Jets at Lantana Airport

Comment Up

Small aircraft flying low over my condo

Living out here on Lake Osborne we hear the noise of helicopters flying overhead as well as planes flying low from the Lantana Airport that is adjacent to John Prince Park. We have had 82 crashes there since 1982. Just last year, a plane crashed into a mobile home park killing the pilot and someone on the ground. The single-engine plane, a Cherokee 180, was flying from Orlando to the Lantana area airport, just down the road from the crash.

One of our neighbors, Bill Coakley, who has a home directly across the lake from the Lantana Airport, has been fighting this for years. Now, to make matters worse, we have jet aircraft returning to the Lantana Airport.

The owner of Galaxy Aviation said that is what we residents should expect if we buy a house by an airport. Most of our houses have been around longer than Galaxy Aviation.

For years, Bill Coakley has been contacting everyone imaginable about this quality of life issue for the residents of Lake Osborne Estates and all of us who live out here. Now, on top of all the noise problems, we have jets again.

"The recent JET activity and the FBO's February email attempting to marginalize the problem with insults and ignorance directed at the public, has compromised the good relations and optimism which accompanied the friendly and respectful interchange with Galaxy staff when they arrived on the field," he said.

Bill further stated that "One JET inevitably means many more to follow. And that in turn means the possibility of mechanic schools testing jet engines on the field... possibly JET training schools on the airport who conduct their training over our communities."

He mentioned, "The seventeen years of daily and routine abusive non compliant training that had led to so much public unrest - he explained the AIP Grant scam and that if JETS were coming to LNA... there would be a storm of public unrest and introduced the topic of legal action that had been brewing."

Read the article...

What we're also extremely concerned about is whether or not the County is pulling a fast one--allowing jets at the airport in conjunction with the recent construction at John Prince Park in anticipation of its desire for the arrival of the Atlanta Braves in 2019.

Bike Night Discontinued

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Bike Night will not be coming back...The Sheriff’s department said there were too many noise complaints from local residents. I guess someone finally checked the decibels.

Jeff Clemens says Shake, Rattle and Role noise ok by him

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Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, explained, “I believe in the healing power of music, and if I want to drive down the street and heal everybody around me, I should be able to.” Those are the words of a don’t-tell-me-what-to-do adolescent, not a thoughtful advocate for the public good. 

Read more...

I can't stand those boom boxes that make your car shake. And after you are subjected to all that loud noise, you can check yourself into one of Lake Worth's Recovery facilities.

Sound Pollution

Comment Up

Dr. Kirt Rusenko, Marine Conservationist for the Sea Turtle Protection program at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton says:

My main concern for sound pollution is frequencies below 200 Hz which is the range of the heavy, thumping base heard from many cars on the road. Turtles do not hear well out of the water for the higher frequencies but the lower frequencies are literally transmitted through the entire body of the animal and it does disturb them. My concern for sounds at the restaurants is the low frequency bass that seems to be a part of every bar/lounge everywhere. I do not know if there is a noise ordinance in Lake Worth, but one may make this point moot."

This is the same sound that has been driving residents crazy who live near certain bars in the downtown. It is the same complaint that prompted the City to enact a Noise Ordinance. Helen and Bud Greene are thinking of moving from this city because the noise ordinance has not been effective.

There are still some bar supporters who believe that residents don't have any rights when it comes to a decent night's sleep. I am sure that these will be the same people who want our beach opened to 1am with open air restaurant bar band noise polluting the entire coastline of Lake Worth and beyond and calling us "old farts" for being the least bit concerned about it..

The Cottage in Lake Worth

Comment Up

Because of two bar/restaurants downtown, one of which is no longer here, the City went through hoops and devised a noise ordinance in order to be fair to businesses and to the neighborhood alike after receiving numerous calls of loud music late into the morning hours. Now the bars must adhere to defined decibels. The Ordinance should have required them to unplug their amps after 11pm. But they are mad--They want their bands to play into the morning hours and they do not want anyone complaining. The Cottage got even--boy did they ever.

The Cottage, in retaliation, joined a petition web site, spouting the most outlandish lies against our city manager, Commissioner Golden and the City in general, garnering petitions across the country accusing them of being anti-Gay.

It is unbelievable to me how any establishment in our city can make the accusations they have made. This is politics at its worse. I have never seen anything so disgusting and when you think about it, their accusations are so utterly laughable and ridiculous to all of us who live here and know better and who know the people accused. How would you like to be a Gay person accused of being anti-gay? How would you like to be a strong advocate all of your life for civil rights and be accused of violating that? How silly is that? How dangerous is the accuser?

Accusing Susan Stanton, Jo-Ann Golden and our City of discriminating against gays you just have to wonder if they think their business is located in Topeka, Kansas or anywhere but Lake Worth, the Gay capital of the east coast of America. Don’t they know that those they accuse are big supporters of the gay community as most all of us are in Lake Worth? A lie can go a long way--over 1,300 signatures from across the country from people who have no clue. Tell the lie and there is a big percentage of people who will believe it.

The Fairy Tales:

• A year of harassment by the City and sending Code enforcement officers daily
  

• City enabled and fed homophobic behavior

• City did not follow civil rights laws

• A Commissioner made disparaging remarks

• Accuses same Commissioner of being the cause of a Noise Ordinance

• Accuses the City manager of being homophobic, the most outlandish charge of all.
  

I would like for the city attorney to look into these charges, that are defaming and untrue and see if there is any possible legal recourse that the city can entertain for the serious accusations made by The Cottage.

This establishment seems to be bullying the City in order to get its way. It has definitely started a national campaign to convince people that Lake Worth is violating laws. Their accusations of harassment and discrimination are public and now worldwide and are detrimental to the health and welfare of the City of Lake Worth, Commissioner Golden, Susan Stanton and to the four unnamed residents who anyone can look up and identify in public records.

Cottage playing in the muck

Comment Up
Playing the discrimination thing? This is the outrageous statement made by The Cottage that is now in the National eye:

Unfortunately, the City chose to enable and feed the underlying homophobic current, instead of helping a viable and community oriented business as well as honoring its own civil rights ordinance which provides protection for sexual orientation and gender expression. They are speaking about our recent Noise Ordinance. This is NOT an April Fool's Joke!

The Cottage says:
Stop Lake Worth's Harassment and Homophobic Discrimination Of The Cottage Restaurant.
read some bull shit.

The Cottage Restaurant says it is being unfairly targeted because of "noise." It is apparent that the Cottage is asking its customers to sign a Petition who know NOTHING ABOUT IT. Do they offer a discount to sign? In fact, since it is on a Petition blog that caters to discrimination issues, more than likely people from all over the country are hitting on this who know nothing about Lake Worth and that it is the Gay Capital of the East coast of the country.

PATHETIC.

It's not only the Birds

Now HUNDREDS more birds fall from the sky in Kentucky and Louisiana and tens of THOUSANDS of dead fish wash ashore while the government is saying it was probably fireworks" or cold weather but that excuse is being challenged by some as "for the birds.

• 500 carcasses collected after dying in Louisiana on Monday

• As many as 5,000 birds dead in Arkansas on New Year's Eve

• Kentucky woman reports dozens of dead birds in her yard

• Up to 100,000 dead and dying drum fish washed up in Arkansas River

• Tens of thousands of dead fish in Chesapeake Bay in Maryland

• 8,000 little birds fall from the sky in Italy

"The thousands of blackbirds that plummeted to their deaths in front of horrified New Year revelers in Arkansas may have been sent into their deadly spirals by fireworks, raining onto rooftops and into fields as Beebe residents enjoyed the midnight celebrations." Fireworks always worry me here because of our peacock. He sleeps in a pine tree right by the trailer court on 6th Avenue South and those people are non-stop with fireworks. On New Year's Eve the crackling and pops and noise finally stopped around 1am but bright and early the next morning they started up again. This practice is probably against Ordinance but we don't see the Sheriff patrolling that much out this way.

But the above doesn't explain why more than "500 birds dropped dead from the sky in Louisiana last Monday or why a Kentucky woman found dozens of dead birds in her yard. And just a 100 miles away from Beebe's mass bird kill, at least 83,000 dead and dying fish washed ashore, and possibly as many as 100,000."

Is there something else going on?

Read more at the U.K.'s Mail On Line

Noise Ordinance

Last night I was at a party with Helen Greene and asked her about Lake Worth's new Noise Ordinance. The new Ordinance went into effect on Friday. She and her husband, Bud, have taken an activist position in getting this Ordinance passed. As she said, "Hopefully we will now be able to sleep." Helen is also hoping that the new Ordinance will work out for all concerned, nearby residents as well as bar owners.

The Standards of the Ordinance are:

85 decibels 5 days a week, Sunday through Thursday from 7am until 11pm

65 decibels 5 days a week, Sunday through Thursday from 11pm until 7am

85 decibels, 2 days a week, Friday & Saturday, 7am until Midnight

65 decibels, 2 days a week, Friday & Saturday, Midnight until 7am

Beach Hours Discussion

Drummers and the full moon and turtle season were discussed today as well as new beach hours to accommodate all-- but the turtles, that is.

Pier to open 6am until Midnight, all year round.

Beach to be opened from 6am until Midnight with the following exception--

Turtle Season (March through October): 6am until 10pm

Sea turtles usually nest at night. Drew Martin of the Sierra Club was right. Noise or any distraction bothers the turtles. If you should come across an adult turtle on the beach, please DO NOT approach her. Turtles can be easily deterred from nesting by movement, noise or light, such as the light from a flashlight. Stay behind the turtle and out of sight. It is best to avoid walking on the beach at night during sea turtle nesting season (March 1 - October 31).

The City has suggested extended hours on the Full Moon for those who beat drums!!!! And what about all those who walk their dogs on the beach right now knowing that we have an Ordinance against that. You give some an inch and they always will take that mile. It started with this last Commission that allowed them to bring their dogs to the Green Market at the beach. They have inched their way to our dunes.

Careful sea turtles!--all of you are considered threatened and endangered. Don't come ashore to lay eggs during a full moon and before 10pm. Sound is definitely a deterrent to you. Looks like the "full moonies" and those wanting to beat drums won out on this one.

This all comes back to the Commission for a vote in the 2nd week in September and Staff will be looking into signage for sea turtles.

Noise in Lantana

Correction to Yesterday's announcement from Lantana Chamber on Noise Ordinance.

7-12-10--To follow up with our 411 sent today in reference to the Town Council Meeting tonight; July 12^th 7:00pm at Town Hall we would like to correct what was sent and apologize for any inconvenience. The Town does NOT have a live music ordinance. They will be proposing to revise the entire zoning code and one of the changes would add some regulations for outdoor dining areas or sidewalk cafes which have grown in number over the past few years. Here are the proposed changes. #6 would allow music to be played in the outdoor dining area until 9 pm.

Open air dining on private property, as accessory to a restaurant, provided that:

(1) The operation of such business shall not interfere with the circulation of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on the adjoining streets, alleys or sidewalks.
(2) Any open-air dining at a retail food establishment shall be in compliance with all state and local regulations and the applicant shall be required to submit a maintenance plan for review and approval by the City, and shall meet all requirements of this section.
(3) The open-air dining area shall be unenclosed and shall be open except that it may be covered with a canvas cover or structural canopy.
(4) All kitchen equipment used to service the open-air dining area shall be located within the kitchen of the primary restaurant or business.
(5) The open-air dining area shall be kept in a neat and orderly appearance and shall be kept free from refuse and debris.
(6) No music or other audio (live or recorded) or video shall be performed or played except within an enclosed building between the hours of 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM.

Noise Ordinance to be addressed in Lantana

Lantana City Commission meets tonight to discuss NOISE. Here is what the announcement says:

**Town Hall Meeting**

"We encourage our members, residents and neighbors to attend tonight’s Town Hall meeting; Monday, July 12th 7:00pm.

On the Agenda will be to change the live music ordinance from 11:00pm to 9:00pm. If you would like to attend this public meeting and voice your concerns please do so as this may affect your business or a business you frequent."

I bet that won't have to go out with noise meters and such and have endless discussion on the subject.

Noise is a Nuisance

I got to thinking the other morning about our Noise Ordinance after reading Willie Howard's article this past Tuesday in the Post and wondered how that was proceeding. We have been talking about that issue forever and it was this Commission that finally took action. I have not managed to get to the task force meetings but it was reported they have a solution that will be presented on April 13.

In so many ways, our mindset here in Lake Worth, by the majority aged residents who just happen to be those of childbearing age or who have children at home, is that no one should get in their way of having fun, especially their children. Heaven forbid if you block their kids from having everything they desire--Jungle Jims, waterslides, theme parks plus stuff they never thought of before like Robosharks! Kids are totally spoiled today. Parents give them so much even when they can’t afford to do so and the parents are used to noisy kids. They have a tolerance for noise.

Coming up with an idea of an aquatic park is just part of that mindset—something for the kids or they take the other side of the argument--it will bring in lots of money to Lake Worth and if you are against that, you are irresponsible and belong in some other century. Hell with what anyone else might want, particularly the Seniors that make up 14.3% of the population. This younger generation(The ME Generation) is the same one that got involved with sub-prime mortgages and brought down our economy. They wanted it all especially if the other guy was paying for it.

This attitude rolls over to the noise in our downtown. You find the younger the resident, the more they tolerate loud noise…the louder the better they believe; they love LOUD. If you are a downtown merchant, then residents living around the surrounding area might just as well forget about any complaint. You won't get one little ounce of sympathy. They are not thinking about the other guy, only how it will affect their bottom line. They are not considering possible health or hearing loss later in life.

I find it embarrassing when some of our residents, especially those who are public figures, have no tolerance for anyone’s point of view when it differs from theirs. Someone has a complaint about noise and what do they do? They automatically discount the complaint to that of being a petty annoyance by some old guy who just happens to be from one of our Pioneer families and has lived here for 44 years. He is a resident that took action because NO one would listen after years of asking the City to do something. They shuffled him aside like yesterday's sack of old trash. You would think that he is the only one complaining about noise in our downtown.

Herman Robinson, a property owner of a downtown building and former merchant, said that he thought Bud Greene “won’t be satisfied,” implying that he is nothing but a whiner. One of the co-owner’s of The Cottage, the biggest offender and a main reason for this noise complaint, suggested that because he brings business into Lake Worth, and Mr. Greene does not, then loud noise wins out…his rights were more important than Mr. Greene’s. I admire Bud Greene’s perseverance in this matter. He is a fighter and won’t give up just because some merchants and their friends say that their business is more important than he and that he is old, declaring, “What does he matter?” And Andy, you are wrong about Mr. Greene. He simply wants a little respect late at night.

Let’s see what the Noise Task Force solutions are. Noise has gone on too long and residents have rights too. Noise can cause health problems and that is why the City of Lake Worth is taking steps to create a noise ordinance. This is NOT just about money in or for the City of Lake Worth. It is not what you want or what I want or what the downtown merchants want; it is about what is fair for all to be able to enjoy a quality of life.

An easy solution would be to unplug the amplifiers after 11pm during the week and midnight on Friday and Saturday at those establishments that have outside entertainment. That is a compromise...not telling Mr. Greene to wear ear plugs.

Some Lake Worth Highlights for 2009

A YEAR IN REVIEW

Rejected red-light image recording. Vote 4/1 with Clemens dissenting

Suspended activity with the County Water Contract. Vote 5/0

Commission authorized payment of the Motorola contract for police radios of $427,933.26 as the Sheriff had no use for them. Decide to sell them for pennies on the dollar.

Spent $2,085,985 on tube replacement to the S3 boiler. Vote 5/0

Charles Celi loses his appeal on the Gulfstream Hotel. 4/1 vote with Mulvehill dissenting

Kimley Horn selected for site plan development at our beach. Jennings brings Michael Singer Artist into the equation on Varela suggestion. Vote to eliminate 164 upper dune parking spaces and decal parking is limited to 55 spaces on northern end and spend $5 million on re-designing parking lots.

Interim Building Inspector who had re-flagged the Casino, gone. Forensic engineer hired who says building is structurally sound. Eventually the Commission votes to restore the Casino.

Public commentary changed to 2 minutes on each item. 3/2 with Clemens and Lowe dissenting

In March, prohibited the issuance of revocable permits on any real property owned or maintained by the City or has access to public waterways. Called for a Public Hearing. Vote 5/0

Larry Karns, City Attorney, terminated. 3/2 with Clemens and Lowe dissenting

Commission votes to exempt the CRA of County MSTU tax increments and approves an interlocal agreement with the County for Fire Rescue. 5/0

In March, Mock Roos says that we can build RO plant for 25% less

On April 7, Commission votes 4/1 to hire Susan Stanton as new city manager. Lowe says No. Stanton proceeds to fire many top employees.

Voted to spend $50,000 on an electrical arc study and Rebecca Mattey admits that our own staff engineer could have done it. Vote 5/0 to spend the money anyway.

Lake Worth Pier opens on May 9

Chicken Ordinance fails

Ordinance on Sunset to keep zoning at SF7. Vote 5/0

Commission votes to go downtown with a noise decibel meter. Residents nearby have complained about noise and how it affects their sleep.

Vote not to pay the County $5.9 million under the Water Contract. 4/1 with Clemens dissenting. Mary Lindsey sides with Clemens…something to do with breaking contracts even though they might be hideous for Lake Worth and the taste of West Palm Beach water that we only buy when needed.

Community Relations Board formed on 2^nd Reading in June. Vote 5/0

Celi’s appeal and Motion to deny the extension of the Gulfstream Hotel. 3/2 vote with Clemens and Lowe dissenting. Motion failed because it needed a supermajority vote.

Commission wastes $300,000 by spending $565,000 by bypassing insurance company requirements on transformer. NO valid reason for doing this. Vote 5/0

Take-over of CRA on July 23, fails on a 2/3 with Clemens, Lowe and Mulvehill dissenting. Mary Lindsey says that the qualifications for the CRA Board are more demanding than for City Commissioner.

City Hall ups the fees for public information. Vote 4/1 with Jennings dissenting

Rates go up for just about everything: water, electric, recreation

2^nd Reading on Sunset repealing Ordinance on a large scale amendment. Vote 5/0

Approves contract with Reynolds to construct a 9.0 MGD RO plant. Vote 5/0

Heights limited to 35 feet for new construction. 3/2 with Clemens and Lowe dissenting.

Adopted the Comprehensive Plan with amendments. 3/2 with Clemens and Lowe dissenting.

Rene Varela, partner in a company that is involved in Dolphin trafficking, voted in as Mayor. Deceptive flier mailed around city by Mary Lindsey indicating it is from the LW Utility Dept. Deceptive robo call made by Firefighter’s Union using Lake Worth city phone number in support of Varela. City makes NO comment.

Scott Maxwell voted in as Commissioner District 1. Jo-Ann Golden voted back in as Commissioner District 3.

Former Fire Chief Blockson says he is screwed out of accumulated sick pay benefits because the firefighter's went to the County. Stanton's position is you only get it if you retire. Chief speaks on the issue at public meetings and City Commission is silent.

City Manager hires Annabeth Karson for Census. Gives it back to the Commission to decide. Stanton says not aware of political ramifications. "Political witchhunt" from handful of residents against Annabeth Karson who is subsequently fired from her Census job. Commission goes out on RFP.

Commission approves Publix going into our downtown. CRA gives Publix, a multi-billion dollar corporation, $500,000 for infrastructure.

Compass, that occupies a city building for $83.00 a month, asks for money from the City because it spent more than anticipated to occupy the building and is about to go belly-up. City authorizes $250,000 to Compass.

Tom Ramiccio gets fired as CEO of the Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce.

Then we have the new lawsuits:

Former fired Utility employees sue the City for Whistleblower termination. Former Mayor Clemens calls employees "liars" in public meeting.

Greater Bay sues the City for kicking them out of town for non-performance.

Sunset parcel owners notify the City that they want the up-zoning promised to them by former Commission.

Shepherds sue the City because they want the right-of-way next to their property that leads to the Intracoastal to be theirs for $10.

The Billboard Mafia

Comment Up

Thanks Commissioner Vespo
and we can't forget Clemens and Lowe

The Mafia is Here…the billboard Mafia. They have been in our city for a year and a half now, ever since Larry Karns our former city attorney, (did he ever read a contract?) along with Bob Baldwin, our elusive city manager, were strong armed by Interstate Outdoor Advertising, Inc. They had applied to the City to install billboards along I-95 in our city. Interstate was denied because billboard signs were against our signage Ordinance. So what do they do? They sued us. Why not? Everyone does.

Part of the “settlement” agreement (now understand there was not a suit yet only the threat of one) we agreed never to take any legal action to contend that the Settlement agreement was illegal, unconstitutional or void as against public policy and we promised to carry out the agreement. The Commission gave away our legal remedy. We also agreed to re-zone any property that needed it and to do everything possible to make life easier for this company.

Something happened behind the scenes. Interstate was determined to get their way and Karns and Baldwin convinced the weak City Commission to do business with this “mafia.” It makes you wonder. The only responsible commissioners were Jennings and Golden who voted "no." The money looked good as they had promised to pay us a lump sum of $2,650,000 for 6 billboards (the deal that Baldwin liked) along I-95 on a 20 year lease: 3 billboards on the west side on private property and 3 billboards on the east side. There was a second payment alternative that gave us monthly payments (the deal that Clemens preferred) over 20 years. And then later, we got 3 more signs and the Commission approved this too...a neon sign that I have the pleasure of looking at every day all night long...link above.

The lease is for a term of 19 years and 364 days.

Recently the City Manager and the Commission has asked about these billboards because we have never received the first dime for one of the worst decisions the city has made. Susan Stanton even brought them up again yesterday at the Compass meeting when she was contemplating on how we would pay Compass the $250,000 they wanted, money the Commission had just agreed to pay. We in the Lake Osborne area have been asking about train horns for 4 years now and a remedy that would eliminate noise pollution and would cost the City $12,000. We can’t seem to get the city to act for the thousands of residents that these horns affect on a daily basis. The City does have its priorities.

This was just another BAD contract that the City got into. Instead of requiring that Interstate obtain all the necessary permits, etc. before construction, they allowed them to install these unsightly billboards. I am not sure that the City even reviewed an engineering drawing. All of a sudden one day, they were being erected. We had to accept their Contract as presented. Not one change was ever made. All Staff could see was the $$$$. All the Commission could see was the same. There has been innuendo through the course of this that perhaps the underside of the table saw some too.

Stanton mentioned the possibility of cutting off the electricity to Interstate. Interstate is responsible for the cost of electricity. Have they been paying the bill? Also per section 18 of the Lease agreement, illumination is supposed to be off at midnight.

So, today, 18 months later, we have the billboards--NO MONEY-- but what we do have are stalls from the Billboard company and about the worst blight ever imagined.

Neighbors cry Foul about Fowl

Comment Up
Every now and then you spot one of these birds as you drive down one of our streets west of Dixie. There used to be some in Tropical Ridge...still are I guess. Just recently a woman was cited on an Ordinance violation for having a chicken and a rooster in her yard on South L Street. Neighbors had complained about all the noise. She was raising them and was issued a notice to appear in Court.

People are doing their jobs in Lake Worth. The problem is there are so many violations. Be diligent. When you see something in your neighborhood, go on-line and download the on-line complaint form and mail to 1900 2nd Ave North, LW, 33461. You must sign your name. Once the City gets bombarded by code violations, it will be forced to reconsider its position.

We can no longer afford to look the other way to these deplorable conditions. We have been under siege by absentee landlords, a few slum landlords, people who have invaded our city from different cultures and those who have no pride in their community or where they live.

Meetings today

**Please note that the City is going to try and go live.

1. 1pm joint workshop with the City commission and the CRA at the Compass building regarding the Cultural Renaissance Program

2. Followed by a city commission workshop on the Noise Ordinance

3. Parrot Cove's Candidate Forum at 7pm, 100 N Palmway (St. Andrew's)

No Way Back to Sanity

There is so much violent crime here in our City and a lot of these criminals live here as well. We drive down our city streets totally oblivious to it. We walk by a dwelling with no idea who lives behind the door. We have been told that up to 35 gangs live around our city and there is still a handful of people happy with their safety here…happy that the Sheriff has taken over…anything is better than what we had, they say.

On the front page of the Post this morning is an article about drugs, guns and murder and gang members facing federal charges. One lives in Lake Worth. He is just one of many who find our city convenient for their illegal entry and criminal activity.

The truth of the matter is we are not being told about the number of crimes and we certainly are not being told about the estimated numbers of criminals living among us. Even when the Sheriff’s Department comes out with a report, I will be leery. Public Relations are what got the Sheriff its contract with our City to begin with. It is about $15 million to them and will grow every year. The decision was based on public emotion and the determination of two downtown merchants to see that change happened. It got personal with them when their son was attacked in front of the Lucerne.

We all need to speak up and take back our city. It is one big mess. Joe Furner wrote the Sheriff yesterday asking for a sub-station in his Tropical Ridge neighborhood due to all the crime, prostitutes, noise, gay harassment, over-crowding, public drunkenness and the list goes on. Some of these people causing the problem are illegal aliens and they are getting more and more brazen as they are allowed to get away with their criminal activity brought on by their criminal entry to this country. Tropical Ridge is a forgotten area of our city.

It is not being addressed by our city government. Our city manager has virtually eliminated code and now will have a Community Development Director and a Building Official to deal with it. She says that she wants to handle it in a more “holistic” way. When I see that word I think of “holy” and praying. Perhaps that’s all we have left…prayers. Tropical Ridge is just one neighborhood that has gotten out of control and it seems, to a lot of those living there, there is no way back to sanity.

We need more Code, not less. We must enforce the Certificate of Use on Landlords. If they don't pay, they don't rent. We must see that only 2 people per bedroom are occupying a dwelling. We must enforce our Ordinances. This entire problem can be directly related to landlords renting to any Tom, Dick and Jose loser. Maybe criminals pay their rent on time. We need to set some standards and stick to them. Why should we not have a need to know who is living in our city? Criminal background checks should be mandatory and approved by the City. Sometimes extreme measures are in order to protect the whole.

Do not forget this huge problem this election year as it affects everyone in our City and don’t think that it doesn’t.

The Sun is Rising on Sunset

Comment Up
Well, Wes did a blog against Sunset, his usual spiel. There are a few who through undying loyalty agree with him against the Sunset neighborhood. One of them calling those of us trying to preserve the single family residential neighborhood "whackos." Wes is inferring that we were drinking the Kool-Aid. He is showing that 36 units would be allowed there per the County. We say, let Sunset Holdings go back to the County then. This is only 4 units short of what they agreed to with Commissioner Burns' assemblage.

What our Ordinances say--

ARTICLE III. SF-7 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
7 du/net acre

23.03.01.00. Intent.

The "single-family residential district, 7 du/net acre" is intended primarily to permit development of one (1) single-family structure per lot. Single-family structures are designed for occupancy by one (1) family or household. Single-family structures do not include accessory apartments or other facilities which permit occupancy by more than one (1) family or household. Provision is made for a limited number of nonresidential uses for the convenience of residents. These nonresidential uses are compatible by reason of their nature and limited frequency of occurrence with an overall single-family residential character. The "single-family residential district" implements the "single-family residential" land use category of the Lake Worth Comprehensive Plan.

23.03.02.00. Use restrictions in single-family residential district, 7 du/net acre.

23.03.02.01.Principal uses permitted by right in SF-7 district.

A. One (1) single-family structure on any platted lot of record.

B. Essential services.

C. Group homes, Type I, subject to regulations as set forth in section 23.19.10.00.

23.03.02.02.Principal use permitted as special land uses in SF-7 district.

A. Cemeteries, public and private.

B. Churches, synagogues and other houses of worship.

C. Light utility facilities, including the following:

Electrical substations

Gas regulator stations

Major transmission lines

Telephone exchange and transmission equipment buildings

Railroad rights-of-way

Water pumping stations

D. Public indoor neighborhood recreation and service facilities such as neighborhood centers, gymnasiums, indoor swimming pools and indoor tennis courts.

E. Public outdoor neighborhood recreation facilities such as golf courses, parks, outdoor swimming pools and outdoor tennis courts.

F. Schools, elementary.

G. Schools, intermediate and secondary offering courses in general and vocational education but not offering courses which involve the regular use of heavy equipment out of doors.

23.03.02.03.Accessory uses permitted by right in the SF-7 district.

A. Garages.

B. Boat docks and boat lifts.

C. Home occupations.

D. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment essential or customarily incidental to the daily operations within a primary residential structure shall be allowed in the rear setback and/or between the main structure and a public street provided that it meets the landscape code requiring that the equipment must be screened from view of the right-of-way. In addition, mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment can be located in the side setback provided that a product information or engineering report is supplied indicating that the equipment does not generate more than seventy-six (76) decibels measured at the property line. This provision can be used by property owners of existing structures only.

E. Permanent standby generators (generators) may be used only during periods of electrical power outages in the utility system. Only one (1) generator shall be allowed per residential unit. Property owners of existing structures will be allowed to have generators as an accessory use subject to the following requirements:

1. Located in the rear setback if the property is not located on an alley;

2. Located in side setback with a maximum height of thirty (30) inches including the concrete pad;

3. Operated for exercising purposes once per week Monday thru Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for a period not to exceed ten (10) minutes.

4. Submitted with a product information or engineering report indicating the noise level shall not encroach any neighboring residential property in excess of one hundred (100) decibels measured from the property line.

5. Sized to power the essential electric circuits.

6. Submitted with a site plan indicating the location and distance of the adjacent residences from the generator.

7. If the generator is located in the side yard, a landscape plan must be submitted indicating the landscape or screening used to prevent visibility from the right-of-way.

8. A site plan indicating the location and distance to property lines and openings (doors, windows, vents, etc.) in the habitable structures as required by all applicable development codes.

9. Natural gas is the only allowable fuel, except for those areas not served by natural gas.

10. For areas not served by natural gas, the property owner must identify the type of fuel used.

As an Intervenor, I have no problem with the City of Lake Worth uses however I must say that use consistency is the key.

When the Sunset investors go back to the County, they will have to pay around $400,000 in development rights to build their 36 units in an MF-5 County zoning. They will have to put in all the infrastructure at their cost. Three stories will not be allowed.

Too Many Mojitos

To comment, click on the title
Dennis Koehler, attorney and former PB County Commissioner (1976-84); Democrat; lives in District 2; says he would like to fill Mary McCarty’s term but not seek election in 2010. Don’t they all say that? But for sure you would have known that he was a lawyer Wednesday night when he was before our P&Z Board for a supposed Distance Waiver for his client, Mojito’s, located at 129 N. Federal Hwy. He told the P&Z that his client's appearance before them was about one thing when it was really about something else. This is only about a “Distance Waiver,” he said as did Rachael Bach, P&Z Director. They kept bringing this point up—“it is not about a nightclub but a distance waiver…that is what is before the P&Z tonight.” I, believing them, uncertain about what a distance waiver was all about, decided not to speak on the issue.

So, what’s going on? This bar now wants to be a nightclub. What does that mean exactly? Well, it means it can stay opened until 5am instead of 2am. A bar is only allowed to stay opened until 2am in Lake Worth. The owner admitted that it has been staying opened until 4am anyway, totally in defiance of our ordinance. So, why is he opening up this can of worms? If he gets his Lake Worth license for a nightclub, it actually will make his property more valuable for a re-sale.

They all appeared before P&Z and no one knew what was going on. The owner just knew he wanted to be a nightclub to stay opened until 5am but said that this was only about a Distance Waiver, not the nightclub thing even though they both go hand in hand. Mr. Koehler acted as though he was in a courtroom even suggesting that written testimony from three churches was just “heresay.” They should have shown up in person,” he said. The ministers did not want a nightclub that close to their churches.

Also it was stated by P&Z that no license was issued to this bar for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 and even if the City of Lake Worth failed to send out notice, it was up to the owner to be legally licensed. The business does have a 4 COP license a PB County license as a nightclub but NO Lake Worth City Certificate of Use License. When asked by Exline if they had a license in Lake Worth, the owner said that he thought they did but could not produce one. Rachael Bach said she thought they had one but could not verify it. Why? No records at City Hall, but he had applied for a new nightclub license, like that made it all fine. Every business in Lake Worth must have a Certificate of Use and a local business tax receipt otherwise they are operating illegally.

There has never been a problem with a distance waiver at that location until now. Why? It’s always been a bar, not a nightclub. This establishment has been there since 1942 and on each sale, they have sold the liquor license…it went with the sale of the business. Why is it a problem now? Mojito’s wants to become a legal nightclub so therefore it is changing the use. It openly advertises as a nightclub. With a bar, you just have a nice little quiet place with people sitting around having a drink. In a nightclub, you have bands, shows, dancing and sometimes noise. That usually is the difference but Lake Worth is a little different in that regard. Mojito's has a burlesque show there on Sunday nights, as an example. In the owner’s mind, he IS a nightclub already. So, by officially changing the use it basically opens up a whole new can of worms. Residents and churches get into the act and scream bloody murder. No one wants noise, drunks, addicts, etc. that a nightclub could possibly bring to the area.

John Paxman recused himself from the very beginning. The owner of the business was a client or something. Phil Spinelli said that he had been a customer there previously. Jaime Foreman thought it "disingenuous for P&Z to pull the rug out from under them,” considering the establishment had “always been a bar.” He also stated that they were only in front of the P&Z for a Distance Waiver. What Jaime forgot to mention is that on May 13th, Mojito’s announced a partnership with COMPASS to host a gay and lesbian night on Wednesdays beginning June 17th. Should there have been disclosure? I mean, we don’t want to be disingenuous now do we? Foreman voted on allowing them a distance waiver.

None of it made sense as the bar is a legal non-conforming use right now—can stay open until 2am and stay in business as it has since 1942. Ed Leblanc just couldn’t understand why P&Z couldn’t issue the distance waiver and said that he was more confused than before they started the hearing. I couldn’t understand Ed LeBlanc.

Those voting FOR the issuance of a Distance Wavier were Spinelli, Foreman and LeBlanc. Voting to DENY were Hoctor, McGunagle, Exline and Mahoney.

Anyone confused? To repeat--

In essence, the owner of Mojito’s, a BAR, came before P&Z to get a Distance Waiver to become a NIGHTCLUB but you were not supposed to talk about the nightclub aspect of the request—just forget about that--just give him the waiver that the owner wouldn’t need if he had remained a bar.

More than likely Mojito's would have received the Distance Waiver but with DeVito absent and Paxman not voting, it was defeated on a 4 to 3 vote. I couldn’t help but wonder what sort of con was attempted on the citizens of Lake Worth.

Still confused? Probably too many mojitos at Mojito's.

On Noise

An interesting site on NOISE originally produced by the University of Illinois.

Everything I have read on the subject says that anyone exposed to 80 decibels or more over long periods of time will have hearing loss.

It did not seem to me that the Cottage cared about the rights of others the other night at City Hall. Even the Cottage brought their lawyer there with 500 petitions signed by customers, etc. which in so many words implied to get out of their face. After all, this was their business that local residents were screwing with and 32 speakers of loud sound, made it happen for them.

When there is lack of compromise or little respect for the rights of residents or other merchants around the downtown, then everyone loses and might very well bring forth a Noise Ordinance that is probably unnecessary and most of us would like to avoid. But this is exactly why we have laws--to protect the rights of those who can't protect themselves.