Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Lake Worth hires economic development manager
This position has been needed for a long time - a point person for economic development in the city. One of the most important keys to economic development is that you establish a sound business retention program. By making a change in how we handle business' needs, they can become the city's own disciples. An appropriate term for Easter week, no? Click title for link to PBP article.
Monday, April 2, 2012
If you plan on going to the City Commission meeting tomorrow night (4/3)...
Make sure to bring your hip waders for the last item, 11F under new business.
Not satisfied with Sopot, Poland or Northend-on-Sea, Great Britain, we now have our globe-trotting Commissioner Mulvehill asking for the rest of the City Commission's "consent" in attending the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives' Global Forum on Urban Resilience and Adaptation Conference in Bonn, Germany, May 12-15. She is asking for about $2,600 in registration at the conference and for travel/accommodations.
The title of the session she is to be presenting at is as follows:
"Achieving Integrated Adaptation Approaches to Sustainable Economic Development”
This is what she has submitted to be included in the conference program related to Lake Worth:
Lake Worth, Florida is focused on community attractiveness, inclusiveness and sustainability. To that end and despite the recession, the city attracted major new investment, won significant grants to stabilize neighborhoods, improved the community's walkability, installed a bicycle network, built a reverse osmosis water treatment plant securing the city's water source well into the future and is in the process of reconstructing an historic landmark to LEED certification. The community's confidence is rising as residents work together and volunteer to clean up neighborhoods, create gardens, and invest their time and money improving the community. Most importantly, by integrating the social, environmental, economic and cultural aspects of sustainability into the community, the city and the residents have taken a hands-on approach to invest in the city's future. The solutions that are being applied by Lake Worth illustrate that social and economic concerns go hand in hand with environmental goals. To that end, economic and sustainable development initiatives are being achieved simultaneously.
Major new investment? Record decreases in property tax valuation and the largest percentage decrease of any Palm Beach County municipality during this Commissioner's time in office. Significant grants? CRA Walkability and bicycle network? CRA Reverse osmosis plant? Relies on deep well injection for its waste water (condensate) and is a demonstrated hog of electric power. In the process of reconstructing an historic landmark to LEED certification? Surely refers to the Casino Building - if it does get the certification, it will be due to substantial requirements placed upon the tenants - and even then it would be the lowest required level of certification. We can go on analyzing Commissioner Mulvehill's contributions to neighborhoods "working together, but would fail in finding many.
Can we just collectively call this "BS" and move past it - quickly. Check out the organization's website. Nothing we are doing is proving that we are a city that is resilient to climate change.
And if we do "consent" to send her, imagine the dynamic presentation attendees will enjoy!
The title of the session she is to be presenting at is as follows:
"Achieving Integrated Adaptation Approaches to Sustainable Economic Development”
This is what she has submitted to be included in the conference program related to Lake Worth:
Lake Worth, Florida is focused on community attractiveness, inclusiveness and sustainability. To that end and despite the recession, the city attracted major new investment, won significant grants to stabilize neighborhoods, improved the community's walkability, installed a bicycle network, built a reverse osmosis water treatment plant securing the city's water source well into the future and is in the process of reconstructing an historic landmark to LEED certification. The community's confidence is rising as residents work together and volunteer to clean up neighborhoods, create gardens, and invest their time and money improving the community. Most importantly, by integrating the social, environmental, economic and cultural aspects of sustainability into the community, the city and the residents have taken a hands-on approach to invest in the city's future. The solutions that are being applied by Lake Worth illustrate that social and economic concerns go hand in hand with environmental goals. To that end, economic and sustainable development initiatives are being achieved simultaneously.
Major new investment? Record decreases in property tax valuation and the largest percentage decrease of any Palm Beach County municipality during this Commissioner's time in office. Significant grants? CRA Walkability and bicycle network? CRA Reverse osmosis plant? Relies on deep well injection for its waste water (condensate) and is a demonstrated hog of electric power. In the process of reconstructing an historic landmark to LEED certification? Surely refers to the Casino Building - if it does get the certification, it will be due to substantial requirements placed upon the tenants - and even then it would be the lowest required level of certification. We can go on analyzing Commissioner Mulvehill's contributions to neighborhoods "working together, but would fail in finding many.
Can we just collectively call this "BS" and move past it - quickly. Check out the organization's website. Nothing we are doing is proving that we are a city that is resilient to climate change.
And if we do "consent" to send her, imagine the dynamic presentation attendees will enjoy!
Lake Worth boat ramps closing for 5 months for renovation
News that is long overdue. The lighting at the boat ramp has always been poor and it had been difficult to navigate, especially when two or more boats were taking on or dropping off passengers. From the article:
Can someone please school Commissioner Mulvehill on what "ecotourism" is and what it is not? Sheesh. Can you say "greenwashing?"
"Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill said the boat ramp renovations should help the city build its image as an ecotourism destination."
Can someone please school Commissioner Mulvehill on what "ecotourism" is and what it is not? Sheesh. Can you say "greenwashing?"
From William Waters re: New Business 11A - City Commission Meeting of April 3, 2012
"Dear P&Z Board Members and HRPB Members,
Good morning. Over the weekend, Ms. Silverblatt sent me some questions concerning the ordinance related to P&Z Board and HRPB memberships and qualifications. This ordinance relates to addressing some conflicts in the existing code and to bring the current provisions in line with the direction being taken under the Zoning in Progress – Revised Land Development Regulations and the Zoning in Progress (ZIP). The questions are provocative, insightful and meaningful. In the red are my comments and answers back to her questions, I believe all of you will appreciate the information.
In addition, the ZIP Ordinance may bring up a lot of questions from the public. At the P&Z Board meeting, the members selected Mr. Waples to attend the meetings and comment on behalf of the P&Z Board. It would be appropriate for someone from the HRPB to attend as well. In fact, as many of you who can attend from both Boards would be welcomed as this is a monumental step forward that we are taking. We have achieved so much over the past 15 months and are bringing to a foreseeable close, a seven year struggle to revise the City’s land development policies. I hope that all of you will try and attend the first reading tomorrow night. I believe we will be up around 7 pm. Thanks for all of your hard work and I really appreciate your cooperation and steadfastness to ensure Lake Worth has a bright future. See you tomorrow."
Click here for link to questions and responses.
Good morning. Over the weekend, Ms. Silverblatt sent me some questions concerning the ordinance related to P&Z Board and HRPB memberships and qualifications. This ordinance relates to addressing some conflicts in the existing code and to bring the current provisions in line with the direction being taken under the Zoning in Progress – Revised Land Development Regulations and the Zoning in Progress (ZIP). The questions are provocative, insightful and meaningful. In the red are my comments and answers back to her questions, I believe all of you will appreciate the information.
In addition, the ZIP Ordinance may bring up a lot of questions from the public. At the P&Z Board meeting, the members selected Mr. Waples to attend the meetings and comment on behalf of the P&Z Board. It would be appropriate for someone from the HRPB to attend as well. In fact, as many of you who can attend from both Boards would be welcomed as this is a monumental step forward that we are taking. We have achieved so much over the past 15 months and are bringing to a foreseeable close, a seven year struggle to revise the City’s land development policies. I hope that all of you will try and attend the first reading tomorrow night. I believe we will be up around 7 pm. Thanks for all of your hard work and I really appreciate your cooperation and steadfastness to ensure Lake Worth has a bright future. See you tomorrow."
Click here for link to questions and responses.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM Public Meeting Rescheduled
CITY OF LAKE WORTH
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
PUBLIC MEETING
RESCHEDULED
This meeting has been rescheduled for the date and time listed below.
NEW DATE: April 4, 2012
TIME: 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Shuffleboard Courts Building
1121 Lucerne Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33460
For additional information, please contact Jerry Kelly, Grants Analyst, at 561.533.7358
BREAKING: Commissioner Bill Moss found dead
Shocking news out of West Palm Beach. When I worked for that city, Bill Moss was on the Planning Board. He was a kind man that had a strong vision of the city's future. Click title for link to article.
March 29, 7pm Lecture:Archaeological Sites to Visit by Tony Marconi
The Palm Beach County Archaeological Society
Invites you to Attend a Lecture Entitled:
Trail of the Ancient People of Southeast Florida: Archaeological Sites and Museums to Visit:
Presented By: Richard A. Marconi
Curator of Education, Historical Society of Palm Beach County
Mr. Marconi will talk about several of South Florida’s beautiful and publicly accessible archaeological sites. His talk will outline the historical relevance of each destination and inspire you to visit Florida’s past! It’s closer than you think!
In 2002, Marconi became the Historical Society’s curator of education. As such he has developed several education programs: Florida History, Palm Beach County History and Civics, History in Your Own Backyard with the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, Traveling Educational Trunk Program, and Palm Beach County History Online. As part of his job, Marconi trains and oversees the Docent program, conducts teacher workshops, and is editor and writer for the Historical Society’s online history magazine, The Tustenegee.
He is co-author of the Arcadia Publishing’s Images of American series:West Palm Beach 1893-1950 (2006) and co-author of Palm Beach (2009); author of “Buildings with Character: Preserving Palm Beach County’s Historic Structures,” Art&Culture magazine, March 2007; co-author The Palm Beach Post’s Palm Beach County at 100: Our History, Our Home (2009); and produced and co-wrote the Historical Society’s one-hour documentary “Puddle Jumpers of Lantana: The History of the Civil Air Patrol’s Coastal Patrol 3” (2007).
Thursday March 29th at 7PM
West Palm Beach Public Library
3rd Floor, Clematis Room411 Clematis Street West Palm Beach, Fl 33401
For More Info: 561-215-7909 Palmbeachcountyarchaeologicalsociety.org
Monday, March 26, 2012
PrideFest draws thousands, gay and straight, to Lake Worth
I was there for the parade and bumped into a lot of people in a festive mood. Good crowd for our downtown too. Click title for link to PBP article.
Golf Course Shoreline Clean-up March 31
Volunteers are needed for the Great American Cleanup effort in Lake Worth. On Saturday, March 31st, join your neighbors to help clean up the shoreline of Lake Worth Lagoon and Snook Islands area, adjacent to the Lake Worth Municipal Golf Course. The area is littered with old tires, broken bits of lumber, plastic and paper trash. All are welcome to participate in this clean-up effort spearheaded by the Kiwanis Club of Lake Worth in conjunction with Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful.
Volunteers will meet at the clubhouse (located at 7th Ave N and the intracoastal) at 8 AM. You don’t have to be a Kiwanis member to join in the effort, but volunteers must be 18 years old or accompanied by a parent.
The Snook Islands area contains some of the most environmentally sensitive shoreline in Palm Beach County, providing fish hatchery and habitat for dolphins and wading birds.
All participants are asked to park in the golf course parking lot the morning of the event. Golf carts will be used to shuttle volunteers to the cleanup locations along the length of the shoreline. Plenty of garbage bags and latex gloves will be provided. Please be sure to wear old clothes, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats if you have them.
Great American Cleanup, America is the largest litter reduction and community improvement project in the USA. This national event is sponsored by more than 500 affiliates of Keep America Beautiful. Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful is assisted locally by the Solid Waste Authority.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. There are over 350,000 members in 84 countries.
Volunteers will meet at the clubhouse (located at 7th Ave N and the intracoastal) at 8 AM. You don’t have to be a Kiwanis member to join in the effort, but volunteers must be 18 years old or accompanied by a parent.
The Snook Islands area contains some of the most environmentally sensitive shoreline in Palm Beach County, providing fish hatchery and habitat for dolphins and wading birds.
All participants are asked to park in the golf course parking lot the morning of the event. Golf carts will be used to shuttle volunteers to the cleanup locations along the length of the shoreline. Plenty of garbage bags and latex gloves will be provided. Please be sure to wear old clothes, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats if you have them.
Great American Cleanup, America is the largest litter reduction and community improvement project in the USA. This national event is sponsored by more than 500 affiliates of Keep America Beautiful. Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful is assisted locally by the Solid Waste Authority.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. There are over 350,000 members in 84 countries.
Pics of Casino Building/Beach taken 3/25/12
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| Transition between the two parts of the building |
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| These capitals on the columns are meant to replicate what was there before the demolition - do not confuse this with "restoration." |
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| I think that this portion of the building is not as refined a design as the northern part. |
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| The southern facade bothers me design-wise. Granted, it serves to hide a large portion of A/C mechanical equipment, but it will be the first thing most people see as they approach the building. I don't think it harmonizes well with the northern part of the building. I would rather have seen a continuation of the other design - in some way. |
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| Not happy with the west side of the southern half of the building either - seems disjointed. |
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Movement for Miami’s First On-Street Bicycle Parking Corral Gaining Traction | Transit Miami
This would be a good idea for selected spots in downtown LW. Click title for link.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Just In: Bornstein selected as top City Manager candidate!
Commissioner Maxwell is to work with the Human Resources Director, Acting City Manager and Mr. Bornstein on the particulars of his employment contract. Amoroso made the motion, with the stipulation that Mr. Titcomb be the second candidate, should negotiations with the first fail. That vote was unanimous. However, Commissioner Mulvehill made an original motion, seconded by Commissioner McVoy, to appoint Mr. Titcomb as the new City Manager. That voted failed 2-3, with Mayor Triolo and Commissioners Maxwell and Amoroso dissenting.
The Mayor, Vice-Mayor and a Commissioner from Lantana all spoke with lavish praise about the job that Mr. Bornstein did for the town. All commented on his creativity and ability, along with the important character traits of honesty and a sense of ethics.
The Mayor, Vice-Mayor and a Commissioner from Lantana all spoke with lavish praise about the job that Mr. Bornstein did for the town. All commented on his creativity and ability, along with the important character traits of honesty and a sense of ethics.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Videos from Friday's Special City Commission Meeting (3/16)
I was able to get the first ten minutes of questions of the three candidates. Richard Getrich, whose name appears second on the agenda accepted a job in Pennsylvania, pulled out of consideration. Apologies for the delay, I am getting used to the "minimalism" pervasive in all Google products, including YouTube.
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![Dr. W. H. Cotton’s ode: “Oh, My Lake Worth, Florida!” [circa 1920].](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL75cv6zJQFjX15ojOIIz9AjnbqH4asHJTYSDhnGnYr7rJZRha1NcNTirj2xPcId158vkz5Hw-wXgOfrlztj8Zr8jLFFCfuEN6PyV44ZlpMRmJ68xbtFL9vzxNiG7xDs_HJvm/s1600/LakeWorthPioneers.JPG)
