Coral Gables Historical Archive

The Times

Thursday, February 9, 1961, page 71 (of 80)

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High Building Showdown Due Referendum Gets Tangled In Technicalities

By MAURICE LABELLE A showdown on Coral Gables' high rise building controversy will come next Tuesday, when the City Commission runs out of time to decide whether to put the Charter revision question on the April 7 ballot. The matter had been scheduled for settlement Tuesday, but the Commission bogged down under the weight of having to decide on three separate referendum proposals and a fourth proposal to control high rise structures by ordinance. City Attorney Ted Semple presented one plan to the Commission Tuesday which was a modification of one proposed by attorney Franklin Parson, who represents opponents who would place stringent resolutions on high rise buildings. A 2nd plan suggested by Commissioner Joe Murphy had the Commission reeling when Commissioner Robert Searle suggested that the whole matter of controlling high rise buildings could be handled by an ordinance. It would take an emergency action of the City Commission next week to ready the matter in time for the April election. No Procrastination The City Commission, said Mayor John M. Montgomery, has "no interest to procrastinate on this matter." He pointed out the difficulty in reaching a decision Tuesday because of the many factors involved. There was indication, however, that Parson and his group would not buy the ordinance suggestion made by Commissioner Searle. "There is a difference between an ordinance and a Charter amendment," Parson told the Commission. He pointed out that an ordinance can be passed or rescinded by three commissioners, whereas a Charter amendment must be passed on by a majority of the electors. "This is not a wild, hair-brained scheme," Parson said of his proposal involving strict limitations on high rise structures. Not Right Parson, who said he had made a living off law suits involving proposed changes of zoning, added that it was not right for residents to have to spend all their time and money defending themselves government agencies.

Model Home Is Opened In Hammock Oaks Harbor

Hammock Oaks Harbor, luxury home area in South Coral Gables close to Biscayne Bay, has opened its first custom-built home. This is one of three houses, in the $45,000 to $100,000 price range, now under construction by Rovin Construction Co., headed by Sol Rovin, veteran Coral Gables builder. Located in the estate section of the Gables, Hammock Oaks is off Old Cutler Road, adjoins Matheson Hammock and Fairchild Gardens. Work has started on the site of the proposed yacht club, large lagoons and recreational canals. Two large lagoons, ideal for swimming and small boats, will add beauty and recreation to the area. Yachts will tie up at the marina and sail, through a well-marked channel, to Biscayne Bay. To assure complete privacy and avoid the noise and odor of engines, all Boats will be moored at private docks in the marina. Owners of land and homes in Hammock Oaks will automatically become eligible for membership in the yacht club but a limited number of outside memberships will also be available. The club and marina will be both a boat and community center. It will contain a swimming pool, tennis courts, restaurant, meeting rooms, cocktail lounge and other recreational facilities. Located across from Arthur Vining Davis' Snapper Creek Estates, Hammock Oaks is one of the last fine waterfront areas in Coral Gables. Complete city utilities are already available. While a number of lots have already been sold, additional land is being prepared with streets, canals, and underground utilities. These lots are available for investment, for private building, or for custom homes offered by a few selected builders. All lots are for custom homes offered by a few selected builders. All lots are more than one half acre and are priced substantially below those of similar areas along Biscayne Bay. Home designs must be approved by an architectural board to assure maintenance of high standards of design and construction. The custom home now open has five bedrooms, three baths, pool, and patio. It is priced at $65,000. Built by Rovin Construction Company, the home is a Colonial design and has a 55-foot long pool-patio area under a wide, overhanging, tile roof. It also includes an outdoor electric barbecue and walled-in garden off the master bedroom. The French provincial kitchen, designed by Trend, opens into both the pool area and dining room. Two other homes, somewhat larger and more luxurious, are also being built and will be open in a few weeks. Hammock Oaks Harbor is being developed by Sol Rovin, well known for his housing activities in the South Miami and Coral Gables area. His companies have built hundreds of custom homes in Sunrise Harbor and throughout the south-of-Miami area.

Remember The Times

25 Years Ago The Coral Gables City Commission and bondholders protective committee said they had reached a definite agreement on settlement of the city's debt... Primo Carnera, the giant Italian heavyweight fighter, stopped off in Coral Gables and stayed at the Casa Loma Hotel... Noted baritone Leon Sparks sang at the Coral Gables Congregational Church... Coral Gables' hotels overflowed with guests as a severe cold spell gripped the north and sent shivering visitors to sunny South Florida... Funeral services were held for Grover C. Morgan, a former salesman with the Coral Gables Corporation. It was this corporation, headed by George Merrick, that spearheaded land development in Coral Gables during the late 20s. 10 Years Ago Coral Gables braced itself for Civil Defense exercises which would test the city's readiness in the event of a crisis... Good will was never better between the United States and Cuba as Coral Gables officials got set to take part in a giant international carnival in that Caribbean island city... The Rev. E. A. Finn began his pastorate at Coral Terrace Presbyterian Church... James G. Leybourne, president of the Coral Gables First National Bank, accepted the chairmanship of the Coral Gables division for the coming Red Cross funds drive.

NOW PLAYING at Loew's Riviera Theater is "The World of Suzie Wong," starring William Holden and Nancy Kwan, who are shown here in a scene from the movie.

St. Theresa Plans Festival

St. Theresa, Church of the Little Flower, will hold a "Gay Nineties Festival" on the school grounds, Thursday and Friday, Feb. 9-10, starting at 1 p.m. daily. On Thursday, 7:30 p.m., there will be a costume parade with cash prizes. Parents are welcome to enter. Friday will feature dancing and entertainment in the evening. Daily attractions will include rides. There will also be a variety of booths including a Latin-American booth which will serve special Spanish foods throughout the festival.

WARNING

To Business & Professional Men PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT INSTANT Credit Investigations ONE PHONE CALL CAN SAVE $$$ KNOW THE HABITUAL BAD CREDIT RISKS CALL CENTRAL CREDIT CONTROL FR 1-1465 • FR 1-7949

Some north and west Florida counties, including Duval, Leon, Madison, and Nassau counties, report increases in numbers of cattle during the past five years.

RE-WEAVIT

Invisible Reweaving—Mend-ing Clothing — Sweaters — Rugs — Upholstery — Furs Collars, Hats. Made to order Tailoring — Ladies & Gents —One Day Service. ALL WORK GUARANTEED 1753 S.W. 8th ST. FR 3-6990. FR 7-4138

Valentine GIFTS

Make Appointment: NOW! Valentine GIFTS Or Any Day MILK BATH PERMANENT Special $12.50 Herta's Salon de Beaute "The Finest In Beauty Care" 5765 SUNSET DRIVE, Holsum Bldg. MO 6-2444

Floors with a Flair

TOOLS OF TRADE No matter what your clients' caprices, Floors with a Flair has the ability to satisfy them. For here is superb carpet or vinyl in every conceivable color and pattern—flawlessly installed by men who know their business. Visit our showrooms. Floors with a Flair Installed By Men Who Care 2820 Ponce de Leon Blvd. HI 5-2469

Coral Gables Church of Christ

"The churches of Christ salute you" Rom: 16:16 Coral Gables Church of Christ Meeting At University of Miami Room 308 Merrick Bldg. PHONE CA 1-3014 SUNDAY A.M. BIBLE STUDY - 10:00 Α.Μ. SUNDAY WORSHIP - 11:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m. "DOING BIBLETHINGS IN BIBLE WAYS AND CALLING BIBLE THINGS BY BIBLE NAMES"

We Can Help You - HEAR

• We Can Help You • HEAR Bring your nearing problem to Telex. Leave without it. There's a Telex for every need and every budget. There's a Telex for you. Free information - free hearing test - free demonstrations - TELEX HEARING CENTER 2849 Coral Way HI 4-4442

BISCAYNE EXTERMINATING SERVICE

Highland 6-6401 3555 S.W. 29th Terr. Miami

Combs Funeral Home

WALTER H. JACK J. PAUL H. Combs Funeral Home INC. Serving Faithfully since 1896 North-east Chapel 1539 N.E. 2nd Ave. Coral Gables Chapel 1661 S.W. Douglas Rd. (37th Ave.) Paul H. Combs, Sr., Mgr. Glen H. Spencer, Mgr. PHONE FR 3-2101 DADE COUNTY'S OLDEST FUNERAL SERVICE

Appointed ASSISTANT CASHIER JOSEPH W. ARMALY

The Merchants Bank takes pleasure in introducing this young man with a bright future in his chosen career of banking. Joe Armaly is a good ambassador of the Merchants credo of "pleasant neighborhood banking." His eagerness to be accommodating will put you at your ease in discussing your plans and requirements. A native Miamian, he graduated from Sts. Peter and Paul High School, attended the University of Notre Dame and received his BBA degree from the University of Miami. MERCHANTS BANK OF MIAMI 950 RED ROAD (S.W. 57th Ave. near the Trail) Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Thursday, February 9, 1961 THE GUIDE Page 7