Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Sunset – The Myths (Lies) and the Truth

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One truck parked adjacent to street
A truck that has wheels and power--can be moved!

  1. GRASPING AT STRAWS--Save Our Neighborhood used ACORN.

Four years ago, SON hired some people who brought in a few signatures for us. This was for our petition drive for which we had 30 days to gather signatures on 3 petitions that were approved by Larry Karns, City Attorney at the time. ACORN was not indicted or in the news for any nefarious activities. Their activities did not come to light until the Obama campaign last year. John Lang mentioned this last night to throw some sort of doubt on SON's credibility but four years ago has nothing whatsoever to do with the Ordinances issue now or with the problems that are now known regarding ACORN. This was trying to hit below the belt and fell flat.

  1. TWISTED--Sunset Holdings’ attorney, Larry Smith, said that SON already lost in the Appellate Court, why set yourself up for another loss in the Circuit Court?

Save Our Neighborhood, Inc. lost in the Appellate Court on the right to petition 5 acres or less under Florida Statues. We won twice in the Circuit Court. The City, joined by the League of Cities lawyers and the City of Boca Raton, joined in the law suit against SON and our win was overthrown in the Appellate Court. This has nothing to do with rescinding the original Ordinances on the property. Mr. Smith is very good at trying to confuse the issue.

  1. LIE--John Lang said on the public record that they were willing to negotiate and that we would not.

His attorney, Larry Smith, said on numerous occasions that they would not settle for less than MF-20 and that they would sue. He has threatened suit at least a dozen times. They came to the table to negotiate, or so they said, and then refused. "We won't settle for anything less than MF-20."

  1. LIE--Attorney Smith said that our Comp Plan was adopted in 2006 after Ordinance 2006-04 and that changed our Comp Plan.

No it wasn’t. It never was adopted. It was never in affect.

  1. LIE—Lang says that the properties located on both sides of the entry to the Sunset parcel are loaded with garbage, boats and trash.

Totally a fabrication.

  1. LIE--Attorney Larry Smith said that Sunset Holdings and the city of Lake Worth are on the same side.
    Where did he ever get that idea? Grasping at straws again.
  1. TRUTH—Attorney Smith alluded to the fact that there was not a Bert J. Harris undertaking on this property—no law suit there. Mayor Clemens was confused, wanted more information from this attorney and invited him back up to the dais. Smith, who has threatened to sue the City on a dozen occasions, spoke for 5 minutes and got all his points ON THE RECORD. Why would the head elected official, our Mayor, allow that attorney more time than required by policy who has threatened to sue the City, speak further on the record? Anyone can threaten a law suit. He was there with court reporter in hand, other lawyers, to intimidate anyone they could.
  2. TRUTH-- John Lang suggests that the City buy the property and then tells Cara to call him. If he is serious, why doesn't he call Commissioner Jennings and set up a meeting? Right now the City holds the cards.

One thing I want to mention is the Post article today. This is about MF-20 zoning which would allow 20 units to an acre or 80 units on that property, not the 40 as written in today's news article. The 40 units agreed to years ago when former Commissioner Nadine Burns brought it up as a compromise, is worthless.

Attorney Larry Smith plans on finishing the Administrative Hearing scheduled in September. There may be no one there to hear him but his own voice echoing back. .."sue, sue, we will sue."

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm from the neighborhood. I told our pres that I would be there but got tied up. Listened to it online and you were great. Knock them dead, baby!

Anonymous said...

To the Commission

I write to you this evening to let you know how we as a neighborhood came together and were just that, a true neigborhood of Lake Worth. I'm so very honored to be living in Lake Osborne Heights where our quality of life is measured by our everyday interaction and our solid footing on protecting our neighborhood.

I'm also very THANKFUL for this City Commission of Lake Worth for taking a stand under very tough circumstances and up holding the will of the citizens of this city. This commission through thick and thin are showing that local government does care about its citizens and all the people that live in our area.

I also want to thank our city attorney...She stated in the meeting all the pro's and con's of tonights decision and I have to say how proud I am for her when she stated on the record that she disagrees with the opposing attorney.

After tonight we will find out when the second reading is on the recinding ordinances and let you know. In the mean time please let the Mayor, Vice Mayor, commission and staff know that we thank them for setting a big precedent tonight that the people are important in Lake Worth.

Thank you all for your support in protecting our neighborhood,

Robert E. Waples II

Anonymous said...

This case really illustrates the need for Florida Hometown Democracy. It also illustrates how we must be VERY careful of who we elect! Thank goodness that past "CLUNKERS " like Mckinnon, BURNS , and Vespo are gone. It is impossible foe normal ,everyday people to work through the convoluted maze of growth law in Florida.People who live in an area should have the final say over projects that affect them and their families.YES ON AMMENDMENT 4 !!!!