Casino is Structurally Sound says Forensic Engineer

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Photo by william Coakley
how the sidewalk would look with pavers

After years of some of us speaking on the Casino and its structural integrity and getting those into office who were responsibly looking out for the citizens of Lake Worth, yesterday we were vindicated. After three other engineering reports that I can remember, (there were many more I have been told) all confirmed the exact same findings of Taurinski Engineers. For $6,100, Taurinski did the forensic on the building and found that the building was consistent with most thirty year plus buildings as far as its condition. Conclusion: All it needs is some repair and maintenance. The exterior is in “excellent shape.”

We, the people, had to constantly fight corrupt politics and City Hall staff, outside contractors as well as those behind the attempt to knock down our building. The people were forced to go out on a referendum and had certified signatures to take the cause to the voters on saving the zoning. The people were, once again, stalled by City Hall. Two citizens sued and stopped the Greater Bay lease and its control, James McCauley and Laurence McNamara, candidate for Mayor.

There are two candidates presently running for office that supported the demolition of our building in order to rally behind new development and the loss of control of our Lake Worth beach. Candidates Laurence McNamara and William Coakley have done more to save our Casino than any others besides incumbent, Golden. By finally electing a new commission, we were able to rid our city of this corruption and end the contract with Greater Bay. Commissioner Jo-Ann Golden was on the right side of this vote. As Commissioner Mulvehill said yesterday, 3 red tags later, we now know that we can go forward with restoration.

If we do absolutely nothing to it, the building will be good for another 15 years. The engineering company suggested concrete restoration be done at the same time as the complete restoration, if that is the way we are going to go. The tenants would not be affected. Taurinski got bids from three cement contractors and the price for concrete restoration is from $635,000 to $745,000. They did say that the building was not maintained and that we need a maintenance program going forward.

City Manager Stanton said that the scope of the work would be based on resources and that we need a feasibility study. Ideally we would get this information first before proceeding with an RFP.

Commissioner Jennings asked about simply painting the building if there was any delay past 6 months on RFQ’s, studies, etc.

As we have $1,193,978.08 in our beach fund, I would like to offer the following:

1. Do the concrete restoration (it needs to be done in either case)
   
2. Paint the building
3. Repair any part of the building where there are leaks, flooring problems, etc.
   
4. Repave the sidewalk.
   

We have the money. Why not consider spending $1 million instead of $7 or $10 million plus concrete restoration. And we could have a spiffy looking building. Consider being resourceful.

If not, and we just must have the restoration, the other alternative is to restore our building to the 1920's look as building materials and labor costs are down. A financial feasibility is in order to see if we can do a revenue bond and if the merchants will be able to afford the rents.