One Grove: Keep Coconut Grove Together

Mayor Suarez failed to save Coconut Grove.  See the Miami Herald's editorial  https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article260170340.html  and other's insights  https://www.politicalcortadito.com/2022/04/05/no-veto-miami-redistricting/   One Grove, however, continues to support neighborhoods trying to preserve their representation. Natoma Manors HOA and Grove Park are meeting to pursue relief. The NAACP and ACLU are mobilizing to reverse the transfer to Reyes. Separate pleadings to the county's and state's ethics boards are in process. Legal suits are in draft and coordination. More stuff too, that we don't talk about. This now-long campaign requires sustained resources to support experts, analyses, legal proceedings and keeping neighbors informed.  Your fundraising support is needed now. GoFundMe.com/KeepCoconutGroveTogether .  Not shown on that website are the significant contributions made directly to One Grove's legal fund.  Taken to...

Today Mayor Suárez @francissuarez failed to veto Miami’s redistricting and thereby split Coconut Grove among three commission districts. Instead he tweeted about a fun run scheduled for Tuesday. @MiamiMayor’s account tweeted about celebrating Walk in the Park Day.  Dear Engaged Citizens, One Grove will—as promised—pursue legal actions to reverse the actions of Miami’s Elected. Your support has made that possible. Thank you. The legal campaign is being funded through your grassroots contributions, accepted through GoFundMe at  https://gofund.me/145c0fb8 . Or check to: “The Grove First Inc., One Grove” c/o 3090 Virginia St, Coconut Grove FL 33133 Thank you 

Now is the time for emotion. Logic, reason, facts, analysis and well-spoken civic engagement have failed against the interests of three City Commissioners. Join your unanimous neighbors at City Hall this Thursday morning, 10:00.  A classic, full-throated protest against the actions of the only three people in Miami that wanted to cut up the Grove's representation. The goal?  Influence Mayor Francis Suarez (notably distant from this critical issue) to engage with a veto.  Very simple. Very straightforward. No RSVP is needed, but you can let us know that you're coming here:  https://forms.gle/SVbhP3CFWQ63aKNf8

One Grove's team believes that the City made numerous errors in the conduct of the now-concluded redistricting discussions, presentations and meetings.  Violations of several laws and/or regulations are likely to have occurred and One Grove will help seek relief for those harmed. First step?  Mayor vetoes the vote. One Grove strongly encourages you to send social messages to @francissuarez (Mayor Francis Suarez). How?   --  Open your Instagram (or Twitter or other) account.  --  Post, message, share, DM @francissuarez and copy other friends on your account.  Example text follows, but please use our own words...and vent all you want.  He can take it. Mayor  @francissuarez , Miami's redistricting  splits Grove  representation and  serves only three people in the entire city:  King, Carollo and Diaz de la Portilla.  Use your #Veto power to #SaveCoconutGrove #Miami #CoconutGrove It's important to get others to like/s...

Thursday’s surprises began when Commissioner Carollo, who had previously announced that he would be abstaining from voting on redistricting, reversed his position.   Carollo read from a prepared statement that described his "duty" to vote on redistricting, surprising those that believed such a vote would place him squarely in a conflict of interest because he owns a home in the proposed area of a revised district with an anomalous dip that includes the home he owns outside the district he represents.   His statement declared that such considerations were not founded and that the opposite was true—that he must vote. Public statements were allowed after all—an eye popper—even after the City had made the rare declaration that no public comments would be allowed.   Undeterred Grovites and supporters had once again filled City Hall and registered to speak in favor of Commissioner Russell’s plan that retained unified Grove representation.   David Collins declared that Gr...

A final redistricting vote is scheduled for Thursday, 24 March at 2:30 in City Hall. Calls to action: Submit pre-meeting comments online here :   You can send many comments and there is no limitation as to their length. One Grove recommends overwhelming the City with your comments. Recruit your friends and neighbors to follow your example. Attend the Special Commission Meeting Thursday, 24 March at 2:30 in City Hall The City has issued mutually exclusive guidance regarding public comments: One announcement prohibits public comments.  See here. Another announcement says public comments will start at 2:30  Visit here. One Grove believes overwhelming public attendance will support later legal cases, especially if public comment is prohibited.  Please attend. Support the legal campaign here .  Average contribution is currently $50. Thank you to those that have already contributed. Predictions: Consultant will present multiple redistricting maps...Very like...

Several neighbors have asked for a map that describes the areas considered for transfer from the Grove's District-2 commissioner, Ken Russell.  As the areas are still in flux and can change during any commission meeting, those areas that have been considered are presented in the map that follows. What will happen at the next Commission meeting Thursday 3/24 at 2:30?  Who knows?

  One Grove Update 220311 Commissioners advanced towards a One Grove solution…but they’re not there yet. Commissioner Reyes’ offer to restore the Bird Road triangle to District 2 enabled motion towards resolution on other redistricting boundaries.  Commissioner King seemed focused on restoring the entirety of District 5 to its earlier boundaries, and that outcome appeared do-able.  Commissioner Russell’s US-1 plan got traction.  Consultant DeGrandy was directed to prepare analyses that could resolve remaining impasses, including North Grove neighborhoods.  A follow-on meeting to present the results of that analysis was scheduled for Thursday 3/24 at 2:30 at City Hall.  A final vote could then occur.  A map of Grove areas considered for transfer to other districts follows text below. Earlier in the morning, Commissioner Carollo abstained from proceedings and left the meeting.  He may choose to reengage later. The larger goal of reunificatio...

Redistricting plan splits Coconut Grove, Black residents lose Miami Herald  Miami wants to dilute Black Coconut Grove’s political power just when it needs it most Editorial BY THE MIAMI HERALD EDITORIAL BOARD  MARCH 03, 2022 6:33 PM  ( Photo. Right) Joe Carollo gestures as he states that “zero” Black commissioners have ever been elected in District 2. Holland & Knight attorney and consultant Miguel De Grandy presented the preliminary redistricting plan at City Hall on Monday.  CARL JUSTE   CJUSTE@MIAMIHERALD.COM Coconut Grove isn’t just Miami’s charming and oldest neighborhood. Its citizens are among the most politically engaged in the city — often a thorn on the side of some politicians.  The community, which was first settled by Bahamian pioneers more than a century ago and predates the city, is under threat of having its political influence diluted. At even higher risk is the political strength of the Grove’s historic Black community at a time when i...

  Commissioner Ken Russell’s alternative district map is an excellent step in the right direction towards redistricting. However, as commissioner of District 2, he is constrained to addressing only District 2.  The Blue Line shown below identifies his proposed boundaries of District 2. After One Grove brought redistricting to the attention of neighborhoods throughout Miami, neighborhoods everywhere are calling for their commissioners to reunite split neighborhoods from their districts.  The neighborhood spokespersons also defend Coconut Grove from division. The Miami of 25 years ago when the districts were created, was very different from today’s Miami.   Today’s Miami is much more culturally diverse and increasingly so.  The map at this website ( https://arcg.is/1CjCD9 )  illustrates the social diversity of Miami using the Tapestry model of analysis.  See also this link for additional info. https://keepcoconutgrovetogether.blogspot.com/2022/...

Joe Carollo’s District 3 townhall meeting Wednesday surprised us.  All the residents attending from Carollo’s own district advocated for the reunification of neighborhoods during the current redistricting.  Citing the ten neighborhoods currently divided, redistricting was described as an opportunity not to be missed.  Commissioner Carollo during his remarks during last Friday’s special commission meeting described how, when he was mayor, districts were originally created and   they were intentionally “yes, gerrymandered” along racial lines. [1] “We gerrymandered and broke up numerous neighborhoods”.   “Since then we’ve had a couple or more revisions…and this is why we have the dilemma we are discussing today.” Although completely wrong, Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla declared that splitting up neighborhoods was the only alternative available. [2]   Commissioner Carollo repeated that incorrect statement last night.   However, the City’s consulta...

Friday’s special hearing on Miami’s commission district boundaries revealed key information for the first time.  Miami’s previously split neighborhoods could be reunified by any of several alternative plans, testified mapping consultant Miguel DeGrandy.  Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Christine White was cited as saying there was no ‘hard and fast’ requirement to redistrict quickly; waiting ‘would be well worth it’.  Citizens from throughout Miami asked the commissioners to take advantage of the rare opportunity the census redistricting presented to strengthen neighborhoods and prepare for Miami’s growth, while compensating for the high growth rates in the downtown and mid-town areas of the city.  Four of the five commissioners, led by Commissioners Carollo and Reyes, refused to consider the alternative proposals and pushed for the earliest possible changes in the district boundaries, March 11. Currently about ten Miami neighborhoods have been split by previo...

Experts recruited by One Grove prepared alternative districting maps presented to the City Commission Friday 2/25/22. You can examine the detail of the maps at this website.  Simply point at the little block boxes to reveal detailed information on each area.  Use the explanations available in the links below to self-educate on this subject.  We regret that One Grove does not have the capacity to explain to each reader how to use the detailed information available. Alternative Map https://arcg.is/1CjCD9 Catalog of demographic clusters https://www.esri.com/content/dam/esrisites/sitecore-archive/Files/Pdfs/library/fliers/pdfs/tapestry_segmentation.pdf Example of a demographic cluster https://downloads.esri.com/esri_content_doc/dbl/us/tapestry/segment10.pdf StoryMap describing the process   https://arcg.is/1TS91n0 Data dictionary   https://umiami.maps.arcgis.com/sharing/rest/content/items/3cc2e83f91a8411eb9815b417451de7f/data Alternative Map

Alternative district boundaries could preserve Miami's existing neighborhoods and reunite previously split neighborhoods.  During the District 2’s townhall meeting [1] , the City's consultant, Miguel DeGrandy, made clear repeatedly that dividing Coconut Grove and not reuniting previously split neighborhoods like Shenandoah or Flagami was purely a political decision.  Many other better alternatives were available to the commissioners. Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections, Christina White, on Friday 2/25 clearly stated there is not a "hard and fast deadline" for redistricting.  Redistricting "could easily wait until next year and any penalty would be well worth it". [2]   The March 11 deadline pursued by Miami's city commissioners is solely a political decision, one they are accelerating faster than a chain saw through a hardwood tree in Coconut Grove. The rapid pace of development throughout Miami demands that each commissioner focus on the coordinated pres...

  Alternative District Boundaries are possible.   They could: Unify neighborhoods previously divided Protect shared backgrounds and interests Simplify leadership burdens Anticipate growth There are many ways to get to a better future.  Some examples include: A blue-ribbon commission to re-unify neighborhoods separated by prior redistricting changes and population shifts.  City Commission workshops could help resolve questions and details.  Public information sessions throughout Miami could help all residents feel part of their City. Presented below is one of many possibilities. In this map,  Black participation is maximized for District 5,  Shenandoah is reunited,  West Grove is protected, and  Coconut Grove remains intact.

City officials have indicated that a revision the the redistricting proposal is possible. As of this writing, a revised plan has not been seen by One Grove members. One Grove is eager to receive and study the revision. A revision demonstrates the truth of One Grove’s claim that ‘Other, better options are possible.’ There is no requirement for Miami to rush through a redistricting plan. Therefore, if and when One Grove receives any revision or proposal, we will: -- distribute it to citizens and civic groups,  -- analyze the proposal and its potential effects, -- discuss the proposal carefully with stakeholders city-wide and -- form a balanced recommendation for our elected officials.  We ask of others the same consideration for ourselves and those less able to speak out. We anticipate that a revision will be presented at City Hall, 12:00 Friday 2/25. Commissioner Russell has scheduled a public meeting to discuss the plan for next Monday 2/28 and we look...

  Some have wondered if having three commissioners represent parts of Coconut Grove might be a good thing.  That's a reasonable question at first.  We thought three commissioners might be okay, but after consideration, we conclude it is not a good idea.  It is a bad idea.  These questions helped frame our thinking: Q.   Which commissioner would be accountable for the quality of life in Coconut Grove?  A.   None would be accountable.   Diluting accountability among three commissioners would ensure that none are accountable. Example: Limiting Home Depot’s footprint to its current small size saved the Grove from being overrun by heavy commercial businesses.   Making a single commissioner accountable for its effects made the Home Depot constraints possible and preserved the Grove’s quality of life. Q.   Would Grove voters have power over the other (proposed) commissioners? A1.  No.   Grove voters would not affect Di...

Traditional redistricting guidance presents five criteria for boundaries.  The proposed boundaries favored by Commissioners Carollo, Reyes and Diaz de la Portilla violate three of those five criteria. As applied to Coconut Grove, the proposed plan violates three of the five traditional redistricting criteria. See below and following slides. Preserve communities of interest Breaks up traditional Grove neighborhoods of Center, North and West Grove Removes business district from (Center) Grove Preserve core of prior districts Divides three core districts of Coconut Grove: Center Grove, West Grove and North Grove Use of man-made or natural boundaries Ignores major road: US-1 Ignores the US-1 wall and I-95 in the North Grove Ignores traditional boundary area of West Grove   (His presentation is attached are found here: https://miami.nextrequest.com/documents/11546190/download  ) Redistricting gui...

 Grovites, Through a Freedom of Information Act request, the following documents were secured from the City Clerk (https://miami.nextrequest.com/requests/22-574 is germane.).  Copy and paste the links below to download the materials presented to city commissioners by the City's consultants.   https://miami.nextrequest.com/requests/22-574 https://miami.nextrequest.com/documents/11546190/download    11/18/21 Consultant DeGrandy presentation https://miami.nextrequest.com/documents/11546191/download   2/7/221 Consultant DeGrandy presentation https://miami.nextrequest.com/documents/11546192/download   2/7/22 Consultant DeGrandy talking points https://miami.nextrequest.com/documents/11546193/download   2/7/22 Consultant DeGrandy Memo re Areas of Movement.

What can you do to help Keep Coconut Grove Together?   Answer: Overwhelm the City Commissioners. Do these things listed below.  Recruit friends, family and neighbors to do the same.  Add your own creativity and Grove attitude to communicate to all commissioners and city officials your opinions regarding this proposed change. ü   Sign petition now www.change.org/KeepCoconutGroveTogether   (We recommend against adding your funds to change.org's "Promotion" function.) ü   Submit your advance comments to the City Commissioners online no later than Wednesday 2/23/22 o    Visit https://cityofmiami.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6iiKUKnHt9ie4Em o    Select agenda item “SP.1 Discussion Item – Redistricting” o    Write your own comments for the Commissioners.   Here are some points for your consideration: §   I strongly oppose change to the district boundary of Coconut Grove.   §   Keep One Grove ...