Boynton Beach Florida: Industrial Zoning Protests

David,

Thanks so much for making us aware of your beliefs and business sense.  I absolutely know where I won't go for a loan.  Boy, I guess they are just handing out the ole MBAs in gumball machines now. 

Lake Boynton Estates, Leisureville and Crystal Key have joined forces to try and stop this for the kids in the neighborhood and the community.  We are many citizens strong and continue to grow. 

I applaud you in speaking your mind.  Not many businesses would actually have the courage to degrade potential customers.  Wow, you're breaking new ground here.

I assumed from your picture that you really don't know anything about kids as it usually takes a partner to procreate.  Although you do look a little like Ned Beatty, maybe you could go that route. 

Let me fill you in a little about kids...  Children are our most precious commodities.  Children are our future.  Our fight is for them. 

I do love how you use the word "Myopic," did you look that one up in the...  Wait, here's another big word for ya...  "Thesaurus" I know you know that one!  I am aware that I am "myopic" in that I am narrow of focus and intolerant of injustice. 

Well, I've spent enough time on this David.  I am needed elsewhere.  I will spread the word... your word, in our communities and neighborhoods. 

We will win this fight because we will never give up.  The childern will win, the citizens will win.  Greed and corruption will lose. 

See you around,

Jonah

David,

I suggest that before you speak your mind, that you actually know ALL THE FACTS.

First, you stated, "I am reading the updates to the saga of Apartment/Condo dwellersvs Industrial Park in Boynton Beach, Florida.".  Lake Boynton Estates is a residential neighborhood of single family homes which directly in the middle lies Hibiscus park with a playground for children.  What you also fail to mention is the fact that there are many streets in the neighborhood which lack sidewalks for alternative routes for our children to take while walking to their school buses which pick them up at the Hibiscus Park. 

Secondly, you stated, "Ocean 95 Exchange Plaza - will add almost 134,000 square feet of much needed Industrial space...".  Being a commercial mortgage broker, I find it amazing that you have not traveled on the same streets that I have around Boynton Beach.  Located just north of the neighborhood lies an industrial area [which, by the way, is separated from the neighborhood adjacent by a 10 foot tall concrete fence] which remains desolate with ample available warehouses and distribution centers.  Also, located just south of our neighborhood lies Lowe's and just south is a warehouse/distributing facility with space available for the past 5 years when it was constructed.  I would continue, but I think the point is made.

Thirdly, you stated, "The current street route goes between the current Industrial park and leads to a proposed Industrial park...  but runs alongside Lake Boynton Estates Neighborhood."  Again, Mr. Podgursky, I would invite you to actually know what you are talking about before making comments.  The proposed industrial route is placed DIRECTLY IN THE CENTER of our neighborhood, essentially splitting the neighborhood into two.  A simple Mapquest search can provide you with the location of Ocean Drive relevant to the surrounding neighborhood. 

Fourthly, you stated, "In this case they don't believe that the Industrial Park has rights too.  Small businesses are being hurt and are suffering injustices to deal with the residential complaints from citizens who claim the same."  We don't believe that the industry does not have rights.  But the rights and benefits of industry and citizens must be weighed before securing approval from the City for a proposed construction of this kind.  What we also dispute is the access to the site.  There are other viable options that will not put us, our children and elders health and safety at risk.  The funds are available through normal bureaucratic processes.  Our Mayor is just too incompetent, or too heartless to look. 

Fifth, you stated, "It isn't just a case of who was there first... actually the Industrial Zoning was eaten up to make room for the residential development!  This debate is about what is best for the community."  Lake Boynton Estates is the OLDEST PLANNED COMMUNITY in all of Boynton Beach.  Our neighborhood was established long before your industrial zoning was eaten up.  We were farmers here, most of the residents here have grown up from childhood in this community.  What is best for the community, sir, is the preservation of our lives.  I wonder if you would feel the same if this was YOUR neighborhood.  We chose to live in this neighborhood.  We are the people that are used to open spaces, clean air, and plenty of room to run and live our lives. We are an old-fashioned community that still actually cares about our neighbors, help each other out, bring food to each other, sit on porches and talk or watch children ride by.

I'd like to end on your statement of, "Yes... there are environmental concerns.   Yes... there are big vehicles blowing through all the time.  Yes... there are contractors and laborers milling about.  and yes... if you win your protest, the local government loses... the local people lose... and the local businessplace loses." 

I would invite you, Mr. Podgursky- if you do truly believe your words - to feel free to contact any of the neighbors of which house you would like to purchase in the neighborhood to reside in.  So that you can live where the daily fear of your child chasing a ball into the street - no longer represents an anxiety attack, but will ultimately bring to life your largest fear - planning your child's funeral.  I suggest, Mr. Podgursky, that you back up your words and bring your children each day to play at Hibiscus Park while 120 trucks+ an hour drive by, of course, making sure that you watch them every single second; because, after all, you agree that it is the "parent's responsibility to keep kids from playing in dangerous areas..."

And, as a professional, highly educated woman, I recommend that you focus your energies and education where obviously your priorities are... making the developers happy.

-AMS