NEW GARAGE NEEDED – YOUR VOICE MATTERS
On July 9, the Miami City Commission will vote on one of the most consequential decisions for Coconut Grove’s commercial district in years — and every BID business owner and operator needs to be part of it.
The vote centers on Phase 2 of the long-awaited restoration, expansion, and master planning of the Coconut Grove Playhouse, the historic landmark at 3500 Main Highway that has sat dark for nearly two decades. Among the most significant elements of the project: construction of a modern parking garage to replace the deteriorating surface lot that currently sits adjacent to the theater — an eyesore that has done nothing to welcome visitors to our neighborhood.
That garage changes everything for the BID.
More parking means more people. More people means more foot traffic along Main Highway and throughout the commercial district — into our stores, shops, and restaurants. This is not just a cultural project; it is an economic opportunity for every business in the Grove.
“Construction of this long-awaited parking facility will rid the BID of the existing dilapidated parking lot,” said BID Executive Director Mark Burns. “Instead of a blight, we’ll have a bright spot in our community.”
The City of Miami Planning Department has already recommended approval. But the Commission has the final word — and they need to hear from you before they vote.
This Is Your Moment
Individual voices from the business community carry real weight at a public hearing. July 9 is your opportunity to stand before the elected officials making this decision and tell them directly: this project is good for Coconut Grove, good for its businesses, and long overdue.
We strongly encourage you to register for public comment prior to the meeting and show up in force on July 9 at 9 a.m.
Background: What You Need to Know
To move forward, the Playhouse project needs several special zoning permissions — known as exceptions and waivers — that allow the site to function beyond its current limitations. These include approval to restore and expand the theater, add office and commercial uses, reconfigure the site’s layout – and most important to our local businesses – construct a modern, new, well-lit and welcoming parking garage.
What Happened Before
In May, the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board voted 5–4 in favor of the project — but the rules required a stronger supermajority, so the approval failed on a technicality. Miami-Dade County is now appealing directly to the City Commission to get it across the finish line. The July 9 vote is the next — and critical — step.
Recent Community Engagement
At a June 22 community meeting at Miami City Hall, hosted by City of Miami Commissioner Pardo of District 2 and attended by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Regalado of District 7, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs presented the architectural approach to the project and outlined the steps needed to launch Phase 2. For a copy of the presentation please CLICK HERE
The finish line is in sight. Show up on July 9 and help get it there.
