vote - Letters - The Coastal Star2024-03-29T10:45:07Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/feed/tag/voteEditor's Note: New push to sell Briny is shortsighted, deserves to failhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/editor-s-note-new-push-to-sell-briny-is-shortsighted-deserves-to-2023-02-01T18:25:34.000Z2023-02-01T18:25:34.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p>Here we go again. <br /> Remember back in 2007 when an “unbelievable” offer to buy Briny Breezes evaporated when the financing collapsed amid a volatile market? Remember 2018, when a small group of shareholders in the mobile home park failed in an attempt to get approval to market the park for sale? <br /> Well, a small group of residents (some of them the same) wants to try again. <br /> This time, they want to bring much of what most residents enjoy about this special place to a grinding halt for two entire years. <br /> Here’s some of what will happen if their proposal gains 51% of the vote at the park’s Feb. 22 annual meeting: <br /> • Friends and family, the typical purchasers of homes, won’t buy into the park — only speculators will do so.<br /> • Grants that the town has been pursuing to help with immediate infrastructure needs will dry up.<br /> • Residents will no longer want to serve on corporate or town boards, since any discussions of the future will be moot. <br /> • Every offer that’s scared up by this “marketing” will require time and effort of staff and officials and cause upset among residents.<br /> What sort of a vacation retreat does this leave? <br /> I suspect the self-important residents behind the push to market the park for sale could not care less. Dangling billion-dollar dreams as short-term enjoyment of the park crumbles is unconscionable. Especially as Realtors position themselves to profit from speculators in the interim, regardless of some unlikely sale of the park.<br /> The original founders of Briny Breezes had a vision for the park and it wasn’t for self-enrichment. They found a way to keep viable all that they cherished about the coastal lifestyle.<br /> Once they purchased the land by selling shares and setting up the corporation, they preserved their “trailer park” lifestyle by driving to Tallahassee (not easy in the early 1960s) and successfully lobbying to incorporate as a town. <br /> It took commitment to their friends and neighbors and a vision for the future to pull this off.<br /> That same dedication was evident when town leaders later sold bonds to install sewers — some of the first on the barrier island. Visionary leadership. <br /> Briny is again in a position where vision will be necessary to move forward as climate change raises sea levels and delivers flooding rains. All of Florida faces these challenges. Briny’s coastal neighbors are dealing with identical issues. They aren’t giving up. <br /> Many of Briny Breezes’ elected, appointed and hired officials have roots back to the visionary leadership of the past and they, too, are looking at options to keep this lovely, thriving vacation community moving forward. <br /> This latest selfish and shortsighted effort to market the community for sale should fail.</p>
<p><em>NOTE: Mary Kate Leming and her family have owned mobile homes in Briny Breezes since 1998.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:right;"><em>— Mary Kate Leming, Editor</em></p></div>Letter to the Editor: Former vice mayor unhappy with resident’s commentshttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/letter-to-the-editor-former-vice-mayor-unhappy-with-resident-s-co2020-04-01T20:00:40.000Z2020-04-01T20:00:40.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1">Swing vote, or deciding vote, but the correct vote.</p>
<p class="p1">At the March 2 Ocean Ridge commission meeting (my last meeting as vice mayor), I was personally admonished by a resident for my vote on regulating synthetic grass. I was told that my vote in favor of this ordinance on second reading would be a disservice to the residents that I was elected to support.</p>
<p class="p1">The unfavorable comments went further, suggesting that by moving from Ocean Ridge, I no longer cared that a group of residents wanted me to vote against Ordinance 2019-15.</p>
<p class="p1">To say that I was taken aback would be a gross understatement.</p>
<p class="p1">It was definitely not the way I wanted my last meeting as vice mayor to end.</p>
<p class="p1">I was elected to the Town Commission in 2017 by a 35% voter margin. Those who knew me understood that I would always work hard to preserve the unique ambiance of our community.</p>
<p class="p1">My mandate was clear, based on Ocean Ridge’s comprehensive plan, which reads: “Ocean Ridge is a beach-oriented town characterized primarily by single family homes with lush, well- maintained landscaping.” </p>
<p class="p1">To my mind, “lush, well-maintained landscaping” did not include synthetic grass.</p>
<p class="p1">My involvement during the past three years as a steering committee member of the Southeast PBC Coastal Resilience Partnership and a member of the PBC Water Resources Task Force have provided me with a useful education concerning South Florida’s water resources. I understand completely the need to reduce water unnecessarily used on residential property. Synthetic grass is a viable option in that regard. </p>
<p class="p1">The pros and cons of synthetic grass were well researched and presented at commission meetings. But, without the passage of Ordinance 2019-15, the positive effect and use of synthetic grass will be lost in a maze of personal choice. </p>
<p class="p1">To say that my vote was prejudiced based on my moving from Ocean Ridge was a totally unfair tactic. After the comments by the resident — and knowing that I was still planning to vote in favor of Ordinance 2019-15 — the town attorney was asked if I should be recused from voting based on my term ending and my moving from Ocean Ridge. Another ridiculous tactic. </p>
<p class="p1">Ocean Ridge is “my hometown.” I voted to keep its “lush, well-maintained landscaping.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> I voted understanding the months of work put forth by the Planning and Zoning board drafting the ordinance. I voted understanding that, first and foremost, an ordinance must require a permit to install synthetic grass in order to protect the aesthetics of Ocean Ridge as defined in our comprehensive plan. I voted understanding that a “home rule” ordinance <i>now</i> could protect us from state laws in the future.</p>
<p class="p1">Time will tell as to the forethought of P&Z’s drafting Ordinance 2019-15 and the wisdom of three commissioners who approved it by a swing vote, or deciding vote, but the correct vote.</p>
<p class="p2"><i>Don MaGruder </i></p>
<p class="p2"><i>Former vice mayor</i></p>
<p class="p2"><i>Ocean Ridge</i></p></div>Letter to the Editor: Path expansion would be road to ruinhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/letter-to-the-editor-path-expansion-would-be-road-to-ruin2019-02-27T14:23:55.000Z2019-02-27T14:23:55.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1">The real question is, do you want Highland Beach to become a link in the 3,000-mile, walking/bicycling/backpacking trail called the East Coast Greenway, with hundreds of migrants passing through or hunkering down in our town on a daily basis? Because if you vote yes [on the walking path ballot question], that is what you are going to get.</p>
<p class="p1">Forget the flood and wider bike lanes for safety. The flooding can be taken care of much easier than installing filters and noisy engine-driven pumps that put the water into the Intracoastal, instead of the ground where it belongs.</p>
<p class="p1">The state planners do not have Highland Beach residents in mind when they install small parks with watering stations for people and animals, but rather the soon-to-be well-advertised Maine to Key West route for hikers, bikers and backpackers. The town/state brochures that you see do not have the port-a-potties that these watering holes will require.</p>
<p class="p1">The Greenway’s plan is for a 10-foot-wide paved walkway — 5 feet for hikers and 5 for bikers — from Maine to Key West. The west side of A1A will be blessed with this straight 10-foot path, requiring the removal of many beautiful state-owned trees.</p>
<p class="p1">We do not need a wider roadway for more bicycles, which is sold as safety. Safety? How about stopping hordes of competitive bikers racing through our town?</p>
<p class="p1">This is really going to be much worse than I can say in a few words, but one last item is the idea that having an advertised Greenway passing through our town will increase property values — that is a real stretch.</p>
<p class="p1">No one has mentioned whether crime in our little town might spike up. Will this change the walking safety of our town? </p>
<p class="p1">There is hope — as I noticed that Gulf Stream and Ocean Ridge have been bypassed by the Greenway.</p>
<p class="p1">We have one state representative and a senator who can move it around Highland Beach — if they think we can vote them out.</p>
<p class="p1">Go online and check out the East Coast Greenway before you vote!</p>
<p class="p2"><i>— Fred Taubert</i></p>
<p class="p2"><i>Highland Beach</i></p></div>Letter to the Editor: Flooding issues need to be addressedhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/letter-to-the-editor-flooding-issues-need-to-be-addressed2019-02-27T14:22:34.000Z2019-02-27T14:22:34.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1">Much has been discussed relative to three separate and different referendums that are meant to improve safety and to preserve our paradise island community of Highland Beach. The discourse however has shocked me to the core.</p>
<p class="p1">What is wrong with our community and each of us that as neighbors we engage in the politics of personal destruction in our discourse?</p>
<p class="p1">Please permit me to be transparent. I support the referendum that proposes to permanently fix the flooding problems that we have in Highland Beach. Anyone who denies the problem has their heads in the sand. </p>
<p class="p1">The danger to drivers, walkers and persons on bikes creates such a safety issue that we are putting the lives of human beings at stake. How can we put our heads on the pillow at night knowing that we could have fixed this problem and saved lives, I ask?</p>
<p class="p1">I also support hardening the electrical grid, which will enhance safety and sustain life for those whose lives (just like my late wife) require electricity for their health. Such improvements will also enhance property values. </p>
<p class="p1">I am not sure of my position on the expanded walking trails.</p>
<p class="p1">However, voters should be given the facts accurately and our discourse should be about the issues and not about people on either side of the debate. Some have brought the politics of personal destruction to the table. Why are they encouraging neighbor to oppose neighbor on a personal level? My parents taught me to always debate the issues and never the people. They also taught me to believe that those who choose to “get in the gutter” by attacking people, usually have weak arguments on the issues. They taught me to not be influenced by such people.</p>
<p class="p1">I respect those who have different opinions than I on these three referendums. I stand ready to engage in a respectful debate with them. However, I do not respect those who are engaged in the politics of personal destruction.</p>
<p class="p1">Why are some afraid of letting the voters decide?</p>
<p class="p1">Let us rise above the negative discourse of the national political forum and find a way to be good neighbors in Highland Beach and to respect one another and then vote as good people. Thank you to the Town Commission for giving the voters the opportunity to vote. Thank you to those great neighbors who desire a respectful discourse on all issues. Let us all do the right thing for the right reasons! </p>
<p class="p2"><i>— Mark E. Hamister</i></p>
<p class="p3"><i>Highland Beach</i></p></div>Letter to the Editor: A1A proposal not worth massive disruptionhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/letter-to-the-editor-a1a-proposal-not-worth-massive-disruption2019-01-30T13:46:03.000Z2019-01-30T13:46:03.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1">As a resident of Highland Beach since 2002, I have a few remarks regarding the town’s proposed A1A project.</p>
<p class="p1">Leaving the cost consideration and funding aside (3 miles at $15 million per mile), I am concerned that the proposed A1A project will adversely impact our happy, relaxed, clean, serene and safe lifestyle. To put it simply, we will be living in a construction zone at a time when we want to enjoy retirement.</p>
<p class="p1">We will suffer congested traffic, pollution, noise from daily heavy construction equipment, disruption to driving, walking, running, walking dogs and breathing fresh air. A1A will have heavy equipment, trucks, tractors, jackhammers, workers and portable toilets, possibly for years. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> While the project is in progress on the only road in and out of Highland Beach, it will likely impact the housing market, making it more difficult to sell, and some will be forced to lower their prices to move out.</p>
<p class="p1">Accumulation of storm water is a pervasive issue in Florida and its solution requires a realistic cost/benefit and engineering analysis.</p>
<p class="p1">The proposal to remove newly erected cement poles and wiring and move utilities underground is at odds with the two jurisdictions to the north and south of us. Boca Raton and Delray Beach maintain wiring above ground while Highland Beach proposes to bury its wiring underground at a massive cost. In case of severe storm damage, restoring power to underground wires may be more problematic.</p>
<p class="p1">Lawsuits by homeowners whose property will be affected by the proposed expansion of the bike paths and/or tearing up the landscaping designs are a very real possibility. While lawsuits are in court there could be extensive delays, not to mention legal fees to the town.</p>
<p class="p1">I was prompted to write this message because of the concerns I hear from residents when I walk daily on A1A. The disruption that will take place when the state installs a new road on A1A will be disruption enough. Adding the proposed A1A projects by the town will create havoc and unhappiness in our daily lives for years to come. Consider this potential when voting in March.</p>
<p class="p2"></p>
<p class="p3"><i>— Amr F. Moustapha</i></p>
<p class="p3"><i>Highland Beach</i></p></div>Letter to the Editor: It’s crucial that Highland Beach voters approve money for A1A upgradeshttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/letter-to-the-editor-it-s-crucial-that-highland-beach-voters-appr2019-01-02T17:36:03.000Z2019-01-02T17:36:03.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1">On Dec. 5 Highland Beach Library hosted 80-plus residents for the first public workshop for the Ocean Walk project. Eight teams offered approaches to address long-standing infrastructure problems, including stormwater management, improvements for the walkway, landscaping, lighting, new crosswalks, underground utilities and safer bicycle lanes along A1A.</p>
<p class="p1">The consensus elements that came out of the workshop underwent additional refinements and preparation of a “not to exceed” cost estimate of $45 million by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. </p>
<p class="p1">The town financial department, in conjunction with its bond counsel, crafted a 30-year payment scenario based on the projected “not to exceed” costs.</p>
<p class="p1">If all funds are expended, and that is unlikely, the improvements will cost each household with property valued at $500,000 approximately $48 a month to achieve the engineered solutions. This is an affordable cost for a town that had an estimated mean income in 2016 of $104,232 and per capita income of $98,261 (source: citydata.com).</p>
<p class="p1">At a Dec. 18 special meeting, the Town Commission, with forethought for the future of our small barrier island town, approved referendum language for a linked Ocean Walk and stormwater management project and a separate referendum to bury our overhead utility lines. </p>
<p class="p1">Both should be supported by voters. This is a rare opportunity for the town to coordinate its desired improvements with the planned improvements to A1A by the Florida Department of Transportation.</p>
<p class="p1">If the referendums are not approved, the road improvements will proceed while any future consideration for town improvement would be deferred for the next 20-year cycle of maintenance for A1A.</p>
<p class="p1">For this reason, it is imperative that Highland Beach voters approve the referendums to permit planning to proceed in an orderly manner.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> We are experiencing historic stormwater flooding due to development relying on swales that can no longer contain stormwater at an acceptable rate. Our roadway bike lanes are overgrown with vegetation creep, our pedestrian pathways are not wide enough for safe, shared use with cyclists, lighting is poor and the crosswalks are dangerous for our older population.</p>
<p class="p1">In addition, our town lacks the aesthetic vision of embedded art, quality public pocket parks, signage and similar features of a town that claims to have a vision of quality. Add to this the gargantuan power poles with overhead lines over A1A, while the future points to state-of-the-art buried cables, and you have a scenario for lower property values and deteriorating quality of life.</p>
<p class="p1">Voters in March will have a once-in-20-years opportunity to create a new vision for our town. Let’s get this done.</p>
<p class="p2"></p>
<p class="p3"><i>Barry Donaldson</i></p>
<p class="p3"><i>Highland Beach</i></p></div>