Historic Resources Preservation Board Lake Worth

Comment Up

On Wednesday night, the Board gave its complete attention to the presentations, both by the City and by the attorney for Hudson Holdings, the Petitioner. However, there were a few members of this Board who made some curious statements.

The Chair, Herman Robinson, wanted to limit free speech during public participation...no comment other than on zoning...nothing about the applicant...nothing about their plan. More than likely he was coached by our city attorney. He shut down Mary Watson's commentary on Hudson Holdings, the petitioner who wants the city to give him what he wants. There was NO reason under the sun not to speak to Hudson Holdings or ones feelings about the petitioner. Mr. Robinson also admitted to having conversations with two employees of Hudson Holdings...no problem, he said, I can be fair.

Darrin Engel noted that I didn't take the oath before commenting although it was just said at the beginning of the meeting (about an hour and fifteen minutes earlier) that those who were only commenting did not have to. Also, he admitted to indirectly working for Hudson Holdings (his boss has a relationship) but not on this project. He disclosed that he had conversations with one of Hudson Holding's attorneys, Beth Schrantz, who was present, but those conversations had nothing to do with the Gulfstream Hotel property. He said that he could make an unbiased decision.

Loretta Sharpe, a member appointed by the mayor, must have a built-in timer in her head. She slid something down the dais to Herman to stop Lynda Mahoney from speaking further. Lynda was making too much sense. As soon as he noticed, the bell went off.  As you recall, Ms. Mahoney was the former Chair of the Planning & Zoning Board before they were all kicked off to accommodate political appointments by this "visionary" commission. Ms. Sharpe also had a few conversations with Hudson people prior to the meeting. No problem, she said.

Another member of this Board had no clue as to the parcels in question that Hudson Holdings wanted to re-zone/up-zone.

Tom Norris asked if he recommended against this [up-zoning], was he going against Florida law?  Good question but William Waters said that he had to have findings of fact to not recommend.  In other words, if the Comp Plan allows it, the LDR's allow it, then he must approve (can't go against it)--that is how I interpreted it. They were reminded over and over again they were only there to approve the re-zoning which is an up-zoning. It is "if the glove fits" syndrome. As talented as some are, we only need a rubber stamp for this Board.

During public commentary on those who objected to aN up-zoning at the Gulfstream, there were constant chuckles, undertones and chatter in the chamber.  One person even said "Oh stop it." It is curious as to why a chair of a Board or our Mayor never hears these snide comments and why they don't put an end to it. Why was Hudson Holdings stupid enough to buy this hotel when they knew they couldn't do what they wanted? Did they already have their answer?

I have always said that overall, board appointments are political and they are in place to just go ahead with what the administration wants--staff leads them and makes the recommendations. No one elects the Board. They are there to use as a reference of validity for Staff and ultimately the City Manager who reports to the Commission.  You get the picture.