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The
Condo News print newspaper is published every other Wednesday. It is circulated throughout Palm Beach County, from
Delray to North Palm Beach, and from Singer Island, Palm Beach and
South Palm Beach to Royal Palm Beach, in Condominium, Cooperative
and Home Owner Association Communities. For more information, or to
have the Condo News brought to your community, e-mail us or
write to: P.O. Box 109, West Palm Beach, FL 33409. Tel:(561)
471-0329 |
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On
this page:
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Il Circolo, National Italian American Federation Award
Scholarships
•
FP&L Demolition of old power plant in Riviera Beach, FL
•
Palm Beach Coalition SOS and NAPB in Joint Effort for Shore
Protection
•
Lake Worth Street Painting Festival, Sat., Feb. 26
•
Baby Boomers of Century Village, WPB, Events
•
Echoes of the Blast ... Where did all the 1515 promises go?
•
1515 Finally Down and Wrapping Up 1515
By
Jeanine Heidtman
•
Hotlines
on Happenings
•
HOT
LINKS
Meet
the Condo News' Print Newspaper Correspondents at Right
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Il
Circolo, National Italian American Federation Award Scholarships |
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Marisa
J. Flit |
Michael
Mattson |
Lia
Missena |
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Il
Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society of the Palm Beaches, has
joined with NIAF (National Italian American Federation) in
awarding two local students, Lia Missena of Deerfield Beach and
Michael Mattson of Boca Raton, scholarships towards furthering
their education. Each recived $2,500 fom Il Circolo, matched by
NIAF. The foundation has also matched a fund raised on behalf of
Il Circolo, by Marcello Fiorentino of La Sirena Ristorante and
granted $7,500 to Jupiter student, Marisa J. Flit. Besides the
criteria established by NIAF, Il Circolo requires that each
participant be of Italian heritage and reside in South Florida. Il
Circolo is proud to contribute to these deserving students of
diverse aptitudes and ambitions who will undoubtedly continue to
have an influence in keeping the Italian culture alive.
Lia
Missena, whose family originates from Potenza, Italy, is a
sophomore, majoring in Animal Sciences. Her goal is to become a
Veterinarian, although as she states, "people tell me
veterinary school is impossible to get into, that it’s extremely
time consuming and veterinarians don’t get paid well. I
understand this, but I would not put myself through this challenge
if I believed that I was not meant to achieve it." Because
she grew up with strong family traditions, believing that "la
famiglia is everything," she will also study International
Studies, providing her with opportunities to visit and study in
Italy and perhaps learn the Neopolitan dialect which she says
connects her to her roots in Italy.
Michael
Mattson’s heritage is Sicilian and he describes his cherished
times as those when the whole family and a large group of friends
sit around the table enjoying his Mom’s hearty dinner. He says,
"I know a lot of friends who have never even met their
cousins. This baffles me, having grown up in an envirionment where
family was always the number one priority." His career choice
is Mechanical Engineering. Perhaps he was drawn to this profession
because his great-grandfather came to America with nothing and
built his way up to becoming an accomplished engineer. "It’s
nice to know the struggles my ancesters went through in order to
pave the way for the life I have today," he says. Michael’s
math teacher described him as, "an excellent student in all
of his subjects," Besides the outstanding record he has in
academics, he volunteers in several diversified community projects
such as the school’s recycling club, tutoring students in math
and Relay for Life, a fund-raising for cancer cure and prevention.
Michael wrote to Il Circolo, "The scholarship you gave me
will go a long way to helping me achieve my goals in life. I can’t
thank you enough."
Il
Circolo-Fiorentino Matching Scholarship winner, Marisa J. Flit,
will be a freshman at Boston University, majoring in Journalism.
Her teacher writes, "Marisa works from a sense of dedication
and a set of goals clearly focused on excellence, and this
dedication has paid off in the development of a mature and
insiring talent." In the fall of 2012 she will be in the
Boston University Dual Degree Program and will complete a second
degree in Psychology. She also plans to study abroad immersing
herself in Italian Art History, "and learn more about my
Italian ancestors and heritage." She feels that this
scholarship lightens her financial burden allowing her to
concentrate on her academic goals. Her promise is, "to work
hard and be a worthy recipient of the NIAF Il Circolo-Fiorentino
Matching Scholarship."
Il
Circolo and Marcello Fiorentino will also continue to work hard to
assist students such as these to achieve their academic goals and
also be outstanding role models of Italian youth, ever mindful of
their rich cultural heritage.
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FP&L
Smoke Stacks Came a-Tumbling Down
By
Jimmy Shirley, Jr. |
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Photo
by Jimmy Shirley, Jr.
A
couple of hundred boats assembled at the FPL power plant Sunday, June 19th to
watch the old 300 foot smoke stacks and boilers blown up. Condos on Singer
Island are visible in the background. The demolition itself lasted only around 8
seconds. |
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Photos
below by
Jimmy
Shirley, Jr, Condo News,
From
the Port Authority rooftop.
(
Palm Beach House Condominium
is
in the background) |
Photos
below by
Dr.
Douglas Snetsinger
avec
Mme. Alice Malon
From
the rooftop of the
Palm
Beach House Condominium |
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Photos
below by Jimmy Shirley, Jr.
From
the US Hwy 1 overpass west of the power plant |
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(6-29-11)
Sunday
morning, 19 June, Father's Day, at precisely 8:30 AM, the landmark
smokestacks of the Florida Power and Light power plant, located
along US Hwy.1, at the Port of Palm Beach, were toppled to make
way for a new state-of-the-art power plant which will use
high-efficiency, combined-cycle natural gas to manufacture up to
1,250 megawatts of electricity. This ought to be enough for nearly
250,000 of FPL’s 4.5 million customers.
The
press had begun to assemble on top of the Port Authority office
building at around 7:30 AM in order to have a
"grandstand" view of the spectacle. As the press waited
in anticipation, they were also doing interviews with sight-seeing
dignitaries. Also, some were soaking in the panoramic view,
capturing images of the flotilla of hundreds of boaters gathering
to watch. On the ground, some 400 people lined N. Flagler Drive to
watch the historic event.
The
old plant was built in 1946 with the 300 foot high smoke stacks
going up in 1963. And ever since then, those stacks had been a
guiding light, a lighthouse if you will, for boaters of all sizes
during both day and night.
There
was mixed reaction among those watching the demolition. Some
lamented the fallen stacks, some were gushing praise they were
gone. But most if not all, recognized that progress must move
forward as the new plant, when it goes online, will provide
electricity with far fewer emissions than the old plant. |
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Palm
Beach's New Group, Coalition SOS, and NAPB in Joint Effort For
Shore Protection
By
Maddy Greenberg |
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(3-23-11)
In
the sleepy Town of Palm Beach there has been a lot of action going
on as of late. There is a new group in town, The Coalition to Save
Our Shoreline, (SOS), which has evolved out of the dissatisfaction
of a significant number of people who reside in properties along
the shoreline and a good number happen to live in condominiums
co-ops along the southern end of the coast of the Town of Palm
Beach. The owners of these properties had been among the 18 Condo/
Co-ops that had resigned from the Citizens’ Association. They
felt the CA was not meeting their critical needs for adequate
protection against, at the very least, CAT 2 Hurricanes.
On
March 8, 2011 at a Town Council Meeting the Coalition SOS led a
bold and unique movement in the Town of Palm Beach. The Coalition
SOS joined forces to take action with another group, the
Neighborhood Association of Palm Beach, NAPB, whose members are
from the north-end, and mid-town sections of the Town of Palm
Beach. In a tag team presentation by both SOS Board Members and
NAPB Members, led by Richard G. Hunegs, Esq. Chairman and
Vice-President of the Coalition and President of 3360 Condominium
Association, Mr. Hunegs announced that there was "good news
of change." Hunegs said that "this is the first time in
a very long time those citizens from all over Palm Beach Barrier
Island: North, Mid-Town and South have joined to take action and
help solve a problem on this scale". He introduced the
presentation by saying that their intent is to "help the town
in finding and completing long term if not permanent solutions to
the high risk and dangerous conditions of our shore."
Hunegs
said, "No one should see us as a threat. Everyone should
greet this as a breakthrough. We have, for far too long, helped
create a divisive atmosphere that has stymied progress towards a
real affordable and permanent program acceptable to all."
3360
Condominium Association, of which Richard Hunegs is President, is
the only private property that has given the Town beach access for
the recently completed dune project. This is the second time that
3360 has done so. Mr. Hunegs spoke passionately about how he has
"watched up close and in real time two efforts for dune
restoration which unfortunately will share the same fate as part
of a failed plan." He quoted Spanish born Philosopher, George
Santayana who wrote, "Those who can not remember the past are
condemned to repeat it." As Mr. Hunegs implored the Town
Council, "We need to do this right once and for all."
The
Town Council was asked to "Please take note of the
geographical diversity of those speaking on this issue. We are ONE
town and we are ALL concerned about the safety, the quality and
longevity of the projects that the Town will implement with
respect to saving our beaches." Carla Herwitz, 2275 S. Ocean
Blvd., The Reef Condo, continued the speech from Mr. Hunegs intro;
Eileen Curran, 3170 S. Ocean Blvd., Enclave Condo, spoke next.
Hunegs, Herwitz & Curran are all SOS Board Members. The
remainder of the dynamic and "breakthrough" presentation
was continued by Anne Pepper and completed by former Town
Councilman, Allen Wyett both from the NAPB.
An
announcement was made that it was their "belief that the
Shore Protection issues must get an independent look, BEFORE any
plan is implemented. We MUST admit and learn from our mistakes and
make a commitment to our residents to do it right this time."
They
said that a previous beach restoration project in a portion of the
south-end of town had failed and that the proposed remaining beach
restoration project of similar design in the southern most portion
of town is similarly doomed." They stressed to the Council
that we "must not waste valuable tax dollars on sand that
will wash away." Instead the new group said their common goal
is to "fix the shore problems from inlet to inlet in the most
cost effective manner and make improvements that will last."
Part
of their announcement was that they were going to raise money to
hire their own engineer, who will work with the Town, "to the
extent allowed by the Town staff and their consulting
engineers," hire attorneys for advice and to review the
permitting work and make suggestions if they feel it necessary and
to look into the possibility of legislative changes.
This
writer will keep you abreast as to how things progress on this
important "embryonic movement" in the Town of Palm Beach
on shore protection issues.
Until
next time, stay safe and be well.
***
(4-6-11)
A
challenge for the Town of Palm Beach has been heightened by a
recent letter signed by SOS Board Members, Richard Hunegs, (3360
S. Ocean Blvd.) Carla Herwitz, (2275 S. Ocean Blvd., The Reef) and
NAPB Members, Anne Pepper, Rachel Lorentzen, Jeff Cloninger, and
former Council Members, Allen Wyett and Susan Markin addressed to
the Town of Palm Beach Town Manager, the Chairman of the Town’s
Shore Protection Board, (the Shore Board is an advisory board to
the Town Council), the heads of two other civic associations: Palm
Beach Civic Association & Citizens’ Association, inviting
them "to put aside past grievances ... in favor of an
imaginative and energetic effort to create a sensible project for
the entire town. The notion of 'Plan A' or 'Plan B' has to be
scrapped and replaced with Plan R- the Right Plan. Anything less
is a bridge to nowhere." Plan A was one shore protection plan
by the town and its Shore Board for the beaches; Plan B, just
coming out this week, is the town’s budget cutting newest plan
for shore protection for the barrier island. Plan R is what the
jointly blended new civic group Coalition to Save Our Shoreline
(SOS) and their partners, civic group Neighborhood Association of
Palm Beach, (NAPB) suggest should take place instead of the other
two plans.
In
this recent letter, the SOS & NAPB working together invited
the other groups, The Mayor of Palm Beach and the Town Council, to
participate with and join them in a partnership. They said that
"this effort will set a tone for future cooperation on all
issues of importance facing the town now or in the future."
"In the spirit of this joint enterprise," the SOS &
NAPB jointly invited all those to whom the letter was addressed to
"a short meeting to discuss the future of Palm Beach shore
protection," and meet the engineering firm they have hired to
assist the Shore Board and the Town of Palm Beach and to share
their information on matters of shore protection.
What
makes this such a challenge is that, according to the SOS &
NAPB, this is a "unique opportunity to have the entire town,
north and south, join in making real, effective, efficient, and
long lasting beach renourishment a reality. Never before has there
been such unity of purpose among the residents of Palm Beach in
support of shore protection matters." The question is: How
will the Town and these other organizations respond to this
challenge?
Thus
far, this is what has transpired. After said letter went out with
invitations, the SOS & NAPB Board Members, held discussions
with the Mayor and five Council Members on an individual basis,
(due to Florida Sunshine Laws), to open up the lines of
communication. The SOS/NAPB put out the idea that, in order that
both the town and the SOS/NAPB have a vested interest and work
together rather than at odds, the town put up some share of the
cost of Erickson Engineering fees so that they would work
together. At this time, the recommendation by the SOS/NAPB has not
been voted upon by the Town Council.
The
SOS/NAPB groups announced they have retained a highly qualified
engineer, Karyn Erickson, President of Erickson Consulting
Engineers, Inc. who has 30 years of experience in applied coastal
and estuarine engineering. Ms. Erickson not only is the recipient
of the 2005 Moffatt-Nichol Harbor & Coastal Engineering (ASCE)
Annual Award of Excellence, but has recently been inducted as a
Diplomate in Coastal Engineering by ASCE. She serves as chair of
the Civil Engineering Sustainability Certification Board for the
American Society of Civil Engineers. Her background with a major
coastal engineering project on the barrier island of Palm Beach,
according to the two civic organizations, makes her a perfect
match as a consultant engineer for this joint venture with these
groups and the town. Ms. Erickson served as Engineer-of-Record and
Project Manager for the Town of Palm Beach’s Mid-Town Beach
Restoration Project in 1995. The Mid-Town Beach Restoration
Project was considered a highly unique project at that time, using
a series of 11 groin structures to restore and slow sand losses at
a section of Palm Beach’s shoreline and to act as a feeder beach
for the adjoining section of shoreline immediately south. This
project included a tapered groin field and beach nourishment,
providing a unique solution to a difficult erosion problem and
gained accolades from the state for such a successful beach
renourishment of its time. The NAPB and SOS stated that Erickson
was "eminently qualified to be the consulting engineer for
the group’s joint effort to secure cost effective and permanent
shore protection for Palm Beach."
Neither
the Citizens’ Association nor the Civic Association met with the
SOS and NAPB to join them in their "joint enterprise"
offer at this time.
This
innovative and "embryonic movement" in the joining of
the Coalition SOS, a group of owners who reside on the southern
most end of the barrier island, and NAPB, which consists of
residents from the northern and mid-town sections of the island,
is not only progressive but a true "break through" in
the Town of Palm Beach.
Until
next time stay safe and be well.
***
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Lake
Worth Street Painting, Sat., Feb. 26
Photos
by Jimmy Shirley |
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Lake
Worth’s annual street painting festival brought out everyone
including the co-owners of Rita’s of Lake Worth, Ben Hill and
Jude Blessington with their families, pictured at right, l-r:
Christina
and Ben Hill,
Valerie
Blessington holding oldest son Jude, and Jude Blessington holding
youngest son Anthony. |
 |
 |
The
Condo News camera found these folks among the crowds
enjoying perfect weather at the Street Painting Festival. They are
snowbirds from Finland who spend winters at Murry Hills in Lake
Worth.
l-r:
Mallu Koskinen, Lisa Hemanber,
Pentti
Nenonen and
Tuula
Janka.
"We
love our condo," they said. |
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Baby
Boomer Club
of
Century Village, WPB
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Caribbean
Cruise, Feb. 13, 2011 |
 |
Bob
& Sheila Bell,
Arthur
& Stella Mostel,
Michael
& Lynda Cohen. |
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Michael
Cohen, Arthur Mostel, Marge Feldman,
Sheila
Bell, Beverly Feldstein |
 |
 |
Cynthia
Mont, Joel Sabel,
Peter
Silverberg,
Angela
Lombardo,
Evelyn
DeChellis |
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Jo
Ann & Paul Colangelo,
Kate
Silverberg,
Shelly
Kalef, Betty Richmon. |
 |
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Mel
Feldstein, Bob Bell,
Bob
Feldman, Stella Mostel,
Linda
Cohen |
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Okeeheelee
Park Outing, Feb. 4, 2011 |
 |
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Photo
by Bob Bell
l-r:
Baby Boomer Club members Judy Silver, Sheila Bell, Susan Korn, Stella Mostel,
Arthur Mostel enjoy lunch at Okeeheelee Park. |
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Echoes of the
Blast
Where Did All the 1515
Promises Go?
Commentary by Jeanine
Heidtman |
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With
only the last weeks of 2010 before us, I want to bring our
returning Condo News readers some updates regarding the
current status of the large brown, barren, vacant parcel at 1515
South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. During this summer, the
August announcement of the foreclosure lawsuit against New York
City-based Trinity 1515 LLC and managing member Edmund Abramson is
working its way through Palm Beach County Circuit Court. In
addition to the $36 million owed First Commonwealth Bank of
Pennsylvania, another $1.3 million in interest has accrued as of
September 1st. The mortgage was due on Feb. 21st, 2010. It
replaced the original $24 million from Kennedy Funding.
In
searching the tax rolls for the Arkona a/k/a/ Tower 1515, the
total market value of the parcel now is listed as $10,500,000 and
$254,325 is the total tax pending. I have questioned many
officials, many times, why no figures are listed for 2008 and 2009
on the Tax Collector’s website. The best answer I got was the
original condo owners, not Trinity 1515 LLC, was responsible for
the ’08 and ’09 obligation for these 2 years taxes even though
it was clear these unfortunate previous owners were long gone and
their units were sold. The date of February 3rd, 2007 has always
been given as when the property was sold and closed for 32 million
dollars.
The
additional amount of the outstanding loan according to Abramson
"... was necessary to obtain the Modern’s zoning and
Trinity had intended to repay the loan with a construction
loan." He expects construction to start in 12 - 16 months and
the clock to cancel the hard fought rezoning is tied to beginning
actual construction. In March, long before the foreclosure action,
a construction lien of $60,000 was placed by Urban Design Studios
aka Kilday and Associates on the 1515 South Flagler property. A
contract signed with Paul Grillo was documented for the
professional services provided to guide the rezoning through the
commission process. The lien is for May ‘09 to December ‘09
and remains unpaid. The Planning and Zoning Firm has been added to
the August foreclosure submittal.
West
Palm Beach Attorney Peter Bernhardt, who represents the bank, said
the full $36 million is outstanding and I continue searching for
any information if Trinity has a chance to work this out.
On
a different side of the Modern’s history, using more than 3,000
sticks of dynamite, the remains of the 30 story 1515 Condo Tower
originally called the Arkona, were imploded by Advanced Explosives
Demolition on February 14, 2010.
This
week, that company no longer can claim an accident free record for
27 years. Wednesday, November 12th at noon, the AED demolition of
a 300 foot smokestack at an Ohio power plant went terribly wrong.
Lisa and Eric Kelly the company owners, had little patience last
year when the plan to implode the 1515 during the holidays was
denied. Because our city and construction supervisor, Doug Wise,
put safety in front of a chance to become a TV reality show
episode of the "Imploders", our takedown occurred in
February with enormous safety rules in place.
According
to the Dayton Daily news accounts, the explanation of why
the blast did not send the stack to the cleared area directly to
the east, but went crashing down to the southeast, was an
undetected crack in the tower.
With
the live electrical lines falling, 25 media members, demolition
crews and the Kelly family members scattered to avoid the
crackling lines. WHLO-TV videographer Eric Higgenbotham
stated, "We were standing under the power lines, it was like
the end. We were running for our lives." The two 12,000 volt
power lines also came down on a building housing backup
generators. Power was out to the west side of the city for hours.
The
justified fears and concerns of the 1515 neighbors and city
officials who labored to ensure the best outcome, along with the
Condo News’ unwavering support, made this comment by Lisa
Kelly NOT a part of our collective memory, "Nobody’s happy
with things that go wrong in life, and sometimes it’s out of our
hands and beyond anybody’s prediction." she stated.
I
remain convinced the "public unified demand" for every
possible safety factor and several rigorous pre-inspections might
have made the difference in our city.
Since
we have been successful in our goal of removing a terrible blight
on our waterfront, I have been writing your Condo Design
column. I have come to realize my passion remains in the visual
satisfaction of creating a room, not in putting the Rules and Don’t
into words. I plan on continuing submitting the social goings on
at Rapallo Condominium, as well as any major news regarding the
Modern project when our local paper does not give as much detail
as available.
As
every politician says when departing whether by scandal or choice,
"I want to travel and spend more time with my family."
(Note:
See full story of 1515 take-down below)
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1515
Condominium Tower Imploded February 14, 2010
By
Jeanine Heidtman |
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Photo by Jimmy Shirley for Condo
News |
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Background
by Betty Thomas: On Labor Day weekend in 2004, Palm Beach
County was hit by Hurricane Frances, and 3 weeks later by
Hurricane Jeanne. They made landfall very nearly at the same place
in Hutchinson Island, some 35-40 miles north of West Palm Beach.
H. Frances, a category 2 at landfall, had an unusually large
eye, 80 miles across, torrential rains and lingered nearly
stationary, moving only 5 miles an hour, with hurricane force
winds pummeling West Palm Beach for nearly 2 days. H. Jeanne
struck Florida as a category 3, with a 60 mile wide eye and moved
out the same day. The following year, Hurricane Wilma made
her entrance on the west coast of Florida October 24, 2005,
crossed the state in about 6 hours, with the eye passing over West
Palm Beach. Winds were measured at 92 miles per hour with gusts
112-117 mph over Lake Okeechobee. The 1515 Tower on Flagler Drive
in West Palm Beach (pictured above) sustained devastating damage
during Frances and Jeanne, rendering the building uninhabitable,
but not condemned by the City of West Palm Beach. Wilma added to
the damage by blowing more debris through the structure
endangering surrounding buildings. The status of 1515 remained in
flux until February 14 , and residents in nearby condominiums were exasperated
by seemingly endless wrangling between the developer, who bought the property for redevelopment, and the City
Commission. At 30 stories high, the 1515 was the
tallest building in the state of Florida to be imploded, and the
third tallest in the nation. Below are some photos of the
demolition and Jeanine Heidtman's account. Still to come, the
clean-up and eventual construction of The Modern on that site.
................................................................................................
Jeanine
Heidtman reports on the implosion of the 1515 and aftermath to
come.
................................................................................................ |
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Thar
She Blows!
1515
Tower implosion
-
5½ years over in 7 seconds!
Photo
by Andres Garcia,
Rapallo
North Doorman
taken
from the Royal Park Bridge
in
West Palm Beach
|

|
 |
|
Hundreds
of boats watching the implosion from the Intracoastal made a mad
dash to excape the dust pall.
Photo
by Andres Garcia, Rapallo No. doorman |
|
6-year-old
Elyja Kelly, daughter of AED's Kelly family, pushed the button that
triggered the implosion. When asked what happened when she pushed
the button, Elyja answered simply, "It blowed up."
Photo
by Jeanine Heitman |
 |
 |
|
View
from the roof of Rapallo North Condominium shows the Viding Arms
(foreground) and the Norton Park Condominiums with the pile of
debris of what was the 1515 Tower.
Photo
by Andres Garcia, Rapallo No. doorman |
 |
|
View
of the Royal Park Bridge from the roof of the Rapallo North
Condominium on Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach.
Photo
by Andres Garcia, Rapallo No. doorman |
|
Jeanine
Heidtman with West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel following the
implosion.
Photo
submitted by Jeanine Heidtman |
 |
|
With
the live broadcast of the 1515 South Flagler Drive Implosion and in
depth stories by our local newspaper, it would appear all ended well.
Because
of the diligent requirements and safety measures in place under the
direction of Doug Wise, Director of Construction Services, we witnessed
the most modern methods of taking down such a tall structure. With the
push of a button by Elyja Kelly, 6 year old daughter of AED’s Kelly
family , the building fell, the wind sent the dust cloud over to Palm
Beach and the hundreds of boats watching made a mad dash to get away.
With
AED Demolition gone from Palm Beach County after their "picture
perfect implosion," there is one Condo who did not fare very well.
I
spoke to Seth Schulman, Manager of the Viking Arms, just south of the
implosion who told me "after further assessment, our roof suffered
significant damage. The bast threw out large chunks of concrete and
steel rebar that penetrated our roof system in over 40 places. We have
been told by City Officials to file with our Insurance Company, but no
person from the BG Group has come over as requested several times. The
roof is only several years old and cost over $200,000 and has to be
professionally repaired so it will remain under warranty in the future.
We are hoping temporary patches will hold till we can get it taken care
of. We also have our screen balconies and windows covered with thick
cement dust and bent aluminum rail damage to be addressed. Despite
additional calls, there has been no one over to the Viking Arms to
evaluate and discuss solutions even though BG Group is working right
next door."
Shortly
after I was allowed to return to the Rapallo, I gathered a large amount
of golf ball and larger cement chunks which had fallen into our parking
lot. The total removal of all our cars surely saved a lot of damage to
deal with.
I
was very pleased overall from the cooperative spirit between condo
residents and the police who were organizing every aspect of safety. A
definite feeling of respect was shown by spectators for the many
necessary rules during the event. Watching from Olive Avenue and the
Norton Museum where VIP and Press were set up, I spoke with one former
resident of 1515, who asked to be nameless, about her home of almost 30
years permanently gone in 8 seconds. She recalled the glorious view each
morning while having her coffee, never imagining it would someday end so
abruptly from the Hurricanes.
The
worst part before today, was the hopes for restoration of the 1515 being
followed by disappointment afterwards. She felt being there in person to
watch would finally give her some ending emotionally. I truly hope it
has.
Mayor
Frankel greeted the crowd assembled with Hershey’s Kisses for
Valentine’s Day, and Bill Moss appeared to be the only City
Commissioner in our viewing area.
Just
before blast, I started speaking with the person next to me who turned
out to be Susan Wise, whose husband was Director for the Implosion. I
commented the enormous responsibility Doug was just completing and he
should take a long needed rest. She and their four children were just
looking forward to getting "Dad and Husband back again."
Still
to come ... the Aftermath ...
Wrapping
Up 1515
March 24, 2010
Probably
the most often asked question after the long hoped for implosion, is how
is the fast shrinking pile of debris being dealt with.
Doug
Wise, City of West Palm Beach Construction Services, who has turned in
his "Demolition Hard Hat" after a job well done, sent me the
City Code 109.3.10 regarding the specific language concerning the impact
of Construction.
This
widely inclusive Code states, "All activity cannot adversely impact
conditions of adjacent properties unless consent is granted by the
property owners with exact terms and conditions. This includes but not
limited to dust, noise, debris and construction materials."
In
speaking with Denny Johnson, a resident of Norton Park Place
Condominium, to thank him for some new amazing shots of the building
falling, I received the following e-mail:
"I
am feeling positive regarding the on-going rubble cleanup at 1515 South
Flagler. There has been no unwelcome weekend activity, and things are
well organized to separate the enormous amount of rebar from the cement.
"Every
truck is covered with a retractable screen and they are hosing down the
dust constantly throughout the day. At their current rate, the lot
should be clean by April 1st. In summary, the Dental Office on Arkona
Drive is not very happy with the aftermath of the implosion and if you
venture near to see the rubble from a different vantage, you are asked
to leave. Certainly he has every right."
Seth
Schulman reports the roof repairs on the Viking Arms were to begin March
9th, but no agreement has been reached for the significant clean-up of
resident balconies. With the additional ongoing cloud of dust created,
it would be futile for much actual work to begin. Trinity Development
has acknowledged this responsibility by City Code to comply, and that
granting final approval to sign off on the Demolition permit can be
with-held. We hope the BG Group will inform us of their plan for
restoring our property without further delay.
Perhaps
the most favorable news to share, is the changed route for trucks
removing the debris. According to Brian Collins, City Traffic Official
in a phone call this morning, "No longer are trucks permitted to
exit and go south on Flagler Drive through the El Cid Historic District.
Now required is a left out of the Demolition site north to Okeechobee
Blvd. and then proceeding west on Okeechobee where commercial vehicles
are standard fare.
Empty
returning trucks come east on Okeechobee, travel a short distance south
on Flagler Drive, but use Arkona Drive and Olive Avenue to come back in
for reloading. This prevents any turn around on the narrow Historic
Streets of Mango Promenade, particularily on Cranes Nest Way, just south
of the Norton Museum. This has solved the many numerous complaints and
also moved the traffic away from the Museum."
Many
of us wish however, the traffic congestion from student pick-up from
Palm Beach Day Academy would be finally dealt with as quickly.
The
Foreman of the 1515 site has stated to the City Officials, "Any
trucks not obeying the Flagler Drive and other restrictions should
report the name on the side of the vehicle and the person will be dealt
with immediately. With all our surrounding Condominium owners now
enjoying their new view, there will be plenty of eyes from above
watching the efforts.
A
call to 822-2222 at City Hall has resulted in fast and successful
resolution of problems for concerned citizens.
Perhaps
April 1st, 2010, is a bit optimistic for a completely cleared site but
no one is venturing a comment beyond grass and irrigation required by
the end of May.
With
the Modern units to start at over $3 million, many will be waiting for
their income tax checks before they make the anticipated $800,000
deposit.
With
property taxes to be around $70,000 per year, you’ll have to dig
deeper in your pockets than the 25 foot excavation planned just 1 foot
from all 1515 site property lines, necessary for the underground parking
garage. The neighborhood hopes this anticipated step down the line,
whenever and if it occurs will be "Picture perfect too."
Next
issue, back to ideas and trends in 2010 Spring decorating. I’m turning
in my "Hard Hat" as well.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
SENIORS
vs CRIME: The Florida Attorney General’s
Office announces the opening of its West Palm Beach office through
its "SENIOR vs CRIME" program. These offices are staffed
by volunteers who are part of the crime-fighting initiative which
aims to identify unethical businesses and individuals who attempt
to prey on seniors. For information call 561-445-9966.
***
MEETINGS
***
Yddish
Vinkl.
West Palm Beach Century Village Clubhouse, 2 Sundays a
Month, 1PM. Talk, poetry, legends,
sing-a-long. Info: Edy, 687-4255.
***
Royal/Wellington
Chpt. of ORT meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 12
noon in the Cultural Center in Royal Palm Beach. RSVP: Betty
Ryen Breinin at 790-4364 or Ray Kerner at 793-1423.
***
West
Palm Beach Club Alliance for Retired Americans, join us for
interesting speakers, informative topics. Call Ruth for location,
dates and times of meetings. 561-478-7889.
***
Democratic
Party of Palm Beach meets the 1st Thursday of each
month, 7pm, in the auditorium of the Park Vista community
High School, 7900 Jog Rd., corner of Hypoluxo Rd., Lake Worth, FL
33467. Refreshments served. All welcome. Info: 561-833-8936.
***
Civil
War Round Table of Palm Beach County meets the 2nd
Tuesday of each month at 7pm at the American Polish Hall
on Lake Worth Rd. The CWRT is a non-partisan study and discussion
group of the Civil War embracing all viewpoints. For information,
call Gerridine at 967-8911 or Bob 683-5759.
***
The
Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp 1599, West Palm Beach,
meets every 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 pm. For
information, call Cdr. Brian Anderson at 561-352-4728.
***
Hasting
Cue Club meets every day (except Sunday) to play
on reserved tables from 9am-12 noon at the Hastings
Clubhouse, 2nd Floor, Century Village. The cue club meets
the last Thursday of every month.
Info: call Billy at 684-1885.
***
Combat
Infantrymen's Association meets the 1st Thursday of the
month at the Golden Corral restaurant, Okeechobee Blvd.
and 441 (State Rd 7) at 11:30 am. For information call
George Fisher at (561)
585-7086.
***
Korean
War Veterans Chpt. 17 meets on the 2nd Sunday of each
month at 9am in the Hagen Ranch Firehouse. All Korean
Veterans are invited and refreshments are served. Call 561-499-4892
for more information.
***
National
Council of Jewish Women meets the 3rd Thursday of the
month at 1:30 pm at Wachovia Bank, 5849 Okeechobee Blvd.
Speaker and collation. Info call Madalyn at 684-2835.
***
Cypress
Lakes, Na'Amat, formerly Pioneer Women Meetings & Fund
Raisers, meets at Cypress Lakes off Haverhill Rd., WPB, every 4th
Tues. of the month at 12:30pm. Refreshments served, guests
welcome. Info: Call Marcia 640-4258 or Rhoda at 478-8559..
***
The
Jupiter/Tequesta/Juno Beach Lions Club meets at Denny's Restaurant, 716 No. US Hwy
One, Tequesta, on the 2nd Tuesday at 11:30am
social, 12 noon for lunch; and on the 4th Tuesday at 6pm for
social with dinner at 6:30pm. The public is
invited but reservations are necessary. Info: Call Bob Hall at
743-4674 or email: papabobtequesta@msn.com.
***
Navy
Seabee Veterans of America, Island X-12, P.B.Co., meets the
2nd Saturday of each month at the Moose Lodge in Greenacres on
Bowman St, Lake Worth. For info, call William Edwards at (561)
881-8245.
***
American
Legion post #367, 110 Camellia Dr., Royal Palm Beach, meets
the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, of each month, non-smoking
atmosphere. For info call daytime or early evening: 792-3813 or
795-4854.
***
Jewish
War Veterans of the USA, Roslyn Moore Post 502, meets
the 2nd Sunday of the month. 9am collation, 10am meeting
at the V.A. Hospital, Room 1-C 135. Call Cmdr. Eugene L. Moore at
561-638-6435.
***
Jewish
War Veterans Post 520 meets at the Elks Lodge (new meeting
place), 6188 Belvedere Rd, West Palm Beach, FL, on the 4th Sunday of
every month. Collation 9am, meeting at 9:30am. We welcome
all veterans of past wars as well as all recently returned
veterans from the Gulf Area. For information, call David
Waldstein, (561) 439-1157.
***
Jewish
War Veterans Post Sylvia & Hyman L. Solomon Post 684,
Western communities, meets the 1st Sunday of the month
at Temple Beth Zion, Royal Palm Beach. Collation 9am,
meeting 9:30am. Info: Cdr. Lawrence Schmookler (561)
697-9011.
***
Jewish
War Veterans Post 501 meets at the Jewish Community Center,
3151 N. Military Trail, WPB, 33409, 1st Sunday of every
month at 9am. Info: Call Ralph Wugman, (561) 689-1271
***
The
Irwin L. Steinberg Post #321 of the Jewish War Veterans meets the 1st
Tuesday at Temple Anshie Shalom, 7099 West Atlantic Ave., Delray
Beach. For information call Jake Sahl (561) 496-7024.
***
The
Palm Beach Gardens Lions Club meets twice a month - 2nd
Tues. luncheon 11:30 am, and 4th Tues. dinner 6:30
pm, at the Waterford Hotel and Conference Center, 11360 US
Hwy One in North Palm Beach. Public welcome. Advance reservations
required. Call 743-4674 or 630-4866.
***
The
Marine Corps League of the Palm Beaches, General A.A. Vandegrift
Detachment 068, meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Monday
of each month at the VFW Post #9610, 350 Tenth Street, Lake Park.
All Marines, retired, and former Marines are welcomed. Call
Cary Haerlin 561-662-8295. or Dianne Bradley (561) 309-5262.
***
Alliance
for Retired Americans, West Palm Beach, FL meets the 2nd
Wed. of each month, at the Wachovia Bank at Okeechobee
& Meridian (just outside the West Gate of Century Village) in
the Community Rm., 2nd Fl., at 1pm for coffee and 1:30 pm
for the meeting. Come, bring friends & neighbors.
Interesting speakers & topics. Call Ruth at 478-7889.
***
NARFE
(National Assn. of Retired Fed. Empl.), Delray Beach Chapter
#1979, meets every third Friday at 9:30 am at
the First Union Bank in Kings Point shopping area, Atlantic Ave.,
west of Jog Rd., Delray Beach. Info: call Dave Forest at
561-499-3213.
***
NARFE
(National Assn. of Retired Fed. Empl.), North Palm Beach Chapter
#1088, meets 2nd Tuesdays, 12:30 pm, at the
Sugar Cane Island Bistro, 353 US 1, just south of Indiantown Rd,
Jupiter Bay Plaza. Info: Call Pres. C. Ransbottom-Roman, 637-0642,
connie2rr@yahoo.com.
***
NARFE
(National Association of Current & Retired Fed. Empl.) Chapter
159, meets at 1:00 pm on the 3rd Friday of each month on
the 2nd Floor Community Rm. of Wachovia Bank, 5849 Okeechobee
Blvd., WPB. All current & retired Fed. Employees are welcome
and urged to attend our meetings to protect their rights. Info:
Call Sam at (561) 687-0228 or E-mail Don at: DonTootin@wmconnect.com.
***
Coure
d’Italia order of the Sons of Italy in America, meets the 2nd
Wednesday of the month, 7:30 pm, Waterford
Hotel Conference Ctr., 11360 US 1, No.Palm Bch. Call Leo
Lauricella at (561) 630-2766.
***
Golda
Meir Chapter of Hadassah, Aveda Meir of Boynton Beach meets
every 3rd Thursday at the Beth Kadesh Temple
at NE 26th Ave., 12 Noon. Info: 734-3593.
***
B'nai
Brith Century Unit #5367, in Century Village, West Palm Beach.
Breakfast meetings are held the 4th Sunday morning at
Anshi-Shalom Synagogue. For more information call Sarah Farkas
at (561) 478-3067 or Helen Fisherman at (561) 683-1937.
***
Miscellaneous
U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary, Jupiter Flotilla 52, is offering FREE
Safety Check of recreational boats and personal watercraft
to interested boating groups and/or individuals. Any marinas,
clubs, individuals or homeowners associations interested in
arranging a date to receive a Vessel Safety Check should contact
Leonard Lesnik at (561) 842-0925.
***
CLASSES
The
Lake Worth Senior Citizens Center, 202 No. H St., offers the
following classes: Languages (Spanish, French); Exercise, Senior
Aerobics, Arts and Crafts, Computer, Tai Chi, Oil Painting,
Ballroom Dance, Line Dance and others. Call for information:
586-6102.
***
North
County Senior Center, 5217 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach
Gardens, has classes for seniors: Includes crafts, cards,
painting, dancing, exercise, computer, languages, quilting. Info:
call 561-627-6470.
***
Classes
for Peer Counselors and Widowed Support Counselors. Classes
are held in South, Central and Northern Palm Beach County and are
sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County.
Call (561) 832-3755 ext. 13, for more information.
***
VOLUNTEERS
The
Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park invite you to join our
volunteer family by volunteering in our Gift Shop. Volunteers
greet customers, assist with purchases and enjoy the beautiful
State Park. Training provided, volunteers enjoy free Park
admission and free participation in Park activities. Please call
Marty at 561 776-7449 to volunteer or with questions.
***
Fla.
Dept. of Elder Affairs & Area Agency on Aging of the Palm
Beaches & Treasure Coast need volunteers for SHINE
(Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. Volunteers are
fully trained in tops as Medicare, Medicaid, etc., provide
information, compare policies, help clients w/ claims and appeals
of health care decisions, provide information regarding
prescription assistance programs, and more. Services are provided
to clients either in person or by telephone. Volunteers are asked
to serve a minimum of 10 hours per month. For more information
about the programs and requirements of Volunteers, call Jennifer
VanderMay at (561) 684-5885 or Moses Baskin at (561) 686-9002.
***
Palm
Beach County Sheriff's Office is looking for men and women
volunteers. Duties include serving citizens of P.B.Co. by
providing a place to make inquiries, report non-emergency matters
and receive suggestions that will help create a safer community.
Call Volunteer Captain, Herb Cornell at (561) 478-6497.
***
P.B.
County Division of Senior Services needs volunteers: aiding
seniors, frail elders and caregivers; volunteer for companionship
to the homebound, telephone friend (reassuring someone they are
not alone), assist at senior centers, meal sites and day care.
Training provided. Contact 561-355-4683.
***
Hospice
of Palm Beach County needs volunteers: Direct Patient Contact,
Clerical & Resale, Special Needs. One-day training programs
offered once a month on a Saturday from 9am-4pm. Info: call Sandy
Brown at 561-227-5167.
***
Mid-County
Senior Citizens Center is located at 3680 Lake Worth Road,
Lake Worth, FL. For information, please call (561) 357-7100.
***
Make-A-Wish
of Southern Florida grants over 450 wishes each year to
children who have life-threatening illnesses. Volunteers are
needed to help make those dreams come true by meeting with wish
children and their families, speaking to community groups or
assisting with fund-raising efforts. If you can attend a general
orientation session and want to make a difference in the lives of
those coping with a child's illness, contact Make-A-Wish at (954)
967-WISH (9474).
***
Wellington
Regional Auxiliary needs enthusiastic volunteers to join
auxiliary staff. Positions exist in most departments. One 4-hour
shift once per week. Info: 790-7175.
***
SUPPORT
GROUPS
The
Mid Palm Beach County Peripheral Neuropathy support group has
a monthly 4-page newsletter. For information on how to receive the
newsletter by email or regulator mail, call Samuel Grundfast DDS at
964-0147.
***
NEW
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP meets every Thursday, Classroom A,
Century Village Clubhouse. No doctors, no sales, no fees. Century
Village residents only. Call David 683-9189.
***
Bereavement
Support Groups.:
--
Mid County Senior Center, 3680 Lake Worth Road. Lake Worth, FL
33461. Tel: (561) 357-7100, Tuesdays,
10:00-11:00 am.
--
JFK Medical Center, 5301 S. Congress Ave., Atlantis: Newly
bereaved, Saturdays 10-11am, Main Entrance; Moving
on, Saturdays, 10-11am, Rothman Center. For more
information call the Mental Health Association at (561) 832-3755.
***
AAKP
Support Groups for Kidney Patients and Care Givers; Call for
information:
--
No. County Sr. Center. Call 561-622-3745, or 561-882-6467.
--
Baywinds Clubhouse, Call 561-798-5468 or 561-588-8721.
--
Boynton Beach Mall at Picadilly Cafeteria, Call 561-739-9267
or 561-732-7229.
--
DOT, Delray Beach, Call 561-879-0368.
***
Alzheimers
Support Groups at Following Locations:
--
Boynton Beach Heartland Healthcare Center. Call
1-800-861-7826.
--
The Pointe at Newport Place, Call: 561-586-2989.
--
Delray Beach Alzheimer's Day Care Center. Call Tricia at
561-265-3667.
--
Alzheimer's Day Care Center. Call 561-265-3667.
--
Arden Courts. Call 561-498-5552.
--
HCR-Manor Care. Call 561-638-0000.
--
Alterra Wynwood West. Call 561-738-4777.
--
Greenacres - The Villages. Call 800-748-0395.
--
Wellington/Royal Palm Beach/ Loxahatchee, West Lake Worth, Lake
Wellington Professional Center. Call 1-800-861-7826.
***
Trigeminal
Neuralgia Assn. of Palm Beach, meets at JFK Hospital, Congress
Ave., every other month on the 1st Sunday from
2-4 pm. For info: (561) 641-7903, or (561) 965-4866.
***
American
Tinnitus Assn. sponsors the Tinnitus Self-Help Group of Palm Beach
County.Educational programs 2nd Thurs of each month,
Oct. - May, 7:30-9:00pm. South County Civic Center, Jog
Rd. South of Linton across from the Morikami, Delray Beach. Free
Parking front lot. Sugg. donation $1.00. Info. & Res. Call
Ellen Gartner (800) 732-9217.
***
Stroke
of Hope Club meets 2nd Sunday of Every Month, at 1:45 pm.
at the First Presbyterian Church, 717 Prosperity Farms Rd.,
North Palm Beach. General meeting is open to Stroke Victors and
Caregivers. All welcome. Info. call (561) 745-0400.
***
Aphasia
Group (Speech Therapy) meets every Tuesday 9:30
-11 a.m. at the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center in the
Cafeteria, and every Thursday 9:30-11:00 a.m. at
their NEW OFFICE: The Gentry Bldg., 860 Hwy. 1, Suite 106, North
Palm Beach, 33408. For more info call 745-0400.
***
Smoke
Free ME! -Am. Lung Assn. - first Mondays, 6:30-8pm, 2701 N.
Australian Ave., WPB. Combination support group w/ informational
talks. Call Mon.-Fri., 1-800-330-5864 for info.
***
SHHH
(Delray-Boynton Chapter) Self Help for Hard of Hearing People
Membership Meeting, third Friday of the month at the
South County Civic Center, 1600 Jog Rd. (Opposite Morikami Park)
Delray Beach. Meeting starts 9:45am and ends approx.
11:30 am. Come early for coffee & bagels. Meeting free.
Non-members, hearing impaired people, friends & relatives
invited to attend. For information or if you need a ride, call
George (561) 637-8430.
***
DONATIONS
NEEDED
Hospice’s
Resale Shops are looking for quality donations of furniture,
household items and furniture from residents and businesses. The
shops are open Monday thru Friday, 10am-4pm. Shops are located in
West Palm Beach, Juno Beach and their newest one in Wellington.
For information, Call Pat Bockford at (561) 236-4008.
***
Fl.
Dept. of Chldrn. & Families looking for toiletries, soap,
shampoo, combs, tooth brushes & paste, etc. Call Fred Wein at
Volunteer Services 837-5565.
***
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Florida
Home Owner Association Home Pages
Condominium
Business Network, Ltd.
Mounts
Botanical Gardens
Mounts
Botanical Garden is a component of the Palm Beach County Extension Service
and affiliated with the University of Florida.
Mounts' gardens and programs can provide a source of valuable
horticultural and botanical information for associations to draw on.
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Condo
News
print newspaper correspondents: |
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Condos of South
Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach |
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Madelyn Greenberg |
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Interior
Decorating for Condominiums |
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Jeanine
Heidtman |
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Cresthaven
Barkley |
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Agnes
Krill |
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Cresthaven Dudley |
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Tony
Senzamici |
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Cresthaven Fernley
4 |
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Fran Luscher |
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Golden Lakes, Phase A |
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Hank
Morris |
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Lakeside
Village |
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Joe
Castellano |
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Buttonwood West |
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Emorfia
Stone
"Murph" |
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Jewish War Veterans
Post
520 |
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Bernard
Weixelbaum |
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Village Royale on
the Green |
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Rembaum's
Association Chronicle |
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Jeffrey
Rembaum, Esq. |
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Community
Association Counselor |
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Laura
M. Manning-Hudson |
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Community
Association Counselor |
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Roberto C, Blanch |
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Baby
Boomers Club News
Century
Village |
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Bob
Bell |
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Covered
Bridge Condominium |
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Arnie
Dickerman |
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