Look past owners, angry Century Village residents for answers on golf course project

REF:


http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/editorials/look-past-owners-angry-century-village-residents-for-2139186.html
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By The Palm Beach Post

Posted: 6:32 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012
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Cramming into the Palm Beach County Commission chambers and inundating the overflow rooms, Century Village residents appeared to shatter turnout records last Thursday when they bashed plans for houses, apartments and shops on the unused Turtle Bay golf course alongside their retirement community near West Palm Beach.
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While residents' fears about the Reflection Bay proposal's impact and their claims that the owners have no right to develop the property are overstated, county commissioners were right to delay a decision until October, while unresolved questions are answered and other alternatives pursued.
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In the 1970s, when Century Village was built along Haverhill Road, the golf course was completed with it. County planners mandated that the site remain a golf course "in perpetuity." It was for years a popular recreation spot for retirees who lived nearby, but under new ownership the course withered and closed in 2008. 
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Owners Andrew and Ana Waldman blame Century Village residents' declining interest in golf, while some residents claim that the new owners didn't maintain the course and showed no interest in keeping it open.
Now, Mr. and Mrs. Waldman want to cash in by building shops, houses, apartments and a civic center on the 70-acre property. Mr. Waldman argues that the amenities will benefit Century Village residents. 
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Some agree. But far more, at this point, have expressed opposition. They claim that building over the green space could affect their condo views, traffic and even their health and safety.
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For the project to go forward, county commissioners have to sign off on it. But at last week's meeting, three of the six commissioners in attendance - including Paulette Burdick, whose district includes Century Village - opposed the idea. They argued that the best thing was to follow nearby residents' wishes and county planners' original intent by keeping the land as a golf course.
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That decision makes sense, but only for now. Changing the property from a golf course to a mixed-use development would be a dramatic change. Though many residents say they would benefit, there is no immediate need for housing and shopping plazas in that area.
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However, the golf course remains closed and an eyesore, and the Waldmans show no sign of reopening it. Did they really buy the land during the real estate bubble with the idea of keeping the course open? 
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If the development is approved but flops, would that make for an even uglier eyesore? 
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At Thursday's meeting, a company that manages golf courses demonstrated interest in taking over Turtle Bay. Selling to someone who wanted to reopen the course under new management would be less lucrative for the Waldmans, but the course could be a better fit. 
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The commission needs a lot of answers before October.
- Andrew Marra,
for The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board
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Reflection Bay access to C.V.

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New blogger here gang,

 Please can someone tell me if the proposed Reflection Bay project has direct access to C.V.

I looked at several site maps of R.B. and from looking at the site map it was hard to tell if  Reflection Bay only has exits and entrances off of  Haverhill.

From the site maps it looks like two roads in R.B. end at C.V. property,but perhaps these roads go on into C.V.  If C.V. is in fact completely closed off to Reflection Bay does any one know what kind of fence or wall will separate our two properties, and will the fences and or wall be sufficient to deter unscrupulous people from gaining access to C.V. via the Reflections Bay property.

Lenny Clark 351 Northamptton R. lennyclark@yahoo.com Thank you
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REFLECTION BAY DEVELOPMENT - VOTE POSTPONED 10 MONTHS

Hi all,
After hours of public testimony, and spirited Commission debate, The Board of County Commissioners voted to postpone consideration of the Reflection Bay development until October 25, 2012.

Of particular interest were the outstanding presentations by our Century Village Residents. One impassioned plea after another was delivered by our unit owners; and it was clear that the Commissioners were strongly impacted, resulting in open minded debate on the issues. This was in stark contrast to the previous hearings by the Planning Commission and Zoning Commissions; where our entreaties fell on deaf ears.

Commissioner Aaronson issued a challenge to CV to "come up with a buyer" for the Golf Course, and even suggested that we, the unit owners purchase the course ourselves. Aaronson quipped "that is how you can have it in perpetuity"

The Commissioners, were somewhat spooked by the presence of our court reporter, and fearing litigation  opined that the postponement should be used to "explore the legalities" of the entire project, especially the matter of "in perpetuity"

The presence of 5 story buildings in the Reflection Bay plan was described as being "intense", opening the door for the developer, Andrew Waldman, to modify his plan still further.

All in all, this issue is far from settled.

Anyone out there want to buy the golf course and keep it a golf course - and by the way, is Mr. Waldman willing to sell?

Dave Israel
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Cerabino: Opposition to development a war to Century Villagers

Hundreds of Century Village residents hold signs along Haverhill Road in protest of a plan to build homes and offices on a former golf course near their neighborhood in West Palm Beach on Tuesday.

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REF:


 http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/cerabino-opposition-to-development-a-war-to-century-2125931.html


By: Frank Cerabino

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Updated: 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012
Posted: 8:38 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012
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Be advised: Downtown West Palm Beach will be in Lockdown Condition Gray Thursday morning. 
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Bus loads of Century Villagers will be rolling in for an assault on the Palm Beach County Commission chambers, storming the beachhead of bureaucracy in a kind of last hoorah for some who view this battle on a continuum that started with World War II. 
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"We won that war and we're going to win this one too," said Philip Shapkin, 84, who is the president of a committee in Century Village that has been dedicated to stopping the invasion of a planned development on the condo's southeastern front. 
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"I hope we will be flowing out into the streets," Shapkin said about today's 9:30 a.m. zoning hearing with county commissioners. "I want them to understand that we are fighting for the quality of our life."
The battle is over the derelict Turtle Bay golf course that adjoins Century Village at the corner of Haverhill Road and Okeechobee Boulevard. The executive course has served as the village's own golf spot for decades, but its most recent owner, Drew Waldman, said it has gotten too unprofitable to operate. 
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Golf course goes idle
Century Villagers aren't the spry young retirees who bought into the community at its inception, Waldman said, and the condo's aging population has made the course a losing proposition. So he shut it down three years ago. 
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"Out of 7,854 households in Century Village, less than 200 came to play," Waldman said. "We were never able to capture the revenue needed to maintain the course."
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So he wants to turn the 70-acre property into Reflection Bay, a town center development of shops, homes and businesses. And to do it, he needs the county's approval to change the 1973 designation of the land as a golf course "in perpetuity."
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So far, the developer has won the first battle, getting 6-1 approval from the county's zoning board last month, despite facing an angry crowd of about 500 Century Villagers who swelled beyond the hearing room into three overflow rooms at the county's Vista Center complex on Jog Road. 
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"All of our entreaties about noise, dirt, increased paramedic response times, water issues, increased traffic on Haverhill Road to the tune of 3,300 trips daily fell on deaf ears " wrote David Israel, the president of Century Village's governing body, in the village's newspaper. "This condescending and 'we know better' attitude was the general overlay of the entire hearing, a withering disrespect for our seniors; it was a very sobering experience."
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So today's attempt to get the county commissioners to reverse the zoning board's recommendation is bound to be a full-fledged frontal attack. 
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Five buses will be rolling. Two thousand postcards of complaints have been written to county commissioners. A lawyer has been hired, and a letter of intent from another developer interested in buying the land and keeping it as a golf course will be presented, Shapkin said. 
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Supporters are 'silent'
It's not the first time that Century Villagers have tried to shoo developers from the edges of their kingdom.
Seven years ago, the condo mobilized to run off national home-building giant, D.R. Horton, which had plans to convert the golf course into 650 homes. 
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This time around, Waldman, the golf course owner, went out of his way to persuade Century Villagers that Reflection Bay would be a good development for them.
Waldman sent notices to every home in Century Village, inviting residents to find out about the project on a toll-free line or a website. He also provided residents with free transportation to a nearby Hampton Inn, where he held more than two dozen information sessions about his project. 
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"There's a tremendous amount of Century Village support that's silent," Waldman said. "People in Century Village get vilified or ostracized if they speak out. It takes a lot of courage to stand up to a mob."
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The visible opposition rallying against him today isn't representative of the opinion that Century Villagers have toward the project, Waldman said.
"We think that the vast majority of people in Century Village either support us or don't care," he said.
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REFLECTION BAY - Hundreds protest new development near Century Village

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Posted: 01/24/2012
Last Updated: 3 minutes ago

• By: Dan Corcoran
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SUBURBAN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The battle lines are being drawn over plans to replace a failed golf course in suburban West Palm Beach with development of homes and shops. The project is drawing fire from residents of Century Village, which is right next door to the proposed development.
Hundreds of opponents of the plan, mostly residents of Century Village, lined the Haverhill Road on Tuesday afternoon.


They came together with their signs and their voices right along the side of the 70-acre property that would be home to the proposed development. The former golf course is now overgrown with weeds and vegetation.


Protestors said they moved to Century Village after they were told that the next door golf course would be there forever. They said the new development called "Reflection Bay" threatens their quality of life, would increase traffic in the area and would also ruin residents' views of the former golf course.

"Money can't buy everything" said Loretta Cuccurullo, who is spearheading the opposition. "We're little, we're poor, we're elderly but we have a lot of young people coming in and they want golf and we want our green space," she said.


Palm Beach County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposal on Thursday. The current land owners, Ana and Andrew Waldman, were also present to answer question and take comments from those who oppose their project.


The Waldmans plan to build a community of 689 residences complimented by shops and restaurants.


"There's a tremendous amount of support that exists here in Century Village that isn't here today," said Andrew Waldman. "We hope that they won't be so silent in terms of support on Thursday," he said. If the plan is approved builders could break ground as soon as June of this year.


The commissioners are set to vote on "Reflection Bay" proposal on Thursday at 9:30 am at the County Government Center, 301 North Olive Avenue, in West Palm Beach.


Century Village has chartered five buses to transport people from their homes to the meeting.


Read more:


 http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/west_palm_beach/hundreds-protest-new-development-near-century-village#ixzz1kR3HLn8x
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zoning meeting

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just received
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Dear Friends,
I just wanted to send out a reminder to everyone that the zoning application for the Century Village golf course will be heard by all seven members of the County Commission this Thursday:

9:30 A.M January 26th County Commission chambers 301 N. Olive Ave, 6th Floor West Palm Beach, FL.

Due to all the interest in this issue and to make it easier on the hundreds of residents who wish to attend, the County Commission, for the 1st time, will be conducting a two-way broadcast between the commission chambers and the Century Village clubhouse.

Residents will be able to view the proceedings from their clubhouse and the Commissioners will be able to see the Century Village residents, both live.

I know there was some confusion about this, but the two-way broadcast between the Century Village clubhouse and the County Commission Chambers will take place.

If you want to speak to the commissioners, you will have to attend the actual Commission meeting at 301 N. Olive Ave, 6th Floor and you will need to complete the comment cards which will be available in the chambers.

The item numbers are 7 and 8 and need to be included on the comment card:

Item # 7 - ABN/DOA-2011-00632 application to delete the golf course from the South Hampton PUD.

Item # 8 - ZV/TDD/R-2011-01203 application to rezone the golf course to allow a Traditional Neighborhood Development and a congregate living facility.

Please share this information with your friends and neighbors who may not have e-mail addresses.

Regards,
Paulette Burdick
County Commissioner District Two
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REFLECTION BAY - PROPOSED GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT

Hi all,
The following article is extracted from the Palm Beach Post:
Dave Israel

REF:
 http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/battle-heats-up-over-proposed-project-near-century-2116554.html

Battle heats up over proposed project near Century Village

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Alyssa Orr/The Palm Beach Post
County commissioners plan to vote Thursday on plans for homes and shops on the site of a failed golf course. The developers say Century Village would benefit, but many residents disagree.

By Jennifer Sorentrue

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Updated: 10:56 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012

Posted: 8:11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012

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WEST PALM BEACH — Andrew and Ana Waldman have big plans for the failed golf course they own near the corner of Okeechobee Boulevard and Haverhill Road.

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They have spent months working on a plan to replace the overgrown links with a community of residences and shops on the 70-acre property in suburban West Palm Beach.

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The development, to be called Reflection Bay, would have a civic center to host art fairs and farmers markets, and a "grand inn" to lodge visitors and relatives. And the Waldmans plan 689 houses, apartments and lofts.

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But their plan is drawing fire from some residents living in nearby Century Village, many of whom say they were told the golf course would be there forever.

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The development, they argue, threatens to destroy their quality of life, overload nearby roads and eliminate views of the former course.

Loretta Cuccurullo said her children purchased her home in Century Village because it overlooks the golf course. She worries construction of the development would be harmful to her husband, who suffers from asthma.

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"This place is like heaven," Cuccurullo said. "I am fighting to protect it."

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The Waldmans argue that their project would benefit Century Village - increasing property values and providing easy access to shops and cafes.

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"Everything that we are doing is not an interruption to Century Village, but a complement," Andrew Waldman said.

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Palm Beach County commissioners are scheduled to vote on the plan Thursday.

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Century Village residents have been filling their mailboxes with letters opposing the development.

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Opponents plan to protest Tuesday along Haverhill Road.

The county zoning board recommended approval of the development Dec. 2, despite pleas from many in the overflow crowd.

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But not all Century Village residents oppose the project. Several supporters argue that many in the community are fearful to speak in favor of it.

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Eunice White, who has lived in the village for 27 years, questioned what would happen to the land if the project isn't approved.

"The only thing this is going to do for Century Village is enhance it," White said.

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The course was built as part of the more than three-decade-old Century Village community. When the area was mapped out in 1973, records show, a restriction was placed on the golf course property that required its owner to continue to use the land as a golf course "in perpetuity."

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Century Village residents contend that restriction should not be lifted simply because the course is no longer profitable.

"To change this long-standing promise is just wrong," attorney Ralf Brookes, who represents a group of Century Village residents, told the county's zoning commission last month.

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But the Waldmans argued that the restriction was never included as part of the deed.

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Land planner Kerry Kilday, who represents the couple, said it is impossible to keep a golf course on the site. The fairways closed in 2008 after operating for years in the red, he said.

"I am totally unaware of a single golf course in Palm Beach County that has shut down, reopening," Kilday told the zoning board. "It just doesn't happen."

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At least one member of the board said the project could help the area.

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The board, which reviews projects before the county commission, voted 6-1 in favor of the development.

"I think this project will invigorate this area," board member Mark Beatty said. "It is going to give some development there, and some new life."

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GOLF COURSE EVENTS - REFLECTION BAY - PROTEST - BCC HEARING BUSES

REFLECTION BAY - COMPILATION OF STAFF REPORTS RELEASED

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Hi all,
A major collection of Facts, History and Creative writing has been released by Palm Beach County. It has been provided to us by our District Two Commissioner Paulette Burdick (Thank you Paulette for your care in keeping our citizenry informed).

Anyone interested in the issue of the development of our Golf Course for residential housing and commercial enterprise, needs to read this document.

It is gaunt testimonial to the naked power of County staffers to countervail the will of the vast majority of the citizens whom they ostensibly serve.

Whether you are fully informed, or you have not read a single word about this issue, in either case, you must read this report carefully as to every detail: follow the link:

http://goo.gl/g4y3N

The report may also be accessed from the sidebar.

Dave Israel
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VERMONTER MOVING TO CV - INVOLVED IN LOCAL ISSUES

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Hi all,
Regarding the Nutmegger's post about the Vermonter in Frank Cerabino's article, following is an Email from the Vermonter, Mike Ryan, to the Board of County Commissioners, regarding Reflection Bay.
It is reproduced here with permission:

While quite long, it is well worth reading.

See:
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http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/cerabino-57cerabino-57-year-old-sees-century-village-as-2087516.html

For Cerabino story in the Palm Beach Post.

Dave Israel
...............................................................................................................
Dear Palm Beach County Commissioner

I will be relocating from Vermont to eastern Florida in the not too distant future and my compass is currently set for Palm Beach County. I am very excited about the move.

I am retiring from state government after thirty plus years in the civil engineering field. Additionally I have owned and sold rental property since 1979. My association with real estate is somewhat small when compared to other individuals, but none the less, the experiences where very educational.

During the past few years, I have visited friends in Florida and looked at the four different Century Village retirement communities in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Pembroke Pines and West Palm Beach. It is Century Village West that I am most attracted to.

Obviously, Century Village West is in close proximity to the airport, which scores high on my convenience list, but what I am also looking for are civic leaders, dedicated public servants who are insightful, creative, not bogged down in the instant commercialization of it all. I would like to be in a community where public officials are fair and equitable. Citizens trust leaders who can truly lead. Officials who are not lap dogs to a particular interest. Counties, cities, towns and municipalities all need the shared guidance from fellow citizens who are indeed visionaries. Having civic leaders with these convictions can only help insure the smooth, efficient and equitable administration of local government.

In that vein, I am in hopes that when you formulate your decision regarding the future of the Turtle Bay Golf Course you will vote against the development plan presented by Mr. Waldman and refuse to approve any application associated in abandoning any historical conditions or resolutions relating to the tract of land in question.  The longstanding zoning designation should remain effective and any effort to modify or approve variances should be denied. This action is not to appease one future resident, me, but to appropriately serve all of Palm Beach County.

This property near Okeechobee and Haverhill has been an anchoring landmark for all who live and visit the area west of the city proper and that is a wonderful thing. Changing the zoning on this piece of property as proposed, with all the ambiguous overtones, is not the prudent action to take and is not in the best interest of Palm Beach County as a whole.

I hope that you truly appreciate the fact that Palm Beach County, like any other county, also needs its green space and not just some green that is designed within a cluster of brick and mortar. In my opinion, Palm Beach County needs more of this than ever before. It appears that there are at least two native Floridians on the board of commissioners and I am sure you folks are probably able to recognize this fact quicker than those who migrated to Palm Beach County later in life.

Let the free enterprise system fill the vacancies of the current townhouses, condos and storefronts. Most communities across the United State have recognized the fact that there really is an over abundance of existing structures that are currently vacant and this prolific issue has reached its saturation point.

In this particular situation, at this location, given the history, there is no need to reverse a prior agreement, grind down more Georgia mountains, find more sand and erect more structures, put a ribbon on this “proposed” brand new development and call it “new.” Anyone who aligns themselves with that concept is contributing to the widespread vacancy issue referred to earlier.

Too many times, I have seen the forms go up, concrete poured, density requirements ignored, increased traffic, height restrictions ignored, the paving of paradise and then the development fails as a result of poor site selection, or other reasons. All that is now left, after all this fuss, is a chunk of land with bricks, blight and the begging for urban renewal. All that effort is risky and it is how the game is played. However, being able to take that risk, in regards to a wonderful piece of green existing property that has a fundamentally tainted title, is no way, to begin the game.

Let’s say the Traditional Neighborhood Development, somehow progressed through this last system of checks and balances and then failed to meet the expectations of the developer. It would be considered one mistake after another. No sound, logical person would set themselves or a community, up for failure like that. The request and the core documents that surround the proposed re-designation and the nine Type II Zoning Variances, have been extremely shaky from the beginning.

In response you might say “but, we want the “commercial property tax value” delivered into the county coffers.

I’m sure you appreciate that the money that the county may receive for a while, pays for the large number of services provided to people you just allowed to influx into the area. It’s a wash, but really it’s a negative cash flow, when you look at what you have destroyed and the long term damage that will be created, in failure or success.

There are many other areas where such a planned development may work, but this is not a fit. It is not even close.

Let some other county make a poor decision and welcome such a designed development on land that was earmarked to be green in perpetuity. Or wait until this developer presents a design for a tract of land in Palm Beach County that is in harmony with his development intent. This is not a fit.

I read that this is the first proposal to construct a Traditional Neighborhood Development in Palm Beach County since the TND concept was conceived, but I believe City Place in West Palm Beach also falls under that designation. Many of concepts regarding TND’s are wonderful, however due to the specific history of this piece of land this is not the location to experiment with such a development. There may be areas in Palm Beach County that lend themselves to this design. If there is, they will surface. A situation where the abutting owners welcome the concept with open arms and their will not be a nasty technical entanglement involved in the chain of title to the property, such as this situation has associated with it.

The motto we were teaching children in the 1980’s was “say no to drugs.” The general lesson for all, regarding this motto is that; sometimes it’s okay to say no and in some of those instances it is the prudent decision.

As a commissioner and as an individual, if a “rubber stamp” exists within the Board of County Commissioner’s chambers, put the rubber stamp in the drawer in this instance.  Demonstrate the core belief that if it is not right and shouldn’t happen. As you are well aware, this ability to do so has been entrusted to you as a result of state statutes and the Florida constitution.

Many governmental bodies open up their meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Often the opening prayer will be something along the lines of asking for guidance when considering matters that will affect the safety and welfare of the fellow citizens they serve. The tone of the prayer is always asking for help in ensuring that the outcome of the meeting is righteous and good with the emphasis being on a fundamental fairness.

I also understand that many times a board does not like to rule against the findings and recommendation of a committee or staff that has reported back to them. In this particular case two administrative entities have approved motions that moved this proposed development along. It was not these entities’ charge to make legal decisions regarding the ambiguous nature of the “it is on the plat, but not the deed” dilemma involved in this particular application.

It is at your quasi-judicial level, with the powers entrusted in you by statues and the Florida constitution that you deny this request. As a result of the Board of County Commissioners being the highest authority to evaluate this situation and being the body most experienced in interpreting the pertinent state statutes and Florida constitution that relate to fundamental rights and the simplicity of intent within the common law framework.

As for your political career and aspirations, it can only add to your credibility. Legitimately understand how you feel on this issue. Own your belief and then the specifics of delivery would be left for your soul and conscience to craft. That shouldn’t be too difficult to create, if you are indeed true to your convictions.

As you are well aware, it isn’t the Palm Beach County commissioner’s obligation to assist Mr. Waldman through the repercussions of a bad business decision. If this enterprise could not turn a profit in the four years it was operating as a golf course, obviously the business needed to introduce some new marketing techniques to increase membership and decrease expenditures.

As a collective group, I can see that you are environmentally sound when you take steps to insure that activities involving trains, transportation, cell towers and landfills are scrutinized thoroughly. I read where many of you believe you have awareness regarding the importance of natural area reserves, conservation areas and environmentally sensitive land.

Historically, I have seen where some of you, have been very pro-active in parks and recreation issues. Acquiring property at times, in order to enhance conservation and in other instances, taking steps to protect an area’s natural resource and protect it from proposed development.

I understand that reasonable managed growth is a position that works for both the developer and environment and I commend you for those efforts. Weighing all the factors, in this particular situation, voting in the affirmative to allow any zoning changes or variations to this particular parcel is not the correct approach, given the specifics of this unique situation and resultant application.

Things were very hectic and even sloppy during the construction boom of the 70’s, but the intent to remain a golf course in perpetuity was there. This is not the time to add a bad act on top of a previous bad act.

Potential growth even with no, known outcome, is good, but when it is advanced and proceeds only due to an oversight and technical error, then it is a slap in the face to intent of those who entered into the agreement and common sense itself.

In summary and as a result of modern day technology, I have been able to follow the headlines and sound bites from Palm Beach County. Over the past twenty years, there has been a minute culture of elected and appointed officials, playing favorites, acting on behalf of influential constituents, power builders and lobbyists. More recently, the predominate culture, is a public sensitivity about political corruption and a desire to enhance the public trust in government and trust in those that lead and serve. This is good.

Obviously this re-designation and the nine elaborate variance requests before the Board of County Commissioners is an excellent opportunity for elected and trusted public servants to voice their common sense and demonstrate that they truly believe in the quality of life within all the districts that encompass Palm Beach County, not just the districts they were elected to represent.

Sincerely,
Michael J.  Ryan
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BCC HEARING OF REFLECTION BAY - POSTPONED TO JANUARY 26, 2012

PBC COMMISSIONERS - EMAIL ADDRESSES

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Hi All,

Following are the Email addresses of our Board of County Commissioners.

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Please let them know your views concerning development of the Golf course:

kmarcus@pbcgov.org

pburdick@pbcgov.org

svana@pbcgov.org

sabrams@pbcgov.org

baaronso@pbcgov.org

jsantama@pbcgov.org

ptaylor@pbcgov.org

BCC-AllCommissioners@pbcgov.org

Dave Israel

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GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT - REFLECTION BAY - TOWN HALL MEETING

Something new to think about- COMMON GOOD

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I am reading again and this time it is Tom Brokaw’s new book, “The time of our Lives, a conversation with Americans". He is reviewing much of the good of this country and some of the not so good. He talks about today's committees and lobbyists who have issues that they are fighting for. He says that years ago, these people presented and fought for their cause but in the end they compromised and voted for the COMMON GOOD. This is missing in the world today and particularly here in Century Village.


We have a committee whose only agenda is to rebuild a golf course. I do not believe that there is anyone in the state that has the wherewithal to renovate a golf course and maintain it, has it on their TO DO LIST to build a golf course for the empty property on Haverhill road. This golf course would almost be guaranteed to lose money as the previous two management people have. The golf course was nice to have so close, it was at times very pretty so that even the people who did not use it could enjoy it. These are different times we have to think of the COMMON GOOD.


The golf course that the pro-act committee wants is NOT one of the answers on any multiple choice questionnaire that the county authorities might have in front of them.


Why is our committee ignoring the COMMON GOOD. These are hard times, many people here in the village are struggling just to make ends meet. Many associations are really having a hard time dealing with several units which for various reasons, have stopped paying. Associations are ignoring their bylaws and allowing sales to people who should not be eligible for residence in the village. If things don’t get better, we could be looking at a total collapse of our wonderful lifestyle.


Who is looking out for the COMMON GOOD?


Why don’t we have a committee who would work with the developer to adjust his plans so that the development that we get will be something that we can life peaceably with? Five years ago when the developer was D.R. Horton, his lawyer agreed to a gated 55 and over community with a limited number of units. We wouldn’t even listen, let alone go the next step to get that offer in writing. Today are we going to just keep spending money to fight our current developer and then live with whatever he puts up because we were too stubborn to compromise.
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REFLECTION BAY - GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT HEARING

Hi all,
George Pitelle sends along the following:
Dave Israel
...............................................................................................................

The Hearing on the Golf Course

Along with hundreds of other C.V. residents I attended the Golf Course/Reflection Bay Project hearing before the Zoning Commission on 12/2/11. We first listened to the Magistrate read the comments from cards submitted by our residents as well as some personally presented. With the possible exception of 5 or 6 they were mostly opposed to the project. Many echoed the arguments presented by the two attorneys representing these people in stressing the restriction of the development of the Golf Course and its remaining as such in perpetuity. Other comments stressed the hardships and difficulties the Reflection Bay development would have on the residents of C.V. and other communities. These would include health concerns for people having trouble breathing air contaminated with dust brought on by the construction. Others stressed concerns related to the impact the project would have on traffic and water, with specific points better than I can relate here.

Anyone sitting through the proceedings up to this point might well have thought the arguments presented against the project were quite strong if not compelling.

After a break the attorney for those opposing the project briefly addressed the Commission, next the attorney for Reflection Bay took to the microphone. He was asked specific questions posed by some of the commissioners. Referring to the project plans he seemingly answered them to their satisfaction.

What followed was several votes which quite frankly were not clear to me. The votes were all in the affirmative with one commissioner voting opposed on I believe each one. The result of all of this was the approval of the application for the development of the Reflection Bay Project and the defeat of efforts in opposition to it.

Now lets look back at the hearing. With most of the comments opposing the project citing the restriction of development being in perpetuity I can not recall it ever being addressed and can only wonder if the issue of in perpetuity was somehow dealt with in the votes. If so with there being no comment or discussion it was in my opinion certainly given scant consideration. It has been often pointed out that the same issue was ruled in favor of a community in Mizner Park in opposition to building a golf course. What was the legal distinction in the two cases?

After the hearing I was told by one other attendee how he expected the C.V. residents most strongly opposed to the project will continue to fight it, perhaps by going to court. My response was “and who will be paying for that“, to which we both declared with certainty that the residents of C.V. will not agree to pay for it. I understand there was going to be another hearing on 1/5/12, What does todays action do with that?

George R. Pittell
Chatham D

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PALM BEACH COUNTY ZONING COMMISSION TO CV - POUND SAND!!

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See noon report at:

http://cvbitbucket.blogspot.com/2011/12/blog-post.html

Dave Israel
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WHAT WE WERE PROMISED - DON'T LET IT GET AWAY

Hi All,
Those of you who are original unit owners were promised something, do you remember what it was?

Let me remind you, follow the link:  http://goo.gl/wqZRR

One of the items on this full color  rendering is a Golf Course. This Golf Course was further etched in stone by way of the official Palm Beach County Plat number 14, which is annotated "To remain for Golf Course purposes only in perpetuity"! Thus, those of us who came after the original owners are also beneficiaries of the "In Perpetuity" promise.

Tomorrow, the Palm Beach County Zoning Commission, will hear the pleadings of a Developer to overturn this Plat Restriction. We in UCO and the ProActive Committee are diametrically opposed to this extended urban sprawl and ask all those who read this Post and are also opposed to this development, to come tomorrow, Friday, December 2, 2011, to 2300 Jog Road, to the Vista Center hearing room to show your opposition to the Zoning Commissioners.

Your numbers will send a message, some of you may also get to speak to the issue! So, look at the brochure at the link above and don't let the promise be taken away.

Thanks to Mr. Phil Shapkin for the Brochure.

Dave Israel

ZONING COMMISSION HEARING ON REFLECTION BAY - AGENDA POSTED

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Hi all,
The Zoning Commission hearing on the Golf Course proposed development, Reflection Bay, is scheduled for December 2, 2011 at 9:00am. This hearing is to be at the Vista Center at 2300 Jog Road, just off Okeechobee Blvd. (West on Okee., right at Jog Road)

The agenda has been published by PBC, follow the link:

http://www.pbcgov.com/pzb/Zoning/zc/2011/dec/agenda120211.pdf

All concerned residents of CV should make every effort to attend.

Dave Israel
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REFLECTION BAY - PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

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Hi all,
Following are the Planning commission descriptions of the two projects referenced in the ProActive Committee Post below:
................................................................................................................

Control No:

1973-00215 

Application No:

ABN/DOA-2011-00632 (Application Name: South Hampton

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PUD (AKA Century Village)

application of Fairways LLC by Urban Design

Kilday Studios

20.

Title:

a Development Order Abandonment

Request:

to abandon Resolution R-1993-333

Title:

a Development Order Amendment

Request:

to delete land area

General Location:

Southwest corner of Centry Boulevard and Haverhill Road

Project Manager:

Autumn Sorrow, Senior Site Planner BCC District: 2

Control No:

2011-00245

Application No:

ZV/TDD/R-2011-01203 (Application Name: Reflection Bay)

application of Fairways Llc by Urban Design Kilday Studios

21.

Title:

a Type II Zoning Variance

Request:

to allow a reduction in the minimum acreage for single-family units; to

allow Neighborhood Centers 1, 2, 3 and 4 to exceed the maximum 50% building

coverage; and to allow Neighborhood Centers 1 and 3 to exceed the maximum height

Title:

An Official Zoning Map Amendment to a Traditional Development District

Request:

to allow a rezoning from the Residential Single-family (RS) Zoning

District to the Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) Zoning District

Title:

a Requested Use

Request:

to allow a Congregate Living Facility Type III

General Location:

Southwest corner of Century Boulevard and Haverhill Road

Project Manager:

Autumn Sorrow, Senior Site Planner BCC District: 2

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GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT - REFLECTION BAY

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Hi all,
The following is provided by the ProActive Committee
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zoning commissioners info for residents

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Since the Applications for the development of the adjoining property were Certified by the County Planning Dept. we have to act now to prepare for the Public Hearings that will be scheduled in December.

The Pro-Active Committee needs your support NOW! It is time to show your opposition to the proposed development on the adjoining golf course. Here is what you need to do.

There are Zoning Commissioners and a Board of County Commissioners. We have the signed postcards for the Board of County Commissioners, now we need the residents that oppose the development to send e-mails or letters to ALL of the ZONING COMMISSIONERS to show our overwhelming opposition to this project. We need you to make these contacts ASAP. Ask your friends and neighbors to do the same. Thank you for your support.

Here are some suggestions to mention when making your contacts. Be sure to include the following as your opening statement.

"I urge you to vote against Applications 2011-00632 and 2011-01203 Reflection Bay"
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There is a perpetuity clause for the property that states it will be a golf course forever.

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Do not break the County's 1972 promise to the Century Village homeowners who paid a premium price to live by the golf course.

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Do not sell us out to the land developer who is flipping the property.

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Do not reward the developer for a poor business decision.

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Please do not allow rezoning of this property.

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This is now a heavily congested traffic area, without any new development.

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Drainage will be a major problem if this property is rezoned and developed.

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Century Village needs the open recreation green space that was in the original development for their health and well being.

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Century Village would no longer be secure even though we are a gated community.
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Here is the contact information for the ZONING COMMISSIONERS.
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Commissioner Sherry Hyman, Esq. slhyman@slhymanlaw.com

Office of Sherry L. Lyman, PLLC
3535 Military Trail, Suite 101, Jupiter 33458

Commissioner William Anderson wiflan@comcast.net

7630 Ardwick Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33467

Commissioner Sheri Scarborough sheriscarborough@comcast.net

Prime Mgmnt Group, Inc., 6300 Park of Commerce Blvd, WPB, FL 33438

Commissioner Joanne Davis capercat@bellsouth.net

1029 North Lakeside Drive, Lake Worth, FL 33460

Commissioner Alexander Brumfield brumesquire@aol.com

Alexander R. Brumfield, III Attorney, 319 Clematis St., Suite 602, WPB, FL 33401

Commissioner Mark Beatty mbeatty@mpa-pb.com

MPA Architects, Inc. 1801 Centrepark DR. E, Suite 175, WPB, FL 33401

Commissioner Robert Currie bob@csa-architects.com

Currie Sowards Aguila Architects, 134 NE First Ave. Delray Beach, FL 33444

Commissioner Sam Caliendo arisc3@aol.com

Bentley Realty Group, Inc. 900 Glades Rd. Suite 200, Boca Raton, FL 33431

Commissioner Jennifer L. Bakcsi, ( Coldwellbroker@yahoo.com )
92 Uno Lago Dr., Juno Beach, FL 33408

Thie above information is submitted by the Officers of the Pro-Active Committee

Further information will be forthcoming soon.

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