Former NYC Chief of Fire Prevention and New Grove Resident E-mail To Miami City Commissioners 

From: Michael J. Butler
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 
To: Jwinton@ci.miami.fl.us; FBaizebre@ci.miami.fl.us;Jwalker@ci.miami.fl.us; TR@ci.miami.fl.us; Agonzalez@ci.miami.fl.us; JSanchez@ci.miami.fl.us;JLAllen@ci.miami.fl.us
Cc: info@thegrovefirst.com
Subject: Coconut Grove Home Depot

It has come to my attention that there is a proposal to open a Home
Depot at the Milam's shopping center. I am currently in the process (under
contract) of purchasing a home in Coconut Grove. My wife and I chose Coconut Grove because of its urban like setting, artsy atmosphere and funky character. Coconut Grove reminds me of the West Village and SoHo in NYC.  Frankly, we are appalled at the prospect of what a Home Depot in that location (or any other site in the Grove) would do to the neighborhood.

The question is WHY would anyone want a 100,000 square foot commercial
warehouse in a residential community?  There is no need when you
consider that less than 3 miles away on SW 8th St. there is a Home Depot. Have you, or any one else for that matter, asked how the residents of that
neighborhood think of Home Depot?

As the former Chief of Fire Prevention in NYC, I am familiar with
Building/Fire codes and Zoning regulations. These codes, especially the
zoning regulations are instituted to protect communities from overdevelopment. For example, there should not be a 30 story commercial
or residential development rising in an area designated for single or two
family homes.  These regulations should protect people and their
communities.  As such, you should not allow a 100,000 square foot
commercial establishment in this or any residential community in Miami.

As I understand the Zoning regulations, occupancy of this size is
clearly against the current law. (C1 Zoning Restricted Commercial is limited to 50,000 Sq. ft.) The forefathers of this community saw the need to
restrict the development of large commercial occupancies. I see no reason to
grant a variance or amend the existing regulations. To do so would clearly hurt the people of Coconut Grove, affect public safety on all levels and create
endless problems with traffic, parking, congestion, noise pollution,
pollution, and environmental consideration in the event of spillage or
fire.

Thank you for your consideration and your support against the Home Depot
in Coconut Grove.

Sincerely,
Michael J. Butler