Letters to the Editor – March 2010
Updated: March 26, 2010
900-pound gorilla ought to obey
To: Commissioner Dave Brenner and Lynn Larson
Congratulations on your recent election victory. I am sure you will work diligently to make Longboat Key a better place to live for all its residents.
I am writing this letter to you to voice a long-standing concern that I have previously made known to your fellow commissioners.
It is to request that you will make a stand for the only guaranteed benefit to Longboat Key residents that might come from the proposed Longboat Key Club’s massive $400 million redevelopment project.
The Longboat Key Club has continued to violate Florida Statutes section XXIII, paragraph 316.1995 and Longboat key Ordinance 73.05 for more than 20 years (Michael Welly letter to Robert J. Tata, dated July 10, 2008). These laws prohibit the driving of motorized vehicles on sidewalks; obviously the laws are intended to protect the safety and security of pedestrians.
The attached pictures clearly illustrate the dangers perpetrated by Longboat Key Club golf vehicles as they violate the above-mentioned laws on the sidewalk between the Moorings Marina and the flagpole at the Bay Isles North Gate. Beth Callans Management Company, manager of this property, wrote letters to Michael Welly, Longboat Key Club General Manager on May 30, 2008 and October 24, 2008 warning him that his golf vehicles were violating Florida and Longboat Key laws.
The Longboat Key Club has refused to obey these laws.
The Bay Isles Homeowners Association, managers of Bay Isles gated residential community, has refused to require The Longboat Key Club to obey the law. Longboat Key Police Chief Al Hogle told me that his police force has no authority to enforce civil law within a gated community.
I cannot believe that 3,000 taxpayers who live in Bay isles have no police protection from civil law violators because they live in a gated community. I wonder if this position could withstand a court challenge?
In any event, The Longboat Key Club remains a scofflaw with respect to this issue. In this nation governed by laws, I think all persons and organizations should be good citizens and obey all laws.
Perhaps you will have a chance to make sure this happens. You can do this by making it a precondition for approval of the Longboat Key Club expansion that they obey the law in Bay Isles.
The massive Longboat Key Club expansion is being sold as a boon to all Longboat Key residents. The benefits cited are chimerical, at best: 1. Increase of only one car per hour on Gulf of Mexico Drive. No one in his right mind should believe this fairy tale. 2. Increased property values – only for the Longboat Key Club. 3. Increased business benefits – possibly for St. Armands circle. 4. Upgraded facilities – enjoyed by Longboat Key Club members only; for the majority of Longboat Key residents, and increased exclusivity when we should be seeking more inclusivity.
Your stance on this issue is indeed vital for the future well being of Longboat Key and all its residents. If you want to approve this massive private redevelopment, at least make Longboat’s 900-pound gorilla obey the law.
Robert J. Tata
Longboat Key
Filling Planning and Zoning Board seat a priority
To: Town Commission
I recognize that you have a full calendar in front of you in the coming week, but I hope you will be able to move forward with an appointment to the Planning and Zoning Board at your March 25 meeting. With the upcoming issues facing our Board, I would hope to have all seats filled so that we would not face a possible deadlock or delay with any issues coming before the Planning and Zoning Board.
BJ Webb
Chairman, Planning and Zoning Board, Longboat Key
To: BJ Webb
I am in full agreement.
Robert Siekmann
Commissioner, Longboat Key
Political Correspondence
To: Town Clerk Trish Granger, Town Attorney David Persson
I delivered this afternoon to you Trish a letter received by me, and by my son an active duty military resident of this Town. I trust that you will provide this correspondence to our Town Attorney, Mr. Persson. This letter, which is quite rambling, is signed by the general manager of the local club and resort, on its letterhead.
This letter, on reading, would appear to fit the definition of electioneering correspondence as found in the applicable Florida Statute. This statute is, of course, provided to each candidate. I would ask that one or the other or both of you review this letter, which was widely distributed. Yet it carries none of the usual disclaimers.
Peter O’Connor
Longboat Key
To: Peter O’Connor; Trish Granger
We’ll take a look this a.m.
David Persson
Town Attorney, Longboat Key
To: Town Attorney David Persson
So?
Peter O’Connor
Longboat Key
To: Peter O’Connor
I did not keep the letter. David sent it to me yesterday afternoon. I will fax this morning.
Trish Granger
Town Clerk, Longboat Key
To: Peter O’Connor
I reviewed the letter from Michael Welly that you referenced, state law, and spoke with Trish last Tuesday. We agreed upon the course of action and she was to respond to you, which she did yesterday. As she outlined, the Division of Elections is the entity that handles purported violations of this nature regarding the Election Laws. Trish tells me, and my discussions with SRQ County confirm, that is how these things are handled by the Supervisors of Elections. As Trish outlined, the aggrieved party files the complaint directly with the state.
I forwarded a copy of the letter to Trish last night, which I understand has been forwarded on to you. I am not aware of any other actions that Trish or I are taking regarding this. I hope this clarifies this matter.
David Persson
Town Attorney, Longboat key
Thanks for dedication
To: Lee Rothenberg
I am sorry to hear of the election results on Tuesday but wanted to write to let you know how much I respect your long and continued service to Longboat Key and the Sarasota-Manatee region. You have been a dedicated servant of the people for so many years. Please do not let the recent election, which is but a snapshot of today, diminish your rich, selfless and dedicated service and leadership for so long and for so many.
Michael Howe
Executive Director, Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization
To: Michael Howe
Many thanks for your kind words. Very much appreciated. I will certainly miss working with you and all the people at the MPO, particularly your excellent staff.
Lee Rothenberg
Longboat Key
Congratulations
To: Mayor George Spoll
My sincere congratulations on becoming mayor of Longboat Key. I look forward to working with you in the weeks and months ahead.
Joseph A. Barbetta
Chairman, Sarasota County Commission, Sarasota
Feel free to ask
To: Mayor George Spoll, Vice Mayor Jim Brown & Commission
Patricia Zunz, Phineas Alphers and possibly Al Hixon will attend the Work Session Thursday when you will address the tree ordinance issue. I hope to attend as well, but have a medical conflict, which may make that impossible. Feel free to ask my Board members any questions you may have on establishment of the subcommittee.
BJ Webb
Chairman, Planning and Zoning Board
Longboat Key
New seating arrangement
To: Town Commission
The mayor was talking about rearranging the dais so that the chairman could better see what commissioners were looking to comment. I had some experience with a courthouse design that is known as the “corner bench.” It allowed the Judge to see all participants in a trial without having to make a 180-degree turn. We do not want to rebuild the chamber so we looked at other ways to accomplish the same thing.
The mayor has asked that the dais be set up so that he is on the left side so that he will have a view of the full dais and be close to the podium. To accomplish that, he will sit next to me.
The arrangement will be as follows looking towards the dais from the audience and starting on the left:
Town Manager
Mayor
Vice-Mayor
Odd year at-large
District 1
District 3
District 5
Even year at-large
Town Attorney
This is essentially how we have traditionally sat except the mayor and vice mayor move toward the podium side of the dais.
You will see this arrangement for the first time at the March 25 workshop. I recommend that we try it for a while and see how it works. It was very successful in the courtrooms where it was used. Please let me know if there are any questions.
Bruce St. Denis
Town Manager, Longboat Key
Key Club departures would set bad precedent
To: BJ Webb, chairperson of the Planning and Zoning Board
I take the opportunity to share my views as you and the members of your Committee undertake the momentous task of reviewing the requests of the Key Club. I hope you will share my remarks with the members of your committee.
I have faithfully followed the earlier hearings, read the countless letters to editors, listened to the various opinions bantered about. As a resident of L’Ambiance I am categorized by some as a kind of elitist who worries only about a “view” to Sarasota, without regard to the rest of the Island. In response, I would assert that if I thought the Key Club proposal was good for the Key, any impairment to my “view” would mean nothing to me.
But to me the arguments supporting the Key Club are specious. Let’s face it: to the Loeb Corp., this proposal is a means to cash in big time, whether after an approval they sell or develop. Whoever gets the gigantic convention center will focus on multiples of conventions, meetings, corporate outings, and major golf events. The congestion of condominiums, hotel rooms, parking structures — ancillary to the onslaught of conventioneers — will forever change the landscape of Islandside.
Where is the benefit to the existing residents who chose Longboat for its character? The proponents are fixated that progress dictates activity, and that more is better. Many of those who agree with the Key Club [in addition to the realtors and Chamber of Commerce] argue that the economic well being of the north end of the island needs help. Well, how will the Key Club help that? They are planning to add more of their own restaurants; their buildings will be a stone’s throw from St Armands, and Sarasota offers much more than the north end. And there exist enough residents north of Bay Isles to support commercial activity there] A Key Club expansion will be of no economic value to the north end.
The residents further north should further ask: if the Key Club is allowed all its requested “departures,” “clarifications” and outright reversals of the Town’s zoning codes, will that be it? Or, will Bay Isles be next? How big will the Colony want to get? What land to the north will be seized by the next enterprising developer? Each developer can say: You’ve done it for the Key Club, so how do you deny us?
Longboat Key is a special place because it has not to date succumbed to overzealous development that has diminished so many communities. Loeb is a New York company whose Key Club proposal is intended to make it a lot of money. Their investors would be the profiteers. One can ask why should we help do their bidding? Their success will make Longboat Key residents the losers.
Your task is not easy, but you will do well if you keep foremost in your minds the well being and tranquility of Longboat Key.
Dave Decker
Longboat Key
Congrats to new mayor
To: Mayor George Spoll
A short note of congratulations on your unanimous selection as mayor. Clearly, the right person at the right time. I pledge you and your board of commissioners my and the club’s support as you address your responsibilities.
Michael Welly
General Manager, Longboat Key Club
Where’s the election?
To: Dan Dowd
I read your column looking for the news that your paper did not cover, at all. The results of the Longboat Key election. Your column was buried on page 10 and was the first piece that even alluded to an election in Longboat Key. I enjoyed your column, but the last paragraph about having a bone to pick with the Sarasota and Manatee papers was amusing since your paper did not cover the election results with a single news story. I assume that if the election does not go the way the publisher wanted it does not receive coverage? I do see Mr. Hershatter also talks about the election on page 11, in another opinion piece.
I believe communities are well served with multiple news organizations. It is unfortunate that this organization does not cover all the news. It is a disservice to your readers.
BJ Webb
Chairman, Planning and Zoning Board, Longboat Key
Editor’s note:
Longboat Key News posted the election results on its website, www.lbknews.com, immediately following the election on Tuesday, March 16, including a complete breakdown by county and candidate. We also sent out an email alert to more than 1,000 readers alerting them of the results. Because our print publication came out on Friday, March 19, the information would have been literally old news at that point. We invite you and all readers to email us at news@lbknews.com to make sure they never miss breaking news or meeting results as quickly as we can upload to the web. Thanks for your concern.
Longboat Key north end breakwaters
To: Ms. Edwards
Thank you for returning my call to discuss the status of the pending application. As discussed, I represent the owner of a condominium residence located adjacent to the proposed breakwaters. Please let this e-mail serve as a request that I be copied on all RAIs and responses and all agency actions concerning this application.
Mike Furen
Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen and Ginsburg,
Sarasota
Political correspondence
To: Town Clerk Trish Granger; Town Attorney David Persson
I delivered this afternoon to you Trish a letter received by me, and by my son an active duty military resident of this Town. I trust that you will provide this correspondence to our Town Attorney, Mr. Persson. This letter, which is quite rambling, is signed by the general manager of the local club and resort, on its letterhead. This letter, on reading, would appear to fit the definition of electioneering correspondence as found in the applicable Florida Statute. This statute is, of course, provided to each candidate. I would ask that one or the other or both of you review this letter, which was widely distributed, yet it carries none of the usual disclaimers.
Peter O’Connor
Commissioner, Longboat Key
To: Peter O’Connor
Will take a look this a.m.
David Persson
Town Attorney, Longboat Key
Do not need to drill
To: Town Commission
Please note that this voter and resident of Longboat Key, is highly opposed to any off-shore drilling in and around the state of Florida. Let’s quit sending all of our oil overseas and use it here. We do not need to drill! Thank You!
Herbert Clark West
Longboat Key
Key Club contention
To: Town Commission
I am a member of the Longboat Key Club and I received Mr. Welly’s letter threatening the Town of Longboat Key with a July 1, 2010 deadline. As a resident I use Gulf of Mexico Drive and Longboat Club Road much more than I use the club. I do not want to contend with additional traffic or move off the island because I am concerned to get to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in case of an emergency. The term club is a misnomer. This has not been a club since Loeb purchased it from Arvida/JMB it is a business with the primary goal to profit out of state investors.
Martin Rich
Longboat Key
The Longboat Key Club plan
To: Town Commission
Barron’s, March 9, wrote an article “10 Best Places (in the US) for Second Homes.” Would the Club Plan help us to qualify?
The article listed such places as Maui (#1), and Kiawah Island (#2). Several listings were in Florida. Number 8 was Captiva/Sanibel Island for it’s laid back living, natural areas, pristine beaches, and abundant sea shells. Number 10 was Gasparilla Island. It has been “lovingly preserved” and there has been a tight lid on density, building heights, and commercial development.
I am not advocating that we become the next Gasparilla Island, but there are lessons to be learned – namely, what factors enhance the desirability of an area. Compare this to the Key Club Plan, for increased density and less open space. Would the Key Club Plan ever get us on a list of 10 Best Places for Second Homes. I doubt it.
Most of the people that I have talked to want to preserve the residential nature of our community, and do not equate excessive development with progress.
Judy and Arthur Coren
Longboat Key
Waiver for church
To: Town Commission
It has come to our attention that in the past, as a courtesy to the Town’s Churches, the Town has waived its fees in connection with the construction of new church facilities. We were told this was done in recognition of the role churches play in contributing to the quality of life in the community.
This letter is written to ask that the Town Commission extend this same courtesy to Christ Church of Longboat Key in connection with its construction of its new church home at 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Burton Borgelt
Christ Church of Longboat Key, Longboat Key
Sarasota sound stage proposal
To: Town Commission
Good morning, I attended the meeting yesterday evening at city hall to listen to Mr. Thompson’s sound stage proposal. I apologize for the hand clapping, however, it was difficult to refrain after that gentlemen’s eloquent speech about Sarasota buildings of historical significance being demolished.
Kelly Kirschner appeared to be the only commissioner who took a pragmatic approach towards the sound stage proposal and had relevant questions for the Ringling team. In addition, the phrase of “Whatever Larry wants, Larry gets,” was mentioned, it was a bit ominous and sets a tone implying the commissioners are stacked entirely in his favor.
I agree in that I don’t think anyone is against having a sound stage in our town. However, what is disturbing to me is the lack of vision the other commissioners exhibit regarding buildings of historical relevance in our town. It is disheartening. Also, there was minimal mention of Mr. Thompson’s $1 offer for 99 years of the buildings use; when city pensions are a problem among other financial issues with this city, well, if you’re going to give the building away…
In the meantime, people like me who run their shows in the latter part of the year can’t put down our typical deposits and/or lock in the dates for our vendors because due to this mess the Auditorium has been directed by the city to not reserve any future dates. That leaves many of us in limbo. I have contacted Robards Arena and have a meeting with them next week just in case this turns into some kind of bureaucratic stand off.
I respectfully request that you don’t let this roll into weeks and weeks or months of debate. Our city can’t really afford another expensive feasibility study, etc., stick with the facts and the facts will show, it is highly unlikely our town will be an epicenter for TV show production (as suggested by Mr. Battersby). Like Mr. Battersby, I moved here from Los Angeles and have numerous friends in “show biz” most of whom are unemployed or in between jobs at the moment. While it is visionary to have a sound stage here and exciting, there are many alternatives to where it can be put. Also, I believe Ringling is running a capital campaign at the moment, which appears to be pretty successful considering the economy. Mr. Battersby’s suggestion that security with children at Booker as a potential issue is ridiculous to me, I’m sure he has experience with numerous production facilities in L.A., and you must check in, present identification and wear a guest badge, this is usually the norm. So why would the process be any different at Booker just because there are children there? That is, assuming all things being filmed or recorded at the sound stage are not XXX movies.
On that festive note, I hope you all won’t waste too much time debating this subject. Thank you for your time.
Adrien Lucas
Sarasota
Candidate analysis right on
To: Editor
After reading this week’s paper (and last week’s), I can’t help but think that you do have a finger on the pulse of this community. Your analysis of the candidates and issues were right on. You do have a feel for the character of this island we call home. You have a allowed both sides of the issues express their positions.
Win or lose on Tuesday, you have done a service to the residents representing the residential community rather than the “commercial interest.” I thank you for that.
Ray Rajewski
Longboat Key
Coarse sand not resistant to erosion
To: Editor
When I saw the article about the commissioners who will view sand choices in containers at their next meeting, I was upset. They must go out and walk on the beach, even if they go only a short distance, to see the differences in the sand and the erosion on different sections of the beach. They should look at the south end, the middle, and the north end.
I live on Whitney Beach and spent nine months with earth-moving equipment as my view. When I returned from a summer vacation, I found very dark sand which was eroding much faster than the previous sand before the beach renourishment. We now have difficulty getting to the water unless we can jump off the cliff which erosion is causing.
I was told that the dark sand was cheaper and better. I’m sure it’s cheaper, but to what effect if the beach erosion is worse.? It is not better.
Anne G. Arsenault
Longboat Key
Article misleading
To: Editor
The Key Club ad in another newspaper which indicated that the Islandside Property Owners Coalition opposed the Key Club’s Ca d’ Cuore project was grossly misleading.
In point of fact, after extensive negotiations, all eleven of the home owner associations that comprised the Islandside Property Owners Coalition agreed to support the Club’s plan for the Ca ‘d Cuore development that was proposed in 2004 for 20 single family homes. This support was based upon a fully negotiated agreement with then Club general manager Shane Eagen. This agreement was then signed by all of the IPOC member associations. The agreement provided for the escrow of money from the sale of the homes for renovation of the golf courses and other Club facilities. In consideration for our support the agreement also stipulated that the Club would not seek additional development or density in the PUD.
We were led to believe that the Club’s executives were negotiating in good faith and with the approval of Loeb management, however Joseph Lesser, CEO of Loeb Realty Partners, which controls the Club, refused to sign the agreement on the eve of the scheduled hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board.
The Club’s plan was unanimously rejected by the Planning and Zoning Board. Subsequently they cut two homes off the project and planned to resubmit with no agreement for the with the Coalition. Without this agreement the Club’s proposal was unacceptable and we refused to support their plan.
Contrary to the Club’s effort to portray the Coalition as opposing everything, this was not the case in 2004 and is not the case now. The right plan with the right conditions would be supported. The current plan, which is flagrantly in violation of the zoning codes does not merit either our support or the Town’s approval.
Bob White
President, Islandside Property Owners Coalition, LLC
Tripling density for northwest Bradenton not in the best interest of Key
It is amazing how anyone can justify tripling the density for a piece of property when we have thousands of empty houses and tens of thousands of approved building lots in this depressed economy sitting empty in Manatee County. I guess we can use the cliché: “It will create jobs!” However, only the developer profits at the expense of our community’s character and quality of life.
Neal Communities, a developer, is requesting tripling the density that was denied years ago in a rural part of Northwest Bradenton. The community character in this area has been protected for years by maintaining a Comprehensive Plan designation of RES 1 (one residential unit to the acre). However, once again, this important community surrounded by the Robinson Preserve, The Palma Sola Botanical Park, and Geraldson’s Community Farm is threatened. I find this request an insult not only to the people living in Northwest Bradenton, but also to the rest of the County.
The current Comprehensive Plan designation of RES 1 was developed after many well attended community meetings. Comprehensive Plans contain the protection of the fabric that makes Manatee County a special place to live. It has many goals and policies, such as: not to increase density in hurricane evacuation areas, not to impact failing road systems, and protect the compatibility of special communities like Northwest Bradenton.
I have always found Northwest Bradenton special. Like other neighborhoods, it has unique community characteristics. It is a great place to call home. Tripling density, would chisel away at our quality of life and ruin the reason we chose to make this area our home for only one reason; increasing the profit of a developer.
Tripling the density will create further congestion on Manatee Avenue, which is already not meeting proper levels of service and labeled constrained. It will also increase the time it takes to evacuate during hurricanes and increase the need for hurricane shelters, which we do not have enough, with our current density. So why, oh why, do we have this threat? I believe the community should come first. Have we not learned from the current housing meltdown we just experienced?
When the greed of the developer is more important than what is important and right for our community, it gets pushed forward. Maybe it is also because of Amendment 4. Under Amendment 4, it would require final approval by the voters. Neal may be afraid his request would be rejected if Amendment 4 was approved. So the logic is to gain approval now for something the voters would not support.
Joe McClash
Manatee County Commissioner
Vote against massive hotel
To: Town Commission
I request that you vote against the massive a 12 story Hotel (11 stories plus one level parking) which would scar the Key forever and would negate the adjustment of other building heights to three and four stories across the street from the hotel. The hotel should not be more than the same total four or five stories based on the same rationale. Thank you for zoning Longboat Key for the long term while allowing business to grow.
Brian Kelly
Longboat Key
Don’t let Longboat become irrelevant
To: Town Commission
I wrote a letter months ago in support of the Longboat Key Club expansion plans. There is no need at this time for me to repeat the numerous reasons why it should pass. I think you have heard them all — over and over. Never did I think that in mid-February, this issue would still be up for discussion and without a final “yes” vote! I sat in on several of the P&Z hearings, often in disbelief at some of the reasoning behind IPOC’s (Islandside Property Owner’s Coalition) refusal to support a plan that would benefit Longboat Key for years to come. We need this investment by the Club and Loeb, and anyone who can’t see that is sadly shortsighted — and maybe a bit selfish. The Club has made numerous alterations to its original plan, as well as other concessions, but they always seem to be met by yet another glitch. Now we are reduced to nitpicking over tee times for the proposed hotel. Enough is enough! As commissioners, you need to take a stand for the future of this community. We are at crucial crossroad between growth and a dangerous stagnation that could impact property values and tourism for years to come. No developer will ever dare set foot on this island if you reject the Club’s proposed plan, leaving us to become irrelevant to Florida’s growing West Coast. Please do the right thing for Longboat Key and the plan’s many, many supporters, and pass this plan now!
Roberta Brody
Longboat Key
Club plan support
We strongly support the Longboat Key Club expansion. Please vote to allow this program to go forward!
James and Luanne Wright
Longboat Key
Club has good intentions
To: Town Commission
I would like to add my support for the new plan and hope that it also meets with your approval. I am a Key Club member, and 35-year Longboat Key resident or visitor. I believe that the club has good intentions and will endeavor to make this a good situation for residents.
David Baughman
Longboat Key
Key Club will create jobs
To: Town Commission
It will be an asset to our County to approve the revised plan for Longboat Key Club. We need hotels to accommodate the influx of tourists visiting our beautiful island, and will create positions for employment, which is important for people seeking jobs. The revenue and taxes received from this new development will be a financially supportive to the City/County of Sarasota.
Angie Campbell
Longboat Key
Elected officials need to protect citizens from blatant disregard for the code
To: Town Commission
It is quite interesting to me that so many people are discussing the tee time arrangements, who gets a day advantage, etc. Sounds like unfocused politics to me. What you should be discussing and spending your time on is how you can protect the people that have invested heavily in this golf club — i.e., $50,000 or in my case $20,000 — and you are considering approving a proposition where you take away our driving range to put in condos and a hotel! Who in the world would invest $50,000 in a golf course that does not have a driving range? I would never have invested in Longboat Key property with this evaluation. I honestly cannot figure out how the Commission could consider an egregious disregard for the building codes that invited us to invest here! You are elected to protect us, and not sell us down the river. Where is your integrity that you would consider succumbing to such disregard for the people that trust you to keep our life style intact? As an elected official you need to protect us from just a blatant disregard for the code. We will continue to fight for our rights no matter the cost. I hope you will defend the rights of our citizens and our golf members! God Bless America and Longboat Key!
Les Brualdi
Longboat Key
Key Club critical to community
To: Town Commission
I have been privileged to live on Longboat Key for just seven years but my husband, Woody, has lived here 24 years. During these times we have seen our community go from a thriving island to a community that no longer fosters sensible growth. The restaurants and commercial developments must justify staying on Longboat Key and the impact of the Longboat Key Club’s plan will greatly enhance their decisions in the future. At one time, Longboat Key was considered a destination. With the continued elimination of hotel rooms and resort services, the number of people visiting our island has diminished and our restaurants and local commercial developments have continued to suffer. For year round residents many of the restaurants close during some summer months because it is too costly to stay open. This development will create a much needed “shot in the arm.” It will enhance our summer activity and help our commercial stores. More business people will be enamored by our island, as we are, and want to have a home here. This can only improve our property values. It will allow the Longboat Key Club to enhance the golf course and provide additional services to the visitors and members. It will improve our tax base and add a resort image to our island once again. Not only will it help Longboat Key, but it will bring small business conferences, reunions and events to Sarasota. This is something desperately needed in our cultural environment. As full time homeowners and a business operator on this island, we strongly urge for you to support and approve this development — it is critical to keep our community viable.
Woody and Sue Wolverton
Longboat Key
Development will mean Longboat moves forward
To: Town Commission
This e-mail is written to let the Commission know that we support the proposal of the Longboat Key Club. We are residents living behind the gates on Longboat Key Club and face the golf course. Our support is based on the following reasons: 1.This development will help provided needed improvements to Longboat Key. 2. This development represents a substantial investment in the growth of Longboat Key made during a time when few are willing to make such investment. 3. This development will mean that Longboat Key will continue to move forward rather than sliding toward further economic decline. 4. This development will bring the “right” sized conferences to this environment and encourage the use of restaurants and other services in this area. Please vote to approve this proposal.
Dorothy O’Brien, Dick Antoine
Longboat Key
Don’t placate a few ornery misanthropes
To: Town Commission
Please start exercising some common sense and start to think about the future of Longboat Key. You must make the decision to accept the application of the club’s plans for expansion immediately. How much longer do you think that the Club will put up with your nonsense and debating? What kind of a reputation is your constant bickering and indecision making to potential businesses and residents that might consider coming to our paradise?…Not a good one. The business atmosphere on the island can be said to smell like dead fish–it stinks. The way you practice your obstructionism to satisfy a few cranky neighbors who will never be satisfied with anything the Club does in the way of scaling back or compromising does not send a friendly message. You are sacrificing the community good and welfare for the majority of the residents in an attempt to placate a few ornery misanthropes who love to wallow in their contrariness. Vote for the Club’s program now and get on with the Town’s business.
Martin Heller
Longboat Key
Do not give in to fantasy
To: Town Commission
Please keep the driving range. Golfers do not want to warm up for a round of golf by hitting in some form of hybrid facility. We want the real thing – a driving range! Guests are not going to want to come to a golf resort destination without a real driving range and besides that the agreement was for an outdoor driving range. Please do not give in and change the rules for some ridiculous fantasy about a hotel/convention center guest wanting to play golf by having to warm up in an artificial environment. If they know the facility does not offer an outside driving range, they will not book their event there anyway. Come on, Loeb and Welly know that, they will fail to cover that fact in their marketing pieces. They will not have repeat business for misleading people again. The biggest reason to turn down their request is because a deal is a deal and many Longboat Key residents bought and live here based on the facts as they were presented when we bought here. Please vote to uphold the existing agreement and rules.
Arthur Harreld
Longboat Key
Area needs to be world class
To: Town Commission
I wish to express complete support for the Key Club’s plan. The area needs to continue to be world-class. The Key Club has done an amazing job over the years for me and my family. So much so we had to purchase our own piece of the island. We have invested a significant amount of money to completely gutting our condo and updating to 2010. The town should think the same. It is an investment in the future. Standing still is going backwards. I feel their approach and designs to the new hotel, spa, and condos are absolutely commensurate with that of global destinations…and I have traveled the world to see. John Ringing had it right it 1926. We should continue that vision. Again, thanks for your dedicated service to the town of Longboat Key and support for this project.
Thomas Muller
Longboat Key
Final act of betrayal
To: Commissioner Hal Lenobel
Turning the driving range into commercial property completely violates the town codes and the town’s obligation to those of us who bought property here. This is the final act of betrayal and is unacceptable to us who had faith in the town governors.
Carole Feiger
Longboat Key
Supporting the renovations
Please be advised that we support the proposed Longboat Key Club expansion/renovations.
Bill & Monica Brecka
Longboat Key
Key Club renovation best interest of residents
To: Town Commission
After a number of hearings and deliberation, and constructive compromise between the Longboat Key Club and the town, my wife and I would encourage you to now move forward and approve the Longboat Key Club’s expansion. We believe it to be in the best interest of all Longboat Key residents as a positive move for the key that will encourage economic development in general and enhance the image of the key. As the consultant’s study concluded, “to keep Longboat Key, Longboat Key does not mean no change, it means constructive change” to maintain the lifestyle we all love. The final version of the Key Club’s expansion plans are an example of such constructive change. Thank you for all your efforts on this issue and thank you in advance for approving it now.
Gabriel & Bettina Rosica
Longboat Key
Without renovation, Longboat Key will sink into oblivion
To: Town Commission
Please approve the Key Club proposal. If you do not. Longboat Key will continue to sink into oblivion and drag St. Armands Key and other surrounding areas with it into oblivion.
Rudy Pariser
Longboat Key
Do not pass the two amendments
To: Town Commission
Please vote against the two amendments requested by the Key Club. If these amendments are adopted, then there is no area of this key safe from over development in the future. No buyer can rely on the restrictions, which protect homeowners (such as my wife and me) from such invasive actions.
Charles and Heloisa Jennings
Longboat Key
Town needs a facelift
To: Town Commission
I have been a member of Longboat Club for about 10 years. I am a seasonal resident. I have watched the key gradually decay as the commercial activities were replaced with condos that are vacant most of the year — myself included. Longboat has always been the resort key, but it needs a facelift. The Club is proposing a lot of condo units, but also a much need commercial facility. This will help revive the key. Please keep this in mind as you consider this opportunity for our key.
Tim Radigan
Longboat Key
Rebirth of the Key
To: Town Commission
We reside on Gulf of Mexico Drive and are in full support of the Longboat Club project. We have been residents for more than 30 years and over the past several years have watched in dismay the decline of the key. We desperately need an injection of new businesses and the club project will surely be a major step in the rebirth of the key. Like it or not, the Key Club is the only facility that can provide the key with the much needed new vitality. We urge you to accept their revised plan.
Edward and Vivian Rabin
Longboat Key
Support the modified plans
To: Town Commission
My wife and I purchased our condo on Longboat Key three years ago and are making it our primary home. We moved to Longboat Key for the beauty, culture and friendliness of the people. We believe very strongly that the island needs a shot in the arm which can be provided through revitalization of the Longboat Key Club (and the Colony, we hope someday) in order to attract more people who’d like to retire here full time or spend their winters here. We have attended several P&Z hearings and Commission hearings and have heard both sides of the issues raised. We hope you’ll support the modified plan in order to allow the development of a first rate facility. Thank you for your consideration.
Alan and Nancy Milbauer
Longboat Key
We need Key Club renovation
To: Town Commission
As a property owner (Grand Bay Condominiums) and part time resident I plead with you to approve the Longboat Key Club’s Expansion. While nothing is perfect for everyone, it is my strong belief that our once vibrant town is dying a slow death. The number of business closures and store vacancies is deplorable. My very first visit to Longboat Key was a weekend at the Longboat Key Club. I believe that the job they do is second to none. We not only should approve this, but we need this. It will help businesses. It will save businesses. It will bring new businesses. It will bring more jobs. It will increase real estate values. I am willing to deal with a few more people and a few more cars. In closing, this is not a plea for the Longboat Key Club, it is a plea for Longboat Key.
Kerry Helinger
Longboat Key
Stuck in the past
To: Town Commission
I believe that you — and we — now stand at the crossroads, and the opportunity is yours. You can send a message that will affect the future of our island for many years to come. You can let the world know either that our community is progressive and wants to move forward carefully but aggressively into a better future, or that we will remain stuck in the past until Longboat Key finally turns into a decrepit ghost town and a graveyard for dinosaurs. Moving forward may be risky while standing still implies no risk: it just carries the certainty of a slow communal death. We need progress.
Richard Estrin
Longboat Key
The eighth commissioner
To: Town Commission
If I was the eighth commissioner, here’s what I would say to the Key Club: “Longboat would like a new hotel. Just not this one. The one thing the public hearings have done is give us all a feel for what the voting public wants. Come back when you have a firm site plan and financing lined up and we’ll look at the new application. When you re-apply with a new plan, here are the three criteria you should be shooting for: 1.Doubling the size of the existing hotel. Go for a more limited expansion – perhaps doubling your current number of units including condos – no more. How can you complain that a doubling isn’t enough? And please make those buildings look like they are a part of the Key Club resort that we all know and love, no more than the four stories and have them comply with current zoning codes. 2. Keep all the new buildings on the South Parcel. Why? First off, the driving range is part of the golf course and inviolate in our minds. And secondly, you don’t own the road and the pedestrian and traffic issues trouble us greatly. Tweaking the location of the gatehouse is simply not enough. And third, we want to maintain the feel of the GPD with all the buildings located on the perimeter like all the other developments. Tell you what, if you want to refurbish the golf clubhouse on the north parcel, we’ll listen to that but it has to meet town codes for height and everything else. 3. No convention center. Longboat Key is not interested in having one on the scale you have proposed. If you need bigger meeting rooms make them part of the hotel – or buy out the Charthouse and refurbish that space. But we don’t want those big events and everything that comes with them. Multi-story parking garages 50 feet from Gulf of Mexico Drive were never in the vision for Longboat Key. Don’t complain. This is a gift from the town and it’s a big one. You don’t have development rights to what is now recreational land and if we turn the codes upside down and give you a gift you are not entitled to, we have to balance that against the fact that the current property owners at Islandside relied on the town’s zoning laws as well as the fact that the GPD was totally built-out when they bought their homes.
Marc Fors
Longboat Key
Annual fees may go up
To: Commissioner Hal Lenobel
I understand that the tee-time procedures in the new agreement may provide some protection for current golf members of the Club. However, what prevents the Key Club from increasing the up-front fee and the annual fees without limit, thereby discouraging member growth or retention? It seems that once a new agreement is in place allowing new hotel members and the unknown number of ‘rental pool’ owners of the new condos, then it is a small matter for the Key Club to increase prices to the average golf member until those numbers are squeezed down and it becomes a commercial facility with a handful of members rather than predominantly a membership club with occasional hotel play. The prices are already stratospheric and not competitive with other courses in the area.
Marc Fors
Longboat Key
Plan is too dense
To: Town Commission
Please vote ‘No’ on the Longboat Key Club Proposal because it goes against the zoning and planning concept that was approved by the Town of Longboat Key, The current plan is too dense and changes the character of Longboat Key to look like Miami Beach. Please focus on the current situation at The Colony, which is deteriorating and is becoming a blight on the beauty and vitality of Longboat Key. Thank you for the many hours you have spent on evaluating the Key Club proposal and for moving this to a vote. Please Vote no.
Jack and Sheila Marks
Longboat Key
Don’t allow monstrous development
To: Town Commission
I am an owner and part time resident of the Sanctuary. Up to now I have remained silent regarding the proposed hotel etc., of Key Club Associates as I felt it was so outlandish that the powers to be would never consider it. However it now seems you are seriously considering their proposal so I must speak out now. I beg you please don’t ruin our much loved Longboat Key living by letting this monstrous development take place. Make Key Club Associates live by the existing rules.
Donald Will
Longboat Key
Please do not destroy our island
To: Town Commission
I have been an owner on Longboat Key for more than 30 years. I love “our” Island because of the tranquility and beauty, its not a fish town, or a massive conglomerate of condos. I have followed all of the debates going back and forth between the island and the Key Club. My most impressive thing I have learned over the years is the “strength and character of the commissioners,” in the past of upholding the laws and protection in effect for restrictive density and quality of life. I am appalled and very frankly disgusted by the fact that you are considering this contractual obligation from the Key Club. This island is our home, with all of the beautiful surroundings “Please do not destroy it.” Commissioners, the Key Club is a great asset to the island but not to be controlling dictator their interest is of course the “money” to be made. If you approve this, and after completion and they sell out. We, the owners, are left with our destroyed island of density, and they are gone. Please let your conscious be your guide.
Sal Campisi
Longboat Key
Duty is to residents of the key
To: Town Commission
My name is Bill Centers. My wife and I reside at The Sanctuary on Longboat. We have been residents for 18 years. We bought into the Sanctuary with the understanding that our investment in this property would be protected by contracts and covenants present at the time of purchase. To say that we are upset by the proposed changes before you tomorrow does not begin to describe the emotions involved. To vote in favor of the overturning of this 30-year old agreement to preserve the driving range would be the height of betrayal to all the residents of Longboat Key. The pandering to the blatant commercial interests of supporters of this proposal (the great majority of which do not live here) and to the Loeb interests, who will just flip the project to some other developer once it is approved, is beyond comprehension. Your duty is to the residents of Longboat Key, not the commercial interests of a group of people who do not even live here. There is majority support on Longboat to kill this proposal. Failure to heed the people of Longboat will result in many changes in the future elections.
Bill Centers
Longboat Key
Greed trumps need
To: Town Commission
My husband and I purchased our first property on Longboat Key in 1980 and we are still here 30 years later. We had come to Longboat in 1974 and were charmed by this beautiful island, open green spaces, a golf course, low rise condo developments and the absence of seedy commercial properties so prevalent in east coast communities. The knowledge that Longboat possessed a diligent town commission committed to initiating and regulating zoning laws which would ensure that the unique character of our beautiful key would be retained was the major consideration behind our decision to buy. Now you are considering disregarding those original principles and submitting to the demands of a company which has no interest in the welfare of the residents but only in its bottom line. Greed trumps need. I am outraged by the tactics employed by Loeb and the Longboat Key Club with reference to its entire development proposal. I am outraged that Longboat Key Town Commission would even entertain the idea of breaking an agreement regarding the driving range and attendant green space. Please carefully consider the impact of such a decision on the residents of our beautiful island.
Patricia Killaly
Longboat Key
Maintain existing contract
To: Town Commission
We urge you to maintain the existing contract between Longboat Key Club and the town to keep the driving range free of commercial development. We have been residents of Islandside for 20 years, and the change proposed would change the character of this area to its detriment. Thank you.
Carol and Arthur Brock
Longboat Key
Stealing our paradise
To: Town Commission
What the Longboat Key Club is attempting to do is no better than stealing from the current Islandside residents. It is stealing our rights as buyers in good faith and as homeowners. It is stealing our property value. It is stealing our peace of mind. It is stealing any sanity from our retirement. And, it is stealing our “paradise”. This past year of ridiculous actions on the part of the Key Club, and their previous actions with the Marina and Restaurant should be evidence enough. The Longboat Ket Club Ownership and Management have no ethics. They have demonstrated that they cannot be trusted. They have demonstrated that they have no interest in the community; other than greedily filching their rights, value, and sanity. Those brought from the outside to support them are no better…to trade support for a free lunch. The Key Club obviously must have in mind that if you can’t get the law changed, pay enough people off who have either no stake or only a commercial stake (i.e. they will profit from the malfeasance)…and the quality of those folks’ ethics can be seen by what a free breakfast and lunch can do for the votes and outward support. And as one of the primary candidates expressed to me outside the polls in January, “I’m not taking sides. I just want to mediate.” There is nothing to mediate. The Longboat Key Club has maintained “all or nothing.” They deserve nothing. Certainly, they do not deserve to be voted a gift of public land for private profit (greed). And she got the “no” vote that she deserved from me. Now I know that the Longboat Key Commissioners are way above that and that you all understand that our rights as residents are being “poached” by the “greedy carpetbaggers.” That is why, as a resident of Longboat Key, I respectfully request that each of you formally vote against amendments to both the 1979 Agreement and 1992 Stipulated Final Judgement. Thank you for your support and consideration of the residents of Longboat Key.
J. M. Sinnett
Longboat Key
Future of Longboat Key
To: Editor
On a recent Sunday afternoon, returning home to Longboat Key from a cultural event in Sarasota, we came face to face with the future. The traffic leaving the key was backed up, at a standstill, from US 41 all the way to the key! It is quite unimaginable what the road conditions would be if the Longboat Club proposed development is permitted to go forward. Living on Longboat Key would become dangerous in the extreme. Evacuating the key in an emergency would be the mother of all disasters. How many residents – and visitors – would have to perish in the ensuing panic for the politicians to take notice of this reality? The proposed development epitomizes everything that has gone wrong in America in the last few decades: the greedy, blind pursued of money and profits at all cost – nay, regardless of cost – is destroying the fabric of our society and denying our children and grandchildren a chance to taste a civilized lifestyle. Most of us became residents of the key because of its physical beauty and relaxed quality of life. The proposed development is sure to put a coda to that.
Fred and Phyllis Ross
Longboat Key
Campaign contribution
To: Robert Siekmann
My name is Jared Moskowitz and I am the Director of Government Relations for AshBritt, Inc. We would like to give a campaign contribution in the amount of $500 dollars to your reelection campaign. Please let me know how we can coordinate to make the contribution.
Jared E. Moskowitz
Director of Government Relations General Counsel, AshBritt, Inc.
To: Jared Moskowitz
Thank you, but no thank you.
Bob Siekmann
Commissioner, Longboat Key
To: Commissioner Robert Siekmann
Thank you for your response, Commissioner. As a matter of education, is there any particular reason why our contribution is not being accepted? Thank you for your time.
Jared E. Moskowitz
Director of Government Relations General Counsel, AshBritt, Inc.
To: Jared Moskowitz
Mr. Moskowitz, in my case there are two reasons: 1) I do not have an opponent and therefore do not have a need for campaign funds, 2) I do not, as a matter of principle, accept campaign contributions from vendors or potential vendors. Once again I thank you for your generous offer.
Bob Siekmann
Commissioner, Longboat Key
Kudos on tennis center
To: Town Manager
Bruce St. Denis, Assistant Susan Ammons Nice job on the arrangements for dedication of our great new Tennis Center. I thought the Project was well received by all. Architect can be proud. James L. introduced me to Contractor’s PM who, I’m told, pulled the job all together. James contributed as usual.
Peter O’Connor
Commissioner, Longboat Key
To: Commissioner Peter O’Connor
Thanks Peter.
Bruce St. Denis
Town Manager, Longboat Key
Traffic concerns
To: Town Commission
Did you see the traffic yesterday, the first almost nice day we have had, weather-wise, it took twenty minutes to get to the bridge, the traffic was bumper to bumper from Seaplace to the bridge, and another fifteen to get around the circle, do you really think we need to add to this, the shopping at the circle will bring all the tourists you will needs to Longboat, please consider our two lane roads, and do not change our open space zoning.
V. De Robertis
Longboat Key
Wi-fi benefits for town
To: Town Manager Bruce St. Denis
Here is a list of the services that are available by having a municipal Wi-fi system.
Cell phone – islandwide improvement
Wi-Fi available – islandwide
½ price telephone for residents
½ price Internet for residents
Wi-Fi business portal for visitors City communications – lower cost better coverage Surveillance cameras – islandwide
Half cost television is also part of some municipal digital infrastructures. This is part of the discussion but is not an essential element I think.
Gene Jaleski
Commissioner, Longboat Key
To: Town Manager Bruce St. Denis
Since I have been involved in discussions with a number of companies that design install and maintain municipal Wi-fi systems for many months, I am in a position to assist the town staff to more rapidly and perhaps more effectively evaluate the benefits of a municipal Wi-fi for Longboat. I am happy to be able to add my expertise to the process as a commissioner. I appreciate Kathi Pletzki’s participation as I have a deep respect for her abilities and her professionalism. Hopefully we will be able to arrive at an assessment of municipal Wi-fi for Longboat in a fairly short amount of time. If you need further information please let me know.
Gene Jaleski
Commissioner, Longboat Key
To: Gene Jaleski
Staff is investigating the MDI concept you presented at the Feb. 18 workshop. I know that you had a subsequent discussion regarding MDI with Kathi Pletzki. To make sure that we are going down the right road I ask that you put in writing your concept of how an MDI business model would work on Longboat Key. Please include anticipated added benefits such as the ability to support DAS. I want to make sure that we investigate all aspects of your concept as part of our analysis.
Bruce St. Denis
Town Manager, Longboat Key
Transcript request
To: Commissioner Gene Jaleski
I received your voicemail requesting transcripts from certain portions of the multiple days of meeting during the ODP amendment public hearing. I would ask that speak to David, as the Commission’s counsel, to make the request for the specific testimony. To date, I do not have access to those sections of testimony.
Monica Simpson
Director, Planning & Zoning Department
Town of Longboat Key
Key Club support
To: Mayor Lee Rothenberg
We support the Longboat Key Club “renovation and re-development” of its existing property.
David & Camille Weiser
Longboat Key
Longboat must change to stay afloat
To: Town Commission
I have lived on Longboat Key for 28 years and as the former co-owner of Lynches Landing I feel I have a unique perspective on the development proposal put forward by the Longboat Key Club Owners. When I first arrived on Longboat Key the island had a great buzz and it was a vibrant community. Over the last 10 years, to my dismay I have seen Longboat Key deteriorate to its current sad state. We have lost several hotels, restaurants and numerous other businesses so now we are in a dire situation. There are many reasons for this such as the economy and lifestyle changes. However the greatest single contributing factor has been the anti-business attitude of the Longboat Key government. They encouraged mom and pop hotels to convert to condos without thinking through the consequences of such a policy. Now we are lacking the very amenities that were responsible for the well-being of Longboat Key. Without the ability to draw new visitors to this island we might as well turn it into a graveyard. Lynches Landing was a thriving business but it closed because of the grief showered on it by the Longboat Key town officials. The people of Longboat Key were largely silent back then but now it is time to take a stand to stop this bleeding before it becomes a hemorrhage. I see history repeating itself and if this application is rejected, a year from now the town government will be spending our tax dollars as was done previously to hire a consultant to figure out how to bring more business to Longboat Key. The suggestion that this development will be a traffic nightmare is akin to crying wolf. The objectors are not willing to allow for the people staying at the resort. Instead they use traffic counts assuming that every person attending an event will drive in a separate car. It is widely acknowledged that the traffic count on Longboat Key has dropped by over 25 percent since 2001. I find it rather interesting that for many years attorney Mr. Furen represented developers. Now he has suddenly seen the light and wants to prevent this project. I appreciate the concerns of the IPOC group but I would like to remind them that I lived through the construction of their units so it is unreasonable for them to complain about the construction traffic now. I also bought into a lifestyle on Longboat Key and now it is disappearing as Longboat Key becomes a dull lifeless island instead of the vibrant island it once was. I don’t think how much one paid for their condo should have any bearing on this. We are all entitled to the same protection. The Longboat Key Club is proposing to spend $400 million to develop this resort and is not asking for any contribution of tax dollars. To reject this project is essentially refusing a $400 million gift. The final decision should not be swayed by the number of people attending the hearings but rather by the wishes of the majority of the residents of Longboat Key as most of the supporters still work for a living and cannot attend all the hearings. What worked 20 years ago is not working today. We have to change to stay afloat.
Christine Lynch
Sarasota
Club plan good for the Town
To: Town Commission
I would like to state that I have been a member of Longboat Key Club for over 15 years. I am also a resident of Longboat Key. I strongly believe the expansion requested by the Club would be good for the town as well as the Club. I hope you will vote in favor of the expansion as the Club request in their new version.
Michael Reiner
Longboat Key
Club member wants no dilution of value
To: Town Commission
Now that there is a continuance until late March, now would be a good time to hear from members of the Longboat Key Club regarding the proposed legislative amendments. Do the members want to eliminate a driving range in lieu of a convention center? Do the members want to allow hotel guest to play on both golf courses, if at all? My golf experience is limited, but could one of the reasons Harborside is in better shape than Islandside is that the members tend to take better care of the course than guests… Replacing divots, fixing ball marks on the greens etc? We have seen the value of our memberships increase over the years along with our annual dues. Social memberships are now $20,000 and full memberships $50,000. The members should be able to expect that the value of their memberships will not be diluted, by diluting their facilities and access.
Ray Rajewski
Longboat Key
To: Ray Rajewski
Ray, I believe your input as well as input from other Club members is valuable, and we commissioners encourage that comment. The tee time and driving range issues are legislative rather than quasi-judicial and, therefore, the commissioners can discuss them with you. Here are several ways: 1) Comment via email (please remember all emails to commissioners are public records), 2) Call me 3) Plan to attend a commission meeting and speak during the “Public to be Heard” part of the meeting (always one of the first items on the agenda), 4) Speak at the next meeting when either of these issues is on the agenda. I cannot tell you exactly when that will be as both items were continued indefinitely, but we know for certain it will be after March 22, 2010. Agendas are always posted on the Town website so you can check there for scheduling. 5) We can talk over a cup of coffee. Your call on how and when.
Bob Siekmann
Commissioner, Longboat Key
Thanks to Town
To: Public Works Department
My family wishes to thank you for your notice about our water bill being high. We were able to locate a leak, which was hidden underground. This is a very effective program to alert owners of a potential problem and it really paid off for us.
George Rauch
Bradenton
No golf membership refund
To: Town Commission
I am constantly amazed at the audacity of the management of the Longboat Key Club asking its members for support. I, for one, do not support their multi-million dollar expansion and I will urge all my friends who own property on Longboat Key to voice their objections as well. And here are my reasons, which, admittedly, are quite personal. Over the many years of my membership and Mr. Welly’s presence at the Club, I have written him a number of times. Not once has he answered my letters. At the end of September 2009, I underwent back surgery and mistakenly thinking I would make a miraculous recovery, I paid my annual dues in advance in October 2009. Unfortunately, there was no miraculous recovery and I am now facing additional major surgery. I am almost 87 years old and do not forsee golf in my future, so I resigned my membership. I have written Mr. Welly three times, for some consideration regarding the money I paid in advance which I will never be able to use and as you know, this is a sizable amount. At Mr. Welly’s request, the sales manager called to inform me that Club rules do not permit any refunds, however, the Club was willing to give me back 25 percent of the annual dues. This I find rather outrageous. Yes, my objection for allowing their expansion is definitely personal, but if this is their attitude to members, do you think they really care for what would be best for Longboat Key and its residents?
Marie Barr
Sarasota
