Small Win for Man Whose Home is Surrounded by Commercial Development in Coral Gables
A small home, in a big development, at the center of a Coral Gables controversy, once again.
Code Violation and Fines
Orlando Capote, homeowner: "Definitely trying to make my life difficult so that I will leave."
At a recent commission meeting, Mayor Vince Lago wondered which news outlet aired the latest story about the city’s famously defiant resident.
The notice of intent to put a lien on Orlando Capote’s home was cited for a code violation involving this decades-old carport. The notice clearly read the amount due was a whopping $29,958. Despite that, the city told 7News that "there are no fines on the property."
City’s Mistake
So why the letter stating there was? The city now says, it was a mistake.
Coral Gables Assistant City Attorney Gustavo Ceballos: "Code enforcement didn’t enter in our extensions. We did them through emails. We were dealing directly with their attorney and, simply, our code enforcement system didn’t."
Carport Controversy
Which brings us back to the carport, a structure not even visible from the public street and, Orlando says, it was here years before they moved in.
Orlando Capote: "As I told them, this has survived hurricanes and all the storms in the last 34 years. So when they look at the canopy cover, they say, ‘Well, that is not an acceptable cover.’"
Developer Complaint
Emails obtained by 7 Investigates in 2023 revealed the code enforcement case started after an employee for the developer complained to the city about conditions at Orlando’s property.
Orlando Capote: "This is what bothers me. What triggered this complaint was the developer."
Fines and Resolution
Fines of $150 a day started to add up, as Orlando and his attorney tried to resolve the issue. The city finally said, "OK, you can keep this structure," and that’s when we start trying to get the material approved.
This is what the carport covering looked like when we visited last summer, and this was Tuesday, the day the new, city-approved cover was installed.
Orlando Capote: "This is not the biggest issue, and yet it’s being made a huge issue by the city. It has been a long, long, frustrating experience."
Conclusion
But this battle ended in victory for Orlando. The cover passed inspection on Wednesday. Orlando remains determined to stay in his home, despite ongoing challenges.
FAQs
Q: What triggered the code enforcement case?
A: The case was triggered by a complaint from an employee for the developer about conditions at Orlando’s property.
Q: How much did Orlando owe in fines?
A: According to the notice, Orlando owed $29,958 in fines.
Q: Was the notice accurate?
A: No, the city now says the notice was a mistake.
Q: Will Orlando continue to face challenges from the city?
A: Yes, Orlando believes the city will continue to make his life difficult in an attempt to get him to leave.
