contest of local artists and non-artists, who will paint and decorate chairs. All are welcome to enter. You can see some early entries here.

Festivities begin Friday November 9, 6-9 pm with a Gallery Opening of new works and a silent auction of the chairs. A share of all proceeds will benefit the non-profit GroveHouse Artists’ Cooperative and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

The chairs will be judged by a panel of Grove Art Patrons (to be announced later). Cash prizes will be awarded to all winners on Sunday November 11 at a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party sponsored by the Grand Bay Hotel.

All events are free and open to the public.

The Chair Affair contest is open to everyone. Application deadline is October 1st; chairs must be complete by November 1st. Applications are available at the Gallery, located at 3439 Main Highway or by contacting Shirley Marks, event chairman, at artbysim@cs.com. Contest entry fee is $35.

For more info: 305 661 5351 / artbysim@cs.com

Hit and run this morning

A short time ago I witnessed an unintentional hit and run at the Shell gas station on US 1 and 27th Ave.

As I came out of store, I saw an old man lying on the floor, his cane next to him, it almost looked fake. I asked what happened and someone said it was a hit and run and they pointed to an SUV leaving the lot onto 27th Ave.

I chased after the driver as the rest of the people there comforted the old man and called 911. As I tried to remember the license of the get away car, by luck, he turned into Crook and Crook across the street. (Right under the "people whining" billboard).

I went up to the driver and told him he hit someone, he obviously didn't know, his name was Bill, he started freaking out and ran across 27th Ave. with me, back to the Shell station, repeating over and over, "Oh my God, Oh my God!"

When we got back, about 20 or 25 people were surrounding the old man, trying to comfort him, many on their cell phones calling for help.

I didn't stick around, the site of the old man and the blood around his face sickened me. But as I did leave, I could see the ambulances arriving within minutes of the calls and I could see that people were genuinely concerned about the old man.

I am sure the old man will be ok. The paramedics didn't waste any time arriving and the people comforting him surely made him feel better in a terrible situation.

Neighbors can't stand the noise

Noise issues again are bothering Grove residents. There was an article in The Herald about it here. While I have to agree that music blasting at all hours is not a good thing, why move close to the business district in the first place? I would never in my right mind move across the street from Commodore Plaza or CocoWalk.

One person is quoted as saying that when she moved in there were ice cream shops and beauty salons -- not bars.

I don't know which Grove she is referring to, but having lived in the area for most of my life, the Grove has always been an entertainment district and CocoWalk really sealed the deal when that opened
years ago.

I remember a dozen or so years ago the cops would stop people for driving around the block more than once, the cruising was causing massive traffic tie-ups on most weekend nights. This is nothing new; before South Beach the Grove was the hang out place. For people to act as if this is something new and that they were oblivious to this when they moved in next to the entertainment area is really odd. The entertainment area was here first.

The Grove is starving for business and now people want to have bar and restaurant managers arrested because they are making noise. I do agree that businesses should not be blasting music from outdoor speakers, some simple compromises really need to be made.

The Grove is dead in the day, now residents want to kill the night business?

Love it

Love the new pink flamingo at the front of CocoWalk. It adds some nice color to the place.

Baleen

Baleen, located at Grove Isle is reviewed by Blind Mind here.

Jerk of the week

We thought FedEx and UPS guys were supposed to be nice, but this dude who delivers at Aviation and S. Bayshore is the jerk of the week. He not only blocks lanes of traffic while delivering, but then curses you out when you try to get around him.

After sitting behind him for a few minutes, assuming the traffic light was going to change, he comes strolling out of a building. So I said to him, "You are parked there?" And he says yes, "Don't you see the f--king lights a--hole?"

I didn't see his flashing truck lights in the noon sun, but either way, he doesn't' belong parked in traffic lanes.

Lots of class this dude has. I would love to see him get a traffic ticket next time he blocks lanes of traffic. He also needs to learn a little customer service and etiquette. His truck number is 742268.

They want to help the playhouse

Not sure if this is a joke or if the Bank of America wants to donate money or what, but I received this email:

"Any of you guys there [no] how I can get in touch with Shelly Spivack. Bank of America may be interested in getting involved in helping out the Playhouse."

He left his name, address and number. Just the fact that he doesn't know the difference between "no" and "know" bothers me. I hate to see it called the Bank of America Playhouse, but that seems to be the way things are these days.

Shelly, if you are reading this, please contact us for this guy's name and phone number.

Fern planting on Saturday

A second round of fern planting is planned for Saturday Sept. 15th at 9 am on Commodore Plaza.

It shouldn't be more than two hours, 100 more ferns are scheduled to be planted. Some of the current plantings have been walked on and some local dogs seemed to have gotten into some others. Shame that people can't control their pets.

A small temporary fence will be installed now to hopefully keep people and their pets from destroying the ferns until they take hold.

David Collins from the Business Improvement Committee will be in charge and have refreshments and gloves. If you have your own garden tools, please feel free to bring them along.

Parking is free at the Playhouse until noon for volunteers. Everyone will meet at the driveway between Greensteets and the flower shop.

Please email Sue McConnell to volunteer at: mcconnell28@msn.com or you can call Sue at 305-442-9235.

Trashing the Grove

This in from a reader:

Hi - Many people read your blog, so I wanted to pass on something that made me kind of angry.

The Ocean Aire (refrigeration company) van that was driving in front of me on S. Bayshore around 1:30 this afternoon kept throwing lunch garbage out the passenger side window, near Kennedy Park. First it was a can, then a wrapper, then some other paper.

License plate: T06 - (?)EZ. -- 786-286-1824

I think you and your readers would agree that folks who think the garbage just vanishes into thin air once it's out the window should be trashed. I told their dispatch that, and I would like other consumers to know.

Village Council asks trust to hand over land

The Cocoanut Grove Village Council called for the Land Trust of Dade County to hand over the property next to the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas house to the state. They feel that the Stewart Avenue land belongs with Marjorie's house, both in the hands of the state.

The trust, headed by Sallye Jude, planned to build a research and education center on the property, but the neighbors had complained about that. Just as well, that Marjorie Stoneman Nature Center on Key Biscayne is an eyesore. They literally raped the land there to put in a nature center.

Again, it's all about money. The trust sees dollar signs and does not want to hand over the property.

Artists still needed

Not sure why the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is begging for more artists, but that seems to be the case and I like it. We need some fresh blood in this festival.

They have extended the deadline for new artsit submissions until September 17 and are making it clear that there is 24-hour security at the festival guarding the booths overnight. Also they want artists to know that they will be fed breakfast and lunch daily.

I would think that any artist would be a fool not to try to enter this popular festival. It is one of the highlights of the year each February.

Interested artists can apply here: www.coconutgroveartsfest.org .

Locals met Mike Suarez

"I'm not leaving Miami. Let the corrupt politicians leave."

That's the slogan of Mike Suarez. The new candidate for the District 1 seat, currently held by Angel Gonzalez, said he represents people who are sick of overdevelopment, overspending and a government controlled by special interests.

''I'm fed up with it,'' he said.

Grace Solares held a fundraiser at her home last week for Mike. Here are a couple of photos. It was an intimate way to meet the candidate.

Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Weird request

There is a vote Tuesday by the Miami City Commission as to whether to use the Coconut Grove Expo Center, along with the Orange Bowl, as massive sick wards in the event an infectious disease spreads throughout the county.

Do they know something we don't? Seems like a really strange request.

Wonder how the folks at Burn Notice feel about sharing their film studio for this?

No more stinkin' concrete towering over the Grove

I love Glenn Terry's column in today's Neighbors. He talks about the Rua (27th Ave.) project and how it needs to be stopped. He also talks about all the pay-offs that seem to be what drive the approvals of these overbuilt monstrosities.

He puts it best when he says, "We don't need more stinkin' concrete towering over the Grove."

It's a shame that everything is based on money and not quality of life. Here's the column.

For the dogs

Comm. Marc Sarnoff showed up about 10:45 this morning for the unveiling of the new sculputure in the dog park at Blanche Park (Virginia and Shipping). There was a little tent with refreshments and a nice crowd present.

Above are Franklin and Luna with their people friends from left, Tom, John and John.

"Man's Best Friend" to be unveiled

Tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 8, is the unveiling of Blanche Park's new sculpture called "Man's Best Friend."

Comm. Marc Sarnoff will be unveiling the artwork from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Blanche Park is at Shipping and Virginia Streets.

Friends

Three friends spending quality time together on a September afternoon.

By Harry Emilio Gottlieb.

School Survival Guide improv show

"School Survival Guide" is being put on by Just the Funny at the Museum of Science (3280 S. Miami Ave.) Saturday night.The improv comedy troupe features sketches, music and parodies based on audience suggestions.

There is a family version at 9 pm and a more adult version at 11 pm. Tickets are $10.00 for the 9 pm show, $5.00 for the 11 pm show, or if you would like to see both shows, they are $12.00. For more info: 305-693-8669.

New blog in town

Joan Nielsen, of "The Good News" and "Social" magazine fame has moved the magazine to blog format, as well as the usual printed format.

For over 25 years, Joan has been publishing Miami's society news, first as a newspaper called "The Good News" and then as a slick bi-monthly called "Social". Now the blog Good News Social will be spreading the best of the magazine's pages onto the web.

I am very familiar with Joan's publications because for 20 years, I was the art director. My company would design the publications and get them ready for printing. Now I am helping Joan set up the blog and she'll take over on a daily basis and publish her colorful society news and views as well as the local Miami gossip.

I have her linked as part of the blog roll and hopefully you'll all visit her daily after visiting the Grapevine. Good News Social is here.

Condo legal challenge frozen for 30 days

A Tallahassee judge froze the legal challenge to the 300 Grove (Mercy Hospital) project for 30 days to allow Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle more time to investigate. She had been concerned about civil and criminal law suits overlapping and harming each other.

"Discovery efforts" will be ongoing now for the next 30 days.Many people feel that just the fact that the State Attorney needs more time, is a sign that they are on to something and want to present the proper case with all the facts. Time will tell.

Meetings this week in the Grove

Tonight, Sept 4 - 7-9 pm Coconut Grove Village Council meeting, Agenda will include the Marjory Stoneman Douglas issue and Miami 21/Zoning presentation by Alyn Pruett and MNU; full agenda at: www.coconutgrovevillagecouncil.com info: hechtgm@aol.com. Televised on Ch 77 - Stream Channel 77 http://videos.miamigov.com

Wed., Sept. 5 - 6-8 p.m. Miami 21 - Final Coconut Grove presentation, LaSalle High School, 3601 S. Miami Ave., www.miami21.org 305-416-2121

Wed., Sept 5 - 7-9 pm All Grove Crimewatch, St. Stephen's Church Great Room (3439 Main Hwy.), parking validated - info: rloupo@aol.com / 305-310-8769 or ymcdonald@bellsouth.net / www.grovecrimewatch.org

Fri., Sept. 7 - 6 pm Heart of the Grove Opening Reception & New Exhibition, music & light refreshments in courtyard - 3439 Main Hwy - 305-445-1743

Fresh Market holds sidewalk sale

The Fresh Market (2540 S. Bayshore Drive) is once again holding their Sidewalk Sale this week. Enjoy hot dogs, cookies, root beer floats and more this Thursday thru Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. Donations will be taken for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Although The Fresh Market is fairly new in the Grove, this is their 13th year holding the charity event.

Grove Fundraiser for Mike Suarez

This in from Elvis Cruz:

In a democracy, how do the people make the collective decision of how their city will be zoned? By electing commissioners whose philosophy they agree with.

Mike Suarez is running against Angel Gonzalez for City of Miami Commissioner, District 1. You remember Angel Gonzalez -- he's one of three city commissioners who voted to up-zone a piece of the Mercy Hospital property to allow high-rise condos. He has over $350,000 in campaign contributions, mostly from the development industry. (Check the city clerk's website.) And yes, he's the same Angel Gonzalez who pled guilty to voter fraud in 1999.

A group of neighborhood activists, including Grace Solares of the Roads, Horacio Stuart Aguirre of Durham Park and I (of Morningside), all crazy folks who put in many hours trying to protect our neighborhoods from over-development and other evils, interviewed Mike Suarez at length on two separate occasions to make sure he shared our philosophy.

Mike Suarez is pro-neighborhood protection, pro-quality of life, anti-corruption, anti-special interest lobbying, anti-waste. He is in favor of a 35-foot height limit outside downtown and the civic center. He is strongly in favor of upholding the GI ordinance. He opposes using tax money to fund professional sports stadiums.

Grace Solares is hosting a fundraiser for Mike Suarez at her lovely home next week. Come and meet the candidate. She'll have plenty of food and beverage, so please bring your appetite and your checkbook. Mark your calendar: Thursday, September 6, 2007, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Grace's address: 60 SW 30th Road. That's between Miami Avenue and US1, two short blocks north of Vizcaya and the Museum of Science.

For info: (305) 754 1420 or ElvisCruz@mac.com

Art in the Grove

Here are a couple of paintings that will be on display at the Heart of the Grove's new exhibit. The top one is called "Biscayne Dreaming" and the bottom one is "Main Highway".