A "Point of View" in the Post and the now "Null and Void" heights vote three years ago WAS NOT "overwhelming"

"Overwhelming" support to limit heights in downtown Lake Worth? Hardly.

The latest one to carry the myth forward on the "overwhelming" turnout for the 'heights vote' is Lake Worth Commissioner Ryan Maier. It's hard to know if he believes the myth or not, but if he does believe it he's delusional. I remember the day after that vote on heights downtown and no one was celebrating. The "No's" could have gotten more people to turn out and the "Yes's" were in a state of despair. They won but their expected and hoped-for landslide never happened. Not even close.

The "Yes's" victory was a lame one and then the entire effort was deemed "Null and Void" by the state legislature. One thing that isn't pointed out much is what the leaders of the height limit side knew but didn't tell their supporters: They were told well-prior to the vote and prior to the gathering of signatures that there was a risk that a victory could be overturned by the state. They weighed the options and chose to go forward. It ended up being a terribly bad choice.

Mark Horne has a "Point of View" in the printed edition of The Palm Beach Post today about the Gulf Stream hotel project which makes some very good points. The downside is the Post will likely print another letter from Lawrence McNamara on Sunday saying something like, "They dishonored my vote!" or "Listen to the people!" which is all complete nonsense just like the "overwhelming" vote to limit heights in Lake Worth's downtown.

Here are two excerpts from Mr. Horne's letter which makes very good points:

      The developer’s representative [Land use attorney Bonnie Miskel] did an excellent job of explaining the goals, and potential outcome, of this project [the Gulf Stream hotel renovation]. It will become the anchor for the downtown business district, providing international exposure and flooding the downtown area with new customers and, ultimately, new businesses.
      It is clear that what has been tried in the past with this gem has not worked. The only other option would be to level the building.
      It will now have the opportunity to stand on its own. Plus, most people are not aware of the “bed tax” dollars that would be generated, and ultimately come back to our community.

[and. . .]

     For too long, this town has been divided by opposite factions: growth vs. status quo. I would not like to see Lake and Lucerne avenues turn into six-story buildings everywhere. However, I say it’s time to find a balance, and I vote for “smart” growth.
     This single project has the potential to be the smartest thing city leadership has done in decades. It isn’t about thinking big or thinking small — it’s about thinking smart.
     MARK S. HORNE, LAKE WORTH

Thank you for taking the time to pen your thoughts, Mr. Horne. Use this link to learn more about how the City Commission stands on the the Gulf Stream hotel project and one woman who voted to limit heights and now regrets her vote. Here is how the Lake Worth City Commission voted on the rezoning necessary to save our historic downtown hotel:

How your elected representatives stand on the Gulf Stream hotel renovation project.