Temporary Moratorium to be considered on Sustainable Bonus Program

Proposed apartment complex in downtown Lake Worth Beach

Under New Business tonight: Resolution 23-2021.

This resolution proposes a zoning-in-progress notice to address the City Commission’s concerns regarding the Sustainable Bonus Program.

If approved, the resolution directs the Department of Community Sustainability to prepare a temporary moratorium ordinance to be reviewed by the City’s Planning and Zoning Board and Historic Resource Preservation Board to then be scheduled for consideration and a public hearing before the City Commission.

I have utmost confidence in this city commission to approve this Resolution.

Read about it... in the Palm Beach Post and see the rendering.

Richard Stowe's OP-Ed Piece on Historic Lake Worth

Point of View: Do more to preserve Lake Worth Beach’s historic downtown

Letters to the Editor--Point of View
Palm Beach Post
July 20, 2020

Do More to Preserve Lake Worth Beach's historic Downtown

With sunlight fading on a Saturday evening in 2012, a new friend drove me through the heart of Lake Worth (Beach) past Old Lake Worth City Hall, its library, post office, City Hall and Cultural Council.

A decade earlier, the National Register of Historic Places designated most of downtown as an “Historic Old Town Commercial District.” City Planning Commission Chair Frank Palen laid the groundwork by writing a strong City Historic Preservation Ordinance in the 1990s.

From 2017 to 2020, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) bought 11 properties south of Lake Avenue (SoLA). The ordinance allowed adjacent property owners to appeal the historic board’s decision to conditionally approve demolishing seven CRA contributing historic structures. The City Commission upheld that decision in a quasi-judicial hearing, and one owner sued over the commission’s decision in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court.

The CRA’s SoLA RFP summary states that existing contributing historic “structures” must first be “demolished” or “moved” offsite before “new construction permits are released.” That certainly runs counter to the CRA’s mission in its Redevelopment Plan: “Restoration of historic structures and ... architectural guidelines for ... building renovations are fundamental aspects of the Lake Worth redevelopment program.”

The alternative to the RFP’s development parameters is to optimize use of city and CRA buildings. Move Community Sustainability to Old Lake Worth City Hall, a building dominated by part-time volunteer uses. That will benefit the avenues, as employees and visitors stream into nearby food, beverage and retail establishments. By relocating downtown, the walk from Community Sustainability to City Hall decreases from 25 minutes to 7 minutes.

To make way for Community Sustainability, relocate utility department employees to 501 Lake Avenue, welcome Visitor Center volunteers to a small building at 509 Lake and History Museum volunteers and Children’s room staff to a renovated 26 S L, a two-story house designed by Edgar Wortman, Lake Worth Beach’s public library architect.

Eliminating arbitrary minimum off-street parking requirements in Historic Old Town makes room for restored contributing historic structures and new workforce housing to co-exist south of Lake Avenue.

The 25- or 50-foot wide parcels and street grid platted by surveyors in 1912 give Lake Worth (Beach) its historic charm and value. The city’s past should be present, not a memory in photo archives.

RICHARD STOWE, LAKE WORTH BEACH

Lake Worth's Unique Character will change

Opponents consider legal action against redevelopment project replacing cottages

Although we've mentioned it before on this blog, the night that the Lake Worth City Commission approved of demolishing and/or moving some historic homes to make way for developers, the city's chamber was packed with people against. The commission didn't listen; it never does.

"Reached by phone Friday, Lake Worth Beach Mayor Pam Triolo said the city needs thoughtfully planned housing units and parking to boost the tax base and help provide foot traffic for downtown businesses." If you want foot traffic downtown, get some stores where people want to shop. Get rid of the lousy restaurants and reduce the number of bars.

And mayor, this is in the CRA's tax base and any tax revenues from increases in real property value, referred to as “increment,” are deposited into the Community Redevelopment Agency Trust Fund and dedicated to the redevelopment area. So, good luck in the city's "boost" in taxes down the road. That increase will all go to the CRA and the city's portion is frozen as the commission continues to make one lousy decision after another.

Read about it...

Time to end the CRA

Time for Term Limits

The Old Lucerne Historic Residential District

"The Old Lucerne Historic Residential District (also known as Townsite of Lucerne) is a U.S. Historic District (designated as such The district runs roughly along North Lakeside Drive, North Palmway, and North O Street, from Lake Avenue to 7th Avenue North. It contains 218 historic buildings."

A few months ago, I heard from Greg Wells regarding his web site that he and his wife Jeni wrote for the purpose of keeping up with the maze of rules and regulations that all property owners in the 6 historic districts face. He says that navigation on the City’s website for a newcomer to find historic info starts in the “Business” section with no link at all in the residents section. He said because of that, he got the idea of a citizen owned consolidated link page for new and existing residents. He bought the domain names, www.oldlucerne.com and www.oldlucernehistoric.com.

Visit the Old Lucerne Historical District web site and the history of our city.

Lake Worth's 2nd Annual Historic Preservation Awards

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Ben Kerr, Public Information Officer
Phone: 561.586.1631
Email: BKerr@lakeworth.org

Lake Worth, FL – On May 23rd, 2018 at 7:00pm the City of Lake Worth, Department for Community Sustainability, Division of Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation in conjunction with the Historic Resources Preservation Board and the Historical Society of Lake Worth will host a ceremony in the Lake Worth Casino Ballroom to present the second annual Lake Worth Historic Preservation Awards. Winners will be recognized with awards in five categories: Rehabilitation/Restoration, Compatible New Construction or Addition, Preservation of Historic Materials, Preservation Craftsman, and Preservation Champion or Organization. The Historical Society of Lake Worth will also be presenting two awards for Sensitive Restoration and Adaptive Re-use of historic properties. After the ceremony a light reception, sponsored by the Historical Society of Lake Worth, will be held.

“The City of Lake Worth Historic Resources Preservation Board is pleased to announce the City’s second annual Historic Preservation Awards. I hope you’ll join us in recognizing the award winners that have contributed to preserving our City’s unique character and the people that helped make it possible. We are excited to continue with the annual awards program as there are many great new projects in the City.”
~Darrin Engel, Chairman of the Lake Worth Historic Resources Preservation Board.

May is National Historic Preservation Month. Celebrate with #ThisPlaceMatters.

For more information please call Ben Kerr, Public Information Officer at 561.586.1631

####

Ben Kerr
Public Information Officer

City of Lake Worth
7 North Dixie Highway
Lake Worth, FL 33460
561.586.1631
bkerr@lakeworth.org

Lake Worth Historic Districts Design Guidelines Meeting

JOINT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING
Historic Preservation Design Guidelines

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018
7:00 PM IN THE LAKE WORTH CASINO BALLROOM

The City of Lake Worth is hosting a meeting of the Neighborhood Associations that include historic districts to present the preliminary Historic Preservation Design Guidelines. These guidelines are being prepared by Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and City Staff as a guide for property owners located within a Historic District.

We hope you can join us for this important event that will help to shape the future of our great City. All are invited, especially those who live in the following neighborhoods that include Historic Districts:

• Bryant Park Neighborhood
• Royal Poinciana Neighborhood
• College Park Neighborhood
• South Palm Park Neighborhood
• Downtown Jewel
• Parrot Cove Neighborhood
• Mango Groves Neighborhood

2nd Annual Historic Preservation Awards Program

April 2, 2018

Contact: Ben Kerr, Public Information Officer
Phone: 561.586.1631
Email: bkerr@lakeworth.org

Lake Worth – 2nd Annual Historic Preservation Awards Program Nominations Extended

The City of Lake Worth Division of Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation has extended the nomination period for the second annual Historic Preservation Awards Program. All nominations are now due no later than 4pm on Wednesday, April 4th. Members of the Historic Resources Preservation Board will judge each entry on its merit and an awards ceremony will take place in the Lake Worth Casino Ballroom during National Historic Preservation Month, on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018.
Nominations are open for the following five categories:

• Rehabilitation/Restoration
o Acknowledges the compatible rehabilitation of a structure or building component
• Compatible New Construction or Addition
o Acknowledges designs that are compatible in massing, scale, size, and architectural features within a historic district
• Preservation of Historic Materials
o Acknowledges the preservation of historic character defining features
• Preservation Craftsman
o Acknowledges the contributions of an individual or organization to restore and preserve historic structures or building components
• Preservation Champion
o Acknowledges the contributions of an individual to the advancement, promotion, and support of historic preservation within the City

All nominations are due by 4pm on Wednesday April 4th, 2018.

Time Trolley Tour in Lake Worth

Lake Worth's Annual Historic Preservation Awards

PRESS RELEASE
Contact:           Ben Kerr, Public Information Officer
Phone:             561.586.1631
Email:              bkerr@lakeworth.org


Lake Worth – 2nd Annual Historic Preservation Awards Program Nominations Open
The City of Lake Worth Division of Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation has opened nominations for the second annual Historic Preservation Awards Program. Members of the Historic Resources Preservation Board will judge each entry on its merit and an awards ceremony will take place in the Lake Worth Casino Ballroom during National Historic Preservation Month, on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018. 

Nominations are open for the following five categories:
•    Rehabilitation/Restoration
o    Acknowledges the compatible rehabilitation of a structure or building component
•    Compatible New Construction or Addition
o    Acknowledges designs that are compatible in massing, scale, size, and architectural features within a historic district
•    Preservation of Historic Materials
o    Acknowledges the preservation of historic character defining features
•    Preservation Craftsman
o    Acknowledges the contributions of an individual or organization to restore and preserve historic structures or building components
•    Preservation Champion
o    Acknowledges the contributions of an individual to the advancement, promotion, and support of historic preservation within the City

All nominations are due by 4pm on Monday April 2nd, 2018.

For further information, including eligibility, please see the Call For Nominations: Click here.

Please contact the City of Lake Worth Public Information Officer, Ben Kerr, with any questions or comments.

Hudson Holdings just can't get it together

Hudson Holdings, the investor/developer who bought the Gulfstream Hotel in Lake Worth in the historic district with the stated goal of renovating it to its splendor of the past, was just turned down by the Historic board in Delray for its lofty goals involving their plan to demolish some historic buildings as well as to rehabilitate and relocate others. Hudson Holdings also planned to build condominiums, stores and an underground parking garage.

This development was to be on Swinton Avenue which is south of Atlantic. Hudson Holdings offices are also on Swinton.

Lake Worth bent over backwards for Hudson Holdings and all it did was get a poke in the eye and voters mad when the Lake Worth commission of Maxwell, Triolo and Amoroso, did not honor our heights amendment vote won at the ballot box. Instead, they gave Hudson whatever it wanted and the mayor cleverly made the area a hotel district.

To this day, the Gulfstream Hotel languishes.

Delray Beach was smarter than we by rejecting Hudson for the sixth time.

Read about it...

Quote of the Day - Scott Maxwell

"Commissioner Robinson, I take exception to your screwy comments up here tonight."

~ Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell

The former chair of the Historic Resource Preservation Board and now commissioner, Herman Robinson,  had been speaking to the historic district in our city that was on the agenda under Unfinished Business. He said that "If we're going to have historic preservation in our town, it's up to us to do it right...if it isn't right, we need to fix it."

See video around 2:20:34
Video

Lake Worth's Historic District

Lake Worth neighbors hit roadblocks in upgrading historic homes against hurricanes

Historic preservation ordinance has restrictions

Read what Commissioner Hardy says... He is right! Can you even imagine not being allowed to install accordion hurricane shutters on your home?
.
Think twice about buying into our historic district unless these problems can be solved.

Hudson Holdings back in the news

Hudson Holdings, our favorite "developer" from Delray Beach is still fighting a battle in that city. At least their city commission is on the side of preservation rather than succumbing to the whims of Hudson--no waivers for them--no rezoning for them--in fact, the city commission is trying to get the property on the national register.

There has been a lot of resistance to the $140 million, 9 acre project that would include building a hotel, stores and an underground parking garage.

Read about it... and Hudson Holdings, the company that has neglected The Gulfstream Hotel beyond belief even after the Lake Worth commission (Maxwell, Triolo and Amoroso) bent over backwards for them even to the point of negating the vote of the people. And Commissioner Herman Robinson was the chair of the Historical Preservation Board that ok'd all of it for Hudson Holdings.

Lake Worth to get matching Grant for Historical Resources consultant

Another consultant!

WHAT THE CITY SAYS:
On June 19, 2017, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Historical Resources (“Division”) notified the City of an award in the amount of $30,000 under the FY 2017-2018 Small Matching Historic Preservation Grants Program.

The purpose of this grant award is to provide the City with funding assistance to procure the services of a cultural resources management consultant to assist the City in developing design guidelines for implementing its historic preservation program in a consistent manner.

Since the start of its historic preservation efforts, the City has created six historic districts, each of which was formed to preserve different aspects of the City’s unique development history, and each is distinct from the next. However, at this time, only two of the City’s Historic Districts have specific guidelines to help preserve the character that defines the features their historic resources. The development of design guidelines specific to each district will serve as a guide for residents and businesses interested in making compatible alterations to their historic properties.

The City is required to provide a local cost share of $30,373, of which $15,000 will be in cash and $15,373 will be in in-kind staff and volunteer contributions.

Historical Society of Lake Worth Lecture and Tour

Historical Society of Lake Worth
15 N. “M” Street
Lake Worth, FL  33460

March 22
7 pm Free Lecture --
Art Deco Architectural Treasures of Lake Worth

When:  Wed March 22, 7pm – 8pm. 
Where:  Brogues Restaurant (back room), 621 Lake Ave, Lake Worth
Description:   The lecture by Sharon Koskoff is an in-depth virtual tour of the Art Deco architecture found in Lake Worth, the largest concentration of Streamline Moderne buildings in Palm Beach County.  Sharon Koskoff is President/Founder of Art Deco Society of the Palm Beaches. The lecture is sponsored free of charge by the Historical Society of Lake Worth. See our website www.historicalsocietyoflakeworth.org for further information.

March 25
Walking Tour
Art Deco Architectural Treasures of Lake Worth

Guided tour by Sharon Koskoff through Lake Worth’s historic downtown and where we will learn about our public art, gallery scene and architectural history.  Cost at the tour is $30.00 – early sign-up $25.00.  See www.historicalsocietyoflakeworth.org for further information and payment options.

When:    Sat March 25, Assembly: 9:45 am
Where:   Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave, Lake Worth., Light refreshments included

Description:   Lake Worth is renowned for its surviving examples of Art Deco architecture. Sharon Koskoff will guide us through Lake Worth's historic downtown and learn about our public art, gallery scene and architectural history.  Sharon Koskoff President/Founder of Art Deco Society of the Palm Beaches. The tour is sponsored by the Historical Society of Lake Worth. See our website www.historicalsocietyoflakeworth.org for further information.

Lake Worth Historical Society - Walking tour In Lake Worth

LEARN!!:
Free Lecture: Sharon Koskoff
An in depth Virtual Tour of the Art Deco Architecture found in Lake Worth -- the largest concentration of Streamline Moderne buildings in Palm Beach County.

Wednesday Evening, March 22, 2017, 7:00PM
Brogues (back room) 621 Lake Ave, Lake Worth
Join us at 6 PM for Happy Hour for History Buffs (cash bar)!!


EXPERIENCE!!
Walking Tour of Art Deco Architectural Treasures of Lake Worth
Lake Worth is renowned for its surviving examples of Art Deco architecture
Sharon Koskoff will guide us through Lake Worth's historic downtown and learn about our public art, gallery scene and architectural history.

Saturday Morning, March 25, 2017, 10:00 AM – 1 PM
Assembly: 9:45 at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave, Lake Worth
Light refreshments included
After Walking Tour: Join us for an Optional "Buy Your Own Lunch" at Brogues / 621 Lake Ave, Lake Worth

March 25 Walking Tour Tickets
Discount Pay-in-advance by March 20: $25
•    At PayPal: historicalsocietylw@hotmail.com
•    Mail Check: Historical Society of Lake Worth, 15 N M St, Lake Worth, FL 33460
•    Pay at lecture (cash, check or credit)

Pay at tour: $30 (cash, check or credit)
Members discounted price: $25

Lake Worth Historic Preservation Awards

CITY OF LAKE WORTH
7 NORTH DIXIE HIGHWAY
LAKE WORTH, FL 33460
LAKEWORTH.ORG

March 6, 2017

Contact: Ben Kerr, Communications Specialist
Phone: 561.586.1631
Email: bkerr@lakeworth.org

Lake Worth, FL – Historic Preservation Awards Program (Nominations)

On March 6th , 2017 the City of Lake Worth Division of Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation opened nominations for the first annual Lake Worth Historic Preservation Awards. Awards will be given in five categories: Rehabilitation/Restoration, Compatible New Construction or Addition, Preservation of Historic Materials, Preservation Craftsman, and Preservation Champion or Organization. Members of the Historic Resources Preservation Board will judge each entry on its merit and an awards ceremony will take place in the Lake Worth Casino Ballroom during National Historic Preservation Month, on Wednesday, May 17th, 2017.

“The preservation of our historic resources ensures the retention of our own unique character and identity as well as adds value to our community. We hope that this program will foster a greater understanding of the positive preservation efforts in our community, and the beneficial impact these projects have on our neighborhoods and the City as a whole.” ~Aimee Sunny, City of Lake Worth Senior Preservation Coordinator.

All nominations are due by 4pm on Monday April 3rd, 2017. Please see attached for more details including eligibility.

Please contact Ben Kerr, the City of Lake Worth Communications Specialist with any questions or comments.

Hudson Holdings at it again

Comment Up

"Our vision is very important. I look at this as the most important project we are working on. We accept comments and criticisms."

~ Steven Michael

Although moving eight historic homes in Delray, as Michael wants to do, goes against the city's rules as well as state and national preservation standards, he says the project wouldn't work unless the city allows their plan.

The Delray Historic Preservation Board was not the least bit thrilled with Hudson Holdings "most important project." They didn't give Hudson Holdings their stamp of approval as they got in Lake Worth. And gee, all along we were told by Hudson Holdings that it was the Gulfstream Hotel that was at the top of their importance ladder and that renovations would start in 2014.

Read about it...

Historic Resource Preservation board - Gulfstream Hotel back on the Agenda

Comment Up

Tonight the Historic Resource Preservation Board meets again. Under Unfinished Business is the Gulfstream Hotel property. The owner, Hudson Holdings, a company that just gave $9,000 to a Tallahassee PAC to try and influence our local elections, will be presenting some revisions along with a proposal to have three stories in its parking garage. There will still be rooftop parking, so essentially there will be four levels of parking.

Old Plan

As suggested in the Site Plan analysis, an additional floor to the parking garage would be appropriate with lower floor-to-floor heights to ensure the building does not exceed 35 feet in height. At this height, additional consideration should be afforded to provide transition to the residential to the south.

Revision Response: The Applicant has revised the parking garage design to incorporate a third floor and the overall garage height is 33’-8” to the top of the parapet wall. No transitional residential has been added to the south elevation at this time.

Hudson Holdings' Gulfstream Hotel site plans on tonight's agenda

Comment Up

In spite of a lawsuit and going full steam ahead with this commission's blessing, Hudson Holdings' site plans for their Gulfstream Hotel will go before the Historic Resource Preservation Board tonight at 6pm City Hall. It still amazes me how one company and a trio of commissioners can stomp on the Charter Amendment regarding heights.

The bewilderment is "why?" Why bend over backwards for one investor who wants 20 more feet than the Charter Amendment allows but doesn't need 20 more feet to have a viable hotel property? WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON?  And I still contend that anyone who petitioned for, campaigned for and voted for the Charter Amendment has standing no matter what legal trick the city wants to take next or one in which Hudson Holdings agrees.

G. New Business

• 1. HRPB Project# 15-01400009 Major Site Plan to renovate and redevelop the Historic Gulfstream Hotel and related properties, including an application for the Sustainable Bonus Incentive Program. The subject site is +/- 79,304 square feet located at 1 Lake Avenue, 11 Lake Avenue, and 12, 14, 20, 22, and 24 South Lakeside Drive. February 17, 2016 Special Meeting

• 2. HRPB Project# 15-00500013 Conditional Use Permit to allow for the renovation and redevelopment and expansion of the historic Gulfstream Hotel and accessory uses within the Downtown (DT) Zoning District.

• 3. HRPB Project# 16-01500001 Setback Variance for the location of an electric utility transformer.

• 4. HRPB Project# 15-00100217 Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for Exterior Alterations to the existing historic Gulfstream Hotel.

• 5. HRPB Project# 15-00100216 Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for an Addition to the existing historic Gulfstream Hotel, including a Historic Waiver.

• 6. HRPB Project# 15-00100215 Certificate of Appropriateness (COA), for New Construction of a new hotel structure and parking garage, including a Historic Waiver.

• 7. HRPB Project# 15-00100214 - Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to allow the demolition of two buildings located at 14 S Lakeside Dr

• 6. Planning Issues

• 7. Public Comments (3 minute limit)