Accolades to Diane Emeott and her faithful intern [Asia] for covering the Century Plaza Branch Library story in such an interesting and professional manner. Perhaps our city officials will read and recognize how many average citizens use this and the Percy White Library in lieu of wasting their free time hours.
Thank you again for your fine article.
George Brauer
AARP Instructor
Deerfield Beach
Library has long history
Dear Editor:
Those of us who have been here a long time remember when the main library was housed in a storefront in The Cove Shopping Center. I remember because I bought them their first book, an explanation of the Dewey Decimal System, which organizes books on library shelves in a specific order.
When the library outgrew that facility, a number of us contributed $3,000 to purchase the property on Hillsboro Boulevard where the library now sits. It’s too bad that the plaque that had the contributors’ names listed cannot be found.
The first controversial vote I had to cast as mayor in the 1980s was to send the library to the county. The feeling was that there would be more services available to the public than the city could afford to provide. That premise has proven true through the years as the library has expanded and offered a multitude of services. Those of us who are lifetime Friends of the Library would be outraged should the main library be closed in favor of the smaller version that sits in Century Village and has limited use by the general public. The commission should let the county know that Deerfield Beach will not tolerate the closing of either of the library facilities in our city. Make our case loud and strong.
Jean M. Robb
Deerfield Beach
Deerfield citizens, be vigilant
Dear Editor:
At the May 19 commission meeting, I believe I witnessed one of the most fiscally irresponsible expenditures in the history of Deerfield Beach. Mayor Noland, with Commissioners Poitier and Miller voted to use contingency funds to purchase land from Mr. Boinis. Commissioners Popelski and Ganz presented sound, logical reasons not to approve. But Mayor Noland’s demeanor from the dais demonstrated she would not be swayed by the voice of reason, or differing opinions. Commissioner Miller stated we are really only spending $200,000 of OUR money.
This is the controversial beach property Mr. Boinis bought for $200,000 with intent to lease the city’s fishing pier to build an upscale restaurant. The citizens of Deerfield Beach were outraged and his sweetheart deal fell through. Tonight Mr. Boinis got a bailout using our tax dollars, $310,000 [in ] grant [money] plus $200,000 in contingency funds totaling $510,000. Thousands of people are losing their homes, their jobs, and their savings, but Mr. Boinis goes to the bank a happy prosperous man. Congratulations, Mr. Boinis, you did get your sweetheart deal. You have the business sense that it seems the majority of our commission lacks.
My sympathy to the people of Deerfield Beach, I think you have been sold out. Pray we don’t have an emergency and need those spent contingency funds.
Marti McGeary
Deerfield Beach
Boinis Property
Dear Editor:
Although I am not a resident of Deerfield Beach, my wife and I use the beach with great frequency. When I first observed the “no trespassing” signs, I surmised that there was a problem with the pier. Then, I read the article about a sales dispute regarding that parcel of sand. I question how a piece of town property was sold to a private individual. This is an insult to the public trust! But, since Mr. Bonis and his attorney feel the property is worth such an exorbitant amount of money, I hope he is paying property taxes based on his values. The town could sure use the tax dollars! Further, I question whether it is legal to put those trespassing signs on a public beach that has received any federal assistance.
