Monday, June 18, 2012

Don't miss the latest from Commissioner Mulvehill...

Click here for a link to what was e-mailed out to most of the city last night at 11:09 p.m.  It is an attempt to fan the flames of panic in the hearts of the electorate prior to the upcoming November election, which I suppose would have this as a referendum on that ballot.   There is also no mention that the existing section of the City Charter pertaining to building heights was also part of a referendum on the ballot in 1996 - which allowed buildings up to 65 feet east of Dixie and 100 feet west of Dixie - which also passed by a wide margin.

She actually makes the following statement with what I presume was a straight face.

"Redevelopment is taking place in Lake Worth at a rate that is competitive with other cities in the county."

I scarcely know where to begin with this, except for saying that we again have here another solution looking for a problem.   There are no big bad developers looking to build 65 foot high buildings in our downtown.  In fact, there are very few lots that, given other restrictions already in or about to be in our land development regulations (zoning code), that could ever have a 65 foot tall building on them.

Electioneering anyone?

This is the e-mail message that transmitted this item - which is also on the agenda for tomorrow night's City Commission agenda under New Business:


From: Suzanne Mulvehill
To: 
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2012 11:09 PM
Subject: RE: Proposed Charter Amendment on Building Heights

Dear Residents,
I am bringing the attached charter amendment regarding building height to the commission for consideration as New Business item12B at the June 19thregular meeting and requesting that it be placed on the November ballot.


I believe that it is the right of citizens to have a voice in land use issues and redevelopment in their community.

Our community has consistently affirmed that the needed redevelopment in the designated downtown area be compatible with the existing historic character and human scale that exists now.

There continues to be strong sentiment in the community for a maximum building height of 35ʼ in the downtown area. The additional 10ʼ of building height from F Street to the bridge will allow for transit oriented development to prepare for the new train station downtown, a parking structure and additional retail tax revenue from a third or fourth floor. To address resident concerns regarding buildings that exceed the proposed heights, the ballot language includes a provision protecting existing buildings.


Because economic development is crucial to creating a vibrant, sustainable future forLake Worth, the charter amendment I am proposing balances the need for economic development with the communityʼs desire to preserve our unique, seaside community.


Our charter amendment complements other beach communities that Iʼve researched that have passed charter amendments in recent years to maintain their character while creating jobs, growing tourism and preserving their culture and historic ambiance.


I hope the commission will agree that it is the right of the citizens to chart the course of

their community and vote quickly and unanimously to put this amendment on the
November ballot.
Please attend the meeting if you are able or email your Commissioners and Mayor to let them know how you feel.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Suzanne Mulvehill
Commissioner, District 4
City of Lake Worth, FL

"...existing historic character..." would be to ignore the Gulfstream, Lucerne, other tall condominium buildings near the water, Lake Worth Towers, etc.

"...retail tax revenue from a third or fourth floor..."  Laughable.  Ask anyone about the lack of success of retail space above the ground floor.