Winter 2012 Message
Posted by Bob Gonstead on February 23, 2012 · Leave a Comment
The holiday season has come and gone and with its passing, SICA hopes everyone had a joyous one and wishes a prosperous New Year to all. SICA would like to welcome all our seasonal residents back and we look forward to seeing many of you at our monthly meetings at the Palm Beach Shores Town Hall.
Since our last newsletter SICA has been actively involved in community affairs and local events. On November 9th SICA co-hosted, with the Town of Palm Beach Shores, a town hall meeting featuring our U.S. Representative Allen West. Colonel West gave a brief summary on the state of affairs in Washington and his vision for the future. The address was followed by a very active question and answer session from the approximately 200 in attendance.
Roadwork on Blue Heron and Ocean Drive continues to move along. The current target date for completion is July 2012 pending any future delays. Original completion was the spring of 2011, however, the City of Riviera Beach experienced delays caused by the underground infrastructure, which was much worse than anticipated.
SICA continues to be actively involved in the progress of the development at the Riviera Beach Marina. Our past concerns centered on what financial obligations the City would be exposed to regarding the development and leasing of retail space at the marina. The Riviera Beach CRA hosted an open workshop on November 15 to update local residents on the progress at the marina. The results of the meeting were very positive. The master developer at the marina, Viking Yachts, introduced their potential joint venture partner, Live Work Learn Play. The Canadian based development company gave residents an overview of past developments they participated in and their potential vision for the marina. The company, which has developed projects internationally and closer to home, developed the marina at Destin, Florida. I would encourage you to visit their website at www.LWLP.com. LWLP looked at the marina five years ago and believed the political climate at the CRA and City was not conducive to ensure success. At the workshop they cited the attitude and cooperation from the current CRA, led by its executive director, Tony Brown, and members of the City Council and our Mayor.
A great concern for island residents is the ongoing issue of beach erosion. SICA continues to address this important issue with the help of Councilwoman Pardo.
At the December 10th COASI meeting, CRA director Tony Brown updated the members on what was transpiring in the CRA districts. He expressed sincere interest in potential future development of CRA property located west of the Ocean Mall and behind the Sands Hotel. In addition he informed members that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) was planning improvements for Broadway south of Blue Heron. Some of the improvements would include new sidewalks, lighting and additional plantings. The CRA has also encouraged business owners in the Broadway corridor to update their storefronts by making funds available for the renovations.
Another positive event took place when the City Council approved the partial abandonment of 20th Street. This will allow Rybovich Corporation to proceed with the construction of their mega yacht facility on land they own on both sides of 20th Street. In consideration of the approval their right to lease property at the city marina was withdrawn by Rybovich. The canceling of the intent to lease will greatly facilitate private development at the city marina. Kudos to Councilwoman Dawn Pardo for actively supporting the Rybovich project. The upcoming March 2012 election is just around the corner. Council Persons Judy Davis and Dawn Pardo will be running for re-election. SICA will be hosting a candidate forum at our February meeting.
SICA is not all about politics. Our board members are actively involved in community events that help local residents. We participated in the “Mingle and Jingle” event at Johnny Longboats sponsored by Councilwoman Dawn Pardo. The purpose of the event was to collect toys for children in the Riviera Beach Community. We also distributed toy collection boxes at many of the island condominiums. On Saturday, December 10, we attended a fund-raiser for Youth Build at Two Drunken Goats. This non-profit organization helps our young residents 18-24 complete their education and chart a career path. Two of our local residents who support this organization are Council Chairperson, Judy Davis and Singer Island neighbor Diana DiMeo.
