Re: Beach - Since someone doesn't allow responses on her blog...

My responses in bold.

He (Dale Hedrick)is a supposed expert in building restoration having restored the Palm Beach County Courthouse.

Yes

Why then, does he want to build new on our Lake Worth Beach property rather than restore?

Because he realizes that you would have to spend more money bringing the building up to code (ADA, pilings, windload) and have to work around an existing building complicates that - with no benefit resulting from those upgrades in the end product. A new building - that could be made to look old - would not have those complicating factors. Plus, it would actually give flexibility to tenants as they could stay in the old building until the new one is finished - without what is surely going to disrupt their operations if the existing building is re-habbed. Either way, you are recreating history - nothing is being "restored."

Is there more money to be made in building new?

No and you have more flexibility.

Or does it all boil down to the plan he originally submitted and one similar to Greater Bay, building across from Benny's on the dune, that he is still pushing behind the scenes.

That is no "dune" - the hill is the former western edge of the barrier island - everything west of that is fill. The plan showing that as the buidling location comes from the Treasure Coast plan - a product of many public meetings.

The Mayor says that a building garage WILL be built on our beach.

A parking garage would consolidate parking on a smaller piece of land and allow for more green space. An alternative would be to build a parking ramp in our downtown and encourage people to park there and hitch a trolley ride to the beach.

Or is it all simply to ensure that our beachfront is changed to commercial zoning.

The BAC actually allows less retail than what is there now. The property always has had commercial uses and the BAC memorializes that. From the BAC language: E. Retail establishments. The sum of all retail establishments may not exceed seven thousand two hundred (7,200) square feet.

Her response to my responses:

An alternative would be to build a parking ramp in our downtown and encourage people to park there and hitch a trolley ride to the beach.

That's an idea that will surely get you elected. :) Frankly, I am really SICK TO DEATH OF THE discussions on the BEACH. I don't give diddly as to how much square feet is allowed under BAC. I am not the least bit interested in the argument for it. Let's just allow us to vote on it and we will see who is thinking correctly here.

L

My Response:

Yes, we take way too much time talking about these 19 acres while the rest of the city goes wanting.

Her response:

Wes, the beach is really a unique property that we own. How many cities can say that they own 19+ acres of oceanfront property? The people have always had a right to determine its future, in my mind or at least have a big input. The beach is why we have tourists here from all over the country and the world. It has nothing to do with why we have so many other problems in our City or why they are not being addressed. Ending the illegal immigration would be a great start to ending blight and a lot of crime. The cessation of give-aways of public buildings on ridiculous lease amounts and terms would be another. Hiring good managers and electing smart public officials is a way. There are many others.

L