Showing posts with label Greg Rice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greg Rice. Show all posts
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
RICO charges filed against Hudson Holdings
Remember these bums?
Well, former Lake Worth commissioner John Szerdi should remember them...he worked for them. Then we have Wes Blackman, former chair of the Historic Resource Preservation Board--he worked for Hudson Holdings too. We can't forget Greg Rice, Chair of our Planning & Zoning board, campaigning for it all, as well as the PAC for which he was affiliated, Friends of the Gulfstream, which had an ethics complaint filed against it in July 2013. It pulled a lot of dirty tricks back then.On top of the above three, we have three city commissioners still in office: Scott Maxwell, Mayor Pam Triolo and Andy Amoroso who gave Hudson Holdings every little thing their heart desired like upzoning at the Gulfstream Hotel area as well as declaring an entire election null and void, won by the people on heights.
Anonymous Lake Worth Graphics Artist
Changing Florida's Future, a PAC out of Tallahassee, sent out mailers supporting the election of Maxwell, Triolo and Amoroso that were funded by Hudson Holdings in the amount of $9,000. Hudson Holdings knew who their friends were.
The Gulfstream Hotel sits there and rots to this day. But wait a minute--we had a husband and wife team that blitzed into the city...supposed developers, Amy and Amrit Gill from St. Louis who told us that they were ready to embark on a $100 million project to renovate the historic building. The city fell for it and so did the residents. I wonder if any investors fell for it too? Where are these people?
Hudson Holdings had a lot of connections in St. Louis as well as failed projects. Was there not a red flag for the City of Lake Worth with this husband and wife team when it appeared out of nowhere from St. Louis? It really makes one wonder what really is going on. No one can continue to have two left feet.
The caveat for these "supposed" new developers to go forward with the hotel? They insisted that the residents approve a ballot measure in March 2020 that would allow property built adjacent to the hotel to match the Gulfstream’s 87-foot height. City guidelines limit building height east of Dixie Highway to 65 feet. Mailer after mailer was sent out to voters promoting this measure. Who was behind this mailer? It sounds like a Steven Michael tactic. The City knows nothing about this husband and wife team any more than they did about Hudson Holdings. Have they done one bit of due diligence?
Two years ago, south county developer Bill Milmoe and vitamin kingpin Carl DeSantis filed a RICO lawsuit against Hudson Holdings. It was settled and it was reported that CDS (the DeSantis group) now owns the property. Details of the settlement were kept secret and sealed. But the owners are still HH GULFSTREAM LAND HOLDINGS LLC according to the Property appraiser's office.
**Now one of the original investors in the Hudson Holdings "enterprise" regarding the Gulfstream Hotel just filed suit under RICO statutes because of Steven Michael's and Avi Greenbaum's continuing individual and enterprise misconduct." The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a United States federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties.
COMPLAINT
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Saturday, July 16, 2016
City of Lake Worth POLITICAL Advisory Board Appointments
Comment Up
New Volunteer Political Board Appointments:
Planning and Zoning Board:
Mayor’s reappointments of Greg Rice and Anthony Marotta both for a term ending in July 31, 2019. (Greg was in the Friends of the Gulfstream PAC as treasurer to defeat the Heights amendment...every nasty trick in the book was used but they still lost)
Vice Mayor’s reappointment of Dustin Zacks for a term ending in July 31, 2019.
Commissioner McVoy’s appointment of Tara McAlonan to the fill an unexpired term ending in July 31, 2017.
Historic Resources Preservation Board:
Vice Mayor’s reappointment of Judith Just for a term ending in July 31, 2019.
Finance Advisory Board:
Mayor’s reappointment of Sherry Canterbury Schmidt for a term ending in July 31, 2019. (She was the gal on the secret ITN Committee that wanted to hand over our beach to Hudson Holdings)
Vice Mayor’s reappointment of John Szerdi for a term ending in July 31, 2019. (He is an employee of Hudson Holdings)
Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals:
Commissioner Maier’s appointment of Ryan Paplow to fill an unexpired term ending in July 31, 2016 and reappoint for another term ending in July 31, 2020
A blast from the past--
Example of "dirty tricks" to confuse the voters.
(A reminder how important board appointments are
and how the will of the people can be diverted through deception)
New Volunteer Political Board Appointments:
Planning and Zoning Board:
Mayor’s reappointments of Greg Rice and Anthony Marotta both for a term ending in July 31, 2019. (Greg was in the Friends of the Gulfstream PAC as treasurer to defeat the Heights amendment...every nasty trick in the book was used but they still lost)
Vice Mayor’s reappointment of Dustin Zacks for a term ending in July 31, 2019.
Commissioner McVoy’s appointment of Tara McAlonan to the fill an unexpired term ending in July 31, 2017.
Historic Resources Preservation Board:
Vice Mayor’s reappointment of Judith Just for a term ending in July 31, 2019.
Finance Advisory Board:
Mayor’s reappointment of Sherry Canterbury Schmidt for a term ending in July 31, 2019. (She was the gal on the secret ITN Committee that wanted to hand over our beach to Hudson Holdings)
Vice Mayor’s reappointment of John Szerdi for a term ending in July 31, 2019. (He is an employee of Hudson Holdings)
Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals:
Commissioner Maier’s appointment of Ryan Paplow to fill an unexpired term ending in July 31, 2016 and reappoint for another term ending in July 31, 2020
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Lake Worth Planning & Zoning Meeting This Wednesday July 6
Comment Up
Some of our Volunteer boards have a lot of power. They are all political appointments. The City Commission uses their recommendations, particularly the P&Z and Historic Board's, as justification to vote the way that they do such as giving Hudson Holdings 20 feet more than the Charter Amendment allows. They decide what our city can and will look like. The Planning & Zoning Board of Lake Worth, with Greg Rice, as chair will meet on July 6 at City Hall to make recommendations on the following.
1. PZB 16-01400010 & PZB 16-00500010 A request for a Minor Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit to allow for a +/- 6,501 square foot multi-use commercial retail project with drive through facilities on a +/- 39,825 square foot (+/- .91 acre) site in the Downtown (DT) zoning district pursuant to Sections 23.2-29, 23.2-30, 23.2-31, 23.2-32 of the LDRs. The subject parcel locations:
127 North Dixie Highway PCN#38-43-44-21-15-016-0130;
120 North H Street PCN# 38-43-44-21-15-016-0040;
124 North H Street PCN# 38-43-44-21-15-016-0060;
128 North H Street PCN# 38-43-44-21-15-016-0071.
2. PZB 16-01400009 & PZB 16-00500009 Requests for a Major Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit to allow for the construction of a 4 story mixed use building (+/- 30,772 square feet) consisting of a ground level parking area with a +/- 3,386 square foot retail commercial area, a public plaza and three floors consisting of 14 dwelling units located on a +/- 20,250 square foot parcel located at 1 South Palmway, on the southwest corner of Lake Avenue and South Palmway, PCN 38-43-44-21-15-029-0090, in the Downtown (DT) zoning district. Pursuant to Sections 23.2-29, 23.2-30, 23.2-31, 23.2-32 of the LDRs.
3. PZB 16-01500007 & PZB 16-01500008 & PZB 16-01500009 A request for three variances to allow for an addition to an existing residence (lot coverage requirement), a swimming pool in the front setback and relief from the sight visibility triangle requirement, pursuant to Sections 23.2-26, 23.3-7 and 23.4-4 of the Land Development Regulations (LDRs). Located in the Single Family Residential (SFR) zoning district PCN 38-43-44-15-15-000-0200.
2220 North Lakeside Drive
Some of our Volunteer boards have a lot of power. They are all political appointments. The City Commission uses their recommendations, particularly the P&Z and Historic Board's, as justification to vote the way that they do such as giving Hudson Holdings 20 feet more than the Charter Amendment allows. They decide what our city can and will look like. The Planning & Zoning Board of Lake Worth, with Greg Rice, as chair will meet on July 6 at City Hall to make recommendations on the following.
1. PZB 16-01400010 & PZB 16-00500010 A request for a Minor Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit to allow for a +/- 6,501 square foot multi-use commercial retail project with drive through facilities on a +/- 39,825 square foot (+/- .91 acre) site in the Downtown (DT) zoning district pursuant to Sections 23.2-29, 23.2-30, 23.2-31, 23.2-32 of the LDRs. The subject parcel locations:
127 North Dixie Highway PCN#38-43-44-21-15-016-0130;
120 North H Street PCN# 38-43-44-21-15-016-0040;
124 North H Street PCN# 38-43-44-21-15-016-0060;
128 North H Street PCN# 38-43-44-21-15-016-0071.
2. PZB 16-01400009 & PZB 16-00500009 Requests for a Major Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit to allow for the construction of a 4 story mixed use building (+/- 30,772 square feet) consisting of a ground level parking area with a +/- 3,386 square foot retail commercial area, a public plaza and three floors consisting of 14 dwelling units located on a +/- 20,250 square foot parcel located at 1 South Palmway, on the southwest corner of Lake Avenue and South Palmway, PCN 38-43-44-21-15-029-0090, in the Downtown (DT) zoning district. Pursuant to Sections 23.2-29, 23.2-30, 23.2-31, 23.2-32 of the LDRs.
3. PZB 16-01500007 & PZB 16-01500008 & PZB 16-01500009 A request for three variances to allow for an addition to an existing residence (lot coverage requirement), a swimming pool in the front setback and relief from the sight visibility triangle requirement, pursuant to Sections 23.2-26, 23.3-7 and 23.4-4 of the Land Development Regulations (LDRs). Located in the Single Family Residential (SFR) zoning district PCN 38-43-44-15-15-000-0200.
2220 North Lakeside Drive
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Commercial filmed in Lake Worth for South Florida Fair
Comment Up
We all know that we have a lot going on in our downtown especially on holidays. Halloween was unbelievable! But from time to time there are things happening of which we are unaware...take yesterday--
A commercial was being filmed at the French House in Lake Worth by Levatas, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens. Levatas is a privately-held, full-service communications agency and offers a full range of video production. They were producing a commercial for the South Florida Fair that will air beginning in December. Our own local celebrity, Greg Rice, was on the scene and behind the camera.
If I understand it correctly, the theme of the 30 second spot that took all day to shoot, takes place in a coffee shop with all sorts of interesting looking people (I heard that the racing pigs were even there) in various "get-ups" (Elvis was there). However, there is something unusual going on--they look up from their coffee cup and finally realize that they are the South Florida Fair.
By the time I arrived, many of the actors had already been filmed and had left. Luckily Miss South Florida Fair, Anisa Kornegay of Loxahatchee, was there looking beautiful.
We all know that we have a lot going on in our downtown especially on holidays. Halloween was unbelievable! But from time to time there are things happening of which we are unaware...take yesterday--
A commercial was being filmed at the French House in Lake Worth by Levatas, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens. Levatas is a privately-held, full-service communications agency and offers a full range of video production. They were producing a commercial for the South Florida Fair that will air beginning in December. Our own local celebrity, Greg Rice, was on the scene and behind the camera.
If I understand it correctly, the theme of the 30 second spot that took all day to shoot, takes place in a coffee shop with all sorts of interesting looking people (I heard that the racing pigs were even there) in various "get-ups" (Elvis was there). However, there is something unusual going on--they look up from their coffee cup and finally realize that they are the South Florida Fair.
By the time I arrived, many of the actors had already been filmed and had left. Luckily Miss South Florida Fair, Anisa Kornegay of Loxahatchee, was there looking beautiful.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Demolition on Lucerne Avenue
Comment Up
Neighbors have been concerned and have complained for years about the abandoned and boarded up property at 1320 Lucerne Avenue, Lake Worth. No one can ever graffiti it again; it is now just a memory.
Back in October we reported on this property: At a recent magistrate meeting regarding code enforcement, it was decided that the City of Lake Worth is moving to foreclose on the property at 1320 Lucerne Avenue as it is an unsafe structure. There is also a lien of $18,364.50 on the property that has reportedly been unpaid. The owner can obtain the proper permits and fix up the building, secure or demolish it and possibly get the fine reduced to 10% of the total or it will eventually be foreclosed upon and demolished by the City. Each demolition costs the City around $15,000+ per property.
The property is owned by Greg Rice, Chair of Lake Worth's Planning & Zoning Board.
Neighbors have been concerned and have complained for years about the abandoned and boarded up property at 1320 Lucerne Avenue, Lake Worth. No one can ever graffiti it again; it is now just a memory.
Back in October we reported on this property: At a recent magistrate meeting regarding code enforcement, it was decided that the City of Lake Worth is moving to foreclose on the property at 1320 Lucerne Avenue as it is an unsafe structure. There is also a lien of $18,364.50 on the property that has reportedly been unpaid. The owner can obtain the proper permits and fix up the building, secure or demolish it and possibly get the fine reduced to 10% of the total or it will eventually be foreclosed upon and demolished by the City. Each demolition costs the City around $15,000+ per property.
The property is owned by Greg Rice, Chair of Lake Worth's Planning & Zoning Board.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Ooops
Comment Up
Well, haste can make waste and in this case it did. Wouldn't you think that the vice mayor would get the date correct in his invitation? Wouldn't you think that the candidate would have had some oversight on this? If you can't get a simple detail like this correct, should you really be involved in $20 to $25 or $63.5 million money grabs?
Well, haste can make waste and in this case it did. Wouldn't you think that the vice mayor would get the date correct in his invitation? Wouldn't you think that the candidate would have had some oversight on this? If you can't get a simple detail like this correct, should you really be involved in $20 to $25 or $63.5 million money grabs?
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Lucerne property destined for the wrecking ball?
Comment Up
At a recent magistrate meeting regarding code enforcement, it was decided that the City of Lake Worth is moving to foreclose on the property at 1320 Lucerne Avenue as it is an unsafe structure. There is also a lien of $18,364.50 on the property that has reportedly been unpaid. The owner can obtain the proper permits and fix up the building, secure or demolish it and possibly get the fine reduced to 10% of the total or it will eventually be foreclosed upon and demolished by the City. Each demolition costs the City around $15,000+ per property.
The property is owned by Greg Rice, Vice Chair of Lake Worth's Planning & Zoning Board.
Is this the property?
This IS the property
At a recent magistrate meeting regarding code enforcement, it was decided that the City of Lake Worth is moving to foreclose on the property at 1320 Lucerne Avenue as it is an unsafe structure. There is also a lien of $18,364.50 on the property that has reportedly been unpaid. The owner can obtain the proper permits and fix up the building, secure or demolish it and possibly get the fine reduced to 10% of the total or it will eventually be foreclosed upon and demolished by the City. Each demolition costs the City around $15,000+ per property.
The property is owned by Greg Rice, Vice Chair of Lake Worth's Planning & Zoning Board.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Greg Rice's property gets tagged again
Comment Up
This morning, on several occasions, I was on Lucerne Avenue west of Dixie. Sheriff vehicles were all over the place, stopping speeders, coming out of side streets with their lights flashing. I don't have a problem with them stopping speeders especially in residential areas such as Lucerne Avenue. People are crossing that street all of the time, some with little babies in carriages. But a full court press for revenue and concentrating on someone going 10mph over the 25 mph speed limit instead of the vandals who are constantly painting graffiti in our city--is that the most productive use of their time?
The graffiti continues at this property. This is an illegal act. It is vandalism and the graffiti "artist's" message has been heard, over and over again. What can or will the sheriff do about it?
This morning, on several occasions, I was on Lucerne Avenue west of Dixie. Sheriff vehicles were all over the place, stopping speeders, coming out of side streets with their lights flashing. I don't have a problem with them stopping speeders especially in residential areas such as Lucerne Avenue. People are crossing that street all of the time, some with little babies in carriages. But a full court press for revenue and concentrating on someone going 10mph over the 25 mph speed limit instead of the vandals who are constantly painting graffiti in our city--is that the most productive use of their time?
The graffiti continues at this property. This is an illegal act. It is vandalism and the graffiti "artist's" message has been heard, over and over again. What can or will the sheriff do about it?
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Happenings on Lucerne
Comment Up
Poor Greg Rice. No sooner does he paint over the graffiti when he is tagged again. This time it is small but large enough for the graffiti "artists" to tell everyone that they rule.
All gone now other than one out building.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Graffiti on Lucerne Avenue
Comment Up
Just when we begin to give the benefit of the doubt to the CRA that they are revitalizing the western community, then this property is trashed again. Boarded up for years, and directly west of the CRA's project, The Lofts, this private property is ideal for the graffiti artist once again.
Just when we begin to give the benefit of the doubt to the CRA that they are revitalizing the western community, then this property is trashed again. Boarded up for years, and directly west of the CRA's project, The Lofts, this private property is ideal for the graffiti artist once again.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Downtown Lake Worth
Comment Up
BEVERAGE VIOLATION-- 14052876-- 400 BLOCK LAKE AVE-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 3/23/2014 11:59:00 AM (What can you expect with every Tom, Dick and Harry having a beer/wine and/or liquor license?)
ASSAULT--14053018--000 BLOCK LAKE AVE--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/23/2014 6:53:00 PM
According to our Ordinance--No person shall sell, deliver, consume or permit the sale, delivery, service or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises except for the following hours where a business holds a legal alcohol license:
(a) The hours of sale of alcoholic beverages of more than one (1) percent of alcohol by weight shall be:
(1) 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 2:00 a.m., and 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
(2) 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 2:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. (Noon) to 11:59 p.m., Sunday.
Who knows? That might have changed by now.
Back in December 2011, Greg Rice, who was the vice chairman of the executive board for the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce, said allowing downtown restaurants to serve alcohol without getting a distance waiver will help make it easier to attract new restaurants downtown. City Commissioner Andy Amoroso, a downtown merchant, said removing the need for waivers for downtown restaurants will help make the area more attractive.
As this is a business driven commission, restaurants don't need waivers--they now all get them automatically no longer having to come before the city commission. This dais gave that responsibility away to the Planning & Zoning and Historical Preservation Boards.
BEVERAGE VIOLATION-- 14052876-- 400 BLOCK LAKE AVE-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 3/23/2014 11:59:00 AM (What can you expect with every Tom, Dick and Harry having a beer/wine and/or liquor license?)
ASSAULT--14053018--000 BLOCK LAKE AVE--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/23/2014 6:53:00 PM
According to our Ordinance--No person shall sell, deliver, consume or permit the sale, delivery, service or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises except for the following hours where a business holds a legal alcohol license:
(a) The hours of sale of alcoholic beverages of more than one (1) percent of alcohol by weight shall be:
(1) 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 2:00 a.m., and 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
(2) 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 2:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. (Noon) to 11:59 p.m., Sunday.
Who knows? That might have changed by now.
Back in December 2011, Greg Rice, who was the vice chairman of the executive board for the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce, said allowing downtown restaurants to serve alcohol without getting a distance waiver will help make it easier to attract new restaurants downtown. City Commissioner Andy Amoroso, a downtown merchant, said removing the need for waivers for downtown restaurants will help make the area more attractive.
As this is a business driven commission, restaurants don't need waivers--they now all get them automatically no longer having to come before the city commission. This dais gave that responsibility away to the Planning & Zoning and Historical Preservation Boards.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Lake Worth officials to be sworn in tonight
Comment Up
Tonight, there is a special meeting at 6:30 pm to swear in "NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS" BY THE CITY ATTORNEY:
A. Mayor - Pam Triolo
B. Commissioner, District 1 - Scott Maxwell
C. Commissioner, District 3 - Andy Amoroso
LOYALTY OATH
For Elective Office
STATE OF FLORIDA )
COUNTY OF PALM BEACH ) SS
CITY OF LAKE WORTH )
I, xxxxxxxxx, a citizen of the City of Lake Worth, the State of Florida and of the United States of America, and being an officer of the City of Lake Worth and a recipient of public funds as such officer, do hereby solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Florida and the Charter of the City of Lake Worth, and that I am entitled to hold office under the Constitution and Charter of the City of Lake Worth, and that I will faithfully perform all the duties of the Office of xxxxxxx, on which I am about to enter.
______________________________
(elected official’s signature
Of course, they had no opponents. They are believing the hype that they have a mandate (Greg Rice told them that on Tuesday night) and that everyone, therefore, believes that they are doing a swell job.
Tonight, there is a special meeting at 6:30 pm to swear in "NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS" BY THE CITY ATTORNEY:
A. Mayor - Pam Triolo
B. Commissioner, District 1 - Scott Maxwell
C. Commissioner, District 3 - Andy Amoroso
LOYALTY OATH
For Elective Office
STATE OF FLORIDA )
COUNTY OF PALM BEACH ) SS
CITY OF LAKE WORTH )
I, xxxxxxxxx, a citizen of the City of Lake Worth, the State of Florida and of the United States of America, and being an officer of the City of Lake Worth and a recipient of public funds as such officer, do hereby solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Florida and the Charter of the City of Lake Worth, and that I am entitled to hold office under the Constitution and Charter of the City of Lake Worth, and that I will faithfully perform all the duties of the Office of xxxxxxx, on which I am about to enter.
______________________________
(elected official’s signature
Of course, they had no opponents. They are believing the hype that they have a mandate (Greg Rice told them that on Tuesday night) and that everyone, therefore, believes that they are doing a swell job.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Andrew Marra - What he didn't say on the Height of Hypocrisy
Comment Up
What he didn’t say about the height referendum in Downtown Lake Worth--The Height of Hypocrisy
What he didn’t say about the height referendum in Downtown Lake Worth--The Height of Hypocrisy
- The Commission disallowed the referendum to be voted upon in November 2012 on the pretense that the public had to “get educated.”
- The Commission pushed the vote to March 2013 to give themselves time to sabotage it.
- In March, the residents voted and won by 56%. (He did say that).
- The Public had plenty of time to get educated and the city commission did everything within its power to ensure that they were.
- The commission allowed an illegal banner to be erected on the Gulfstream Hotel right before a major weekend in the city—the Street Painting Festival. Not only were The Friends of the Gulfstream (two people who were on major boards that have influence on what our city looks like, Loretta Sharpe and Greg Rice) were told to remove it, but they erected it twice. They never were fined for their insurrection. This all was done within weeks of the election.
- A complaint was filed with the Florida Election Commission that did fine Loretta Sharpe who was Chair of the Friends of the Gulfstream PAC for her banner. The disposition of that complaint comes up next month in Tallahassee.
- This PAC made the election about the Gulfstream Hotel, pulling at the heart strings and lying to the voters. Of course, it was not about that at all. The Gulfstream Hotel was/is protected under the Height Limit Charter Amendment; it can be restored or rebuilt to its current height. Any expansion to the Gulfstream can be built to four stories.
- The commission kept telling us that we needed to build higher to attract a developer in our downtown and that we needed the tax base. Any taxes in this area goes to the CRA and the taxpayers will pick up the cost of services. Developers haven't come to Lake Worth in a half century to want to build anything but affordable housing, a legal scam on the US government.
- The commission would not codify the results of the election and delayed the outcome hoping to find a loophole to overturn the results. Some friend of William Waters came through in the much needed delay of the opposition and this city commission.
- H.B. 537 was signed into law by Governor Rick Scott just a few weeks ago that said referendums were not allowed for development orders, Comprehensive Plan changes or Map changes.
- The relevant question is--did the 2011 and 2012 versions of the legislation preclude local citizens' rights to vote in their community on heights. If it did not, an amendment to the legislation has probably no legal basis. Courts have regularly "shot down" post-facto legislation.
- The referendum in Lake Worth involved a charter change. Heights were already addressed in the charter.
- The opposition, as well as Andrew Marra, says that limiting heights discourages development. The 56 percenters say that is hogwash.
- Those who voted for height limitations in our downtown say that they did not want any more buildings over 4 stories in the downtown and that developers had 100 years to build higher buildings and didn’t.
- Although Mr. Marra did not like the vote outcome, 56% of the voters did.
- Although the majority city commission did not like the outcome of the vote, they ended up getting their way by subverting the will of the people with a delay that they say is in their favor…the public be damned.
- The commission, 100% created this problem and should have moved the results forward immediately. That was their responsibility.
- The commission, right now, could honor the vote by making a comprehensive plan change reflecting the will of the people. They haven’t. They won’t.
- This commission does not care about what the people want only what they think we should have. This is not democracy.
Friday, July 5, 2013
The Gulfstream Hotel was the "game"
Comment Up
Yesterday's master of ceremonies at the July 4th event at Bryant Park. Love Layla, his dog!
One of Mr. Rice's friends is the editor of the Lake Worth Herald. In his editorial piece today he says, it is all "gamemanship" as to why we have these differences in Lake Worth. How anyone can arrive at that opinion is a mystery. Some of us have lived here almost as long as he has. What we have is a difference of opinion on how we want our downtown to look and we all have the right to have an opinion. We also had the right to vote on the question. We did. We won for 45 and 35 feet in our downtown
Another Lucerne Condo building six stories high and a building incompatible to the entire downtown block west of Federal to Dixie where Mr. Rice lives, is not the answer. These "Friends" used the Gulfstream Hotel as a lie for 6 story heights in our downtown. To the side of Mr. Rice and Mr. Easton, height does matter--it is their big game, and boy did they play some games during the election. They say two more floors is the catalyst for developers to have an interest in our city or not. I say, where has that developer been in all these last 100 years? What developer told you that? What developer said that he just had to have 6 stories? What developer told you that 4 stories would not work? We already had one big hotel chain that said 4 stories would work.
This is not entertainment, Mr. Editor. Do you think that we petitioned and raised money for the fun of it? This is not about being ramrodded by a dictatorial developer oriented commission wanting its own way. This is true passion on the part of the people and what we want for our city. 56% of the people told you so.
Photo by Palm Beach Post
Greg Rice
Yesterday's master of ceremonies at the July 4th event at Bryant Park. Love Layla, his dog!
One of Mr. Rice's friends is the editor of the Lake Worth Herald. In his editorial piece today he says, it is all "gamemanship" as to why we have these differences in Lake Worth. How anyone can arrive at that opinion is a mystery. Some of us have lived here almost as long as he has. What we have is a difference of opinion on how we want our downtown to look and we all have the right to have an opinion. We also had the right to vote on the question. We did. We won for 45 and 35 feet in our downtown
Another Lucerne Condo building six stories high and a building incompatible to the entire downtown block west of Federal to Dixie where Mr. Rice lives, is not the answer. These "Friends" used the Gulfstream Hotel as a lie for 6 story heights in our downtown. To the side of Mr. Rice and Mr. Easton, height does matter--it is their big game, and boy did they play some games during the election. They say two more floors is the catalyst for developers to have an interest in our city or not. I say, where has that developer been in all these last 100 years? What developer told you that? What developer said that he just had to have 6 stories? What developer told you that 4 stories would not work? We already had one big hotel chain that said 4 stories would work.
This is not entertainment, Mr. Editor. Do you think that we petitioned and raised money for the fun of it? This is not about being ramrodded by a dictatorial developer oriented commission wanting its own way. This is true passion on the part of the people and what we want for our city. 56% of the people told you so.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Lake Worth Board Appointments coming up
Comment Up
Board appointments will be coming up soon as terms expire. Applicants don't even have to sit through a public interview. They are appointed behind the scenes by the commission. We have no idea if anyone is qualified. If you go to the city web site, they don't even give you information any longer on the CRA's board members. Even though the city commission appoints CRA board members, it is off the city's web site. The CRA does not have to answer to the city commission or to the residents at all. They do have to submit a budget and the city has to be responsible for all debts they fail to pay. Everything is getting less transparent in the City of Lake Worth. Everyone should be asking, "why?"
Following are two of the top three city appointed boards members' lists. These appointees have a lot of power as to how our city looks, sometimes making decisions that are arbitrary to our desires. At times they get deeply involved in political issues and even go so far as to scorn city code and ordinances. It is really important who is elected commissioner.
Historic Resources Preservation Board
Members – Three Year Terms
Planning & Zoning
Board appointments will be coming up soon as terms expire. Applicants don't even have to sit through a public interview. They are appointed behind the scenes by the commission. We have no idea if anyone is qualified. If you go to the city web site, they don't even give you information any longer on the CRA's board members. Even though the city commission appoints CRA board members, it is off the city's web site. The CRA does not have to answer to the city commission or to the residents at all. They do have to submit a budget and the city has to be responsible for all debts they fail to pay. Everything is getting less transparent in the City of Lake Worth. Everyone should be asking, "why?"
Following are two of the top three city appointed boards members' lists. These appointees have a lot of power as to how our city looks, sometimes making decisions that are arbitrary to our desires. At times they get deeply involved in political issues and even go so far as to scorn city code and ordinances. It is really important who is elected commissioner.
Historic Resources Preservation Board
Members – Three Year Terms
| Wes | Blackman |
2014
|
Planning |
| Juan | Contin |
2014
|
Architecture |
| Judith | Just |
2013
|
Law |
| Herman | Robinson |
2015
|
Related Field |
| Loretta | Sharpe |
2013
|
Real Estate Sales |
| Alternates (One Year Term) | |||
| Mark | Clary |
2013
|
Architecture |
| Jimmy | Zoeliner |
2013
|
Citizen at Large |
Planning & Zoning
| Mark | Parrilla |
31-Jul-2015
|
Citizen at Large |
| Greg | Rice |
31-Jul-2013
|
Professional / Real Estate |
| John | Rinaldi |
31-Jul-2014
|
Citizen at Large |
| Dean | Sherwin |
31-Jul-2014
|
Professional / Architect |
| Dustin | Zacks |
31-Jul-2013
|
Professional / Law |
| Alternates | |||
| Vacant |
31-Jul-2013
|
Professional | |
| Vacant |
31-Jul-2013
|
Citizen at Large |
Friday, May 24, 2013
Lake Worth deserves better deal
Comment Up
Palm Beach Post
May 23, 2013
Lake Worth deserves better deal
Regarding The Post’s coverage of Lake Worth’s electric utility: For too long we in Lake Worth have wanted to see our rates as low as FPL’s. I am encouraged by our elected officials taking a public stand to bring down our rates to what our neighbors pay FPL. That’s something no other city-owned electric company in the state is now able to do.
We all want to believe that it could happen. We’ve been promised that before. Let us all hope we have the unified will to make the sacrifices to wean ourselves off the cash fix our electric utility has hooked us on, to make up for our depressed property values. Small cites never can attract experts to compete with a company like FPL. Our government-owned electric utility is a big drag on our local economy. Lake Worth is a special place, but not special enough to charge us higher rates for lesser service, especially when there’s a better option all around us.
GREG RICE
Lake Worth
Note: All comments by Mr. Rice are not necessarily the view of this blog but everyone deserves the right to be heard.
Palm Beach Post May 23, 2013
Lake Worth deserves better deal
Regarding The Post’s coverage of Lake Worth’s electric utility: For too long we in Lake Worth have wanted to see our rates as low as FPL’s. I am encouraged by our elected officials taking a public stand to bring down our rates to what our neighbors pay FPL. That’s something no other city-owned electric company in the state is now able to do.
We all want to believe that it could happen. We’ve been promised that before. Let us all hope we have the unified will to make the sacrifices to wean ourselves off the cash fix our electric utility has hooked us on, to make up for our depressed property values. Small cites never can attract experts to compete with a company like FPL. Our government-owned electric utility is a big drag on our local economy. Lake Worth is a special place, but not special enough to charge us higher rates for lesser service, especially when there’s a better option all around us.
GREG RICE
Lake Worth
Note: All comments by Mr. Rice are not necessarily the view of this blog but everyone deserves the right to be heard.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Lake Worth on the Mend?
Comment Up
Lake Worth officials are non-partisan and the way that Missy Diaz has written her article and attorney Michael Weiner has STATED his comment you would think that all past commissions in Lake Worth never did a damn thing right. And since Mr. Weiner brings political Parties into this, if it were not for some of our past commissions, progressives to boot, we would not have our beach redevelopment; we would not have our own Reverse Osmosis Plant; we would not have saved Old Bridge Park from a condo highrise; and the budget HAS TO BE balanced by law.
The uber-liberal central Palm Beach County city – best known for its fringe population of self-described anarchists who regularly make national news for heckling conservative candidates and causes – elected a smart-growth, pro-business, pro-development Republican mayor, writes Diaz.
Read more about Lake Worth Mayor Pam Triolo and how this article implies that she has single handedly cleaned up and turned around Lake Worth by 180^ according to Greg Rice.
We still have the slum and blight. We still have the crime. We STILL have the potholes, and now this commission wants to spend $63 million filling them in.
Lake Worth officials are non-partisan and the way that Missy Diaz has written her article and attorney Michael Weiner has STATED his comment you would think that all past commissions in Lake Worth never did a damn thing right. And since Mr. Weiner brings political Parties into this, if it were not for some of our past commissions, progressives to boot, we would not have our beach redevelopment; we would not have our own Reverse Osmosis Plant; we would not have saved Old Bridge Park from a condo highrise; and the budget HAS TO BE balanced by law.
The uber-liberal central Palm Beach County city – best known for its fringe population of self-described anarchists who regularly make national news for heckling conservative candidates and causes – elected a smart-growth, pro-business, pro-development Republican mayor, writes Diaz.
Read more about Lake Worth Mayor Pam Triolo and how this article implies that she has single handedly cleaned up and turned around Lake Worth by 180^ according to Greg Rice.
We still have the slum and blight. We still have the crime. We STILL have the potholes, and now this commission wants to spend $63 million filling them in.
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