Coral Gables Development Faces Ongoing Delays

Proposed project would bring housing and new school facility, but has been stalled by neighborhood opposition.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A proposed development in Coral Gables, Florida that would bring 200 rental apartments and a new facility for a school serving children with autism has faced repeated delays due to appeals filed by a local resident. The project has been approved by multiple city boards and courts, but continues to be held up despite providing significant public benefits.

Why it matters

The development represents an example of thoughtful urban infill that aligns with the city's planning principles, but neighborhood opposition has prevented it from moving forward. The ongoing delays threaten the future of the school that would receive a new, permanent home as part of the project.

The details

The proposed development at 110 Phoenetia Avenue in Coral Gables would include 200 rental apartments and a new facility for Crystal Academy, a school serving children on the autism spectrum. The project has been approved by the city's Historic Preservation Board, City Commission, Board of Architects, and a Special Master panel, as well as the Miami-Dade County Circuit Court and Third District Court of Appeal. However, neighborhood activist Bonnie Bolton has filed repeated appeals, focusing primarily on preserving an oak tree and requiring the property owner to maintain a privately owned garden.

  • The proposed development has been stalled for nearly four years due to the appeals process.
  • The latest appeal is currently pending.

The players

Bonnie Bolton

A neighborhood activist who has filed repeated appeals against the proposed development.

Crystal Academy

A school serving children on the autism spectrum that would receive a new, permanent facility as part of the proposed development.

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What’s next

The latest appeal filed by Bonnie Bolton is currently pending, and the future of the proposed development remains uncertain.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension between a property owner's right to develop and the need to ensure projects serve the broader public good. While the proposed development has been approved by multiple authorities, ongoing neighborhood opposition has prevented it from moving forward, potentially jeopardizing the future of a vital community resource.