NOTICE:We welcome letters to the editor which state one or two reasons why a reader supports a particular candidate. Letters which set forth a litany of reasons will not be published. We invite such readers to take out an ad, to include the disclaimer stating the name of the person paying for the ad and that it is done independently of any candidate and to report the independent expenditure to the City Clerk as required by law.
Pioneer Park concerns
Dear Editor:
Wake up citizens, and let’s find out what has happened to our city.
One of the jewels of this once grand city was Pioneer Park. This beautiful, quiet park was one of the original city parks and sits opposite our entire city administration offices and center of politics.
While Deer Creek residents were getting relief from the invasive cell towers, the city politicians jumped to action and we spent thousands of dollars to keep the tower from being built. At the same time, the city was placing the ugly, several- year-old “temporary portable radio tower in the northwest corner of the park. At the same time, we bought the two duplexes and several other structures, which have made our great city the biggest slum lords in the area.
These duplex structures have had plywood-covered windows and sand for a lawn since the city bought them years ago. They have been used as city warehouses in violation of our own zoning laws.
In mid 2008, area residents were promised that the deplorable structures would be demolished by Nov. 30, 2008. When that didn’t happen, the city promised us they would be demolished by Dec. 31, 2008.
Drive by the 6 Avenue entrance to Pioneer Park and observe for yourself what great landlord and keepers of the city we now have in elected office and high-level, paid positions.
While you are looking at that mess, think about the fact that I offered in 4th quarter 2008 to have my construction company demolish the building for free if the city supplied dumpsters to haul off that debris. Sorry now, but with today’s economy, I can’t extend that offer today. But the city had its chance.
Ron Coddington
Deerfield Beach
Commissioner for The Cove
Dear Editor:
I would like to suggest to all those living in The Cove neighborhood to look around and ask yourself: Has The Cove area improved since Pam Militello has been commissioner? Unless you are blind, the answer is NO; it is clearly WORSE – even dumpy.
I have contacted her about code enforcement on numerous occasions; and still NO change. She thinks it is not an issue and that the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) can do the job.
I spoke to Joe Miller; he agrees that better code enforcement is key to improve the way the area looks.
Patrick Murphy
Deerfield Beach
Don’t waste $2.7 million +/-
Dear Editor:
For years I have listened while a small group of Deerfield Beach residents and [The] Cove shop owners pushed through a plan to improve The Cove Shopping Center, which is old and obsolete in every way and does not warrant a multimillion dollar investment by the city.
Years ago, I asked who was going to pay for the maintenance once the center was improved. I received no reply and with the state of the economy today, once more I ask: How are the costs going to be paid? Right now the owners in The Cove Shopping Center feel the taxpayers should pay. I say, “no, no, no.”
The answer is a “cam,” a common area maintenance, which is assessed to each tenant or owner of a building per square foot of space leased or owned. This payment will [take care of] all costs of the parking lot area from cutting of the grass to security.
One other way is to install parking meters, thereby reimbursing the city for the cost of improving the parking lot and maintenance over the years.
Remember this, as a resident of Deerfield Beach, you own this parking lot in The Cove Shopping Center and, being such, I am sure you would want a return on your investment. It is your “tax money.” I am sorry to say that with the state of our economy and the commercial real estate sector in such turmoil, the city should not spend one dollar of our taxpayer’s money on The Cove Shopping Center parking lot.
Please call the City Clerk’s office at 954-480-4213 and let your commissioner know you do not want your tax money spent on The Cove Shopping Center at this time. It is time to save money, not spend it.
Tom Treacy
Deerfield Beach
In defense of the former mayor
Dear Editor:
I have been a resident of Deerfield Beach since 1982, have served as director on a community board, have made many appearances at city board meetings and know most directors. Francis DeMaio and I were responsible for the reconstruction of the Bridge at Villa D’Este but to accomplish this, we needed the evaluation of an engineer.
At that time, Al Capellini, mayor of Deerfield Beach, gave of his time and expertise in getting the job done. He was very clear in addressing the matter. Any suggestion of payment was out of the question. He wanted it that way and was concise and above-board in every detail.
We were fortunate to have the mayor living here at the time and believe he is good for the city of Deerfield Beach. Whomsoever is behind the allegations against him is playing a game of Dirty Politics.
Please recognize the many years he has given to this city and remember to vote wisely during the March 2009 election.
