Terri Parker Exclusive 7-20-2023 & Tom Valeo
Terri Parker, Investigative Reporter for WPBF (25) has another Exclusive report on the Marina reported July 20,2023.
Below are excerpts, and my comments in Italic.
EXCLUSIVE: West Palm Beach halts negotiations with marina developer City Harbor pending protest
“The city of West Palm Beach has halted negotiations with City Harbor LLC on the marina proposal bid it won last month.
Cunningham filed an official protest after city commissioners and the mayor voted 5 -1 on June 5 to move forward with negotiations with City Harbor to build and operate a luxury marina on the downtown waterfront.”
Cunningham is the attorney who successfully sued the city over the Sunset Lounge. James continues to waste time and taxpayers money keeping the night club closed. My opinion: Makes James a poor loser, and has the power to keep the Sunset Lounge closed while the city continues to fight the judge’s decision.
“He (Cunningham) cited several irregularities in the process, including that Informa, the company which runs the annual boat show and who he says is a partner of City Harbor, improperly lobbied the commission and mayor ahead of the vote.
“City procurement official Donna Levengood denied his protest, saying he filed it after the seven-day deadline.” Where was City Attorney Kimberly Rothenburg opinion?
“Cunningham appealed, saying he did not receive a letter from Levengood giving official notice of the bid going to City Harbor, and the clock didn’t start ticking until he received it.” Again, where was City Attorney Kimberly Rothenburg opinion?
“Levengood responded, saying several members of Safe Harbor were at the June 5 meeting where the rankings were announced, and denied his reconsideration.” Was it up to safe Harbor to spread the word? Sounds to me like the city dropped the ball—again.
“However, she has scheduled a special meeting of the city commission to address Safe Harbor’s appeal on July 31, and in the meantime, has halted negotiations.” Save the date and try to attend the Special City Commission meeting on 7/31/2023 @ 10:00 AM.
“It is unclear whether commissioners will go beyond discussing the protest at the upcoming special meeting, given the many letters, emails, calls and visits in opposition they’ve received since announcing the marina plans and bid award.”
I’m hopeful the commissioners to do the right thing. Three commissioners are up for re-election, Lambert, Ward and Fox in March 2024. Ms. Parker story contains more information. Please take the time to read it.
West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James Announces New Staff Appointment
“West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James announced that Tom Valeo will serve as chief of staff to the Mayor. With an extensive background in legislative affairs, Valeo brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. What happened to the former chief of staff resigned or terminated?
Tom Valeo joins the City of West Palm Beach with a proven track record in leadership and a record of legislative accomplishments. Having served as a top aide in the Florida Legislature, Valeo has demonstrated a solid ability to drive positive change and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.”
My dad’s voice is ringing in my ears, and I will share a conversation we had at one time. Dad told me when a business wanted a new law on the books, they start by donating money to a candidate’s election/re-election. The new law is discussed. I will use the marijuana amendment for an example.
A new amendment must be carefully worded in order to make it acceptable to voters. The TV commercials were coming fast and furious, showing elderly people in a hospital bed, and the wording was precise. This person is suffering from stage four cancer and the only relief they receive is if they are allowed to smoke marijuana cigarette. Who wouldn’t be touched by the story?
“Voters approved MEDICAL cannabis in 2016 with over 71% voting approval. Residents must have a medical marijuana card issued by the state after patients receive a recommendation from a certified physician.”
So far so good, the law is on the books so let’s see if we can advance it and make even more money.
“Florida voters will finally have the opportunity to legalize RECREATIONAL marijuana usage after a proposed initiative received almost one million verified signatures, allowing it to officially qualify for the 2024 general election ballot.”
There you have it. Took eight years but worth the wait if you own a dispensary in Florida’s Billion-dollar business. “Pot Shops” was the main attraction on Clematis St. in WPB. The City Commissioners passed a measure that bans any more medical marijuana dispensaries from opening in the city.
Mayor James issued the following statement after making the announcement:
Excerpts from James statement. Link has been added below. Please take the time to read in its entirety.
“As I begin my second term, I’m excited to announce Tom Valeo as my chief of staff. For nearly 10 years, Tom has worked at the state and local levels on legislative, community, and policy-focused initiatives.
As chief of staff, Thomas Valeo will work closely with Mayor James and the City’s leadership team to oversee and coordinate key initiatives and policies. He will play a vital role in supporting the mayor’s priorities” Is the marina a priority for Mayor James? I bet $45,000 it is.
“Tom Valeo is an accomplished professional in political and legislative affairs. He worked as a political and public affairs director at Cornerstone Solutions, where he implemented coalition-building strategies and executed legislative campaigns.” Cornerstone again.
“Tom also served as a Legislative Assistant in the Florida House of Representatives and gained valuable experience. Known for his dedication, expertise, and outstanding contributions, he is regarded as a competent professional in government relations, making significant contributions to community initiatives.” Is Tom Valero the man James is counting on to sell the marina project to residents. I honestly don’t know, but I’m very suspicious.
“Tom resides in Lake Worth, Florida.” Valero has something in common with City Administrator Faye Johnson. Neither live in WPB. Both make decisions that impact WPB residents, but not Lake Worth or Unincorporated PBC
https://www.wpb.org/Home/Components/News/News/3536/772
The end.
Terri Parker Interviews Commissioners on Marina
Below is a story by Terri Parker, Investigative Reporter, and published on July 21, 2023. Below are excerpts, and the entire story can be read below. My comments are in Italic. Underlined to draw your attention.
West Palm Beach commissioners react to outpouring of opposition to downtown marina vote
“Facing an onslaught of opposition, West Palm Beach commissioners who voted June 5 to start negotiating a proposed downtown marina said Friday their minds aren’t made up until the public weighs in.” That sentence is important as I hope to show.
“After commissioners moved forward at Mayor Keith James’ urging to select City Harbor, LLC”
“Once they saw the results, they began a petition asking that negotiations with City Harbor cease immediately.
They also began a letter-writing campaign and started a Facebook page called Protect the WPB Downtown Waterfront.”
“WPBF Investigative Reporter Terri Parker contacted each commissioner to see how the public response has impacted their support or opposition to the marina proposal.”
Christina Lambert: “I believe it is essential that we listen to the residents and stakeholders before arriving at any decisions regarding the waterfront.” “I will not support any project on the waterfront without thorough public participation.”
Christy Fox: “I stand by my original ‘No’ vote on the motion to move forward with negotiations for the Marina before the public has had the chance to participate.”
Joe Peduzzi: “I have not yet committed to supporting the marina concept.” “Before we move forward, our residents should be given the opportunity to learn more and to offer feedback; likewise, the Commission should be given adequate time to consider whether a marina is in the best interests of the city.”
It is not in the best interest of the city, but it is in the best interest of Mayor Keith James and the rich & famous yacht owners.
Shalonda Warren: “I’ve also received some responses from people that are in support.” “I can’t say that I’ve made a definitive decision. It’s still just a matter of what people are saying they’re wanting and what’s going to be the right move forward for the city.”
Commissioner Warren’s comment triggered a memory, and I will explain below. If the residents are opposed to a marina, they cannot let down their guard for a minute or we will wake up one morning and wonder why their water view has vanished.
Cathleen Ward: “I don’t want to do something that an entire community is opposed to. But I don’t think everybody necessarily has the whole picture.” “But if the entire community, thousands of people don’t want a marina at all, of course that would be crazy for me to say ‘No, that doesn’t impact me whatsoever.’”
Commissioners seldom have the whole picture, and are given the information, and only the information, James and Johnson want them to have. Are you aware no city commissioner can ask any questions of a staff member? They MUST submit the question to the City Administrator who will discuss it with the staff member and supply the answer to the commissioner. I find that disgraceful and unacceptable, but it does ensure commissioners receive the answer they are meant to have.
The mayor and commissioners have a meeting called the City Commission Agenda Review, before the scheduled city commission meeting, where they meet to discuss items on the agenda. If they are given information they find questionable, how do they vote on the issue at the commission meeting?
When Mayor James was Commissioner James (8 years) he suggested money be placed in the budget for the commissioners to have their own attorney on retainer if they had questions and disagree with city attorney’s opinion. Good idea, although now that he is Mayor James, he may fight the idea.
“There will be a special commission meeting on July 31 at 9 am to discuss the request by the losing company, Safe Harbor, to protest the award, citing several irregularities in the process.”
All four Commissioner are now on the same page as Commissioner Fox who wanted input from residents before making a decision.
Commissioner Warren states “I’ve also received some responses from people that are in support.” Her statement jumped out at me. I remembered and it leads to a WPB Watch story I published on November 5, 2021. and it can be found at the end of the story.
What the public can expect when we are allowed to comment on the marina if history repeats itself.
The project under discussion was the “tent site” proposed by Developer Charles Cohen who did not support Keith James in his bid for Mayor.
At the City Commission meeting James was absent and Commissioner Peduzzi, President of the City Commission led the meeting.
At the time the city used a “portal” where residents could email the city with their comments and the City Clerk would read them into the record. Don’t look for it, it’s been taken down. If you want to make a comment you must appear in person to allow your voice to be heard.
It’s the end of the meeting and Commissioner Peduzzi asks the City Clerk if there are any comments emailed to the City. Well, yes there are. In fact there are 77 comments to be read. Due to the amount the Clerk is advised to just read the names and addresses, and if they are in favor or opposed to the project. I listened and wrote every name and address down.
All 77 comments were opposed to the project, and if that’s not surprising to readers this should be. The vast majority who opposed live in my area, District 2, called the Villages and live many miles from the Tent Site. My opinion. Those opposed were invited guests to speak against the Cohen project.
If history does repeat itself, I expect many invited guests to speak in favor of building the marina.
Commission President Warren, and Commissioner Fox, please call for a Special City Commission Meeting. City Commissioners Lambert, Peduzzi and Ward show up for the meeting and vote to end all negotiations for a marina.
Terri Parker’s entire story below.
https://www.wpbf.com/article/florida-commissioners-react-opposition-marina-west-palm-beach/44613947
Petition to Save Our Downtown WPB Waterfront. Now’s the time to sign and share with friends and family. If husband and wife both want to sign, they must use their separate email addresses. If readers have friends in the western gated communities, please forward the petition to them and ask them to sign. This is not a downtown resident problem but effects the entire city of WPB.
https://www.wpbdna.com/waterfront_petition
WPB Watch story published 11/5/2021.
https://wpbwatch.com/2021/11/tent-site/
The end
City Commissioners It’s Decision Time On Marina
Your decision to vote for negotiations to build a Marina on our waterfront was a colossal mistake, and residents are depending on you to correct it.
City Commission meeting held July 10, 2023
James is going to correct misinformation from the public. Listen to James try to convince the public and City Commissioners all is on the up & up with marina plans. Video runs 5:13
https://youtu.be/esb6Lc8eYYY?t=687
I am requesting City Commission President Shalonda Warren and Commissioner Christie Fox to request a Special City Commission meeting calling for the city to stop negotiations for a new marina on our waterfront. As you know it takes two Commissioners to request the meeting.
As I’m typing this my mind goes to the past and remembering another Special City Commission meeting called by Commissioner’s Neering and Ryles.
9/27/2019 “After uproar, West Palm commission to revisit decision to award $8 million no-bid contract. Two commissioners request special meeting for Friday.”
The agenda, which reads in part: “Resolution No. 328-19 canceling the Security Services Agreement with Professional Security Consultants to provide security services for City facilities and in Northwood.”
Commissioners, please take the time to read the story below and see who’s missing on the dais. No show, Commissioners Lambert, Peduzzi and Shoaf. No quorum–no meeting–cancelled. Dirty politics at its best.
https://wpbwatch.com/2019/09/no-show-commissioners-didnt-fool-pu/
Why this is wrong on so many levels.
Palm Harbor Marina
In 1968 city leaders leased out the Palm Harbor Marina for 99 years to Edward Durell Stone Jr.” Lease ends in the year 2067 another 44 years to go and we have our water front back. Not going to happen. They will ask for and receive another 99-year lease. Understand, once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
Commissioners if you don’t put an end to this insanity here’s what we are looking at.
If this passes in 2023 with a 99-year lease gates are going up to protect the million-dollar yachts and to keep the riff raff out. When the 99-year lease ends, the waterfront will belong to the residents again in the year 2122. Not going to happen. They will ask for and receive another 99-year lease. Understand, once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Click picture to enlarge.
Commissioners, you can no longer sit on the fence, it’s decision-making time. You can no longer tell us you haven’t made a decision. There is no way you can any longer appease the mayor and the residents. All of you must choose to stand with Mayor James or stand tall with the residents who are asking you stop the marina in it’s tracks. You are the only ones who can. Commissioner’s Warren and Fox, please call for a Special City Commission Meeting. City Commissioners Lambert, Peduzzi and Ward show up for the meeting. We have a right to know where you stand. Below is for your reading enjoyment.
Effective 4/19/17 Ord. 4665-16 7 pages.
RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
I. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
GOAL 1: THE CITY SHALL MAINTAIN LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS TO
PROVIDE SUFFICIENT AND ADEQUATE PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES TO
SATISFY THE RECREATIONAL AND OPEN SPACE NEEDS OF THE CITIZENS.
GOAL 2: THE CITY SHALL PRESERVE, PROTECT AND ENHANCE UNIQUE
RECREATIONAL AND NATURAL OPEN SPACE RESOURCES TO PROVIDE
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATIONAL AND/OR LEISURE-TYPE OPPORTUNITIES
Please take the time to sign the Petition to Save Our Downtown WPB Waterfront and share with friends and family. I believe it will be one of the most important documents I will sign my name to this year.
The end
Mayor James receives $45,000 In Contributions
The story below was written by Investigator Reporter Terri Parker, WPBF (25) and something about the word “contributions” rang a bell, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then I remembered. I will remind readers of another story on James contributions below.
Below are excerpts from Ms. Parker’s story, and the link can be found below. My comments in italic.
“$45,000 in contributions made to mayor’s campaign manager’s PAC ahead of West Palm Beach Marina vote”
“Commissioners say they were not aware of donations made by endorsers of winning firm”
I believe that statement. Commissioners are kept in the dark like WPB residents are. Commissioners need to investigate what they are voting on and not continue to assume what they are told by Mayor James, City Administrator, Faye Johnson, and staff is the truth. Commissioner’s owe us that much. A City Commissioner should not be considered a part time job.
“On Feb. 7, state campaign finance records show several marine companies donated thousands in cash to a West Palm Beach political action committee called Floridians for Economic Leadership, totaling $45,000.”
International Yacht Brokers Association gave $20,000
HMY Yacht Sales – $10,000
Marine Max – $5,000
Viking Sport Cruisers – $5,000
Viking Yachts President Patrick Healey $5,000
“The PAC is run by political consultant Rick Asnani of Cornerstone Solutions to help candidates get elected, among other political campaigns.”
“Asnani is Mayor Keith James’ campaign manager.
And he also represents the campaigns of all five commissioners.”
Four months later, on June 5, those commissioners and the mayor listened to two presentations from companies bidding to operate a “proposed marina on the downtown waterfront.”
“Informa is the company that said it steered those contributions to
the PAC in February “to show our support for the mayor and city of West Palm Beach.”
Attorney Malcolm Cunningham represents Safe Harbor — the company that lost.
“The appearance is the contributions are designed to curry favor with the mayor and the city commissioners in advance of what was coming,” Cunningham said.
Informa boat show CEO Andrew Doole, who endorsed City Harbor at the June 5 meeting where no public comment was supposed to be allowed, says the donations had nothing to do with the marina project, providing this statement:
“Informa, the company that has run the Palm Beach International Boat Show for decades, together with many of our longtime partners, raised these funds to show our support for the Mayor and city of West Palm Beach.”
Our contributions were given to a legal political committee and reported properly. These donations are not from, nor affiliated, with anyone bidding on the recent city marina project.”
WPBF 25 News Investigative Reporter Terri Parker asked all five commissioners and the mayor if the donations made by Informa’s partners had any influence on their vote to choose City Harbor — the company Informa endorsed.
“Four said they didn’t know about the donations until asked.”
“James’ director of communications, Diane Papadakos confirms she received WPBF’s email, but has not replied as to whether the mayor has any comment.” Of course James won’t comment. What could he possibly say?
Rick Asnani is on vacation out of the country, but provided a statement: Please take the time to read Ms. Parker’s story below as it contains more information.
https://www.wpbf.com/article/florida-marina-bid-mayor-campaign-manager-pac-contributions/44476403
Three more “donations” Do you believe in coincidences?
12/6/2022 #25, #26 and #27, 3 towing companies each gave $1,000.00 donation to Mayor Keith James campaign for re-election, all on the same day. Read Campaign Treasurer Report below.
https://www.wpb.org/home/showpublisheddocument/5659/638090243530770000
12/12/2022 City Commission Meeting held 6 days after receiving donations from 3 towing companies.
“The City previously provided for the towing or storage of disabled vehicles or vessels by entering into franchise agreements with towing companies selected through the City’s procurement process” Below is the City Agenda for the City Commission meeting and I draw your attention to item # 8.1
https://08c756.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CC-meeting-12-12-2022.pdf
WPB Watch story on 3 contributions below
https://wpbwatch.com/2023/02/dialing-for-dollars/
Terri Parker had another exclusive story on the marina published on July 11, 2023 and I included it below. I am grateful for reporters who dig out the truth to let us know what is happening in our city. Unfortunately we can’t depend on local officials to keep us informed.
“Outrage grows over West Palm Beach vote to plan commercial marina without public input”
The end.
Palm Harbor Marina
Palm Harbor Marina is located on Flagler Drive & Clematis St. and stretches north to the Flagler Memorial bridge. Below you will find the link and a picture is worth a thousands words. Please take the time to open and see the pictures of the marina as it sits today.
When did Palm Harbor Begin?
Below is a story by Joel Engelhardt who wrote “Boats have docked at the city-owned marina just south of the Flagler Memorial Bridge since 1948. It was a sleepy downtown then and it was still sleepy in 1968, without a single high-rise lining the now bustling Flagler Drive waterfront, when city leaders leased out the marina for 99 years to Edward Durell Stone Jr.”
1968 Depending on the time of the year one of the 2 gentlemen below was Mayor of WPB, or possibly Moore started negotiations and Brady finished.
Mayor Reid Moore, Jr. served 1967 to 1968
Mayor David H. Brady served 1968 to 1969
At the time WPB had a Commission-Manager form of government until 1991 when Nancy Graham was elected the first strong mayor of WPB and introduced Related to the city.
Palm Harbor Marina grew into what it is now, a beautiful marina as you can see from the pictures below. Unfortunately, you can only see it from a distance because it is guarded night and day, with docks fenced in and no trespassing signs.
As you recall three companies wanted to manage the marina. Safe Harbor, City Harbor and Leisure Resorts. Leisure Resorts notified the city it was no longer interested in the project, and I questioned why. Nobody could tell me so I went looking.
Palm Harbor Marina is managed by Leisure Resorts, who have been involved in a lawsuit for many, many years with the Waterview Towers. Joel Engelhardt did an excellent job writing the story and I have included it below. Worth the read, and explains the many mistakes made by city leaders.
OWNER Leisure Resorts, LLC Link below
https://murraylogan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/MLCI-Palm-Harbor-Marina.pdf
1 pic = 1,000 words Palm Harbor Marina. Link below
https://palmharbor-marina.com/
I saved the best for last. A video made by Ginger Gowing Fowlkes who will take you on a walking tour of Palm Harbor Marina while she points out things of interest such as locked gates, no trespassing signs and guards protecting the yachts at night.
The video runs 8:56 min, and I encourage you to watch as it will pull the story together.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qaHTFPCtnnvHmgFG7
Now back to our beautiful Flagler water views Mayor James wants to give away. If you watched the video, can you picture the same set up? The city (we) own the land but have no access to the water for 99 years. More gates, more no trespassing signs, and guards protecting the property of the rich and famous.
City Commissioners
James cannot accomplish this without your help. Please rethink the situation, stand with the residents who trusted you enough with their votes. Please don’t make the same mistake commissioners made in 1948. As Ginger say’s “Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”
The end
Boat show’s pitch for big tent at Meyer Amphitheatre is on hold.
Larry Keller Special to The Post July 16,2021 Link can be found below.
Below are excerpts from the story, my comments in italic.
Cast: Rena Blades, director of community and government relations for the boat show
Informa Markets, manages the Boat Show.
Amelia Ostrosky, Esplanade Grande condominium association board chair
“A proposal floated by producers of the Palm Beach International Boat Show to remove palm trees, level a berm and make other changes at the park that is home to the Meyer Amphitheatre is dead in the water — for now.”
“Boat show manager Informa Markets pitched a plan last month to the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority to alter the park in ways that would enable it to erect an enormous tent at the annual event. The DDA board said it needed more information.” Good for the DDA
“We have tabled that for the foreseeable future,” said Rena Blades, director of community and government relations for the boat show.
The amphitheater, officially the Meyer Amphitheatre at Sunfest Park, opened 25 years ago on a 2.4-acre city-owned site near Flagler Drive and the Intracoastal Waterway. It has been a popular scenic venue for everything from SunFest and other festivals to the annual 4th on Flagler celebrations for Independence Day. And, of course, the annual boat show.”
Boat show would like to expand but ‘the challenge is we’re landlocked.
“This year’s four-day event featured more than $1.2 billion in boats, yachts and accessories of all sizes from 8-foot inflatables to the $66 million Quantum of Solace measuring 238 feet long with a helipad, a nightclub, an elevator, a gym and a pool.”
“The boat show has become really popular, not only with attendees but with vendors,” Blades said. “People like the scale of this boat show. The challenge is we’re landlocked … there’s no way to expand the number of vendors so we can give people more of what they want.” More of what people want, or more of what you want?
Hence the desire for more tent space.
“Informa proposed flattening a berm or hill that is 5 to 6 feet high on the eastern edge of the park, removing stairs and eight light poles and uprooting more than a dozen coconut palms. They were to be replanted at the western side of the park, where oak trees and another berm would remain.”
“The proposal would have moved the fence that currently is erected near the sidewalk on Narcissus Avenue during boat shows to a place farther inside the park, creating more space for residents to walk their dogs.” No mention if the fence would be returned to it’s original position.
What residents thought of the boat show’s idea.
“Boat show representatives met with association boards and residents at two nearby condominiums in recent months, Blades said. One of them, the 15-story Esplanade Grande with a rooftop pool and hot tub, overlooks the amphitheater and the Intracoastal Waterway. Some units sell for $2 million and up.”
“My takeaway was there was a fair amount of support for it, Blades said. “I think the residents felt listened to for the most part.”
“The Esplanade Grande condominium association board chair, Amelia Ostrosky, recalled it differently. “We were basically all on board” in opposition to the plan, she said.”
If this plan proceeded to the City Commission for a vote the statement made by Ms. Blades above would have been repeated and there would be a good chance of passage simply because people didn’t pay attention, woke one morning asking other neighbors what’s with the huge tent in the park? Oh! look, the berm’s gone, the streetlights are gone, I wondered why it was so dark in the park last night. Someone stole the City’s Coconut Palm trees. What happened? I repeat, you didn’t pay attention.
“But Esplanade Grande residents had two primary objections to the proposed changes. “We definitely were not in favor of removing the berm,” Ostrosky said. It functions as sort of natural barrier to young children and dogs playing on the amphitheater lawn from venturing onto nearby Flagler Drive, she said.”
“The other major concern was the tent, which residents were informed would be 40,000 square feet” (1 acre = 43,560 Square feet) As mentioned above the park is on 2.4-acres city-owned site, meaning residents own it.
“Ostrosky said. They were told it would be in place a maximum of 26 to 30 days a year for various events, but neighbors worried it might be extended more days.” I tend to agree with the neighbors and once it’s up complaining wont help.
“There is always a concern about such a massive tent,” Ostrosky said. “We were concerned the beauty of the park would become a tent site.”
“At one meeting of condo residents, a group of people was “generally grumpy that there’s a tent there at all,” Blades said. I would imagine they were a little more than grumpy. They showed up, spoke up, pushed back and the outcome can be read below.
“Our team just felt like ‘Let’s not deal with this right now, and we’ll give it more thought and improve on these other things we’ve heard about, like the traffic flow.’ We’ve left it at that.”
This story was written in July 2021, James was serving his first term as mayor, my opinion is don’t push this now, wait until his second term then he’ll take care of the boat show and Informa.
Check out the boat show home page and see facts and figures.
https://www.pbboatshow.com/en/home.html
Read the entire PB Post story below.
Far From Over
Terri Parker’s Exclusive Story on the Marina
Channel 25 (WPBF) Investigative Reporter, Terri Parker had the exclusive story on Safe Harbor who filed a protest against the City of WPB for voting for a “world class marina.” Below are excerpts from Ms. Parker’s story, and the link can be found below.
“The lawyer for Safe Harbor – the world’s largest marina builder and operator filed an official protest against city commissioners’ choice of City Harbor to build a “world class marina” on the downtown waterfront.”
According to the city charter, the mayor may only vote in the case of a tie in a commission meeting.
While James characterized the meeting as a “evaluation committee” it was posted as a special commission meeting.
The protest also said a representative for Informa, which manages the yearly boat show, improperly lobbied commissioners and the mayor on behalf of City Harbor.
Informa designed the dock plan for City Harbor, according to the protest and was listed as a partner in visual handouts.”
Ms. Parker’s story can be read below, and I have included the link if you care to view the meeting which lasted for 3:34:40 and hear Andrew Duel from Informa the company that manages the boat show made a presentation. Time start 56:28.
City leaders are willing to give up our water views to a for profit company and allow them to build a marina for the wealthy boat owners and it’s a hot topic being watched by residents and the media.
Below you will read a letter to the editor of the PB Post by Mr. Mike Schmidt and an email sent to city leaders by Aaron Wormus. Both men have expressed their views on the marina. I thank them both for speaking up.
Now the rest of us that are upset about our possible loss of access to the water.
When the City Commission meet to discuss and vote on the issue, I’m betting Channel 5, 12, 25 and the PB Post will be present to report on the story. It’s a hot issue, and residents are concerned, but are we concerned enough to attend the meeting and speak up. If the city runs true to form invited guests will attend the meeting praising city leaders for their leadership.
Public speaking is a hard thing to do, believe me I know. When I first started to address the Mayor (Lois Frankel) and City Commissioners I was a nervous wreck, and hoped they couldn’t hear my knees knocking. When you stop and think city hall belongs to all of us and we allow leaders the use of the building for a few years hoping they will protect residents. Few do.
If you don’t agree with the city’s plans, please find the courage to attend the meetings and speak up. Your silence means acceptance.
Mike Schmidt letter to the editor P.B. Post.
“I read Kim Miller’s article in the Palm Beach Post about the City Council’s plan to permit a private business to build a for-profit marina at the waterfront park in downtown. It seems incredible that any attempt to take public parkland and sequester it for private, for-profit use of a very exclusive few would blithely proceed without any meaningful attempt to get the public’s opinion. Imagine if someone wanted to take a substantial chunk of Howard Park or Gaines Park and convert it for the exclusive use of the yachting class. There would be a tremendous public outcry of ‘gentrification,’ ‘elitism,’ ‘neo-colonialism,’ or whatever disparaging ‘ism’ you could possibly imagine.
Making matters worse is the obvious stealth and secrecy of the whole deal, a very deliberate attempt by mayor and council to NOT inform the public, which carries the reek of public officials thinking about their own interests and not the general public’s — or at the very least, the public officials appear to be the handmaidens of a very few self-centered profiteers.
Look, I’m not trying to be naive: the typical practice with development is to keep it on the downlow and get city approval before ‘public comment’ can have any meaningful effect. Then the city hosts a pointless, cosmetic meeting to give the appearance of democracy, listens to a bunch of objections with glazed eyes and nary a care, because the project is already approved and the public can stuff their objections.
It’s an old game, we’ve all seen it before. But if this is how the mayor and council are proceeding with this project, their credibility as public servants will be nil. Don’t be surprised if all city officials who shepherded this marina project are accused of lack of ethics, corruption, and a general contempt for their constituents. How else is the secrecy and stealth to be interpreted?
Let’s also not waste each other’s time or insult the public’s intelligence by trying to pretend that ordinary people will enjoy access to the marina once built. We all know that the people who own expensive boats have zero incentive to allow the public on their docks, and no expensive marina is an exception to that rule. There’s no escaping that a beautiful, unique park and view of the waterfront, designed and intended for the public and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands every year, will be substantially obstructed for the private pleasure of a scant few extremely wealthy folk.
Please don’t decide on this project without proper public input. Please don’t ruin the beautiful, tourist-friendly, existing waterfront that is a unique, irreplaceable, signature feature of downtown. Please don’t turn downtown West Palm Beach into the poorly-planned, helter-skelter mish-mash of gated marinas that is Fort Lauderdale.”
Mike Schmidt is a resident of West Palm Beach.
Aaron Wormus email to city leaders.
Dear Mayor James,
“I work at the Citizens’ Building overlooking the Downtown Waterfront, and I live in the South End – Every day I walk my dogs, Jackson and Pixel, along the beautiful Flagler Drive.
We are blessed that through the years West Palm Beach leaders have made choices that have protected, preserved and nourished our waterfront. Our beautiful lake attracted the first settlers, birthed our city 128 years ago, and IF protected will continue to be part of our veritable paradise for generations to come.
Please stop all negotiations for a new commercial marina on our downtown waterfront. It’s not worth it, at any price.
Thank you for your continued service to our community.”
Best regards,
Aaron Wormus
330 Winters St, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
(561) 809 8507
Terri Parker story can be read below.
Special City Commission Meeting held June 5, 2023, ran for 3:34:40, and presentation by Andrew Duel from Informa the company that manages the boat show made a presentation time start 56:28. Meeting can be seen & heard below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_Y1yWMn0LI
Before I close one more piece of information. Attorney Malcolm Cunningham who successfully defended Vita in the Sunset Lounge lawsuit is the attorney for Safe Harbor. Speaking of the Sunset Lounge how are negotiations coming along? That question for Mayor Keith James.
The end