Regarding the Virginia Street closing

I represent the ownership of CocoWalk. CocoWalk, at this time, is NOT in favor of closing Virginia Street and has never been in favor of closing Virginia Street. What I did say was that I will remain genuinely opened minded about considering the closure. But just to be clear CocoWalk is currently absolutely opposed to the closure of Virginia Street. But like any prudent business person I will remain sincerely open and receptive to learning about valid business reason why the closure would benefit The Grove as a whole and CocoWalk individually.

Bob Whalen
CocoWalk, Coconut Grove



As the former owner of several parcels North of Mayfair I advise the community to remain vigilant on the possibility of a closure of Virginia Street. In the mid 1980's, I (unsuccessfully) fought the closure of Rice Street between Grand and Florida. In the end, the influence of Greenberg/Traurig, the co-opting of some neighbors and "civic" groups, and the hyperbolic bullshit of Ken Treister carried the day. Every prediction of the negative impacts of the closure came true. One of the many ironies is the fact that Mayfair has been a serial, financial failure.

Alan Dale Mobley
Coconut Grove