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Beach Commissioner Slams Design Review Process Amidst Criticism from Colleagues

“If we don’t make any waves, then what are we here for?”—Commissioner Luis Garcia.

By Jason Jeffers
Staff Writer

The process by which Miami Beach’s Design Review Board grants approval to projects has come under criticism from one of the city commissioners.

At last Wednesday’s Miami Beach City Commission meeting, Commissioner Luis R. Garcia, Jr. requested a discussion item regarding the design review process.

According to Garcia, a number of complaints to his office, as well as a discussion with a former applicant who went before the review board, prompted him to bring the issue up for discussion.

Chief among his concerns was whether members of the board and the planning department staff were qualified to efficiently review projects which came before them. Another concern regarded what he termed “spotty enforcement.”

“We put a lot of responsibility in the hands of people who are not qualified to make those decisions,” Garcia said.

Garcia also added that as a commissioner, he receives a lot of complaints from his constituents but feels he can’t do anything for them.  The reason: commissioners are limited to making legislative policy decisions while actionable power rests in the hands of the city administration.

“That’s just the way this system of government works,” said Mayor David Dermer. “We have to live within that even if it can sometimes be frustrating.”

Garcia later said that the city should consider switching from a city manager form of government to a “strong mayor” system.

Other members of the commission took issue with the manner in which Garcia presented his argument.

Commissioner Simon Cruz stated that raising concerns about the review process was well within Garcia’s right, but he contended that questioning the ability of the Design Review Board and the planning department from the dais was inappropriate.

“I don’t think it’s productive to personalize this,” Cruz said.

“What I’m hearing is a lot of mudslinging, and it’s very destructive,” said Vice Mayor Richard Steinberg. “It’s not healthy for the city.”

“This is almost an honorary position, we cannot effect any real change,” said Garcia. “The reason I ran for office was to make a difference, but we are essentially powerless.”

City Manager Jorge Gonzalez also took issue with Garcia’s approach, and added that it was not the way to make constructive change.

Commissioner Matti Bower defended the Beach’s design review process and even claimed it was responsible for the city’s resurgence.

“They have put Miami Beach on the map as a design jewel,” Bower said. “There is often discord between the board and the people who come before them with projects that get rejected, but that usually gets worked out and leads to a better project. Just because some people don’t like the process doesn’t mean it’s broken.”

Following the meeting, Garcia explained that he did not have a personal vendetta against the planning department or the design review board, but that he believed the review process was in need of careful examination.

“If we don’t make any waves, then what are we here for?” Garcia asked.