The Times

Happy New Year

'Fastest Human' retires from city

See related stories Page 4 By ANA MARIA ALVAREZ Staff Writer He was known as "The Fastest Human on Wheels" when he first came to the City Beautiful. He still has posters in his tiny office at Venetian Pool to remind him of his exciting roller derby days. Johnny Rosasco, whose face is familiar to hundreds of children—came to Coral Gables in 1937 to take part in a skating race at the Coliseum on Douglas Road. "That's when I fell in love with Coral Gables. After I came here, no matter where else I was supposed to skate, I just wanted to come back," he says. Four years later he came back for good. In June 1941 Rosasco got a job with the city's building department and he has been with Coral Gables ever since. His wife, Mildred, and their two children stayed in Chicago until he was settled. They soon came down to join him and make their home at 1306 Lisbon. Aside from a six month stint as a desk sergeant at the Coral Gables Police Department and the time he was acting recreation director for the city, Rosasco has spent most of his time at Venetian Pool. "I love the sunshine and so when I found out there was to be an opening, I asked to be transferred to Venetian Pool," said Rosasco. "I've been here since February 1, 1943," he added. After 33 years as manager of the rockpit turned swimming hole, Rosasco is retiring. "I love Venetian Pool See HE'S Page 3 John Rosasco

Everybody turned out to see Junior King Orange march through the Gables See Page 2

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Classified | 20 Dear Decorator | 13 Editorials | 6 Letters | 6 Obituaries | 16 People | 7 Religion | 18 Sports | 20

Times Guide

24 Pages Vol. 51 No. 1 January 1/2, 1977 10 Cents Weekend Edition

CG police chief resigns

Coral Gables Police Chief William Kimbrough has retired, effective 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 31, City Manager J. Martin Gainer has announced. "We have been talking this over for a long time and agreed that it is time for him to enjoy his retirement years. He is 69 years old," Gainer said. Kimbrough was unavailable for comment Friday. "That may look strange," Gainer said of Kimbrough's unwillingness to speak publicly, "but you have to know the man. He is a shy man and wants to go quietly without fanfare." Gainer said he met with Kimbrough Thursday afternoon at which time the resignation was finalized. When asked if he had asked Kimbrough to retire, Gainer said only, "it was a mutual agreement." Gainer said Kimbrough quit suddenly because, "he doesn't drag it out, that's a good management principal. By See KIMBROUGH, Page 7

West Dade residents oppose Coral Way shopping center

By KAY SEVERINSEN Staff Writer "The area is saturated with commercialism . . and a shopping mall of that intensity would not be harmonious with the area." Reginald Walters Nearly 300 signatures have been collected from residents near Coral Way and 112th Avenue against a proposed shopping center for that intersection. The shopping center, planned by realtor Alvin Rose, who owns the property, will be considered by the county commissioners at a zoning hearing, Thursday, Jan. 6. The mall was disapproved in a letter to the commission from Reginald Walters, director of the Dade County Planning Department, because, "The area is saturated with commercialism in excess of need and a shopping mall of that intensity would not be harmonious with the area." The mall would contain about 20 shops, a grocery store and a restaurant, Rose said. Before Rose first presented his zoning request to the commission early in December, he got signatures from 93 persons, business owners and property owners behind the proposed site, approving the change. His first request was denied because it was not in the proper form, he says. But other residents oppose the mall because it would face Tamiami Park entrance, possibly causing hazardous traffic where children would be crossing the street. "We don't want something enticing the children across a four-lane road," said Theresa Skinner, 10950 SW 32nd St., president of University Estates Civic Association. The area is presently zoned for one-acre estates. Rose would like it rezoned for business and the 300 petitioners want it rezoned for townhouses. "We are appealing to all of Dade County to oppose this," Mrs. Skinner added. "Everyone uses Tamiami Park and many people come to the Youth Fair every year." Residents are also worried that the shopping center will instigate even more commercial building along Coral Way. "We're afraid the street will become strip zoning like Bird Road," Mrs. Skinner said. Walter's letter to the commission states that within one and one fourth miles of the proposed site there are five commercial areas either already existing or proposed.