:) article! 'larry vs mayor/city comm' charles mavrikis 0:52 am monday february 25, 2002

PTL... thank you 'webmaster'+'sobs'+'article's author'... great article! expresses my sentiments except that it may be too kind on larry's disposition if it's true. i live in a sunshine state, and i intend to live in a sunshine city(deerfield beach) ... right now, i want to know what the mayor and each commissioner is going to say and do regarding the 'truth', asap! i was told yesterday, by an old (and current) experience political activist that, 'all politicians lie', he was referring to the city of deerfield beach. the thought of what he said and the way he said it would have made me 'sick,' if i thought that was a true statement. i pray that things are not that bad!? when young people tell me they like to play ball or surf at deerfield beach, i tell them 'it's the people that make a place'. and i tell you all, lying and deceptive practices will not and should not be tolerated. and if the city officials and city employees are doing their jobs' 'properly,' this will not happen. it's simple, change or leave! PTL for people like the sobs!!! thank you again.....cpm ps... below are the last 2 paragraphs from this fantastic article, that i support!! this article, and the observer' 2/21 'garage' article, written by joan.... both, are simply mind boggling ... deerfield wake up ... we are BLESSED!!! 'We do not question the competence of Mr. Deetjen and his professional staff. But they do not respect public opinion or the representatives of the residents of this city. They do not welcome public debate about proposals like Ocean Park or the MOP project at N.E. 2d Street and A1A. People who question their plans are belittled, or worse. This is why we think that if anything in Deerfield Beach needs to be redeveloped, it's the city administration, starting with City

fire assessment fee Jean Robb 8:36 am saturday march 16, 2002

The recently passed fire assessment fee will generate 2,243,000 dollars of revenue. The budget that was passed for this fiscal year anticipated a revenue of 1,447,000 which means that the city will collect 796,000 dollars more than they asked for. That much money with a little added represents 1/4 of a mill of ad valorem tax or 25 cents per thousand dollars of assessment. That means that the tax rate for the next budget could be reduced by 25 cents per thousand making the millage rate 6.60 instead of the present 6.85. If you multiply what your property was assessed at, you can figure what your savings will be. Maybe then you won't feel as though the fire assessment was another excuse to dip into your pocket but an opportunity to have everyone pay a fair share. A fiscally responsible commission would take the extra money and put it in a lock-box to be used only to reduce next year's taxes and NOT SPEND IT.

update: 2/25 larry vs mayor/comms cpm(cp mavrikis) 6:20 pm monday march 18, 2002

first, thanks for this website and sobs... j milarsky, sun staff writer, wrote a 'great sun-sentinel article on 3/16' that answered a couple of questions, that i was seeking answers to from the 'message i posted here on 2/25'. jeremy's sun article titled, 'deerfield beach manager deserves raise, mayor says.' answers my question about the mayor's position, also, in the same article, commissioner 'trinchi' said, 'deetjen would be fired over his dead body.' noland and gonot did not comment on the subject!!! what the hell is going on with our city officials, i can't blame larry, i have to blame our elected officials; and i have to blame the voters, and i blame myself??? at this point, i am thankful for the few voters who have not been asleep at the wheel. the sob's, jeff, and tom connick. as a novice recently getting involved, what can we do to get rid of unresposive city official?? what about a recall??? what happened to the term limits, i understand we had ??? from what little i have seen, trinchi is a first class over the hill jerk, what does he bring to the table? help,

yea, for more posted letters Marti 12:47 pm friday march 22, 2002

Checking the message board today did my heart good!! So glad to see others joining in dialogue and voicing concerns, opinions, and possible solutions to city issues. This format is so important in the exchange of ideas and priciples. It will only strengthen local politics and make those responsible, elected officials, not only hear and pay lip service to the people, but listen and implement good sound and logical suggestions so our city will grow, prosper, and develop in a way that benefits all citizens and visitors.

Myth:Not enough Parking Spaces at the Be Marti 3:46 am saturday march 23, 2002

Free parking spaces at the Presbyterian Church have become a municipal pay-by-day parking lot. Reason: The Observer, March 21, stated Deerfield Beach City Manager,Larry Deetjen, as saying the action was prompted by the fact METERED PARKING SPACES GO EMPTY because drivers prefer the free parking. THINK ABOUT THIS: We're in the height of the season and our city manager says there are empty parking spaces at the beach. So why would the city even begin to think about suggesting tax payers pay 4-5 million dollars for a parking garage anywhere on the beach? We may have a tough time parking along Ocean Blvd. facing the water, but that's only when the snow birds are here, weekends, holidays, and special events. I don't think it is economically prudent to contemplate financing a parking facility anywhere at the beach that will be partially filled 3/4 of the year and run at a deficit. What do you think? I counted about 60 spaces at the church site. If the city gives itself a parking deviation and makes them 9x18,(personally I think that is small but,) just think how many more spaces you could have? How about that empty lot owned by the city behind the Fire station? Why isn't that open for parking? Once we get rid of the Ocean Plaza trailer that sits on city property, there's a lot more spaces that could be added. Hey, and if metered, I think the city is obligated to work out something with the church for their parking needs during Sunday services and special functions. Registered parishners could be issued special stickers allowing them free parking during these times. Maybe you agree, maybe you have some better ideas. Let me know. More important, let your commissioners and mayor know.

Beach Stickers Marti 4:09 am saturday march 23, 2002

Let's talk about those Beach Parking Stickers. Cost: NOW $50. Incentive to buy: NONE For such an increase in cost resident beach goers should get FIRST COME FIRST METER parking ANYWHERE they want to park. That's the American Way: first come, first served. No need for deligated parking spaces (which by the way on special occasions, when really needed at the MB Parking Lot are roped off) I've always felt like a second class citizen not being able to use my sticker to park facing the beach on Ocean Blvd. Residents should be able to enjoy a morning cup of coffee and view the sunrise without additional cost. We should be able to park closer to the beach if we get there first. We support this city by paying taxes and by buying the sticker. How do you feel about this issue?

Don't Wait! Take a Stand for Deerfield Marti 2:23 am friday april 5, 2002

Our beach area is about to undergo the most dramatic change in demographics that you can imagine. The RAC Committee is only an advisory committee, and Mayor Capellini emphatically takes every opportunity to say so. The public has yet to be allowed to speak. As chairman of this committee he lashed out at the public for defeating the Beach Park Referendum because they believed in lies. What lies? I guess he means the truth that 60,000 sq feet of this lot would be leased away to private investors for 50 years. No longer do the greed hungry developers have their eye on just the Main Beach Parking Lot. They are banking on our Commission to give them 82+ acres. The majority of this area is residential, only 9.9 acres is commercial under our code. People bought here to live here free from the noise, trash, and crime that businesses, restaurants -&- bars, coffee shops, retail, and the like bring. They should have the right to live without the fear of a bar going right up next door. What do they call this concept? Mixed Use. How will they get the land and permission to build. Priority Zoning? Both are very bad for our City! Make no mistake if the citizens of Deerfield Beach don't start protesting, calling, writing letters, and showing up at every commission meeting, planning and zoning meeting, etc. it will be too late for our beach. I implore you, I beg you, whatever it takes. Speak up and don't give our beach away to the wolves without a fight! It's too late to take away Ocean Plaza, too late to stop the 6 story condo on the corner of Hillsboro, and A1A, too late to stop The Beach House Restaurant, too late to take back the parking deviations. These deviations are becoming too numerous as I speak. 24 to The Whale's Rib, 30 to The Beach House, and tonight P-&-Z recommended 25 for The Ranch House. That's 79 without even considering how many businesses are grandfathered in because of the lack of spaces. In the works is a plan to expand Kelly's Grill into a full scale restaurant. OK, you fishermen, where do you think they'll get parking. The Pier Parking is my best guess. Next thing you know they won't let you fish on the Pier because the restaurant goers will complain of the "fishy smell." This is no joke! This commission wants you to pay for the lack of restaurant parking spaces they have created! Spaces the businesses should provide, or build smaller, build to code! You will foot the bill for a garage and you will have to look at it loose money 3/4 of the year when it will stand empty. Get involved. You can make a difference. But don't wait too long, because the gremlins are hard at work gnawing at our roots, blocking our ocean breezes, sunlit sand, and eventually cluttering our skyline with more 180' tall buildings like Tiarra East, another 90 foot Howard Johnson's, another 7 story Embassy Suites. Only now we'll find them in the middle of our beach area. Join and support "The Original Save Our Beach, 954-426- 2686. We need you, but your City needs the most!

A Dog --&-- Pony Show Marti 8:53 am tuesday april 9, 2002

Last night marked the 6th meeting of the RAC Ad Hoc Committee. You remember, these are the public meetings where the public is NOT ALLOWED to speak. Last night we had to endure at least thirty minutes of an orchestrated presentation by the mayor, and three developers. You would have thought that they were the most philanthropic people you had ever met. With drawings and maps in hand they chimed together in unison. Their song echoed the beauty and convenience that the proposed boardwalk from the Fishing Pier to the North Pavillion would provide and how this is all possible because they are willing to sell sand at 1/2 its appraised value. Such generosity! Such genuine concern! I think NOT! Just what are they selling us? Sand, we already have access to the beach. Believe me this deal is not out of the goodness of their hearts. A lot of wheeling and dealing has taken place to come to this point. What do these developers get in return? They no longer have to pay taxes on this land, nor carry insurance! They get a boardwalk that leads to their restaurants, a safe, easy, access for their patrons, paid for with city funds. What a lovely place to sit and wait for your dining reservation! Ramps, benches, and "look outs" will be provided for the pedestrians as they promenade. What a great business deal! Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all for safety and convenience for the citizens and tourists in Deerfield Beach. And I think that this boardwalk has merit. But don't have a "dog and pony" show where developers who stand everything to gain tell me what a wonderful thing it is and how generous they are. Let's look at some facts. The Beach House Restaurant provides 99 parking spaces across A1A. It still lacks about 29 parking spaces to meet code. The Ranch House Restaurant has a new design requiring 25 parking deviations yet to be granted. Kelly's Grill is looking to double its size under a City contract that DOESN'T REQUIRE the developer to provide any additional parking. They are disappointed the city hasn't yet built a parking garage to solve their parking problems. All this is being built on the "S" Curve, which has limited visibility for pedestrians, bikers, and motorists and inadequate curbing and sidewalks. This Commission has yet to come up with a solution for traffic congestion, which is clearly impacted by the granting of variances and deviations. Our building code is suppose to protect us, but seems to mean nothing if it is circumvented to give priority to developers where no hardship exists. I guess we have to adopt the same rational as our city seems to have: Of course we need to spend almost a million dollars for the land and then a sizable sum to build the boardwalk or our citizens will be mowed down before they eat dinner. Of course we have to pay for and maintain a parking garage so the restaurants we approve will have enough spaces for their paying customers. I THINK NOT. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Mixed Use in the RAC Marti 9:21 am tuesday april 9, 2002

The RAC Ad hoc Committee voted last night to recommend that commercial projects should be allowed in what is now a strictly residential area at the beach. This is the 83 acres the City is calling the RAC area. This is called "Mixed Use." If you bought a home in this area thinking you were protected from commercial development, you are sadly mistaken. If Mixed Use is approved for this area by our Commission and if County and State approve the RAC, this translates into the fact that a bar, restaurant, or any kind of retail store has the right to build adjacent to your property. If I lived in this area I would be very concerned about this prospect, to say the least. More traffic congestion, noise, crime, and trash will become the norm. I don't live in this area and I am still VERY concerned about this prospect. The Mayor last night made reference to the fact that our government has been around for over 200 years and we should trust it. Somehow that statement doesn't sit well with me. I keep remembering that virtually every treaty signed by the U.S. Government and our Native Americans was broken, and they were marched off to Oklahoma on what we call the "Trail of Tears." People need to feel empowered enough to know they have good common sense and a sense of moral obligation to question their representatives, tell them what they want, and not be led blindly. They need to protect themselves from bureaucratic ideas that infringe on their constituional rights. A question to all residents: Is your neighborhood next?

RAC Meeting-April 15 Marti 4:56 am thursday april 18, 2002

Now hear this: The RAC is being divided up into PARCELS, so called A and B. What are the boundaries? Why? You will find out Monday at 5 P.M., at City Hall when Mr. Ferguson's summary of the recommendations made thus far by this ad hoc committee will be presented. It would have been most considerate if Chairman Mayor Capellini had asked the committee if they could meet at a later time to allow working citizens the opportunity to attend. This is the eighth meeting and will be the first that the public will be allowed to speak. What will you be allowed to say? The Mayor stated he didn't want to hear anyone say they oppose the RAC. He wants solutions. So much for Freedom of Speech. Will your questions be answered? Perhaps you're not suppose to ask any if he only wants solutions. I have 3 PURE AND SIMPLE SOLUTIONS to this whole charade: 1. QUIT WASTING TIME AND RESCIND THE RAC, GET ON WITH THE APPROVED CRA AND FOLLOW ITS CONTENT. 2. LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE, NOT THE SO CALLED EXPERTS. 3. DON'T APPROVE THE WHINING DEMANDS OF DEVELOPERS FOR FEAR OF SCARING THEM AWAY, THE ONES WE WANT WILL STAY AND PROSPER. As one citizen told the Commission: "Our job is to pay the taxes. Your job is to enfoce the codes. We're doing our job, now you do yours!"

First public opportunity to discuss RAC Pam Militello 9:16 pm thursday april 18, 2002

If anyone who reads these messages is truly concerned about the development which is about to take place in the beach area, you MUST ATTEND THE MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 22 AT THE CITY HALL!! This is the first, and perhaps the only, opportunity for the citizens of Deerfield Beach to express their concerns, comments, ideas, etc. about the Regional Activity Center (RAC). If this RAC is approved, you can say good-bye to our beach. Just look at Ft. Lauderdale beach and what their RAC has done. Our Mayor is now openly supporting high rise structures in the RAC area. He supports this, eventhough our CRA guidelines call for buildings no higher than five stories. You should be aware that our mayor and the city commissioners are our CRA Board of Directors and they did not even bother to have any meetings on the CRA until February of this year! Can you imagine being the board of something as important as the redevelompent of an entire community and not even bothering to conduct meetings? It is astonishing to me. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU ATTEND THIS MEETING. TRY TO GET THERE EARLY. THE MEETING STARTS AT 5:00PM. DON'T LET THE DEVELOPERS DESTROY THE PLACE WE LIVE IN AND THE PLACE WE WANT OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN TO LIVE IN! SAVE OUR BEACH.

Closing of Sea Things Gift Shop Carl Rogers, Jr. 9:09 am saturday april 20, 2002

Subj:: ATTEMPT TO RETAIN QUALITY OF LIFE AT PHN -&- DFLD BEACH Honorable E. Clay Shaw Congress of the United States Washington, D.C. 20515-0922 Dear Congressman Shaw: I have sent the below by email last night to fifty apartment owners at Penthouse North Association, Inc. at 101 NE 19th Ave., Deerfield Beach, Fl. 33441 and to the US POST OFFICE. The Post Office email service promised a response within 24 hours. My objective is: (1) to reestablish post office contractual service on the ocean side of the intracoastal waterway at Deerfield Beach, Florida expeditiously, and (2) to hopefully gain reemployment for Bonnie Maher, who I really do not know personally, as a mail clerk in this reestablished service. The world will little note that "Sea Things Gift Shop" at 221 NE 20th Avenue in Deerfield Beach, Florida will be closed forever as of the end of this April in less than 2 weeks. Chuck and Ellie Norris operated this gift and post office facility for the better part of the past 20 years at 221 NE 20th Ave. Deerfield Beach, Fl. 33441. What's so important about this business operation closing? Well, I have told our kids and friends many times that it's the very best little post office in the entire US. You are always greeted with a smile when you enter by Chuck or Ellie. Their lone employee, Bonnie Maher is one of the most efficient postal clerks I have ever seen. She, alone, handled the long lines of customers that filled the little building at tax time and on holiday periods such as Christmas. As past board secretary of my condominium, I found this small post office service to be invaluable Let me ask a question. To my knowledge I do not know of another post office facility in this country that furnishes copy service? If you know of one, let me ask the next question. At "Sea Things" the cost is a nickel ($.05) a copy. Can you beat this? Chuck Norris said that he gave the Post Office plenty of notice of their closing so they could establish another post office contractual service on the ocean side of the intra coastal waterway here in Deerfield Beach. Most of us who know, feel particularly sorry for Bonnie who has no post office connection or retirement since she worked just as a paid employee of Chuck and Ellie. The word is that a number of businesses near the beach have applied for this postal contract, but the decision making post office people are supposedly in Memphis, Tennessee, and have said that a decision will take several more months or so. About 2 weeks ago I phoned the US POST OFFICE answer line— 1- 800-725-2161 — and stressed the importance of a continuation of this service at a company on the ocean side of the intracoastal waterway here at Deerfield Beach. One Tanya took my thought, and gave me a case number of CO11727117. She also indicated these matters take time. This is also important in that Bonnie has been told by several of these ocean side companies who have applied that they would employ her as their mail clerk. "Sea Things" had notified in their signs that their little post office would close for good at the regular time of 4 this afternoon and the complete business would close at month end. I went at 3 PM today to give a good-bye to Bonnie. However, I was told that in the interests of efficiency, the Deerfield Beach Post Office came in at Noon today and terminated business. Of course, the alternative for literally thousands of us is to increasingly clog the draw bridge and Hillsboro Boulevard to drive several miles to the Deerfield Beach Post Office. There are many people on this ocean side of the intracoastal water way who do not drive so they will have to take the bus. Somehow I think a little quality of our life here in our area went down the drain today. Do you agree, and if so, what can you do about it? Regards, Carl D. Rogers, Jr. 103 NE 19th Ave., Apt 248-C Deerfield Beach, Fl. 33441 Carl Peg@Aol.Com (954) 427-5694 bc: to some 50 Penthouse North apartment owners and friends who I have email addresses

Deetjen trying to invade Daytona Beach Terry Abdo 9:30 am friday may 3, 2002

We need your help! Sons of the Beaches President TERRY ABDO is appearing on the "Marc Bernier Show" at 5:05pm today, May 3, 2002. Log in to listen live at marcberniershow.com. Also, call into the show live at 1-800-927-0033. Deetjen wants to come here with his brand of crooked government.

Deetjen chilly-daytona beach 3:18 am monday may 6, 2002

The city of Daytona will offer anything to make deetjen a scapegoat. The truth is the inspector general is interested in daytona beach's historic properties and why so many have been knocked down for PARKING GARAGES.

Environment Jim 2:00 pm wednesday may 22, 2002

It is with great disillusionment and disappointment that I respond after reading all the messages as of this date, May 22, 2002. My wife and I purchased our retirement home at Natura in February of 2001. We purchased it because of its park-like setting with neighboring trees, wildlife, and larger than average space between neighbors. In August 2002 we began the task of bringing our house into the 21st century. While in the middle of the project, we got wind that the city had sold the land next door and ALL the trees were promptly uprooted for the sake of progress. We made some inquiries and were told that the mayor had sold it to a friend etc. and it was a back door/underhanded deal and everyone knew about it. Everyone except us that is. We thought we left all that corruption behind after leaving Hawaii which boasts the most powerful state governor in the country, bordering on dictatorship. It looks like we traded that dictator for another one. It has been apparent as of late that we were lied to when it came to the building on the vacant lots behind our house. When we asked the seller’s realtor about the possibility of someone building back there he told us that it would never happen because it would be too cost prohibitive. We believed him. Now a builder is developing numerous sites around the Natura complex. We thought we were doing the right thing moving here. It seems we were negligent in doing enough background research into the facts and acted without seeing the total picture of the area. As a former environmental science teacher it saddens me to see and hear about the blatant disregard for the environment. When are the people in power going to realize that this is the only environment we have and it is more important than the money they worship. I am not sure what the individuals in charge are planning on for their children to inherit but it defiantly doesn’t include the environment. My wife said I dramatized the issues too much. For those of you feel the same I apologize but I can not and will not apologize for my passion on wanting to leave a better environment to my grand children. Jim Benson Natura Deerfield Beach

Referenda for November Marti 4:35 am tuesday may 28, 2002

Our right to vote is guaranteed by The Constituion, but first we have to get what we want on the ballot. We need all the help we can get to secure the thousands of signatures needed to get two referenda on the November Ballot so that the People can decide on: 1. The kind of development the PEOPLE want for the Main Beach Parking Lot 2. The kind of development the PEOPLE want East of the Intracoastal Waterway. We have so little time so please consider helping and contact me as soon as possible at this email address or at 954-426-2686 for more information. It costs thousands of dollars to get signatures and to have them verified. We thank everyone for their financial support thus far, but we are still in need of funding just to cover basic costs. Donations to support these referenda can be sent to The "Original Save Our Beach" P.O Box 367, Deerfield Beach, FL 33443. THIS IS YOUR CITY! THIS IS YOUR BEACH! YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Important Web Sites Marti 10:37 am wednesday june 5, 2002

If you are concerned about the development and changes Florida is experiencing you might want to go to the following web sites for insight and information. FLORIDIANS for ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABLILITY -&- REFORM www.floridasos.com ( Florida Save Our State) They have a great video FOR you or an organization interested in these issues: "SIX FAIRY TALES ABOUT GROWTH IN FLORIDA 2002", Cost: $15.00 and can be ordered through the web site. and www.flsuspop.org (Florida For Sustainable Population) Remember "Knowledge is Power"

Deerfield wins one, loses one! Marti 2:12 pm saturday june 29, 2002

*Deerfield may yet be saved from the RAC, but not by its own Commission. County unanimously agreed that further study must be made before approval will be considered. *A set back for the beach was when the City Commission voted at its last meeting to remove lot coverage requirements and floor area ratios for parking facilities at the beach. Commissioner Clark-Reed's position is that as long as this thing it is not for the whole city, she'll vote for it. Guess as long as it doesn't touch her district, she doesn't care about anything else. It is still not a done deal until one more vote is taken. Will anyone come to his/her senses? How about it, Peggy Noland, Commissioner Clark-Reed protects her own, seems you are throwing your district to the wolves (developers). You told Mr. Falco his condo is too big on the corner of Hillsboro and A1A and he is building to code, now just a few months later you think it is perfectly all right to cram a huge parking facility just one block north of that site. Where is your logic? Own up and do what's right, this is a really big mistake. What does Floor Area Ratio control? It controls the bulk of the building, volume of the building in relation to the property size it sits on. Our Deerfield Commission tells us Floor Area Ratio doesn't really matter. Well, check out the Sun-Sentinel 6/29! Ft. Lauderdale has learned the hard way and is desperately trying to reverse the tide. "Mayor Naugle said he welcomes the county study as a means of supporting his longtime contention that beach development has been moving too fast." Lauderdale's commissioners voted to cut the Floor Area Ratio last year. Our Commission in 2002 removed an ordinance for Floor Area Ratio from our building code and Ocean Plaza will now be almost 3 times the size it should be. What does lot coverage mean? It determines how much of the lot can be developed (covered). Right now 50% is considered reasonable use of the land. Why shouldn't this apply to parking facilities in all parts of our city? Just picture the mass of a multi story garage that will cover at least 80% of the property up there on the "S" curve and your eyes will strain at the insult of such a structure. You need to protest this insult to our beach. Call your Commissioner, -&- Mayor, write letters. And very importantly sign the petitions that the OSOB committee is circulating so we can get the rules in our Charter. Ordinances come and go too easily providing no real protection for the citizens of our city no matter where they live, the beach today, District 2,3,-&-4 tomorrow. Call 954-426-2686 to help, donate, or for information on how to sign. YOUR BEACH NEEDS YOU TO SPEAK UP NOW FOR CITIZEN RIGHTS!

MOP, GET OFF YOUR SOAP BOX1 Marti 3:02 pm saturday june 29, 2002

I am so tired of hearing MOP attest to the fact that they met with OSOB and approved the massive retail/parking facility. This is just NOT true! MOP never even asked to meet with OSOB, but showed up at a meeting that someone else requested. Talk about sneaky. This in itself shows the kind of tricks that this group pulls. OSOB was told about an idea, given no details on the actual size, and we were polite enough to say we would look at it more closely. Well, we did, and when we found out the size, the impact on the neighborhood and traffic flow, the safety concerns on the "S" curve, and all the backdoor politicing that went on we said "NO", we cannot endorse this project. Our City Manager had even gone so far as to draw up a lease proposal for the City to be financially involved in this project. You don't believe me? Well, go to City Hall as I did and request a copy of the proposed lease, it's public information. This parking/retail facility is not good for our city. People came out in Feb. protesting its mass and lot coverage. MOP requested the application be tabled. 4 variances were needed at that time, none of which constituted a hardship. Knowing this they now have City Hall working for them more or less to remove ordinances so they won't need any variances. The latest sneaky trick is the one that our Commission has applied for to remove the floor area ratio and lot coverage for parking facilities at the beach. When our Commission votes to allow this, MOP will blantantly throw their project in the faces of the citizens of Deerfield Beach, saying see: "There is more than one way to skin a cat." One only has to play ball with City Hall because it has lost site of who it is suppose to represent. What is MOP's motivation? Financial greed might fit the description. They were given reasonable use of their land last year when they requested a zoning change and approval for a 111 parking space lot. Where is that lot? Gee, I guess that was just another sneaky way of getting all the property rezoned commercial making way for the underlying REAL plan. So get off your soap box, MOP and quit crying, it's not very becoming of grown men.

Fourth of July marti 1:20 pm tuesday july 9, 2002

On this July 4th Deerfield Beach was blessed with an abundance of sunshine most of the day so families could gather on our beach in celebration of the birth of our nation. This has always been a day of family fun, patriotic music, and a display of beautiful fireworks. This year's fireworks was no exception! The city provided an area of supervised activities, games, and dancing for the children that seemed well received. The Christopher Cross Concert was a success with many. Who doesn't love "Sailing?" Personally, I prefer the orchestra playing more traditional patriotic tunes that get you in the mood for celebrating how great this nation is and how lucky one is to have been born here. I missed the drums, brass, and strings, the oom pa pa. Perhaps next year it will be brought back. I also missed the recorded tunes that played as the fireworks were set off, it just added so much to the festivities. I wish that I could only say positive things about our City's celebration, but there was one thing that really bothered me. It was the "Captain Morgan's" tent, with its blaring DJ music, and the sale of hard liquor in our streets. The Commission's purpose in allowing this tent was to help defray some of the expense of this celebration. But one must ask, "Should we allow the selling of alcohol on our beach streets when we have an ordinance that prohibits alcohol on our beach? Should our city profit from this kinds of concessions? What kind of message are we sending to the children and adolescents who were inside the tent with those drinking? Do we want our city to be "the place" to party and drink in the streets? What are your thoughts? Is it appropriate? You should think this over. If you don't think it is right you need to say something because you will see Captain Morgan(Segram -&- Sons, Inc.) at the Super Power Boat Grand Prix, and the National Firefighter's Competition, and who knows what event in the future, along with other promoters of hard liquor. Let our mayor and commissioners know what you think!

Signed Petitions Marti 9:29 pm friday july 12, 2002

We are calling in all signed petitions. If you have any on hand please mail to OSOB Box 367, DFB, FL 33443, or contact me at 954- 426-2686, or email me at martimcgeary@aol.com. We are heading towards the goal line and are looking forward to enjoying some lazy days on the beach. Thanks for all your help and those who have given not only their time but also financial support. Both are needed to get these referenda on the ballot. It is so important for the building code to become part of our City Charter. I read today that Pompano's problem with the high rise projects going in now is because a few years ago its commission removed a height limit ordinance by a simple majority vote. Don't let this happen to Deerfield Beach. Our own commission removed the Floor Area Ratio for residential in April 2000,thus Ocean Plaza is 3 times the size it should be. And now one more vote will remove lot coverage maximums, floor area ratio, and parking space size for parking facilities at the beach, thus MOP's oversized parking garage/retail that so many residents protested for good reason will be the result. There is no stopping them as long as only 3 votes are needed to do this. It is reasonable to think that the 55 ft. limit for residential will also be removed to make way for a "too tall, too massive hotel and/or condo of the future." We need to work together to have some peace of mind that this commission can't ruin our beach for the sake of the almighty dollar! Keep getting those petitions in to us along with your generous donations. We will Save Our Beach!

Signed Petitions-NO FEAR! Marti 1:02 am saturday july 27, 2002

Have no fear! On Wed.July 24 the 9,760 signatures that were turned in with a check to cover the cost of valdation were officially accepted by the City Clerk of Deerfield Beach and witnessed by several members of the O.S.O.B and Joan Durbin of The Observer. County informed the City Clerk that it needed the referenda separated. So on Thursday morning we graciously separated the two referenda, blues in one box, white in another. So now you have the real story. The number turned in greatly exceeded the required number to allow for human error. Now if our Commission will give the people the chance to vote!

When is a park not a park? Marti 3:44 am sunday august 4, 2002

Is it size that determines a park? Is it grass, sand, palm trees, and sea grapes that are on the land? Is the fact that picnic tables are there for the public to use and enjoy? Is it the fact that the public has complete access and uses a grassy and sandy piece of land daily? I'm of the opinion that size doesn't count at all, but all of the other facts listed clearly defines a "park." But seems P-&-Z and I aren't in agreement. What do you think? Do you think the present restaurant should expand to 3x the existing size, with over 200 seats. It will provide 19 parking spaces and those will be shared by people fishing at the pier? Outdoor seating for restaurant patrons will cover the area except for a 9 foot walkway.The existing picnic tables will be replaced with ones for paying customers only. Let your mayor and commissioner know your opinion. Remember they want to spend money to buy 10' of property in front of the already approved restaurants, while they take away beachfront property from the public. So what have the citizens gained?

Archived Posts -- 2000

Archived Posts -- 2001