Good News/Bad News
Good news
I attended the TPA (Transportation Planning Agency) meeting and there was a full house in attendance and all were concerned with the State Rd. 7 extension. I wont keep you in suspense, State Rd. 7 extension will be built. Maybe.
Two Commissioners Neering & Peduzzi sit on the board and represented the City. Lambert is the alternate. Neering had a previous appointment and left before the vote was taken. Lambert took his place on the dais and along with Peduzzi voted against the extension. To my surprise County Commissioner Greg Weiss also voted against it.
Shoaf spoke against the extension insuring Ibis continued support and vote for all four commissioners.
Former Mayor Muoio, City Attorney Rothenberg, outside attorney’s representing the city and Scott Kelly who told the board Mayor James sends his regrets as he must attend another meeting and Kelly read James pathetic statement. It makes sense to me James was absent, he wont need the Ibis residents for 3 more years.
TPA sent out a computer survey and we received a map of the area on SR7 project-Public Input Results on SR7 Extension. OPPOSE (109) SUPPORT (1,100). Here’s the shocker. Of the 1,100 in support 35% were Ibis residents who want the extension, but afraid to speak out for fear of being ostracized by their neighbors.
There were so many people in attendance we had one minute to speak, and the first speaker up was a gentleman named Richard. He is a retired Captain with 30 years experience with PBC Fire Rescue and also a Certified Paramedic. His last 15 years working for Fire Rescue was at the Acreage Fire Station. He has been on many serious calls on Northlake Blvd along with the City of WPB and the City of Palm Beach Gardens backing each other up on fire department calls.
He explained to me the stations in the area.
Station 8 City of WPB services Ibis. Station 17 PBC on Jog & Beeline
Station 26 PBC Acreage. Station 63 Palm Beach Gardens on Northlake.
Richard told me the extension is invaluable and would allow quicker access in an emergency and would save lives. Ibis and the new Palm Beach Gardens developments would benefit this road the most.
Likely scenarios: There is a house fire or a serious multiple car collision. If the 4 fire stations mentioned above are available, then more than likely they will all be used for this type of call. Now what happens when another emergency comes along? Where is your next fire station coming from?
This is where the extension comes in for their benefit. There are three fire stations in close proximity to Okeechobee and State Road 7. They can easily travel the extension straight to Ibis’s East Gate without having to detour through the Acreage. This would be a huge savings in response time. Richard has been on many calls with multiple fire stations working an incident and then another call comes in nearby and the 911 dispatchers are asking Incident Commanders if they can cut a unit from the call to respond to another call in the area. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it is No.
Station 8 is across the street from Ibis. The other stations mentioned above are over 10 minutes away. Would you still be against the extension if the time needed to save your life could be faster with the extension?
Peduzzi spoke of the pristine drinking water that Grassy Waters has and the City cant afford to have it contaminated by the extension. Really?
I spent my 1 minute telling the TPA board Ibis has already contaminated Grassy Waters with their run-off of Fertilizer and Insecticides. Had time to mention the 2 Ibis residents who appeared before the City Commission and thanked Mayor Muoio for once again appealing a decision made in favor of the extension. Last words out of the residents mouth were “You know Mayor we don’t want those big, big trucks out there.” That’s the real issue, they don’t want to deal with traffic and congestion. If that resident has a heart attack and dies because of the time it took for paramedics to arrive, she can have comfort in the fact she helped save the endangered Snail Kite. The other excuse the city uses.
The board voted 16 for and 5 against the extension. I have no doubt James will again appeal the decision, spending millions more. Residents have no idea how many millions has been wasted on SR7, and I doubt the City knows either.
Did I mention the lucky residents in Ibis and Baywinds had buses provided for them to attend the meeting. No parking problems for them. Who paid for the buses? I have it boiled down to Muoio using “Park Bond” money or Lambert using Campaign funds. I saw 4 buses.
Now The Bad news.
Over 4 years ago Mayor Muoio along with Chief Mooney started the “Peace Walk” and residents would walk in the toughest sections of the north end neighborhoods while viewing flowers set against a building or street poll indicating the death of (usually) a young man. The walks are held the 3 third Thursday of the month. I recall being absent once.
The purpose of the walk was to show residents we cared and were united with them against the violence so prevalent in the area. I always felt safe because we always have a police escort watching over us. If a walker ventured off to talk to a resident the cop was with them, always watching.
At today’s walk there were 12 of us and we were told the police would not be present with us because of “budget restraints” ? Another brilliant idea of James. Leave 12 people on the streets of the north end violent section.
We walked up a street and people went left, right, straight ahead or stayed in the one spot. Four groups of people, wearing yellow shirts proclaiming peace in the “hood” without police protection.
How does Chief Adderley feel about leaving residents in this situation?
James a Harvard Graduate, without a drop of common sense. It’s on him if a resident is injured while on a Peace Walk but I’m sure he’ll lay flowers on the street.
I was so upset I neglected to mention the police on Segway’s. Young kids would surround the cops begging for a ride and they always obliged them. The smile on the kids face standing on the machine in front of the cop going for a ride. You couldn’t buy that kind of trust and goodwill. Made it appear cops aren’t so scary after all. This is where you start, with the young kids and learn to build trust with the police. Even the parents would be smiling because their kid’s were having a great time.
James and the Police Chief want to get a handle on the gang’s and murders committed in the streets. Pulling cops from the north end during a Peace Walk isn’t the way to go. You had a toe in the door and you blew it.
You have given us a “Fire Fee” want us to vote for the “Tax Bond” which will be used for God knows what. Are you considering a “Cop Fee”?
South End Neighborhood Association Invites You!
It is not often I write something positive on WPB Watch but here it is.
The South End Neighborhood Association is inviting everyone in the city to attend their Fiesta on Flagler in Support of Family Promise North / Central Palm Beach County.
Their inviting the entire city. I have seen these groups in Florida and you can attend if you live in the development or know the Pope.
They will have a dozen vendors supplying food, and I’ve eaten in a few of the restaurant and found the food excellent. The only bad experience was when my dish was empty.
Support of Family Promise
“In the United States Families now make up the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. A mother loses her job, a father is kept from working by an injury, a family is forced from their home by fire or natural disaster. Healthcare costs soar, public transportation is underfunded, affordable housing is almost impossible to find. These are just some of the reasons one out of every four homeless persons is a child.”
Anyone who lives in the city knows we have a large homeless population which the City has difficulty dealing with. The South End is off to a good start with their second Fiesta. lets support them in their endeavor.
Open the link below and read the date, location and food vendors. Then come and meet new friends.
http://www.Fiestaonflagler.com
Open Letter to Commissioners and Mayor
On 2 separate occasions Commissioner James voted to approve $114 million dollars to developer Michael Mananoff to build a mixture of office, hotel, and residential space north of downtown tri rail station. Thankfully it went nowhere and $114 million was saved from developers.
Here’s the question: The city obviously has millions for a developer, so why are they asking residents to vote for a $30 million Park Bond? Appears they already have the money, why aren’t they applying those dollars to for parks? Saving it for another developer? James was very generous with taxpayer dollars as a commissioner. No holding him back as Mayor. Please remember this story when you are in the polling booth wondering if you should vote yes or no on the Park Bond. Please read the CRA minutes for July 17, 2017 Item #8 here: 07172017 CRA minutes
CRA minutes for 1/9/17 item #2 01092017 CRA minutes
James hires a new Police Chief Frank Adderley. Soon after taking command of the department Adderley stood at a podium at a commission meeting and stated he was told (I assume by James) the department was short 5 officers, and Adderley learns 25 officers are needed. Adderley is now aware he is working for a mayor who lies is less than honest. Residents knew he lied was less than honest 1 month after being sworn in as mayor.
Here’s the question: Why aren’t they using part of the $114 million to hire the needed 25 officers? If you are being attacked who would you want to come to your aid, a cop with a gun or a security officers if you can find one.
Commissioner Lambert:
County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay apparently pulled her endorsement of Lambert “due to blatant lies in 2 recent campaign emails” Double click the Tweet to enlarge and read the entire message, McKinlay obviously has ethics, and I was shocked to hear Lambert lied was less than honest.
One of my biggest disappointments in City government is Commissioner Richard Ryles who ran successfully against Christie Fox in 2018. Residents worked extremely hard to insure he was successful, and his voting record as a commissioner proved to us he gave thought to his vote and actually listened to residents. We were hopeful.
Fox decided to run in 2020 again challenging Ryles and he has decided not to seek re-election.
Friend’s of mine attended a forum at the DNA Speakeasy Political gathering at Voltaire, and mentioned it was very dark with a small crowd. The candidates spoke for approximately one minute and the real reason for the forum was another spiel on the Park Bonds. Small crowd, City plan foiled. This all leads up to one story, and here it is:
Christie Fox made an appearance at the DNA Speakeasy and my friend spoke to her about concerns residents were having with development and traffic throughout the city. Fox response: “Traffic caused by a 5 story building was the same as a 25 story building” Commissioner Ryles, you let a Fox in the hen house and not a bright one but will listen to the Mayor, “staff” developers and the Chamber of Commerce.
2 Forums 1 Story
2/11/2020 I attended the forum to hear the answer’s of 2 sitting City Commissioners, Lambert & Shoaf and their challengers Sylvester & Walker. One comment made by Ms. Walker was don’t tell the residents what you are going to do but “put it in writing.” What a concept. One woman in the audience thought her suggestion was “brilliant” and approved of her message. Imagine asking any politician to sign anything but their paycheck. The election will be held on 3/17/2020 and my first disappointment was the small number of people who took the time to attend and learn about the candidates before voting.
There was one learning moment for me when former Mayor Jeri Muoio addressed the crowd asking for their support in passing the 30 million dollar tax bond for parks.
Jeri stated the 30 million would be used for 20 parks throughout the city. Do you live near one of the lucky chosen parks? The City has not told us what 20 parks will get a re-do. Probably the same ones done with the 20 million park bond voted for in 2000.
She also mentioned there would be an “oversite committee” to monitor how our tax dollars would be spent on parks. You do realize the mayor will appoint the oversite committee, and already I am suspicious. Jeri left forms for folks to fill out if they want to contribute to the park bond so they can inundate us with signs and flyers suggesting we vote yes for the bonds.
Also mentioned was State Rd. 7 and a very important meeting to be held in front of the TPA (Transportation Planning Agency) on 2/20/2020 @9:00AM @ 301 Datura St, WPB. One of the speakers mentioned there would be buses available. Who’s paying for the buses, and will they be used for the western community as before? A complaint was made to the Inspector General after Geri rented buses to transport residents from Ibis to the fairgrounds and t-shirts made for residents who were opposed to the State Road 7 extension.
The City spent a total of $3,509.75 tax payer dollars to provide individuals from the western communities with t-shirts, stickers and transportation for individuals to attend a March 21, 2012 FDOT (Florida Dept. of Transportation) public hearing regarding the proposed extension of State Road 7. Read the letter from the OIG to the City of WPB below.
http://www.pbcgov.com/OIG/docs/OIGLetters/02-06-13-WPB_Mayor-FDOT_Public_Meeting.pdf
If you were in favor of the extension you didn’t receive t-shirts, stickers, and we had to find our own way to the event. That is how the city takes care of residents if you don’t live in a gated community. If State Road 7 and the multiple millions the city has wasted fighting it please try and attend this very important meeting and speak up. The western community will show up in force.
2/13/2020 Another forum with the SENA (South End Neighborhood Assoc.) The people living in the south end of the city take politics very seriously as the room was packed with residents. Of course we had to listen to another spiel on how important the Park Bond is to the city before residents are informed and allowed to speak on issues important to the south end, namely 8111 So. Dixie and the plan to narrow the car lanes on South Flagler.
Stephen received applause when he announced he was endorse by La Guia News – the top Hispanic newspaper in West Palm Beach. Commissioner Lambert is Hispanic, what does that tell you? What do they know that we don’t? Read the story below.
https://laguianews.com/2020/02/14/la-guia-news-digital-14-de-febrero/
Stephen’s vision for the 8111 So Dixie property. He would like to see mixed use – residential and restaurants, boat dock access, and stated “this has been sitting idle way too long – let’s get going” The room exploded with applause. When Stephen mentioned this 6 acre piece of property, Lambert interrupted him saying it was 20 acres. Well, hell how many acres are there? It’s in her District 5, she is the commissioner. Was Stephen wrong? I checked, the property is just under 7 acres. I repeat, it’s her district.
Lambert endorsements.
Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner, Palm Beach County Commissioner Mack Bernard, Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss, Palm Beach County Commissioner Robert Weinroth. Don’t they realize Lambert has voted every time against the extension of State Road 7 and WPB has battled the County and spent untold millions for years over the issue?
West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James & Fmr. West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio along with Mayor Lois Frankel. The last three endorsements she should want. Look at the damage James has caused in less than a year in office with lawsuits and a recall petition to remove him from office, and Muoio who is working hard to insure voters pass the Park Bond. What did Jeri do with the money collected after voters passed the penny sales tax to be used for parks. Millions raised. Where is the money? Frankel who first brought Willie Perez and PSC Security to WPB. Good news. Frankel has a challenger, namely Laura Loomer. If Loomer wins what will Frankel run for next? The School Board along with the Sheriff’s office and the ACC (Animal Care and Control) have no term limits.
West Palm Beach Commissioner Kelly Shoaf, West Palm Beach Commissioner Joe Peduzzi, and lets not forget West Palm Beach Commissioner-Elect Christy Fox. Lambert, along with Shoaf and Peduzzi were a no show at the commission meeting when they were needed to cancel the contract with PSC Security, all voted for One Flagler, a development the County, Palm Beach and residents are opposed too. Christy Fox, a one time employee of Related, and I have no doubt the 3rd. vote in any new development Related wants to build on our shrinking waterfront if Lambert and Shoaf are re-elected.
Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. I repeat Related and the Chamber are thisclose. Related wants to build and the first one to approach the City Commissioners is Dennis Grady, President and CEO of the Chamber. Commissioners vote yes on the project. God forbid they don’t receive their endorsement and money.
In my opinion the city needs the Park Bond before they run out of taxpayer money. Hopefully voters will use their common sense when they visit the poll’s.
Commissioner Shoaf Voting Record
If you read the recent story on Commissioner Lambert’s voting record this story would give you the same information. Shoaf voted with Lambert on every issue presented by developers, against residents objections.
Commissioner Shoaf voted for:
Okeechobee Business District,
One Flagler, a Related project
Voted for approval the plan to narrow the car lanes on South Flagler, where many residents living in the area spoke up trying to explain how the change would affect their way of life.
Voted approval to a 24-story condominium complex at 1309 S. Flagler Drive. “The West Palm Beach City Commission this week gave initial approval to a 24-story condominium complex at 1309 S. Flagler Drive, paving the way for more high-end units on the waterfront just south of downtown and dismissing complaints the 300-foot-tall structure would be far bigger than city regulations allow on a site smaller than 1.4 acres.” Read entire story below. https://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/20190131/flagler-drive-24-story-condo-gets-initial-ok-from-west-palm-beach
Voted to awarded a 7.9 million no-bid security contract to Professional Security Consultants (PSC) When residents and the media got involved Mayor James decided a do-over was necessary and set a “Special” City Commission meeting to cancel the PSC contract and request a RFP (Request For Proposal)
“Resolution No. 328-19 canceling the Security Services Agreement with Professional Security Consultants (PSC) Lambert, Shoaf and Peduzzi were no shows, and only Commissioners Neering & Ryles attended the meeting. Residents sat in chambers knowing the word on the street was the 3 would not attend to allow a quorum.
The population of WPB is over 111 thousand people who depend on a Mayor and City Commissioners to run their city in a professional and thoughtful manner. If they consider their responsibilities a part tine job they shouldn’t run.
At a recent City Commission meeting Shoaf told the audience she is “vehemently” opposed to replacing PSC, stating she has received many emails and phone calls praising PSC. She should have been “vehemently” opposed to voting for the no-bid contract, and then not appearing to cancel the contract.
One resident named Matt Chambers who has a business on Northwood Rd. generally comments to the Mayor and Commissioners and he stated at the last meeting that many of his customers have said how safe they feel with PSC patrolling the area. Appears he is in favor, along with Shoaf to keep PSC on the job. A little investigation and I found that Mr. Chambers is on her Campaign Treasurer’s Report Summary. Below is the City Clerk report for Dec. 2019. Please take the time to view it and note as with Lambert the Chamber of Commerce has made $1,000.00 donation. https://www.wpb.org/home/showdocument?id=231
Commissioner Shoaf is the Manger and Registered Agent of The Westley Group, LLC. It appears to be a business that renovates hotel properties. Could her position as a Commissioner help her family business? It certainly could if she is voting on hotel contracts for hotel companies her firm does business with. Something to watch for. http://thewestleygroup.com/
I recently ran across an article from the PB Post on Martina Tate Walker who is challenging Commissioner Shoaf. Here is part of the story published 9/1/2019.
“Palm Beach Rams Pop Warner football program saved by community.
When told they’d no longer receive funding from the Police Athletic League after last year, it was the community’s turn to support the team.
West Palm Beach’s Omnipotent Outreach Ministries has played a crucial part, giving the team financial assistance. Pastor Martina Tate-Walker, Evangelist Jeannette Jefferson, and the ministry provided the funds as an act of goodwill.” Obviously before the gangs reach these kids Ms. Walker would rather see kids on the field playing ball than learning how to load and shoot a gun. Hopefully the Police Athletic League will resume it’s financial assistance. Please take the time to read the story and see the age of children. This is when you reach them, not when their in their 20. https://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/20190901/palm-beach-rams-pop-warner-football-program-saved-by-community
We need representatives who will represent the people, with no political agendas and too much attention paid to special interest. if you approve of the direction city leaders have taken us keep them in office, if your not happy, please vote to change the direction the city is moving.
I walked the city for 8 hours and asked over 1,000 residents if they preferred PSC or another security company. 850 people said they preferred PSC. That sentence is a total fabrication, and because I said it don’t make it true.
Commissioner Lambert’s Voting Record
WPB Watch stories are being posted early in an attempt to reach early voters to insure they know the facts before they vote their choice for City Commissioner. Many people vote because they recognize a name or know the candidate is running for reelection. I don’t believe either is a sound reason to give them our vote.
For me it’s easier to know how to vote if a candidate is up for reelection because I can better understand how they voted, and if they kept previous campaign promises. Most have not.
Let me remind you how Christine Lambert voted, and for the record Kelly Shoaf was in lock step with Lambert. That’s another story coming soon.
After the Okeechobee Business District (OBD) was voted down by the previous commissioners, who listened to residents concern about the project which was the gateway to One Flagler, a Related project, Mayor Muoio brought it back for reconsideration, and with the votes of Lambert and Shoaf, it passed and One Flagler is definitely in play, with PB County, Palm Beach and residents still against the project. Read the story below. https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2018/08/13/west-palm-beach-officials-to-give-downtown-office.html
9/2019 Lambert voted to awarded a 7.9 million no-bid security contract to a firm whose regional chief, Willie Perez, who socializes with the mayor, city manager, police chief and deputy chief and a city commissioner (Peduzzi). The city was in an uproar, and James decided a do-over was called for.
10/2019 “Resolution No. 328-19 canceling the Security Services Agreement with Professional Security Consultants. Lambert, Shoaf and Peduzzi were a no show. No quorum, meeting cancelled, contract stayed in effect.
10/ 2019 Lambert voted to approved a plan to narrow the car lanes on South Flagler and create wider bike lanes separated from traffic. Commission Chambers were full with residents from her district asking the commissioners to not pass this resolution. Did she listen? She did not.
The day after Lambert voted to pass the changes on South Flagler, she was seen with her husband, Monty an employee of WGI, who does business with the City, on So. Flagler. Was she envisioning how her vote would change the area? Lambert on Flagler with hubby
1/ 2019 Lambert voted approval to a 24-story condominium complex at 1309 S. Flagler Drive, while dismissing complaints the 300-foot-tall structure would be far bigger than city regulations allow on a site smaller than 1.4 acres.
Lambert’s having her first Annual “South of Okeechobee Neighborhood Community Update” on 2/8/2020, with invited guests James, Police & Fire Chief, Code Enforcement, Parks & Recreation. She also wants to teach you about the 30 million dollar Park Referendum, which of course she voted for. Why the first annual Community update one month before the election? Attempting to show she cares? Don’t be fooled.
Rick Asnani from Cornerstone is her Political Advisor, and below are a few of the contributions she has received.
Mark Foley Political committee $1,000.00, Chamber of Commerce $1,000.00, Rick Asnani $1,000.00. My 2 favorites Fla. for Economic Leadership and Citizens for Law Order and Ethics, both are located at 9200 Belvedere Rd. Suite 202 Both Pac’s are registered to Rick Asnani and both gave $1,000.00. In fact Ms. Lambert has collected $58,115.00 as of 12/31,2019.
Do you expect Lambert to be loyal to the people who put her in office? She isn’t even loyal to her political party. Lambert was a Registered Republican until she decided to run for City Commissioner, then changed her affiliation to the Democratic Party. See the PBC Supervisor of Elections below. Lambert SOE Change History From Rep. to Dem.
Lambert has a challenger named Stephen Sylvester. Here’s what you need to know about Mr. Sylvester. He is not welcome by Related, other developers, Chamber of Commerce, James and businesses who want to tear up our streets to control traffic and gridlock which Lambert’s vote helped create. A quote by Mr. Sylvester says it all.
“City Commissioners must take the time to listen to our residents – the very people who elected them to office! Unfortunately, the residents and their concerns have taken a back seat to political agendas and special interests.” I believe he gets it. I’m willing to give him a chance.
Why would we reward Lambert with our vote for a second two year term to create more problems for the City.