Thank you,

David B. Leshner, president, MDS, Inc.

Mold Detection Services, Inc.

Miami

It’s Always Kosher in Bay Harbor Islands

Kosher baloney anyone?

Frances Neuhut complains that the April 17 election for a Town Council seat in Bay Harbor Islands, in which her husband Denis lost, wasn’t a “kosher election”? [“Not a ‘Kosher Election,’” published June 7.]

Not possible, say I. After all, doesn’t Sandra Snowden, our local resident Christian Crusader, make it plain every Christmas season that the problem is that Bay Harbor Islands apparently is much TOO kosher?

Marty Monroe

We’re writing to clarify for the community and SunPost readers some facts relating to your articles “Resident Barking” [May 3] and “Tuesday in the Park with the SWAT Team!” (June 7).

*Responsible Dog Owners of Miami Beach (RDO) is a non-profit, Florida registered corporation with a federal 501 c3 tax status.

*Our track record since 2005 of providing positive results through the efforts of our volunteer base in the City of Miami Beach (CMB) is real.

* We offer and are involved in some unique programs and that have proven valuable to dogs, dog owners and the rest of the community. To name a few: dog bite prevention, dog fostering, Canine Good Citizen (AKC), Doggie Good Manners team, Responsible Dog Owners of Miami Beach Day, an agreement with the CMB to assist in refilling dog “doody” bag dispensers, working with the CMB on the creation of the much anticipated beach-spot for dogs and responsible dog owners, and three members have been recognized for their efforts by Commissioner Gross and the CMB with a Certificate of Appreciation.

*We believe in our volunteers’ good intentions when they want to participate in the mission of our organization — “To make of Miami Beach, and the future cities where we might extend, a dog-friendlier city, and a place where dogs, dog’s owners and the rest of the residents can have an enjoyable, easy, and respectful relationship.”

*RDO does not perform criminal background checks on our volunteers! If we had ample funding, we would do a lot of things!

*The Petition for Lights at Pine Tree Park was done entirely by Bear Smirnoff and Mike Jones. RDO was asked to help post-petition.

*On April 22, we requested members to attend the April 25 Neighborhood Affairs Committee (NAC) meeting based on statements from Mr. Lowenstein’s letter that potentially threatened to undermine Pine Tree’s Bark Park.

*After that meeting, we asked Mr. Smirnoff to explain allegedly questionable methods used in illustrating Pine Tree Park “issues” that surfaced during the meeting.

*Mr. Smirnoff has denied any involvement with the RDO. He has slandered the organization in writing with a posting in the park. Mr. Jones has also denied any involvement with our organization.

*RDO terminated its short-lived relationship with Mr. Smirnoff and Mr. Jones on May 13.

*It came to light during the NAC meeting that Mr. Lowenstein appeared to have more in common with our mission than his letter to the CMB led us to believe. Afterwards, we spoke with him directly for the first time.

*Since the NAC meeting, and with Commissioner Jerry Libbin’s leadership, the RDO and OPNA are working to build a public consensus on Pine Tree Park and produce an agreement that will benefit everybody. We are all working together to find a common solution.

*The results of Commissioner Libbin’s efforts will be presented at the July NAC meeting.

Yours truly, 

Board of Directors

Responsible Dog Owners of Miami Beach

Change Is Not For Everyone: But It Suits Us Practical Urbanites Just Fine

Dear Editor:

Unlike Mr. Abramson [Letters, “Hip and Trendy Name? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Hip and Trendy Name,” published June 7], I commend Joyce Meyers and the North Beach Development Corp. for their efforts to transform North Beach. This is the last area in Miami Beach that remains partially blighted and rundown. Its potential, however, like the rest of Miami Beach, is enormous. As a fairly recent arrival to North Beach (after a decade and half residing in South Beach), I am thrilled that progress is being made to create long overdue change. It gives me hope to see the potential of a charming and unique neighborhood evolving.

 I can understand Mr. Abramson’s fears, however. Change is not for everyone. Personally, though, I would love to be able to shop and dine more frequently in my own neighborhood. Unfortunately, the “dollar” stores, shabby (and often dirty) restaurants, Laundromats, and profusion of abandoned properties will not suffice!

Asandra Lamb

Miami Beach

MAM: Inspiring Me to Move to Miami in a New York Minute

To Whom It May Concern,

I sympathize greatly with Mr. Riley. Why is it rarely accurately reported that the museums will only occupy 20 percent of the park? They are constantly regarded as monster museums or buildings taking over the park. It is preposterous and irresponsible journalism, inciting these last minute doubts [Wakefield, “Jammed at MAM, published June 7].

I refer not to the SunPost reporting alone, but to the wide swath of the same such nonsense in the Biscayne Times and the Herald to name a few. ”Filled with fancy buildings?” The park will not be FILLED with fancy buildings: That is gross misrepresentation and it is shameful. The park will, for the most part, remain “green.” Would someone please report this truth! The park as it stands now is derelict and an embarrassment and almost ALWAYS completely abandoned, except for an occasional unsavory character that makes the park even less likely to get used. Yes, it is perhaps the most spectacular piece of real estate in Miami, which is why it needs to be utilized to its full potential, with world class museums, MUCH public green space and a place of beauty for all. The mention that there are three people opposing this is yet another interesting fact. Why is it not reported that Marty Margulies runs the Margulies Collection and would stand to lose his status as a the reigning king of art in Miami? You would think that he would be a fervent supporter (and donator to the collection) of the museum if he cares about art in Miami. Who can we, who support the museum, write to and e-mail?

To clarify, I am moving to Miami in October, partially drawn by the excitement of a cultural campus brought to its fruition by the singularly qualified Terence Riley. Although I do not have money, per se, to donate, I will most certainly give the gift of any of my art to further his good work with the collection.

James Wilkins