Tonight is the night that the Commission will interview applicants for various board positions that are available.One of the most important Boards in our City is that of Planning & Zoning. This is a Board that can literally change your entire town and how it looks. The City web site says this about P&Z:
The Board reviews and approves site plans for three units or more of residential development and all commercial development. It also reviews community appearance and has the authority to grant variances from the Lake Worth Zoning Code.
I think that this Board is much more than that. Its function is to improve the quality of life for all of us who live in Lake Worth by encouraging growth and development based on recognized principles and land use practices. It is there to support Staff and the Commission in its decisions. There is long-range planning involved using the Master Plan as a guide which is the basis for the review of development proposals. Right now our Board is working on the Comprehensive Plan and there are several land uses that were recommended and approved by a past Commission such as at our Beach, the Sunset parcel, etc.
The members serving on this Board have a big responsible as the Board should be in place to preserve the residential character of Lake Worth…not, for instance, allowing a commercial enterprise in a Single Family zoning district and certainly not to push forth political desires of elected officials. Historical preservation is of utmost importance and right now, all board members of P&Z are also board members of the Historical Preservation Board.
Normally a P&Z Board is responsible for recommendations on the establishment of over-lay districts, text amendments, use permits, special exceptions and variances and holding public meetings on land use changes and re-zonings.
Normally a P&Z Board is responsible for recommendations on the establishment of over-lay districts, text amendments, use permits, special exceptions and variances and holding public meetings on land use changes and re-zonings.
The one thing to always bear in mind, members of Boards are politically appointed.
There are thirteen applicants for this Board that has one, one year vacancy. Literally, the filling of this position with the right person is of major importance.
