January 5, 2012
89% of Full
89% of Full
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Pet Amnesty Day At Palm Beach Zoo
Go to the Palm Beach Zoo. On Saturday, Jan. 14
You have that crazy python hanging around about to eat your first born? Owners of non-native, exotic pets can surrender them -- no fines levied or questions asked -- at the First Annual Pet Amnesty Day.
Read about it here.
The Politics of Illegal Immigration
Comment Up
I know--it's the new year and I should be charitable, right?
I haven't talked about illegal immigration in awhile. Although some politicians have steered away from this topic, it is still a huge and expensive proposition for this country to tackle. I would say, don't vote for anyone who does not want to fix this criminal behavior, who does not want to protect our borders and actually do something to change it now.
The Palm Beach Post had an article, top front page and center, about illegals paying taxes by using false social security and green cards to the tune of $72.8 billion a year. This amounts to 7.7 million illegal workers in our country working under false pretenses, not to mention the rest of the millions who are paid cash and therefore untracked. It is estimated that we have nearly 24 million illegal people in this country. Over the last 15 years, our country has spent nearly $398 BILLION dollars in social services to illegal immigrants since 1996.
The jest of the article was that all these illegals are working, paying taxes, but will not get a benefit such as Social Security and Medicare. Hello? Entering our country illegally, obtaining a job with illegal documents, living off the welfare of this nation and they aren't going to benefit?
Immigrationcounters.com says, "Our government has demonstrated a complete lack of urgency to control illegal immigration both on the borders and within the interior. Because of this failure, that which traditionally had been the American way of welcoming immigration is now dividing the country because of one word, illegal. Opposing illegal immigration and wanting the laws enforced is not un-American. It is time to set the record straight on what is un-American, illegal."
It furthers states, "America must have immigration enforcement that reflects the nation's call to respect our laws, in balance with the human side of illegal immigration. This must override the narrow interests of the business lobby, expanding government agencies, government officials who envision their dependent class and those who see it as a source of new votes."
And that's what it's all about, folks.
I know--it's the new year and I should be charitable, right?
I haven't talked about illegal immigration in awhile. Although some politicians have steered away from this topic, it is still a huge and expensive proposition for this country to tackle. I would say, don't vote for anyone who does not want to fix this criminal behavior, who does not want to protect our borders and actually do something to change it now.
The Palm Beach Post had an article, top front page and center, about illegals paying taxes by using false social security and green cards to the tune of $72.8 billion a year. This amounts to 7.7 million illegal workers in our country working under false pretenses, not to mention the rest of the millions who are paid cash and therefore untracked. It is estimated that we have nearly 24 million illegal people in this country. Over the last 15 years, our country has spent nearly $398 BILLION dollars in social services to illegal immigrants since 1996.
The jest of the article was that all these illegals are working, paying taxes, but will not get a benefit such as Social Security and Medicare. Hello? Entering our country illegally, obtaining a job with illegal documents, living off the welfare of this nation and they aren't going to benefit?
Immigrationcounters.com says, "Our government has demonstrated a complete lack of urgency to control illegal immigration both on the borders and within the interior. Because of this failure, that which traditionally had been the American way of welcoming immigration is now dividing the country because of one word, illegal. Opposing illegal immigration and wanting the laws enforced is not un-American. It is time to set the record straight on what is un-American, illegal."
It furthers states, "America must have immigration enforcement that reflects the nation's call to respect our laws, in balance with the human side of illegal immigration. This must override the narrow interests of the business lobby, expanding government agencies, government officials who envision their dependent class and those who see it as a source of new votes."
And that's what it's all about, folks.
Gay News Media shunned by Commissioner Scott Maxwell
Comment Up
It's never good policy to ignore the press under any circumstances, unless you have something to hide or you are worried about your own credibility issues.
Scott Maxwell recently did just that when he failed to respond to a request from the author of Transgender City Manager Ousted From Lake Worth for Personal Reasons who was looking for a statement as to why he fired former city manager Susan Stanton. More than likely it was because there were NO reasons.
Read the article here.
It's never good policy to ignore the press under any circumstances, unless you have something to hide or you are worried about your own credibility issues.
Scott Maxwell recently did just that when he failed to respond to a request from the author of Transgender City Manager Ousted From Lake Worth for Personal Reasons who was looking for a statement as to why he fired former city manager Susan Stanton. More than likely it was because there were NO reasons.
Read the article here.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
John Jordan, another year younger
Comment Up
Today is John's birthday. We had a great early dinner and conversation at The Outback Steakhouse. We talked about treachery, old friends, local politics (that is never boring), The Bay of Pigs, John and Robert Kennedy, the Mafia, Batista and Fidel. Lively conversation from a spunky fella.
Today is John's birthday. We had a great early dinner and conversation at The Outback Steakhouse. We talked about treachery, old friends, local politics (that is never boring), The Bay of Pigs, John and Robert Kennedy, the Mafia, Batista and Fidel. Lively conversation from a spunky fella.
Obama Nullified the Bill of Rights
Comment Up
"One of the most extraordinary documents in human history -- the Bill of Rights -- has come to an end under President Barack Obama.
Derived from sacred principles of natural law, the Bill of Rights has come to a sudden and catastrophic end with the President's signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a law that grants the U.S. military the "legal" right to conduct secret kidnappings of U.S. citizens, followed by indefinite detention, interrogation, torture and even murder. This is all conducted completely outside the protection of law, with no jury, no trial, no legal representation and not even any requirement that the government produce evidence against the accused. It is a system of outright government tyranny against the American people, and it effectively nullifies the Bill of Rights."
Read more at Natural News', R.I.P. Bill of Rights 1789 - 2011.
"One of the most extraordinary documents in human history -- the Bill of Rights -- has come to an end under President Barack Obama.
Derived from sacred principles of natural law, the Bill of Rights has come to a sudden and catastrophic end with the President's signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a law that grants the U.S. military the "legal" right to conduct secret kidnappings of U.S. citizens, followed by indefinite detention, interrogation, torture and even murder. This is all conducted completely outside the protection of law, with no jury, no trial, no legal representation and not even any requirement that the government produce evidence against the accused. It is a system of outright government tyranny against the American people, and it effectively nullifies the Bill of Rights."
Read more at Natural News', R.I.P. Bill of Rights 1789 - 2011.
Quote of the Day - Reince Priebu
Comment Up
“When you’re dealing with a president whose numbers are in the toilet, I guess you’re spinning all the time.”
~Reince Priebu, chairman of the Republican National Committee,
dismissing Debbie Wasserman-Schultz' comment on Mitt Romney when she said, “It was actually a pretty bad night for Mitt Romney, but it was a great night for us."
“When you’re dealing with a president whose numbers are in the toilet, I guess you’re spinning all the time.”~Reince Priebu, chairman of the Republican National Committee,
dismissing Debbie Wasserman-Schultz' comment on Mitt Romney when she said, “It was actually a pretty bad night for Mitt Romney, but it was a great night for us."
Some things never change
Comment Up
With nearly every single agendaed item voted in unanimously, this new commission did not yet reveal to us what their new "vision" is. I understand that they gave some hints to that at the end of the meeting. They came close to revealing the vision on two items--that of the requirements for the interim city manager and the approval of the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce's merger with the Palms West Chamber of Commerce.
The discussion of the job description for the Interim City manager went round and round with the Mayor, once again, losing her cool. She even passed the gavel to the Vice Mayor when she could not get a motion on the floor and made it herself. Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill insisted that an ICMA certification was of top importance; the other three did not. Commissioner McVoy was still out of town but he had sent in an e-mail expressing his opinion on the importance of an ICMA certification and wanting it to be read into the record. The McVoy e-mail brought a query from the Vice Mayor and had to be referred to the city attorney for a legal opinion. Even some of the Maxwell supporters jeered the very idea of a commissioner giving an opinion. It is no different than I giving mine or they giving their opinion.
Having an ICMA certification is a plus for any city manager. It is a big deal and don't let anyone fool you to believing that it is not. It shows that he has gone that extra step to become even more of an expert in his field through further education. An ICMA certification can be served as a gauge that measures a candidate's ability. I equate it to my field, real estate. I was a manager of a real estate company with a Florida Broker's License. I went for further education and obtained my GRI designation.
This commission should have asked the assistant city manager, once again, if she would take the job and cut the nonsense and immediately find a permanent city manager. Steve Carr had already recommended her as well as the Range Rider. Carr indicated that it could take five months. Politics, once again, just cost us money and time and might even cost us a good assistant city manager.
For those in the chamber last night who wanted to downplay the importance of the ICMA designation for no other reason than to side with those few on the dais who wanted to dismiss it for whatever political reason they may have, do not know what they are talking about when they say that all you have to do is pay the fee. I also agree, however, that it should not be a mandatory requirement but it surely should be preferred. We want to hire the best. We have at least two candidates at this moment who do have the ICMA designation and to me they both stand out from the field.
The other item that was not unanimous last night was the Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Mulvehill wanted to include in the motion the debt owed by them to ensure payment before approving the merger. The "visionaries" did not want to include the debt and the Vice Mayor even went so far as to say, "It is inappropriate to put in on the agenda." He further stated that "It is irresponsible to make allegations; it takes away from the spirit."
The Chamber owes the city money in the amount of $10,450 that includes a "lost" golf cart. Our Finance Director indicated that the Chamber recently indicated that they were "interested" in resolving the debt. Once a merger takes place and Lake Worth's Chamber is acquired by Palms West, I am rather sure that any debt legally can go away as the entity that owes the debt that has merged no longer really exists.
Now we have a new commission that essentially let them off the hook to pay their debt. They didn't want to take Steve Carr's word for the amount owed claiming "no back-up" and that it "wasn't on the agenda." Steve Carr is the only person who the Vice Mayor had faith to be the acting city manager but he had no use for the debt information to be included. It was just bad politics all over again and three people not looking after the City's interests. It will now be up to the new Chamber to cement better relations with the City and pay the debt. It would behoove them to do so.
Also, it was stated that this merger will not trigger the repayment of the $300,000 that was given to them by the City of Lake Worth back in 2005 as it will not constitute a cessation of existence, an agreement in the structured deal.
The Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce is one of the oldest institutions in Lake Worth right next to possibly The Lake Worth Herald. I recall how proud I used to be of our Chamber and all Chambers until they became involved in politics. Here in Lake Worth they even went so far as to back candidates and oppose others as well as issues, and gave money and billboard advertising to do it. They have one of the biggest political lobbies in Florida. They erected huge political signs at the front of their building. They got to the point that they did not represent many of its members and became a victim of our recessive economy.
Through the years the City as well as the CRA gave them plenty of money towards their mortgage as well as special events. Once you accept taxpayer money, then politics must cease. It never did. I also have to wonder if this new merged Chamber will still promote the City of Lake Worth. You have to wonder if any of their resources will go towards that.
Even though things "change," they really never do when it comes to politics in this City.
With nearly every single agendaed item voted in unanimously, this new commission did not yet reveal to us what their new "vision" is. I understand that they gave some hints to that at the end of the meeting. They came close to revealing the vision on two items--that of the requirements for the interim city manager and the approval of the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce's merger with the Palms West Chamber of Commerce.
The discussion of the job description for the Interim City manager went round and round with the Mayor, once again, losing her cool. She even passed the gavel to the Vice Mayor when she could not get a motion on the floor and made it herself. Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill insisted that an ICMA certification was of top importance; the other three did not. Commissioner McVoy was still out of town but he had sent in an e-mail expressing his opinion on the importance of an ICMA certification and wanting it to be read into the record. The McVoy e-mail brought a query from the Vice Mayor and had to be referred to the city attorney for a legal opinion. Even some of the Maxwell supporters jeered the very idea of a commissioner giving an opinion. It is no different than I giving mine or they giving their opinion.
Having an ICMA certification is a plus for any city manager. It is a big deal and don't let anyone fool you to believing that it is not. It shows that he has gone that extra step to become even more of an expert in his field through further education. An ICMA certification can be served as a gauge that measures a candidate's ability. I equate it to my field, real estate. I was a manager of a real estate company with a Florida Broker's License. I went for further education and obtained my GRI designation.
This commission should have asked the assistant city manager, once again, if she would take the job and cut the nonsense and immediately find a permanent city manager. Steve Carr had already recommended her as well as the Range Rider. Carr indicated that it could take five months. Politics, once again, just cost us money and time and might even cost us a good assistant city manager.
For those in the chamber last night who wanted to downplay the importance of the ICMA designation for no other reason than to side with those few on the dais who wanted to dismiss it for whatever political reason they may have, do not know what they are talking about when they say that all you have to do is pay the fee. I also agree, however, that it should not be a mandatory requirement but it surely should be preferred. We want to hire the best. We have at least two candidates at this moment who do have the ICMA designation and to me they both stand out from the field.
The other item that was not unanimous last night was the Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Mulvehill wanted to include in the motion the debt owed by them to ensure payment before approving the merger. The "visionaries" did not want to include the debt and the Vice Mayor even went so far as to say, "It is inappropriate to put in on the agenda." He further stated that "It is irresponsible to make allegations; it takes away from the spirit."
The Chamber owes the city money in the amount of $10,450 that includes a "lost" golf cart. Our Finance Director indicated that the Chamber recently indicated that they were "interested" in resolving the debt. Once a merger takes place and Lake Worth's Chamber is acquired by Palms West, I am rather sure that any debt legally can go away as the entity that owes the debt that has merged no longer really exists.
Now we have a new commission that essentially let them off the hook to pay their debt. They didn't want to take Steve Carr's word for the amount owed claiming "no back-up" and that it "wasn't on the agenda." Steve Carr is the only person who the Vice Mayor had faith to be the acting city manager but he had no use for the debt information to be included. It was just bad politics all over again and three people not looking after the City's interests. It will now be up to the new Chamber to cement better relations with the City and pay the debt. It would behoove them to do so.
Also, it was stated that this merger will not trigger the repayment of the $300,000 that was given to them by the City of Lake Worth back in 2005 as it will not constitute a cessation of existence, an agreement in the structured deal.
The Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce is one of the oldest institutions in Lake Worth right next to possibly The Lake Worth Herald. I recall how proud I used to be of our Chamber and all Chambers until they became involved in politics. Here in Lake Worth they even went so far as to back candidates and oppose others as well as issues, and gave money and billboard advertising to do it. They have one of the biggest political lobbies in Florida. They erected huge political signs at the front of their building. They got to the point that they did not represent many of its members and became a victim of our recessive economy.
Through the years the City as well as the CRA gave them plenty of money towards their mortgage as well as special events. Once you accept taxpayer money, then politics must cease. It never did. I also have to wonder if this new merged Chamber will still promote the City of Lake Worth. You have to wonder if any of their resources will go towards that.
Even though things "change," they really never do when it comes to politics in this City.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Laws in Lake Worth
Comment Up
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, some 40,000 laws were passed by legislatures who met in all 50 States during 2011.
I have no idea how many Ordinances were created in Lake Worth last year but tonight there are six Ordinance (laws) on the agenda that affect all of us.
We have created new distance waivers for bars that alter the required separation or distance from protected land uses from 500 feet to 400 feet for liquor sales and from 900 feet to 400 feet for beer and wine sales. In addition, full service restaurants in the Downtown Core will not have a proximity distance separation requirement. Soon, our entire city will be nothing but bars.
Now we will be creating an exemption for existing buildings in the City's core giving them a favorable exemption on the $7,500 parking fee. They say: When the use of an existing building changes, the new use often requires additional parking spaces or an in-lieu payment of $7,500 for each additional space that is needed. Further they argue that these additional parking spaces place an impediment on those wanting to invest in existing buildings or those wanting to bring new businesses to Lake Worth.
The City is bending over backwards to make things very easy for businesses to locate to Lake Worth and to lose revenue doing it. They still, however, have the option of charging you a fire assessment as well as a street light assessment next year. They made sure of that when they all voted (McVoy was absent) on December 20, 2011 to continue using the uniform method of collecting non-advalorem assessments specifically for fire and street lights.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, some 40,000 laws were passed by legislatures who met in all 50 States during 2011.
I have no idea how many Ordinances were created in Lake Worth last year but tonight there are six Ordinance (laws) on the agenda that affect all of us.
We have created new distance waivers for bars that alter the required separation or distance from protected land uses from 500 feet to 400 feet for liquor sales and from 900 feet to 400 feet for beer and wine sales. In addition, full service restaurants in the Downtown Core will not have a proximity distance separation requirement. Soon, our entire city will be nothing but bars.
Now we will be creating an exemption for existing buildings in the City's core giving them a favorable exemption on the $7,500 parking fee. They say: When the use of an existing building changes, the new use often requires additional parking spaces or an in-lieu payment of $7,500 for each additional space that is needed. Further they argue that these additional parking spaces place an impediment on those wanting to invest in existing buildings or those wanting to bring new businesses to Lake Worth.
The City is bending over backwards to make things very easy for businesses to locate to Lake Worth and to lose revenue doing it. They still, however, have the option of charging you a fire assessment as well as a street light assessment next year. They made sure of that when they all voted (McVoy was absent) on December 20, 2011 to continue using the uniform method of collecting non-advalorem assessments specifically for fire and street lights.
The Bachelor 16
Comment Up
I sat down at 8pm to watch my favorite reality show, The Bachelor, with Ben Flajnik, a 25 year old wine maker from Sonoma Valley as the catch. As said before, I am hooked on the shows, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette as well as Dancing with the Stars. Last night was the first show of the new season and what happens after one hour? Comcast goes down all over this area and never did come back up.
My favorite, based on first impression, was Kacie Boguskie from Tennessee, a former majorette from a place where I have a lot of memories, The University of Tennessee. It is rumored that she is eliminated after the hometown dates.
Kacie Boguskie
I sat down at 8pm to watch my favorite reality show, The Bachelor, with Ben Flajnik, a 25 year old wine maker from Sonoma Valley as the catch. As said before, I am hooked on the shows, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette as well as Dancing with the Stars. Last night was the first show of the new season and what happens after one hour? Comcast goes down all over this area and never did come back up.
My favorite, based on first impression, was Kacie Boguskie from Tennessee, a former majorette from a place where I have a lot of memories, The University of Tennessee. It is rumored that she is eliminated after the hometown dates.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Tuscan Villas finally will Foreclose
Comment Up
Iberiabank filed a lawsuit against Tuscan Villas of Lake Worth and managing member James Paisley, targeting 12 units at Tuscan Villas, a townhouse development that was completed in 2007. Tuscan Villas is located at 1001 North Federal Highway. Four units have been sold by the developer to investors. The $4.5 million mortgage was first granted in 2006 by Orion Bank, whose assets were acquired by Iberiabank in 2009.
On January 10, 2012 the property will finally foreclose with a default price tag of $3,874,362.51, No. 2011-CA-003380.
Like drug dealers hooking buyers to a habit (everyone wanted to buy and flip to make small fortunes),--the banks were the kingpins, the appraisers were corrupt side kicks, the Realtors were the street dealers and the consumer the addict, this developer/speculator built at the wrong time, in the wrong location with surrounding properties worth $25,000 to $50,000. Tuscany had asking prices close to 1/2 million.
Iberiabank filed a lawsuit against Tuscan Villas of Lake Worth and managing member James Paisley, targeting 12 units at Tuscan Villas, a townhouse development that was completed in 2007. Tuscan Villas is located at 1001 North Federal Highway. Four units have been sold by the developer to investors. The $4.5 million mortgage was first granted in 2006 by Orion Bank, whose assets were acquired by Iberiabank in 2009.
On January 10, 2012 the property will finally foreclose with a default price tag of $3,874,362.51, No. 2011-CA-003380.
Like drug dealers hooking buyers to a habit (everyone wanted to buy and flip to make small fortunes),--the banks were the kingpins, the appraisers were corrupt side kicks, the Realtors were the street dealers and the consumer the addict, this developer/speculator built at the wrong time, in the wrong location with surrounding properties worth $25,000 to $50,000. Tuscany had asking prices close to 1/2 million.
Interim-City Manager Lake Worth
Comment Up
Although the majority commission, at the Vice Mayor's lead, culled the possibility of our highly qualified assistant city manager taking over the interim city manager position until such time a permanent manager was found, tomorrow night the Commission will decide on the requirements for an Interim City Manager and elect to spend unnecessary money. It is estimated that it will take a minimum of 4 months to find a permanent city manager. This is a commission that was elected to watch out for waste and cut spending. They have, so far, done just the opposite.
The description/requirements for an Interim City Manager in the back-up is as follows:
Although the majority commission, at the Vice Mayor's lead, culled the possibility of our highly qualified assistant city manager taking over the interim city manager position until such time a permanent manager was found, tomorrow night the Commission will decide on the requirements for an Interim City Manager and elect to spend unnecessary money. It is estimated that it will take a minimum of 4 months to find a permanent city manager. This is a commission that was elected to watch out for waste and cut spending. They have, so far, done just the opposite.
The description/requirements for an Interim City Manager in the back-up is as follows:
- Interact with the public, employees, elected officials, and outside agencies and government officials.
- A high degree of oral and written communications skills
- ability to speak in public and represent the City in an official capacity
- Strong knowledge of sound leadership and performance management, community-oriented problem solving, budgeting principles and practices, finance, and interpersonal skills
- Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Public Administration, Finance, Management or related field from a four (4) year college or university.
- Seven (7) years work experience at the executive level. City Manager and/or Florida municipal or county experience preferred and experience with a municipal electrical power distribution system desirable.
- Military command or business executive/ownership experience also will be considered as a substitute for municipal or county executive level experience.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Membership in International City Management Association (ICMA) or Florida City County Managers Association (FCCMA) preferred.
- ICMA Credentialed Manager designation desirable.
Our own assistant city manager, Kathleen Margoles, has an ICMA credentialed designation, a designation that is of utmost importance for whomever leads our city administration whether it be for 4 month, 6 months or longer. I understand that Maxwell, staying true to form, is challenging its significance. If the source of the information is correct, you have to ask the question--what is the purpose of not seeking the most qualified for this position? What is really going on?
Update: Kathleen Margoles has set me straight. She has been a member of the ICMA for the past 15 years but is not credited. See her comment.
CRA in Lake Worth to build a Townhouse Project for Artists
Comment Up
Read about it here.
The Lake Worth CRA, with money burning in its pockets and money it has to spend quickly, wants the Commission to consider the construction of 12 townhouse units, known as Urban Arts Lofts, on property located on the west side of North "F" Street between Lake Avenue and Lucerne Avenue. The Commission will pass this project tomorrow night.
A motion was made by Robert Waples of the Planning & Zoning Board at the December 7th meeting with a second made by Laurence McNamara, that the Board approve PZB 11-01400105 Involving Urban Arts Lofts and its meeting all the general special land use standards relating to the City’s Code. The vote was 5/2.
Although we have empty townhouses all over town, staff also recommended a conditional approval of the P&ZB Project No. 11-01400005: Site Plan Review, Community Appearance and Special Land Use to allow Townhouses in the Moderate Intensity Commercial (MIC-1) district based upon the conditions as stipulated in the City Staff Report.
The entire project, according to CRA Director, Joan Olivia, will cost between $4.5 and $5 million dollars. Olivia finally stated a price on these units: The 3,000 s.f. units with garages will sell for $90,000 to $110,000 to folks not making more than 120 percent of the area median income for Palm Beach County of $73,080 for a family of two. Joan Olivia says that this will be "market value." How do you build a project for $5 million and sell 12 units for $110,000 or less?
Do the math!
These grants and giveaways are becoming more and more prevalent in our "entitlement" society as the country is crumbling with $15.5 trillion in debt and growing. The government tells people that they can have this and that for nothing...in some cases they are discouraged from even having to work. And no one sees anything wrong with this. Mitt Romney recently stated, "The truth is that everyone may get the same rewards, but virtually everyone will be worse off."
And the sad truth of this NSP2 Grant is, it won't make one dent in the slum and blight within the City of Lake Worth, a heavy price tag for the American taxpayer for a hope--a hope that it might instill pride in homeownership and turn the neighborhood around.
Read about it here.
The Lake Worth CRA, with money burning in its pockets and money it has to spend quickly, wants the Commission to consider the construction of 12 townhouse units, known as Urban Arts Lofts, on property located on the west side of North "F" Street between Lake Avenue and Lucerne Avenue. The Commission will pass this project tomorrow night.
A motion was made by Robert Waples of the Planning & Zoning Board at the December 7th meeting with a second made by Laurence McNamara, that the Board approve PZB 11-01400105 Involving Urban Arts Lofts and its meeting all the general special land use standards relating to the City’s Code. The vote was 5/2.
Although we have empty townhouses all over town, staff also recommended a conditional approval of the P&ZB Project No. 11-01400005: Site Plan Review, Community Appearance and Special Land Use to allow Townhouses in the Moderate Intensity Commercial (MIC-1) district based upon the conditions as stipulated in the City Staff Report.
The entire project, according to CRA Director, Joan Olivia, will cost between $4.5 and $5 million dollars. Olivia finally stated a price on these units: The 3,000 s.f. units with garages will sell for $90,000 to $110,000 to folks not making more than 120 percent of the area median income for Palm Beach County of $73,080 for a family of two. Joan Olivia says that this will be "market value." How do you build a project for $5 million and sell 12 units for $110,000 or less?
Do the math!
These grants and giveaways are becoming more and more prevalent in our "entitlement" society as the country is crumbling with $15.5 trillion in debt and growing. The government tells people that they can have this and that for nothing...in some cases they are discouraged from even having to work. And no one sees anything wrong with this. Mitt Romney recently stated, "The truth is that everyone may get the same rewards, but virtually everyone will be worse off."
And the sad truth of this NSP2 Grant is, it won't make one dent in the slum and blight within the City of Lake Worth, a heavy price tag for the American taxpayer for a hope--a hope that it might instill pride in homeownership and turn the neighborhood around.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Here's to an Exciting New Year
Comment Up
I may have...
Disturbed You,
Troubled You,
Pestered You,
Irritated You,
Bugged You,
Pissed You off,
Or got you to swear or call
me names,
So today, I just wanted to tell you:
Disturbed You,
Troubled You,
Pestered You,
Irritated You,
Bugged You,
Pissed You off,
Or got you to swear or call
me names,
So today, I just wanted to tell you:
Suck it Up
You're in my crosshairs and
there ain't no changes planned in 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR
"A remark generally hurts in proportion to its truth"
Lynn Anderson
You're in my crosshairs and
there ain't no changes planned in 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR
"A remark generally hurts in proportion to its truth"
Lynn Anderson
With Hope
Comment Up
Down to four, this Mother swims with her ducklings close by, protecting them the best that she can, with hope that her family will be safe and healthy and grow to have a full life...a worthy prayer for all of us as we enter the New Year.
Down to four, this Mother swims with her ducklings close by, protecting them the best that she can, with hope that her family will be safe and healthy and grow to have a full life...a worthy prayer for all of us as we enter the New Year.
Palm Beach Post Top Story for 2011 Lake Worth
Comment Up
LAKE WORTH
Ending 30 years of debate over what to do with the weathered casino building at Lake Worth Beach, the city broke ground in May on a $6 million renovation project. The new casino is on track to be substantially complete in April, when restaurants and shops are expected to begin building out their spaces. The renovated casino is scheduled to open to the public in October.
- Willie Howard
Personally I believe the top story was the firing of the city manager but I suppose city managers come and go with commissions. In Lake Worth it's every three years or so--and they want stability and sustainability? Our Casino will be here for at least another 50 years.Read the rest:
Palm Beach Post Top Stories from our Towns
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