8/13/18 City Commissioners to vote OBD
City Commission meeting to be held Aug.13,2018 @ 5:00 PM. Commissioners will vote on the OBD
“A City initiated request for the approval of the following: Public Hearing and Second Reading of Ordinance No.4783-18: an amendment to the Downtown Master Plan Element of the Comprehensive Plan in association with the creation of the new Okeechobee Business District within the Downtown Master Plan.”
Sept. 2017 when this proposal was presented to the City Commissioners it was defeated by Commissioners Materio, Moffett and Neering. Both Commissioners James & Ryan were in favor of the project.
This entire OBD has only one purpose and that is to allow Related Group to construct a 25-story, Class A office tower, on Flagler, 400′ off the waterfront, where residents voted twice construction was not to exceed 5 stories.
This is “Spot Zoning” at it’s worst. Disrupt, and upset thousands of residents to appease one developer. The city has repeatedly denied the project was “Spot Zoning” and if you repeat the lie enough, it becomes fact. The city insults the intelligence of it’s residents.
Ask yourself- if it was defeated in Sept. 2017 how can it possibly be on the Aug. 2018 agenda for a Second reading? Well, In March 2017 we had an election with 2 commissioner seats up for grabs namely Moffett and Materio.
Here’s how the election went:
Commissioner Moffett had 2 challengers namely Martina Walker and Kelly Shoaf. The day qualifying ended Commissioner Moffett dropped out of the race leaving Walker and Shoaf in the running. Commissioner Moffett was retiring to oversee her Non Profit Organization she was about to start. Good timing. Kelly Shoaf had the backing of Related, Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Muoio.
Commissioner Materio had one challenger, Christine Lambert who was working hand in hand with Related, Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Muoio who wanted this project done come hell or high water. What can they do to make this happen? Get Lambert elected, at all costs.
Commissioner Neering was not up for re-election.
Outcome of the March 2018 election: Shoaf and Lambert elected and sworn in April 2018.
2 months later on June 2018 OBD was back on the agenda, and passed unanimously . I imagine the champagne was flowing at Related and the Chamber of Commerce.
2 months later Aug. 2018 the second reading will take place and I believe it will pass again unanimously.
Champagne will flow again, Related will win and residents will lose. Did anyone really expect the city to look after the taxpayer?
In my opinion Mayor Muoio would never have pushed this project as hard as she did if this were her first term because she would have never seen a second one. She has nothing to lose and maybe something to gain.
Commissioners James and Ryan have much to lose. James is term limited out and has nowhere to go but try for the mayors seat in the upcoming March 2019 election. Ryan who has never had a challenger has thrown her hat in the ring for the mayors seat also. To run for mayor she must resign her commission seat.
Unfortunately, many members of the public have a short memory when it comes to politics, but with only 7 months to election I believe Monday’s vote will be remembered. Let’s hope.
The mayor and commissioners will invite folks to the meeting who will speak favorably for the OBD. If you are against the project please join us on Monday Aug. 13 @5:00 PM and let your thoughts be known.
Below are 2 letters sent to the city from the Palm Beach County and Florida of Transportation along with an article from the Palm Beach Post all concerning the OBD. Please take the time to read them, as the city wont share them with residents unless you learn about them and request a PRR.
Florida Department of Transportation , consisting of 3 pages
Sent: 8/7/2018
To: City Administrator, Rick Greene
From: Director of Transportation Development
Read letter below
West Palm Beach 18-1ESR FDOT Comment Letter (1)
Palm Beach County, consisting of 12 pages
OBD Objection Letter
Sent: 8/3/2018
To: City Administrator, Rick Greene
From: Assistant County Administrator, Patrick Rutter
Read letter below.
OBD Objection Letter 080318
Read PB Post story below
PB Post Article
City of WPB Fire and School Taxes
Before you start reading this story I would suggest you have your 2017 tax bill at hand.
West Palm Beach recently issued a booklet “Community Workshop Fire Assessment Rate Resolution” and this booklet contains information such as what other cities and towns are charging residents for Fire Assessment Fee. Here is what the city isn’t telling you.
Riviera Beach, Lake Worth, Vero Beach, Stuart, Mangonia Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, and Wellington along with most Florida cities don’t have a “Fire Assessment Fee.”
“This increase is necessary to generate additional revenue of approximately $2 million.”
At a commission meeting 3 years ago an item on the agenda was to transfer funds to a fire station that was in the process of being built, and reading “background” section it stated that a million dollars was spent on the “shell” of the building. The “shell” to me is pouring the floor, 4 walls and the roof. Staff Recommended Approval, so of course it passed. When I went to the podium to complain and read aloud what the resolution said the commissioners started turning pages to see what I was talking about. What member of “staff” was responsible for watching tax dollars, and why wasn’t the commissioners aware of what they were voting for until it was brought to their attention?
“This is not a tax, and therefore the assessment fees apply to all residential property, regardless of homestead exemption”
Non-ad Valorem Assessment: In Florida, the real estate tax bill is a combined notice of ad valorem taxes and non-ad valorem assessments. Non-ad valorem assessments are not based on value but a unit of measure determined by the levying authority. The assessment periods vary and may not be based on the calendar year. Examples of non-ad valorem assessments are stormwater utility, fire and rescue, and solid waste collections. Check your 2017 tax bill and you should see Solid Waste Authority of PBC $172.00 and City of WPB $25.00. The city wants to raise the assessment to $50.00.
“A 46% increase in call volume in the past 10 years”
I’m not surprised at the 46% increase due to the city’s over development, creating severe traffic congestion, angry drivers caught in gridlock, not listening to residents, while favoring developers to build whatever they want, wherever they want. Our elected officials created a disaster and don’t know what to do about it except allow more development such as the OBD (Okeechobee Business District) and Related 25 story tower on Flagler, where residents voted twice no buildings over 5 stories. Two commissioners James and Ryan are hoping for the mayors seat in 2019. I will be the next mayor of WPB before either of them, and I’m not even running.
“In 2008, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 4141-08, establishing an annual recurring Fire Services special assessment program for properties within the City, to fund the assessable cost of providing fire services, excluding Emergency Medical Services (EMS)”
Have an emergency, need an ambulance, it will cost you between $700.00 to $850.00 plus $12.00 mile. Read the charges and see what the city collected over a five year period. The total is $15,625,633.00 and does not include 2017 where the opioid epidemic is in full swing, so I assume that would be the $850.00 charge. Passed under Mayor Muoio’s watch.
I have an idea. Instead of giving developers millions in tax incentives to build in WPB how about Staff Recommend Approval for a developers fee of $100,000.00 for every floor built over 5 stories? That will buy a few new fire trucks. Problem solved. Your welcome Mayor Muoio and commissioners. A public hearing will be held 8/27/18 @ 5:00 PM, please try and attend and let the commissioners know your thoughts.
School Taxes Local and State.
School Board is asking voters to approve a new tax to insure children are safe in schools. This will be the 3 request in 4 years, and may be placed on Novembers ballot. Read story below:
The median price of homes currently listed in Florida is $294,900. The latest proposal would add $1 to every $1,000 in taxable value or an additional $295.00. Last year my taxes for School Local was $208.50, School State was $356.48 for a total of $564.98. I have homestead and senior discounts. God help those who don’t.
I want Teachers (Which make all other professions possible.) and children to be able to attend schools and their only fear is not having their homework done. I am in favor of having law enforcement in all schools to insure their safety. I know someone has to pay for it so here’s my idea. Every hand gun manufactured and sold in Florida pay a gun tax of $500.00. Every gun normally used by the United States Military pay a gun tax of $10,000.00 ea. If the NRA wants to do business in the State of Florida they must pay 10,000,000.00/year.
The Florida Lottery began operation on January 12, 1988 when Tallahassee politicians told voters the money was needed for teachers pay, new school construction, and enough books and supplies so every child would benefit and thrive.
Well, the lottery has been going strong for 30 years with untold billions collected, and pennies on the dollars going toward it’s intended purpose.
After 30 years we should be graduating Einsteins not having kids murdering other kids and teachers in a classroom.
Do you ever get tired of politicians using kids and jobs when they pull on your heartstrings for more money.
Latest joke was voting for medical marijuana to help cancer stricken children and seniors.
Well we passed it, and not with my vote, and now the hell with medical marijuana, their already working on recreational marijuana.
They tell you what you want to hear, get it passed and on the books and the new business thrives and once again businesses are born, and leaders still lie.
Let the people who created the problem pay to fix it. That would be developers, gun manufactures and the NRA.
Who is Rubin Anderson?
There isn’t much I can tell you about Mr. Anderson . He has never held political office, is running a grassroots campaign relying on volunteers for financial and consulting advise.
That last sentence is important because it tells me he has no political consultant to stack the deck, pour thousands of dollars into a candidate who will vote for any issue important to a developer, gun lobbyist, drug manufacturer, you get the picture. Rubin Anderson will not be bought and paid for.
I had a conversation with him and asked what issues were most important to him. Here is his list.
#1 Keeping children safe in school. #2 Supporting education by demanding significant additional monies promised. #3 Supporting socioeconomic and ethic schools. #4 Clean water. #5 Affordable housing. #6 Health care. #2 issue is very important to Mr. Anderson. He wants the state to put more money into education.
My opinion: Remember when we were asked to vote for the lottery to be used toward schools and education? Billions have been collected and pennies on the dollar are used for education. Florida among the lowest in the country for decent teacher pay. Children not given homework because there is not enough books to go around. Now they want us to vote to allow a tax increase of $1.00 on every $1,000.00 of home value to pay for law enforcement’s presence in every school. Hell no, I wont vote for the tax increase. Why wont Florida Senators and Congressman join forces and have the gun manufactures and gun lobbyist pick up the bill? Don’t wait for that to happen because the politicians refuse to kill their cash cow that pour thousands into their campaigns, then sit back and wait for the return on their donations.
A Democratic Party primary election takes place on August 28, 2018, in Florida to determine which Democrat will earn the right to run in the state’s November 6, 2018, general election. Here are your choices.
Bobby Powell Jr. (I)
Rubin Anderson
Josh Santos (Write-in)
Below are three stories recently published concerning Bobby Powell.
Bobby Powell Sen. Bobby Powell D-West Palm Beach for District 30
(1)Sunshine Scorecard ’18: Grading legislators on open government.. It assigns points for a list of critical government openness bills. Votes against openness lose points. Bobby Powell along with a dozen other Senators received an “F” grade. Read story below:
http://content.orlandosentinel.com/SunshineScorecard18/
(2)Florida’s political cockroaches return to wreak havoc in primary elections.
Write-in candidates — Florida’s political cockroaches — have resurfaced to wreak havoc in several of the state’s primary elections. Much like their counterparts in the insect world, write-ins operate almost exclusively in the shadows. They venture into the sunlight just long enough to file paperwork, then disappear completely from view. After filing, most write-ins are never seen again: They don’t campaign, advertise or attend public forums. Read story below:
(3)State attorney requests ethics investigation into write-in candidates
In an election in which only members of one party are running, a primary is open to all voters. But if any other candidate — including a write-in candidate — enters the race, the primary is open only to registered party voters.
“Write-in candidates are almost always put up by a candidate and his or her political consultants,” said Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg, who filed the complaints along with Sherry Plymale, who sits on the Florida Constitution Revision Commission.
If a candidate determines he or she would benefit from only having party members vote, they can convince a write-in candidate to enter the race.
Third-party candidates rarely win election in American campaigns. Third-party candidates can shift national attention to particular issues. Third-party candidates can take votes away from major political party candidates, influencing the outcome of elections.
Read Story below.
What is a party spoiler?
A third political party formed to draw votes away from one of the two major parties, thus spoiling its chance of winning an election. Dirty politics at it’s best.
Change doesn’t just happen. We, by our vote make it happen. Please take the time to let your voice be heard, and registration date ends July 30,2018.
Who is Beverly Mahaso?
Ms. Mahaso is an attorney, a CIA (certified internal auditor) and presently the city’s “Interim” City Internal Auditor.
Mr. Roger Strout who held the position of City Internal Auditor until his retirement in January had Ms. Mahaso audit “problem” departments where she found room for improvement, and always had the answers to all questions asked of her. He considered her a valuable part of his department, and assured city leaders he was leaving them in good hands.
I attended the Audit Committee meeting held June 14, 2018 and saw her in action and listened to the remarks of city management and heard nothing negative said about the IA department and many positive comments. She took the time to credit her staff as any good manager would.
Peter Bieniek, Director of Public Works, made a comment that many departments saw the Internal Auditor as “the enemy” but he welcomed Ms. Mahaso audit of his department, commented on how well they worked together and he wanted to know and understand any problems in his department so they could be corrected.
My opinion: The city cannot correct problems they don’t know exist, and it’s the responsibility of the IA Dept. to bring these problems to their attention.
City Directors and Managers praised her for her cooperation, patience and professional attitude while she thanked them for the speed in which they were processing the documentation needed in order to complete audit’s of their department.
The agenda contained 25 items which included:
Approval of the Human Resource Audit
Approval of the Housing and Community Dev. Post Audit Review.
Approval of the Real Estate Management Practice Post Audit Review.
Approval of the Leases and Contract Revenue Post Audit Review.
Approval of the Commercial Refuse Post Audit Review.
As you read above you can see how busy the IA Dept. has been and it was a very positive meeting and Mr Strout was correct when he told all who attended his last IA meeting that he was leaving the city in good hands.
The City Commission oversees the IA Dept. and I can’t understand why Ms. Mahaso who has worked for the city as the Interim IA for almost 7 months hasn’t lost the Interim title.
The commissioners should move to make her position permanent before they lose another dedicated employee who plays very well with others.
Mayor Muoio Travels–WPB Suffers the Cost.
Construction has began tearing up the streets of downtown Clematis Street, between Dixie and Olive all because Mayor Muoio visited Copenhagen, Denmark.
She must have loved it due to the fact she is bound and determined to turn WPB into a copy of another country with her Streetscape project which is the first of 40 projects.
Let’s not give the mayor all the credit, she couldn’t go forward without the help of the City Commissioners who control the purse strings and allow your tax money to be spent on projects many residents don’t want or need. Please take the time to e-mail Commissioner James, Ryan and lambert and thank them for supporting Mayor Muoio’s project.
The plan is widen the sidewalks, add biking lanes and remove parking meters and this is where it starts.
I can understand why residents living and working in downtown WPB love the idea. Would be easy to walk or bike to work or lunch.
How about the residents living in other sections of the city who must drive to Clematis St. if they want to dine or shop or attend a city meeting?
Are there enough residents living downtown to support businesses? Without the changes being made businesses are closing by the dozens in the last few years.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Weather averages
Month High / Low(°F) Rain
January 38° 30° 10 days
February 38° 30° 7 days
March 43° 33° 9 days
April 51° 39° 7 days
May 62° 47° 7 days
June 68° 53° 8 days
July 71° 57° 8 days
August 71° 57° 8 days
September 63° 52° 10 days
October 54° 45° 9 days
November 45° 38° 11 days
December 40° 33° 10 days
Mayor Muoio visited Copenhagen in Oct. 2015. Hope she brought a warm coat.
Rain in Denmark comes on a regular basis year-round, and there are no true dry periods, although September through November brings the wettest season. The annual rainfall in Denmark averages 61 cm (24 in) of precipitation with Copenhagen having an average of 170 rainy days.
The city has a population of 775,033 (as of January 2018)
Median age 35.9
_____________________________________________________________________
West Palm Beach, FL
Weather averages
Month High / Low(°F) Rain
January 75° 57° 5 days
February 76° 58° 5 days
March 79° 62° 5 days
April 82° 66° 5 days
May 86° 71° 8 days
June 89° 74° 12 days
July 90° 75° 11 days
August 90° 76° 13 days
September 89° 75° 13 days
October 85° 71° 9 days
November 80° 65° 6 days
December 77° 60° 6 days
Days of Hot Weather in West Palm Beach
During any month of the year, the temperature at West Palm Beach can reach into the 80s Fahrenheit. From late spring until early fall, the thermometer often tops 90 degrees. Nearly half of summer days here have highs in the 90s. But temperatures of 100 °F (38 °C) or more aren’t normal here. How many folks are out walking or biking with these temperatures?
The city has a population of 104,978 (as of January 2018)
Median age 39.6
The information below was found on Google.
The most populous city is Jacksonville, which had over 800,000 residents as of 2016. The next most populous city, Miami, has roughly half that population, clocking in at over 441,000 people.
I haven’t read about Jacksonville or Miami tearing up their streets, eliminating automobiles while adding bike lanes and widening sidewalks. Both cities obviously have better city government representation than the City of West Palm Beach.
This is a picture of the WPB Organizational Chart. Note top line “Citizens of West Palm Beach” Can you see the humor in that line?
Double click to enlarge pictures.
Shameful City Commission Meeting
5/21/2018 City Commission Meeting with 28 items on the agenda.
At the beginning of every meeting Mayor Muoio makes a point of reading the “Civility and Decorum” which sets the standard for the meeting, what is and is not allowed. There are 5 items listed. I draw your attention to #1. “Officials shall be recognized by the chair and shall not interrupt a speaker”
The City Commission Chamber was nearly filled to capacity with residents who wanted to address item # 22: Resolution No.134-18 accepting the Downtown Mobility Plan, and the supporting Citywide Bicycle Masterplan, the Downtown Parking & Transportation Demand Management Study and the Okeechobee Corridor Study. Item #22 was moved to position #28,
My opinion: Discourage residents from staying.
When #22 was called Mayor Muoio stated in part “I know a lot of you are here to discuss “Flagler Shores” and the OBD (Okeechobee Business District) I want to make a point of clarification were not here tonight to talk about “Flagler Shores” and not here to talk about the OBD. Is that clear? Good, and thank you”
The mayor then called on Scott Kelly (Assistant City Administrator) to address the residents with a con job presentation.
Mr. Kelly first sentence started with “One thing I want to make clear is we have heard stories we are trying to force people out of their cars, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. During Mr. Scott’s soft sell, the Mayor interupted him twice. (See #1 above)
My opinion: Mr. Scott statement couldn’t be further from the truth.
On Clematis St; between N.Quadrille and Dixie Hwy. there are 18 parking spots which consist of 1- handicapped, 1- 15 min. parking and 1 for library book drop off.
A few months ago the city removed 3 parking spaces on Clematis to make room for “Parklets” which consisted of placing a table and 2 chairs in the street gutter so people could have lunch or dinner. How would one out of control car have impacted their dining pleasure?
I attended a meeting at City Hall and there were approxamately 8-10 covered meters with “No Parking” After residents complained the spots were re-opened.
The city wants to expand the sidewalks. How? I see 2 choices move city hall back a few feet or remove the parking spaces. Can you see another way?
In all fairness Mr. Kelly tried hard to ram the mayor’s agenda down our throat.
Now it’s time to hear from the residents on the Downtown Mobility Plan, and Mayor Muoio
repeats ” I’ll tell you up front were not taking comments involving “Flagler Shores” or the OBD. If you come up and start talking about “Flagler Shores” I’m going to ask you to sit down. If you don’t I’ll have you removed.”
First speaker up:
Robert Garvy (who’s website “Fix Flagler” was developed to inform residents what the city was planning with their Downtown Mobility Plan and how the city’s brainstorm “Flagler Shores” has affected the city.) Nice guy, well spoken, very professional, and not the least bit intimidated by city officials.
Mr. Garvy began to speak and did sin by saying “Flagler” not Shores, just Flagler.
Mayor interrupts him about “Flagler Shores” and he told her “I have not mentioned Flagler Shore’s” and back and forth, eating up the clock.
Mr. Garvy continues speaking.
The magic 3 min. bell rings, and Mayor informs Mr. Garvy his time was up.
He had 2 more sentences to complete which would have been within the 3 minutes time frame if the mayor hadn’t interrupted him. He finished the sentence, and the next thing the room is aware she is calling for “Seth” to come forward. Seth is the police officer stationed in the back of the room. Mayor Muoio was about to remove Mr. Garvy from the room when he finished, turned and took his seat. My opinion: Mr. Garvy did the intimidating.
In hindsight Mayor Muoio’s plan not only worked, it was brilliant.
After her treatment of Mr. Garvy, people left the chambers, when she called people forward to speak they had left the building. Others refused to make a statement for fear of how they would be treated.
Gail L. Coniglio, the Mayor of Palm Beach addressed the commission with her concerns about the Downtown Mobility Plan, and how it would affect residents crossing the bridge on Flagler to evacuate during a hurricane. If Mayor Muoio has her way Palm Beach would evacuate by bike.
I have to wonder if Mayor Muoio would push such an unpopular program if she was in her first term as Mayor. She has less that a year to go so remember the past election, and remember which commissioners listened to residents and which ones are hoping voters have short memories.
There are 2 meetings on the horizons concerning the city’s plan, and I encourage residents to attend, stand strong and speak up. Your opinion is just as important as the next guy, including elected officials.
DAC (Downtown Action Committee) June 13
City Commission Meeting June 23
We should change city name from WPB to Related
As hard as I try to accept the recent election of City Commissioners I read the Palm Beach Post and find myself upset all over again. Here are some examples of why.
Understand the City Commissioners serve as the CRA board of directors.
4/29/18 story by Tony Doris: “Transformative project can’t even get a vote”
“Plans for a major north-end development with micro-condominiums, affordable apartments, offices, a grocery and a park, have collapsed over city commissioner concerns the developer couldn’t make it happen.”
Commissioner Neering (who was 1 of 3 commissioners to vote against Related “One Flagler” brought the item up for discussion, and couldn’t receive a second to move the conversation forward. Why?
Commissioner James was quoted as stating “The financing plans for this one seemed unnecessarily complex and sophisticated.”
Commissioner Ryan also quoted “I listened, I heard the financing and the cost of construction, and I knew this was not a real deal.”
Two new commissioners sworn in 4/5/18 and attended the CRA meeting held 4/23/18 a full 19 days in their new position had this to say in part.
Commissioner Lambert “I wasn’t comfortable with the financing”
Commissioner Shoaf while not uttering the word Financing but did say “she wants smart growth, but the right kind, as well as other aspects of how the deal was structured”
Commissioner Neering was “dumbfounded” none of his colleagues would second the motion to discuss the project.
Commissioner Neering–it’s not a Related project of course they aren’t interested in discussing it.
Mayor Jeri Muoio, who is solidly behind the Related project’s and strongly supported Lambert’s campaign was quoted in the PB Post calling her win “good for business.” I agree with the mayor 100%. Unfortunately it will be bad for residents.
Now I expect both James and Ryan along with the mayor to take these two women “under their wings” and show them how business is done in WPB.
They now have the votes needed to move any Related project forward, and move forward they will.
Money well spent by developers.
“One Flagler” which residents were solidly against was defeated by Commissioners Materio, Neering and Moffett, and after the election I spoke from the podium and said it would be brought back for consideration. Well, 5 weeks after the new commissioners were sworn in it is on the agenda for the planning board for 5/15/18 @ 6:00 PM in City Hall.
This is an extremely important meeting and if you can attend, please do, and speak up. “Friends” of City Hall will be on hand telling the board what a wonderful project this will be.
Gee, maybe Related will bring pizza again and place kids not old enough to vote in the chairs so residents must move to the Flagler Room.
Related plans to build an 18 story 300,000 square feet, Class A office tower dubbed 360 Rosemary.
With Related’s 4 friends on the commission this shouldn’t be a problem.
One of my recent stories I wrote about how close the City, Related and the Chamber of Commerce are. If you missed the article I repeat they are thisclose. So how about the commissioners work on this for their next project as their always concerned about money for improvements residents ask for.
The Chamber Of Commerce rent’s a city owned property located at 401 North Flagler Dr. for $1.00/year. No, that’s not a typo error and you read it correctly, $1.00/year.
Tax collector appraises the building at $10,929,710.00
City owned property pay’s no taxes.
It is illegal to place election signs on city owned property and when a resident sent an e-mail to Mayor Muoio, Jeff Green, City Commissioners and Code Enforcement about a “Lambert” sign on the Chambers site and asked that it be removed. Mayor Muoio said to leave it alone, so it may be tough for Ms. Lambert to consider raising their rent.
Citizens for Thoughtful Growth West Palm Beach
Below is a piece written by Citizens for Thoughtful Growth West Palm Beach, and includes a piece in the PB Post written by Tony Doris. Everyone receiving this e-mail was asked to share it, so that is what I am doing. WPB Watch will follow up with a story later in the week. Thanks for taking the time to read and understand and hopefully attend the important meeting listed below.
Sandy
Please share this information
To tidy up one detail before we move to the next block buster news:
CMX Zoning/Carefree update
CMX Zoning Proposal
The CMX Zoning proposed by the City for Dixie Highway from 25th Street South to the City Limits (spillway) was voted down 6 to 1 by the Planning Board at the April 17th Meeting. As you may know, the CMX Zoning Proposal would have allowed the Carefree Theater Project to move forward as it is currently being proposed.
Thank you to everyone who attended and spoke. You did a great job.
The Planning Board is an advisory board to the Commission, so it is possible that the proposed plan could still move forward for approval at some point in the future.
According to statements from City Hall the plan is off the table for now. Stay tuned, as we know things change rapidly.
Okeechobee Business District ——–It’s BACK
The Zoning and Land Use Changes for the Okeechobee Business District that would have enabled the construction of the 25 Story One Flagler (or something similar) immediately behind the Christian Science Church met with defeat last year by a 3-2 vote of the City Commission.
The City is bringing the proposal back through the process AGAIN. Notices were mailed out to surrounding property owners and residents this past week.
The other issue that was rolled out this week was the new “Mobility Plan” to address congestion and other traffic issues on Okeechobee Blvd. and other areas of the downtown.
AND….In case you missed it, the PBC Tourist Development Board is investigating the need and economic feasibility of expanding the Convention Center and the Kravis is building an additional parking garage and expanding the lobby. Won’t that make Okeechobee a fun place to navigate?
The following meetings are scheduled and we really need a BIG turnout for every meeting as the lack of turnout is often used as justification that people have no problem with what is being proposed!
Planning Board
Tuesday May 15th at 6 pm in the City Commission Chamber at City Hall
Downtown Action Committee
Wednesday June 13th at 9 am in the City Commission Chamber at City Hall
Unfortunately, we have no details other than a legal description of the three requests that were sent out.
After a citizen asked for additional information, they received an email from a City staff member stating that the staff report and backup would be made available to the public on Friday May 11th at 5 pm on the City web site. So if anyone has questions, that would give them one full working day prior to the day of the Planning Board meeting to get information. We will send out an update as soon as we have anything new.
Below is a very informative article written by Tony Doris on the front page of the Palm Beach Post. Our local press is vital, or we wouldn’t get any information at all.
Is 25-story waterfront office back on table despite height concern?
By Tony Doris – Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
WEST PALM BEACH —
The battle lines over downtown waterfront development have re-formed.
Fresh off last year’s 3-2 defeat of the Okeechobee Business District plan, Mayor Jeri Muoio has told staff to study the rezoning effort again, to help attract desperately needed Class A office construction downtown. Two of the three city commissioners who voted against the plan are gone, raising the prospect that yeas will out-number nays this time around.
At the heart of the fight last year was The Related Cos.’ proposal to build a top-flight, 25-story tower 300 feet from the waterfront, in a zone that currently allows no building taller than five stories. Muoio’s staff proposed the new zoning district ostensibly to promote office construction generally but it was clear the only project on the table that it would immediately promote was Related’s, the city’s most prolific development firm, and that stirred opposition.
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A bloc of residents fearing blocked views and traffic logjams on Okeechobee Boulevard, Flagler Drive and the Royal Park Bridge, fought the city and the firm, despite the promise of jobs, attractive architecture and an endowment to preserve the historic, African American-designed First Church of Christ, Scientist. Town of Palm Beach officials expressed concerns over the project’s potential to impede access over the bridge.
But at a mayor-commission work session Monday, during a discussion of a consulting team’s just-completed “mobility study” of downtown traffic solutions, the mayor turned to her director of development services and urged him to try again.
The city needs to make sure it has places for people to live and work, the mayor said. It has plenty of the former, with several apartment buildings about to come on line, but not enough Class A offices, she told Development Services Director Rick Greene.
“If they can be working downtown, that cuts down the use of cars, significantly…. I would like to ask my staff to take another look at the Okeechobee Business District and see if we can work this through, including recommendations that are in the mobility study…. Let’s look at how we can bring more jobs into the city by having more Class A office space.”
Within days, the district was on the agenda once again, for the city’s Planning Board to consider. That meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 15 at City Hall. Groups that opposed the District proposal the first time are urging members to show up in force.
It’s unknown how the revived proposal will differ from the original, and whether it will gain be drawn to include the Related site, which was roundly criticized as “spot zoning” last time. The new plan has not been made available to the public.
City Commissioner Paula Ryan, whose district includes downtown, said Friday she was open to creating an Okeechobee Business District if it was more than just a redrawing of zoning lines. The city should see it as “an innovative district” whose provisions include incentives for connectivity with surrounding neighborhoods, transportation alternatives to connect people with their offices and other destinations, and affordable housing, she said. With the right provisions, it could help transform the area into “a massively connected mixed-use corridor,” Ryan said.
CityPlace officials have not said whether they would revive their One Flagler office tower project, which they spent many months designing and trying to sell to the community, only to lose the chance when the commission voted the district down.
Gopal Rajegowda, senior vice president of The Related Cos., said recently that for the moment the company is focused on starting another downtown office tower. That 18-story tower, 360 Rosemary, is slated to rise at the corner of Rosemary Avenue and Evernia Street, possibly as soon as later this year.
Community Outreach Team
It all began when Pastor Kevin Jones had an idea, and discussed it with Lt. Bullard and both had a meeting with Police Chief Mooney who saw the possibilities. It went from idea to planning to create a Community Outreach Team. I would approximate 45-50 residents young and old, black and white, men and woman attended.
It was a successful joint effort between Pastor Kevin Jones and the WPB Police Department.
Step one:
Residents were invited to the Police Department and heard an excellent presentation by Dennis Hardiman, Sergeant Criminal Investigations. Here is what we learned.
HISTORY OF THE UNIT
The WPB Police Department Homicide Unit was formed in June of 2006, and is comprised of six full time investigators and a unit supervisor (Sergeant). Each investigation is approached as a team. When a homicide occurs, all members of the team respond to the scene.
CASE SEQUENCE
Reporting of the crime to 911.
Officers arrive, locate and treat a victim, secure the scene and witnesses.
Investigators are called to the scene.
A briefing is conducted along with a preliminary scene walk through.
Determine if a search warrant is necessary.
Evidence marking, sketching, and collection.
Canvass for witnesses and video surveillance.
Eye-witness statements on scene or a different location.
Conduct a final scene walk through to ensure everything is completed.
Identifying the victim.
If deceased:
Next of kin notification.
Attend the autopsy for cause and manner of death.
Once the scene is completed evidence processing begins: photographing each piece of evidence in detail, swabbing for DNA, locating fingerprints and completing ballistics analysis.
SCENE RESPONSE
The Homicide Unit and CSI (Crime Scene Investigators) respond as teams to the scene.
Depending on the scene additional detectives, CSI or supervisors will respond.
Once the Homicide Unit and CSI’s arrive a briefing is held to gather pertinent facts from responding officers, to identify victims and witnesses, and resources needed.
Upon completion of the briefing, detectives are given assignments such as lead investigator, co-lead, crime scene, interviews and canvass/videos.
Investigators may have to prepare search warrants to enter a property, residence, vehicle or structure.
CSI may take several hours to locate and mark potential evidence.
Investigators could remain on scene while witnesses or suspects are interviewed to corroborate their testimony.
Once the evidence is located and marked the medical Examiner is contacted, and asked to respond for their investigation. Depending on their location, this could take hours.
Medical Examiner– a medically qualified public officer who’s duty is to investigate deaths occurring under unusual or suspicious circumstances, to perform postmortems, and initiate inquests.
F.S.S. 406.02-Duty to report; prohibited acts-without an order from the office of the district medical examiner, willfully touches, removes, or disturbs the body, clothing, or any article upon or near the body, with the intent to alter the evidence or circumstances surrounding the death, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Once the scene is cleared evidence processing begins.
COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE
Today, one of the most crucial items of evidence is DNA which is collected at the crime scene from the victim and may also contain the suspect’s DNA.
DNA recently led police to arrest Joseph DeAngelo in connection with crimes attributed to the East Area Rapist, over 30 years since he allegedly committed 12 murders and 45 rapes from 1976 to 1986.
DESCRIPTION OF INJURIES
Photographing and documenting injuries are imperative to corroborate statements.
WPB HOMICIDE STATS
The police dept. provided those in attendance with homicide stats from 2006-2018. I will include the stats from 2017 which was the deadliest year to date with 27 homicides, 9 cleared and 18 still open cases. Of the 27 homicides 23 were committed with handguns,2 with rifles, 1 blunt instrument and 1 other.
COMMON QUESTIONS
“Why does it take so long at a scene?”
Investigators only have one chance to gather evidence. They use a systematic approach and all scenes are processed the same way. Once the scene is clear it can be contaminated by citizens or family members returning to the scene, therefore any newly found evidence may be excluded at trial.
Obtaining a search warrant may take hours.
The victim will not be moved, manipulated or examined without the consent of the Medical Examiner. There is only one investigator on call for Palm Beach County. If the investigator is on another scene investigators have to wait until they arrive.
“Why are some cases treated differently?”
No case is treated differently, they are all treated equal. Some homicides have large complex, even multiple scenes containing more evidence which takes longer to process.
“Why do I never get all the facts from the investigator?”
In most cases family members of the victim are provided limited information. Investigators keep certain information private,this information would only be known to the suspect or a witness in the case.
Investigators use this private information to corroborate a suspect or witness account of the incident.
“Everyone knows the suspect, Why isn’t he in jail?”
Investigators usually have a possible suspects name in the beginning stages of the investigation.
Unfortunately witnesses are reluctant to cooperate with the police for fear of retaliation or being ostracized in the community. This is known as the neighborhood code of silence.
Without witness testimony police heavily rely on forensic evidence. Just because forensic evidence places a person does not mean they committed the crime. Unless a confession is obtained the suspect could reasonably explain why his DNA or latent fingerprints are at the scene. With the backlog of cases in Palm beach County the processing of forensic evidence could be a year away.
What you have read so far is the presentation given by Sergeant Hardiman to local residents who wanted to learn the procedure the police used on homicides, and what residents could do to assist them when they happen.
Then he opened the floor to questions and discussions.
After the police spend hours on the scene collecting evidence, taking photographs, interviewing possible witnesses the Medical Examiner arrives and repeats the process. One resident wanted to know why the M.E. couldn’t use the evidence the police collected. The answer was they collect their own. More hours needed.
If the police see a wallet in the victims pocket they are not allowed to remove it for the victims name without calling the M.E. for permission and that puts a hold on notifying next of kin.
When homicide is committed in the North end of the city, words get out quickly and family members start arriving before the investigators are finished their job. Family members, the parents, and especially the mother’s are hysterical to see their child laying in the street bleeding. Their instinct is to run and hold the child in their arms, tell them they are loved,and plead with them not to die.
The police can’t allow relatives near the deceased for fear of contaminating the crime scene, possibly removing suspects DNA, while leaving their own. I would find it impossible to console a grieving relative, answer their questions, worry about contaminating the crime scene while searching for additional evidence.
In my opinion the police are focused and concentrating on the evidence and fear of possibly overlooking something. Remember they have one chance to get it right and get a killer off the street before he strikes again.
Sergeant Hardiman recalled looking at video’s of a crime scene and seeing 5-6 eyewitnesses standing and watching and when the police questioned them no one saw or heard anything. I could never understand why a resident wouldn’t come forward and point out a killer to police. The Sergeant explained the police recognize the fear residents have and if they talk to police they or their family could be the next target.
He did a much better job of explaining it than I could. Fear is fear and you can’t get around it, but something has to change.
As I write this story the news just reported another murder in W.P.B. off 37th St. and Broadway.
The Community Outreach program began when Kevin Jones had an idea and I’m excited to see how far we can take it. Do you have an idea you believe may help stop the violence? The idea is no good in your head, share it with the police or send an anonymous letter.
Step2:
Below is an excerpt from e-mail from Chief Mooney to residents who attended the meeting.
“We will get to work on planning the next step in this endeavor to create a Community Outreach Team and set of protocols to define our purpose and expectations. I really do appreciate the community support you have all shown towards enhancing the working relationship between the residents of WPB and your Police Department. I will be in touch soon. Thanks again for attending last night.”
Who is Christina Lambert—Really
Above Image: Lobbyist Lawyer for Related Companies Harvey Oyer (middle), Christina Lambert (bottom) Rick Asnani (left) political consultant for Christina Lambert and Related Companies community outreach. Gopal Rajegowda, (bottom right) Vice President of The Related Companies. Unidentified women top. Could they possibly be celebrating her election to the city commission? Shouldn’t count your chickens before they hatch.
A little refresher course:
Commissioner’s Materio, Neering and Moffett voted against Zoning and Land Use Changes that would have allowed the Related project “One Flagler” to move forward. Related sought approval for their 25-story office building namely “One Flagler” to be located on the waterfront, where residents twice voted for a 5 story height limit. The 3 named commissioners above recognized this presentation as “spot” zoning. Commissioners James and Ryan voted for the project. Related wanted this project to go forward, and if you listen to the talk around City Hall, it was reported Related would find candidates to challenge the 2 commissioners up for re-election namely Materio and Moffett.
I attended a forum on 3/7/18, hosted by Baywinds, who is located “out west” and do not want State Road 7 extended. All candidates were present, and it was respectful until the end when Ms. Lambert claimed Commissioner Materio voted to fund the State Road 7 project, and was proud to announce that Commissioner James just endorsed her. Commissioner Materio was allowed a rebuttal and stated the transportation plan had no new money for State Rd 7, and she voted to fund North Lake Blvd, Southern Blvd, Belvedere Rd. and infrastructures project for depressed area’s of the city.
Let’s talk $$ and endorsements: The Chamber of Commerce who is solidly behind Related donated $1,000 each to Lambert and Shoaf. I received new flyers today from both ladies who claim “Those We Trust, Trust Kelly Shoaf” and guess who she names? Mayor Muoio and Commissioners James and Ryan. The 3 people who pushed for acceptance of “One Flagler.” Ms. Lambert states “Our West Palm Beach Leaders Trust Christina Lambert.” and she names Mayor Muoio and Commissioner James. In my opinion if either lady is elected they will be the 3rd. vote to move Related’s project forward. So ask yourself if you want a 25 story building on Flagler.
The debates and forums I attended Ms. Lambert placed schools and children on top of her list for what needs fixing, and she’s the one to fix it. I believe Ms. Lambert will do well to run for the school board instead of a City Commissioner.
Ms. Lambert’s work Experience
Productive Power
Digital Productivity Strategist
August 2017 – Present (8 months)West Palm Beach, Florida Area
Executive Director
Leadership Palm Beach County
December 2011 – February 2015 (3 years 3 months)
Gordon & Doner, P.A.
Community Relations Director
March 2009 – December 2011 (2 years 10 months)
American Cancer Society
Unit Executive Director
August 2007 – September 2010 (3 years 2 months)
American Cancer Society
Florida Division Gala Manager
August 2006 – August 2007 (1 year 1 month)
American Cancer Society
Community Representative
August 2004 – August 2006 (2 years 1 month)
Healthy Start Coalition of Brevard County, Inc.
Provider Liaison and Event Manager
July 2002 – August 2004 (2 years 2 months)
Gainesville Sun
Freelance writer
March 2001 – April 2002 (1 year 2 months)