Coral Springs appoints first-ever aesthetics inspectors to lead citywide beautification and improve community appearance
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs has taken a bold step toward citywide beautification with the appointment of its first-ever “aesthetics inspectors,” a move city leaders say will help unify the look and feel of the community while encouraging collaboration with property owners. The initiative is part of City Manager Catherine Givens’ ongoing efforts since taking office a year ago to make beautification a top priority for the municipality.
The city recently announced the appointments of Julian Tropepe and Luis Cuellar as the inaugural inspectors. Both bring three years of experience as Code Compliance Officers, giving them familiarity with city regulations and a deep understanding of Coral Springs’ built environment. Transitioning into full-time aesthetics roles, Tropepe and Cuellar are tasked with applying a consistent review across commercial and residential properties to achieve a cohesive and visually appealing city landscape.
“By applying the same review citywide, inspectors help create a more consistent and visually appealing look throughout the city,” said Sayona Khandwalla, a city spokesperson in an email response to TAPinto Coral Springs. She added that both inspectors were selected based on their “experience and deep institutional knowledge,” ensuring the new roles are staffed by personnel capable of navigating both regulations and community relations.
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The aesthetics inspector program is a central component of Givens’ broader aesthetics initiative, which was first announced last year. The initiative included updates to city branding, including new logos on city vehicles, as well as a master sign program to standardize signage across parks, municipal buildings, and other city infrastructure. While beauty can be subjective, the program provides clear guidelines and standards for inspectors to follow when reviewing properties, blending regulation with a citywide vision of consistency and quality.
Currently, the program is focused on University Drive, a key commercial corridor. Efforts in this area aim to create what officials describe as “cleaner, more cohesive commercial corridors.” Tropepe and Cuellar have been actively reaching out to property owners and residents while building data-driven maps to guide the city’s aesthetic improvement efforts. The maps are expected to inform long-term planning, ensuring resources are targeted where they can have the greatest impact.
The inspectors’ responsibilities include reviewing properties for potential code-related issues, such as building exteriors, landscaping, and parking lot maintenance. However, unlike traditional code enforcement, the program emphasizes collaboration rather than penalties. If a potential issue is identified, the inspectors meet with property owners, explain the program, and provide information about resources, including brochures on grants or incentives that may help offset costs associated with improvements.
“Our goal is to collaborate with the community and encourage property improvements proactively, without the need for code compliance action,” Khandwalla said. She noted that inspectors will also connect property owners with the appropriate city departments depending on the specific areas that may require attention. The approach aims to foster positive engagement, encouraging voluntary upgrades that enhance the city’s visual appeal.
City leaders hope the new roles will not only improve Coral Springs’ appearance but also strengthen community relationships and encourage a sense of pride among residents and business owners. With aesthetics inspectors now on the ground, the city anticipates that property improvements will occur more consistently, creating an environment that reflects Coral Springs’ identity and commitment to high standards.
By combining experience, institutional knowledge, and a cooperative approach, Tropepe and Cuellar are expected to set a new standard for municipal beautification. Officials say the program represents a long-term commitment to creating a city that is not only functional but visually cohesive, benefiting both residents and visitors alike. As the initiative expands beyond University Drive, city officials hope to see broader improvements that enhance Coral Springs’ reputation as one of Florida’s most vibrant and attractive communities.
