Zoning matters: FIU brings the experts together to chart the course of cities.

Brought together by Florida International University’s REAAC (Real Estate Alumni Affinity Council), local officials, attorneys, architects, realtors, brokers and others exchanged insights into resolving complex zoning issues at a half-day seminar on zoning on September 14, 20106.

The seminar, presented to a packed room at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables, began with a panel featuring three city planners: Luciana Gonzalez from the City of Miami, Julian Perez from Doral, and Ramon Triad from Coral Gables, to discuss the basics of planning and zoning. They discussed the complex issues that go into zoning decisions, including transportation, the environment, water and parking.

A second panel discussion on the day-to-day challenges of zoning featured Iris Escarra (BBA ’97), a zoning and land use attorney at Greenberg Traurig; David Adler (BBA ’81), President of Adler Development Inc., and Kobi Karp, Principal of Kobi Karp Architecture.

William Hardin III, director of the Hollo School of Real Estate, noted the variety of creative individuals that help formulate policy and develop a city, and FIU’s role in developing talent.

“You won’t find a place in South Florida without people associated with FIU,” he said. “That’s the benefit of a major research university: it brings in creative people and creates networks.”

Michelle Gonzalez (BBA ’01, MSIRE ’16), REAAC President, closed the panel on behalf of REAAC, a network of FIU business graduates and real estate professionals who seek to educate their peers through professional development events.