The Coral Gables Times

Thursday, May 25, 1961, page 2 (of 24)

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City Will Hire Firm For Planning

(Continued from page 1) a series of public hearings and ultimately a poll of residents to determine the reaction. Two conference meetings and the regular Commission meeting Tuesday saw the question of high rise buildings and zoning take up most of the time. A survey of affected property owners showed Tuesday that of the 74 inquiries made, 28 were for the six-story Coral Gables Federal addition, five were opposed and the remainder indicated no objection. Meanwhile, public hearings are coming up next month on a four-story apartment building in Sunrise Harbour subdivision and a seven-story dormitory at the University of Miami. 'WE'RE PATIENT' "We're patient, we'll wait for you," Vice President Rodney Miller of Coral Gables Federal told the Commission Tuesday. Miller, who presented the proposal with Robert Hildreth, told the Commission that he did not regard six stories a high-rise building. The financial institution executive proposed that multiple-story buildings be allowed in the Miracle Mile - Ponce de Leon Boulevard center and be allowed to taper off in height for a one or two blocks around the core. "We started out that way," said Miller, "it's time to kick it in the tail again." Miller said that outside shopping centers are draining away business from the Gables and multiple-story buildings must be allowed downtown to compete. "We don't want to be in a position to tell the planner what to do," said Mayor Robert L. Searle. Miller said he appreciated the Commission's position. "I don't want it; you can have it," he said.

Beauty in the Gables

YOU MIGHT SAY Michele Goyette is doubly pretty. Miss Goyette, a 20-year-old brunette with dark brown eyes, is in the credit department of Beneficial Finance on Miracle Mile. She plans to study art next semester at the University of Miami night school. From Brownsville, Texas, Miss Goyette lives at 1140 Coral Way.

H-Bomb Shelter Among Lower Gables Permits

The first permit for a fall out or bomb shelter in Coral Gables went to Frank Poe, 211 Ridgewood Rd., last week. Art Construction Co., a Gables firm, received the $595 contract for the shelter, designed by W. M. Friedman. Zoning requirements for the shelters were recently adopted by the City Commission. They may be constructed above or below ground, but must follow normal setback requirements established for residences. Construction activity dropped off sharply last week. The total was only $56,347 for 11 permits. Largest permit went to Dianpoli Construction Co. for a $18,220 residence at 2425 Indian Mound Trail. Figures represent price of the building only and do not include land values.

Miniature Derby Winner Named

Tony Snetro, 1424 Ancona Ave., was named winner of a miniature pinewood car derby race held Sunday afternoon, May 21, by Cub Scouts of Pack 17, St. Theresa School. About 20 Cub Scouts took part in the derby.

Air Conditioning Yet Fast, Economical Buses To End Annoying Delays?

By MAURICE LABELLE Times Staffer A unified transit system to provide residents with fast and economical service was promised Friday by members of the Metropolitan Transit Authority. The role of the Coral Gables bus system and that of three other companies not involved in the $7.7 million purchase by Metro of four William Pawley-owned lines is not clearly established. But the Authority is confident these and other problems will be solved shortly and the unified countywide system will be a reality in a short time. Here are some of the basic objectives revealed by the Authority Friday in a briefing session held for new County Manager Irving McNayr and representatives of the press: Increase the percentage of bus riders from the present nine per cent of transportation users to perhaps 20 per cent. Set fares at 20 cents within zones and 10 cents from one zone to another. Create cross-town runs that will eliminate numerous transfers. Establish countywide park and ride facilities. Get ride and shop agreements with merchants and use of tokens. Erect shelters for bus riders. Use air conditioned buses on express routes. The Authority also plans to build a downtown Miami bus terminal and others in principal population areas such as Cutler Ridge, which figures big in their thinking.

Metro Surprised That CG Wants to Keep Own Buses

(Continued from page 1) with Metro's newly acquired routes. "We don't have any proposals whatsoever," said Al Jacobson, chairman of the Coral Gables Bus Advisory Committee, following the meeting. Jacobson did not attend the meeting, designed to give background for the recent $7.7 million purchase of four William Pawley bus lines to create a countywide system by Metro. The meeting was called to brief McNayr and the press. Metro is scheduled to take over in 45 to 90 days. The last meeting to be held between the Transit Authority and the Gables board was Feb. 17, Jacobson said, at which time no concrete proposal to purchase was made. A total of four meetings have been held, Jacobson said. No plan for the absorption of the Gables system came out of them so the meetings were discontinued, he said. "The city is not committed," said Jacobson. He said assurances must be given that present levels or service would be maintained and just compensation agreed to before the city could consider turning over its system to the Transit Authority. "We have the finest system in the United States," he said. The Gables has developed a fine school bus system and personalized service he said, and doubts Metro could or would continue it. Butler indicated surprise Friday that the Gables was reluctant to go along with the county on its plan. He said he had met with Gables officials, "within the past six weeks," and felt that there would be no great problem. Butler said he foresaw no real problems in integrating the Coral Gables system into Metro's lines. David J. Reynolds, executive secretary for the Transit Authority, said at the meeting it was his understanding that the Gables school routes were making money. Butler and other transit officials were reluctant Friday to discuss alternatives to acquisition of the Gables system.

Eyelashes Are Her Business

(Continued from page 1) and then she adds the Gillis technique. She has perfected her process through the trial and error method. For instance she discovered that surgical adhesive works better than glue, that nylon thread lasts longer than cotton, that a permanent wave is the answer to keeping the lashes curled, and that wiping gently with alcohol is the best way to keep them clean. Five years ago Helena Rubinstein tried to get Barbara into her beauty empire. And the Toni Company made overtures, but these offers meant leaving Florida. "I've been in business in Coral Gables for 10 years," Barbara said. "I like it and hope I never have to leave." The Gillis process is the only one of its kind in the world, she says. True, other false eyelashes are on the market, but they are machine-made with synthetic hair and must be discarded after a half dozen wearings, she says. Gillis eyelashes last up to two years with everyday wearing. Her price is $15. When asked who buys false eyelashes, Barbara laughed, "Everyone who says 'hello' to me." Have them match your own hair - or if you really want to go modern add a pair of pastel - colored, double - deck, and sprinkle lightly with sequins. Getting back to the young man, it's only fair to tell you that he wanted false eyelashes to enhance his appearance on the stage.

George Wackenhut, President He's Top Man on a Fast-Burning Business Rocket

By ROLFE NEILL Times Staffer The first thing that impresses you upon walking into George Wackenhut's handsomely decorated office here is not the man. It's his desk. The front panel is back lighted at each end. While you're musing over the first lighted executive desk you've ever seen, George R. Wackenhut is coming around it to give you a bone-crushing handshake. "Welcome to our company. Sit down." ON COUCH You sit on a soft leather couch. George sits across from you. Suddenly you realize just how generously proportioned he is. He's got a lineman's build. "The Wackenhut Corporation is a national organization of management consultants. We specialize in security and investigations devoted to protecting the assets of business, industry and government installations." This could be or include screening personnel for a firm; procedures and systems to prevent inside frauds, thefts and embezzlements; fire fighting personnel (Wackenhut is now furnishing whole fire stations for clients, including trucks); retail store protection; industrial plant guards and the like. SEVEN YEARS Wackenhut is president and he and his wife are the owners. The firm began in June, 1954. In only seven years it has grown to 1,100 employes across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico. Sales this year will top $5 million. Executives offices are at 3280 Ponce de Leon Blvd. By carefully building an organization upon departmental executives and making ample advertising use of the fact that most of these top men are ex-FBI agents, Wackenhut has pushed his company to the third or fourth place in the nation in sales for his industry. Clients include such corporate names at the Northrop Corp., National Airlines, North American Aviation, Convair, Kraft Foods and U.S. Rubber. OTHER WORK The investigative division performs a large volume of work for attorneys, insurance companies, banks and other business organizations. The polygraph, or lie detector division, headed by an old Indianapolis sleuth by the name of John T. Bevan, has one of the most modern labs in the nation. So you don't believe in lie detectors? Just lying about your age can be quickly found out, Bevan proved to a skeptical visitor. Wackenhut has just returned from a week and a half swing around the country to visit some of his offices (all headed by ex-FBI men, also). It was the first time he'd had to travel in 10 months and he was proud of the record. As might be guessed, Wackenhut, too, has a background of the FBI. He was a special agent for three years. Physical education was his college major at State Teachers College in West Chester, Pa. He misses staying in trim and in a recent decision to do something about it now schedules an early-morning (6:30 a.m.) jog around the block. Building the company has required long hours of the 41-year-old chief executive and frequently it's 7:30 or 8:30 at night before he swings into the driveway at 7795 SW 112th St. for supper. He says he has no hobbies, just his family and physical training. Mrs. Wackenhut did the tastefully decorated offices. Each department head has a different decor. The company has got financing arranged now, Wackenhut says, and there's nothing standing in the way he believes of an additional $5 million in annual sales.