Message sent to Inspector General on 6/23

See attached Citizen Reporting form.  Here is some additional information.  

REG Architects was selected by the City of Lake Worth as architect for the project.  William Waters was originally a sub-contractor for the project through REG through December 2010.  In January 2011, William Waters became an employee of the City of Lake Worth in the capacity of Planning and Preservation Director.  He is now Community Development Director.

Sometime subsequent to the award of the contract to REG, Doug Wise, Building Official of the City of West Palm Beach was made the Building Official for the City of Lake Worth through an interlocal agreement - which has since recently been extended.

See attached e-mail regarding the favorable interpretation of the City of Lake Worth zoning code that this project does not represent "new construction" and therefore does not need to conform to a section of the Lake Worth zoning code related to pilings and other foundation fortifications necessary for a coastal area - the building is seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line.  A Department of Environmental Protection permit was issued allowing construction as proposed in April of this year - however, the project must still meet local requirements (cited section of Zoning Code) and meet requirements of the Florida Building Code.

Demolition of the existing building is underway which will leave around 10% of the original structure standing when complete.  Mr. Wise's interpretation essentially says that the demolition is "fixing" the previously identified code deficiencies in the building and therefore it does not pass the threshold for "new" construction.  See this link for demolition pictures taken this week.

Public money is being spent on a building that has been designed and approved with a foundation system that leaves the building in jeopardy should a major storm event occur.  That public money would be wasted - washed to sea - should a severe storm event happen.

I am not a building official.  I do not know of any other recourse other than pointing out this interpretation and the arrangement that led to this cast of characters being placed in these positions to make what seem to be pre-determined decisions benefiting those involved, but not necessarily the public at large.

Please contact me if you have any questions or require further information.

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