"I Am Lake Worth"

*MEDIA ALERT*


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 19, 2018

CONTACTS: Carl Stoveland Photography
                       Carl Stoveland
                       cstoveland@icloud.com
                       845-499-0178

                       Pamela DePalma
                       Media Coordinator
                       pamela@depalmapr.com
                       917-533-5881

PORTRAYING PEOPLE WHO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY IN OUR CITY


WHEN:       Friday, July 6, 2018
                    6:00pm – 8:30pm

WHO:  Carl Stoveland is a nationally recognized photographer living and working in Lake Worth, FL. You will find Carl either participating in or photographing the many events around Palm Beach County. Carl has been working on I am Lake Worth a portrait project since he moved to Lake Worth two years ago. He has been spending time photographing people around downtown and asking them what makes Lake Worth life special.

Carl grew up in New York near the Catskill Mountains. Carl spent many years as a landscape and travel photographer before pointing his lens at people and finding a completely new world of  subjects. Carl co-owned Gallery Meraki in Garnerville, NY with photographer Julie Scholz until 2016.

WHAT: Photography exhibit of Lake Worth’s greatest asset the people who live, work and play here. The IAMLAKEWORTH exhibit will have thirty portraits of Lake Worthians with their thoughts  on what makes Lake Worth special. Out of a town of thirty thousand, that is .1% of the population. 
Supporters: LULA Lake Worth Arts, Hatch 1121, Common Coffee Grounds and Jazz on J Street Trio.
                      
WHERE:         Hatch 1121
                      1121 Lucerne Avenue
                      Lake Worth, FL 33460
                                                   

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CRA renames the Shuffleboard Court Building

Just bring back our shuffleboard courts. I keep calling it the Shuffleboard Court Building no matter what wild name they want to change it to every year or so or how they spend our tax dollars doing it. At least those wild ugly colors are mostly gone.

Read about HATCH

Lake Worth CRA gets Grant

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PRESS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT"
LAKE WORTH
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
29 SOUTH J STREET, UNIT 1
LAKE WORTH, FLORIDA 33460-3787
www.lakeworthcra.org


LAKE WORTH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AWARDED $72,000 GRANT FROM PALM BEACH COUNTY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY

Lake Worth, FL; February 11, 2016 - The Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is excited to announce that our agency was recently awarded a $72,000 grant from the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority (SWA).

The funding is courtesy of SWA's Blighted and Distressed Property Grant Program. The Lake Worth CRA was one of seven applications approved by the SWA Board of Commissioners this past week. This grant is intended to assist in the cleanup and beautification of distressed, blighted or otherwise impacted properties within both the unincorporated and incorporated areas of Palm Beach County. This grant is offered as an incentive to improve the quality of the life and provide a safer, healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the residents.

The CRA applied for this grant to further improve and enhance the exterior of the Lake Worth Arts Center located at 1121 Lucerne Ave. in downtown Lake Worth. Funds from the SWA grant will be used to:
•    create a safe outdoors experience for our resident artists and visitors by adding decorative fencing
•    removal of an obsolete irrigation system
•    removal of old/dead plants along the perimeter of the building
•    replacement of former plantings with new drought resistant, low maintenance ground covering
•    decorative fencing/screening between the property and the railroad right-of-way to promote safety
•    new garbage bin enclosures

Last year, the CRA invested over $150,000 in new interior improvements to this City owned property courtesy of funding from the State of Florida.The CRA Board and Staff are extremely appreciative that the SWA reviewed and approved our grant application.

Bidding and procurement of services for these new exterior improvements will begin this spring. All work is expected to be Additional information regarding this grant or any of the other Lake Worth CRA's neighborhood initiatives can be found by visiting the CRA's website: www.lakeworthcra.org or by calling the office at (561) 493-2550.

About The Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency
The Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency is governed by a seven (7) member Board of Commissioners which is appointed by the City of Lake Worth Commission. Their role is to direct CRA activities within the Community Redevelopment Area in accordance with the approved Lake Worth Redevelopment Plan. Revenue is generated for CRA projects through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). For more information, visit www.lakeworthcra.org

A population purposely being obliterated in Lake Worth

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Taken in August 2011

The seniors are a healthy base. They have sold their homes up North and have come down here to retire. They bring their life savings with them--all their securities, etc. For the most part, this is an ideal people to appeal to instead of those who aren't even citizens. They are law-abiding and peaceful folks. But Lake Worth is no longer doing that.

We in Lake Worth, just a few years ago, had a healthy Senior population (14%) and the City catered to them by providing recreational services. They played at our shuffleboard courts and had many tournaments. We had Thursday nights for the big band sound concerts at Bryant Park, when the park was safe. Developers built entire communities just for them providing a pool, clubhouse and -- shuffleboard courts. Seniors had trolley transportation and had a senior center where they could walk to and socialize. The message was to come to Lake Worth and have a carefree time with all the amenities, no worries and live in a safe city.

We didn't have a lot of garbage strewn around. People could actually speak English (only 47% do now). The culture was all about respect for our environment, respect for our laws and respect for our neighbors. There were 144 registered sex offenders living in Lake Worth, Florida as of October 19, 2015 according to City Data. Crime is out of control.

Now that the average age is around 35 with those having a bunch of kids, the priority has shifted. No longer is Lake Worth attracting the retiree. In fact, the Senior has been retired to obscurity and Lake Worth is concentrating on the poor artist, building affordable housing, (the City now has a loan program for poor people to buy houses), bulldozing our shuffleboard courts, and all the amenities that used to exist for our retirees are no longer.

 Florida is not even in the top 10 for retirement. Now they're going to Arizona and elsewhere.

Behind the Veil

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Photograph by Michael Schor entitled "Behind the Veil"

Did Lake Worth City Manager use secrecy in removing shuffleboard courts that are a part of our history?

Secrecy seems to be SOP these days if you consider the ITN. With one on one closed meetings out of the Sunshine with the city commission, City Manager Michael Bornstein said that he arrived at a consensus with each commissioner to remove the shuffleboard courts. The decision to remove our shuffleboard courts did not go before the commission for discussion or a vote. A commission is not allowed to use the city manager or any other staff member as a conduit to circumvent the open meeting law.

The way I see it is, it is the constitutional and statutory right of every citizen to have open and noticed public meetings when official acts are to be taken or at which public business is to be transacted or discussed. Surely bulldozing city property and history is an occasion that merits discussion in a public forum along with a vote.

There are a limited number of exemptions which would allow the city to close a meeting. These include, but are not limited to, certain discussions with the board's attorney over pending litigation and portions of collective bargaining sessions.

Mr. Bornstein says that the CRA has been given the management decisions as to what happens at our shuffleboard Court Building. The lease that was signed between the City and the CRA (October 15, 2013) for this property distinctly says in Article III, Section 3.01 that the premises shall be rehabilitated, converted and used for the establishment and operation of a Community Cultural facility...any alterations to the premises, section 4.03, shall require the prior written approval of the landlord along with the submission of plans and specs. Did we get these?  Why was this never brought up at a city commission meeting?  If this is a cultural center as mentioned in the lease, why wouldn't shuffle-boarding be considered part of our culture in Lake Worth?

No authorization or written permission to remove the shuffleboard courts was given by the City per the CRA Director. Who exactly is paying for this demolition?

From: Joan Oliva
Sent: Monday, October 05, 2015 10:00 AM
To: Deborah Andrea
Subject: RE: info request

Debbie,
There is no written authority.
Thank you
Joan

This is City Manager Mike Bornstein's reply to my inquiry:

In the presentations made before the Commission by the CRA when they took control of the property, the areas where the shuffling took place was envisioned as space for art activities, display areas, arts markets and/or green markets. Additionally, in the one on one conversations with the Commissioners about this project, removal of the courts for these purposes was consistently discussed. It was also noted that the courts created drainage issues as well as serious trip hazards. The CRA applied for and received a grant, hired the contractor, and the buildings and grounds are being transformed into an Arts Center that will help transform the area into a vibrant Arts District.

As far as white elephant mentality, this is more akin to the fossilized bones of a white elephant. It is interesting that the shuffleboard court paint can still be seen under the parking areas for the Commissioners at City Hall.

Hope this helps. M

The only thing that "helps" here is the candid admission involving an important decision did not come before the people. If this is the case, what would prevent the city manager making all of the decisions behind closed doors?  Do we need a commission at all?

What's going on at the Lake Worth Shuffleboard Courts?

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Well, this was leased out to the CRA on a 10 year lease with one 5 year renewal option that in turn sub-leased it to the Armory (we can't get enough ART in this city). It's still our property, as far as I know. In the back-up at the time, it showed all of the courts being removed. And just think, this excavation started exactly on the first day of the new budget cycle. The city has wanted these courts out for a long time because 1) they can't maintain ANYTHING and 2) a few years ago they wanted some sort of a park for those who live in and around the neighborhood. My guess is it will be a park where people can sit and watch the Crematorium?

This used to be a great place for Seniors and those who liked to shuffleboard. The city likes to tell us that no one shuffleboards anymore.  The truth of the matter is, they just can NOT or will not take care of our assets--none of them. The other thing that they do not care a fig about is listening to the residents and what they may want. We had several charettes about the courts and most everyone who attended wanted to either keep all of them or half of them.

The CRA is all about grants--spending state, federal money. They don't even have to pay the city for this building and the city picks up the tab for just about everything. Renovating shuffleboard courts for seniors and others to play must not be in any grant description even if we have had courts near city hall for 100 years.

We are assuming that they are removing the courts but it hasn't come before the commission. In order to remove these courts, the CRA must have had city approval.

At our Shuffleboard Courts - Graffiti on Graffiti

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Back in the good ole days

Even though old, at least the building had some sort of class

It doesn't matter how or why they changed the name of our building, it will always be the Shuffleboard Court Building to most all of us who have lived here for decades.

Several months ago, the city paid the graffiti? artists? to paint the building, the walls and posts. It looks like a carnival about to happen in real time. Now some of the "art" has graffiti on the graffiti and that on the north wall is dripping and fading bringing a blighted look to our city asset. Is this part of the design? Whoever approved of this?  We don't get answers from city hall or this commission.  No one takes responsibility for this abomination. Why not? All they do is allow people to do what they want with our city owned property and give it all away for a buck a year.  Next it will be the beach park.

Art? Graffiti? Lake Worth Shuffleboard Court Building

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I enjoy art.  I also like our Shuffleboard Court Building.  It used to be ours until we leased it to the CRA for a buck.  Instead of bringing up this neighborhood, (and the CRA has tried hard to do that with the Lofts) it seems that just the opposite has occurred with this latest action.  This looks like colorful graffiti to me. It's west of the railroad tracks so who really cares, right?

Armory Arts Center Lake Worth and our Shuffleboard Court Building

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The CRA was given our Shuffleboard court building for $1 a year that in turn leased it out to the Armory Art Center for $10 a year.  This little scheme (talk about schemers) was all about government grants. It failed to attract students and closed for awhile. It wants to lease studio space at $400 to $450 a month to artists and is now reopening once again offering classes with reduced fees.  Read about it at The Shiny Sheet

If you recall regarding the shuffleboard court building and this lease, taxpayers pay for all utilities: water, gas, electricity, cable, trash collection and removal and anything else you can think of.  This commission acts like we're a wealthy city...just giving away buildings for a buck a year to whomever asks. We know better because they just spent $50,000 of taxpayer money blitzing the taxpayers to death educating us on their need to raise taxes to pay for $63.5 million for road repairs.

Joah Oliva, Director of the CRA, is optimistic--
The CRA says if the Armory does not renew its lease then the CRA will look for another arts-related tenant. “We believe there is a need. If not the Armory, it will suit somebody. But we’re hoping the Armory has a lot of success there,” said Olivia.

Lake Worth organizations receive Grants

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PRESS RELEASE

Three Downtown Lake Worth Organizations to Receive Grant Funds from Florida Legislature

LAKE WORTH, FL. — Over $375,000 in grant funds have been appropriated by the Florida Legislature to three reputable downtown Lake Worth organizations. These funds were recently approved by Governor Rick Scott as part of Florida’s 2014-2015 final budget. The funds will be made available through the State’s Division of Cultural Affairs (www.florida-arts.org).

The three recipients of the grant funds are the Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the Lake Worth Playhouse and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and the Lake Worth Playhouse will be receiving $150,000 and $75,000, respectively, which will be used for their general program support.

The Lake Worth CRA was granted $150,000 to be used towards facility renovation of the former Shuffleboard Court building located at 1121 Lucerne Avenue in downtown Lake Worth. Renovations include interior demolition, new lighting, new fire suppression system, new artist workstations, new floors & walls and removal of the acoustical drop ceilings. These physical renovations are being made to help retain a local arts organization which is using the facility for artist workshops, classes and gallery space. Earlier this year, the Armory Art Center entered into a one year lease agreement to use this building for classes and exhibitions. Renovations of the building are expected to begin in late 2014 and be completed by summer 2015.

In addition, the Lake Worth CRA was granted $1,600 in seed money to be used for specific cultural projects. Funds from this grant will purchase high definition film equipment which will be used at a new outdoor film series taking place in downtown Lake Worth in 2014.

The CRA would like to thank the Florida Legislature for sharing the vision of making Lake Worth the center of the arts community in Palm Beach County.

For more information about the Lake Worth CRA, please visit: lakeworthcra.org or lakewortharts.com or call (561) 493-2550.

Lake Worth - Selling its soul for a buck

ART

We just can't get enough of it.  What a scam on the federal government!

We leased the shuffleboard court property to the CRA for a dollar because we can't and won't take care of our property and then the CRA turns right around and sub-leases it out. Of course they had to have the permission of the city to do that but that's never a problem.  When it comes to city owned buildings, this government has NO quandary when dishing out our facilities to non-profits who come along especially the CRA or the

ARTS

At the shuffleboard court building, taxpayers get to pay for all utilities: water, gas, electricity, cable, trash collection and removal and anything else you can think of.  This commission acts like we're a wealthy city...just giving away buildings for a buck a year to whomever asks. We know better because they just told all of us that they need to raise taxes to pay for $63.5 million for road repairs and God knows what and they have told us of all the poverty.

Our shuffleboard court property is sub-leased by the CRA to the Armory Art Center, that has accomplished some wonderful things at its West Palm Beach facility, with the goal of making this space "active in order to improve the social, economic and cultural conditions of Lake Worth's community through meaningful, quality arts programming." (Didn't we just lease the building at 1105 2nd Avenue South (FEC) for the very same thing?) Residents already told them they wanted our courts resurfaced so that they could use them again, carrying on nearly 100 years of tradition. They didn't listen. Why would they? That's not something elected officials do, is it?

Usually when people start giving away or assigning their assets, they are preparing for their eventual demise. I love the arts as much as the next person but it seems that the city is on a downward slope with no plausible explanation for their give-aways other than developing the city as an artists' destination which in truth is all about grant money.  They are selling their soul and our properties for a buck and in turn want you to tie yourselves up for thirty years of debt to fix the potholes and replace sewer pipes in College Park.

That's Lake Worth's and the CRA's story (an entity that has control of over half our city), and they're sticking to it.

Armory Art Center Annex | Shuffleboard Building | 1121 Lucerne Avenue | www.armoryart.org/armory_annex | Summer Class Schedule

CRA looking to sub-let space in Shuffleboard Court Building

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No sooner does the City of Lake Worth lease out the Shuffleboard Court Building rent free to the CRA for the promotion of culture and arts with the City paying for water, gas, electricity, cable, trash collection removal and any other utilities that perhaps they forgot to mention in the Lease, when the CRA puts out this press release:

CRA seeking tenants for new Arts Centre

The Lake Worth CRA is seeking a non-profit arts or cultural based organization to sublease space at the Shuffleboard Courts Building located at 1121 Lucerne Avenue. Overall management should be provided by the organization submitting a proposal while administration for the building will be provided by the CRA. The length of the sublease will be one year, with an option to lease for an additional year. The CRA is seeking one responder for varying activities both day and night to provide the public with multiple options for arts and cultural education and enhancement. Organizations with multiple programs may submit singularly or may make accommodations for other groups to use the space as they deem appropriate.

This is the same concept of what the Living Arts Foundation, Inc. is using at our city owned building at 1105 2nd Avenue South.  It's all about government grants. The CRA is great at spending government money and even has its own grant writer. On the other hand, the City excels in handing off city owned buildings to entities for $1 a year. Out of sight, out of mind.

According to the Lease, neither the tenant or the landlord may assign, mortgage, pledge, or encumber the Lease in whole or in part, without the other party's prior written consent.  It only took the CRA and the City a few weeks to be somewhat transparent with the public as to their intent.

What ever happened to the CRA's mission of eradicating slum and blight?

Cultural Diversity Celebration

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Well, our shuffleboard court building needs to be used for something as the city of Lake Worth turned it over to the CRA. "They" keep telling us we need to celebrate cultural diversity. Isn't it all this diversity that has caused the slum, blight and crime in this city?  Bring your Spanish language dictionary.

Just shuff, shuff, shuffling along

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Where Art (will be) made

Why did the CRA get a one year lease on our shuffleboard Court property?  Because they asked for it and the Commission gave it to them.  Because the city had no money and wanted it off their table. Because it was a sneaky way of getting a possible government grant. Everyone else has their hands out, why not us? Because the city could care less about shuffleboarding, the Seniors, the voice of the citizens, or our history. This is a one year lease and may be extended for additional one year terms.

The CRA can use the property rent free for artists and the city picks up the tab for utilities and services.  They don't have to pay taxes. The premises will be rehabilitated, converted and used for the establishment and operation of a Community Cultural Facility for artists. If they want to remove the courts, no "biggie. All they have to do is get  permission of the city.  We know how easy that is--one less thing for them to think about.

Now, I love art. There is no room on any wall at my home to place one more piece. But this Artist thing is out of control. We actually want to attract more struggling artists? The Visionaries/Dreamers are dreaming of a place like Cocoanut Grove, without the slum, the blight and the crime I guess.

And just like Obama who said he wanted to change America as we know it, author Dinesh D'Souza says, "with a makeover of America so drastic that the 'shining city on a hill' will become a shantytown in a rather dangerous global village," Lake Worth is doing the exact same thing...they just don't see that yet.

City of Lake Worth - Leadership

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When this commission was voted in, everyone was told that they were business minded with the Mayor and Commissioner Amoroso actually having a business in our city. The city was ready for a change as sharp politicos promoted the wild idea that anarchists and socialists had taken over city hall and people actually believed it. We needed businesses that brought in tax dollars and jobs they said, not social justice and all that jazz. Now who could say no to that? Instead, we got a commission voting in affordable rentals and voting away our interest in valuable buildings and wanting to spend $50 million on roads and $18 million at the Park of Commerce, a field of dreams.

Now they have just transferred legal rights of our shuffleboard court building to the CRA...a screw job on Seniors, 14% of the voters. How much money did we spend renovating this building with impact glass windows, etc.? This was turned over to the CRA because they APPLIED for a Grant but also they have wanted it from the get-go. This was all planned, behind the scenes, ages ago. They built the affordable artists lofts adjacent to the Shuffleboard Court building. There is no guaranty that they will get any money from the State to renovate. Kick the Seniors out, demolish the courts and get in art classes, they cried. After all, we want this city to become an artists' destination.

Smartly, they let the idea of retaining shuffleboard courts die down (the majority who attended the meetings there wanted to keep the courts or at least half of them) and went ahead and screwed the public, again. The taxpayers  will also be paying for the utilities--gas,  water, cable, electric, trash and get to maintain the entire premises. That lucky Senior who played shuffleboard or played Bridge, now gets to pay for maintaining the building but not for using it.


The property on the rail road tracks that was a gift to the city will also be transferred to a non-profit. Both these facilities will be used for the Arts. This is a valuable property that could have been marketed for sale that would have created jobs and much needed tax money for the city.

In the past we gave our Senior Center away. We have given so many of our properties to non-profits for $1 a year and we are a BROKE CITY. How much freaking art do we want in this city? Did you get to vote on this? What about businesses that create jobs? Why does the city want to spend money that we don't have to build or renovate buildings just to lease them away for $1 a year? Valuable properties? To the Arts? We are acting like a city that has plenty of "do re me."  What ever happened to the 1000 Lake Building that the CRA bought? They can't even afford that.

The commission says it does not want to "kick the can down the road any longer."  We are holding on by a thread with a small percentage of people paying for it all and they want to spend, spend, spend, give away, give away and spend some more to become a social services city for artists.  In the meantime, we can't afford public safety and our city is inundated with crime, slum and blight.

There is a lot being decided behind the scenes and we are not told until it is way too late. 

CRA Lake Worth Neighborhood Enhancement Meeting tonight

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More explosive comments now up!

TONIGHT at 6pm at the Shuffleboard Courts Building

The Demise, the Deception and the Tyranny - Lake Worth Shuffleboard Courts

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View from the North West

Plans signed off on March 20, 2013

In spite of the public meetings on our shuffleboard property and the people letting the city know that we wanted to fix up the building and retain the courts, the outcome last night on our shuffleboard court property was no surprise--the entire commission voted to turn over our property on a 10 year lease, (they changed it from a 15 year lease with an option to renew for 5 years or less, we are not sure)  to the CRA to virtually use it for artists.

Once the property is rehabilitated and converted, both the CRA and the city will meet to discuss the shared use of the property with arts and cultural programming having the priority over all other uses. The backup showed the shuffleboard courts all removed. The grant writer said he made a mistake by including the drawings with the courts removed--it was just the building they were talking about. The Lease, however, says that the CRA will  rehab and convert the existing Shuffleboard Courts Community Center to a new community cultural facility. They can remove them by agreement with the city.

The Grant is $150,000. Either the city or the CRA must come up with matching funds. We were not told, nor did the commission ask, who would be paying but as the city is paying the CRA $37,500 for the CRA's design work, one can only imagine. And if it is the city, then they had the money to keep the property and do the work themselves.

Back in April 2012, there was public consensus to use the CDBG funds for the shuffleboard courts as it was the highest priority. The City, at that time, only mentioned the one proposal to retain one-half of the courts at the shuffleboard court building and demolish the remaining 14. Why did they not give all of the facts? Because they didn't want any to remain...too much trouble...too much money...Seniors don't matter.

At the first public meeting there were many residents there.  Some voted on what they wanted at our Shuffleboard Court building. The vote was 14 to 12 FOR retaining only 14 courts. Two people in my community had already left for their own meeting and did not stay for this tally. They would have voted to retain ALL 28 courts. At the second public meeting, 11 people out of 13 who bothered to vote wanted ALL of the courts to remain. Of course the commission likes to make you feel guilty and express their disapproval by saying that few people show up for these community outreaches. "It's always the same people who show up," they bemoan.

Realizing that this is just a small percentage of people who spoke out about saving our courts, our history, it is better than what the city gave us last night. The outcome of our property was all predetermined. There was a partial day notice to the public and thrown on the agenda at the last minute. Even the commission was unaware of what was going on behind closed doors--signing away legal rights to our property to the CRA.  The commission even gave the lame excuse that the courts were never at that location originally as an excuse to diss them.

No one ever asked me if I wanted this city to become an artist's destination. They did, however,  ask me about our shuffleboard courts.

 The commission is under the impression that shuffleboarding is passe and that old people don't even shuffleboard anymore, not realizing that this is a family sport, not just one for old people. "Gee, I never see anyone playing at the Lake Worth Towers," as an example from commissioner Amoroso, a former member of the CRA.

They didn't listen last night-- they all did what they wanted and took the easy way out, allowing the city manager to steer them all in his direction. Unaccountable to the people they serve--their last priority-- the commission didn't seem to care very much that all of this had been decided  behind their backs. The commissioners, who are the bosses, were not kept in the loop. The public certainly wasn't either; we did not matter.

Lake Worth Shuffleboard Court gets Shuffled

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The city has, obviously out of the sunshine, admitted it can't take care of or doesn't want to be bothered with anything in this city that would take effort to solve or one penny to fix, at least that's my guess. Even though at the two charettes conducted at the Shuffleboard property, the majority of the people wanted all of the courts saved and refurbished. The rest of them wanted at least one-half of them saved. It is not to be.The city, once again, has taken the easy way out.

How many courts will be retained?   NONE.

The City plans on leasing the property to the CRA for 15 years for a Cultural Facility. The CRA already gave $750,000 for arts. Heaven knows we definitely need some culture in this city with people hanging clothes on bushes and all but more than that, we need some respect for the people who wanted to save our courts, courts that have been around for multi-decades--almost as long as this city has been in existence. And a little respect for the Seniors who have always used these courts until the illegals trashed them and the city would not fix them. Seniors have no power--who cares about their needs, right? Who cares about what the people want?  Who cares about our history, after all, the 100th celebration is over on July 4.

The amount of rent paid to the City? NOTHING--ZERO, ZIP.

What can the CRA use the land and property for?  It is all unrestricted...anything it chooses.

The City will pay the CRA the following:

$37,500 to the CRA so that they can apply for a State cultural grant.
Why didn't the city apply for a grant?  We have a grant writer.
The City pays charges for...
water
electric
gas
cable
trash pick-up and removal
and any other utilities.

Why hasn't the CRA developed the 1000 Lake Avenue property?   I thought this was to be a cultural center?

What does the city get out of this deal?
Never having to think about it...it is just another thing off their table. They are good at that. We're lucky to be a sovereign city and just plain lucky to still be in control of our beach/casino property,  our water supply and our power plant. Of course the city wants to pave in our Olympic pool. This will be an on-going struggle.

The transfer of rights of our shuffleboard court property (which is a BIG DEAL) is on tonight's agenda...at the last minute...against their own rules.

Lake Worth CRA wants to turn shuffleboard court building into an Arts Center

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The CRA has its hands into everything "affordable" and it certainly is amazing that it now wants to get its hands on our shuffleboard court building. They don't own this building and they don't maintain it.  Presently, the shuffleboard court building houses our Recreation Department. The CRA owns a building on Lake Avenue. What about that one?

It is annoying that this building was once turned over to illegal aliens who trashed our building and stomped on our hospitality all at the expense of the seniors who used the building and were kicked out on their ear. Now the CRA wants to kick out one of our important departments (that has no place to go?) for arts!

The shuffleboard building just west of city hall, former home to a day-labor center, could become an art center where artists would teach classes and display their work.

The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency board agreed Tuesday to apply to the state for a $300,000 cultural facilities grant that would be used to renovate the building.

Read more...

This is another one of their MATCHING GRANTS schemes and the CRA says it will give $37,500. I guess the taxpayers pick up the rest with City Manager Bornstein planning on soliciting for proposals to renovate a city-owned warehouse at 1105 Second Ave. S. to create another art center...like we can't have too many. What gives?  I guess that budget balance is burning a hole.

The "White Elephant"

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John Adair

No, I'm not talking about Engineer John Adair who designed most of the pools around here as well as our Lake Worth pool some 41 years ago as the white elephant.  Actually the White Elephant is how the city manager Michael Bornstein describes our Olympic pool that is not only dear to Mr. Adair but to all of the residents in this city, other than one who publicly said she "could care less." To this day Mr. Adair has not lost interest in it or in Lake Worth. When you create something that has withstood so many generations and given back so many memories and joy to so many people, it is a big part of yourself and who you are. On top of all of that, it is a great asset to own in the location it is and an asset we have had there since 1922.

Vice Mayor Maxwell's analogy may be on mark. He says that the pool was sacrificed several years ago in order for the Casino project to be allowed to pay for itself. It has been a strong feeling, even for some now on the dais, that everything we have in Lake Worth should be producing revenue.  Maxwell says that the pool was intentionally left out of the Casino plan. What about our gymnasium, our parks...they are not revenue producing but amenities for the people who live here. Not everything has to be revenue neutral or profitable.

Our trolley was eliminated several years ago as well because it was losing money. All of the elderly, infirmed and the poor had to find other transportation. Some, to this day, can't afford to go to Publix and many elderly do not drive. Our shuffleboard courts are being sacrificed as well even though it wasn't that long ago that we had big tournaments there. The Mentoring Center, a facility that attracted and catered to the illegal immigrant paid us $1 a year for awhile, took over the shuffleboard court building for two years and the shuffleboarders and  bridge playing Seniors were shuffled right out. Stanton came in and shut them down but by that time, the damage had  been done. Our courts were trashed and our seniors suffered in silence.

Sinclair Engineering says it will cost tons of money to get our pool in shape in order to open which is difficult to grasp in light of the fact that only a few years ago we had spent $500,000. Mr. Adair is studying Sinclair's second report and staff will come back with costs regarding staffing and the "bathroom problems" (bathrooms that were in the original Casino plan to be rebuilt and weren't) as well as other costs in order to hopefully open our pool once again beginning in 2013.