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)
Who is Martina Tate Walker?
The story below was first published 3/7/2018 and I am once again attempting to introduce Ms. Walker to residents and voters who are concerned about the direction our city is moving in with overdevelopment, traffic congestion and Commissioner Shoaf voting with developers every time ignoring residents concerns.
Ms. Walker lost the election to Commissioner Shoaf in 2018 and I must ask myself is WPB better off today. My opinion, no it is not, with developers contributing dollars to the Shoaf campaign to again insure her re-election so she can continue to support their projects.
I first heard Ms. Walker speak at the first City Commission debate where she is running for City Commissioner District 1.
The audience seemed to like not only her, but her message as well. After listening to her views and hopes for the city I wanted to meet and speak with her, and am happy I made the effort. Here’s what I learned.
Ms. Walker doesn’t have sponsors throwing big money at her. In fact Ms. Walker has no money. You wont see yard signs, t-shirts or fliers in your mailbox. She has no campaign manager guiding her. You will not see the Chamber of Commerce or Related funding her election with expectations of a payback with her vote if she’s elected.
So who is this woman, and why does she want to be a City Commissioner?
Ms. Walker is an ordained minister, and told me her strongest assets are her God, and family.
When I asked her what she wanted people to know about her she mentioned integrity first, her transparency(what you see, is what you get) She feels it is important to listen to people, but places more importance on hearing them. Re-read that last line and think about it. She understands problems, but places more importance on finding the solutions.
Martina retired after 25 years from the PBC Health Dept; working in Human Resources and 6 years with USPS.
Important topics for her are children and the elderly.
For the kid’s she wants the city’s to engage in finding ways to entertain children, and supply a way to move them from point A to point B. She asked me what good a soccer field would do kids if they don’t have a way to get there. I didn’t have a answer.
She would like to see more affordable housing for the elderly, and support groups for them.
I asked her how she spent her day’s, and I thought my pen would run out of ink before she finished.
She councils married folks, singles, elderly and most important to her, children.
She “partners” with FPL requesting they not shut off a customers electricity and finds a way to bring the account up to date and find acceptable payment plans.
Partners with DCF to assist folks acquire food stamps.
Partners with Toy’s for Tot’s.
Partners with food banks and delivers food to needy families.
Works with programs for Youth Bullying.
Rides 12 hours a month with the C.O.P. (Citizens on Patrol) program.
Visits Nursing Homes and Hospital’s.
My next question was how she found the time and energy to do it all. Her answer: “God gives me the time and energy and all the guidance I need”.
What you have read is not known to many people only herself and the people she helps. Ms. Walker has an almost innocent childlike way about herself, but I wouldn’t want to try and pull anything over on her.
I like this lady very much, I believe what she say’s, and have no problem supporting her in her bid for a commission seat.
Keep your hands off our cars–Fix Flagler
Dear Neighbor,
After months of constant feedback from hundreds of concerned citizens, it appeared Flagler Shore would be dead for good March 1st.
That is until Mayor Jeri Muoio published a Point Of View article in the Palm Beach Post on Saturday, March 3rd. This article makes it clear that any signals we might have gotten that Flagler Shore might go away were wrong. The mayor has doubled down on Flagler Shore and called all of you a “special interest group.” The text of her article can be found at the end of this email.
We are developing a comprehensive plan to respond to the mayor’s article. We will be convening a meeting of the Fix Flagler! steering committee the week of March 11.
In the interim, please keep up the drumbeat of opposition to the outrageous act of escalation by our city’s elected leader and be grateful for term limits. Please urge your friends to join our movement and contribute to our cause. We are a grassroots movement of concerned citizens, and we won’t give up until Flagler Shore is no more!
You can sign our petition and email the mayor, city commissioners, and candidates all from our website, www.fixflagler.org.
Sincerely,
Robert Garvy and Carol Garvy
Founders
Fix Flagler!
Point of View: Flagler Shore a good step in improving space for all
The future of West Palm Beach rests in our ability to try new things and embrace new ways of thinking. That is exactly what we have done with Flagler Shore, a pilot project that temporarily closes two lanes of Flagler Drive to reclaim 63,000 square feet of road for the public benefit, providing more space for walking and biking, and events. Our goal? To take a small step forward, with minimal investment, in creating a quality open space along West Palm Beach’s most loved but underutilized destination.
Quality open spaces do more than improve health and well-being. They also contribute to increased property values. As more individuals move back into cities, there is increased demand — which West Palm Beach can’t afford to ignore — for better quality public spaces, including urban green spaces, where friends can meet up for coffee and good conversation, where our children and grandchildren can play, where families can make memories, where the public can gather together.
Contrary to what critics orchestrating a heavily funded, opposition campaign may want you to believe, Flagler Shore has been a success — even with some “bumps in the road” — and I firmly stand by it.
Flagler Shore has been successful in yielding valuable data about Flagler Drive, its safety, and how it’s used by pedestrians and motorists alike. We now know with absolute certainty that this road was overbuilt and that, today, there still is not enough vehicular traffic to justify four lanes of Flagler Drive.
Flagler Shore has been successful in starting the dialogue about our city’s public spaces, what they should look like, how they should be used, and whose voice — if any — should matter most in the creation of temporary or permanent public spaces.
The city received many favorable responses to Flagler Shore and — mixed with the good and the bad — constructive ideas about how we can be better, all of which we have taken into account and from which we have learned. We are appreciative of everyone who took the time to share with us your thoughts by writing, calling or attending any of the Flagler Shore neighborhood meetings, focus groups or think tanks. We wanted as much input from as many people as possible, and now we know that West Palm Beach demands a high-quality public space.
We must remember that Flagler Drive is public property, and so it must remain a space for all West Palm Beach residents and visitors. The city’s public policy will not be determined by any special interest group, as the views of those who are loudest do not always reflect the views of everyone.
As we have promised from the very beginning, Flagler Drive will reopen on March 1st, and, soon, city staff will present a final report detailing findings and recommendations. Once complete, we look forward to presenting the results to residents and, also, to our city commission.
We look forward to an ongoing dialogue on how to design quality public spaces for people.
JERI MUOIO, WEST PALM BEACH
Dirty Business
The City Commission meeting held Sept. 25, 2017, three Commissioners Moffett, Materio and Neering voted to defeat Related “One Flagler” 25 story office building.
I have learned that Rick Greene, Development Services Director, holds a quarterly “Developer Outreach” meeting between the city and developers doing business in WPB. The last meeting was held November 9, 2017; and from that meeting rumors hit the street that if Related didn’t receive the backing from City Commissioners to build their 25-story office building named “One Flagler” on the waterfront, they would “draft” people to challenge Commissioner’s Materio and Moffett for their commission seat, and if they were defeated in the March election “One Flagler” would be brought back to the commission for reconsideration.
I did what I could to verify the story by sending a PRR to the city wanting information on the “Developers Outreach” program and received from Rich Greene almost a hundred pages of presentation’s made at the meeting.
What I wanted to know is if Related attended, and how the conversation went. I made a request for more records. Below is the e-mail exchange between Mr. Greene and myself.
“Thank you for the information. I also requested a copy of the recording of the meeting along with the minutes, and also would appreciate viewing the sign in sheet of those who attended the meeting.”
Thanks
Sandy
His response was immediate:
“This meeting is not recorded nor do we have a sign in sheet or minutes. This is a periodic update of what is happening in our Department and what projects have been approved or under construction in the City.”
Rick Greene, AICP
I can’t prove or disprove the rumor, but I believe where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Here’s the question you should ask yourself:
Did Related “draft” Christina Lambert who is challenging Shanon Materio for District 5 seat and Kelly Shoaf who it appears has a clear run for District 1.
If these 2 women are elected, and the rumors are true, residents will live with “Flagler One” like it or not.
In any election I pay particular attention to who endorses candidates. It’s a tell all of where the candidates stand and how they could possibly vote on issues important to residents.
Chamber of Commerce
Their mission statement below was taken from their website.
Our Chamber Means Business
The Chamber is a proactive organization that achieves results and meets community needs. The association has always been on the cutting edge of the community’s critical concerns, working for new small business programs, representing business interests at all levels of government, promoting tourism and recruiting new business and industry to the area.
The Chamber’s strength is derived from its diversity and number of members. Both large and small businesses, from virtually every profession, are represented within our organization. These members make the Chamber one of the most effective and respected business associations in the state, providing both input and the manpower to see that the needs of area businesses are met by the city, county and state governments.
As a unified voice for businesses, the Chamber accomplishes collectively what no one business can do alone, dealing with the many issues that affect the community’s quality of life.
Governmental Affairs Committee
The committee reviews proposed area, state and federal legislation impacting the business community. The role of the governmental affairs committee is to accumulate information relative to candidates for the Palm Beach County Commission and West Palm Beach City Commission and convey it to members, along with recommendations for candidate selection in the City and County elections. The Government Affair Committee meets on an as-needed basis.
About Leadership West Palm Beach
The mission of Leadership West Palm Beach is to cultivate the leadership potential of those individuals who reside or work in the City of West Palm Beach and utilize their skills to foster the development of programs and opportunities that would enrich and improve the quality of life in the Palm Beaches.
Participants are exposed to a variety of aspects of the community including government, health and human services, education, economic development, arts, culture and festivals, neighborhoods and even the water catchment area. All of these areas are integral components of our community. Informing the class participants generates leaders with a well-rounded knowledge base to assist in future planning and decision-making for the betterment of West Palm Beach.
Dennis Grady President/CEO had his wife introduce Ms. Lambert at a recent event. So the Chamber is endorsing Ms. Lambert.
Good for Related, bad for residents.
The Chamber of Commerce did not endorse Materio, but 2 of my personal heroes for the city did, namely the PBC Police Benevolent Association along with the Association of Firefighters. Both organizations know Materio has their back, nice to know she has their support.
A story in the PB Post reported the following:
“Moffett was one of three commissioners who voted against Related Cos.’ plan to rezone the Okeechobee Boulevard corridor and allow a 25-story office tower in a 5-story waterfront zone.
Shoaf said she has not yet formulated an opinion on the controversial issue, which could come up again if elections create a commission more sympathetic to the developer.” Really!
Please consider everything, do your homework, and most important vote in the March 13,2018 upcoming election.
These are the people who make decisions that effect your everyday life financially and environmentally.
If your too busy to vote, OK, just please don’t complain about the direction the city is moving in.
Who Is Shanon Materio
In my opinion Shannon Materio is not the same woman she was in March 2015, and has evolved into a commissioner I can stand with in her bid for re-election for City Commissioner District 5. My eyes were opened when Commissioner Materio was one of 3 who voted against Zoning and Land Use Changes that would have allowed for the Related project “One Flagler” to move forward, and she was the most outspoken on the dais. If you were at the City Commission meeting held on Sept. 25, 2017 you witnessed a chamber full of residents both for and against Related Developer seeking 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 on any new building.
Development Services Director Rick Greene did all he could to move the project forward, and went out of his way to not mention 3 little words. (Related One Flagler) and continually referred to OBD (Okeechobee Blvd. District.) Mr. Greene and 3 others spent over one hour on their presentation in an attempt to convince commissioners and the public we needed this project to make West Palm Beach a great city. I didn’t realize we were not already a great city. I appreciated the city bringing this to my attention.
Commissioner Neering asked: “If Related didn’t bring this project forward, would we be talking about the OBD?” and later questioned if the project was “spot zoning.” Mr. Greene’s response to Commissioner Neering question was “Yes” we would be discussing OBD, and Mr. Greene denied it was “spot zoning” told a whopper and you could hear the whispering in the audience while the developers smiled.
Commissioner Materio called out Mr. Greene on his denial and said “I disagree with you Rick, we wouldn’t be here if Related didn’t want to build this building, it is “spot zoning, and the city is willing to give away it’s best asset, the waterfront.” When Commissioner Materio was finished, no one had to ask what did she mean, we knew exactly what she meant, they weren’t pulling the wool over her eyes.
I had to investigate the meaning of “spot zoning” and here is the definition.
“Spot zoning is the application of zoning to a specific parcel or parcels of land within a larger zoned area when the zoning is usually at odds with a city’s master plan and current zoning restrictions.– The small size of the parcel is not the sole defining characteristic of a spot zone”
Commissioner James requested that Related CEO be allowed to make a statement Mayor Muoio denied his request.
My thought was what the hell is he doing here, we were just told this meeting was not about “One Flagler”
Now it’s time for comments from the public, and the first speaker was former Mayor Joel Davis who stated he supports Related “One Flagler” and looks forward to it’s completion. 2nd speaker former CC Brandenberg say’s she supports “One Flagler.”3rd. speaker Adelson, another developer, Chamber of Commerce, Developers and Business community along with a few residents all support “One Flagler” Those mentioned above are considered by some to be “Big Hitters” in the city.
Those opposed were many residents along with attorneys for Preserve West Palm Beach Citizens Coalition and CTG. (Citizens for Thoughtful Growth)
Now the commission vote on the project.
Commissioners Ryan & James vote to move the project forward.
Commissioners Neering, Materio and Moffett investigated the proposal, did their homework, and looked at whether the proposed changes to City Zoning Code and the Downtown Master Plan met the standards required. They did not vote for the “Staff Recommends Motion” and most important to me–they listened to the people and looked at the legal requirements for such approval. All three commissioners voted not to move forward.
All three commissioners are the “Big Hitters” for the residents.
This should be the end of the story, but it’s not. Follow up story on Related’s next plan of attack.
Believe me there is one coming.
You Really Had To Be There
On Jan.29,2018 I attended the WPB City Commission meeting because of an e-mail I received concerning “Flagler Shores” and it rang a bell with me due to an article I had read the previous day in the PB Post. The story written by Alexandra Clough “Foes of Flagler Shore rally opposition.” was well written and informative.
When I approached the room outside the City Commission Chambers I encounter 10-15 people and everyone confused about the procedure to be allowed to voice their opinion on the city’s Flagler Shores experiment. I was asked if I was for or against the project, and my honest answer was I didn’t know enough about it to be for or against. Second question was did I know how to fill out the card? Pointing to the comment card I explained they were to sign their name here, and place the item no. here. Third question what was the item No? I picked up the agenda which contained 21 items and started reading. Arrived at #21 and thought hell I missed it, and started looking again, when the City Clerk came by and I asked her what the item # was. She replied Flagler Shores was not on the agenda. By now there are 20-25 folks waiting for answer’s when they heard the clerks response, they looked at me and I said it wasn’t on the agenda so the commissioners would not discuss it tonight. Do you have any idea how loud 25 people can groan in disappointment?
Now I’m thinking what was the e-mail I received concerning the project if it wasn’t on the agenda. At that point God slapped me on the back of my head, and whispered “General Comment” People started to leave when I said they all had 3 minutes to comment on any issue not on the agenda. The folks that had ripped up their cards thinking they wouldn’t be heard grabbed new cards and started over and people just kept coming.
Mayor Muoio made a point of reading the Civility & Decorum statement which in part reads “Unauthorized remarks from the audience, stamping of the feet, whistles, yells and similar demonstrations are strictly prohibited.” (I assume this also includes clapping)
The mayor recognized they were there to discuss Flagler Shores and wondered out loud why, when it wasn’t on the agenda. Well guess what happened? A hand full of people all at once attempted to answer her question. That’s when my giggles started. They stopped when the mayor pointed at them and asked if they wanted to be removed from the room.
She told the group the road would be reopened on 3/1/18 and they would have their 4 lanes back. Audience clapped, and the mayor thanked them. She also said the city intended to “Redesign” Flagler and after the road was reopened the engineers would come in and start the planning process, and the city will decide if it will be made permanent. The Boat Show and Sunfest will be the first to let the city know their needs. A meeting would be scheduled and residences input would be welcome. The audience claps, and the mayor thanked them again and I’m thinking Boat Show & Sunfest, aren’t they businesses? Think about it, needs of business vs. residents. Oh Oh.
Mayor Muoio had the cards in front of her and she said when I call your name please step up to the podium. People started walking to the podium and she repeated “when I call your name”
I had the impression many of the residents have never attended a city meeting and were confused about the procedure and the mayor may have shown a little more patience with them, but honestly it was funny. Roberts Rule of Order went out the window.
I listened to a few speakers who were very professional, spent their time wisely and when they said something profound the audience started clapping, the clock kept running and they lost valuable speaking time. Mayor Muoio brought this to their attention, but it did continue.
One speaker brought with her a petition signed by 650 residents living along Flagler, who are opposed to the road closing and redesign.
By the time I left the meeting I had an understanding of the problem and residents complaints and decided to drive down Flagler and see for myself.
Flagler Drive is a 4 lane road running North & South with a medium strip in between The city has closed a section of Flagler eliminating 2 driving lanes on the east, and made two way traffic on the west side.
It appears the city wants to permanently remove the two eastern lanes and sidewalk and grass it in.
While I was driving I saw people on the sidewalk walking dogs, people strolling or sitting on the seawall looking at the water, and many, many barriers stopping people from driving by.
Mayor Muoio wants more people in the downtown area to do more walking and bike riding, and leave their cars at home to help with the traffic problems. There seems to be more cars than road, and the city helped create the problem allowing developers to build 20 & 30 story condo’s and office buildings along the waterfront.
The day Ford introduced the Model T Americans have had love affairs with their cars and trucks and will not give them up–ever.
This is going to be another battle between residents, businesses and city government. I told the residents if they lost the battle they could still have the last word. I told the woman that arrived at city hall with 650 names on the petition to march them and others down to the polling booth and vote their commissioner out of office. Time will tell.
Just Tell The Truth–Please
This story is one example of why American’s have a problem trusting government. They lie! Not everyone with a government job lies, but enough do so we become suspicious of them all. Here’s my story.
I live in Spencer Lakes which is located on the corner of 45th.& Village Blvd. There are 187 homes and most residents are a 2 car family, and if their children live with them add more cars to the equation.
Village Blvd. is a four lane road and many children exit the development on Keats Grove walking across 4 lanes of traffic heading for Palm Beach Lakes High School. There are hundreds of cars exiting and entering the development daily.
Village Boulevard is a race track, and the police have been present where they have ticketed 40 speeders between the hours of 6:30 to 9:30 AM; and they are still ticketing speeders. Ongoing since May.
5/24/17 I sent an e-mail, and included pictures, to Assistant City Manager Scott Kelly detailing the problem residents were having leaving the development.
Driving North on Village drivers enter a curve and many don’t realize/care they are approaching an intersection where a traffic light exists, and they blow right through the red light endangering exiting residents.
6/5/17 Mr. Scott responded he was forwarding my e-mail to “our Transportation Engineer for consideration.” Uyen Dang is the city’s Transportation Engineer.
6/6/17 I forward the entire package including the pictures, previously sent to Mr. Kelly to Uyen Dang. Then I wait for a response. FYI. My computer confirmed Uyen opened my e-mail the day she received it and the IT department can also confirm.
8/10/17 Over two months later another e-mail to Uyen asking for update. Received no response.
8/30/17 Sent another e-mail asking when she is going to respond to me, with a Cc to Mayor Muoio.
8/31/17 Uyen responded with an apology “I apologize for my delay in response, this e-mail was in my spam mail box for quite a while.” The hell it was, she opened it on 6/6/17; and who doesn’t check their spam folder for over 2 months? That was the 1st. lie.
She continues “Our speed study shows that the 85th Percentile of speed on this roadway is traveling at 42MPH and is consistent with the 40 MPH posted speed.”
I don’t care what her speed study shows. Check with the police department who issued the speeding tickets.
Then she recommends “Advanced Warning Flasher” which along with a flashing light has a sign stating
“Be prepared to stop.” We will coordinate with PBC to get this system installed”
8/31/17 E-mail from Uyen to PBC “We would like to request a quote from you to install this system at Village and Shiloh NB and SB.”
OK now were getting somewhere.
10/6/17 I e-mailed Uyen asking for an update. No response
10/12/17 Another e-mail asking for update and included a Cc to Mayor Muoio.
10/12/17 Uyen responds “The request was sent to PBC Traffic. We are waiting for them to respond and give us a quote. I don’t have a status because the ball is not in our court. Thank you for your patience.” (ever hear of follow up?) She responds when mayor is Cc’d a copy of the e-mail.
10/12/17 I respond “Thank you for responding. Can you give me a time frame when you will follow up with the county to see if progress is being made”
10/12/17 Uyen responds “I can give them a call tomorrow and see where were at” That message was the last I heard from Uyen, and the 2nd.lie
11/13/2017 I sent a PRR (public records request) to the city clerk requesting all correspondence between the city and county regarding the “Advanced Warning Flasher” Below is the response dated 4 days after my PRR request. Notice Kelly Cc on e-mail.
Re: TRANSFER: Public Records Request Khanh Uyen Dang to: Kevin C Volbrecht 11/17/2017 01:43 PM
Cc: Erik Ferguson, Hazeline Carson, Jomekeyia McNeil, Scott D Kelly
Kevin,
We had a teleconference with the County to request flashing lights to be installed on Village Blvd. The outcome of the meeting was for the County to add this work request in their list. The County to perform a traffic study at that location to determine if flashing lights warrants. Once the study is complete, they will send us an estimate for us to issue a PO. At this time, we do not have anything to provide for the PRR.
Thank you,
Uyen Dang, PE Engineering Services 401 Clematis Street, 4th Floor P.O. Box 3366 West Palm Beach, FL 33402
11/20/17 I attended the City Commission meeting where I had 3 minutes to explain what you have read so far just giving dates and hi-lites. Of course I didn’t have time to finish.
When I was leaving the meeting Scott Kelly spoke to me and said “the sign was approved.” I repeated it was approved. He said “yes,” now all we have to do is find the money.” 3rd. lie.
What did I do? I talked to many of my neighbors and told them the city came through for us and the project was approved. It was a feel good moment knowing they and their children would finally have a fighting chance leaving the development. I was lied too and passed the lie onto my neighbors.
11/30/17 While attending the Internal Audit meeting I saw Scott in the mezzanine, and he said “Good morning Sandy”
I responded with: “Scott you lied to me about the light being approved”
He responded with: ” I don’t know what your talking about.”and raced into the meeting room like I had leprosy. I followed him in and took my seat. That was the 4th. lie.
He sat for approximately 5 min. and left the meeting room not to return.
So finishing this story my conclusion is:
Uyen Dang, PE Engineering Services, fails to follow up with projects and ignores e-mails.
Scott Kelly, who oversees the dept. can’t be trusted because he also lies and fails to supervise employees. The city can do better!