Monday, January 17, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Links to staff reports on beach site plan and casino building rehabilitation:
Staff Report
Variance Application
Justification Statement
I was able to fish these out of the Planning and Zoning Board agenda...the one that you can't see any words, just links.
The first thing that jumped from the staff report is that the city is relying on the Beach and Casino land use designation and the Beach and Casino zoning district in order to go forward with the rehabilitation project. These were created by the same ordinances that our new Commissioner Christopher McVoy circulated a petition to have repealed! He and his supporters used his efforts to gather signatures to overturn these ordinances as a "positive" to get him into office. The city is also using the land use designation as included in the adopted EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report) Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan as the basis for approval of this project. The point here is that there is NOW the realization by those in power that this Beach and Casino (BAC) designation is needed to allow for other than open air recreation at the beach.
Had the city acted on McVoy's petition, the items would have been part of a referendum. Imagine if that had gone through? Part of the not-so unintended consequences of the former Hometown Democracy movement.
This is the same version of the Comprehensive Plan that is currently being challenged by petitioners (see post on last Wednesday's hearing.) What if the judge sides with the petitioners and finds that the Comprehensive Plan is NOT in compliance and that the Department of Community Affairs was in error when they proclaimed that the document was in compliance? That possibility is not discussed in the staff reports or the back-up material.
If the judge finds in favor of the petitioners, then the city will have to hold another transmittal hearing, DCA will issue another Objections, Recommendations and Comments (ORC) report, the city will have to respond to it and then hold another adoption hearing. During this time, it would be a good idea to review the permitted heights within the city so that we are better positioned to contribute to the success of mass transit, especially any transit-oriented development (TOD) along either railroad. All this takes time and has the prospect of delaying the beach project - since the wording that allows it is in the contested Comprehensive Plan.
And, not only is the city using language in the Comprehensive Plan that is being challenged, it is also asking for VARIANCES from the Beach and Casino zoning district related to SETBACKS! You read it here first ladies and gentlemen. It wants to build closer to the SEAWALL than PERMITTED! Remember then Commissioner Jennings' infamous PowerPoint presentation - complete with people running from on-coming waves?
Truth is stranger than fiction.
Variance Application
Justification Statement
I was able to fish these out of the Planning and Zoning Board agenda...the one that you can't see any words, just links.
The first thing that jumped from the staff report is that the city is relying on the Beach and Casino land use designation and the Beach and Casino zoning district in order to go forward with the rehabilitation project. These were created by the same ordinances that our new Commissioner Christopher McVoy circulated a petition to have repealed! He and his supporters used his efforts to gather signatures to overturn these ordinances as a "positive" to get him into office. The city is also using the land use designation as included in the adopted EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report) Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan as the basis for approval of this project. The point here is that there is NOW the realization by those in power that this Beach and Casino (BAC) designation is needed to allow for other than open air recreation at the beach.
Had the city acted on McVoy's petition, the items would have been part of a referendum. Imagine if that had gone through? Part of the not-so unintended consequences of the former Hometown Democracy movement.
This is the same version of the Comprehensive Plan that is currently being challenged by petitioners (see post on last Wednesday's hearing.) What if the judge sides with the petitioners and finds that the Comprehensive Plan is NOT in compliance and that the Department of Community Affairs was in error when they proclaimed that the document was in compliance? That possibility is not discussed in the staff reports or the back-up material.
If the judge finds in favor of the petitioners, then the city will have to hold another transmittal hearing, DCA will issue another Objections, Recommendations and Comments (ORC) report, the city will have to respond to it and then hold another adoption hearing. During this time, it would be a good idea to review the permitted heights within the city so that we are better positioned to contribute to the success of mass transit, especially any transit-oriented development (TOD) along either railroad. All this takes time and has the prospect of delaying the beach project - since the wording that allows it is in the contested Comprehensive Plan.
And, not only is the city using language in the Comprehensive Plan that is being challenged, it is also asking for VARIANCES from the Beach and Casino zoning district related to SETBACKS! You read it here first ladies and gentlemen. It wants to build closer to the SEAWALL than PERMITTED! Remember then Commissioner Jennings' infamous PowerPoint presentation - complete with people running from on-coming waves?
Truth is stranger than fiction.
Images related to Beach and Casino Renovation Item on Planning and Zoning Board agenda of 1/19.
Click images for more detail. I wouldn't recommend trying to download or access the agenda back-up from the city's website. The files are large, take a long time to load (and this is with a cable Internet connection) and unclear exactly what you are looking at. The agenda itself is unintelligible - did they use invisible ink? Here is a screen shot of what you get:
I am going to attempt opening up some of the links on the above, but we are unable to see exactly what parts of the agenda they belong to. Nothing will likely be done about this until Tuesday, if then, due to Monday being a holiday. I also understand at the last meeting, Mr. Waters indicated that there was no conflict of interest since all that is being reviewed is the site plan for the beach and that he didn't have any part in the development of that. But it also appears that the Board will be reviewing the architecture and the layout for the building, which I believe Mr. Waters had something to do with. If not, why was his firm a subcontractor to REG? The Planning and Zoning Board's role here should be review of the site plan and community appearance, which would include the architecture for the building. The notice at the beach only indicates "Site Plan Review."
 |
| Proposed Casino building elevations |
This elevation just doesn't make my pulse race. It looks like we are looking at someone's backyard, which in essence we are. There should be more of an architectural statement here that indicates the importance of this building as an attraction and a destination - things that everyone involved with the promotion of this project talks about.
Catching up...
I've been a little distracted recently and have been lacking time to get caught up on the blog. Not that there isn't enough to talk about - there is. Yesterday, my father left for Indiana after a ten day visit here. It was nice to spend time with him, participate in the classic car show at the Breakers and travel around Florida to see relatives and long term friends. I have also gotten back into bike riding - as part of a New Year's resolution. It's been two weeks now and I am already seeing positive changes in my energy levels and physique - yes, I do have one. Some of you that have known me a long time might remember seeing me peddling on our local streets. But, the last time I did so on a regular basis was over five years ago. Back problems and general inertia were to blame. It was amazing how physically easy it was to start again - it was the psychological part that was the most difficult. Now I am back into at least a 10 mile every other day rhythm and it feels great.
Things I am working on that you will be seeing shortly. Forget trying to see, download and decipher the plans for the beach from the City's website. I spent most of the morning converting the pdfs to jpegs and will be posting them on here later today. There is also a memo from the City Manager about hiring a "police consultant" to determine ways to save money on the sheriff's contract - or re-establish our own police department. It's a long one and a must read. You can get a start on it here and I will be adding my two cents soon. There is a lot to discuss there. The item will appear on this Tuesday's (1/18) City Commission agenda.
Later - hope you enjoy the weekend!
Oh, and here is a link for the item that appears in the first comment. Sarah "Echo" Steiner is part, and one of the founders, of the dominant, hierarchical, prejudicial, non-democratic political machine currently in supreme power in Lake Worth's race to the bottom.
Things I am working on that you will be seeing shortly. Forget trying to see, download and decipher the plans for the beach from the City's website. I spent most of the morning converting the pdfs to jpegs and will be posting them on here later today. There is also a memo from the City Manager about hiring a "police consultant" to determine ways to save money on the sheriff's contract - or re-establish our own police department. It's a long one and a must read. You can get a start on it here and I will be adding my two cents soon. There is a lot to discuss there. The item will appear on this Tuesday's (1/18) City Commission agenda.
Later - hope you enjoy the weekend!
Oh, and here is a link for the item that appears in the first comment. Sarah "Echo" Steiner is part, and one of the founders, of the dominant, hierarchical, prejudicial, non-democratic political machine currently in supreme power in Lake Worth's race to the bottom.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Lake Worth High School needs help - forwarded by Robert Waples
Lake Worth High School is in desperate need of track and field sports equipment. The school doesn't have enough funding to buy a new one. The high jump pit is dangerous and not usable. They are trying to collect funds for this before January 25, as they need to order one and have it arrive before the first home track meet February 24. Your help, even in very small amounts, would greatly be appreciated. Small amounts gathered together can do it. One of the high jumpers was 3rd in the county last year as a freshman, and now will be at a huge disadvantage without the equipment to practice on.
Please contact their athletic director, Seth Groveman, 561-533-6318 or groveman@palmbeach.k12.fl.us or send donations to
Lake Worth High School Athletics
1701 Lake Worth Road
Lake Worth FL 33460
ATT: Seth Groveman
Please specify on the donation it is for the high jump.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
PBSO: Suspected bank robber caught in Lake Worth after two car crashes during chase
Click title for link to PBP article.
Department of Administrative Hearings: Sunset Drive Holdings, LLC and La Sonna Hayes-Tomanek vs. Department of Community Affairs and City of Lake Worth:
The hearing on this matter was held today via teleconference. Click here for most recent City of Lake Worth response related to the hearing. You may be interested in knowing that I served as an expert witness in land planning for the petitioners (btw - the City objected to this but was overruled by the judge). Nothing was decided at the hearing today. The judge and the participants believe that a decision can be rendered within 30 days.
The petitioners are challenging DCA's finding that the City's Comprehensive is "in compliance" based largely on how height was added to the Comprehensive Plan review and approval process. If the administrative hearing judge agrees with the evidence and the arguments presented by the petitioners, then the City will have to repeat the first reading of the Comprehensive Plan - with the possibility of re-visiting the three story height limitation imposed on properties with a residential land use designation citywide. Other changes could happen as a result of a new Objections, Recommendations and Comments (ORC) report issued by the Department of Community Affairs. If the administrative hearing judge finds in favor of the City, the "in compliance" finding will stand.
I'll let you know when there is further news on the matter.
The petitioners are challenging DCA's finding that the City's Comprehensive is "in compliance" based largely on how height was added to the Comprehensive Plan review and approval process. If the administrative hearing judge agrees with the evidence and the arguments presented by the petitioners, then the City will have to repeat the first reading of the Comprehensive Plan - with the possibility of re-visiting the three story height limitation imposed on properties with a residential land use designation citywide. Other changes could happen as a result of a new Objections, Recommendations and Comments (ORC) report issued by the Department of Community Affairs. If the administrative hearing judge finds in favor of the City, the "in compliance" finding will stand.
I'll let you know when there is further news on the matter.
Power is out in College Park again.
It was out for about an hour this morning. I am sure the city will use the palm frond or small animal defense.
It turns out the city was trimming branches near power lines and shuts off the power in the area when they are doing it. Of course, this is done without notifying the residents when and where this is going to happen.
It turns out the city was trimming branches near power lines and shuts off the power in the area when they are doing it. Of course, this is done without notifying the residents when and where this is going to happen.
Evening meetings approved for Palm Beach County Commission, to ease attendance by working public
Click title for link to PBP article. Interesting that the County has identified the need for evening meetings to accommodate the working public. In the meantime, Lake Worth increases the number of day time meetings making it difficult for the public - and members of the City Commission - to attend if they have a full time job. And, more and more, it seems that meetings are irrelevant since DECREES can be made by the City Manager, Mayor or other Commissioners and have the full force and effect of law.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
FYI - from a contact in Palm Beach
Publix will not open a temporary Palm Beach store for the 8 months while it builds its new store
A representative of Publix Supermarkets announced today at Town Council that the company will not be opening a temporary store for the 8 months it will take them to build their new one.
This spring, Publix will completely demolish their Palm Beach store. In its place they will expand their parking lot and create a larger store.
The project would approximately begin on April 25, 2011 and finish by December 18, 2011.
The project required 12 variance approvals by the Town of Palm Beach. In granting those variances, the Town of Palm Beach made it a condition that Publix make their “best efforts” to find a spot for a temporary store.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Lake Worth Interlocal Agreement with County re Ethics Commission.
On tomorrow's Palm Beach County Board of County Commission agenda (1/11/10). Note that the Ethics Commission will not enforce any separate ethics standards adopted by the City that exceed the terms of the County Ordinance. Therefore, any violation of the reporting of $100 or more in campaign contributions would be enforced by the city since it's not covered in the County's ordinance. Click here for copy of item
Lake Worth plans to raze historic shuffleboard courts, build park
Click title for link to PBP article. When was this item ever on a City Commission agenda? Was the Planning and Zoning Board ever consulted? Here is what the city's Code of Oridnances says about the role of the Planning and Zoning Board:
Are we at a point now where public input is so discouraged that elected and appointed officials rule by DECREE? We have been shown how to create a new "task force" - aka an appointed board - by DECREE. Is this what democracy has become in Lake Worth? Can anyone show me when this item appeared on a City Commission agenda when they could actually vote on it? It can't be at a work session. What about all the money the city spent on upgrades to the restrooms, the roof, the parking lot, etc.?
23.23.01.03. Duties and authority.
A.
The duties and authority of the city planning and zoning board shall be primarily to suggest plans for the arrangement of the city with reference to its general improvement, growth demands, and the extension, improvement and changes in public utilities and city works; also with reference to transportation, streets, alleys, sidewalks, highways, waterfronts, seawalls, docks, wharves, public buildings, parks, playgrounds, city-owned property, and other such matters as may be of a municipal nature or lawfully under municipal jurisdiction. However, the duties and authority of the city planning and zoning board shall not include any matter which is the responsibility of one (1) or more other city boards, unless the city commission specifically refers such matter to the planning and zoning board for recommendation. The city planning and zoning board shall be designated the local planning agency, pursuant to chapter 163, Florida Statutes. The planning and zoning board shall review and recommend to the city commission on all changes to the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance.Any plans proposed by the city planning and zoning board shall be submitted to the city commission and may be submitted to the electors of the city, either by the city commission or under the initiative provisions of the city Charter, and, if adopted, shall be followed by the municipality and its officers in the permanent improvement and development of the city until modified or amended at some subsequent election. Plans and suggestions of the city planning and zoning board which are not submitted to the electors of the city shall be considered by the city commission and be approved, modified or rejected.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
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