Big Beach Buildings ... Part II
Last weeks' unanimous vote by the Fort Lauderdale City Commission for the new beachfront mega-hotel "Ocean Wave", has many of the citizens wondering just what is going on. The picture is starting to get a little clearer.
The unanimous vote seemed odd due to the "Read My Lips" declarations of at least three of the Commissioners that the days of approvals for such buildings were over. Mayor Naugle and Commissioners Teel and Rodstrom had run on anti-beachfront development platforms and won their elections handily for doing so.
When I wrote about that inconsistency last week, folks inside the beach's political structure called and wrote to help me understand. They say that to find out why politicians change their minds, go peek at the minds of their bosses, John Q. Public.
Some beachfolk tell me that the Central Beach Alliance is trying to change their image. The organization has been known for years for their fierce stands against beach high-rises, although nearly all of their members live in beach high-rises. Some told me that the souring economy has many worried that the progress made in removing the decrepid buildings of yesteryear on the beach will ACTUALLY STOP !
Then their are the cynics! One beach condo leader tells me that the changes in opinions are more sinister. He says that the supreme leader, Steve Glassman, has his eye on political office himself and is making nice with the development community to help him in a future run. Glassman has been spotted dining with at least one local developer. Glassman says he is amused and flattered. The same insider postulated that there may be others within the organization with "undeclared interests"
May the games begin!
The unanimous vote seemed odd due to the "Read My Lips" declarations of at least three of the Commissioners that the days of approvals for such buildings were over. Mayor Naugle and Commissioners Teel and Rodstrom had run on anti-beachfront development platforms and won their elections handily for doing so.
When I wrote about that inconsistency last week, folks inside the beach's political structure called and wrote to help me understand. They say that to find out why politicians change their minds, go peek at the minds of their bosses, John Q. Public.
Some beachfolk tell me that the Central Beach Alliance is trying to change their image. The organization has been known for years for their fierce stands against beach high-rises, although nearly all of their members live in beach high-rises. Some told me that the souring economy has many worried that the progress made in removing the decrepid buildings of yesteryear on the beach will ACTUALLY STOP !
Then their are the cynics! One beach condo leader tells me that the changes in opinions are more sinister. He says that the supreme leader, Steve Glassman, has his eye on political office himself and is making nice with the development community to help him in a future run. Glassman has been spotted dining with at least one local developer. Glassman says he is amused and flattered. The same insider postulated that there may be others within the organization with "undeclared interests"
May the games begin!
I wonder how many Broward County residents know that the city of Fort Lauderdale owns almost a full block of Oceanfront Land right in the center of the "POSH" redevelopment area. Bordered by A1A - Sebastion St. to the south - Alhambra St. to the north and Birch Road to the west. The land sits idle except for some public parking meters and a small lot for leased private parking. About 15 years ago when spring break was discouraged and successfully ended the beach was deemed "BLIGHTED" and several property owners on that block were encouraged to sell and move on. Those lots still remain vacant and waiting for "something??" With the curant state of the economy I'm sure many of our residents would love to enjoy the "World Class Beach" just minutes from their homes. The city has a great opportunity to work with a developer to do something with that very valuable parcel to benefit not only its residents, but visitors from all over who would like to visit the beach in an affordable manner - and find places to park, eat and have proper restroom facilities. With some well thought out plans that parcel could generate a hugh amount of much needed revenue.
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I hope Steven Glassman runs for Office. I think he would do a great Job . I have observed him on the Planning and Zoning Board and I believe he has a Vision and thinks beyond just the project that he is voting on, but looks at the effect the project has on the City. Please Run Steven
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I really think you should get your facts straight before you raise comments on people like Steve Glassman. Steve has done a lot fo good for the beach area. Part of his responsability is ot meet wiht developers to try and work out issues concerning the Central Beach Area. What have you done for this area other than spread acusations.
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Obviously you are a new comer - Tim Smith was the Commissioner for District II for 6 years and is very familiar with the beach and all other areas of District II....better do your homework before you spout off. And by the way - his facts were correct - it is the political season and anyone wanting to get elected will pander to the public.
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Perhaps Mr. Glassman would be the ideal candidate. If he is considering a run, he should step out and let his followers start to get him known in other parts of District II. Remember, the beach is only a small portion of the District and there are issues all over. In addition, he will be voting on city-wide issues and knowing the other parts of town could be helpful too. He could be the right candidate at the right time.
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