Transparency Breaks Down in Avenir Approval
By many measures, Avenir is a “big deal”. Development of the Vavrus Ranch, the last major undeveloped parcel within the PBG City limits, has been years in the planning. Starting with plans for the “Biotech Village”, when Scripps was expected to rise on adjacent Mecca Farms, proposals for the site, whose current zoning allows for about 400 ranchettes, have been as high as 10000 units. Opposition based on environmental concerns,... [Read More...]
Public Comment Dominates the Agenda
Two disparate but important topics plus an item culled from Consent Agenda took much of the first two hours of the meeting on a very rainy evening. Eight members of the public spoke eloquently about their concerns regarding lack of progress on the Corey Jones investigation (Michelle Maiden, Derrick McCray, Dorothy Lowery, Monica Roundtree, Mami Kisner, Megan Cadet (sp?), Natasha Clemons, Rae Whitely). There were over 30 folks representing Corey’s... [Read More...]
‘Justice for Corey’ Dominates City Council Meeting
The scheduled agenda for the Nov. 5th meeting was a light one – two items on the Regular Agenda, and two presentations. But on entering the Council Chambers, it was apparent that Public Comment was going to dominate: Media vans outside, cameras inside, along with fairly full chambers (usually sparsely populated for the average Council meeting). The Palm Beach Post’s article sums up the justified concerns by those seeking ‘Justice... [Read More...]
The Best Budget Ever!
While the primary topic for the September 10 City Council meeting was the first hearing of the 2015/2016 Budget, much of the meeting was spent on Public Comment. The chamber was filled with a sea of yellow shirts worn by members of Fire/Rescue and their supporters. Media was also there to capture the action. First up was Thomas Murphy, President of the PBG Police Foundation to describe the 9-11 Rememberence Essay competition. Then Fire/Rescue Chief... [Read More...]
Eligibility for HUD Grants Excites Council and Staff
The August 6th, 2015 City Council meeting ran smoothly, with relatively little discussion on the several Resolutions. Council Member Russo was not in attendance, and all Resolutions and the Consent Agenda passed 4:0, except for Resolution 37, 2015 (Police Tactical Training Facility) – which was pulled so that Council Member Tinsley could recuse herself due to her husband’s involvement with the project, thus passing 3:0. August 6, 2015 Everyone,... [Read More...]
Briger Deed Restrictions Irks Council
While not on the agenda for the July 1, 2015 City Council meeting, the topic of the Briger Tract deed restrictions surfaced as a theme several times during the meeting. All on the Council were troubled by the less than thriving Scripps spin-off results and the deed restrictions which seem to be interpreted more narrowly than the Council thinks is required. While the ideal situation would be to have bio-tech companies fill the zone, the Council all... [Read More...]
“BUILD TODAY FOR TOMORROW’S NEEDS WITH TODAY’S MONEY”
Much of the public comment and discussion at the June City Council meeting was directed at Ordinance 10, 2015, and spending plans for the proposed PBG Golf Course Club House; 11 people spoke in favor. But before Finance Director Allan Owens began, City Manager Ferris gave a presentation about the uniqueness and forward thinking approach of the City. He recounted all the cases in the last 15 years, where the city ‘went big’and built not... [Read More...]
No to All Aboard Florida Bonds; Yes to everything else
All council members were present. Mr. Russo commented he may not be able to stay the entire meeting due to medical problems at home. Council chambers were filled for the Frenchman’s Creek and Frenchman’s Reserve presentation. Jane Feinstein and Mik Fernanandi presented their arguments against All Aboard Florida (AAF), mentioning the lack of transparency with AAF and DOT. Noise, vibrations, expected slower response times and possible... [Read More...]