Drop the Lawsuit says Department of Justice

DOJ leverages Correspondents' Dinner shooting to demand preservationists drop Trump ballroom lawsuit

Hours after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, the Justice Department moved to turn the crisis into leverage, sending the National Trust for Historic Preservation a letter demanding it dismiss its lawsuit against President Donald Trump's planned $400 million White House ballroom by 9 a.m. Monday or face a government motion to throw the case out.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche posted the letter on X with a blunt message: "It's time to build the ballroom." The letter, written by Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, called the Washington Hilton, where some 2,300 guests had gathered Saturday night, "demonstrably unsafe" for events involving the president.

The move marks the sharpest escalation yet in a legal and political fight that has simmered since last fall, when Trump ordered the demolition of the White House East Wing to clear ground for a massive 90,000-square-foot ballroom and bunker complex.

The administration's argument is straightforward: the president should not have to attend large events at venues the Secret Service cannot fully secure. Saturday's shooting gave that argument fresh and visceral force.

The letter and the deadline--

Shumate's letter, reported by PBS NewsHour and the Associated Press, framed the demand in urgent terms. Writing "in light of last night's extraordinary events," Shumate stated that the Hilton's size "presents extraordinary security challenges for the Secret Service."

The ballroom project, he wrote, "will ensure the safety and security of the President for decades to come and prevent future assassination attempts on the President at the Washington Hilton."

Read more about it...

Democrats always come up with something to bitch about and the ballroom is not costing the taxpayers a dime. All money was raised through private donors.

A federal appeals court permitted construction to proceed in April 2026, though a lawsuit from the National Trust for Historic Preservation was ongoing regarding the lack of approval for the project.

The New White House ballroom

Federal Appeals Court Just Overruled the Judge Who Tried to Stop Trump’s White House Ballroom

Judge Richard Leon blocked it Thursday night. The DC Circuit put his order on hold Friday night.

And construction resumed before most people even knew it had stopped.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed suit in December to stop the ballroom – arguing Trump needed congressional approval before breaking ground.

The organization suing the president is legally required to seat his own Attorney General on its board.

Trump called them "a Radical Left Group of Lunatics."

Read more about it...

Gulfstream Hotel Update

The Gulfstream Hotel Project Update

As of Friday, April 1, 2022, City staff is in receipt of a complete entitlement/development request application including revisions for the restoration and redevelopment of the Gulfstream Hotel and the adjacent vacant properties. An initial public hearing before the City’s Historic Resources Preservation Board is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 6 pm in the City Commission Chambers.

For more information about the project, please contact City Planning & Preservation Staff at 561-586-1687 or pzoning@lakeworthbeachfl.gov.

"Granny flats" in Lake Worth (Beach)

‘Granny flats’ remain hard to define in Lake Worth Beach

Who says, "They're hard to define?"

Is there anything about a 3/2 rejection vote to ADU's that no one understands?

Commissioners Hardy and Robinson are still not through with this idea of Accessory Dwelling Units allowed throughout residential districts in our city.

Read about it... and the latest proposal before the Historical Preservation Board of an owner who wants to build one on a street saturated with them. The Board, on advice of its attorney, tabled the request.

Adam Schlesinger's history with Lake Worth and the Gulfstream Hotel

What caught my eye in the Palm Beach Post Sunday's edition was that Adam Schlesinger was back in the news. He and his companies are involved in the Ambassador Hotel Cooperative Apartments on S. Ocean Boulevard and have just been sued by them. It is stated that he is using a lot of scare tactics pressuring people to sell their units to him.

If you recall, the Schlesinger family was highly entrenched in our city at one time regarding The Gulfstream Hotel.

Back in July 2005, Schlesinger bought the historic hotel for $12,910,000 paying over double what it sold for only two years before. The hotel is 13,500 sq. ft. situated on 0.399 acres directly across from the Intracoastal Waterway and Bryant Park. It has 106 rooms in 65,456 square-feet and most rooms have a water view.

Adam Schlesinger came before a former Planning & Zoning Board on numerous occasions as well as the City Commission while Jeff Clemens was mayor. He was crying the blues that he couldn't get financing but NO one on the P&Z Board back then, (Lisa Maxwell, former candidate for District 4, Wes Blackman, former candidate for District 3 and Phil Spinelli to name a few), asked him to prove what he said--none of them even asked. They took him at his "word." They continued to give him extension after extension and allowed the Gulfstream to languish.

This is a hotel that survived the Great Depression but did not survive the financial depression we had. Asset Holding Company 5 LLC filed a foreclosure lawsuit against CSC Lake Worth Limited Partnership (Schlesinger) on August 11, 2010 in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. The lawsuit sought repayment of a $12 million loan, plus the foreclosure of the hotel property." In May 2010, it sold for $7,225,000 to HH GULFSTREAM LAND HOLDINGS LLC (Hudson Holdings). Another suit ensued and Carl DeSantis now owns the Gulfstream Hotel. Where is Steven Michael these days?

Read about Schlesinger... in Sunday's Palm Beach Post. In the meantime, the hotel, once an icon of our city, is still in limbo all these years later.

Historic Resources Preservation Board Meeting tonight

Historic Resources Preservation Board | 2019

Meeting Date	Minutes	Agenda Package	Audio/Video
January 9, 2018		Agenda (The Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency has withdrawn their application for the demolition or relocation of 6 structures located on S L and M streets from the Historic Resources Preservation Board for the meeting tonight. As such, the applicant (CRA) is asking for these item to be removed from the agenda. Any further action on these properties will be brought forward with a new application.)

More Medical Marijuana facilities in Lake Worth?

TITLE:
Ordinance No. 2018-12 - First Reading - banning Medical Marijuana Treatment Center Dispensing Facilities within the City of Lake Worth and and setting the second reading and public hearing for September 13, 2018

SUMMARY:
First reading of an ordinance to ban Medical Marijuana Treatment Center Dispensing Facilities within the City of Lake Worth and setting the second reading and public hearing for September 13, 2018.

We already have two facilities in Lake Worth. Two is more than enough.

However, and I had to read this several times thinking I had made a big mistake,

• the City’s Planning & Zoning Board (PZB) recommended to the City Commission that the ordinance be denied in a 5-2 vote.

• The City’s Historic Resources Preservation Board (HRPB) recommended to the City Commission that the amendment be denied in a 4-0 vote.

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'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 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 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.

4 story hotel to be built in Palm Beach Gardens

Comment Up

"Almost 200,000 square feet of new office space, a parking garage and a 111-room hotel will rise up at the PGA Professional and Design Center east of RCA Boulevard in the next three and a half years. TBC Corporation, a tire company, has its headquarters in a building at the corner of PGA and RCA Boulevards that was part of the original project."

Read about it...

It just shows to the City of Lake Worth as well as the Historic Planning Board that a four story hotel CAN be built--developers in Palm Beach Gardens, as they have elsewhere, are doing just that. Laws shouldn't be changed to accommodate developers. And Charter Amendments need to be respected.

And even though Hudson Holdings got their waivers for new development, The Gulfstream Hotel sits idle, going to more slum and blight.

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.

The Gulfstream property and Hudson Holdings

Comment Up

Let me say this right from the start--I want this hotel to re-open. I don't know why Hudson Holdings never started to renovate it after nearly two years of purchase. They promised that would be done within nine months of closing on it. They bought it but let it sit idle going to slum, blight and rats. Then they came up with a scheme to build on the vacant property and it was all put on hold.

Last night, all the big-wigs with Hudson Holdings were in the room:  Steven Michael, John Szerdi, Bonnie Miskel of Dunay, Miskel and Backman, land-use attorney, who gave another long presentation to the Historic Resource Preservation Board. She represents Hudson well and frequently reminded everyone that they are building per our code and law. There was Timothy Graviss with JRA Architects out of Louisville, Kentucky. And we can't forget Wes Blackman who spoke as a private citizen not revealing that he does or did work for Hudson Holdings.

Darrin Engel recused himself at the beginning of the meeting.  He works for REG Architects and now REG is part of the Hudson Holdings team.  If you recall, the night before at city hall, Morganti threw REG under the bus for bad specs at the casino building.

Our issue of the charter amendment was not considered but it is not the job of this Board to consider it.  Their only duty was to consider the plans before them and they spent hours on the most important issue that has ever come before them or even this city. I still feel it was way too rushed last night for this Board to consider it all and should have been done in segments.

One thing that is certain, all those private residences surrounding the Gulfstream property will live in hell down the road. The traffic will be a nightmare on Lake Avenue, South Lakeside Drive, 1st Avenue South and Golfview Road.  The Board asked for a Traffic Management Plan six months after the place is built. The noise--forget about it.  And the parking?  Well, it will be a nightmare too and it was even suggested that Hudson could make the parking garage higher. Right now it will hold three levels of cars. Last night Hudson Holdings, before even any approval for anything, asked for three different waivers on setbacks and got them approved. We can expect more of this.

The original historic hotel building was not talked about and more than likely it could be on the demolition block down the road. Building new is the most cost effective method. The new hotel (they call it the Annex because no one is even sure that they will build this for a hotel) will look different than the original and not look like a part of the Gulfstream Hotel at all. Their architect said it was a Spanish Mission Revival style. Even the setback from Lake Avenue is recessed. With the design, it could be a separate property down the road or a separate use. It will even have its own address on S. Lakeside Drive.

With this tremendous intrusion in the residential neighborhood that surrounds this property on all four sides, residents' lives will change forever and their quality of life will be altered. They are still talking about a rooftop bar on top of the Gulfstream with closing hours at 11pm. Sound travels and this will effect the city for multi-blocks. Lynda Mahoney, one of the petitioners in the lawsuit, reminded the board that closing hours at Bryant Park are 10pm. That did not faze the board and probably not part of their job.

Basically, the property will consist of 174 rooms (remember their attorney said they only needed 120 rooms to be profitable) with parking for 145 cars. Where will staff park? Hudson says they will create 300 jobs.  If the hotel is full, where will their patrons park?  Wes Blackman suggested letting them take over parking at our beach.

Hudson's Steven Michael mentioned again that it would be a Curio hotel using the Hilton's booking system and they would retain the name of the Gulfstream.  I would suppose that Hilton is not yet officially involved with this property until Hudson can prove to them that all their requests, plans, and waivers are in order. No one has seen evidence of Hilton's involvement.

Click here for channel 5's segment on the Gulfstream Hotel. To reiterate my statement of last night, there is not one person in this city who does not want to see this iconic hotel refurbished, renovated and opened again in spite of what a few citizens want to believe. We would ask that Hudson Holdings build the new Annex within the Charter Amendment height of 45 feet.

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)

Resident Speaks Out on Upzoning at Gulfstream Hotel

Comment Up

November 16, 2015

Department of Community Sustainability
Division of Planning, Zoning &
Historical Preservation
1900 2nd Avenue North
Lake Worth, Florida 33461

Re:  Historical Resources Board
Case # HRPB 15-0130001

Dear Planning & Zoning Board:

In response to the above referenced request for a Rezoning from Medium Density Multi-Family (MF-30) Zoning District to a Downtown (DT) Zoning District, I take a stand against this action.

The first objection is this zoning change denies my right as a voter. Recognition of the March 2013 Charter Amendment for height restrictions, which was passed by a majority vote, was never filed by the City of Lake Worth Commission.

As an owner having lived at 101 South Lakeside Drive (a historic house ‘The Savannah’) for the past twenty- five years, I strongly object to your lack of consideration to the surrounding properties. There are five (5) designated structures that border the subject lots. And, there are five (5) lots on the map that are being considered as one (1). There are neighboring properties that have been completely renovated following HRPD strict requirements.

To rezone this subject property will demonstrate failure to perform what is expected of you, sustainability for the future and historic preservation for the immediate issue.

These reasons become most important. The applicant has shown total disregard for the voting community and is not trustworthy in the view of the general public. The future consequences of rezoning have not been considered.

I urge the city not to repeat the history of the Gulfstream Hotel’s 1980 demise by letting another unscrupulous developer destroy our city by using this property to manipulate everyone for their schemes. Hudson Holding has not ever been transparent in its plans for the restoration of the Gulfstream Hotel.

Respectfully submitted,

Roseann Malakates

Via: Certified Mail - Return Receipt Requested
7010 1060 0000 7624 7809

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.

The Lawyers involved in the Gulfstream Hotel in Lake Worth Re-Zoning

Comment Up

Residents came to the city hall chamber on Wednesday night to comment on the up-zoning request by the owners of the Gulfstream Hotel property, Hudson Holdings. The chair, Herman Robinson, tried to stop free speech by saying that the residents could only talk about the zoning, not the owner of the property.  Isn't it the owner who was petitioning for re-zoning/up-zoning before this Board? Therefore all comments were appropriate.

Steven Michael, primary principal, was not present nor was his partner, Avi Greenbaum.  We were told the principal (no name mentioned) was on a plane. But even so, neither was needed. They had highly skilled and competent lawyers. Ms. Miskel gave an in-depth presentation to persuade the Historic Board why an up-zoning was just perfect and how it fit in so well in the area. Her firm of Dunay, Miskel and Backman specializes in land use.

Not only was she selling and promoting for her client, she handed out compliments to our planning department like dishing out candy to kids. If she mentioned the surrounding heights of property to the Gulfstream Hotel once, she mentioned it at least six times. She reminded the Board that they were only there to consider a category of zoning, nothing else, saying that the hotel has had a "turbulent" history. However, she discussed their future plans which in the scheme of things, are all subject to change.

Bonnie Miskel

Even our own board attorney kept everything in perspective for Hudson Holdings. Mr. Engle asked a question about legal standing [of the Charter Amendment].  Ms. Ansay said that there was zero legal standing as the Board was only there to consider a re-zoning of the property. She mentioned that there was a Motion to Dismiss the lawsuit.

 What she failed to say was that this lawsuit filed against the City was withdrawn without prejudice and can be brought back. If you're going to give one fact, you should be giving all of the facts, not just what you choose to relay to win your argument. But that's what attorneys do--they represent their client. In this case, that is the city government and this commission, both that went around the people. Don't think for a minute that they represent you, Joe Citizen. It is why we have a court of law and it's also why we know, and continue to gripe about the lack of transparency in Lake Worth.

Carolyn Ansay, partner in the Torcivia Law firm

She has nearly two decades of experience representing private individuals and governmental entities in environmental and water law, governmental law, land use, and civil litigation.

The only people NOT represented were the voters. But we're not well represented by our commissioners either.

Hudson Holdings gets upzoning approval from the Historic Resources Preservation Board

Comment Up

Loretta Sharpe, Jimmy Zoellner, Tom Norris, Chair Herman Robinson, Judith Just, Vice-Chair Darrin Engel, Erin Fizhugh-Sita.

When our city commission came to power, it did a complete and unorthodox sweep of the Planning & Zoning Board as well as the Historic Board and packed them with their friends. Highly qualified and a Senior Planner for Palm Beach County, Erin became a victim of the political juggling maneuver. It's great to see her back on the board and giving time to Lake Worth.

Last night was the first of a three step process to upzone some of the Gulfstream parcels that are still in a multi-family residential zoning so that Hudson Holdings can make their property more valuable and be allowed to build to 65 feet.

Hudson Holdings never told anyone 1.5 years ago that they wanted to build another hotel nor did they mention a parking garage.  They blitzed into town, thanks to John Szerdi, and told us, to our face, that they were going to renovate the building within 9 months. So, what happened? Slum, blight, vagrants, code violations and a lien.

Obviously, they acquired dreams of grandeur and were told they would get what they wanted...be able to get approval for another building and a parking garage...and they were told they had better go for a zoning change to do it all. They tried to steal our casino complex. Our city is extremely compatible that way.

What happened last night on a 7/0 vote was setting up the property to be more valuable so that Hudson Holdings can make tons of more money from their original investment. No one believes they are going to be the owners of this property once it is all through, other than a few naive people in this city.

The one thing they were not told but were very much aware, was the Charter Amendment. The City is being very quiet on that one hoping that democracy will finally be flushed down the toilet. That could very well be the stickler. Elections and the will of the people should reign in this country, not developers wants and desires. It is about the people.

Nine residents spoke against the up-zoning and six people spoke in favor of what Hudson wants to do, three of whom are snowbirds who live in the Gulfstream Condos that face Bryant Park.  If my memory serves me correctly, these two women were the same who complained about getting a decal sticker at our beach. Former commissioner John Szerdi took care of that complaint as well. They are not voters here so the hell with our Charter Amendment. They have been promised a parking spot by Hudson in their plans for a parking garage and are hoping for their parking problem at their condo to be solved as well.

The motion went something like this:  The HRPB recommends approval to the commission of 15-01300001 and recommends appropriate scaling of the project on the southern part of the property. It also recommends unity of title.

A few members of the board did not want the buildings to go that high (they can go 65 feet with the zoning change) near 1st Avenue South and William Waters brought up compatibility to adjacent properties.

It will now go before the City Commission, the very same majority that did not honor the vote of the people, on December 8 for the First Reading and on January 5 for the Second Reading.