Hurricanes, Restaurants & City Place
When you receive your city water bill there is an informational sheet enclosed and contains useful info but I question if the powers to be read it and understand what they are releasing. A few months ago we received one called
“Flood Hazard & Preparation Information” and one paragraph caught my attention and it was written:
“Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. Flood risk isn’t just based on history. It is also based on rainfall, tidal-surge data, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and development.”
That makes sense because I have noticed that asphalt and cement will never absorb water as easily as green space. It tells how to prepare for hurricanes, flooding and evacuations, and states “If mandatory evacuations are issued, you must leave.”
So say we are hit with a hurricane of the century, and we are ordered to leave. Now keep in mind the estimated population of WPB is 110,222 according to the most recent United States census estimates. West Palm Beach, Florida is the 20th largest city in Florida based on official 2017 estimates from the US Census Bureau. Let’s take one development Ibis a gated community and the figures below are from their website.
Total Population: 9,097
Total Household: 3,154
Average people per household: 3
Cars: 3,927
Ibis is one of a dozen gated communities and residents of Ibis and others do not want the State Rd 7 extension, and city officials spend millions of taxpayer dollars to insure the elite have their way. The extension would give those developments another means of escape. Well there is always Okeechobee Blvd.
Speaking of Okeechobee Blvd. I received info. on another closing in City Place, which is owned by none other than Developer Related. Here it is.
“As if Related could be even less popular with downtown residents, the latest victim of skyrocketing rents at City Place is The Panera Bread Co. At some point our elected officials should have conversation with Related. This has worked in other cities. Enough is enough. Panera & Related could reach an agreement if they act in good faith. There has been dozens of closings over the years. The Brewzzi location has been empty for over 5 yrs. now. How is that good for any of us?”
It appears to me the millenniums and bicyclist are not supporting local businesses and seniors who do dine out wont go where they can’t park and feel safe.
I recently wrote a piece on Clematis VS Northwood, and if you missed it you can catch up by reading the story below. I wrote it was up and coming and would draw business away from Clematis and City Place.
Last February Mayor Muoio was a guest for the grand opening of Mestizo Peruvian Cuisine a new restaurant in (guess where?) Northwood Village. The story finishes with “It is the latest edition to the popular and award-winning restaurants in the neighborhood.” This is an area where you can park on the street, with no parking meters, and keep an eye on your auto.
https://wpbwatch.com/2018/08/clematis-vs-northwood-rd/
Just received more info on City Place and it’s private security can be read below.
‘This past Saturday evening a riot broke out at the Burger Fi restaurant at CityPlace. A large gang of teenagers had a brawl and, according to employees, security was non-existent. The restaurant
had to close for repairs until Monday, had to change their hours & now has to pay for security detail. Many of you know the politics of the security at CityPlace. It needs to change NOW. We need our elected officials to take action & stop putting people’s lives in danger. This email is going viral so everyone can take action before a major crisis occurs. Thank You for your support.’
It’s a plus for the city and neighborhoods when residents are involved in their neighborhood and speak out about the problems. Read about the private security firm below.
Internal Audit Department
I have written previously, and believe it needs repeating.
A city cannot fix problems it doesn’t realize it has, and it is up to the Internal Auditing Dept. (IA) to investigate and bring to the attention of the city their findings, and hopefully “Fixed.”
I attended the Internal Auditors meeting on (3/21/19) and it included the discussion and approval of Chronic Nuisance and Police Property and Impound Lots report.
1st. Chronic Nuisance:
The report contained 4 recommendations.
#1 Management update: Implemented May 2017
#2 The audit found 4 dept. working independently. Development Services, Finance, Police and City Attorney’s Office.
Recommendation: Development Services and the Police Dept., in conjunction with Finance and Law Dept. should ensure continued success of the program b developing written procedures and necessary training.
The city has implemented written and training procedures.
#3 At the time of the audit they found that the departments did not consistently communicate or follow-up with one another to ensure that all work and procedures had been completed.
City management agreed with the recommendations and appointed Deputy City Admin. too oversee the successful coordination among the individual dept.
#4 Audit dept. noted the city’s program could be strengthened if it were established in State Statues because stronger remedies are more frequently available.
City management agreed and is continuing to strengthen the program through legislative opportunities.
2nd. Police Property Room & Impound Lots:
The impound lot is used to store vehicles involved in fatalities or serious bodily injuries, and to preserve the chain of command for state court cases, and insure evidence is not tampered with.
The audit Dept. toured the lot and found that the current conditions were insufficient to ensure vehicle evidence would be safeguarded or preserved and noticed the following:
1- Did not have a surveillance system or functioning lights.
The city agrees and requires upgrades, enhancements and more coverage. The Police Dept. has been pursuing upgrades for several years.
2- Had been burglarized and evidence stolen.
The P.D. Has requested an assessment of the property by the building dept. which is responsible for city owned property; the current condition of the property is not sufficient to house evidence properly.
3- No tracking system to determine who was on the premises and for what reason.
Upon securing the lot the Property & Evidence Section will be responsible for ensuring the safekeeping of vehicles in the lot.
4- No covered buildings to protect vehicles from the elements or conduct tests.
5- Had severe overgrowth of landscaping, brush and weeds.
Management Update:
The impound lot has been modified to include a fence with barbed wire, camera alarm system, a two factor access which is a swipe card and key for entry. The city has not incorporated the impound lot with the evidence section and are planning to add additional fencing to accommodate the evidence section. Target date is 6/2019.
Paving was requested and denied. Parks has no access to the lot. This problem still needs work.
All of the above are follow up reports, and please notice many of them have been corrected.
“Audacity” Bold or arrogant disregard of normal restraints: I received a mailer for the upcoming Commissioners race and was asked to tell Richard Ryles “The city of WPB is not for sale” Stupid, dumb flyer. How is Richard going to sell our city when the mayor and commissioners have already sold it to the highest bidder. Please make an effort to vote this coming Tuesday 3/26/2019, and make it count.
To end this piece on a positive note Ms. Beverly Mahaso, Chief Internal Auditor, and her crew were honored with winning an award issued by the ALGA (Association of Local Government Auditors) She along with her crew should be proud of their accomplishes.
Who is Richard Ryles?
I attended the recount of the mayoral race that was conducted by the canvassing board who consisted of H. Carson (WPB City Clerk) D. Miller (City Administrator) and Wendy Link (Supervisor of Elections) and have information I will share with WPB Watch readers. The results are final and Keith James will be the mayor for the city of WPB. Below are the final results.
Keith James 5,746 votes=50.38%
Paula Ryan 3,289 votes=28.84%
Priscilla Taylor 2,370 votes=20.78%
Under votes 69 “Under vote is when a voter cast a ballot but doesn’t vote in one of the contests on the ballot.”
Over votes 6 “Over votes occurs when one votes for more than the maximum number of selections allowed in a contest. The result is a spoiled vote which is not included in the final tally.
There are 68,240 registered voters in WPB and only 11,420 folks bothered to vote. What happened to the other 56,820 voters? Obviously they don’t care who oversees their city.
The day before the election City Commissioners met and both James and Ryan voted to rezone the property at 1309 So. Flagler Dr. which included a waver to allow a 24 story building to be constructed on 1.136 acres where previously 10 acres of land was required. Developers won—again. Residents lost–again.
Here are the Commissioner results:
Clint Fowlkes 1,976 votes=18.03%
Christy Fox 5,046 votes=46.04% (A Related girl)
Richard Ryles 3,938=35.93%
under votes 517 That figure is not an error.
over votes 3
On March 26 we will be asked to vote for a commissioner in district 3 because no candidate received 50% of the vote.
I originally supported Clint Fowlkes because he wanted to change the commission votes to a “Super Majority” meaning it would take 4 commissioners to vote approval instead of 3, and he actually listened to residents needs. I loved his idea. I spoke with Clint and he told me he was throwing his support behind Richard Ryles and he’s asking his supporters to do the same.
A group of us met with Mr. Ryles on Monday night and he answered all our questions and I was convinced he is the commissioner we need to stop what is happening to our city. He listed a number of his ideas and I will mention a few in order of importance to me.
Develop a cooperative relationship with the PB County Commission. Mayor Muoio used her “Strong Mayor” form of government to divide WPB from the County Commission, Palm Beach and the Dept. of Transportation. We need each other to survive and I believe Mr. Ryles can make that happen through communication.
Traffic and Transportation. If you live in WPB you know the problems with traffic. Enough said.
Increase and improve affordable housing. The average rent for an apartment in WPB is $1,456.00 for 983 square feet of living space. There’s a popular rule of thumb that states your income should be 3 x your monthly rent or $4,368.00.
Police Officers: Average base pay is $53,911.00 or $4,492.00/month
School Teachers: Average Annual Wage is $50,325.00 or $4,193/month
Homelessness: Re-Read Increase and Improve affordable housing.
Revitalize the great Northwest Community. Imagine an elected official wanting to improve an area outside of Clematis St. or Flagler Dr. It boggles the imagination. Boggles, according to Google: To be astonished or overwhelmed when trying to imagine something.
Please take the time to vote on 3/26/2019. Poll’s are open from 7:00AM until 7:00PM.
Truth or Consequences
Below was written by CTG (Citizens for Thoughtful Growth) and is being posted with their permission. We have 2 commissioners running for mayor and their vote should be noted for this huge project which both James and Ryan continue to tell us when they are mayor they will listen to us, and James going as far as to state he will not be a dictator. Muoio wants this to pass to keep the developer happy, lets see what happens. If you can’t appear in person, please turn to channel 20 to view the meeting, and please vote on Tuesday, and take our city back.
Dear CTG Members and Supporters,
We are asking for your HELP!
We are very appreciative of the messages, emails, letters and comments thanking us for leading the charge on Responsible Growth in our City and clearly expressing your concern about lining our waterfront with high rises.
We now need you to stand with us and attend the Commission meeting Monday night. We need you to tell the Commissioners what you have told us. We know the developer will have speakers lined up in favor of this project and we need your help to impress upon the Commissioners that the wishes of ALL the people need to be heard. Won’t you please join us?
City Commission Meeting
5 pm (this project will be heard after 5 pm)
Monday March 11
A Call to Action – Monday March 11th
On Monday the City Commission will Vote on final approval of 3109 South Flagler – The vote on first reading was unanimous. This vote will take place the night before election day!
1309 South Flagler is bringing Dade County’s Sunny Isles Beach in Miami-Dade or Ft. Lauderdale to West Palm Beach!
The high-rise condominium proposed will be one of the tallest buildings in the City – taller than the Bristol, taller than Trump Plaza —
The building is proposed on 1.28 acres of land
Lots of Waivers are needed to approve this huge building
The Scale of the proposed building is out of context with surrounding areas
The applicant is asking for a special Planned Development Approval which under the city code is reserved for innovative projects claiming a walkway they don’t own is innovative.
The proposed building is entirely out of context to the neighborhood, which is surrounded by existing college, church, small office and residential buildings.
An approval of this project would certainly be the city’s justification to allow the entire waterfront blocks north and south of the Norton to be redeveloped into a new Sunny Isles Beach (Miami Dade County) or Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County).
Is this what everyone wants in West Palm Beach? If not, please come and let your thoughts be heard at the meeting. You may fill out a card indicating your position and/or you may speak for three minutes.
You may also send emails to the Mayor and Commissioners.
emails for Mayor and Commissioners:
[email protected]. Mayor Jeri Muoio
[email protected]. Commissioner Paula Ryan
[email protected]. Commissioner Cory Neering
[email protected]. Commissioner Keith James
[email protected]. Commissioner Christina Lambert
[email protected] Commissioner Kelly Shoaf
WPB Running Out Of Time.
We have a very important election on March 12 and you must decide who will lead West Palm Beach for the next 4 and possibly 8 years. To understand where Mayor Muoio and City Commissions have taken politics please take the time to read the very informative piece “Palm Beach County Issues and Views” below, and note that Clint Fowlkes running for City Commissioner in District 3 wants to change commissioners vote to a super majority vote, meaning it would take 4 commissioners instead of 3 to approve a development that is good for developers and bad for residents. It also easily explains how a 24-story residential tower on Flagler would consist of 42 luxury condominium units built on just 1.29 acres of land, instead of the 10 acres previously required. Acreage and setback waivers would have to be approved by the Commission for the project to advance— and approve they will.
.http://e-governmentresearch.blogspot.com/2018/11/
Former WPB mayor, and now a Florida US Representative, Lois Frankel endorsed Keith James to be our next mayor. Read the article below, and ask your self if you would want her endorsement.
Both Commissioner James and Ryan have a plan to end homelessness in Fla. James has had 8 years, and Ryan 4 years to work on the problem. Read the link below to understand their priorities. Again telling residents what they want to hear, and working hard to please developers.
The elected official’s have taken Clematis Street and turned it into a dismal failure where one business after another are leaving the area for greener pastures just down the street in Northwood Village. According to the Post in Feb. 2019 Mayor Muoio celebrated the grand opening of Mestizo Peruvian Cuisine which joined “popular and award winning restaurants in the neighborhood” One of the reasons to do business in Northwood Village is on street parking with no meters, so you can have dinner and keep an eye on your car, or as the mayor and Commissioners prefer your bike. I shouldn’t write about free on street parking with the mayor still in power and able to tear up the street or install the meters removed from Clematis.
I end this story with a quote from Thomas Sowell
“It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong.”
Is a Mayoral Candidate Deceitful, Judge for yourself.
March 12,2019 is right around the corner and residents are expected to visit the poll’s and vote for their choice for a new mayor and city commissioner. Please take the time to open and read the information I have supplied so you will be informed voters.
Below is a flyer I received in the mail from the Ryan Campaign and it is actually accurate. Ms. Ryan is telling us to take back our city from developer friendly Keith James and place the city in her capable hands. What Ms. Ryan neglected to tell us was she voted in lock step with James. They both voted for every project that came down the pike, regardless of residents pleading with them to please slow down
Below is the City of West Palm Beach Internal Auditor’s report on Ms. Ryan’s “Blue Roof” program that she continues to say how proud she is of it. Read it below for yourself.
Below is general information about Ms. Ryan, and of particular interest to me is the opinion of a psychologist hired by her in a custody case where the psychologist stated: “I consider Paula to be an extremely deceitful person” Read and judge for yourself. Contains salty language.
Below is the e-mail from Related’s Ken Himmel to Commissioner Ryan concerning “One Flagler” Christian Science Church.
Now you must judge for yourself is Ms. Ryan deceitful or not?
How important is an endorsement?
Well, it can be very informative if you want to take the time to think about it, which I did. Commissioner Keith James has the endorsement of former mayor Lois Frankel and Mayor Jeri Muoio along with City Commissioners Shoaf and Lambert, and also includes Joe Paduzzi who ran unopposed and will be sworn in as the new commissioner from James old district. Mr. Paduzzi lives in Ibis and also an attorney.
Lets look at these five.
Lois Frankel: Totally ignored residents when it came to moving city hall and the library. A lawsuit followed and the courts ordered the city to allow residents to vote the issue. Of course that never happened, city hall was built and that was the beginning of the end for Clematis St. Crime on Clematis is at an all time high with stabbings and attacks where the city allows bars/clubs to remain open until 3:00 AM.
Frankel was reelected and served another 4 years and had the audacity to have her minions running the streets asking residents to sign a petition allowing her to serve another 4 years. When the PB Post questioned her she stated “She had no idea people were doing this.” Read the story below and understand how difficult it is for some people to relinquish power.
Mayor Lois Frankel who lobbied for Red light cameras was one of the first to get caught running a red light in a school zone. If memory serves me right she stated she would send the fine to her favorite charity. If she did, no problem, write it off as a charitable contribution on her taxes. Read the story below and ask yourself if this is ethical. I must wonder why Frankel involved herself in local politics with all that’s going on in Washington. Put the effort in Washington where the major problems are.
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Red-Light-Camera-Catches-Lead-Foot-Local-Mayor-93762239.html
When the petition drive failed guess who she endorsed? WPB City Commissioner Geri Muoio who would continue with Frankel’s agenda, and continue she did. Now Muoio is endorsing James. Well someone has to complete Flagler Shores and the OBD (Okeechobee Business District) and who else but James to push every Related project that comes down the pike. Lets not forget Ryan also voted twice in favor of the OBD and is also asking for your vote to be the next mayor.
I attended a forum on 2/21/19 at the Hilton where James stated he had a very good working relationship with both Commissioners Lambert and Shoaf. Add Commissioner Paduzzi and there are your 3 votes to pass anything that Related or any other developer wants.
Both James and Ryan voted both times for the OBD, Flagler Shores and Related’s “One Flagler” a 25 story building where residents voted twice not to exceed 5 stories.
You can’t turn on the TV without seeing a James commercial. He has spent $76,115 in TV ads through 2-19-2019. Where is the money coming from? He owes the IRS over $100,000,.00. He wants you to judge him by his experience. I am paying attention to his experience, which scares me to death. Read the story below.
Where does Priscilla Taylor stand? Read the story below.
Now ask yourself who you want to lead your city, and believe me it’s your city, something public officials seen to forget. Will Ms. Taylor do a better job than James or Ryan? I honestly don’t know, but what I do know is where both James and Ryan have taken us so far.
Keep this in mind—they tell you exactly what you want to hear. Please don’t listen to what they say, but watch what they do, and both their record’s speaks for them. Do you think anything will change when they have the title of “Strong Mayor” form of government.
Now this is something I have been told and can’t verify it, but have a tendency to believe it due to the fact James keeps stating he wants to bring the CRA back “in house”
If James wins the election he will reward Muoio with the job of running the CRA.
Please, take an interest in your city, we can’t take it back without your help. What I’m asking is please vote.
Who is Clint Fowlkes?
It’s Official==Ryan’s Running For Mayor
Well–it’s official. Commissioner Ryan resigned as District 3 Commissioner on Fri. 12/14/2018 to run for the Mayoral seat. Another day to live in infamy. We now have 4 candidates running, James, Ryan, Taylor and Weston. Lets concentrate on the candidates we know best, James and Ryan, the 2 commissioners who never disappoint Mayor Muoio or Related.
I have provided readers with information on James so lets investigate Ryan who has a past history with the city best known for the “Blue Roof Program.”
At the time WPB Mayor Lois Frankel was the city’s Mayor and if you lived here long enough you know under her dictatorship “old” city hall was sold, and our new city hall was moved to Clematis St. along with the public library that used to be housed on the waterfront, and that was the beginning of the end except of course for the lawsuits which followed. The court ruled allow the residents to vote the issue, Frankel sped up construction. This was accomplished in Frankel’s 2nd term as mayor much like Muoio with her Okeechobee Business District (OBD) Flagler Shores along with tearing up Clematis St; and doing all she can do to keep Related happy. Mayor Muoio has endorsed Keith James for mayor, I am assuming to keep her legacy moving forward.
#1 “Ryan, who has accused officials in the city of blaming her for problems in the Blue Roof program to cover themselves.” Read the entire story below:
#2 “I’ve battled with it all my life. I’m 6 feet tall and I’m intimidating,” said Ryan, who has a black belt in tae kwon do. “I’m very independent and I’ve worked my entire life in a man’s profession. As a strong, attractive, tall woman, I come off in different ways to different people.” Read entire story below:
#3 “During Paula Ryan’s stint as the city’s interim housing director in 2006, she oversaw roofing repairs for low-income, hurricane-damaged homes. As Ryan runs for mayor, the question for voters in the March 8 election is whether that Blue Roof program was the success she asserts it was, or the debacle depicted in an internal audit.” It appears to me everyone lies but Ryan. Read the entire story below.
I will remind readers of a recent story concerning Commissioner Ryan. Read below: Who tells stories?
https://wpbwatch.com/2018/09/commissioner-ryan-busted/
Who is Francine M. Ffolkes
State Of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. Judge Ffolkes listened to arguments from the City of WPB defending the OBD, and attorneys representing Palm Beach County, Town of Palm Beach, and 222 Lakeview, known as the Esperante opposing the project. Judge Ffolkes expects to make a decision in December. If the decision goes against the city expect an appeal. What the hell, it’s only taxpayer money.
In Oct.2018 hearings were held concerning the OBD (Okeechobee Business District) which I attended for 4 day’s, and must admit it was a learning experience, one that I would not repeat.
Kimberly Rothenberg, City Attorney along with Claudia McKenna, supposedly retired, assisted her in defense of the city.
Terrell Arline represented the Town of Palm Beach along with Palm Beach County.
Nason Yeager represented the Esperante referred to as 222 Lakeview.
Below is the website and case no. if you are interested in reading motions made by the City Attorney including a motion to exempt the Mayor, along with other City Staff from being deposed. Judge Ffolkes denied the motion and ordered some to be deposed, under oath.
https://www.doah.state.fl.us/ALJ/
Click on “Case Search”
Under DOAH Case No. enter 18-004743
Click on docket and see everything that’s been filed by the parties and Orders entered by the Administrative Law Judge.
Read Mayor Muoio and Scott Kelly Deposition below.
https://www.doah.state.fl.us/DocDoc/2018/004743/18004743_237_10182018_15572874_e.pdf
The City objected to Eric McClellan, Director FD&O (Facilities Development & Operations) Strategic Planning for Palm Beach County to give testimony as an expert witness. The Judge overruled and Mr. McClellan, in 10 minutes gave sworn testimony that cut to the chase.
I was impressed by his testimony. Not only impressed, I understood his answer’s to questions asked.
Richard Greene – Development Services Director also testified and although his testimony took hours, I thought he did well by the city.
The many, many, many times I heard Mr. Greene give his presentation on the OBD, and Mr. Kelly state the Related project “One Flagler” would be good for the city, and Mr. Kelly stating it was not spot zoning.
Read the story in the Palm Beach Post below.
I remember sitting in the City Commission chambers and wondered if they believed what they were saying, until one day I said it out loud, and a gentleman sitting next to me reminded me of a story written a few years ago when Mayor Muoio was first elected. I did remember and posted the story below. When Management declares “Perception that I am one mistake away from being FIRED!” Draw your own conclusions.