The Colony’s future?
AL GREEN
Contributing Columnist
green@lbknews.com
Regardless of what happens in the lawsuit between Murf Klauber and his former or quite possibly once again partners, we will not see The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort that we have known in the past.
I have no idea what the judge will decide. I have given up on Murf Klauber predictions in a court of law, but King Solomon himself couldn’t put humpty dumpty back together again.
In order for the hotel and all its accessory buildings to be rebuilt to conformity with current FEMA and state hurricane codes, construction costs will be expensive. If the physical plant had been maintained so that any rehab would not involve FEMA or state hurricane standards, the Colony could have staggered along, but unless the testimony I read is incorrect, there needs to be extensive work done. To realize the return on such an investment, the hotel will have to be in the five-star luxury designations not the family resort of yore.
This is not to suggest that this might not be a good thing for the community, but it should put the town on notice that if they want to have a say in what is built there, it should be discussed now. Not only must the issue of height and density be addressed, but also the make-up of peripheral commercial operations attached to a rebuilt tourist area should be specifically delineated. No one needs a repeat of the countless disputes that dogged the last “Murf Klauber vs. everybody” dramas.
What happens in the courts will affect the litigants, but the 18 acres situated in the middle of the key is too important for the local government not set some guidelines that will ensure a happy relationship for all concerned.
I read Commissioner Lynn Larson’s remarks on the kick-off on her reelection bid. She wrote that she believes in people taking care of their own financial situation, which is just shorthand for declaring for the abolition of pensions. She also wants to investigate the closing of the police, emergency services and Fire-Rescue Department and turning them over to the two counties. And I thought Michele Bachmann was the crazy one.
For once I agree with this long gone former resident who now resided in the boondocks of Pa. Lynn Larson and Michele Bachmann share a similar persona.
A better approach for Comm. Larson would be to request that the fire and police department make a presentation to make their case why LBK should keep it’s current fire, EMS and police program. One shouldn’t assume that turning these funtions over to the county is a magic solution as outsourcing even though it may be “cheaper” (not necesssarily better) in the short run is not always the best answer. Our folks need an opportunity to show what they have done and can do for LBK. How about some loyalty here Lynn.
Peace,
Ross
p.s. You are on target with Congressman Bachmann (scary)
Al,
I have a condo at the Colony and it is in pretty good shape. As well as its been in 20 years. Sure I could use a flat screen TV and some new kitchen appliances, a new rug, or tile floor, but everything else is pretty much as I left it.
Most of the other units are the the same catagory. They need some tender loving care and we, the owners, need to get back into our units as soon as possible. There are about five that have had serious roof leaks, but out of about 200, that’s not many.
The units are grandfathered and do not need to be completely rebuilt to current FEMA Standards. The testimony you have read is flawed. First the Association tried to pretend that Klauber wasn’t taking care of the units and lately Klauber has been saying that they are a mess.
90% of the units are in better shape than most waterfront housing on Longboat Key.
Klauber still controls the pool and the tennis courts, but there is still the wonderful beach and great town courts. The only way a deal is going to be made is if we convince Klauber, and anyone else involved, that we don’t need them.
Klauber is living there happily and the rest of us are out because of bitter fighting and an unpaid water bill. The water is turned off so nobody can stay there. I don’t understand how Klauber was able to keep his water turned on.
The sooner we get back in there, the faster the owners will be able to restore the minor problems that exist. If we don’t get back there soon, then things will fall apart.
This is our property and we are being excluded by the water company and the Town.
Blake Fleetwood
Appparently, Mr. Fleetwood has not read the engineering report that has been submitted to the Town as to the condition of the Colony units.