Comment Up
Touting the same old tired sound bites, a Lake Worth resident wrote a Letter to the Editor of the Palm Beach Post supporting the expense of a special election in March on the heights referendum rather than voting on it this November. This is the very same resident who was an officer of the Lake Worth Democratic Club who supported a Republican for Commissioner in this city, going against a Democrat. Even though our races are non-partisan, officers of the Club as well as the Party are not allowed to endorse anyone not in the Party. That didn't bother her...did not phase her one bit.
She screwed up big time then and her arguments now on the heights referendum are false and based on fictional hysteria of developer backed supporters of taller buildings in our downtown. She thinks nothing of needlessly spending $21,000 for a special election and admits that she needs to be educated. She says people are confused.
There were no "wild stories of doom" as she suggests. It was simple. Do you want to remain a low-rise city with no more than 3 and 4 stories in our downtown ? Yes or No.
Education: 3 and 4 stories; or 6 and 10 stories...take your pick. Nothing "confusing" about that.
28 comments:
It is confusing because few people know or understand the land use regulations and how they affect the height restrictions. Your group is well aware of this fact but seem to think it makes little difference. A beautiful project one inch too high would have to go to another city. But that's fine we like being the poor city that takes in all the strays.
To try, once again, to get this record straight--
I do not belong to any "group." I do, however, believe in a low rise city as is Delray as an example. They are limited to 4 stories. I like low.
What we have in effect right now are 65 feet and 100 feet per our charter. The LDR's are and have always been manipulated. Developers can build within the rules...not one inch higher as they have always been allowed to do in the past.
This is our city--not a developer's.
What this woman means it will give them time in the neighborhood associations to indoctrinate those members that we just have to have taller buildings if we want this city to grow a tax base. Of course, most of us know that this is false logic. It will also give them time to raise the money and welcome in developer money to defeat the referendum. Pretty sick group if you ask me. If she is politically astute and a Democrat, she is pulling a fast one here.
What are you all so scared of? If you're right you'll win no matter how much money developers pour in and if you're wrong you'll lose no matter how many doors you knock on.
My money's on the latter as too many people I talk too are tired of Lake Worth being a big ghetto for the local strays.
Please explain on how building higher will keep out the poor people from moving here. We have a CRA that spends money to attract the poor. Speak to them. Higher buildings have nothing to do with ghettos and local strays.
The CRA does not spend money to attract the poor. They spend the NSP3 monies to foster home ownership and instill pride and stability in the neighborhoods that need it the most.Maybe if you go out and meet some of these new homeowners at the dedication, your attitude toward them and the NSP3 program may change.Mine did.
The statement about Delray Beach having a four story limit is incorrect. With approval of a conditional use, buildings in specific areas of Delray including downtown can go to a height of 60'.
Boynton Beach voters approved a 45-foot building height limit eight years ago, the strictest among the nearby cities. Delray Beach`s height limit is 50 feet, Boca Raton`s downtown is 100 feet and some of West Palm Beach`s commercial areas go up to 200 feet with waivers allowed. Delray has just approved two, 4 story hotels.
The letter writer is alleged to be a college teacher. She needs to go back for English 101 to learn how to construct sentences.
"...we have wasted over the past four years money..." is an awkward disconnection of verb and object, more appropriate to a child or a recent immigrant.
Of course the marvelous trio setting the City's agenda will do whatever they can get away with to stifle the Yes vote, and this semi-literate being is an appropriate member of their camp.
The presumption that all Lake Worth Citizens are confused,because one simple soul is,
is at best pathetic.
Looking around at the 100's of vacancies,bankrupt Tuscan Village Development, because of total lack of sales,Coconut Walk from $560.000 selling around $90.000,- many rentals, the Cloysters once $559.000.- now for rent.Corrupt Commissions have forced overdevelopment,result: we are now drugdealers Center of Palm Beach County,the biggest one of America, has a Bar on lake Avenue,the good Dylan.All revenue goes to the CRA, we pay for maintenance of all businesses.Overdevelopment vacancies are drughouses,which the Sheriff will admit to,if honest.Commission Chair Triolo knows hopefully that we ,through Loretta Sharpe of then of exclusive brokers for the Lucerne,we had to give Koolik,it's developer,$10,200,000,- tax credit for 10 years(we must pay), and allowed him not to build us the 110 public parking spaces, condition for building the Lucerne.Even simpletons know that the Downtown revenue costs the City maintenance money from our General Fund,, and all it's revenue goes to the CRA,losses in millions the City has suffered in our General Fund,intended to maintain the whole City!Result of Commissions unwilling to redistrcit CRA to blighted areas.
Lake Worth developments have cost the City millions, not generate revenue,for those who know anything about our finances!!!Not just complaining to pretend to know reality.
If taller bldgs were the answer,then Boynton Beach,West Palm etc. would be swimming in money. They are not. Either you want taller bldgs downtown or you don't . Nobody needs to be "educated"to the tune of 30,000.
At least she stated her opinion and
signed her name.
Also being an appropriate member of their camp, I thought her point was clear. Advocating for the higher limits just gives the city planning professionals more flexibility. Lake Worth needs all the flexibility it can get for the inexplicably fat chance a developer of any caliber would want to build here with the anti build mentality so prevalent.
I understand fully what is at stake. I also voted for the Charter change that allows our present heights. Over the past 20 years, 3 buildings above 4 stories have been constructed. There are no plans or anyone proposing any building above 4 stories.
You like the 90 foot high Gulfstream which can be a big draw for Lake Worth if we don't shoot ourselves in the foot and limit the height of ancillary buildings on the same property. A 6 story structure next to the historic building wouldn't be out of character. Likewise, William Waters, our planning expert, explained why our smaller lots need to be able to go higher than your example of Delray Beach to support the same type of hotel they are proposing. You were there, you heard him, but you disagree. But what does he know?
He also states that you can't put a 4 story building next to a single story structure, even if the height is allowed. It wouldn't be appropriate.
You also fail to note that every local newspaper's editorial advises against limiting Lake Worth and its choices for future redevelopment.
So the commission is not keeping you from voting, we vote in March. The commission is not raising heights in downtown, they are either keeping them the same as they are now and have been since the Gulfstream was built (East of Federal), or lowering them from 65 feet to 45 feet West of Federal and lowering them from 100 feet to 45 feet West of Dixie.
Now if you state differently, and think you are truthful, then this is why the issue is confusing and the letter writer is correct.
I am not a developer, real estate sales person or derive my income from development. Re-development, maybe, but chances are slim to none ANYTHING will change no matter which way people vote on this issue.
As far as the CRA is concerned, by offering home ownership to pre-qualified low to moderate income families, of which I was one when I purchased my first house, can do nothing but help in neighborhoods that are top heavy with renters, also low to moderate income. Changing that ratio is EVERYONE'S idea of how to curb slum and blight in our core area. Tearing down old dilapidated buildings and replacing them with new energy efficient dwellings changes the whole dynamic of the neighborhood.
How would you suggest attracting middle class families to that area?
Chip Guthrie
Member Lake Worth CRA
bguthrie@lakeworthcra.org
Chip you go on and on
I signed the petition becasue I want the buildigns to stay no more than 4 storires. Why are so many p4eople having a problem with that?
You also fail to note that every local newspaper's editorial advises against limiting Lake Worth and its choices for future redevelopment.
The local newspapers are certainly welcomed to their own opinion. They do not understand that there will be no benefit for Lake Worth, only more taxes for services, etc. And Chip, being a member of the CRA why did you fail to tell everyone that the CRA will get the ad valorem.
I am not the one saying that the reason to allow us the flexibility to allow a good tall project East of Federal that would help connect our Downtown to the waterfront is for the tax revenue. I also have never heard anyone on the commission make that statement.
I think you did a wonderful job of reminding those who read this blog, that most of any new tax revenue created by a good project, that is "above" what that property paid at the base year the CRA was conceived, would go into the CRA budget. But I will also remind you that the amount of County taxes above the base year for that specific property would also stay here in Lake Worth instead of going into the County's coffers. So the city would still receive tax revenue to pay for services. Just the increase of both city and county taxes due to the increase of value goes to the CRA.
My point has more to do with flexibility. I'd rather a beautiful 5 or 6 story building than a bunch of ugly two story nondescript boxes.
Height alone does not make a concrete canyon. Set backs, and step backs as William Waters points out are how we can still maintain our quaint town. No one complains about the Gulfstream Hotel for its height. And it is approximately 90 feet high.
To me only, and in my opinion, it depends on the project and we need that flexibility.
Chip Guthrie
sorry for going on and on
the biggest lie perpetuated by you folks is that anyone wanting to keep this city small is a anti-development. What a crock. Do you honestly believe anyone would believe that other than you liars?
The County tax goes to the CRA too, not the City's general fund. And we all know how those unelected drunken sailors spend the money that is not their own.
It is more than clear that most who read and respond here do not understand or care to understand what the CRA does and how the monies are allocated and spent.The readership still spouts the tired Lowe/Golden phrase that they spend like drunken sailors. Just go over to the CRA office and talk to staff or Joan. Educate yourself. Don't rely on other peoples comments. I am sure you will be enlightened. I was.
Well, there are two schools of thought here. We have heard them all. Education is a good thing. All of you affiliated with the CRA will take one position. It's easy to spend other people's money. In the meantime, slum and blight continue, hasn't improved, and is getting worse.
Speaking of spending other people's money, I just attended the 14th home dedication through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity for the HUD NSP2 project in Lake Worth. Each one is uplifting but this one, much more so.
CRA staff and board members helped to paint the exterior of this home for the Farias family, Manuel, Lydia and their four children.
This single family owner occupied beautiful home replaced two tiny dilapidated and foreclosed duplexes.
So now, within eye-shot of two more new single family owner occupied homes, previously dedicated with many more to come, we have again changed the ratio of renters to owners in a very positive way. This particular neighborhood needs all the help it can get. Lots of foreclosures and abandoned buildings.
I think Lake Worth is fortunate to be receiving these new home owners which will be key in revitalizing and "stabilizing" these neighborhoods.
The show of support from our community at these dedications, I hope, inspires them to keep the enthusiasm going because enthusiasm is contagious.
I could go on and on..... :-)
Chip Guthrie
Member
Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency
bguthrie@lakeworthcra.org
Great, Chip. You are making one little dent at a time. How many housing units for this $23 million big buckeroos? 130?
Speaking of spending other people's money: how much has the CRA spent on the Pugh property? Years ago they paid a $750,000 option to buy it but didn't and now they did buy it with NSP funds for how much more?
Very sad for Joanne Kelly. She does not realize that the charter amendment request is equal to her neighborhood association's start-up when they were threatened by over development.
They were allowed to stop the development in their neighborhood but she has no concern for residents who want the chance to vote on building heights.
Very sad Joanne.
Dear "very sad" anonymous (5:09 PM),
Your conclusion is imprecise.The neighborhood did not achieve its goal. The developers built what they chose to build according to the increased density zoning. The vote by the entire city to limit the height to two stories failed. Only after the majority of the commission was changed was the return to residential restored.
The vote will occur in March and the people will be heard. Joanne Kelly did not say she wanted to prevent a vote, just give more time for understanding the implications of this issue - something that is definitely needed shown by the error in facts of this "very sad" commentator.
Lynn @1:37 -
"Delray just approved 2 four story hotels"
Why do you think no-one is considering LW when deciding where to build new (small) hotels?
I don't know. Why don't you tell all of us? Personally, I think it is the terrible political scene in this city. If Delray can build 4 story hotels, anyone can build them. A 4 story addition to the Gulfstream or a parking garage there? More and more developers will want to come into LW once our beach is finished and the economy improves. Doncha think?
Post a Comment