Lake Worth resident, Erin Allen, wrote a letter to our editor of The Palm Beach Post and in it are some distortions, exaggerations and downright lies.
Statement: Several plans over the years would have allowed John G’s and the other retailers at the Lake Worth beach to remain open during construction of a new retail building.
FACTS: Only one plan came before the residents and it was defeated at the polls because of the amount of the bond and where the building would be situated.
Statement: They (John G’s) have fought every plan and have contributed financially to political action committees that oppose any revitalization of the beach facilities.
FACTS: There was only one plan. They did contribute $500 to We Love Lake Worth PAC, which was specific to the beach, towards its petition drive to allow the residents of Lake Worth to vote on the zoning changes at our beach, not “committees” plural—only one.
Statement: …political action committees that oppose ANY revitalization of the beach
FACT: That statement is a bold faced figment of Ms. Allen’s imagination.
Statement: Multiple engineering reports have declared it (casino) structurally unsound.
FACT: Total fabrication. Not one engineering company has declared the building unsafe, structurally unsound—not ever.
Statement: Due to the city’s pathetic business management skills…..
FACT: That might be the only true statement in her letter.
Statement: …I am outraged that I have been subsidizing John G’s.
FACT: John G’s is a reason why a lot of people visit our beach. This is a beach business. He has kept prices low throughout all the 35 years he has been in business. To accept credit cards takes away another 2% of his low profit. He buys quality food. He caters to beachgoers who don’t usually carry credit cards. He has built the addition to the north side of his restaurant at his expense. He has, through the years of neglect by the City of Lake Worth, made repairs himself that were the responsibility of the landlord, The City of Lake Worth. The City had no justification to charge higher rents when it failed to maintain the building and allowed it to fall apart. He has been a great asset to our City.
