Mel Casey's letter to the Mayor of Lantana

Melvin G. Casey
7020 Half Moon Circle
Apt. 210
Hypoluxo, FL 33462
March 28, 2009
David Stewart, Mayor - dstewart@lantana.org
& Lantana Town Council
Central St.
Lantana, Florida 33462

Dear Members of the Lantana Town Council:

It is my suspicion that the town fathers are about to make a big mistake. You will be presented shortly with the opportunity to vote upon a zoning change for the property called “The Cenacle” located at the southeastern corner of Lantana’s border. I urge you to vote this measure down.

You will see pretty eyewash from the developers and the “Planning Board” will enhance their position with statements defining the creation of jobs, the receipt of tax moneys, and an influx of affluent clientele for local businesses to prey upon. But be not deceived for the benefits come with a small array of detrimental gifts as well and those objections will be diminished in their importance by the supporters of this measure.

The voices of dissent will be whispered compared to the powerful legalese speak. The money will turn off the significance of silence and lessen the chaos of reality. The “Council” will hear the jingle and march to the beat of that tune and its present citizen will bear the burden of the transformation.

When the additional traffic, noise, and additional public facilitations weigh the community down the tenure of the present privileged will have passed. When the gifts of progress have aged the quiet demeanor of the community will have faded from memory. The opportunity to hold that slower, easier, sanctity will have vanished from the possible. The quality of life shows itself in many ways and in the case of the “Cenacle” – more is less.

Will you a sk all of the pertinent questions and will they respond with all the right answers? There are so many questions to ask, most of which cannot be imagined at this point but when the genie is out of the bottle and any question or any answer may be too late for reconsideration.

• How many community functions do they expect to serve at the out front ballroom building each week?
• Will drinks be served on the roof pool?
  
• What are the hours of operation?
  
• Will nudity be allowed?
  
• Will this be an adult community or are children allowed??
  
• Will this be a same sex community?
  
• What are the expected traffic numbers and how is it different than the present zoning?
  
• How much trash is expected?
  
• How much noise will be generated from the bands or general musicians?
  
• Will additional town police, fire, or other employees be required?
  

Perhaps the members of the “Council” will have the greater wisdom to see the folly of constant construction and seek the way of softer discretion. Perhaps there are other opportunities around the bend of time that honors a slower pace, one more consistent with the unique tenor of maturity and blends with the present elements of single-family residential. Your negative vote on the zo ning change solicited will allow the search for the more prudent choice in this fast retreat from seclusion. Your voice can affect the many existing or the few new. May you have the wisdom to prophesize the better future.

Created on ... March 28, 2009