RE: Panhandlers

Dear Editor:

I moved to Deerfield Beach near Military Road and Sample Road a few years ago. I commute that route or on Sample Road by I-95. I see too many panhandlers [at] both corners. They [create] trash [and] litter. I see the regular panhandlers are not really homeless. [They] just make money rather than find a job. [It is] time to stop panhandlers in Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach.

Mark Sikora

Deerfield Beach

Kudos to Kathy Richards

Dear Editor:

Kudos to Kathy Richards for her column in the Observer entitled “My View, subtitle “What’s this?” [Dec. 17, p. 13]. She was right-on when she said the Reporter (C.V.E. newspaper) seems to print only what they want and what they feel is correct for the paper.

Some months ago, one of their columnists wrote an article about the senseless shooting of Michael Brown and the treatment of Freddie Gray in a police vehicle. It was quite evident the writer had no idea what police work is all about. I was a police officer for 25 years in a city, county and state police organization. I experienced many, many situations where I had to make an instant decision. Fortunately, I never had to use my weapon. Many times, I had my hands on my weapon and I was definitely ready to use it.

I wrote a Letter to the Editor and defended the police and the actions they took. Not one word was printed. I wrote a second letter to the editor complaining [that] nothing was published. I then wrote to the president of the Reporter explaining about my displeasure with [them]. I did not receive an answer from anyone.

Robert J. Zukas

Deerfield Beach

Collapse of an empire

Dear Editor:

I never thought I’d live to see the collapse of an empire.

In 476, the great Roman Empire was no more. It had taken the nosedive that all empires, before and after, had taken. And for basically the same reasons. It took the Roman Empire literally hundreds of years to collapse and many generations can share in the responsibility for its downfall. But collapse it did.

You can, however, read about it, because the downfall is in history books. It is long reading, but it is worth it, because, as I read it, I began to sense something familiar about it. To recap, many things contributed to the Roman Empire’s demise. Here, if you’re interested, are the main causes:

Barbarians—from surrounding territories—got inside the Empire’s border and the people were too busy living high on the hog to notice, or even care.

The Empire was contributing to wars outside their boundaries, and they were overspending just to keep it up.

The Empire let its infrastructure fall into disrepair and never bothered to maintain or repair it.

The Empire (under the emperors, of course) was rampant in corruption and totally helpless against political instability.

The Empire’s military force, which was substantial, was being replaced with mercenaries who had no tie to the Empire.

Whatever, “traditional values” the Empire had were gradually aborted and replaced with obscene literature, sexual misconduct, dishonest dealings and character chaos.

You may wonder why I am telling you all this. It’s because — as I said — I sense something familiar about it. And I feel I must share it with you.

What is gradually happening to the American Empire today (yes, we are an empire) is frighteningly [similar to] what happened to the Roman Empire. And if you fail to see the similarities you either aren’t paying attention, never read about the Roman Empire, or simply don’t care either way.

Think about what’s happening today in America. There are “barbarians” inside our borders, or trying to get in. And we’re not stopping them. In fact, our administration is letting many of them in.

America has a military presence in at least 130 foreign countries and we’re spending hundreds of billions of dollars to keep them there.

The infrastructure in most American cities is desperately in need of repair or rebuilding, but our money is being spent on “small” wars and foreign entanglements, which has put us $18 trillion in debt, and counting.

The American administration is wasteful and corrupt and most of our politicians are more committed to building personal wealth than they are doing the will of the people.

All this, I believe, is precisely what contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire. Only, this time, we’re talking about the American Empire — the United States of America. We are, today, doing exactly what the population of the Roman Empire did 2000 years ago; and, unless we change, and fast, America is destined to wind up the same way: a collapsed nation.

Are we going to let this happen? Right now we’re doing nothing to stop it.

Jim Moore

Tallahassee, FL

City must show the MPO a united front

Dear Editor:

Last week, I attended the SW 10 Street overpass committee of the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) board meeting. There were pictures of possible solutions to the traffic problems along SW 10 Street. The public was invited to give its input to help solve the traffic problems. I spoke of possibly adding two lanes on the south side of 10 Street with one lane in each direction as a speed lane with timed traffic lights. This would cause the least disruption for the residents of Deerfield if any solution had to be found.

The MPO board feels there is a traffic problem from the Sawgrass Expressway to I-95. Be assured something will be eventually done. The overpass was not received well by the committee. I expected Deerfield Residents and committee appointees would defend our views. A resident of our city got up and spoke of a [type of] superhighway, 15 or 18 feet down and 12 or 13 lanes wide, called a depressed roadway. It would mean bridges would have to be built to cross Powerline and Military Trail. Fences would have to be built to protect the vehicles below from teens showering windshields below with rocks. These would make 10 Street look like a prison. He even suggested super express bus lanes and a rail line. I asked myself from where and to where would this rail line go?

The pollution from 12 or 13 lanes of trucks and other vehicles, I believe, would be dangerous to the health of our residents on both sides of this monstrosity. Pollution is a serious problem. We must protect the environment.

This is an issue we, as a city, must unite on. When invited, the public must show up in force to let the MPO know how we feel and what we will accept and not accept.

There is no politics here, just a concerned resident of Deerfield Beach.

Bernie Parness

Deerfield Beach, FL

[Editor’s Note: MPO meetings are open to the public and are held at the Broward MPO offices (unless otherwise stated), located in the Trade Centre South Building, 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 850, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. For more information on all meetings, visit www.browardmpo.org/calendar.]

RE: Garbage pick-up

Dear Editor:

For years now, I have been using the city for garbage pick-up at my small auto repair shop. The fee was $169 a month for a 6 yd. container. However, my last two bills were only $75. I called to question that and was told that was correct, so I figured not to look a gift horse in the mouth … until today when I got my December bill of $279. I called again and was told that’s the new charge for a 6 yd. dumpster. Not much I can do about it except move down to a 4 yd. for $220.

The point is … how can the city just raise prices with no warning whatsoever? I mean a letter would have been nice about a $100 increase. This just burns me up. At least if I had known, I could price shop … Typical city move — just keep raising more revenue ‘til we are all out of business.

Steve Fabrizio

Deerfield Beach, FL

Treatment of Petland owner

Dear Editor:

This past commission meeting was an embarrassment of epic proportions … a new low for our commission.

We watched the meeting live, horrified and ashamed by this behavior, going outside protocol to call up a taxpaying business owner of our city for no other purpose than to ridicule a man who is outright exhausted from having to defend his name, his business and his livelihood for weeks.

He broke no laws. His business is state and federally licensed, and he adheres to those regulations. This was nothing more than modern-day McCarthyism.

After so much consideration afforded to The Cove Shopping Center businesses (multiple discussions, meetings, workshops, carrying on for months) despite a 60-year plus taxpayer subsidy given to those businesses, there was no real discussion making the taxpayers aware we’d be losing our freedom of choice, certain commissioners refused to meet with the business owner to learn more and have their questions answered, and the majority didn’t bother to respond to communications from constituents opposed to the severity of this ordinance.

Since it was a resolute “no” before this meeting even began, they should’ve kept it respectful and said no…instead of embarrassing themselves, and our city, with rambling, incohesive attempts to justify why they support an ordinance proposed by someone who doesn’t live here, fails in its intent of consumer protection, and opens us up to lawsuit which could’ve been avoided, the cost of which now falls on the taxpayers.

Jenn Pedone

Deerfield Beach

RE: The Cove parking meters

Dear Editor:

For the most part, the audience [at the Nov. 9 commission meeting] seemed to be the most concerned about the nine variances that the hotel builders were asking the city to approve. No one seemed to realize what four of the commissioners agreed to with the first item on the agenda. It was an agreement that Commissioner Miller had worked out with the Brunos and their attorney, Tom Connick. The vice-mayor was smart enough to realize this was a bad deal, but he voted for it anyway. The mayor pointed out this was no different than what had [previously] been proposed on Oct. 6 by the vice mayor. As a result of the proposal at that meeting, Dr. Bruno wrote to the city on Oct. 8 and warned the city that he would sue if any of the variances were approved. What changed?

What the commissioners allowed to happen was an agreement that forced the developer to pay half of the maintenance for The Cove parking lot for 10 years, [with] no mention of who would pay the other half of the annual fee of $37,500. What Miller did for them and the taxpayers of the city was to agree that the city would not try to assess The Cove property owners or attempt to meter the parking lot for 10 years. The city would pay the other half of the tally for the next 10 years, and The Cove merchants would get an addition 10-year free ride [to add to] the 50 years [in which] they already paid nothing.

Not one person on the dais side was able to prove hardship, which is the premium reason for the granting of a variance. Commissioner Battle thought there was a hardship because that was all they could do with the property. She could not have been serious. The city attorney was asked to read the criteria outlined to be met in order to qualify for a variance. Did this project meet any of them? I think not. And for those who insisted the plan was outdated, a [look at] Municode would inform you that it was amended on Sept. 16, 2008.

Steve Krevoy

Deerfield Beach

“Don’t it always seem to go…”

Dear Editor:

This morning I sat on my 1950s [era] back porch looking over a small canal, feeling a slight ocean breeze, and watching the sun as it rose higher in the sky. I can’t see the ocean but I can feel it! PRICELESS! I live in a neighborhood of moderate homes owned not so much by the wealthy, but just everyday folk, working to support families, retirees and some with investment properties bought mostly because of proximity to the beach, a doable walk or bike ride. You’ll find people walking their dogs, grand-moms and mothers pushing baby carriages, some heading out to earn a living, kids off to or returning from school and retirees enjoying their homes and lifestyle they chose. You wave to people and they wave back. Some stop to talk a few moments and you realize how lucky you are to live here. This is the quality of life in The Cove residential development, adjacent to a small shopping center.

As I reflect on last night’s Commission Meeting, I am not shocked by the absence of quality of life issues presented by business owners and residents with regards [to] a hotel/garage project. TOURISM AND MONEY took center stage, expounded, applauded and embellished. For what it’s worth, I HOPE that in four years when this hotel project is completed and its doors have opened, the City of Deerfield Beach realizes all the dollars it has been promised, businesses flourish and the impact on my small quiet neighborhood is not negative. I don’t want to look back thinking of that song that reminds us: “They put up a parking lot …You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.”

Marti McGeary

Deerfield Beach

Thank you, Deerfield BSO

Dear Editor:

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank three law enforcement officers that serve Deerfield Beach for going above AND beyond their duty to protect us by extending genuine compassion and concern for a disabled member of our community who recently became homeless after the loss of his mother. Sergeant Ian Doriot, along with Deputies Gary Toth and Jeff Vomero, offered their kindness by providing this man with basic clothing and hygiene necessities, in addition to orchestrating contact with the right agencies and organizations that can help him. My heart is filled [from] being able to watch these men in action and know[ing] that they truly care about our community. We are in good hands.

Cristina Sasso

Deerfield Beach

Blanket retail pet bans hurt local small businesses

Dear Editor:

During a Deerfield City Commission hearing last Tuesday [Nov. 3], Vice Mayor Ganz aligned himself with an animal rights radical from Hallandale Beach and pushed through an ordinance which will force my life’s work out of business.

My family and I chose to make Deerfield Beach our business’s home for many reasons, but, most importantly, the close ties to our community. My Petland pet store is my family’s livelihood and it’s been a part of this city for nearly eight years.

My store is highly regulated by the state, the federal government and I have earned an A+ Better Business [Bureau] Rating. I have done everything right. Yet, Vice Mayor Ganz ignored the truth. He recited incorrect USDA information, focusing on a single disgruntled customer issue. This should be a warning sign for all lawful businesses in Deerfield Beach.

Ganz’s ordinance intends to protect Deerfield residents. Yet, the state of Florida already has the strictest regulations and consumer protection of any state in the country. This ordinance has forced Deerfield Beach citizens to find new pets from unregulated sources that offer no state consumer protection and proliferates puppy mills – the exact opposite of the ban’s intention.

Responsible pet stores serve our community. The Deerfield Beach population is owed the right to choose where they get their pets from. I have a passion for animals and my community. I also live for the joy that my pets give my customers. I take great pride in matching the right pet to the right family, by helping facilitate the beautiful human-animal bond that is so precious to so many.

I came to America to create a life for me and my family – to live my own American dream. Instead, I have now seen the unfortunate reality of how easily radical activists can influence our local politicians. The fate of my business has been cast.

Mayid Yamin

Owner of Petland

Deerfield Beach

Water tap issues

Dear Editor:

I think it is time to clarify the water giveaway program that has become a matter of contention. The original purpose of the installation in 1976 was to provide water to the residents if the city and their neighborhood communities were struck by some catastrophe where their water supply was cut off. It was never intended to provide water for the multitude of companies that have taken advantage of our largesse.

The water offered by Boca Raton is not potable whereas that taken in Deerfield is. Boca allows 250 gallons for a cost of 50 cents. Pompano Beach charges $47 a month and the user must sign up ahead of time and pay for 12 months in advance. Those in Deerfield getting 300 gallons for 25 cents do not pay a sewer fee or the 6 percent utility tax that the rest of the residents of Deerfield Beach pay.

Frankly, I believe that Commissioner Miller had a fiscal responsibility as a commissioner to inform the administration that there were many companies outside of Deerfield Beach that were making use of the free for all. When I was informed of how the situation was impacting Extreme Granite, I did not believe it could be happening. I asked the BSO Commander Robert Schnakenberg to check it out. Both he and I were shocked to find out that the problem that Extreme Granite reported did exist. That is why I took it to the commission at the last meeting.

We are not in the business of subsidizing users at the expense of the taxpayers of Deerfield Beach. Commissioner Miller failed to fulfill his obligation to the citizens of Deerfield Beach by knowing and allowing this practice to continue.

Jean M. Robb

Mayor, Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

[In] Joe Miller’s letter about business water usage, he states that he “found out that the city’s highest rate for water is $2.65 per 1000 gallons of water.”

I would like to know where he got this information from. Today, I received my monthly water/sewer/garbage bill and ,for 8000 gallons of water, I am paying $38.24. In my math, this equates to $4.78 per 1000 gallons. Realizing that part of this charge is a billing fee/administration fee or any other designation the city chooses to use, it still doesn’t change the fact that I’m paying $4.78 per 1000 gallons. I think it’s sort of disturbing that a man we chose to represent us on the city commission, a resident and also a business owner, is either distorting the facts to make his case for the continued discounted water usage for his business, or [is] not in touch with reality about an issue as important as this.

Steve McKean

Deerfield Beach

[Editor’s note: For a breakdown of all utility fees, visit www.municode.com, browse the library to look under the Deerfield Beach Code of Ordinances and chapter 70 utilities]

Pioneer Park Patriotic Concert

Dear Editor:

It was truly a magical night on Friday, Oct. 30, at Pioneer Park with over 80 of the “President’s own” musicians – the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus – and an opportunity for the public to hear them perform patriotic music in preparation for Veterans Day!

Special thanks and sincere gratitude to the record crowd that attended the concert and to the Deerfield Beach Woman’s Club, Kiwanis Club and the Junior Historical Society of Deerfield Beach High School for their sponsorship, and for making this fabulous night of music possible. We are also grateful to the Deerfield Beach Parks and Recreation Dept. for helping with arrangements.

Deerfield Beach Historical Society concert organizers

Thanks to Parks & Rec. for Fall Festival

Dear Editor:

Kudos to the City of Deerfield Beach Parks & Recreation staff for organizing such a great event on Saturday, Oct. 17 in Pioneer Park. The first annual Fall Festival was an awesome and wonderful family event with a large variety of enjoyable activities. Thank you for providing this to our community and also for allowing us to be part of the fun! Looking forward to next year’s event!

Emily Lilly

on behalf of the Deerfield Beach Historical Society

RE: Water access for companies

Dear Editor:

At the end of the Oct. 20 commission meeting, the Mayor brought up the subject companies like mine [J.P. Miller & Sons Services, Inc.] getting water to fill our tanks at the water plant. It was reported that some individuals fill up their tanks and drive off with the water still running. This excess water caused a problem for a local company that reported that [it was] puddling on their property. The discussion then went to how much companies were paying for the water with the implication that companies like mine were ripping off the city by getting our water so cheap.

I did some research and would like to set the record straight. We pay 50 cents, according to my serviceman, to get 300 gallons of water. I found out that the city’s highest rate for water is $2.65 for 1000 gallons of water. I did the math and that comes out to approx. 80 cents for 300 gallons of water. So the big deal that the Mayor made was for 30 cents extra that the city should have been charging companies. She was comparing the cost of water at Publix per gallon to what we pay at home. This can easily be fixed by adjusting the rate to reflect the true cost.

There is something else that I would like to point out. There is a public safety issue that the city was wisely taking into consideration by providing this water availability at the water plant. With the set up we had (just like Boca and Pompano have), there is an air gap between the hose and the tank being filled. If a person filling a tank put a hose into the tank, there is potential that the contents of the tank could be siphoned back into our water supply. This is one of the most important reasons most of the cities in Broward provide this type of service. Another thing to consider is that there are over 700 pest management companies in Broward County alone with thousands of trucks on the road with tanks on them. We are not the only industry that has water tanks … pool companies, car washing and some construction companies have tanks also, to name a few.

I did vote to keep this service available to commercial companies. At the time, the conservation was such that I was focused on drivers driving away with the water still running, which seemed ridiculous to me. I may be the only city commissioner in Broward County that has personally used this source of water and I was taken aback at how quickly the idea to shut it down was approved by people that did not know it existed. I would like to think of our city as business-friendly.

Another fact people may not realize is that the pest management industry is larger in Florida than the citrus industry, with many, many registered voters and their customers.

Joseph P. Miller

(Commissioner, Dist. 1)

Deerfield Beach

Open letters to Century Village Management

Master Management

All week, the week of Oct. 12, we were advised that the water throughout the village would be [turned] off on Friday, Oct. 16, from 7:30 a.m. to about 6 p.m. The City of Deerfield Beach was involved [in] this having something to do with the water valves. So, we made sure that we had water in our apartments for drinking and large pots of water to use to flush our toilets. Everything in the village was closed — the clubhouse, the pools and the restaurant. Well, along came Friday morning, Oct. 16, and the water was not turned off. I called the city water department about 10 a.m. and was told that Master Management had cancelled the work the day before.

The same way you notified us about the water being turned off, you could have advised us of the cancellation by email. It is a means of instant communication and could have been done it at the same time that you notified the city that the work had been cancelled—not at 11:30 a.m. on Friday when we had already had our days ruined but knew that the work had to be done. Who do you think you are, your own private Caliphate? How dare you treat us as if we are nothing more than your serfs? It is really time that each and every one of you was replaced.

Bay Management

You are a million dollar business that operates like a 1930s candy store.

The elevator in the [Century Village] clubhouse was not operative on Saturday or Sunday, Oct. 17 and 18. I know that the service contract is 24/7, but since no one from Bay Management was in the clubhouse over the weekend, and the people in the staff office know nothing, nothing was done.

It would have been nice to go to the dance on Saturday night or the show on Sunday, but since there was no elevator, those of us who could not manage the stairs were out of luck.

I am darn sure that if this had happened during the season, the people in the staff office would have known what to do immediately. I ask what kind of candy store are you running? You can make all the excuses you want to as far as why nothing was done. Makes no difference. You were wrong.

Roberta Shapiro

Deerfield Beach

RE: Hotel, parking in The Cove

Dear Editor:

Last Friday, attorney Tom Connick, a long time Deerfield attorney, sent via email [in public record] to all commissioners, Mayor and the City Manager that if they vote the [Blue Water VIII] hotel in with the seven [code] violations [Oct. 20], it is totally illegal. It will be challenged in court and the city will lose a multi-million dollar lawsuit. [Developer Mike] O’Leary does have an approval currently to build a restaurant which is perfectly legal and ready to go.

The tabling of the parking meters happens to be a blessing for the existing businesses. As quoted in your newspaper on Oct. 7, after Tuesday’s meeting at City Hall, Mr. O’Leary asked Vice Mayor Ganz if he could meet with him. Apparently, the meeting took place. Who was there? What was discussed? In the article, the City Attorney cautioned nothing said here can bind the commission.

I owned a home and business in The Cove Shopping Center for 13 years and went through the same hardships as others during that 3-1/2 year process. Twenty-nine businesses went out then. If this hotel is approved, the balance of the process will [cause the] demise of the rest of the businesses during this construction. I sold my home and business, but I am still involved in Deerfield Beach as my family still lives there.

Steve Krevoy

Deerfield Beach

RE: Support for burial ground memorial park

Dear Editor:

The Deerfield Beach Original “Save Our Beach” (OSOB) committee strongly favors the five-acre lot, at the intersection of SE 2 Avenue and SE 5 Court, becoming an African-American burial memorial.

This piece of privately owned property, termed in old Broward County records as “The Old Colored Cemetery”, became a burial ground, because of the segregation policies of the past.

There are still human remains on this land. This presents a perfect opportunity to create a memorial. There is no African American burial memorial in Broward County. Creating such a memorial is our City’s opportunity to honor and respect, in death, the memory of those who were disrespected and marginalized in life.

I hope the City, the County and the State can make this happen. It is long overdue.

Marge Hilton,

Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

GFWC Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach supports the effort to turn the property at SE 2 Avenue and SE 5 Court, Deerfield Beach, into an African American Memorial Burial Ground.

This land should be made into a memorial to all the African American Broward County residents who, because of segregation, were buried in odd lots and side yards and whose locations (if not their memories) are lost forever to their descendants.

The Club recognizes this as a humanitarian effort to give proper respect.

Mary McKenna

Deerfield Beach

Thank you to DB’s Will Reed

Dear Editor:

Gardeners were cutting the median along Hillsboro Blvd. when a sharp object flew onto the road in front of my car. A lane change was impossible due to heavy traffic. Hence, I went over it and “POP” went my tire. My car limped into the shopping center where I called AAA.

After a whopping $232 for a new tire, my husband, who I have to give credit to, said, “Call the city and see what they can do.”

I would’ve just blown it off.

I spoke with Mr. Will Reed, who I would like to thank for expediting a check from the city. Thank you, Will.

Lorraine Barsher

Deerfield Beach

Dog enforcement on the beach

Dear Editor:

This is in regard to the Sept. 24 Talk to the Mayor article about dogs on Deerfield Beach. Some points to consider:

1. The current regulation is not enforced at all by the Deerfield Police or code [enforcement] officials. In 20 years walking the sidewalk, I have never seen a single stop by police for walking dogs on the beachside walkway. Not one. In fact, I have seen police in patrol vehicles look away seemingly on purpose. So what data-based evidence does the police chief have to know what he is saying is true? Maybe one well-publicized infraction would help violators obey. Enforcement is important because the personal injury risk to people and their dogs from larger dogs on the beachside walkway is enormous and the cost will fall to taxpayers because of lack of enforcement.

2. The old signs said “No Dogs” on the sidewalk. The new signs say “No animals” on the [sidewalk] and the wording is, at the least, confusing. The signs are not at the entrance spots or the parking pay stations, or the walkway egress to the parking lots. Maybe better more frequent better-placed signage would help with voluntary compliance.

3. Research shows that 38 percent of dog owners scoff at the dog feces pickup duty. As the EPA puts it, “If you think picking up dog poop is unpleasant, try swimming in it” – or additionally, in the case of our beach, lying and walking in it. All dogs currently walking on the Deerfield Beach beachside walkway urinate on the light standards, benches and lawn. Children who crawl will put anything in their mouths; 20 percent of kids get roundworm from dogs and cats.

4. People walk their dogs to the beach for the express purpose of defecating there versus their own residence. Fenced dog parks, a cheap solution, should be considered with collection containers to avoid the adverse conditions that allowing dogs on the beachside walkways bring.

George Cherenack

Deerfield Beach