The Av Fan Writes Again! Congrats SunPost on its Observations of the Mutating of Aventura
[RE: “Traffic Impact of Trio of Aventura Projects Remains Unclear,” published in Aventura edition, September 12.]
Hats off again on the excellent reportage by M. Sasser . The coverage on the unfolding story on the evolution and mutation of 33180/Aventura will be placed in the
time capsule for reading 2-5 years hence. Makes one wonder when Turnberry Golf Course will be paved over and we'll need car ferries on the Intracoastal to relieve the traffic tie-ups?
Jules Levine
Savin’ The Green For Developers—And Little Else
To the Editor:
Why haven’t Miami Beach voters been given the opportunity to exercise the right to vote for any proposed hi-rise on “any water front property,” after winning the “Save
Miami Beach” referendum for that issue in 1997?
I’m still reeling after reading that the former Carillon hotel’s new project for 614 unit triple hi-rise, the advertised 48 story Akoya, the twin tower Diamond
Buildings (who after years of completion is still advertising for un-purchased apartments), the Mirabella fighting to gain 25 stories in the divided area on 63rd Street
considered A-1-A on state property as I recall, the Bath Club plan for a condo, hotel and town houses, and on and on and on the concrete gains momentum.
How recent has any city hall official visited North Beach and observed from Collins and 63rd to 75th Street is only a two lane, one divided
street? The ocean on the east, businesses on the west, parking on both sides for lack of garages, with no access street if you shop Collins and 74th Street or head north.
If these massive projects go forward one can imagine the gridlock with thousands of additional people trapped, trying to get off the island onto the mainland in our
hurricane prone area.
Instead of rushing to honor permits to developers city hall should take a deep breath, declare a moratorium for a limited time and work out a sane proposal for future
height and footage limits.
It’s appalling that no areas of green for parks and play grounds was provided other than the green stuffed in the pockets of developers and their staffers and
attorneys.
Erma Raflowitz
[Editor’s Note: The Save Miami Beach referendum only gives voters the right to vote on any zoning density request along the waterfront.]
Stop Appointing The Politically Connected To Quasi-Judicial Boards. Appoint Me! And While I Got You’re Attention….
Dear Editor:
I was bemused, flabbergasted and stunned to read in the press recently that the seven commissioners of Miami Beach were seeking volunteers for a variety of local
agencies, boards, comities, and task forces. Some of these entities are vital for the efficient operation of basic functions for the benefit of the citizens. But it may be stated from
reliable sources that special, favored and politically connected individuals are appointed without merit and skills in innumerable cases.
As a very personal example, I offered my services to the commission when I relocated to Miami Beach from North Miami Beach at the end of 1999. I may indulge in a
species of egotism by the enumeration of my qualifications, i.e., five university degrees, the practice of law for 42 years, travels to virtually every nook and cranny of the globe, author
of a volume on family law and over 500 articles and reviews of law, politics, religion, zoning, and community developments.
They had the audacity and temerity to offer me an appointment to the safety committee. They were reluctant to appoint me to a semi-judicial decision-making, unique
committee calling for cognitive powers, background experience, speaking ability and other higher attributes. A commissioner told me that I could not be expected to join a select committee
because the openings are few and far between.
As an aside, I would recommend to the commissioners that they take drastic actions in such areas as proper drainage after a downpour (some streets look like lakes), no
further grants to powerful film companies to disrupt the lives of our citizens, and an order to library personnel to maintain order and quiet at the 21st St. Library (people
just sit down and talk).
Samuel Abrahams.
Watch Your @$&*ing Language Pal!
Dear Sir:
What a pity that poor writer of the letter full of four-letter words in a previous edition has such a limited vocabulary. [RE: Letter to the Editor by Ty Hardin, “F—k
You Will and Martin, I Vote Here!”, published September 12.]
Maybe we should take up a collection and buy him a dictionary.
Very truly yours,
Jean Robbins
