Coral Gables homeowner wins carport controversy, city calls nearly $30K lien notice 'honest mistake'

A small win for a man whose longtime family home is surrounded by a massive commercial development in Coral Gables. 7’s Heather Walker has tonight’s 7 Investigates.

[@macarthuralexander7215]

I call BS on this one. The city never expected the News and the backlash on this story.

[@niyablake]

It's like saying a married man accidental s crew his sectary. She slipped

[@nunya2954]

Agreed, I called myself, several places, they NEVER expected the PEOPLE TO CALL THEIR LYING ASSES OUT.

[@erikanders3343]

Its Florida, everyone in city hall is bribed by the developer.

[@sdvcv]

sure it was a mistake. a dishonest one.

[@Nikephorus]

It was only a mistake because it made headlines, revealing the city's corruption.

[@heaven-is-real]

call it a mistake but it was done on purpose

[@carole4119]

They have tryed to buy his land..he has the right to his property

[@nunya2954]

those rat bastards want his property, enough fines and they could have gotten it. I called many places including the Mayor's office many people did. ALWAYS CALL, Hold these lying politicians accountable, that Mayor and the city attorneys are most like CORRUPT, but light always UNCOVERS darkness - So they should be very afraid of God.

[@drew7257]

Unbelievable, if it wasn't for the local news this man would stand no chance against the city's "honest mistakes."

[@nunya2954]

That and PUBLIC BACKLASH - THEY WERE BOMBARDED W/CALLS AND EMAILS. CORRUPT BAST/URDS THE ENTIRE TOWN POLITICIANS I BET.

[@Timeisirrelevant]

Poor guy. The fact that a developer was allowed to build that monstrosity and block his views is absurd. The city is just greedy.

[@SmethwickCouncilmanBint]

​@@Plutogalaxy I agree nobody owns a view, but the entire point of living in a society regulated by a government is to ensure absolutely stupid stuff like this doesn't happen. Now our governments are part of the problem.

[@donnaneeley9920]

The city is a money grubbing ass to let a developer do this to him!!! Shame, Shame on those jerks!!

[@arthurgreene8799]

@@donnaneeley9920 I absolutely agree. It was strictly a case of money and power trying to dominate a poor, elderly man. Here where I live, maybe 20 years ago, there was a case where a hospital wanted to buy a neighboring house to make more parking. All the neighbors sold but his. He when back and forth with the hospital. I am sure that they called Codes Enforcement, too. Eventually, I thought they made a pretty decent offer. I was told that offer, by the man who lived there. Yet, he really didn’t want to move, so I kind of, sort of get it. However, if he accepted their offer, he could’ve found a similar place or a nicer place a little further out. I do respect that it was his choice. However, the irony is that his house caught fire. He and his wife had to leave. They probably got very little insurance money and had to start over-at retirement age. The hospital bought the lot and expanded their parking. Trust me, I would hate to feel that I was pressure to leave when I I really didn’t want to . Yet at that time, he might’ve come out ahead if he had accepted that offer. As far as that poor man in Florida, they are stressing him into a grave. It is not right.

[@charmio]

Be fair though, the developer has just as much right to his land as our carport man has to his. If the zoning rules allowed for such a building then so be it. I'm just glad he didn't get forced out though eminent domain, that's the real problem that needs to be outlawed.

[@thehoerscorral8565]

@@charmioexactly, everyone who first saw this story will remember that this guy was offer well over what the property was worth. Sure it’s his right to decline and keep his house, but the developer warned him at every step that the development would happen LMAO. When the walls started going up around him and he hd the news crews come and he just whined and complained about no views or anything lmao I’m sorry, yeah it’s not fair but he knew what was coming. He seemed to actually think that him holding out would mean they had to cancel the whole project or something, even after the developers had bought out and demolished every other home in the area 😅😅😅

[@kimberlyfamoly5863]

This is just harassment.

[@SalimSivaad]

Zoning should’ve never allowed that hotel to surround his property like that.

[@matthewmorton7386]

It’s all about the money

[@johncharlesfarrell3144]

There was a similar case where a Casino ( ? ) or a Hotel ( ? ) was built in Atlantic City, NJ around a single family home acquired by the deaths of parents. Much the same kinds of issues arose.

[@mediocreman2]

Follow the money

[@nunya2954]

@@mediocreman2 corruption at it's finest. the Mayor looks like a mafia guy - slick suits like John Gotti

[@erikanders3343]

@@matthewmorton7386 Its all about the bribes you mean.

[@rodgemic]

Nothing honest about $30,000 mistakes

[@cibonthesaint8903]

It wasn’t a mistake. It was someone paying off someone who worked in the cities department. Find that person, and you will find corruption.

[@kellymunsey2341]

Open Records Request should do the trick. 👍

[@brentfarvors192]

Already on film @ 1:12...

[@jimbojimbo8]

​@brentfarvors192 That city attorney was lying through his teeth.He wasn't under oath.That dude was lying for the city hardcore.

[@lumberjackdreamer6267]

One word: republicans.

[@barrybarlowe5640]

Any government becomes corrupt the longer people stay in government.

[@cromeromail]

This home is going to be a landmark in the future

[@nbaoldgirl]

This comment will age well. 🎯

[@-Gorby-]

A landmark of stupidity and bad decisions

[@Frank-James]

Absolutely! An immigrant who came to the United States to get away from oppression and is constantly harassed by the jackasses at city hall.

[@spatulaman2753]

When this man passes his heirs will sell to the developers for big money. No one else will want to live surrounded like that.

[@trustmemysonisadoctor8479]

@@spatulaman2753 You never know, people become attached to their childhood home and/or grandparents home. I hope it stays in their family forever as a monument to this mans commitment and fortitude.

[@bronxtaskforce01]

I would consider legal action against the city for allegations, including harassment, age discrimination, infringement of civil rights, and violations of privacy rights.

[@darmstrong2207]

Not just the city, the developer started the carport crap and they have harassed this man from the git go.

[@ridingtheroad185]

the city will always protect itself. They have to approve you being able to bring legal action.

[@chele-chele]

@@ridingtheroad185 Not quite comrad

[@maryal4540]

RIGHT ❣️

[@bongkey2210]

"we've investigated ourselves, and found we're innocent of any wrongdoing." - the city

[@rmcnally3645]

Mr. Capote, whenever you pass, make sure you put your home in a trust and deed it to whoever is likely to make the City and the Developer's lives MOST difficult 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 ✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻

[@chele-chele]

The new South Florida Antifa headquarters LOL

[@forbeshutton5487]

Gift it to the Florida ACLU as a regional office.

[@theladyisabelle]

My neighbor Cheryl!

[@aelfheld]

The developer should be liable for harassment.

[@sushibites]

Just like the witch-hunt on Trump 😅

[@dwilliams854]

They are not trying to cooperate, they’re trying to take his property. Shameful!

[@mv4463]

They got caught lying and now it's a recorded extortion by the city.

[@mdepfl]

They filed a FRIGGIN LIEN ffs, not a simple “mistake”

[@JustSayN2O]

The city should build a monument honoring this man for his courage and tenacity. the developer should pay for it.

[@nbaoldgirl]

I agree!!!

[@Vinlyguyx420x]

That would be sweet

[@armageddonready4071]

That place will get destroyed at the first possible opportunity. I bet a thousand dollars that there is a room somewhere with the completed model of that project and his house is not on it, probably a pool, or fountains and green space, but not an old guy living peacefully.

[@javierlatorre5754]

@@armageddonready4071unfortunately for the developer. The plans were completely changed thanks to Mr. Capote. And the only purpose his chunk of land will be used for if ever it is acquired by the developer is to use it as storage or to retain excess rain water from flooding lol - I’m 100% sure that if Mr. Capote ever tries to sell. Not a single Title Agency in Miami will be able to transfer the deed of that house, besides to the developer

[@t-dog8528]

Blind stubbornness, I 100% don't agree with developer actions but if the city redeveloping the sane thing to do would be move on. Not like he lives in paradise it's just another shithole city

[@joann5051]

Not an Honest mistake, it was clearly intimidation plain and simple.

[@southerngent716]

Seems like some of the city council members are on the take from the developer here.

[@Dr_KW]

Most cities are like that 😢

[@gregbrightwell662]

Understatement

[@KoniB.]

sad that one my very first thought!

[@vanlepthien6768]

More likely the code enforcement department. Politicians wouldn't want to be tainted by the smell.

[@vivaldi1948]

Not a good look when a city bullies a landowner. Shame on them.

[@juju-xx5xn]

Don't forget that the city, is, in reality, working with the developer in this harassment of a landowner. The city is doing the dirty work for the developer. Sue both!!

[@mattiemathis9549]

Keep fighting Mr. Capote! And kudos to 7 news for making sure the public knows what the city and developers are doing. I’m glad the mayor is stressed out. He and the city never should have allowed this situation in the first place.

[@unclesmrgol]

If justice prevails, the developer will never ever own that house.

[@davidcarp5935]

If honest mistakes aren't quickly fixed with a smile, they aren't honest mistakes

[@JustSayN2O]

How did the employee for the developer know that some of the "10+ cats" are "sick/unhealthy"? Is that employee for the developer a veterinarian?

[@barrybarlowe5640]

Having worked in a horse barn, if you have a large number of outdoor cats, you will have some developed a nasty cough and nasal discharge that is extremely gross. It kills about half the cats that catch it. There is also feline leukemia and rabies which are respectively contagious, lethal to cats and the rabies lethal to everyone. Feral cats can be a problem. And sick ones tend to be highly visible.

[@RWebster325]

@@barrybarlowe5640 And working in a horse barn qualifies you how? I have a farm and a significant number of cats around, but that does not really qualify me either. But I will state that the cats on my farm are not too bad off. But then again, my daughter-in-law, who has worked for a few vets and an animal shelter, looks at them periodically and hasn't made any comments about the cats being sick or even looking sickly. So how again does your experience equate to someone working for that developer being able to diagnose cats and without encroaching upon the homeowners property?

[@RobertGarlinghouse]

He probably knows they are sick because he poisoned them.

[@nunya2954]

@@barrybarlowe5640 Then you worked for or owned a piss poor barn, and animal welfare, you or whomever owned the barn should have been charged for allowing owned sick cats. It is a crime YOU KNOW

[@nunya2954]

@@RWebster325 The BarryBarlowe above worked for a cheap skate that didn't "run a barn". Should have been reported. I grew up on grandfather's farm, ANIMALS were not SICK and sick ones were treated = simple concept, except for those w/no dayum brain cells. WHO in the hell has sick cats around w/out treating them? I wouldn't have turned that barn owner in.

[@Incognito2u]

My guess is the developer wants his property and will keep finding "offenses" to continue to harass him and cost him time and money to defend himself.

[@staudtj1]

The homeowner should sue the Developer for Harassment.

[@coreysue3451]

so-called 'problem properties' are routinely red-flagged within the county system, where paragraphs of additional information are listed for employees to deal more effectively with any inquiries into said property. Sooooo...any complaint or 'intended lien' would have triggered additional steps before a lien could be established. These 'people' who are harassing the homeowner simply threw this out into a letter of intimidation to check the waters and see if the community were still paying attention to his plight. And they are! Further lawsuits are needed for the homeowner, as this latest action clearly shows his property is still wanted at any cost.

[@Comm0ut]

The employee of the developer harassed that man. Does that person have a name? He might sue for harassment.

[@dimitriosfotopoulos3689]

No doubt they are concealing the name to protect the "innocent".

[@TakManSan]

#OfficialSystemicMalfeasance to punish a man for not selling out.

[@dodgeguyz]

Good for him. I am with this guy all the way!

[@olicoasters]

Hell yeah! But they should be paying him for all the stress they put him through

[@danmcclaren5436]

100 years from now this house will be on the historic registry

[@Draiger_]

"Honest Mistake" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@cyan1616]

I love this man! I wish I were a billionaire, I'd take care of him. The city and developers are total dxcks who only care about money... as usual.

[@nbaoldgirl]

I’m with you!

[@erikh9991]

Exactly. They are going to get the property eventually, shessh!

[@j.thomasgough4284]

I admire Mr. Capote’s willingness to stand firm in the face of what is obviously ongoing harassment from the city at the behest of a developer. Money grubbers make the worst humans.

[@avastinnett9447]

I can see a huge bunch of balloons carrying this poor man's home up into the heavens. Bravo to him for fighting back. The city should pay his attorney fees that were the result of their "honest" mistake.

[@smahmood4642]

It’s very telling when you’re more concerned about how the truth was made public than correcting the ‘error’ that the city was made.

[@MoonlightSonata214]

That was my very first thought! They are upset their scheme was found out and publicized.

[@RetirementFund750]

They’re going to continue to give this man hell until they get what they want! I guarantee they have a team of people working on just trying to find ways to get him out so any little thing he does they will be on it! These companies don’t make mistakes, they just call it that so they don’t get in trouble but I bet it the media didn’t get involved those charges would still be there…

[@carlosspeicywiener7018]

Fines, harassment, intimidation, yeah, totally not an honest mistake. More like someone got caught.

[@elle5031]

Are they going to take back the STRESS and TOLL this took on his life??...hmmm.

[@kristilisakleiner9384]

May God continue to bless, protect and make exalted this man

[@kerryevans7283]

This man is hero.

[@joehackney1376]

Thye Administration of the Gables was, at one time, honest.

[@ewertbon]

Why do they call this gentleman defiant?!? He is a proud property owner. He should be able to keep his property. 100% on this man’s side.

[@UncleKennysPlace]

At least at this point, the city will tread lightly. I believe zero the city people say.

[@dimitriosfotopoulos3689]

If this home were every to be sold, replaced or demolished, the new owner should put up a 20' tall statue of the Digitus Impudicus aimed squarely at the eyesore development that surrounds it.

[@rholmst]

“Government” and “honest mistake” is the classic definition of oxymoron.

[@bake162]

The city should be made to pay his lawyer bills and interest

[@nomusicrc]

Can he sue for court costs

[@tudorjason]

Public servants make these kinds of "mistakes" all the time and they don't face any consequence. It's maddening! In the private sector, consequences would be definite and swift.

[@ryuuguu01]

LOL. Check out the history of Hertz Rent-a-Car or Wells Fargo Bank. In the private sector, this sh*t goes on all the time.

[@spro3347]

The same thing happened to Josephine Wright, a Hilton Head Island resident. She spent her last days fighting to protect her family's South Carolina home from being taken by developers. The developers did lots of awful things to try to get her to sell but after her death she won a lawsuit that protects her family from any further harassment from them.

[@kennyg9091]

Well, this is South Florida, where corruption rings supreme. As long as the developers are paying the politicians and giving them money for their elections, South Florida will remain the corruption capital of America, but this is nothing but Cuban versus Cuban. Crime

[@susanfender307]

And this is why I find over-development vile. I have no issue with well-built, well planned development that doesn't bulldoze heritage trees for more ticky-tacky mcmansions and pavement. (which must be antithetical in FL. Gee, I wonder why)

[@Blakeneyd]

I like how the mayor is more concerned about that story spreading than he is about one of his citizens being bullied. Older gentleman has been very accommodating Adapting to the changes around him. Let him be left in peace!

[@johnbergman2746]

No this made international news thats what happened 😮

[@domingonavarro1288]

Sue the developer, and the city. Go on the offensive. There has to be an attorney willing to do Pro Bono on this. If only for the limelight.

[@brooks8792]

Bla, bla, honest mistake, bla

[@lordkreigs1978]

And people say that the HOAs are the worst.

[@thezirons]

Thank you for covering this story!! Never give up Mr. Capote!!

[@jcr1382]

Then the city should leave the man alone and stop being a dog for that developer.

[@golfnut2965]

There's a very good lesson to be learned here. "If you believe in something, would you fight for it?" It seems to me that in today's climate, a lot of people just pick up and move to a more favorable climate instead of staying and fighting.

[@thoughtsofanobody]

How can you be so greedy to try and force an old man out of his home?! I hope he eventually passes his house to someone just as feisty as him.

[@Northeastbaseball]

Classic case of malfeasance.

[@1romans122]

This is why we need good journalism. It makes a difference.

[@7018bluegrass]

The city made an older man miserable Absolutely Discusting! Greed greedy my way or else! Greed! I fear for the old guy, if something happens to him an investigation is necessary. Greedy greed, leave him Alone . America Watching and Listening!

[@robertmontana648]

Fight the Power..

[@alaakela]

How did they approve those tall building around his house? How did the developers got consent? First time i heard about this, but this is the physical manifestation of local government corruption and developers' bullying.

[@andrewalexander9492]

What, specifically, do you think should have prevented the developer from building on their property?

[@Nidkidful]

​@@andrewalexander9492zoning requirements for setbacks, for one thing. My property requires a substantial setback from the lot lines.

[@andrewalexander9492]

@@Nidkidful You property isn't in Coral Gables. THis isn't a residential area. It's zoned commercial. Different setbacks apply in different zones. Do you know specifically, what the setback requirements are for commercial zoned property in Coral Gables is?

[@Nidkidful]

@@andrewalexander9492 I'm aware different setbacks apply in different areas. I was addressing the general question of what would prevent a developer building on their property however they like. That the developer can pay to have it rezoned is also an issue, as it would have been zoned residential when his house was built and bought, and the rezoning without any protections for him is abusive.

[@andrewalexander9492]

@@Nidkidful I doubt that it was zoned exclusively residential, it's a lot more likely that this was some kind of mixed commercial residential zone even before the hotel development. The block this house sits on is in the transition zone from a business district to a residential area. Looking at the google earth imagery from before the demolition began, there were 2 large multi-story commercial buildings within 300 ft of his house. So it ain't like he was ever living deep in the heart of suburbia. As far as the zoning change, zoning designations change all the time, business districts expand of contract, housing needs change, previously single family residential areas become multi-family residential areas.

[@madameclark3453]

Leave that man alone.

[@deanjones2525]

May God extend this man's life and return to him the years the city and this evil developer stole attempting to steal his property. May he live out the remainder of his years in peace.

[@n.w.414]

What a horrid city to build that monstrosity around that house. What is wrong with these people?

[@Steadicam305]

About time!

[@bellinghamfpv]

The minute that I need a inspection for a car port cover the minute I am out.

[@madnessintomagic]

Honest mistake my aunt Gertrude. Feel so badly for this man.

[@shuffleaccount1985]

THIS POOR MAN IS FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE !!!! WE ARE WITH THIS MAN ALL THE WAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@deborahcrowell7043]

Coral Cables that's just shameful building around that house and treating this man like that.

[@lynnealuebben1967]

I am so proud of him for standing his ground. A cooperative manner from the city would have been to never allow the monstrosity of a building around him. It is so disrespectful.

[@StormyPeak]

The city should have to pay his lawyer's bill.

[@celebrityrog]

He owes them NOTHING. The city and the neighboring owner of the building that has created this problem should be paying this man monthly for life.

[@exiledeternity7852]

the city's idea of a cooperative manner is for him to bow down and do what they say quietly and quickly.

[@johnd6814]

Corrupt politicians and criminal developers,how much money greased those politicians palms.

[@nathanjamesbaker]

He should do a GoFundMe.

[@stoveguy2133]

Can he sell property to a younger buyer? Who will continue to argue with city and annoy developer?

[@ryuuguu01]

You can put extra conditions on land titles when you sell them.

[@AmericanPatriotANomad]

I would be happy for this property to stay standing 🎉 and continue thriving for the ages.

[@Daybreaq]

The whole point of his fight is he never wants to sell his house. The developer bought all his former neighbors’ homes; but he refused to sell. His intent was NOT to “argue with the city and annoy developer.” His obvious true and honest intent was to continue to own that specific house and land. So why would he sell it to ANYONE else?

[@Xavier-uknonada]

I've been waiting to hear good news for this man. How could developers be so criminal minded?

[@jebsails2837]

The power that the people give the government, particularly in " non-safety code enforcement" should be reviewed. It did not work in central Europe 90 yrs. ago, but seems to be thriving in CG. Narragansett Bay

[@cibonthesaint8903]

The developers should be immediately put into jail

[@BubbleGumzKorner]

It should be illegal to surround a home like that.. American capitalists

[@tohopes]

they should have been able to force him out. letting anyone monopolize land forever is stupid.

[@dalesmth1]

I knew there had to be a stupid fekkin commie somewhere in the comments.

[@billyperry3059]

@@tohopes Well that old man isn't going to live forever, or even longer than one human lifetime, so that point is completely irrelevant to this situation.

[@Matt-xc6sp]

@@tohopeswhat the actual fuck

[@daveminer9217]

The city needs to flip this script! The developer should be paying for this homeowner's basic exterior maintenance and upkeep. Problem is that the developer probably is most likely "in the pockets" of the city council, local court jurisdiction, (including judges), that preside over this locale.

[@Calinotch06]

Sue the developer and the city for harassment.

[@Maybe1Someday]

He should sue the city for the trying to steal his house unjustly with a lien. Without the news or some attention hed have nowhere to live. That's theft. Punitive damages would be out of this world.

[@rlford10]

"Justice" for this guy would be to SUE the damned developer, and to be awarded the hotel as settlement, so he could tear it down!

[@barrybarlowe5640]

I agree with 99% of the commentary here. Also, most people get into government to change things. Most people who stay in government are there to line their pockets.

[@kendallricker9633]

Shame on the city and shame on that greedy developer, leave that man alone.

[@BookAndLace]

My father was a City Planner and he was very vocal about how corrupt City Councils have become in the last 40-50 years. Developers have absolutely bought them to force their way into areas. Greed motivated this from start and will drive it to the finish - probably when that housing monstrosity is delict & full of squatters, because a foreign company will buy it and make rent unaffordable.

[@harlempixie338]

These corporations are full of the worst people you never want to meet. 🤨 Lying harassers. 😤

[@sewitaliano7423]

This is the same city that has a POLICE OFFICER that erected a fence on a ladies property and affixed it to her house (her house is an old folks home!). He BLOCKED THE WINDOWS of this old folks home, not allowing for exit in event of an emergency etc. There was a dispute over who owned that potion of property. It was found the lady owned the property, as her paperwork showed. He removed that portion of the fence on her property and proceeded to block that area where he'd put the fence, with potted palm trees. Again, this is an old folks home. This same channel did a story on it pretty recently. All this info comes from the news story by this same channel (I believe it's the same channel).

[@marknicolich5789]

The city doing the bidding of the developer because they are in their pocket. Disgusting and it happens a thousand times a day

[@oldschoolben438]

Someone please start a GoFundMe for this man.

[@Look_What_You_Did]

A former US president tried this same shit in Ireland.... The difference? Their government shut it down from the start in stead of perpetuating it...

[@Timeisirrelevant]

Source??

[@kennyg9091]

It’s public record. He doesn’t need a source and that former president has spoken about the issue publicly many times.

[@Matt-xc6sp]

@@Timeisirrelevantyour moms asshole

[@michellespence7001]

Good for him. I pray the news will continue to report his story. The developer needs to pay the hell up (including finding or building a new home, moving expenses and compensation for the stress they have caused this man). Shame on the city for allowing this to happened. Continue to fight

[@supadupa2614]

This man is my personal hero. Love him very much.

[@CH1LDOFTHEMOON]

If I was that homeowner, I would 'divide' my property up into individual lots of 1 yard x 1 yard and give all the lots away in my will, to as many different people as possible. That way, that house/land would alway's be there and no developers will ever get it cheap, after I had passed.

[@Sammy-hi4jy]

Stand you ground… literally! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@stickyfox]

My bank pulls the same "honest mistake" all the time when they charge a fee for something I get for free. They say it's a computer error. "Honest mistake" is the new "municipal revenue."