Killer To Inherit Part of Estate?
This story will write itself by way of stories published by various newspapers and Public Records Request (PRR) received from various officials. I want readers to have the facts, and when possible provide documentation with my stories in an effort to provide credibility. The stories are in the format where a couple of paragraphs are followed by the following message:
Due to the fact WPB Watch does not subscribe to the various newspapers we are unable to allow you to “open” and read the entire story, but you have the option of opening the story yourself to read the entire text. We encourage you to do so. Toward the end of this story with a date of Oct.21, 2014 the entire story can be read by simply clicking onto the link. With that said let me start the story with a list of characters and how a story from New Jersey impacts WPB Florida.
- Michelle Lennon (formally Michelle Fintzy)
- Brooke Lennon, husband of Michelle Lennon
- Robert Tomassi, boyfriend of Michelle Lennon
- Len Fintzy, father of Michelle Lennon
- Geri Muoio, Mayor of WPB Fl
- Kimberly Mitchell, WPB Commissioner
- Shannon Materio, WPB Commissioner
In June 1994 Michelle Lennon and boyfriend Robert Tomassi murdered her husband Brooke Lennon, by hitting him repeatedly on the head with a baseball bat, placed a plastic bag over his head and tied it with a telephone cord, then attempted to hide his body.
WIFE, BOYFRIEND CHARGED IN KILLING OF HUSBAND
In Oct.1994 Ms. Lennon an admitted drug and alcohol addict decided after murdering her husband that she was entitled to inherit his estate which consisted of 2.9 million dollars along with his 2 homes and racehorses. Her attorney filed the necessary paperwork to claim what Mr. Lennon had worked for his entire life. Read the story here:
May 1995 After pleading guilty to murdering her husband, Judge William Nelson at sentencing angrily told Ms. Lennon “You are some piece of work” because she refused to take responsibility for the death of her husband. Judge Nelson sentenced her to 20 years to life in prison. She became eligible for parole in 2014. Read the story here:
WOMAN SENTENCED FOR KILLING HUSBAND
June 1995 Eight months after killing her husband, a judge approved a settlement in her husbands estate, and awarded Ms. Lennon $90,000.00. The attorney that defended her at her murder trial Alvin Spitzer, was to receive $30,000.00, leaving Ms. Lennon with $60,000.00.
Mr. Spitzer made the argument that his client Ms. Lennon would not benefit from the remaining $60,000.00, but it would be turned over to her father Mr. Leonard Fintzy. The newspaper article quotes Mr. Spitzer “None of the proceeds are going to Ms. Lennon and will not be held or used for her benefit,” Spitzer wrote. “She can in no way profit from the commission of the murder of Mr. Lennon.”
KILLER TO INHERIT PART OF ESTATE – The Record (Bergen County, NJ) | HighBeam Research
July 1995 District Attorney Michael E. Bongiorno is attempting to stop Ms. Lennon and her family from receiving funds from her murdered husbands estate, and he won an order from the court to place a hold on the $90,000.00 recently awarded her father Len Fintzy. Read the story here.
DA TRIES TO BLOCK CASH FOR CONVICT
Oct.19,1995 Prosecutor Michael Bongiorno insured that Michelle Lennon and her father Leonard Fintzy did not receive the $60,000.00 dollars from the husbands estate by using the “Son of Sam” law which states that criminals cannot profit from their crimes. The $60,000.,, went to the police dept, and district attorneys office to defray the cost prosecution. WPB Watch apologizes for not being able to supply the link for this story. The original story was written October 19,1995 by the Star-Ledger, Newark, NJ
Aug. 2013 Michelle Lennon became eligible for parole in Feb.2014. In an effort to insure her success her father Len Fintzy had no qualms about asking Mayor Geri Muoio, and Commissioners Mitchell and Materio to write letter’s to the Parole Board favoring her parole and relocation to West Palm Beach to live with her parent’s in Riverwalk. Len Fintzy, President of City Watch, which prematurely endorsed Commissioners Mitchell and Materio for re-election to the City Commission may have thought he was entitled to their assistance, and obviously he was correct. I have been writing all along how close he is with these two Commissioners. Read the letters for yourself here, and decide if he is the commissioner you want for district 4, in the upcoming election. Commissioner Mitchell wrote 2 letters, Commissioner Materio wrote 2 letters, but only released one, leading me to believe the missing document was on WPB city stationary. Mayor Muoio wrote one letter.
Feb. 4,2014 Here you will find the redacted minutes from the NYS Department of Corrections, Board of Parole interview with Michelle Lennon. Interesting reading.
Michelle Lennon denied parole; she beat her husband to death with bat in 1994
What Cory Doesn’t Want You To Know!
Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell elected in 2002 has over the past 13 years attempted to establish a WPB Charter School. Former Mayor Frankel, and Commissioner Bill Moss put a stop to it with both officials stating the city should not be in the school business. Commissioner Mitchell continues to revisit the issue and as recently as 2014 it’s back on her agenda. There is an extremely important election coming in March 2015 and the issue has been placed on the back burner, but believe me, it hasn’t gone away. With 3 commission races and a mayoral race it’s too hot a topic for now, but Commissioner Mitchell has never, and will never cease in her attempt to establish the school.
Commissioner Robinson is retiring and that leaves his District 2 seat open. There is a contest between Katherine Waldron and Cory Neering. Ms. Waldron has stated publicly she would never vote for a charter school. Mr. Neering has stated publicly he believes parents should have a choice.
I have stated all along that Mr. Neering has proudly claimed that Commissioners Mitchell and Materio will back him in his run for City Commission. If you look long enough and dig deep enough you can find the answer as to why the support. Here is what was found.
The My Choice Inc. / Academy “Charter School Applicant Interview“ which can be read in it’s entirety below consists of 52 pages, Please feel free to read the entire document yourself, and for those who have busy lives I will refer to page 23 where it lists Cory Neering as an officer on the Founding Board.
Here you will find the “Article of Incorporation“ for “My Choice Inc.” Charter School. Please read Article VII where it lists Mr. Neering as an officer on the Board of Directors.
You may also recognize the founding president of the Board of My Choice — Gerald Adams. Mr. Adams is a former Republican City Councilman in Riviera Beach, who ran unsuccessfully against Congresswoman Lois Frankel for the Florida House of Representatives, District 83 in 1986. He was also the subject of a recall campaign over alleged corruption while on the City Council.
Here you will find 6 pages consisting of 264 Charter Schools that have failed and subsequently closed it’s doors in Florida. Please note listed under Palm Beach County #194. It shows My Choice Inc. being closed on Aug. 20,2013.
There is an excellent, and fairly long story written by the Sun Sentinel titled “Charter School’s Unsupervised“ and part of the story which can be found under “Missing Money” states My Choice Academy has not returned $56,000 to the Palm Beach County school district. That money, along with millions more, was removed from public schools and handed to charter schools. Who suffers? The taxpayer, but more importantly the children who attend public schools. They have been deprived of books and classroom supplies, and most important the loss of dedicated teachers who drive and motivate the leaders of tomorrow.
If Mr. Cory is elected to the City Commission does anyone believe he will not vote along with Commissioner Materio and give Commissioner Mitchell, now hoping to be Mayor, a second vote on Charter Schools? Now both commissioners are backing Len Fintzy against sitting commissioner Keith James. Mr. Fintzy refers to Commissioner Mitchell as like his daughter. There is Mitchell’s third vote.
Mr. Neering announced his intention to seek the District 2 commission seat in July 2014, and in 6 months saw no reason to disclose his involvement in My Choice Charter School.
Ask Mr Neering why, and then ask yourself the same question.
And this will be the outcome if Mitchell win’s the Mayor seat. Now picture her sitting in the center chair, and she wants a Charter School. Commissioner Materio will make the motion, Fintzy will second it, the mayor will call for a vote and you will have 3 aye’s. Materio, Fintzy, and Neering. As simple as that, and there will be a WPB Charter School.
And as unbelievable as it sounds, Mitchell wants to outsource our city water. Can she do it? Please re-read the above paragraph, as it will be the same situation, the same outcome. The only difference between the two is Mitchell wants Poseidon to run the city water. Reminder: Richard Pinsky, Commissioner Mitchell’s ex husband, is the lobbyist for Poseidon. It appears to me that Commissioner Mitchell, as a city commissioner, spends time on the dais pushing Mr. Pinsky’s projects through to completion. Just imagine what they can accomplish if she is the next mayor of WPB. The thought scares me to death. See where this is going? You OK with that?.
If you need more proof please be aware that all three candidates, Kimberly Mitchell, Cory Neering and Len Fintzy are all using the same political consultant Beth Kennedy. They are all on the same page, and it’s not your page.
So if you want a WPB Charter School, and you want outsourcing of city water, here’s what you do.
Vote Mitchell in as mayor, and Fintzy and Neering, and you won’t recognize your city in a year.
If you are not in favor of a WPB Charter School, and you don’t want to outsource your city water, you have a decision to make. I have made mine, and it’s to retain Mayor Muoio, City Commissioner Keith James, and I trust Katherine Waldron to keep her word to residents that she would never vote for either.
Democratic Women’s Club of PBC
Let’s start with a little background.
City Watch is made up of neighborhood presidents from various WPB western communities and candidates seek their endorsement when running for office or reelection.
The City Watch Board of Directors at their Sept. 29,2014 meeting, voted unanimously to endorse the candidacy of City Watch President Len Fintzy, for the office of City Commissioner, District 4.
Also endorsed for reelection to the position of Mayor is Jeri Muoio.
So in essence Len Fintzy, as president, endorsed himself. Nice work if you can get it. I am still of the opinion that Mr. Fintzy is running to help the woman he describes as being like a second daughter to him. That would be Commissioner Kim Mitchell. Now, lets jump ahead.
Jan. 3,2015 the Democratic Women’s Club of PBC held a forum with Candidates from Lake Worth, Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach. With no disrespect to Lake Worth and Riviera Beach, I will direct my comments and view to West Palm Beach. In attendance along with 50-60 residents were: Commissioner Keith James, challenged by Len Fintzy (Dist. 4) Cory Neering and Katherine Waldron (Dist. 2) along with Paula Ryan who is running for Commissioner Mitchell’s seat in Dist. 3 and so far unchallenged. Mayor Muoio was in attendance. Commissioner Mitchell was not present, as stated previously this was a Democratic Club, and Commissioner Mitchell is a Republican.
Each candidate gave a presentation and it is the answers to the questions I would like to bring to your attention. So here goes.
A resident asked Len Fintzy who he supported for mayor of WPB and Mr. Fintzy stated he is supporting Kimberly Mitchell (his other daughter). Really? What about the City Watch endorsement of Jeri Muoio on Sept. 29? What did Jeri do to offend the City Watch group?
Actually she did nothing wrong but Kim M. is running for mayor now, and desperately needs City Watch and Len Fintzy. After Mr Fintzy announced support for Kim M. there was a sudden intake of air and a few boo’s from the audience. Mr. Fintzy responded with the question “What, I can’t have Republican friends?” Sure you can, as you obviously switch friends along with endorsements in a New York minute you must have a few around. Asked why he was running he stated City Hall had a “virus” on the dais and he wanted to clean it up. 1/2 the “virus” hopefully will be eliminated with Mayor Muoio winning a second term.
Commissioner James along with candidate Katherine Waldron came out strongly against the privatization of city water of which Commissioner Mitchell and Materio are in strong favor. Can you imagine letting an outside business (Poseidon) manage our water? You think your city bill is high now? Wait and see how high it can go if Commissioners Mitchell and Materio have their way. Reminder: Richard Pinsky, Commissioner Mitchell’s Ex husband is the lobbyist for Poseidon. Millions to be made here. What benefit to residents?
Please look at the picture accompanying this story. If you don’t know their names let me help. From left to right Katherine Waldron, Commissioner Keith James, Len Fintzy, and Cory Neering. See the distance (space) between Len and Cory? (they both look like team players) They want Kim Mitchell in that spot. Along with Commissioner Materio the dais will be a slam dunk for whatever they want, which will include what Mitchell and Materio want. Outsourcing city water, and a brand new City of WPB Charter School, where the Republican governor cut over a billion dollars on public school funding which leads to teacher’s job loss and over crowed classrooms which led to public school failings. When the damage was done the Republican legislator’s said let’s try Charter Schools. You good with that?
Please think then vote.
Where is Cory Neering?
Cory Neering is a man who has thrown his hat into the ring in the race for Commissioner Ike Robinson’s, District 2 seat. Mr. Neering has stated publicly that Commissioners Mitchell & Materio are backing him in the race. We believe if he wins the district he will be Commissioner Mitchell & Materio’s third vote on the dais and support them with his vote for a WPB Charter School & their new endeavor to outsource city water. Yes, you read that right, both commissioners want to outsource our city water. You good with that?
If I wanted to run for a commission seat and sitting commissioners reached out and offered assistance, by guaranteeing me they could swing the western, southern, and black vote and I accepted their offer and was elected would I be reminded that I owed them? Yes, I would. Would I be obligated to repay them by voting their way? Yes, I would. Could I possibly forget the people who trusted my word and placed their faith in me to vote with the city’s best interest in mind. Quite possibly.
When Gregg Weiss ran for Commissioner in District 5 campaign I was happy and eager to offer assistance wherever I could. We walked neighborhoods throughout the city as he spoke to voter’s and explained why he believed himself to be the better candidate, and answered all questions put to him. Mr. Weiss had lists of what is referred to as “super” voters. These are list of voters that show up in city, county, state and federal elections. These are residents, black, white, and brown that take their civic duties seriously, study the issues, and vote. They care about their government and want the best possible representation, and a candidate who will be honest and forthcoming with them.
One of the neighborhoods Mr. Weiss campaigned in was where I have resided and called home for over 28 years, Spencer Lakes. I still retain the list of “super” voters, and they are still consistent in their voting habits because I see them at the polls, and we often discuss the outcome of the election.
Here is what the story is leading to. The picture posted with this story is Cory Neering, and I’m told his son, standing at the entrance to Spencer Lakes taken on Saturday Dec. 6th when Mr. Neering supposedly canvassed the neighborhood, speaking to residents, explaining his views on different issues, and most importantly answering questions that concerned citizen’s had. Voter’s need assurance you are who you say you are.
I first met Mr. Neering when he appeared at our Spencer Lakes Homeowner meeting and made his presentation, and then took questions. The only question I had was where he stood on WPB Charter Schools. Mr. Neering explained he was a parent with children, and believed parents had the right to choose to send their children to public or charter school.
I was surprised to receive Mr. Neering’s picture in an e-mail, and wondered why he neglected to ring my door bell as I am on the list of “super” voters. When I canvassed my neighbors and asked if they received a visit from any candidates, or was any literature left (in case they were out) I was assured no one had visited or left any material.
What does this tell you? It tells me Mr. Neering stood on the sidewalk, had his picture taken, jumped in his car, drove home and placed his picture on face book. Does this sound like a man who is taking his campaign and issues seriously?
Does Mr. Neering care about what concerns the residents of Spencer Lakes, after all we are in district 2, which he will represent? Was Mr. Neering being deceitful with his actions? I’ve answered the question for myself, you have to answer for yourself.
David vs. Goliath …And Wins!
If you have been following the news stories concerning the Chapel by the Lake site and the City of WPB you have learned a 3 judge appellate panel has ruled if favor of Citizens for Thoughtful Growth (CTG), led by Ms. Nancy Pullum, President. Please read the court decision below.
CTG V City of WPB and Flagler Investors
The story written by PB Post reporter, Tony Doris, can be read below, and I urge you to take the time to read it. I thank Mr. Doris for his work and appreciate his sincere efforts to provide balanced reporting on this news story. Mr. Doris is a breath of fresh air.
See: Citizens group claims court victory over South Flagler condo tower
The developer tried an end run around the Planning Board approval, and presented the plan directly to the City Commissioners, who gave approval on January 21,2014 after being told by former City Attorney Claudia McKenna that Planning Board approval and review was unnecessary. Commissioner Mitchell on the dais since 2002, and Commissioner Robinson since 1999 never challenged her statement. Were they “stuck on stupid”?
Mr. Rick Greene, Director of Development Services, reports to Mayor Muoio, and it’s apparent to me the “city” wants this project to go forward. How much pressure will be placed on Mr. Greene, and City Attorney’s to insure it does. Let’s not forget the mayor has the authority to hire and fire all city employees.
It has not been reported if the city will appeal the 3 judge appellate panel decision, and if they do decide to appeal, it will be more tax payer dollars wasted. Your money.
The folks who bring you WPB Watch have asked nothing of it’s readers except to exercise your right to vote. I will now ask one more thing for you too consider with an explanation of why I feel this to be so important.
You have funded, with your tax dollars, the lawsuit that CTG has initiated against the city, in an attempt to force the city to follow their own comprehensive plan for growth. The courts opinion favors CTG argument. CTG depends on contributions from it’s members, and strangers, to help fund their legal fee’s.
I don’t live in the part of the city where Chapel on the Lake is located, but I am well aware that the city could have an interest in my neighborhood or yours, and you could have a battle on your hands just like CTG. What do you do then? This city must unite and come together for the betterment of all. City government can’t ignore it’s residents and rules that they themselves have set. You, as taxpayers, had no say when the city decided to spend your hard earned money, but you do have a choice now. I am asking you to assist the Citizens for Thoughtful Growth with a contribution to their legal fund. I ask nothing of you that I wouldn’t do myself, and my check is going out today. Please send your contribution to:
Citizens for Thoughtful Growth
P.O. Box 3281
West Palm Beach, FL 33402
Checks may be earmarked for legal expenses.
It’s easy to stand with the crowd; it takes courage to stand alone. ~Unknown
Commissioner Shows Temper at Meeting
Please read the PB Post story on “West Palm Beach commissioners: Don’t rush into water deal” then return to WPB Watch for the rest of the story.
I attended the City Commission Work Session on 12/15/14. The first item on the agenda was “Water Presentation.” presented by staff member Scott Kelly. Mr. Kelly presented 2 consultants who gave excellent presentations on water supply and treatment, which hopefully would end the city’s problem with our drinking water, and short supply in a drought season. So far so good.
When Commissioners Mitchell and Materio didn’t have their way, the meeting got embarrassingly out of control. Commissioner Materio was very unprofessional from that point on which included picking up her pocketbook and storming off the dais,not to return. The residents of her district would not have been pleased with their representative, and I question why Mr. Kleinberg omitted that fact from his story.
Commissioners Mitchell and Materio are extremely close with Commissioner Mitchell’s
ex husband Richard Pinsky, a lobbyist doing business with the city. How close, you ask?
Allow me to present some background, and how we got to where we are.
After the sudden loss of Commissioner Moss, 4 people along with Shannon Materio applied for Mr. Moss’s seat. Ms. Materio was appointed.
If you were fortunate enough to watch the commission meeting held on Dec.8 you would have heard resident, Paul McCullough, state he had a golfing date with Mr. Pinsky, and when he questioned the appointment he was told the decision was made over the weekend that Materio would be appointed. No sunshine here, just another back room deal.
Commissioners Mitchell & Materio are on the same page 99% of the time. One or the other makes a motion and the other second’s it. Now they want to outsource our water and they decided jointly that Poseidon could handle our water issues.
Now let’s talk commissioners and lobbyist.
Recent residents lawsuits against the city for two developments, Rybovich and Palm Harbor Hotel, claiming the city is not following it’s own master plan concerning height, density, and set back. Commissioner Mitchell and Materio strongly supported both projects. Lobbyist: Richard Pinsky.
Commissioner’s Mitchell and Materio joined forces to have the city purchase land at 8111 South Dixie Hwy. for $2.9 million in an effort to keep Walmart from building a Neighborhood Market. This taxpayer money was not budgeted. Lobbyist: Richard Pinsky.
Commissioners Mitchell & Materio, again on the same page, want a presentation by Poseidon Resources, and they want it NOW, so they can hopefully talk another commissioner into voting with them to have the issue pass, and there goes our water to outsourcing. Lobbyist: Richard Pinsky.
Remember Commissioner Mitchell’s Digital Domain fiasco, where the city lost well over 2 million dollars and nearly lost the land they so willing gave to John Textor? After a court battle we regained the land and the city has 3 offers to build on what is affectionately known as the “tent” site. One offer is from the Related Group. Want to guess which way this will go? I should mention the Related Group lobbyist is Richard Pinsky.
I would like to take an opportunity to thank Commissioners Moffett, Robinson, and especially Commissioner James for asking the tough questions, standing strong and taking the residents best interest to heart. Commissioner James appears to be coming into his own, and presented a strong argument for a special meeting which he received.
We have an election coming up and James is being challenged by Len Fintzy of Riverwalk. If you aren’t aware of who Len Fintzy is please read the story on WPB Watch titled “Who is Len Fintzy?” which can be found in Archives. If Len Fintzy is elected and replaces Commissioner James say goodbye to your water because Mr. Fintzy will always vote with Commissioners Mitchell & Materio. He will be their 3rd. vote. Always.
We also have a race in District 2 between Mr. Cory Neering and Ms. Katherine Waldron. Mr. Neering has the backing of Commissioners Mitchell & Materio and if elected he will be their 4th vote, and will be able to override any veto the mayor may make. At the start of the election cycle Mr. Neering’s campaign received $1,000.00 contribution from a Law firm titled Akerman LLP. Lobbyist Richard Pinsky firm.
When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.
When the government fears the people, there is liberty. ~~Thomas Jefferson
WPB Exposed…Again
Look up in the sky, is it a bird, is it a plane, is it superwoman? No, it’s mild-mannered reporter, Pat Beall, an investigative reporter for the Palm Beach Post, fighting for truth, justice and the American way for the residents of WPB.
Ms Beall has done it again, she’s made the front page of the PB Post, above the fold, on December 14, 2014. The revealing story “Eye-popping Fixes for Blight” tells the story of West Palm Beach city housing department still plagued by mismanagement, and ineffective managers, who continues to cost taxpayers millions of dollars in wasted funds.
Mayor Muoio should have a plaque on her desk that reads “The Buck Stops Here” for it is her responsibility to ensure that the residents of West Palm Beach have the most qualified, knowledgeable managers that money can buy. Mayor Muoio who is up for reelection in March 2015, in my opinion has failed in her duties and responsibilities of mayor to the residents of West Palm Beach who put their faith in her 4 years ago.
It is a well-known fact that the city has been through 8 directors in 8 years. Think about that! What does that tell you about the leadership of our city? Elliot Cohen, the city spokesman, was quoted as saying “We’ve hardly hidden the fact that record-keeping in our housing department going back almost 10 years has been unacceptable and we’ve been up front about it.” How can Mr. Cohen honestly state “we’ve been up front about it” when it took the Palm Beach Post multiple investigative stories to disclose exactly what was happening in the housing department. After the exposure by the post then, and only then, was the city “up front”, and I question if the city’s leaders are still holding back information.
You can read the entire story by Miss Beall below, and I ask you to pay attention to the waste of taxpayer dollars, which was intended for the poorest of the poor, the neediest residents, and the city has failed them miserably. Some example of waste mentioned in the story consist of: $700.00 for 23 light bulbs bought and installed (by installed I mean the bulb was screwed into the socket). A home valued at $19,000.00 the city spent $101,000.00 for repairs including $9,700.00 for the owner to stay in a hotel while work was being done. The city paid $600.00 to have a toilet bought and installed. One homeowner was to have a new roof costing $4,500.00 and it turned out to be $44,000.00 rehab job. Are you mad yet? Are you asking yourself “Why isn’t someone in jail?” I know I am.
Mayor Muoio, as the head of WPB has the authority to hire and fire managers and staff. The Post has written stories concerning major problems in city departments such as Human Resources, a total embarrassment to the city and mayor. The city (mayor) has been negligent in Parks & Recreation, IT (Information Technology), and major concern’s in housing and HUD. Do you know who Dorritt Miller is? She is the Deputy City Administrator, drawing a salary of over $200,000.00 /year, and the 4 departments mentioned above report to Ms. Miller. The mayor continues to keep her on the payroll. Why? Mayor Muoio is asking for our vote to continue her leadership another four years. Why should we trust her, with four more years after we have witnessed the last four? Please get involved. If not you, who?
Please read Ms. Beall’s very informative story EYE-POPPING FIXES FOR BLIGHT.
State Road 7 In Trouble—Again
The residents of WPB are extremely resilient, as they must be, due to the fact they are in for another disappointment by city leaders. The much needed and anticipated extension of State Road 7 which would help alleviate congestion in the western communities is once again put on hold until 2020.
Mayor Muoio, who resides in Ibis which is next door to the planned extension, and city commissioners who vote to spend city taxes, have hired attorney’s and lobbyist to fight the extension. How many thousands of your tax dollars have already been wasted on a project that will eventually be built. How many more million’s will we pay 4 years from now, because the price will go up, as it always does. Think about this when your stuck in a traffic jam, with to many cars and not enough road.
The mayor has used the excuse the extension could damage the city’s water supply drawn from Grassy Waters Preserve. She has a fear of a car driving into the water and contaminating our drinking water. If they didn’t waste our money on lawyer’s and lobbyist for four years fighting to stop the project they could have used that money to build barrier’s between the road and water supply.
Another water source used by the city is Clear Lake, and car’s have ended up in our drinking water when driver’s mistook it for a car wash. So here’s my question. Was the Clear Lake contaminated and the city failed to warn us, or does the mayor find the fear of contamination an unreasonable excuse for keeping the project from her neighborhood?
The Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) which consist of 11 members, and you can see the list below, met to discuss the project. After being told of the delay, 9 of the 11 members choose to file a formal objection with the state. Two commissioners, City Commissioner Keith James, and County Commissioner Paulette Burdick apparently are A-OK with the delay because they both voted not to object.
The WPB western communities do not want this extension to happen. The WPB western communities vote. Is there a fear of not being re-elected if they don’t toe the line and once again give the west what they demand. Judge for yourself.
Read the PB Post story here and see the list of MPO committee members below. Maybe take a minute to thank them for their vote, and ask the 2 commission’s why they voted the way they did.
Name Title/ Representing Contact Information
Susan Haynie Mayor / City of Boca Raton (561) 393-7708
Hal Valeche PBC Commissioner (561) 355-2201
Mary Lou Berger PBC Commissioner (561) 355-2205
Paulette Burdick PBC Commissioner/Vice Mayor (561) 355-2202
Judy L. Davis Councilwoman/Riviera Beach (561) 845-3464
Michael Fitzpatrick Commissioner/Boynton Beach (561) 742-6010
Gary Glickstein Mayor/Delray Beach (561) 243-7000
Wendy Harrison Councilor/Jupiter (561) 741-2214
Eric Jablin Vice Mayor/Palm Beach Gardens (561) 799-4102
Keith A. James Commissioner/WPB (561) 822-1390
Shanon Materio Commissioner/WPB (561) 822-1390
WPB Voters Lose Again
On Nov.8,2014 I attended a meeting between the residents of Northwood Hills, Mayor Muoio, and guest speaker Jeff Greene. Mr. Greene, an invited guest of the city, is a billionaire developer, who is actively purchasing land in the area. Mr. Greene spoke elegantly, answered all residents questions, and appeared to be an honest man in his dealings while sharing his vision for the area. So what’s the problem?
Mr. Greene mentioned a much needed supermarket in the area with the closing of Winn Dixie on 45th. St. The mayor responded with “If you bring us a supermarket, we’ll give you additional height” and ended her comment to the audience with “we’ve got a lot of positive things happening and we need you to stop suing us, so we can get things done.” Really?
I have no problem with growth in WPB. I have major problems with city leaders who refuse to follow the city’s own master plan that protects residents and the city from overgrowth and abuses in development. I have a problem when the city leaders allow waivers in height, density and setback. What recourse do residents have except to turn to the courts for relief. The lawsuits the mayor referred to are Waterview Towers, Rybovich, and Chapel by the Lake. Does anyone have the belief these people leading the fight enjoy spending time and money in an attempt to see justice done? If these areas don’t involve you, how do you feel about city hall using your tax dollars to fight them? If not your district, be patient the city will get to you eventually.
It appears to me that where the development is happening is of great concern to city government. They are concerned with Minto West development happening. Seems the project is to large, roads can’t handle the influx of that many residents. The County Commissioners need to give this serious thought of overgrowth. If this project goes forward the much needed expansion of State Road 7 is going to happen. See growth is great, just not in my back yard.
I attended the City Commission meeting on Nov. 24 and agenda item # 15 concerns the Downtown Master Plan. I’m talking the height limit on the “old” city hall site. Allow me to refresh your memory.
In March 1996 a citizens petition proposing an amendment to reduce the building height allowed within the waterfront and government district to 5 stories. The city commission approved the amendment. Done deal? Not by a long shot. City officials thought the residents didn’t understand what they were voting on. Let’s ask them to vote again.
August 24, 2010 the voters again went to the polls, and again voted No. Leave the height at 5 stories. Done deal? Not by a long shot.
If you read the city’s “Background” on item 15 it states in part.
“For a variety of reasons, including uncertainty regarding the maximum height permitted * no successful respondent was selected to move forward with this project. The current maximum height of 5 stories was a significant issue with the negotiations.” **
*Are you serious, voters said 5 stories twice. What’s uncertain about that?
** This is a blatant lie.
Navarro Lowery Properties of West Palm Beach, Hyatt Hotels and Concord Hospitality placed a bid to build a five-story hotel. Meaning they would abide by the rules set forth by the voters.
If you read this far you should be aware that this is Commissioner Mitchell’s district.
Ms. Mitchell’s recent motion was for an 8 story hotel on the site because, she said she talked with a few downtown residents, who were some of the original voters for the 5 stories and they don’t have a problem with 8 stories. So let me get this straight. It was thousands of voters who voted but the 5 or 6 that she talked with, said It’s ok. Are you good with this?
So what’s the bottom line? The five commissioners, Mitchell, Materio, Moffett, James, and Robinson all voted to pass Ordinance 4539-14. So we will have an 8 story hotel on the “old” city hall site because Commissioner Mitchell and a “few” original voters said it’s OK. You good with that? Better be, cause the mayor don’t want no more lawsuits.
“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” Albert Einstein
WPB vs Kids vs Priorities
A few years ago a friend mentioned to me a problem residents were having with the”City of West Palm Beach Westward Park” which is located across the street from Westward Elementary School, and both park and school are located in what is known as the “North End” an area long neglected by city officials. According to public records the school is 92.4% black.
I recently attended a fund raiser for Katherine Waldron, who is running for city commissioner in district 2 and she mentioned she had toured Roosevelt Estates, and a resident walked her down to the park to have her witness the deplorable, unsafe conditions residents have lived with for years.
Ms. Waldron took pictures and sent them to Mayor Muoio. Mayor Muoio forwarded the e-mail and pictures to city staff, with a request to look into the matter. When Ms. Waldron followed up she was told the job was sent out to bid. OK so far so good.
Now I’m remembering hearing about this park, and wanted to see how bad it was for myself. I called a friend, who knew where the park was located and asked her to accompany me, and my camera. I honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Now I want to know how this neglect went on for so long when it is such a hazard for school children living and attending school in the area. View pictures here
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Here is what I was told
Concerned citizens have given permission for me to use their names in this story, other’s want to remain anonymous. So here we go.
In Jan. 2012 William McCray, at his own expense, had pictures taken and blown up to poster size to show at a city commission meeting, He had a friend hold the poster’s while he explained what they were looking at. The city camera never left his face, and the TV audience were not shown the pictures and decay of a city park. Mayor Muoio responded “Oh yeah, I saw those things” Most likely when she was touring for votes in her run for mayor. Obviously she never looked back.
At the following Commission meeting, a resident spoke and asked “Mayor, you said you saw the bad conditions of Westward Park so why didn’t you call It in?” She didn’t respond.
On Nov.10 I planned to attend the city commission meeting and show the pictures but at the last minute had an emergency and couldn’t attend. The city had advance warning and were ready. Mr. McCray spoke briefly on the issue, and questioned when it came to black residents why the city had to wait for grants to accomplish anything.
The city was aware of the problems 3 years ago, but knowing pictures were to be shown made ready a package complete with bidding.
WPB Westward Park is located in Commissioner Mitchell’s District 3. Commissioner Mitchell, along with the mayor was aware of the situation.
At the commission meeting Ms. Mitchell responded to Mr. McCray with a statement that in part included ” It’s unfortunate government works as slow as it does. It frustrates me.”
The ex-President of Roosevelt Estates South Neighborhood Association said, an invitation was extended to Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell several times and she never appeared at their meetings. He also said Mitchell made an appointment to attend their meeting and was a no show and didn’t call. One example why “government works as slow as it does”
How can city government work so quickly when Commissioner Materio, District 5 requested the city spend $2.9 Million dollars to purchase land to keep Walmart from building, in her district? How can city government work so quickly when they voted for Digital Domain and that cost taxpayers well over 2 million dollars? How can city government work so quickly with the charter schools, where the mayor stated no taxpayer dollars will be spent, and they have already spent thousands on consultants, and requested their 6th. opening date extension, which was wisely rejected by the PBC School Board.
How do you fix this broken city government? I offer my opinion.
One error the voters made is when they changed the city charter from single to city wide voting district’s. If the voters were to reverse that decision,it would force city commissioners to pay attention and work for their respected districts. There would be no more running to Riverwalk, Len Fintzy, and his City Watch who commissioners and mayor continually request endorsements. When Mitchell and Materio were up for reelection in March 2014 Mr. Fintzy, stood at the podium and endorsed both candidates, which discouraged challengers. City Watch endorsed Mayor Muoio without even interviewing mayoral candidate, Rubin L. Anderson. Do you believe that to be fair?
So why does the “western communities” pick commissioners for district 3. Kimberly Mitchell, district 5 Shanon Materio, district 1 Sylvia Moffett, district 4 Keith James, and district 2 Ike Robinson? The commissioners pander to Mr. Fintzy, and City Watch, and to complicate matters Mr. Fintzy is running for city commissioner in district 4, and guess what, City Watch has endorsed Mr. Fintzy. He endorsed himself. Please take the time to read “Who is Len Fintzy” written in WPB Watch, which will explain the relationship between him and Commissioner Mitchell.
Now let’s look at district 2. We have 2 candidates Katherine Waldron and Cory Neering. Mr. Neering received a campaign donation of $1,000.00 from Akerman LLP who is affiliated with lobbyist Richard Pinsky, X husband of Commissioner Mitchell. Coincidence?
Anyone watching City Commission meetings, and I invite you to, Channel 18 every other Monday @ 5:00 PM. You will witness Ms. Mitchell in action. Completely disrespectful to Mayor Muoio, and commissioners, talking over and interrupting them. Residents have a precious 3 minutes to voice their concerns, and she has interrupted residents with questions, to the point their train of thought is lost. The only thing that doesn’t stop running is the clock and her mouth.
If I had to choose one word to describe Ms. Mitchell, it would be Bully. It appears to me the mayor is only a figure head in city government.
Now if Mr. Fintzy and Mr. Neering are elected, that will give Ms. Mitchell a super majority on the commission, ( Herself, Materio, Fintzy & Neering) and can over ride any veto the mayor may make. There will be no stopping her.
If I were to run for city commissioner, and received the help of Ms. Mitchell in getting elected, would I feel obligated to vote her way? Maybe.