Planning & Zoning Meeting

The City of Coral Gables Planning & Zoning Board held a meeting on June 17, 2026, to consider a significant mixed-use development project known as Crystal Residences. The project involves rezoning a property currently used by Crystal Academy, a specialized nonprofit school for children with developmental disabilities, from religious institutional to commercial mid-rise intensity and inclusion within the North Ponds mixed-use overlay district. The proposal includes 184 residential units, a new permanent facility for Crystal Academy, public open spaces, and live-work units. Extensive public comment was heard, with residents expressing both support and opposition, focusing on concerns about neighborhood compatibility, building height, traffic impacts, preservation of historic green spaces, and the adequacy of public benefits provided in exchange for zoning flexibility. The board discussed conditions including rotating the orientation of the green space to better preserve the adjacent historic Women's Club and removing arcades to increase front yard landscaping. After deliberations, motions were made and passed to recommend approval of the zoning changes, planned area development, and site plan with conditions to the City Commission, while also considering a deferral to refine language in the approvals. The meeting highlighted the balance between development, community character, and public benefit in urban planning decisions.