Letters to the Editor

Posted on 20 January 2011 by LeslieM

RE: Hillsboro Pines Golf Club at P & Z

Dear Editor:

I feel that Mr. Chester’s Letter to the Editor [Jan. 13 Observer] has misleading statements that need to be addressed.  There have been three golf course changes brought to the city in the last year.  This is the only one that had a crowd that exceeded the legal limit the room will hold.  All meeting rooms, restaurants, etc. have signs denoting the maximum number of people allowed by the fire marshal.  It is absurd to blame the city for not anticipating the crowds that appeared.  Where were these Good Samaritan people when the other golf courses came up for changes?  They were not interested.  Why should an impartial hearing be turned into mob rule?  Most of the people who showed up never read the plans.  They have been filled with misinformation and rumors that have been spread by those who oppose the changes.  The golf course is not seeking a land-use change.  They want to improve their property, which they feel they are entitled to.  The county has, in the other two golf course proposals, turned them down because they would have reduced open land recreational space.  This golf course wants to stay a golf course.  The golf course, whether they succeed or not, should be given a fair hearing by the city’s committees and the commission. That’s the American way.

Bernard Parness

Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

Cancellation of the hearing into proposed changes to the Hillsboro Golf course at Century Village East without naming a specific replacement date is tantamount to a denial of justice.

The promoter had failed, up to now, to do what he calls “community outreach,” as evidenced by the massive turnout at the originally scheduled meeting of last week [Jan. 6]. For him to request an indefinite postponement, only smacks of an obvious attempt to create a delay in the hearing process, perhaps to a time when at least half of the Century Village population, those taxpayers you call Snowbirds, will have departed for the summer season, not to return until October or November, and hopefully, not to a “fait accompli.”

There is a serious issue of “good faith” involved. The promoter’s drawing was dated 2008, so it is not new. There was much discussion about this project, without the public being given details in 2010.  Now, we are at 2011, and the promoter requires additional time?

I would ask that in order to ensure that the vast majority of Century Village co-owners will have the opportunity to appear at the Planning and Zoning Board hearing on this item, that it be scheduled for no later than March 1, 2011 at a convenient time and place.

Should the promoter object, I would ask that no hearing on this matter be held before Dec. 1, 2011  to allow a full and frank discussion of all the issues involved — which would lead to a fair and just conclusion.

Sidney Margles

Deerfield Beach

Dear Residents of Deerfield Beach:

When you elected me in March of 2009 as your District 1Commissioner, I promised three things:  1.) That I would be fiscally responsible;  2.) That I would listen to my constituents and weigh all comments, knowledge, ideas, and yes, even emotions before making a decision;  3.) I would foremost and always protect the integrity of District 1. My record will show that not only have I lived up to my campaign promises, but have exceeded many expectations.

I believe, as every resident, that the jewel of Deerfield is our beautiful “Blue Wave” beach.  I live just two blocks from the beach and walk my dog, Oscar, every morning and feel so proud that I can be a part of the decision to keep our beach pristine, welcoming, and safe. Along with my fellow commissioners, I have voted to renovate the building at the entrance to the Pier — which will also be the city’s first LEED-certified facility. We purchased new beachfront benches, picnic tables and garbage cans, obtained county approval for the installation of two additional A1A pedestrian crosswalks across Hillsboro Boulevard, and approved the beautification of Ocean Way near SE 10 Street.

During my tenure, the commission also partnered with Hillsboro Beach to fund and approve a beach re-nourishment project and we are working diligently with the environmental agencies to adequately protect the turtle nesting.  I have been the commission liaison to the Island Partnership, a group of business men and women committed to improving the business climate around the S-curve by bringing more corporate-sponsored events to the beach. As a resident, as well as a commissioner, I am a member to the newly formed Island Homeowners Association with a mission to continue to improve the residential neighborhood bordering the beach.

When the city’s new management team was put into place, one of the goals was to reinvigorate the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in an effort to utilize available outside funding sources for continued redevelopment of the designated CRA area.  Since so many of the projects in the original plan have come to fruition, the missing link in the process is to develop a new 5-year plan.  Therefore, the commission and staff have set 2 very important visioning meetings for community input.

Let me make it very clear that as your Beach Area Representative, neither the Mayor, my fellow commissioners, nor myself have any hidden agendas or preconceived ideas of the future of the main beach parking lot or any other areas within the CRA boundaries.

We welcome your constructive input and encourage you to attend the visioning meetings: The first being held TONIGHT, Thursday, Jan. 20, 6 p.m., at Royal Fiesta Caterers and the second meeting, Thursday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m., at the Community Presbyterian Church.

Together we will build an even better Deerfield Beach.

In Your Service,

Vice Mayor Joe Miller

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