He's leaving, but not going far

10 With Tom 
10 questions in 10 minutes 

Manny Gonzalez,
BID Executive Director

Manny Gonzalez is leaving us. Manny is the Executive Director of the BID (Business Improvement District), he's had that position since 2012 and been with the BID since 2009, staring out as Project Coordinator. May 12 will be his last day here but he isn't going far; he is moving to Wynwood, where he will be the Executive Director of that BID. I asked Manny the 10 With Tom questions.

TOM: Hate to see you go, you are so much a part of the Grove. What do you think your favorite part of Coconut Grove is?

MANNY: As a father of three year old daughter my favorite aspect of Coconut Grove is the ability to come and enjoy the endless options of green space at either:  Peacock, Kennedy or Regatta Park, literally five minutes after work. The over-abundance of tree canopy and green space within 33133 is something we should not take for granted.

TOM: What do you feel your biggest accomplishment has been in these years? 

MANNY:  In my opinion I believe the purchase of the two trolleys for the City of Miami by the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District in order to introduce the service to the western portion of the Grove is a prime example of how partnerships should work for the better of the community and the District. The subsequent approval by our friends at the City of Miami and Miami Dade County to connect to the 27th and 37th Avenue Metrorail and Coral Gables will be a game changer. 

TOM: What would you like to see happen to the Grove in the future? 

MANNY: The completion of the sidewalk improvement projects along Grand Avenue and Main Highway and solution to the Grand Avenue corridor.

TOM: There will only be six board members in Wynwood as opposed to 19 in Coconut Grove, how do you think you'll handle that?

MANNY: I think this is the model the Coconut Grove BID should pursue to some degree.  It allows members to conduct daily business operations, within their respective districts, without the threat of violating the sunshine law of the City of Miami.  Too many members, higher the risk.  Also easier to obtain consensus.

TOM: Wynwood is sort of the Wild West at this point, are you ready for that?

MANNY: 100% - yes.  I am extremely lucky to continue working with Commissioner Russell, Major Morales and a plethora of other City and Miami Dade County officials that I currently work with in Coconut Grove, thus it will be a seamless transition.  If it’s considered the Wild West, it’s by design, the ecosystem in Wynwood is healthy and like the Grove ascending.

TOM: Favorite thing about Wynwood?

MANNY: The overabundance of art and unique businesses and establishments that you cannot find anywhere else.

TOM: Favorite Grove restaurant?

MANNY: After 8 years in the Grove I have learned that this type of questions does not have a correct answer.  They are all my favorite restaurants.

TOM: Favorite Wynwood restaurant?

MANNY: They are all my favorite restaurant. 

TOM: Random question: You're in trouble, the last person you saw on tv is going to save you. Who is it?

MANNY: General Douglas MacArthur.  Big fan of American Heroes channel.

TOM: What's something you always wanted to do as a child but never got to do?

MANNY: Attend a major wrestling event, back when I thought it was real.

Thanks, Manny, I am sure you'll do a terrific job in Wynwood, as you have done here in the Grove.